Comitta: Support Toys for Tots Now Through Dec. 6

November 15, 2023

West Chester, Pa (November 15, 2023) – To help ensure that every child in our community will have gift to open this holiday season, state Senator Carolyn Comitta is supporting the collection of new, unwrapped toys at her district office for the Toys for Tots program. 

“Every child should get to enjoy a new toy this holiday season,” Comitta said. “I hope you will join me in supporting the Toys for Tots program by donating a new, unwrapped toy at the donation box in my district office.”  

Donations will be accepted at the donation box in the atrium of Senator Comitta’s district office building at 17 E. Gay Street in downtown West Chester until Wednesday December 6.  The office is open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also stop by one of Senator Comitta’s mobile/senior outreach offices to drop off their donations.

To support the effort online, find other toy collection sites, or apply to receive toys through the program, visit chester-county-pa.toysfortots.org 

“I also want to extend my deep appreciation to the organizers and volunteers with Toys for Tots who help brighten the holidays of thousands of children in our region,” Comitta said. 

In 2022, the Chester and Southern Montgomery County Toys for Tots program donated 38,612 toys supporting 16,592 children in our community. 

It is one of hundreds of local Toys for Tots campaigns that are conducted annually in over 800 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.  

Since 1947, the United State Marine Corps Reserve has operated Toys for Tots, a nonprofit charity, to help distribute toys to families facing financial hardship. 

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Pa. is Losing Out in the National Renewable Energy Race. It Doesn’t Need to Be That Way.

November 14, 2023

NOTE: This column, “Pa. is losing out in the national renewable energy race,” was originally published in the Delaware County Daily Times on November 9, 2023. 

With the sun slipping over the horizon a little earlier every afternoon, and the heating season upon us, energy use is about to become front of mind in many Pennsylvania households.

The way we produce and consume energy has far-reaching impacts on our pocketbooks, our health, and our environment. At the same time, states across the nation are in the midst of a dramatic shift toward using clean and renewable energy sources to power our lives.

But right now, Pennsylvania is failing to make the most of these clean energy opportunities.

A decade ago, renewables accounted for a small fraction of our nation’s energy infrastructure.

The good news is the tide has quickly turned: today, renewable energy sources provide 17% of our nation’s electricity, enough to power more than 60 million American homes. That’s according to Renewables on the Rise, a new report released this month from the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center.

Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is significantly lagging behind the national pace of renewable energy growth.

We rank a lowly 50th in the nation for percent growth in total solar, wind, and geothermal generation since 2013. The state also ranks 50th in change in energy savings as well. The Commonwealth’s energy efficiency programs have faltered to the point where they are only saving a third of the energy they did a decade ago in 2013.

At our current rate, Pennsylvania will continue to fall far behind a nation that’s becoming more and more powered by clean energy every day. This means that we will miss out on critical opportunities to reduce the state’s climate and air pollution, as well as promising economic and job opportunities in the clean energy sector.

It’s time for Pennsylvania to move from being a clean energy laggard to being a clean energy leader.

After all, we  have no shortage of renewable energy opportunities.

According to data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory compiled by the Environment America Research & Policy Center, Pennsylvania has enough solar potential today to meet the state’s electric demand in 2020 by almost fivefold.

Additionally, federal dollars are poised to help by offering incentives.

For example, the Inflation Reduction Act allows taxpayers to deduct 30 percent of the cost of renewable energy systems from their federal taxes through 2032. Individuals, businesses, local governments, school districts, and many nonprofits can qualify for these tax credits.

The Inflation Reduction Act also directs money to states to establish rebate programs for energy-efficient technologies like heat pumps, that can run on renewable energy.

While federal incentives are already boosting the adoption of clean energy technologies, ultimately repowering America with renewable energy is a 50-state project, and Pennsylvania isn’t pulling its weight.

Currently, 11 states have committed to, and are growing towards, achieving 100% clean energy goals statewide.

The science is clear: to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we need to fully embrace renewable energy and get to net-zero by 2050 at the latest.

But in the last 10 years, Pennsylvania only brought online enough renewables to power less than 2% of the state’s homes. And only 3% of the electricity purchased in Pennsylvania comes from renewable sources.

A number of proposals have been introduced — yet have stalled — in the state legislature that could help Pennsylvanians tap into more renewable energy production and improve energy efficiency and conservation programs in the state.

This includes legislation aimed at increasing requirements for renewable energy production, putting solar panels on schools, utilizing wind energy, improving energy efficiency for commonly used appliances, and committing to a clean energy future for Pennsylvania.

Renewables are on the rise nationwide — on the coasts and in the heartland, in red states and blue — because they make sense. Compared to fossil fuel-generated power, renewables are better for our health, better for our environment, and in the long run (sometimes even the short-term too), better for our bank accounts.

It is time for Pennsylvania to make use of all of these opportunities at hand, and change our story: Make Pennsylvania not just an energy state, but a renewable energy state for generations to come.

By state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester County, and Ellie Kerns, PennEnvironment

Comitta Inducted into Downingtown Area High Schools Alumni Hall of Fame

November 13, 2023

Downingtown, Pa (November 13, 2023) – In recognition of her service to the community, state Senator Carolyn Comitta was recently inducted into the Downingtown Area High Schools Alumni Association Hall of Fame. 

Comitta, a 1970 graduate of Downingtown High School, currently represents the 19^th Senatorial District in the Pennsylvania State Senate where she also serves on the Senate Education Committee. 

“During my time at Downingtown High School, I gained much more than an education. I built lifelong friendships, learned the importance of community, and gained an appreciation and passion for public service.” Comitta said. “Early on, my high school experience impressed upon me the importance of quality public education – a value that inspired my career as a teacher and has stayed with me during my service in the legislature.

“It is an honor to be recognized by my alma mater and join this group of accomplished Downingtown Alumni,” she added.

Before being elected to the Senate, Comitta served as a West Chester borough councilmember, was the first woman elected as the mayor of West Chester and was elected to two terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 

Professionally, Comitta served as an educator in the Octorara Area School District, a vice president of a local town planning firm, and is an active member of World Information Transfer, a nonprofit United Nations NGO focused on the connection between our environment and public health. 

Comitta was formally recognized during halftime of the recent Downingtown East and Downingtown West football game. 

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Comitta: Two West Fallowfield Farms Protected Under Ag Conservation Program

October 21, 2023

West Chester, Pa. (October 20, 2023) – Two farms in West Fallowfield, totaling more than 150 acres, will be permanently preserved through the Pennsylvania Farmland Preservation Program, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced today.

The farms, approved by the State Agriculture Land Preservation Board, are as follows:

• The Matthew and Carmela Hershey Farm, a 51-acre crop and livestock farm.
• The Jeffery and Tamela Smoker Farm, a 101-acre crop and livestock farm.

“Just like saving open space and protecting outdoor areas, preserving farmland adds to the natural beauty and strong quality of life in our region,” Comitta, who serves on the Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee, said. “These investments support family farms, maintain our access to locally-grown food, and counter development pressures on farms and rural areas.”

The farmland in Chester County was preserved thanks to $779,218 in funding, with $663,590 coming from the Commonwealth and $115,628 from the county. It comes as part of 1,336 acres of total land protected from future development on 18 farms and in 14 counties with an investment of $3.1 million in state dollars and $433,433 in county dollars.

“Prime farmland and fertile soil are critical not just for feeding our families, but for feeding our economy,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Pennsylvania farm families who preserve their farms partner with government to ensure that all Pennsylvania families will have green spaces and healthy farmland available to produce food, income, and jobs.”  

Pennsylvania leads the nation in both the number of farms and acres permanently preserved for agricultural production. The Farmland Preservation Program, also known as the Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, was developed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy and protect prime farmland. This program enables state and county governments to purchase conservation easements from farmers.

Since it was established in 1988, the program has invested more than $1.68 billion in state, county, and local funds to protect 6,284 farms and 630,302 acres in perpetuity from future commercial, industrial or residential development. 

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We’re Making Progress in Addressing Maternal Mortality

October 12, 2023

NOTE: This article by State Senator Carolyn Comitta, “We’re Making Progress in Addressing Maternal Mortality: But There’s Still Much More Work to Do,” was featured in the Chester County Medicine (Summer 2023), published by the Chester County Medical Society. You can also view it here. 

The birth of a child should be a special time – a joyous occasion for mothers and families. Tragically, too many mothers in Pennsylvania and America face serious and sometimes fatal health consequences due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications.

We already know that among affluent nations, the U.S. is one of the least-safe countries to have a baby. Sadly, and shamefully, maternal mortality rates continue to trend upward. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021, the highest rate in the nation since 1965. Overall, in 2021, 1,205 women died during childbirth or in the six weeks afterward, an increase from 861 in 2020 and 754 in 2019.

Furthermore, this growing crisis is disproportionally impacting women and communities of color. A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. more than doubled between 1999 and 2019, with Black mothers consistently bearing the highest burden. Nationally, the maternal mortality rate is two to four times higher for Black mothers than their white counterparts.

While Pennsylvania fared better than some of our neighbors, we still showed a more than 30 percent increase in Black mortality rates during those two decades. A 2022 report from the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee, which reviews all maternal deaths in the Commonwealth, found that Pennsylvania had an overall pregnancy-associated mortality ratio (PAMR) of 82 deaths per 100,000 live births. Non-Hispanic Blacks had the highest PAMR of 163 per 100,000 live births. In addition, recent national studies are showing significant increases – as much as 44 percent – in maternal mortality for Hispanic women.

In Pennsylvania, we continue to take steps to save lives, provide enhanced care, and support all healthy mothers, babies, and families:

• This summer, the governor signed Act 5 into law, requiring more detailed tracking of the health issues that mothers experience during pregnancy and birth. In addition, Philadelphia is taking steps to require hospitals to share detailed information about pregnancy, delivery, and the parent’s health for patients who experience serious childbirth complications. Knowledge is power and with more information and enhanced data gathering we will be better equipped to save lives.

• In September 2021, I was joined by my friends on the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus and doctors from Chester County Hospital in kicking off our campaign to extend Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year postpartum for all Pennsylvanians. We succeeded and thanks to federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, all mothers in Pennsylvania can now access coverage for up to one year following the birth of a baby. This is especially important because more than half of the cases of maternal death between 2013 and 2018 impacted mothers enrolled in Medical Assistance when they delivered. And nearly 60 percent of maternal mortality deaths occurred between 42 and 365 days of delivery, many well beyond the standard 60 days of Medical Assistance coverage for pregnant women.

• And this year’s budget spending plan allocates $2.3 million to expand maternal health programming, including implementing prevention strategies to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.

Still, we have much more work to do. In a nation and region where medical technology and professionals are world-renowned, we can lead the way in providing exceptional care for new moms and newborns.

A big part of that challenge is bridging the gap in access to resources, accurate information, and quality care. According to CDC data, about 84 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable. Improving wellness services, access to nutritional support, counseling and exercise, increased screenings for behavioral health and postpartum depression, more home-based and visiting services, breastfeeding support, substance use disorder treatment, childcare service, and access to family planning can greatly improve maternal health outcomes.

In addition, it’s important to meet expectant mothers where they are – literally and figuratively – in terms of prepartum and postpartum services. More than 193,000 Pennsylvanians live in maternity care deserts where a lack of obstetricians, hospitals with delivery units, or birth centers raise the risk of poor maternal and infant health outcomes.

I am a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 335, legislation introduced by state Senator Judy Schwank, that calls for extending Medicaid coverage to doulas. While not clinicians, doulas are trained professionals who can provide emotional, physical and educational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. And there is strong evidence that they can reduce childbirth complications and improve care coordination. Furthermore, community-integrated doulas can be effective in helping reduce racial disparities and bridge cultural gaps in communities of color. At a time when we’re facing a shortage of doctors and nurses, empowering doulas may be an effective strategy for reducing maternal mortality.

Finally, I must emphasize that ongoing attacks on reproductive freedom only threaten to roll back and limit access to reproductive care. While abortion remains safe and legal in Pennsylvania, states that heavily restrict access to abortion have some of the highest maternal mortality rates. Some of the very same procedures outlawed through abortion bans include safe treatment of those who experience ectopic pregnancies, safe and legal fertility treatment, safe procedures for those who suffer miscarriages, and safe and accessible postpartum and birthing care. The bottom line is reproductive health and maternal health are deeply connected with reproductive choice. Like all healthcare choices, these must remain between patients and healthcare professionals. Doctors must be free to do their jobs effectively and all Pennsylvanians must feel safe accessing the full scope of reproductive, perinatal, and maternal health care. 

Recently, my family was blessed with another grandchild – a beautiful, healthy baby girl. We were fortunate that my daughter and granddaughter had access to quality prepartum and postpartum care, as well as a strong family support structure. As I watched them bond over their first days together, I was filled with gratitude for the care they received and the doctors, nurses, and medical workers who all helped ensure a safe and healthy delivery and follow-up care.

And yet, at the same time, I was also painfully aware that for too many Pennsylvanians and Americans those moments are consumed by grief in the loss of a mother – a loss that can echo through an entire family and community.  

In Pennsylvania, we can do better and we are working to support healthy mothers, babies, and families. I thank all the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who are vital to that effort. And I look forward to continuing to work with you and all our healthcare professionals to develop innovative strategies and solutions to reduce maternal mortality and save lives.

PennEnvironment: Pennsylvania Lagging in Renewable Energy Race

October 11, 2023

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania ranks a lowly 50th in the nation for percent growth in total solar, wind and geothermal generation since 2013, according to a new study released today by the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center. Out of the nation’s 50 states and the District of Columbia, only Alaska ranked worse than Pennsylvania for renewable energy growth for the 10-year timeframe in question.

“Ranking near the bottom of the barrel for renewable energy production in the U.S. should raise red flags for our politicians in Harrisburg and the people of Pennsylvania,” said Ellie Kerns, Climate and Clean Energy Associate with PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center. “Pennsylvania should be a leader – not a laggard – in the clean energy economy.”

The study, Renewables on the Rise 2023, documents the growth of six key clean energy technologies in states over the past decade: solar power, wind power, battery storage, energy efficiency, electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations. 

Renewables are rising in Pennsylvania, but clean energy in the Keystone State is growing at a much slower rate than other states. In the last decade, Pennsylvania has tripled solar production – most of this growth coming since 2019 – and seen a nominal increase in wind power. In contrast, the U.S. saw a 12-fold growth in solar power and more than doubling in wind production. In the same time period, the leading state, Texas, built out 90 TIMES as much renewable power as Pennsylvania.

Since 2013, Pennsylvania ranks a lowly 50th in change in energy savings as well, with only Ohio ranking worse. Pennsylvania’s energy efficiency programs have faltered to the point where they are only saving a third of the energy they did a decade ago in 2013.

“Currently 11 states have committed to, and are growing towards, 100% clean energy goals. Scientists are clear – to avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis, we need to get to 100% renewable energy by 2050 at the latest,” said Kerns. “But in the last 10 years, we only brought online enough renewables to power less than 2% of Pennsylvania’s homes and continue to purchase just 3% of our electricity from renewable sources. The math doesn’t add up. At our current rate, we will fall behind a nation powered by clean energy – missing out on critical climate and economic opportunities.”

One positive sign was Pennsylvania’s positioning for growth in electric vehicle sales and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Over the last decade, the Keystone State ranked 10th in additional EVs sold and 11th in EV chargers added.

“As a major energy-producing state, Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned to lead the nation into a renewable energy future. Unfortunately, we continue to lag behind in developing renewables and taking full advantage of the environmental, economic, consumer-savings and public health benefits that come with them,” said State Senator Carolyn Comitta. “But it’s not too late. We have opportunities to invest in the clean energy economy and embrace energy efficiency strategies and we must take action.”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a red state like Texas or Florida, a blue state like New Jersey, or a purple state like Michigan – Pennsylvania is disappointingly lagging behind nearly all of them when it comes to bringing new renewable energy online and tapping into the clean energy economy. But it doesn’t have to be this way,” said Kerns. “The remarkable gains we’ve seen from coast to coast – and right here in Pennsylvania in EV charging ports and EV sales – should give Pennsylvanians the confidence we need to build on nationwide momentum and catch up with our neighbors.” 

“As a new member of the PA House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, I recognize what renewable energy can do to grow our economy and the job market in the commonwealth,” said State Representative Joe Webster. “To lessen the impact of climate change on our waterways, soil, air, and infrastructure should and can be a bipartisan goal.”

A number of bills have stalled in the state legislature that could help Pennsylvania increase its renewable energy production. This includes legislation aimed at improving energy efficiency, HB 1615 and SB 755, increasing requirements for renewable energy production, and commiting to a 100% renewable energy future. If Pennsylvania remains in RGGI, it would likely also give the state more tools to rise up in the rankings and change Pennsylvania’s renewable energy story.

At the same time, the Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden last summer, continues federal tax credits for renewable energy, like wind and solar. It also provides rebates for home efficiency upgrades and the purchase of heat pumps, electric induction stoves and other efficient electric appliances and equipment, and provides tax incentives to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles by individuals and businesses.

“We have work to do in Pennsylvania to move our commonwealth toward a clean-energy future,” said State Representative Danielle Friel Otten. “Right now, we are leaving money on the table. The good news is that Pennsylvania has enormous potential to be a leader in clean energy production. It’s time for the legislature to re-up our commitment to growing renewable energy; adopt new, expanded, alternative energy targets; and do all we can to ensure that our commonwealth is well-positioned to take advantage of federal funding opportunities.”

“Energy infrastructure is as important as transportation infrastructure in a state, and Pennsylvania has fallen behind nationally in its energy transition,” said Doug Neidich, CEO of GreenWorks Development. “If not corrected, that will continue to make the state less competitive in attracting new business.”

“Solar energy saves us money on utility bills, creates jobs, and keeps our air clean – making it a slam dunk for our state,” said Elowyn Corby, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director with national clean energy nonprofit Vote Solar. “According to our 2022 polling, more than 8 out of 10 Pennsylvanians support rooftop solar. A 100% clean energy future is now an achievable reality thanks to technological advances, the plummeting cost of solar, and overwhelming public support.”

“This report offers a timely reminder that it’s critical for Governor Shapiro and the state legislature to make Pennsylvania a leader–not a laggard–in the renewable energy economy,” Kerns said. “For legislators who want to solve climate change, or for legislators who only care about economic growth, missing the opportunity to tap into the clean energy economy is a disservice to our planet and a disservice to the people of Pennsylvania.”

Comitta Announces State Funding for Watershed, Outdoor Rec Projects

October 5, 2023

West Chester, PA (October 5, 2023) – Seven projects to protect and restore local watersheds and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation through new park and trail upgrades were awarded more than $1.5 million in total state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced.

“Investments in supporting clean water and developing new spaces for outdoor recreation and enjoyment are investments in our public health, environmental health, economic health, and the overall great quality of life in Chester County,” Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said. “From resurfacing playing courts in West Chester and West Goshen to building an outdoor amphitheater in Penn Township to expanding our regional trail system in West Whiteland and East Bradford, these funds will go a long way in supporting projects that benefit residents, families, and visitors.”

The projects, located in the 19th Senatorial District, will receive grant funding administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2).

They are as follows:

• $50,300 for the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance to install approximately 7 acres of riparian forest buffers along waterways in the Lower Delaware River Watershed. Work will include landowner outreach and engagement, buffer plantings and post-planting establishment, project signage, and other related site improvements.

• $500,000 for Chester County for design work related to the development of approximately 3.4 miles of the Chester Valley Trail in West Whiteland, East Bradford, and East Caln townships. The trail runs from the Whitford Bridge in West Whiteland Township to the Downingtown Trestle in East Caln Township and will include one trailhead.

• $500,000 for East Bradford Township to develop the Plum Run Trail. The project consists of building about ¼ mile of trail, one trailhead, one pedestrian bridge, an outdoor educational interpretive center, landscaping, signage, and other related site improvements, including the restoration of the Plum Run riparian buffer.

• $150,000 for Penn Township for further development of Penn Township Community Park. Work will include the construction of an amphitheater and installation of utilities ADA access, landscaping, project signage, and other related site improvements.

• $137,300 for West Chester Borough for the rehabilitation of Hoopes Park, including renovating its tennis courts, constructing a pedestrian walkway, and installing fencing, ADA access, landscaping, project signage, and other related site improvements.

• $200,000 for West Goshen Township for the rehabilitation and further development of West Goshen Community Park. The project calls for renovating the basketball courts and constructing pedestrian walkways, a spray park, a comfort station, stormwater management measures, ADA access, landscaping, project signage, and other related site improvements.

• $50,900 for the Willistown Conservation Trust to install approximately 10 acres of riparian forest buffers along waterways in the Lower Delaware River Watershed in Chester and Delaware counties. Work will include landowner outreach and engagement, buffer plantings and post-planting establishment, project signage, and other related site improvements.

The funds comes as part of $52.5 million in total C2P2 funding awarded to more than 225 recreation and conservation projects across the Commonwealth. They include 23 trail projects; protecting nearly 6,835 acres of open space; 13 projects for river conservation; 13 community and watershed forestry projects; and 99 projects to develop or rehabilitate recreation, park and conservation areas and facilities.

The C2P2 grant program is funded by a variety of state and federal funding sources. The Chester County projects were funded through the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Keystone Tree Fund, and the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.

Oxford Neighborhood Services Center Awarded State Funding

October 3, 2023

West Chester, PA (October 3, 2023) – The Oxford Neighborhood Services Center (NSC) will receive $50,000 in state funding to support their food pantry, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced.

“While this investment will provide continued support to its food pantry, the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center also offers a wide range of support services and programs, including referrals, translations, guidance, life skills, and assistance with healthcare, housing, utilities, transportation services and more,” Comitta said. “For more than 50 years, the nonprofit organization has helped people and families in need. I want to thank all of the NSC supporters, staff, and volunteers for their work on behalf of the Oxford community.”

The funding, which was awarded through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Reach and Resiliency Grants comes at a time when the non-profit organization continues to assist families and children impacted by the four-alarm fire that struck downtown Oxford on September 13 and 14.

“We are crisis first responders helping individuals and families get back on their feet, stabilize their affairs, and have the tools and resources to live with self-determination and confidence,” said NSC Director Aaron Karpas.

The NSC continues to collect donations and items in support of those impacted by the fire, including personal care and toiletry items, clothing for children and teens, overnight bags, and gift cards for local supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, hardware stores, and ride-share services.

In addition, the NSC is currently helping the victims of the fire find permanent housing and seeking apartments or houses for rent in the area.

For more information and a complete list of in-demand items visit oxfordnsc.org or call 610-932-8557.

The TEFAP funding comes as part of more than $1.6 million in grant support awarded to 40 food banks, pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens across Pennsylvania.

“No one should go hungry in a state with the wealth and bounty we have in Pennsylvania,” Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding said. “But far too often families do not know where their next meal is coming from and they need our help. Expanding the capacity of organizations to supply fresh, healthy food to families in need is just one part of a broad Shapiro Administration strategy to work toward a healthier, more secure Pennsylvania.”

TEFAP Reach and Resiliency Grants are being awarded to organizations distributing USDA Foods through TEFAP contracts with the state, county, or a county-designated Lead Agency.

Funded projects include expanded cold storage, warehouse space and equipment, delivery vehicles for food distribution, and other investments that expand TEFAP’s reach into isolated or underserved rural or low-income communities.

The Department of Agriculture will be announcing a second round of TEFAP Reach and Resiliency Grants, with more than $2.5 million in available funding, in October 2023.

According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap, in 2022, more than 1.1 million Pennsylvanians, or 8.9 percent of everyone in the state, and 13 percent of our children, may not know the source of their next meal.

Climate Week in Pennsylvania: October 1 – 7

September 29, 2023

HARRISBURG (September 29, 2023) – October 1 – 7, 2023, is Climate Week in Pennsylvania, and the bicameral Pennsylvania Legislative Climate Caucus today announced a schedule of events taking place during the week, as well as information about resources and legislation related to climate action in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States.

This year’s Climate Week theme, “Empower Local Climate Action,” reflects the importance of addressing the costs and effects of the climate crisis in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the commonwealth. Climate Caucus members in the House and Senate have introduced more than 50 pieces of climate-related legislation this session, including several bills that would empower and support climate action at the residential, municipal, and regional level.

Climate Caucus co-chairs state Representative Danielle Friel Otten (D-Chester) and state Senator Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) shared their thoughts on the importance of empowering local climate action and the work the Climate Caucus is doing during Climate Week and every week.

“The impacts of the climate crisis are felt first and foremost at the local level, as municipalities struggle to cope with the costs and challenges associated with stormwater, flooding, extreme weather events, and excessive heat,” Otten said. “We as state legislators have a responsibility to do everything in our power to support local communities and ensure that our municipalities and our commonwealth are well-positioned to take advantage of federal Inflation Reduction Act funds to combat the climate crisis.”

“Climate change is here, and this year Climate Week is an important and welcome reminder of the need to think globally and act locally in addressing the impacts of this ongoing crisis. Extreme weather, storms, flooding, and air and water pollution all impact our public health and safety, infrastructure, and economy at the local and regional levels,” Comitta said. “The legislature must act now to empower local communities in addressing climate impacts, including supporting the transition from emissions, investing in the clean energy economy, and building climate-resilient infrastructure.”

“With corporate polluters and special interest groups working hand-in-hand to block meaningful environmental legislation, communities across Pennsylvania have had to bear the burdens and the costs of pollution and climate change,” Otten said. “This Climate Week, we’re focusing on how we in the legislature can and must provide communities across the commonwealth with the resources they need to advance local climate action.”

The Legislative Climate Caucus convenes to research, evaluate, discuss, and raise awareness about legislation, appropriations and related matters in ways that affirm evidence-based, peer-reviewed science, the acceptance that climate change is real and human-made, the importance of environmental justice, and the necessity for a renewable energy future. Further, the Climate Caucus operates to uphold the charge of environmental stewardship as laid bare in Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Comitta Announces Funding for Crime Victims Service Organizations

September 27, 2023

West Chester, PA (September 26, 2023) – Important programs and organizations that support victims of crime, domestic violence, child abuse, and elder abuse in Chester County will receive nearly $4 million in federal grant funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

“These investments help support and sustain programs and organizations that assist and advocate for victims of crime of all ages, including young children and senior citizens,” Comitta said. “It’s important that all victims have a voice in the justice system and access to services to help them recover and live safe and healthy lives.”

The funds, recently approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), come through the Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). They are as follows:

• $563,000 for Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania for legal services for victims of domestic abuse.
• $827,000 for the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County for continuing services for victims of domestic violence.
• $683,000 for the Crime Victims Center of Chester County for crime victims’ programs and operations.
• $422,000 for CASA Youth Advocates for advocacy for child victims of abuse and neglect.
• $1.5 million for the Senior Law Center for programs to support elderly victims.

In addition, Chester County will receive $533,000 in state grant funding for continuing county adult probation and parole programs.

And Lincoln University will receive $150,000 in federal state opioid response funds for the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment program, healthcare screening processes which are aimed at preventing alcohol and/or drug abuse and addiction.

Comitta Honored by Chester County Peace Movement

September 26, 2023

West Chester, PA (September 26, 2023) – In recognition of her work and advocacy towards a more peaceful community, state Senator Carolyn Comitta was awarded the 2023 Anne Moore Peace Award by the Chester County Peace Movement. 

“From economic opportunity to environmental justice to health equity, peace is at the foundation of a better, safer, cleaner, and more just world,” Comitta said. “I am grateful to the Chester County Peace Movement for this recognition and for all their good work to create a more peaceful society.” 

Comitta accepted the award on International Day of Peace, a global celebration created by the United Nations and held each year on September 21. 

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals” recognizing our individual and collective responsibilities to promote peace. 

“Peace is a vision that cannot be achieved alone. It takes all of us working together to create and sustain more peaceful outcomes in our neighborhoods and around the globe,” Comitta added. 

The Chester County Peace Movement was formed in 2002, in response to the impending conflict in Iraq. Since then, the group has expanded to a broader mission advocating for peace and harmony across communities.  

The coalition hosts a weekly Vigil for Peace each Saturday morning in West Chester Borough and holds regular donation drives for local non-profits. 

To learn more about the Chester County Peace Movement go to ccpeace.com