West Chester, Pa (February 19, 2025) – A new tanker truck recently rolled into Modena Fire Company Station 37, thanks to state funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Rep. Dan Williams.
Comitta and Williams secured more than $520,000 in state funding for the fire company to purchase its first tanker truck, a 2024 Kenworth T480 capable of carrying 3,000 gallons of water.
The arrival of Tanker 37 means the fire company is now fully equipped to provide emergency services to the people of Modena, South Coatesville, and the surrounding area without having to rely on or wait for tanker support from other companies.
“This new tanker will help Modena firefighters battle fires more effectively and efficiently, especially in areas where hydrants or water sources may not be readily accessible,” Comitta said. “I’m proud to support this investment in public safety and want to thank all of the volunteers, staff, and emergency fire responders who work 24/7 to keep our communities and our families safe.”
“Providing much needed assets for the first responders who are always there for us is just good sense. This tanker provides a much-needed resource that will serve communities across the region when we need it most,” said Willliams. “I’m happy we were able to provide this funding and am grateful for the team at the Modena Fire Company and all of the first responders in the area who tirelessly keep us safe.”
In recognition of their support, Comitta and Williams were made honorary life members of Modena Fire Company. They were also presented with plaques in recognition of their “outstanding efforts and commitment” in securing resources and grant funding for the fire company.
“Your efforts in securing these grants for not only Modena but multiple other fire companies in the county, shows your commitment to all residents and visitors of the great County of Chester,” the plaques read.
Tanker 37, custom manufactured by Midwest Fire, features impressive specifications, including 450 horsepower Paccar PX-9 engine; a 1250 pump and roll capability Darnley pump; two single stack pre-connects (each 200 ft); a 100-ft 1-inch booster line; a hose bed capable of accommodating 500 ft of 3-inch supply line; and a 10-inch side and rear electronic dump valve with cab control and cameras.
Modena Fire Company provides services to Modena and South Coatesville and parts of East Fallowfield, Newlin, West Marlborough, and West Bradford, as well as mutual aid assistance as needed. Last year, Modena firefighters responded to 442 fire calls.
Funding for the new tanker was secured through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account program, which is designed to distribute funds derived from gaming revenue to support community and economic development projects.
Comitta has secured significant investments in Modena Fire Company and other area emergency response organizations, including $451,000 for Modena for two new ambulances, $675,000 for the City of Coatesville for a pumper fire engine and a ladder truck, $550,000 for Goshen Fire Company for a pumper truck, and $495,000 for Malvern Fire Company for purchase a new pumper-tanker truck.
In addition, she supports important public safety investments in Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget plan, including $30 million in grant funding for fire companies statewide to purchase equipment, recruit and retain firefighters, and meet additional needs.
For more information about Modena Fire Company or to volunteer, visit modena37.com
West Chester, Pa (February 18, 2025) – To help ensure community blood banks have access to the supply they need, state Senator Carolyn Comitta is partnering with the American Red Cross to hold a blood drive on Friday, March 21 in West Chester.
The blood drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oscar Lasko YMCA located at 1 East Chestnut Street in West Chester.
“Blood donations are a lifeline for people of all ages, from those in need of emergency care, like traumatic accidents and burns, to patients facing longer-term treatments for cancer, organ transplants, or other chronic illnesses,” said Comitta. “I encourage all healthy, eligible residents to consider donating blood. And if you can’t, please help spread the word. Every donation can save up to three lives.”
There is no substitute for donated blood and every two seconds a person in the United States needs a blood donation, according to the American Red Cross. Unfortunately, only about 3 percent of age-eligible people donate blood annually.
Most individuals are eligible to donate blood in Pennsylvania every 56 days, up to six times a year if they are:
In good health and feeling well,
16 years old or older; and
Weigh at least 110 pounds.
Advanced registration is required by going to RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code “Senator Comitta” or by calling 1-800-RedCross.
West Chester (February 13, 2025) — State Senator Carolyn Comitta today issued the following statement in support of Governor Shapiro’s announcement that he’s filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional freeze of federal funding:
“Many of our friends, neighbors, and community members rely on programs and services that are made possible by federal grant funding. From food programs to community health initiatives to keeping our water clean, they are essential to maintaining a strong quality of life here in Chester County and beyond.
Unfortunately, the chaotic and unconstitutional federal funding freeze orchestrated by the Trump administration has now put many of these programs into jeopardy.
While multiple federal judges ordered a halt to the funding freeze, many agencies and programs have been unable to regain access to the funds that are promised under the law.
I applaud Governor Shapiro as his administration pursues legal action against the funding freeze. Know that I will stand alongside him and do everything in my power to protect the vital services that you, your family, and our community depend on.”
West Chester, PA (February 11, 2025) – Safe Harbor of Chester County will soon renovate its bathroom and shower facilities, thanks to state funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
The $50,000 grant, which comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Initiative, will support repairs and upgrades to the emergency homeless shelter’s men’s bathroom and shower facilities to increase accessibility, enhance privacy, and provide a more comfortable environment for residents.
“Safe Harbor is a important community asset and this investment will help ensure it can continue to provide facilities that promote the health, wellness, and dignity of every person,” Comitta said. “I want to thank the staff, supporters, and volunteers at Safe Harbor for furthering the non-profit organization’s mission to provide emergency housing, food, support services, and hope to people in our community.”
The project calls for removing outdated fixtures, upgrading to ADA-compliant sinks and partitions, enhancing ventilation, installing new flooring, and ensuring the facility adheres to current sanitary safety, health, and hygiene standards.
“We deeply appreciate this support, as it represents a crucial investment in the well-being of those we serve. Safe Harbor is committed to providing a safe and dignified environment, and these renovations will significantly enhance the daily lives of our residents,” said Ruby Abouraya, Safe Harbor’s Senior Director of Finance and Growth.
For 30 years, Safe Harbor has been providing vital support services to help adults experiencing homelessness gain self-esteem, access stable housing, achieve independence, pursue job and career advancement, and lead overall happy, healthy, and productive lives.
Comitta has a strong record of supporting and securing investments in Safe Harbor and other non-profit organizations working to prevent homelessness, address housing insecurity, and helping people in need.
In November, she announced federal funding to provide 20 laptops to support financial and computer literacy training programs at Safe Harbor. Earlier this year, she announced state funding to support 150 Safe Harbor residents annually with individualized plans connecting them to healthcare, job training, and housing resources.
For more information on Safe Harbor of Chester County and how you can help, visit safeharborofcc.org
West Chester, Pa (February 10, 2025) – A nonprofit organization working to alleviate homelessness was awarded state funding to help families achieve sustainable housing and stability thanks to the work of state Senators Carolyn Comitta and John Kane.
Family Promise of Southern Chester County will use the funds to support its 6 Promise Houses, which offer families that are experiencing homelessness housing in a safe, apartment-like setting for up to 120 days. In between stays by guest families, the Promise Houses routinely need to be outfitted with new supplies like bedding, towels, cleaning supplies, kitchen supplies, and occasionally new appliances.
“As families in our region continue to face a shortage of affordable housing, Family Promise of Southern Chester County helps prevent homelessness by providing meals, shelter, resources, and mentorship to help them get back on their feet,” Comitta said. “I’m proud to support this organization because every child deserves to know they can come home to a warm bed and a safe, clean, and healthy place to live.”
“Every family deserves a place to call home,” said Senator Kane. “When I see parents and children struggling with housing insecurity in our communities, it breaks my heart. This funding isn’t just about buildings and supplies – it’s about giving our neighbors hope, dignity, and a foundation to rebuild their lives. When we strengthen families, we strengthen our entire community, and I’m committed to ensuring that every family in Southern Chester County has the support they need to thrive.”
“We are deeply grateful to State Senators Carolyn Comitta and John Kane for their incredible support and commitment to our mission. This $50,000 grant will provide essential supplies for our Promise Houses, ensuring that families with children experiencing homelessness have the resources they need to achieve stability and a brighter future. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in Southern Chester County,” said Carol M. Lowe, MSW, LSW, Executive Director of Family Promise of Southern Chester County.
Now in its 10th year, Family Promise of Southern Chester County offers shelter and case management services while helping families experiencing homelessness transition to stable housing and self-sufficiency.
Last year, the group provided more than $5,000 in rental assistance and 1,279 nights of shelter to families experiencing homelessness while serving 60 families in its core programs.
According to recent data, more than a quarter of households in Chester County are currently dedicating more than 30 percent of their income solely to housing costs, which is considered a critical point where housing becomes financially unsustainable for most families.
Comitta and Kane both support important investments in housing and affordability in Governor Shapiro’s state budget plan, including $1 billion in property tax relief, $10 million for first-time homebuyers, $50 million to repair our housing stock, raising the minimum wage to $15/hour, and a $10 million increase for the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement.
Family Promise of Southern Chester County is one of over 200 nationwide Family Promise local affiliates.
For more information on Family Promise of Southern Chester County and how you can help children with families that are facing homelessness, visit familypromisescc.org.
West Chester, Pa (February 7, 2025) – To help navigate the ever-changing landscape for arts, culture, and historical organizations in Chester County, State Senator Carolyn Comitta is hosting a Nonprofit Symposium on Wednesday, March 12 at the Chester County History Center starting at 9 a.m.
“Even five years after the start of the pandemic, many local arts and cultural organizations are struggling to recover and are seeking resources and guidance on how to move forward in a post-COVID world,” Comitta said. “I invite any arts, culture, and history-oriented nonprofits in Chester County to attend our Nonprofit Symposium to discuss best practices and effective strategies, while connecting with the various resources available in our community.”
The event will kick off with a networking continental breakfast, introductions from each organization in attendance to share their mission, and presentations from key stakeholders.
Organizations slated to present include the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Pa Museums, Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, the Chester County Community Foundation, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Chester County/America250, the Chester County Conference and Visitor’s Bureau – Brandywine Valley, the WCU Center for Community Solutions, and more.
Organizations and groups interested in attending must register online at pasenatorcomitta.com/nonprofit-symposium. All applications will go through a review process prior to being officially accepted into the event. Each organization may bring up to three registered attendees to the symposium.
Harrisburg, Pa (February 4, 2025) – State Senator Carolyn Comitta released the following statement in support of Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal:
“The Governor’s plan is a strong start to the 2025-26 budget process with important investments to improve affordability, job growth, education, and public health and safety.
At a time when Pennsylvanians continue to face rising consumer costs coupled with confusion and uncertainty at the federal level, this budget plan offers sound and practical strategies to foster stability and opportunity for workers and working families.
A few new investments to highlight:
Affordability
$1 billion in property tax relief ($200 average per household).
$10 million for first-time homebuyers.
Raising the minimum wage to $15/hour.
No tax increase.
Education/Childcare
$55 million to recruit and retain licensed childcare workers.
Doubling the investment ($40 million total) for student-teacher stipends.
$75 million increase in basic education funding.
Health
$20 million in continued additional funding for county mental health services ($60 million over 3 years).
$20 million for hospital patient safety.
$23M to support primary health care practitioners with student loan payments
Safety
$30 million for fire company grants.
Funding for 400 new state troops.
$20 million increase of gun violence prevention programs.
The Governor’s budget proposal is the starting point for negotiations and kicks off a season of budget hearings and debates.
I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a budget that puts money back in the pockets of Pennsylvanians and helps ensure a safe, healthy, and prosperous future for this generation and the next one.
In an atmosphere of reckless decision-making and chaos in Washington, D.C., we must strive to pass a budget that protects Pennsylvanians by prioritizing people, prosperity, and progress for families, workers, businesses, and communities.”
