October 8, 2024
West Chester, Pa (October 8, 2024) – The Housing Partnership of Chester County (HPCC) will be able to help more seniors stay in their homes thanks to funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
Comitta recently secured $50,000 in state grant funding for HPCC’s Senior Citizen Home Maintenance Program, which provides basic home maintenance, repairs, and access modifications for low-to-moderate income seniors.
The funding will help HPCC address a significant backlog of seniors in need of immediate home repairs and modifications to address safety concerns.
“In Chester County and across Pennsylvania, our senior citizen population is growing. And as more and more of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones move into their golden years, it’s important that they have the opportunity to stay in their own homes safely,” Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee said. “I want to thank the Housing Partnership of Chester County for supporting this program, as well as the agencies, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and senior centers that that assist our older residents.”
“Making safety repairs or mobility modifications can be daunting for many seniors. HPCC steps in to make the process easier by working with the construction team, managing progress, and answering questions along the way. HPCC clients can stay in their home safely without the financial stress and logistical burden of big repair or modification projects,” said Ken Hutton, HPCC Executive Director. “This grant provides critical capital to complete these projects so that our older adult clients can safely age in place.”
Administered by the HPCC on behalf of the Chester County Department of Community Development, the program serves eligible Chester County residents aged 65 and older who cannot afford necessary home repairs and modifications that are critical to them being able to stay in their homes. There is a $6,000 limit on work performed for each residence, which may include any type of home maintenance and repairs including, but not limited to, roof repair, heater installation, windows, decks, bathrooms, siding, etc.
Seniors who are interested in the program should contact Rob Malone, HPCC Director of Programs, at (610) 518-1522 x104 or rob@housingpartnershipcc.com.
Pennsylvania is home to one the highest populations of senior citizens in the nation. One in four residents are senior citizens and that is projected to grow to one in three Pennsylvanians by 2030.
According to Census data, senior citizens currently make up about 18 percent of Chester County’s population (up from approximately 13 percent in 2010).
Senator Comitta has consistently supported investments and policies aimed at helping seniors stay in their homes, including significantly expanding the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program, funding the Whole Home Repairs Program, and enacting “Aging Our Way,” the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s 10-Year Master Plan for Older Adults.
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October 4, 2024
Coatesville, Pa (October 4, 2024) – The Coatesville Youth and Women’s Alliance (CYWA) will soon have a new vehicle to transport clients, thanks to $50,000 in state grant funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
The nonprofit organization, dedicated to serving pregnant women and children in the Coatesville area, plans to use the vehicle to transport clients to medical appointments and mothers to visit newborn children in neonatal intensive care.
“The CYWA is community asset and a vital safety net for so many people in need, especially our youngest and most vulnerable residents,” Comitta said. “I hope this new vehicle helps further bridge the gap to health and wellness services that impacts too many women and families in the Coatesville community.”
By purchasing its own vehicle, CYWA can cut costs related to ridesharing and transportation and reallocate those funds to support its programs.
CYWA offers four programs to help better the mental, social, and physical well-being of Coatesville area residents:
- Samara House, a residential drug and alcohol treatment program specifically for women and children.
- The Family Center, providing home visitation and case management services.
- The Gateway Shelter, for women and children experiencing homelessness and seeking affordable housing options.
- The Food Program, which provides everything from fresh produce, baked goods, meat, and non-perishable items to people in need.
For more on the Coatesville Youth and Women’s Alliance, visit their website at https://cywa.org
October 1, 2024
September 26, 2024
West Chester, Pa (September 26, 2024) – Small businesses that are looking to improve energy efficiency, reduce their waste, and cut costs can apply now for grant funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced.
The Small Business Advantage Grant Program provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50-80 percent of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to upgrade or replace equipment or supplies, improve processes, or reduce runoff into affected waterways.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, making up 99.6 percent of businesses in Pennsylvania and this grant program can help them make improvements that benefit both our environment and their bottom lines,” said Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “I encourage our small businesses to take advantage of this program as it can help offset the upfront costs of important upgrades that have economic benefits while leading us to a more sustainable future.”
Lighting, HVAC, boiler, and digital x-ray upgrades are the most common project types funded by the Small Business Advantage Grant, but a wide variety of projects are eligible for funding.
Maximum grant awards vary from $7,500 up to $12,000 based on the environmental impact of the project and whether the project is located within an environmental justice area.
Approximately $1 million in total grants funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For grant program guidelines and application details, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s website.
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September 24, 2024
West Chester, PA (September 24, 2024) – Seven Chester County historic organizations have been awarded more than $100,000 in total state funding through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.
The grants, which come through the PHMC’s Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program, support the general operations of eligible museums and official county historical societies. They are as follows:
- $10,000 for the American Helicopter Museum & Education Center.
- $28,400 for the Chester County History Center.
- $13,100 for the Graystone Society, Inc.
- $7,500 for the Historic Sugartown, Inc.
- $27,000 for the Historic Yellow Springs.
- $4,000 for the Oxford Area Historical Association.
- $14,000 for the Wharton Esherick Museum.
“Our region is home to a rich history – one that predates the founding of our nation. It is alive in our local landmarks, historical places, cultural artifacts, and stories. It’s part of who we are. These funds will ensure that our history is explored, interpreted, shared, and understood by future generations,” Comitta said. “We thank the PHMC for this support and appreciate all of our local historians, historical groups, supporters, and volunteers for their ongoing work to preserve the past while looking to the future.”
The grant funding comes as part of almost $4 million in total Cultural and Historical Support Grants awarded to 173 eligible museums and official county historical societies from 59 counties across the Commonwealth. According to PHMC, this is an increase over previous years by $2 million to better benefit Pennsylvania’s historical resources.
Under the program, eligible museums must have an annual operating budget exceeding $100,000 (excluding capital and in-kind services), at least one full-time professional staff person (or approved equivalent), and not be supported by other state agency funding programs.
Grants are awarded using a formula based on a percentage of the organization’s annual operating budget with a maximum grant of $62,000 and a minimum grant of $4,000
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September 23, 2024
West Chester, Pa (September 24, 2024) – To help safely and securely dispose of documents containing sensitive information, state Senator Carolyn Comitta is holding a free community shredding event at Valley Forge Middle School on Saturday October 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“If you are doing some fall cleaning around the house and come across sensitive documents that you no longer need, now’s the time to properly dispose of them,” Comitta said. “This is a great way to help prevent identity theft and fraud. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and please arrive on time because we have limited capacity and our shredding events are often well attended.”
The event is free and open to the public. However, please note the following:
- This event is for individuals only, not businesses.
- It is first come, first served, and will end at 1 p.m. or until the trucks are full.
- There is a three (3) box limit per car for shredding.
- Only paper will be accepted for shredding. Please do not bring binders, binder clips, or books.
Some examples of unneeded documents that should be shredded include: credit card statements and applications, bank records, canceled checks, income tax forms, insurance records, medical and retirement or pension fund information, and any documents that contain personal information like Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers.
Please note: electronic materials and e-waste will not be collected at this event.
In addition, at the event, participants are invited to bring donations of basic needs products such as menstrual hygiene products, toothbrushes and toothpaste, flushable wipes, and deodorant for the nonprofit organization Mitzvah Circle.
While donations are welcomed and encouraged, they are not required to access the free shredding services.
Valley Forge Middle School is located at 105 W. Walker Road in Wayne.
For more information contact Senator Comitta’s district office at (610) 692-2112.
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September 20, 2024
West Chester, PA (September 20, 2024) – State Senator Carolyn Comitta is reminding colleges and universities that they have only a few days left to apply for funding through the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program.
The program, now in its third year, provides grants to colleges that set up and expand free food pantries on campus and take other steps to meet students’ nutritional needs.
Eligible postsecondary institutions with the PA Hunger-Free Campus or PA Hunger-Free Campus+ designation have until September 23, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. to apply for funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s eGrants system
Additionally, Pennsylvania schools working to address food insecurity that have yet to receive PA Hunger-Free Campus designation are encouraged to apply for designation by September 30, 2024.
This week, at the Chester County Food Bank’s inaugural Rally Against Hunger, Comitta discussed the importance of addressing hunger on college campuses.
“No student should have to go hungry to access the dream of higher education. When one-third of college students report missing meals due to food insecurity, that’s a problem,” Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee said. “We’ve made great progress in addressing hunger in Pennsylvania public schools with universal free breakfast. Now, we’re working to address food and basic needs insecurity on campus.”
The rally, organized as part of Hunger Action Month, took place on the steps of the historic Chester County Courthouse. It also included remarks from state Rep. Chris Pielli, the Chester County Commissioners, Chester County Food Bank CEO Andrea Youndt, and others.
Comitta, a former public school teacher and West Chester University (WCU) alumna, also praised the campus community for their efforts to connect with food bank partners, like the West Chester Food Cupboard.
“We all deserve to know where our next meal is coming from. Hunger is a solvable problem and that is most apparent when we come together and work together to ensure that everyone has the food and resources they need to thrive,” she said in thanking food bank volunteers and advocates.
Last year, WCU was awarded more than $54,000 in state grant funding through the PA Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program.
This year, eligible colleges and universities may apply for competitive funding in an amount up to:
- $20,000 for institutions with 3,000 or fewer learners;
- $40,000 for institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 learners; and
- $60,000 for institutions with 7,001 learners or more.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, nearly 23% of undergraduate students in the United States experience food insecurity. The rate of undergraduate students experiencing food insecurity is more than double the rate among all U.S. households.
To help combat this growing problem, Comitta introduced legislation creating a permanent Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program to assist colleges in establishing and maintaining food pantries and other resources to combat basic needs insecurity.
In 2022, a budget initiative based on Comitta’s legislation created the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Initiative and has since allocated $3 million to Pennsylvania colleges to address food insecurity on their campuses.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Initiative please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website.
September 16, 2024
West Chester, PA (September 16, 2024) – West Chester Borough was awarded important grant funding to purchase new body cameras for its police officers, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Rep. Chris Pielli announced.
The $250,000 grant, supported by federal funding through the Pennsylvania Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program, was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
“Body cameras are an important tool in instilling trust in law enforcement, promoting openness, accountability, and transparency, and gathering evidence from an objective viewpoint,” said Comitta, who previously served as Mayor of West Chester Borough. “Our police and emergency first responders deserve the latest technology to protect our communities and themselves. Investing in upgraded body cameras for our police is an investment in public safety.”
“I am extremely happy to have worked with Senator Comitta to bring about this much-needed grant for our police and first responders. These state-of-the art body cameras will help support West Chester Police Department’s dedicated mission of protecting and serving the citizens of our community with their continued high level of professionalism, transparency, and accountability,” Pielli said.
“I am beyond thrilled that the West Chester Police Department has been awarded this Justice Assistance Grant for $250,000. These funds will be used to offset much of the cost of obtaining new, state-of-the-art body-worn cameras and in-car video systems. The new cameras and systems will improve police operations and enhance public safety and trust. We thank Senator Comitta and Representative Pielli for their continued support,” said West Chester Police Chief Josh Lee.
Supported with state funding, the West Chester Police Department first began to use body cameras in 2020. The department requires that all field operations personnel wear body cameras. Officers are required to record situations during which they encounter the public and an arrest, detention, or use of force is likely. However, most of the cameras currently in use are out of warranty and approaching the end of their life cycle.
In the spring, West Chester Borough Council approved applying for grant funding to purchase new cameras for all 44 department officers. The borough is also budgeting funds to support the investment, which is expected to cost between $500,000 and $600,000 according to reports.
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is currently rolling out body cameras to troopers across the Commonwealth. So far, PSP troops covering 19 counties have successfully implemented body-worn cameras. PSP expects to have fully implemented body-worn cameras and updated mobile video recorders for all of its troops by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
In addition, full-time Pennsylvania Wildlife Conservation Officers (now known as State Game Wardens) already wear body cameras and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is currently in the process of procuring and rolling-out cameras for its Waterways Conservation Officers
There are also proposals before the legislature to authorize body cameras for parole agents and others.
September 13, 2024
September 10, 2024
State Senator Carolyn Comitta joined U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, and other members of the PA House Democratic Southeast Delegation celebrated the recent enactment of state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler’s Solar for Schools program this week.
Solar for Schools is a new state grant program designed to help school districts across Pennsylvania install solar panels on school grounds or roofs. The grants will cover up to 50% of the cost of solar projects for schools and can be paired with federal funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act.
“My colleagues and I in Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act. This provides incentives for schools, nonprofits, and houses of worship to deploy wind, solar, and other renewable energy technologies to generate clean electricity,” Scanlon said. “I’m so excited that decades after I was on the school board, our state legislature, led by Representative Fiedler, stepped up and took this really important step so our school districts can do renovations, implement solar energy and other clean energy options, and reap the savings of those options. The IRA is an essential step, but it can’t be the last step.”
“Solar for Schools is not just an opportunity to bring clean energy and good jobs to our school communities. It’s an innovative way to pair state and federal funds to benefit Pennsylvania’s students,” Fiedler said. “I’m grateful to my colleagues who helped pass the bill through the legislature, and to those at the federal level who worked hard to pass the IRA and secure funds for these game-changing projects.”
Energy is the second-highest cost for schools, behind staffing. By generating their own solar energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a project, allowing them to free funds that could be used on educational resources, staff, and student programming.
“Our public schools, community colleges, and career and technical schools are powering the future of Pennsylvania. It just makes sense that they are powered in a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective way. I want to thank the governor and all of our partners in the state legislature, U.S. Congress, environmental community, and labor for making this a reality. When students and families see that their schools are powered by solar, it shows that we are putting their future and the future of our planet first,” said state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, who introduced companion legislation in the Pennsylvania Senate.
“Concerns about the environment are top-of-mind for the young adults in our community. Solar for Schools demonstrates we are taking their concerns seriously and doing what we can to make positive change. It will also mean savings for taxpayers as solar can substantially lower school energy costs…a win for our communities on so many levels,” said state Rep. Lisa Borowski.
“This program creates family-sustaining union jobs, helps our commonwealth meet its climate goals, and has the potential to help school districts save hundreds of thousands of dollars so they can invest in what matters most – our students. Embracing the Solar for Schools program is more than just a step toward reducing our environmental impact—it’s a commitment to building a sustainable future that benefits everyone,” said O’Mara.
The program united a broad coalition of environmental and labor leaders, who are excited about its potential to create jobs, prepare the next generation of workers for careers in solar installation, and reduce environmental impact.
“Solar for Schools presents an important opportunity to demonstrate to Pennsylvanians across our commonwealth that the clean energy revolution is here and will help their communities,” said Jess Cadorette, director of civic engagement for Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania and PennFuture. “This innovative program will leverage federal investments under the Biden-Harris climate agenda to increase access to clean energy while creating union jobs and lowering energy costs across Delaware County and all of Pennsylvania.
“IBEW 654 supports the Solar for Schools legislation because it supports the safe, productive and sustainable growth of renewable energy systems in Pennsylvania. We support creating good paying, family sustaining jobs in our communities,” said Bill Adams, president and assistant business manager for IBEW Local 654.
The media event was part of an ongoing Solar for Schools tour that aims to highlight energy and financial needs at schools, spread the word about the grant program, and ensure school districts are prepared to apply.
