August 22, 2025
West Chester, Pa (August 20, 2025) – Senior citizens and older adults are invited to participate in free activities, health screenings, entertainment, and information on local and state services at State Senator Caroyn Comitta’s Senior Expo on Tuesday, October 14, at West Chester University.
The free event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sturzebecker Health Science Building located at 855 S. New Street on West Chester University’s South Campus.
“Our senior citizens make up a large and growing part of Chester County. They are our parents and grandparents, our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and mentors. They are the people who helped fight for our freedoms and built the towns and communities we call home,” Comitta said. “Our senior expo is a small way to show our appreciation and ensure they are aware of the services available to ensure they stay happy, healthy, productive, and empowered in their golden years.”
Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, is organizing the expo to build upon the launch of Aging Our Way, PA, the Commonwealth’s first-ever, 10-year strategic plan to build more inclusive, supportive communities for older Pennsylvanians.
As a result of that master plan and significant investments championed by Governor Shapiro to support the health and well-being of senior citizens, Pennsylvania recently became the 13th state to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
The Commonwealth is home to 3.4 million older adults, one of the highest totals in the country. And seniors make up about 18 percent of Chester County’s population. Over the next five years, those numbers are expected to increase significantly to the point that over one-third of Pennsylvanians will be aged 60 and older by 2030.
“It’s important that we begin working together today to ensure our growing senior population is prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow as they age with grace and dignity in safe, supportive, and welcoming environments,” Comitta said.\
The free Senior Expo will feature nearly 75 vendors from organizations serving the elderly, as well as informational exhibits, raffles, interactive presentations, health screenings, and light refreshments.
Participants are encouraged to register at https://www.pasenatorcomitta.com/event/seniorexpo2025/
Free parking is available in the lot surrounding the Sturzebecker Health Science Building. Attendees should use the main entrance.
August 19, 2025
West Chester, Pa (August 19, 2025) – State Senator Carolyn Comitta is reminding Chester County schools, colleges, businesses, nonprofit groups, and environmental organizations that state grant funding is available for environmental education projects.
Now, through November 14, applications are open for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Environmental Education Grants Program.
“At a time when we’re seeing environmental protections rolled back and a resurgence of climate change denial, it’s so important that students have the opportunity to gain an understanding of science, sustainability, and the interconnected nature of the world around us,” said Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “These programs are a great way for the next generation of leaders to get outside and learn about the importance of clean air, water, and a safe, healthy environment.”
The Environmental Education Grants Program supports a wide range of activities from establishing pollinator habitat, sustainable and restorative agriculture projects, stormwater control workshops, green careers, and climate change awareness and prevention.
“Learning about the environment is a lifelong opportunity for Pennsylvanians, and this grant program funds projects for all ages,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “These projects help educate Pennsylvanians about water quality, air pollution, climate change, and land use, and help people of all ages know more about the environment in their community.”
More than $1 million in total grant funding is available for the development of innovative education projects that address air and water quality, land use, and/or climate change. Project proposals must demonstrate objectives to heighten public understanding of PA’s environmental issues and to increase individual and/or community environmental stewardship and advocacy.
Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis. Projects must be implemented July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. There are three tiers of awards available: Seed Grants for projects up to $5,000; Grow Grants for projects between $5,001 and $30,000; and Impact Grants for projects between $30,001 and $65,000.
Funding priority is given to environmental education projects that engage people living, working, recreating, and/or attending school within Environmental Justice areas or otherwise underserved communities.
The 2026 EE Grants Manual and other pertinent information is available on the DEP website.
A free 2026 EE Grants Program instructional webinar will be held for interested applicants on September 23, 2025, from noon until 1:00 p.m. DEP educators will review grant updates, provide grant writing guidance, and address questions and concerns. Register here on or before September 22, 2025 to receive supplemental resources and a recording of the webinar.
The Environmental Education Grants program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates setting aside 5 percent of the pollution fines and penalties DEP collects annually for environmental education in Pennsylvania. Since the program began, more than 2,200 projects, totaling over $14 million, have been awarded grant funds.
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August 18, 2025
West Chester, Pa (August 20, 2025) – With the back-to-school season upon us, state Senator Carolyn Comitta is reminding motorists to follow Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law and to slow down to 15 mph in school zones.
Last year, 454 citations were issued for drivers passing stopped school buses in Chester County – the third highest in the Commonwealth, according to data released from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. In addition, 687 citations were issued for drivers speeding in a school zone in Chester County.
“With students returning to class, there will be more school buses on the road, more children at bus stops, and an increase in traffic, especially around schools and residential neighborhoods,” said Comitta, a former public-school teacher and member of the Senate Education Committee. “Please stay focused, put down the cell phone, slow down in school zones, and be sure to stop when you see a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arms extended.”
The fall season appears to be a particularly dangerous time for such infractions, with September and October recording the highest percentage (about 15%) of school zone and bus citations.
Under Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law:
- Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arms extended.
- Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, overtaking a bus, meeting a bus, or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
- Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety.
- If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails, or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.
- Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.
- The penalties for violating the School Bus Stopping Law can be significant, including a 60-day driver’s license suspension, five points on your driving record, and a $250 fine.
Motorists are also reminded to slow down to the posted speed limit of 15 mph in school zones, which are particularly busy in the morning and afternoon hours during student arrival and dismissal.
Comitta also noted that earlier this summer, a new state law took effect prohibiting using a handheld device while driving. Under the new law, which is a primary offense, drivers cannot talk on a handheld phone, text, record video, take pictures, play games, send emails, or use social media. Hands-free options like Bluetooth or CarPlay are permitted.
About than 30,000 buses transported nearly 1.5 million children about 400,000 miles on Pennsylvania roads last year, according to PennDOT.
For more safety tips, visit penndot.pa.gov
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August 14, 2025
HARRISBURG, PA (August 14, 2025) – In response to the possibility of the U.S. Supreme Court’s consideration to take up a case that asks, in plain words, to overturn the 10-year-old landmark ruling Obergefell v. Hodges that allowed recognition of same-sex marriages nationwide, state Senator Carolyn Comitta introduced S.B. 434 – the Marriage Equality Act.
The bill removes discriminatory language in Pennsylvania law and affirms marriage equality should both state and national court rulings legalizing same-sex marriage be overturned.
“This Supreme Court has proven that we cannot rely on the courts to fix the flaws in our laws, and we need to take legislative action that protects and defends our basic rights and freedoms,” said Comitta. “As we see new efforts to overturn marriage equality for same-sex couples through the court system, our legislation is needed now more than ever to protect marriage rights and demonstrate that Pennsylvania is a welcoming and caring home for all.”
State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who introduced a companion marriage equality bill in the House, H.B. 1800, said legislation to protect marriage equality is imperative in Pennsylvania – now more than ever:
“Marriage equality is the law of the land, and PA should clean up our statutes to match that. The current review of Obergfell v. Hodges makes it clear that the freedom to marry is under attack – this is something I’ve warned about, as have other advocates and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“We passed this legislation in the House last session with bipartisan support, but the state Senate never considered it for a vote. We must continue this work to protect all marriages across Pennsylvania.”
State Rep. Jessica Benham, co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, supports Kenyatta’s legislation, stating:
“While extremists in Congress and on the Supreme Court threaten to drag this country backwards by undermining marriage equality, my colleagues and I are fighting back. That’s why we’ve introduced legislation to protect same-sex marriage here in our state, because we deserve the freedom to marry without fear, no matter what happens in Washington.”
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August 13, 2025
State Senator Carolyn Comitta released the following statement on her vote against the Republican amended version of HB257 which raises costs for workers and families and robs funding from critical infrastructure improvements.
Public transit is a necessity for our communities and our economy. The clock is ticking to ensure that transit systems across the Commonwealth, including SEPTA, have a sustainable, predictable funding source to help get our residents where they need to go.
The Senate Republican “plan” for transit creates more problems than solutions – raising costs for families and workers, raiding funds for critical capital and infrastructure improvement projects, all while kicking the can down the road and leaving us back in a funding crisis once again two years from now.
It’s time for the Senate Republicans to seriously come to the table and advance legislation passed by the House that funds public transit without a tax increase and keeps our residents and our economy moving.
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August 11, 2025
WEST CHESTER, PA (August 11, 2025) – Small businesses looking to improve their energy efficiency, reduce pollution, and cut operating costs are invited to apply for grant funding through the Small Business Advantage Grant Program from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
The program provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50-80% of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to upgrade or replace equipment or supplies, improve processes, or reduce runoff into affected waterways.
“Improving energy efficiency is a great way for our local businesses to reduce their operating costs, but oftentimes the initial upfront costs can make these upgrades out of reach for small businesses,” said state Senator Carolyn Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “That’s where the Small Business Advantage Grant can help. I encourage any local business looking to make these upgrades to apply for the program as we work to reduce costs and our energy use.”
Maximum grant award amounts will vary from up to $7,500 to up to $12,000, based on the environmental impact of the project and whether the project location is in an Environmental Justice Area in Pennsylvania.
For more information on the program, grant guidelines, and application information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s website.
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July 31, 2025
West Chester, Pa (July 31, 2025) – Hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation. That’s why Pennsylvania’s Sun Bucks program helps families cover grocery costs during the summer break from school.
Now in its second year, Sun Bucks (also known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program or Summer EBT) is a federal program that provides a one-time, seasonal benefit ($120 per child) to families with children who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year.
“In Pennsylvania, 1 in 6 children experience food insecurity. When school is not in session they may miss out on free breakfast and lunch programs,” said state Senator Carolyn Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “Sun Bucks provides important support to help families bridge the gap during the summer, so children maintain access to the nutrition they need to grow, thrive, and return to school ready to learn.”
An estimated 1.3 million children in Pennsylvania qualify for Sun Bucks, which provides $40 per month per eligible child to cover the three summer months – June, July, and August – issued as a single $120 benefit.
“Governor Shapiro made an intentional choice to opt into SUN Bucks for a second year because he understands that hunger doesn’t take a summer break. This program gives families added support when school is not in session for the summer, helping children stay nourished and ready to learn when they return in the fall,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “Just like Pennsylvania’s universal free breakfast program during the school year, SUN Bucks reflects our commitment to ensuring every student has enough food to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Applications are open now through August 31 for the program, but most children who will receive SUN Bucks are automatically eligible and do not need to apply. Many children will be automatically issued Summer-EBT benefits based on their eligibility for Free or Reduced-Priced meals under the National School Lunch Program.
Families can also use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to determine whether they need to apply or if they are automatically eligible.
For families that already have an EBT card, SUN Bucks benefits will be automatically added to this card, if possible, starting in mid-August. Those who do not have an EBT card will receive a Summer EBT card in the mail.
Benefits will be issued beginning in mid-August for Summer 2025, and all 2025 SUN Bucks benefits will be issued by the end of September.
There are several ways for a child to be automatically eligible for SUN Bucks without needing to apply, including:
- Qualifying for SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Qualifying for Medicaid with qualifying income for the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program (NSLP).
- Applying or receiving free or reduced-priced school meals.
Families whose children are not automatically eligible, including those who attend a school where all students receive free or reduced-price school meals under the Community Eligibility Provision but the family does not meet the automatic eligibility criteria will need to complete a SUN Bucks application. Applications can be submitted online or through a local County Assistance Office.
If households are not automatically eligible and believe their child is eligible, they are encouraged to apply. Applications received after the August 31 deadline will be considered for the 2026 SUN Bucks program next summer.
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July 16, 2025
WEST CHESTER, PA (July 16, 2025) – To help the clients of The Crime Victims Center of Chester County (CVC) start the school year with the supplies they need, the office of state Senator Carolyn Comitta is collecting backpacks for their annual Back to School Drive.
“As our students begin to gather supplies for the upcoming school year, we are making sure that the children in families served by the Crime Victims Center have all the supplies they need for a successful year of learning,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “If you are able, please consider supporting the good work of the CVC by donating a backpack to a student in our community.”
New, unused backpack donations will be accepted in the collection box on the first floor of Comitta’s West Chester district office at 17 E. Gay Street. The final day for donations is Friday, August 1st.
Current and former clients of The Crime Victims Center who are interested in attending their Back to School Drive on Saturday, August 9th, must contact reception@cvcofcc.org to RSVP and receive additional registration information.
The Crime Victims Center of Chester County, Inc. has been serving victims since 1973 and is the designated provider of services for sexual violence victims within Chester County. The organization has two hotlines available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for community members in need of assistance. Victims of sexual assault can dial (610) 692-7273 and victims of all other crimes can dial (610) 692-7420.
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July 7, 2025
West Chester, PA (July 7, 2025) – Good Fellowship Ambulance and EMS Training Institute, an emergency medical provider that covers ten municipalities in the West Chester area, is getting a new EMS-capable, all-terrain utility vehicle (UTV) thanks to grant funding secured by state Senators Carolyn Comitta and John Kane.
“When facing a medical emergency, every second counts. I hope this investment helps ensure our local emergency first responders can quickly and safely get to areas that are inaccessible to ambulances to perform their life-saving work,” Comitta said. “I want to thank the staff and volunteers at Good Fellowship and EMS organizations across Chester County for supporting the health and wellness of all people and families in communities across our region.”
“This new all-terrain vehicle is a critical investment in our community’s emergency response capabilities,” said Senator Kane. “By enabling our first responders to reach previously inaccessible areas, we’re bridging gaps in emergency care that can make all the difference when minutes matter. We are so thankful to our dedicated EMS teams for their tireless commitment to serving our community – their selfless work saves lives every day. I’m proud to partner with Senator Comitta to deliver resources that strengthen our local EMS infrastructure and ultimately help these heroes continue their vital mission.”
“This type of equipment is a game-changer for us. Whether we’re trying to reach someone deep in the woods, on a trail, or at a large community event where roads may be blocked off, having a medically equipped UTV allows our crews to get to patients faster and begin providing emergency medical care. Just as important, it gives us the ability to move patients out of those hard-to-reach areas more quickly and safely. We’re grateful for the support that made this possible,” said Charles M. Brogan IV, Executive Director and EMS Chief of Good Fellowship Ambulance and EMS Training Institute.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Good Fellowship Ambulance provides basic, intermediate and/or advanced life support services to ten municipalities including the Borough of West Chester, the townships of West Goshen, East Goshen, Westtown, East Bradford, West Bradford, West Whiteland, Thornbury, Birmingham, and Newlin.
In addition, Good Fellowship provides first aid, CPR and other safety-related educational programs to the community, as well as trained qualified personnel to other Chester County emergency service organizations through its EMS Training Institute.
For more information on Good Fellowship Ambulance and EMS Training Institute and how you can volunteer or help support its efforts, visit goodfellowship.com
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July 3, 2025
West Chester, PA (June 30, 2025) – The Chester County Community Foundation, a nonprofit that connects people who care with causes that matter now and forever, was awarded grant funding to promote “Let Freedom Ring: Dare to Declare” events and activities regionally, thanks to the work of state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
Throughout 2026, our nation will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This is a unique opportunity to recommit to our founding ideals of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, and to explore how these principles continue to shape our democratic experiment. It’s a chance to spotlight Chester County’s vital role in the Revolutionary War, the birth of American democracy, and our ongoing initiatives to ensure liberty and justice for all.
Hyperlocal Community Engagement
The Community Foundation has rooted its America250 activity in hyperlocal regional planning, engaging each community across Chester County to prepare for increased interest from residents and tourists alike. These planning hubs share input from businesses, residents, schools, libraries, arts, culture, heritage, community organizations, civic groups, parks, chambers of commerce, and local government. This is leading to a robust array of locally driven programs, activities and events that showcase unique heritage, culture, and community pride surrounding our pursuit of Liberty and Justice for All.
Everyone can access free online resource kits, promotional assistance, and collaborative guidance – the heartbeat of regional, community-centered commemoration. To get involved, visit https://a250friends.org/planning/
Dare to Declare
A hallmark of the America250 commemorations is Dare to Declare, a flexible, multi-format program of interactive readings, discussions, and civic reflection sessions focusing on the Declaration of Independence.
From historic sites to backyard picnics, taverns to town squares, residents and visitors alike are invited to engage in conversations throughout summer 2026 about America’s founding document. Format versatility is a strength – readings might happen at a city council meeting, on a picnic blanket, during a church service, or at an ice cream social at a park. Local organizations decide what works for their communities and organize Dare to Declare events that represent their sensibilities. Following the readings, participants can join conversations that explore what the Declaration means in their lives, then and now.
Training sessions for facilitators, event hosts, and volunteers will be held online and throughout Chester County, beginning Autumn 2025. Everyone is invited to host and/or participate in Dare to Declare readings, regardless of size or format. The outcome? Stronger knowledge of history and renewed civic dialogue.
For businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders, this is a unique opportunity to shape, showcase, and share our enduring commitment to democratic values. To learn more, visit https://a250friends.org/daretodeclare/
Notes Senator Comitta, “As the nation prepares to mark its 250th birthday, Chester County has a rare opportunity to lead with purpose and pride. Businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, tourists, and residents alike can step up to celebrate not just history, but the values that have shaped – and continue to shape – our communities.”
Adds Community Foundation CEO Karen Simmons, “Whether it’s organizing a neighborhood reading of the Declaration of Independence, supporting heritage events, or engaging in meaningful conversations about freedom and democracy, there’s a role for everyone in this once-in-a-generation moment. Now is the time to connect with your neighbors, explore your community’s Revolutionary roots, and help write the next chapter in our shared American story. Our aim is to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, enriching the community for generations to come. We are extremely grateful to Senator Comitta, her exemplary staff, the PA Department of Community Development and VisitPA for this facilitating this Let Freedom Ring award. Pennsylvania IS the Great American Getaway and the Let Freedom Ring Gateway.”
For more information, visit the Community Foundation at https://chescocf.org or call 610.696.8211.
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