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Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
PA highlights continued investments in violence prevention strategies
Apr. 7—As Pennsylvania sees a welcome decline in homicides statewide, state and local leaders this week stressed the need to continue investing in the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's (PCCD) Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Grant Program to sustain and expand efforts that have contributed to these positive trends. In 2024, Philadelphia saw its lowest homicide rate in a decade, and in Pittsburgh, homicides continued to decrease, down nearly 20% from the previous year. Since 2022, there has been a 42% decrease in total victims of gun violence statewide. "The progress we've made in reducing homicides across Pennsylvania is not an indication that our work is done—it is evidence that our strategies are working," said Lt. Governor Austin Davis, PCCD Chair. "Just as you don't stop medical treatments when symptoms improve, we must not become complacent in the fight against gun violence. Continued and increased investments are essential to ensuring every Pennsylvanian can be safe and feel safe in their community." The Shapiro-Davis Administration's proposed 2025-26 budget includes a $10 million increase for PCCD's VIP Grant Program and an additional $10 million for the Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) initiative — bringing the total proposed investment in PCCD's gun violence prevention programs to $75 million. In the most recent round of funding, PCCD received an overwhelming response with 478 applications requesting more than $174 million — more than three times the current allocation of $56.5 million in funding. A cornerstone of Pennsylvania's violence prevention efforts, the VIP Grant Program has supported 435 local and statewide grant projects addressing the root causes and impacts of community violence. These efforts include mentorship and youth programs, job training, street outreach, enhanced collaboration between law enforcement and community-based organizations, victims' services, and more. Sustained and expanded investments in these programs are particularly critical for populations where gun violence has increased in recent years, including children and adolescents — for whom firearms are the leading cause of death— as well as victims of domestic violence. Keeping communities safe: Senate advances key bills to strengthen crime prevention The Senate took action this week to hold dangerous criminals accountable, according to Sen. Dave Argall (R-29). "These important bills will keep our families and communities safe," said Argall. "Criminals need to know that if they commit these crimes, there will be serious consequences." The Senate approved three key bills to protect Pennsylvania communities: —Senate Bill 92 — would impose tougher penalties on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. A person who sells or engages in a monetary transaction to distribute fentanyl resulting in a death would face a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence upon conviction, to send a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences. —Senate Bill 471 — would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States, ensuring that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. The bill also would prohibit sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies. —Senate Bill 490 — would prohibit non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals, including those who possess 10 grams or more of fentanyl, have a history of violent crime, or assault a law enforcement officer. "These bills fight crime, protect Pennsylvania families, and ensure that our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to uphold justice," Argall said. "Each measure builds upon broader efforts to make Pennsylvania a safer place to live, work and raise a family." State invests more than $1M in veterans services; announces grant awardees through Veterans' Trust Fund program The Shapiro Administration this week announced it has awarded $1,021,640 in grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' (DMVA) Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF). The $1,021,640 in funding raised through donations will support 15 county directors of veterans affairs and 24 nonprofits and veterans service organizations across the commonwealth as they carry out initiatives to address challenges Pennsylvania veterans face, from food and housing insecurity to transportation and behavioral health issues. Since the VTF grant program began in 2013, a total of $8,504,500 has been awarded to organizations that serve Pennsylvania veterans. "Our veterans have served our country and fought for our freedoms, and my administration has their backs," said Gov. Josh Shapiro. "The Veterans' Trust Fund, supported through Pennsylvanians' generous donations, provides vital resources for the organizations that support Pennsylvania's 700,000 veterans — organizations that make sure our veterans can put food on the table, have transportation to get where they need to go, and receive the benefits they earned through their service. We will continue to work to ensure that the brave men and women who protected our freedoms have the opportunity to succeed and can prosper here in the commonwealth." "There are so many incredible veteran advocacy organizations in Pennsylvania, but they can't do all the work without financial support, and that is why the Veterans' Trust Fund is so important," said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the DMVA. "Thanks to the generosity of so many Pennsylvanians, we are able to provide much needed support through the VTF to these organizations." The DMVA directed $201,790 in VTF grant funding to county directors of veterans affairs for new, innovative, or expanded programs or services. —The grantees and the specific award amounts to support veteran outreach initiatives included $15,000 to the Luzerne County Veteran Affairs Office. DMVA also awarded $819,850 in funding to veteran service organizations with 501(c)(19) status and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and a mission of serving Pennsylvania veterans. Funding priorities for grants in this category were social determinants of health, transportation, and employment. —The grantees, the specific award amounts, and the programs supported included Camp Freedom, LLC (Carbondale, Wayne County) — $40,000 to provide disabled veterans all-inclusive hunting experiences PA Senate committee advances bill to increase pensions for disabled veterans The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee has unanimously approved legislation to increase the monthly pension amounts for Pennsylvania's Blind Veterans Pension Program and the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program. Senate Bill 534, reintroduced by Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) and Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37), would raise the monthly pension payments from $150 to $180 for veterans who suffered service-connected injuries resulting in blindness, paralysis or the loss of two or more extremities. Under current law, eligible Pennsylvania veterans receive $150 per month through these programs. The last increase occurred in 1999. If enacted, this legislation would provide much-needed financial relief to nearly 2,500 veterans across the commonwealth. As of Nov. 30, 2024, the Blind Veterans Pension Program benefits 98 individuals, while the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program serves 2,345 individuals. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Looser education rules floated as fix to Pennsylvania's troubled home care workforce
This story first appeared in How We Care, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA featuring original reporting and perspectives on how we care for one another at all stages of life. Sign up for free here. HARRISBURG — Workers who help older adults with daily activities would no longer need a high school diploma or GED under a bill designed to boost employment in an industry that faces high turnover and rising demand. The bill, introduced by state Sen. Dave Argall (R., Schuylkill), would instead require potential employees to pass a competency exam. 'It's very evident that there just aren't enough people working there,' Argall said of the workforce. Advocates for nurses, caregivers, and older adults largely support the bill's intent, but argue that a more direct solution would be to increase wages. There are more than 213,000 direct care workers in the state, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. They help over 400,000 Pennsylvanians with tasks such as eating, getting dressed, and bathing, according to the Pennsylvania Homecare Association, which represents the agencies most of those caregivers work for. Austin Cawley, director of legislative affairs at LeadingAge PA, which advocates for companies that provide services to older adults, supports the change to the educational requirement. But higher pay, he told Spotlight PA, would better address the problems facing the industry. Pay depends on the kind of direct care work, but averages to a little less than $15 an hour, according to federal data. Agencies pay direct care workers through the state's Medicaid program, which reimburses them. They take a portion of the reimbursement for administrative and training costs, and pay employees the rest. Pennsylvania caps the hourly reimbursement rate at $20.63, around $5 lower than those of its neighbors. Nursing homes and agencies have pushed for years for the state to raise the rate and in turn worker pay. Direct care workers are mostly employed by home care agencies and provide a range of nonmedical services to older adults. This support can help older people maintain independence and comfort as they age, which can keep them out of costly nursing facilities. Under Pennsylvania law, direct care work requires a high school diploma or equivalent GED certificate, or completion of a nurse's aide program, which teaches basic nursing assistant skills. State law also mandates that workers must be over 18 and free from certain medical conditions, including drug or alcohol addiction. (Some 16- and 17-year-olds are permitted to provide direct care, but restrictions apply to their work.) Argall's bill would direct the Department of Human Services to administer the test, but doesn't specify how, nor does it say who would write it or what exactly would be examined. According to the bill language, the exam would assess interpersonal communication skills, basic writing and reading comprehension, understanding of cultural and diverse communities, and awareness of mental and behavioral health needs. Kathy Cubit, an advocacy manager for the Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of Elders, expressed reservations about loosening the educational rule. To ensure dropping the requirement doesn't diminish the quality of care, she would prefer to see the proposal piloted before it is implemented across the state. 'There's just so much at stake for both the worker and the resident, you want to make sure the work is being done right,' said Cubit, who otherwise supports the legislation. The bill is part of a package of legislation Argall introduced to encourage people to work as caregivers as more Pennsylvanians reach retirement age. 'What we're trying to do is encourage more people to consider this as a profession, and in so doing, that helps everyone,' Argall said. 'Give it a chance. You might like it, you might not — but give it a chance.' The other bills would permit 11th and 12th graders to work in direct care for school credit and add long-term care training to the state's nurse aide curriculum. Previous versions of the bills passed with bipartisan support in the state Senate last session. As part of this year's budget, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro pitched a $21 million funding increase to bump the pay of some direct care workers. These caregivers are paid through the Community HealthChoices waiver, a program that helps older adults and Pennsylvanians with physical disabilities directly hire support instead of going through an agency. Some critics called the proposal too narrow because it would apply only to caregivers who receive that waiver. The Pennsylvania Homecare Association said in a statement that the proposal 'disregards' hundreds of thousands of workers in the industry. Shapiro's funding pitch faces long odds despite the relatively low cost. State Senate Republicans have pushed back against the governor's proposed budget, arguing it would worsen Pennsylvania's structural deficit. Cody Jones, senior director of government affairs for the home care association, did not comment on Argall's legislation, but emphasized that the state's caregiver shortage 'cannot be solved' without increased wages. If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State legislators announce hundreds of thousands of dollars in state grants
Jan. 29—WILKES-BARRE — Local legislators on Tuesday announced hundreds of thousands of dollars in state grants for projects in their districts. Sen. Marty Flynn (D-Scranton), Rep. Jim Haddock (D-Pittston Township), Sen. Dave Argall (R-Pottsville) and Rep. Dane Watro (R-Hazleton) all announced grants for projects that address flood mitigation, recreation and the environment. "These grants represent a significant investment in the safety, quality of life, and environmental resilience of our communities," said Flynn. "From upgrading parks and trails to implementing vital flood mitigation projects, this funding will have a meaningful impact on residents throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties." Haddock added, "Each of these projects will deliver a significant improvement for the communities they involve." Flood mitigation projects: — Jenkins Township — Main Street Flood Mitigation Project (Luzerne County): $150,000 to to construct a gravity stormwater drainage system to prevent regular flooding on Main Street. The project includes installing four new manholes and eight catch basins. "Main Street in Jenkins Township regularly faces flooding during water events leading to damaged property and impeded access to the surrounding properties, including 20 residences and one commercial property," Haddock said. "This project will help to alleviate that from occurring." Greenways, trails, and recreation projects: — Pittston City — Laurel Line Trail (Luzerne County): $42,500 to improve accessibility and amenities along the trail. The project includes engineering and professional services to develop a plan for a new trail system on the former Laurel Line rail line. — Pittston Township — Oriole Park Renovation Project (Luzerne County): $125,000 to upgrade park infrastructure and enhance recreational opportunities, including the existing basketball court and replacing playground equipment and upgrading the mulched areas for the playground equipment fall zones. "The playground equipment is outdated and deteriorating, which now poses potential safety issues for the public that use the park," Haddock said. "By updating the facility, visitors will be able to safely use the new equipment and enjoy the outdoor recreation." Rep. Watro, Sen. Argall, Rep. Walsh announce grants Rep. Dane Watro, Sen. Dave Argall, and Rep. Jamie Walsh (R-Ross Township) announced the awarding of several grants. The grants are as follows: —$149,590 for McAdoo Borough to convert tennis courts at Veterans Memorial Park into two pickleball courts. —$100,000 for Hazle Township to complete phase two of the Community Park master plan, including the rehabilitation of the 0.26-mile trail and the addition of a parking area. —$68,255 for the Freeland YMCA to develop a new childcare center at their location next to the Freeland Public Park. "I supported the funding for the park improvements because these projects will provide lasting benefits to our communities, offering recreational opportunities for all ages and enhancing the quality of life for residents of all ages," Watro said. "I'm grateful this highly competitive state funding will provide new opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors," said Argall. "Our communities are healthier and stronger when we have quality parks and trails for all to enjoy." Rep. Walsh said the Freeland YMCA is developing a new childcare center at their location next to the Freeland Public Park and is working with the borough to make the park safe for full classes of children to use. Work is expected to include the installation of four-foot-high fences, wood mulch around the playground equipment, and topsoil at areas of erosion along the borders of the park. "Childcare is a necessity for working families," said Argall. "This project is a key step towards opening this new center and will also greatly improve the park for nearby residents looking to enjoy the outdoors." "With this generous state investment, Freeland Borough is taking important steps to enhance the safety and well-being of the community's children, ensuring a secure and enjoyable environment for families to gather with peace of mind," said Walsh. The grants were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) and made available through the Department of Community and Economic Development's Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
