Latest news with #PennsylvaniaDepartmentofLaborandIndustry
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
L&I assists thousands with unemployment compensation claims
Jun. 1—WILKES-BARRE — Now in its third year, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry's (L&I) UC Connect program continues to provide essential, in-person assistance to Pennsylvanians looking for help navigating the Unemployment Compensation (UC) system. Since its launch in May 2022, UC Connect has helped more than 106,000 Pennsylvanians resolve claims, navigate eligibility issues, and connect to community-based resources, helping more than 700 people in April 2025 alone. Offered at PA CareerLink locations statewide, UC Connect appointments are tailored to claimants who lack reliable internet, are unfamiliar with digital systems, or need language support. With sustained demand for in-person help, L&I has embedded UC Connect into its long-term customer service model. "As UC Connect enters its third year, it remains a necessary and effective tool for delivering unemployment services equitably," said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. "In-person support ensures that no Pennsylvanian is left out of the system simply because they don't have access to broadband or need help understanding the process. L&I has expanded UC Connect's services and took the initiative statewide, and it's clear that our efforts are making a difference in delivering faster, better service for Pennsylvanians." After initially launched as a pilot program in 2022, UC Connect was made a permanent service through bipartisan investments in the 2023 — 24 budget, enabling L&I to hire more than 380 UC interviewers to expand service delivery across Pennsylvania. Unemployment Compensation system update The Department first eliminated a backlog of 40,000 claims from the pandemic era — each requiring case-by-case review — within seven months. The Department then shifted focus to scaling up staff, reducing wait times, and improving access for all Pennsylvanians. Key service highlights from April 2025 include: —Average call wait time was reduced to 18 minutes and 56 seconds. —5,321 live chat sessions were completed—an increase from the same time last year —44,077 new UC claims were filed —$157 million in UC benefits was paid to 99,518 individuals —86,616 helpline calls were answered —13,965 email inquiries were processed —709 individuals received in-person assistance through UC Connect Since the beginning of 2025, L&I has paid out $784 million in UC benefits to more than 483,000 individuals, responded to 361,258 helpline calls, and provided 3,112 UC Connect appointments. Risk-limiting audit of 2025 primary election begins The Department of State this week began Pennsylvania's statewide risk-limiting election audit (RLA) of the May 20 primary. "This is our sixth statewide risk-limiting audit since the 2022 general election," Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said. "RLAs are proven to be the highest standard of comprehensive election audits because the RLA process provides a statistically sound, scientific method for confirming, with a high degree of confidence, that the reported outcome of the audited election is accurate." Schmidt said 10 Department employees took turns rolling 10-sided dice to deliver the random 20-digit "seed number," which is used to determine which batches of ballots counties will audit over the next several days. A random-selection drawing on May 23, resulted in the selection of the contest for the Republican nomination for Judge of Commonwealth Court for this RLA. During the audit, county officials will hand-tally the randomly selected ballot batches, then compare those vote counts to the original machine counts for the selected race. Known as a "batch comparison" type of RLA, this pre-certification audit can confirm whether counties accurately tabulated paper ballots so that a full hand count would produce the same reported outcome. The RLA will be carried out in addition to the 2% statutorily required review that counties must perform after each primary and general election in Pennsylvania. For that review, county officials are required to conduct a statistical recount of a random sample of at least 2% of all ballots cast, or 2,000 ballots, whichever is fewer. Counties must complete the RLA by June 5, and they must certify all election results to Schmidt by June 9. Fetterman joins push to return stolen art to Holocaust survivors U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, is pushing legislation to help survivors of the Holocaust and their families reclaim tens of thousands of pieces of artwork stripped from them by the Nazis. The bill, sponsored by Fetterman and a bipartisan group of lawmakers, attempts to smooth the legal process for these survivors or their heirs as they petition the courts for return of the art, according to a news release. Though Congress passed a bill with the same aim nearly a decade ago, some museums, institutions and governments have stonewalled and battled families in their reclamation efforts, Fetterman's office said. "Some 80 years after the Holocaust, we have a moral responsibility to do right by the victims of these atrocities and their families," Fetterman said in a statement. The proposal extends the original Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act, which is set to expire at the end of 2026. Recognizing the difficulty of tracking down artwork stolen during the Holocaust, Congress in 2016 passed the act to give families six years to file a legal claim for a piece after they've located it. The new bill backed by Fetterman also seeks to make sure families' court claims get fair consideration on their merits rather than being dismissed over technicalities, the release stated. During the Holocaust, Nazi Germany seized hundreds of thousands of pieces of artwork from Jewish people. While the U.S. and other allied nations have tried to restore these valuables to their rightful owners, more than 100,000 pieces still have not been given back, according to Fetterman's office. Fetterman is co-sponsoring the bill introduced by U.S. Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut. DCNR: Free menstrual products available in 68 state parks Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn this week was joined by First Lady Lori Shapiro and members of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement to announce a new initiative that makes free menstrual products available in 68 state parks across Pennsylvania. The products are now stocked in park offices, visitor centers, and environmental educational centers at participating parks, offering a convenient and essential resource for visitors. Signage in English and Spanish helps park-goers locate where products are available. This effort is part of the Shapiro Administration's broader work to make public spaces across the Commonwealth more accessible and supportive for all. The announcement coincides with Menstrual Hygiene Day — highlighting the importance of addressing period poverty through public policy and access. "I've been so inspired by all the young women I've met who are making their voices heard and starting conversations on period poverty — talking so comfortably about something that, for so long, has been a taboo subject," said First Lady Shapiro. "Thanks to them speaking up, Pennsylvania has taken some major steps to ensure more women have access to basic hygiene supplies throughout the day. I want everyone to be able to enjoy their time outdoors, and DCNR's work to get free menstrual products in the bathrooms and visitor offices of our state parks is critical to making our outdoor spaces welcoming to everyone." "No one should have to cut an outdoor adventure short because of their period — DCNR has you covered," said Secretary Dunn. "We are committed to creating inclusive, welcoming outdoor spaces — and that means meeting people's basic needs without stigma or barriers." DCNR will evaluate the program's success and expand it to additional park locations in the future. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Corelle Brands, once known as Corning, leaving Greencastle after 65 years
A long-standing Greencastle employer will close its doors this year, eliminating more than 300 jobs. See the pictures: Cheers to the Greencastle Craft Beer Wine & Spirits Festival A WARN (Worker Readjustment and Retraining Notification Act) notice was recently filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for Corelle Brands, located at 12000 Molly Pitcher Highway. A total of 323 jobs are affected. The closure is planned in three waves between June and November, according to the notice: First wave: June 9 Impacting 192 workers Second wave: Sept. 30 Impacting 106 workers Third wave: Nov. 17 Impacting 25 workers The Corelle Brands facility is still referred to around the area as Corning, as the kitchenware maker was it was known when it opened in 1960. It has also operated under the names World Kitchen and Instant Brands. At its peak, the warehousing and distribution operation employed more than 600 people. Historic Pennsylvania German farmstead: 'Hands-on history' highlighted by new director as Renfrew turns 50 in Waynesboro Sixty-five years ago, it was a ground-breaking distribution center for the region. Today, transportation and logistics account for 13% of the total Franklin County workforce, according to Franklin County Area Development Corp. Corelle Brands did not respond to an email request for more information. This article originally appeared on Waynesboro Record Herald: Corelle Brands, Greencastle, closing, eliminating more than 300 jobs
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Forest Hills School District, Admiral Peary AVTS receiving state grants, officials say
EBENSBURG - Two area school district will receive $499,120 in state grant money to help them with employment and training opportunities for students planning to enter the workforce after high school, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-East Taylor Township and state Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr., R-Richland Township announced on Saturday. These Schools-to-Work grants, awarded to Forest Hills School District and Admiral Peary Area Vocational Technical School from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, will help schools expand pre-apprenticeships, classroom training and job shadowing initiatives. "College isn't for everyone, and this funding will help those students who choose differently so they can avoid barriers to employment and work toward their future career path,' Burns said. 'It's important to make sure students are prepared for the high-demand jobs by getting the hands-on training they need to enter the workforce in these careers, which also gives employers access to a qualified workforce.' Langerholc said he was pleased to see this funding secured for the expansion of workforce development programs at Forest Hills School District and Admiral Peary AVTS. 'These programs will help address the workforce shortage facing our area by preparing students to enter apprenticeships programs in critical fields that support our regional economy," he said. Forest Hills School District will use its $250,000 for pre-apprenticeship training in Computer-Aided Design and Drafting and Industrial Manufacturing. The Future-Ready Ranger initiative creates a structured pathway with STEM/CADD education in seventh and eighth grades and specialized training by ninth grade. Admiral Peary ATVS will use its $239,120 grant to enhance its welding pre-apprenticeship program with new training materials, safety gear, welding machines and work with partnered apprenticeship programs to improve enrollment and transition statistics. Both legislators said they supported increasing funding for vo-tech, career and technical education and apprenticeships by nearly $65 million in the past two state budgets.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP: Gov. Shapiro highlights investments to grow PA's health care workforce
Mar. 10—WILKES-BARRE — Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker this week visited Temple Women and Families — part of Temple University Health System (TUHS) — to highlight the investments included in the Governor's 2025-26 budget proposal aimed at tackling Pennsylvania's nursing shortage and strengthening the Commonwealth's health care workforce. The Governor's budget proposal includes a first-time state-level investment of $5 million to create the Nurse Shortage Assistance Program, which will provide funding to hospitals that partner with nursing schools to cover tuition costs for students who commit to a three-year work placement at Pennsylvania hospitals after graduation. This initiative aims to build a pipeline of trained nursing professionals — boosting retention, limiting turnover and helping maintain a skilled health care workforce that delivers high-quality care all across the Commonwealth. "We need to take action now to address Pennsylvania's nursing shortage, and my budget makes strategic investments to do just that," said Gov. Shapiro. "By expanding education programs, providing tuition assistance, and strengthening workforce pipelines, we can ensure hospitals have the skilled professionals they need to deliver high-quality patient care. We know this model of tuition assistance works, and for the first time ever, we are proposing to help nursing students with an investment of state dollars that not only gives them peace of mind but creates a pipeline of new, highly trained nurses for our communities." According to a Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) survey, Pennsylvania hospitals reported that an average of 14% of their nursing positions are unfilled, leaving existing nurses stretched thin and working longer hours. The situation is projected to worsen, with the state expected to face a shortage of 20,000 nurses by 2026. "Gov. Shapiro's proposed investment in our nursing workforce comes at a crucial time, as skilled and qualified workers are critically needed to meet the high demand for nursing professionals," said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. Addressing Pennsylvania's nursing and health care workforce shortages This strategic investment builds on the steps Gov, Shapiro and his Administration have already taken to attract more nurses and health care workers to Pennsylvania's workforce, including: —Expanding nursing apprenticeships: Secured $2 million in the 2024-25 budget for Pennsylvania's first nursing registered apprenticeship programs to help fill critical workforce gaps. —Implementing the Nurse Licensure Compact: Allowed nurses with multistate licenses from 40 other states to practice in Pennsylvania, increasing access to care. —Investing in the substance use disorder (SUD) workforce: Allocated $22 million last year to support 400 SUD professionals, with a total $40 million investment helping nearly 675 professionals through student loan repayment programs funded by opioid settlement dollars. Gov. Shapiro's 2025-26 proposed budget further invests in Pennsylvania's health care workforce by addressing critical shortages and expanding access to care, including: —$5 million to expand the Primary Care Loan Repayment Program at the Pennsylvania Department of Health, offering loan repayment for physicians, dentists, and psychologists who commit to working in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas like rural communities. —$10 million to expand behavioral health loan repayment programs, ensuring providers are available statewide — including in rural communities — to meet the growing demand for mental health care and address a critical workforce shortage. —$5 million to educate, train, and recruit nursing professionals through tuition support, ensuring a steady pipeline of highly trained professionals in rural hospitals. —Legislation to grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners who have worked under a physician for three years, increasing access to care in under-served communities. —Enhancing postpartum depression screening and intervention efforts to ensure equitable access to maternal health care. Rep. Meuser's bill to improve oversight at SBA passes House Small Business Committee The House Small Business Committee this week passed H.R. 1804 — the Small Business 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act — introduced by U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas. The legislation passed with unanimous bipartisan support. The bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Credit Risk Management (OCRM) to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the performance of and risk associated with loans generated through loan agent activity. The SBA's Inspector General has reported that nearly 15% of all 7(a) loans involve a loan agent. However, over the last decade, more than $335 million in documented loan agent fraud has been reported. Meuser said this legislation ensures that Congress receives the necessary data to provide proper oversight of the SBA's flagship loan program. It mandates reporting on the number of loans processed with the assistance of loan agents, default rates associated with those loans, and requires the SBA to conduct a risk analysis on agents participating in the program. "Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers to growth for entrepreneurs, and the SBA's 7(a) Loan Program must be efficient, stable, and well-managed," Meuser said. "Unfortunately, the SBA's Office of Inspector General has identified a growing need for stronger oversight of 7(a) loan agents due to increased fraud risks, with over $335 million in documented loan agent fraud in the last decade." Meuser said his bill ensures that both Congress and the SBA have the necessary data to provide proper oversight by requiring the SBA's Office of Credit Risk Management to collect and report on fraudulent loans, default rates, and risk analysis of loan agents operating within the program. "Strengthening transparency and accountability will protect taxpayer dollars, ensure the 7(a) Loan Program remains a successful public-private partnership, and help small businesses continue to access the capital they need to grow," Meuser said. "I look forward to working with SBA Administrator Loeffler to uphold this program's record of success and to restore the prudent underwriting standards that were removed under the Biden administration." In Fiscal Year 2023, Meuser said the SBA's 7(a) loan program facilitated approximately 47,700 loans totaling $25.7 billion. The program serves as the SBA's primary lending tool for small businesses that cannot obtain credit elsewhere. Rather than issuing direct loans, the SBA provides loan guarantees to private lenders to support small business growth. Rep. Meuser announces new Chief of Staff U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week announced a key transition within his D.C. office as his Chief of Staff, Tim Costa, prepares to depart Capitol Hill. Costa, a valued member of Meuser's team since January 2023, will officially step down for a role in the private sector. While he is leaving Meuser's congressional office, Costa will remain directly involved as a trusted political advisor. Stepping into the role of Chief of Staff is Matthew Perricone, who has served on Rep. Meuser's staff since his first term. Perricone, currently serving as Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff, brings years of experience and a deep understanding of Pennsylvania's Ninth District to the position. In this role, he will oversee both Meuser's District and D.C. offices, as well as his legislative agenda. A native of New Jersey, Perricone holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Government from the Catholic University of America, Class of 2019. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP: Gov. Shapiro highlights investments to grow PA's health care workforce
Mar. 10—WILKES-BARRE — Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker this week visited Temple Women and Families — part of Temple University Health System (TUHS) — to highlight the investments included in the Governor's 2025-26 budget proposal aimed at tackling Pennsylvania's nursing shortage and strengthening the Commonwealth's health care workforce. The Governor's budget proposal includes a first-time state-level investment of $5 million to create the Nurse Shortage Assistance Program, which will provide funding to hospitals that partner with nursing schools to cover tuition costs for students who commit to a three-year work placement at Pennsylvania hospitals after graduation. This initiative aims to build a pipeline of trained nursing professionals — boosting retention, limiting turnover and helping maintain a skilled health care workforce that delivers high-quality care all across the Commonwealth. "We need to take action now to address Pennsylvania's nursing shortage, and my budget makes strategic investments to do just that," said Gov. Shapiro. "By expanding education programs, providing tuition assistance, and strengthening workforce pipelines, we can ensure hospitals have the skilled professionals they need to deliver high-quality patient care. We know this model of tuition assistance works, and for the first time ever, we are proposing to help nursing students with an investment of state dollars that not only gives them peace of mind but creates a pipeline of new, highly trained nurses for our communities." According to a Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) survey, Pennsylvania hospitals reported that an average of 14% of their nursing positions are unfilled, leaving existing nurses stretched thin and working longer hours. The situation is projected to worsen, with the state expected to face a shortage of 20,000 nurses by 2026. "Gov. Shapiro's proposed investment in our nursing workforce comes at a crucial time, as skilled and qualified workers are critically needed to meet the high demand for nursing professionals," said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. Addressing Pennsylvania's nursing and health care workforce shortages This strategic investment builds on the steps Gov, Shapiro and his Administration have already taken to attract more nurses and health care workers to Pennsylvania's workforce, including: —Expanding nursing apprenticeships: Secured $2 million in the 2024-25 budget for Pennsylvania's first nursing registered apprenticeship programs to help fill critical workforce gaps. —Implementing the Nurse Licensure Compact: Allowed nurses with multistate licenses from 40 other states to practice in Pennsylvania, increasing access to care. —Investing in the substance use disorder (SUD) workforce: Allocated $22 million last year to support 400 SUD professionals, with a total $40 million investment helping nearly 675 professionals through student loan repayment programs funded by opioid settlement dollars. Gov. Shapiro's 2025-26 proposed budget further invests in Pennsylvania's health care workforce by addressing critical shortages and expanding access to care, including: —$5 million to expand the Primary Care Loan Repayment Program at the Pennsylvania Department of Health, offering loan repayment for physicians, dentists, and psychologists who commit to working in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas like rural communities. —$10 million to expand behavioral health loan repayment programs, ensuring providers are available statewide — including in rural communities — to meet the growing demand for mental health care and address a critical workforce shortage. —$5 million to educate, train, and recruit nursing professionals through tuition support, ensuring a steady pipeline of highly trained professionals in rural hospitals. —Legislation to grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners who have worked under a physician for three years, increasing access to care in under-served communities. —Enhancing postpartum depression screening and intervention efforts to ensure equitable access to maternal health care. Rep. Meuser's bill to improve oversight at SBA passes House Small Business Committee The House Small Business Committee this week passed H.R. 1804 — the Small Business 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act — introduced by U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas. The legislation passed with unanimous bipartisan support. The bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Credit Risk Management (OCRM) to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the performance of and risk associated with loans generated through loan agent activity. The SBA's Inspector General has reported that nearly 15% of all 7(a) loans involve a loan agent. However, over the last decade, more than $335 million in documented loan agent fraud has been reported. Meuser said this legislation ensures that Congress receives the necessary data to provide proper oversight of the SBA's flagship loan program. It mandates reporting on the number of loans processed with the assistance of loan agents, default rates associated with those loans, and requires the SBA to conduct a risk analysis on agents participating in the program. "Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers to growth for entrepreneurs, and the SBA's 7(a) Loan Program must be efficient, stable, and well-managed," Meuser said. "Unfortunately, the SBA's Office of Inspector General has identified a growing need for stronger oversight of 7(a) loan agents due to increased fraud risks, with over $335 million in documented loan agent fraud in the last decade." Meuser said his bill ensures that both Congress and the SBA have the necessary data to provide proper oversight by requiring the SBA's Office of Credit Risk Management to collect and report on fraudulent loans, default rates, and risk analysis of loan agents operating within the program. "Strengthening transparency and accountability will protect taxpayer dollars, ensure the 7(a) Loan Program remains a successful public-private partnership, and help small businesses continue to access the capital they need to grow," Meuser said. "I look forward to working with SBA Administrator Loeffler to uphold this program's record of success and to restore the prudent underwriting standards that were removed under the Biden administration." In Fiscal Year 2023, Meuser said the SBA's 7(a) loan program facilitated approximately 47,700 loans totaling $25.7 billion. The program serves as the SBA's primary lending tool for small businesses that cannot obtain credit elsewhere. Rather than issuing direct loans, the SBA provides loan guarantees to private lenders to support small business growth. Rep. Meuser announces new Chief of Staff U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week announced a key transition within his D.C. office as his Chief of Staff, Tim Costa, prepares to depart Capitol Hill. Costa, a valued member of Meuser's team since January 2023, will officially step down for a role in the private sector. While he is leaving Meuser's congressional office, Costa will remain directly involved as a trusted political advisor. Stepping into the role of Chief of Staff is Matthew Perricone, who has served on Rep. Meuser's staff since his first term. Perricone, currently serving as Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff, brings years of experience and a deep understanding of Pennsylvania's Ninth District to the position. In this role, he will oversee both Meuser's District and D.C. offices, as well as his legislative agenda. A native of New Jersey, Perricone holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Government from the Catholic University of America, Class of 2019. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
