Markosek: Nearly $1.2 million in water, sewer grants awarded

(Aug 17, 2020)

MONROEVILLE, Aug. 17 – Five grants totaling nearly $1.2 million approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority will fund vital sewer and flood management projects, state Rep. Brandon Markosek announced. “These infrastructure projects are worthwhile investments in our communities’ quality of life, addressing a number of sewer and flooding concerns,” said Markosek. “These state funds will make sure that critical repairs are made to fix these problems and prevent more costly repairs in the future.” The funded projects are as follows: PA Small Water and Sewer grants Monroeville Municipal Authority ($422,675) – Funding to be used to fix sanitary sewer overflow issue on Woodhaven Avenue in Monroeville Borough with the goal of reducing/ eliminating sanitary sewer overflow events. North Versailles Township Sanitary Authority ($146,942) – These funds will be used to repair the aging and defective Star Alley sewer line. H20 PA grants Monroeville Municipal Authority ($300,000) – These funds will be used toward the rehabilitation of a sanitary sewer overflow issue on Woodhaven Drive to reduce or eliminate the number of sanitary sewer overflow events. North Versailles Township Sanitary Authority ($200,000)­ – This project will use grant funds to construct two new pump stations in the township to help mitigate issues from a major landslide Read more

 

Markosek: A combined $263K awarded to technical center, school district

(Aug 06, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 6 – On Thursday, a technical center and a local school district were awarded a combined total of $263,006 in education funding, announced state Rep. Brandon Markosek. The Forbes Road Career Technical Center was awarded $186,856, funding that was set aside to assist the center in implementing public and safety plans and to help resume operations. Markosek said the Continuity of Education and Equity Grants provide funding to support effective continuity of education programs such as summer and other expanded programming and industry credential assessments for students enrolled in CTCs negatively impacted by COVID-19 mitigation efforts. “This funding, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, is crucial to the forward progression of many educational and technical careers in our community,” Markosek said. “I’m grateful the commonwealth recognizes the importance of continued education, even in the wake of a pandemic.” In addition, Markosek said the Woodland Hills School District was awarded $76,150 in Governor's Emergency Education Relief funding for the 2020-21 academic year. Markosek said this funding will be used to purchase computer equipment, such as laptops, tablets and internet hot spots, or used toward providing instructional materials, such as paper lessons and coursework. CEEG grants are designed to help provide access and inclusion for all Read more

 

State Fire Commissioner Opens $50 Million Grant Program to Support Fire, Rescue and EMS Companies Affected by COVID-19

(Jul 09, 2020)

Harrisburg, PA – State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego announced today that the Office of State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) opened registration on July 6 for state grants aimed at providing direct financial relief to fire, rescue and emergency medical service (EMS) companies negatively impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. “Fire, rescue and EMS companies throughout the state have struggled since the state began taking action to curtail the spread of COVID-19,” said Trego. “Increased operational tempo, and an inability to raise funds through community events have hit these organizations hard. The financial lifeline these grants provide will help hundreds of companies keep their lights on.” Of the $50 million in funding set aside for this new program, $44 million will be made available to fire and rescue companies and the remaining $6 million will go to EMS companies. Grant funding must be used for operational and equipment expenses. Additional guidance, including detailed registration instructions are available online at OSFC’s website . The registration period for this grant program ends August 7, 2020 at 4:00 P.M. Read more

 

Markosek’s bill exempting CARES Act funding from state, local tax unanimously passes House

(May 04, 2020)

HARRISBURG, May 4 – On Monday, state Rep. Brandon Markosek’s H.B. 2408 that would exempt cash payments disbursed by the CARES Act from state and local taxation was unanimously passed by the state House of Representatives. “COVID-19 has been harsh for all residents in one form or another. Unfortunately, many struggled financially due to a sudden loss of income, which is why the CARES Act was passed. This funding was exempt from federal taxation with hopes that it would maximize the impact of the distributed funding. This bill does the same exact thing at the state level,” Markosek said. Congress recently voted and passed the CARES Act, which was put in place to help residents and businesses stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in the coronavirus response were provisions to provide cash payments to people making less than $99,000 and couples making less than $198,000. These funds are exempt from federal taxation. Markosek’s bill seeks to ensure the funds are exempt from state and local taxation, too. “I’m grateful to know that even in our darkest moments, my colleagues and I are willing and able to set aside political differences and vote on bills that can truly make a difference in the commonwealth,” Markosek said. H.B. 2408 now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Markosek seeks to exempt CARES Act funding from state, local taxation

(Apr 09, 2020)

HARRISBURG, April 9 – Looking to maximize relief and minimize the financial burden associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, on Thursday introduced legislation that would exempt the cash payments disbursed by the CARES Act from state and local taxation. “This is much-needed money for many families in Pennsylvania who have lost their source of income due to COVID-19 state emergency,” Markosek said. “The funding from the CARES Act is meant to help state residents – not add to their struggles. My bill seeks to ensure the CARES Act remains a positive legislative measure for Pennsylvanians at the state level.” Congress recently voted and passed the CARES Act, which was put in place to help residents and businesses stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in the coronavirus response were provisions to provide cash payments to people making less than $99,000 and couples making less than $198,000. These funds are exempt from federal taxation. Markosek’s bill seeks to ensure the funds are exempt from state and local taxation, too. “It’s our responsibility to minimize the negative impact felt by Pennsylvanians due to the ongoing health crisis, so it’s my hope that my colleagues will see the benefit of this legislation and move it through the state House,” Markosek said. State Sen. Jim Brewster, D-Allegheny, has Read more

 

Markosek: Local school districts awarded $606K in state funding

(Feb 26, 2020)

A total of $606,508 in state funding was awarded to four school districts in the 25th Legislative District for the implementation of school safety initiatives, announced state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny. Read more