PA Budget Protects Our Most Vulnerable Citizens
In late June, the General Assembly passed, and the governor signed, the 2021-22 state budget into law. In recent weeks, I have been sharing more details about the plan and how it meets today’s needs while also planning for the future.
Recognizing the ongoing costs related to COVID-19 mitigation, this budget allocates $282 million in federal relief funds to help nursing homes, assisted living and personal care homes with costs related to personal protective equipment (PPE), staff testing and other pandemic-related costs. The budget funds services for an additional 832 people living with intellectual disabilities, as well as home and community-based services to 501 additional older Pennsylvanians. Finally, a new dedicated funding source is established to provide $9.3 million in Tobacco Settlement Fund dollars annually for pediatric cancer research.
New Law to Provide Caregivers Access to their Loved Ones
In response to the forced isolation of long-term care residents from their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have adopted a new state law to ensure this tragedy does not happen again. Act 67 of 2021 will safely allow family members to visit long-term care facilities as essential caregivers for our most vulnerable citizens. Mirroring regulations already successfully implemented in Minnesota and Indiana, the law amends the Pennsylvania Health Care Facilities Act to allow a designated essential family caregiver to be named for each resident of a licensed long-term care facility during a declaration of disaster emergency. Too many long-term care residents died alone or experienced a significant decline in their physical and mental well-being due to pandemic isolation. This law recognizes the importance of a holistic approach to caring for these residents in emergency situations.
PennDOT Seeking Workers for Winter Maintenance Program
While we are still feeling the summer heat, PennDOT is preparing for cooler weather by gearing up for its winter maintenance program, which will run from September through April to supplement the permanent workforce. Positions and paid hourly rates are as follows: transportation equipment/CDL operator ($17.05-$19.24, based on location); diesel and construction equipment mechanic ($20.40-$21.70, based on location); auto mechanic ($18.08); semi-skilled laborer ($16.05); tradesman helper ($16.05); welder ($18.08); radio dispatcher ($14.25); custodial worker ($14.25); and stock clerk ($14.25). Anyone wishing to apply should visit employment.pa.gov and go to the PennDOT Winter Maintenance Program posting under the "Open Jobs" section of the website.
REAL ID Deadline Extended to 2023
The Department of Homeland Security has postponed enforcement for REAL ID to May 3, 2023, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and national emergency declaration. Beginning May 3, 2023, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or other form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID, to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID.
Specialty Crop Block Grants
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is inviting proposals for the Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant program.
Eligible projects will stimulate market growth and enhance the competitive position of crops designated as high priority for their potential to feed Pennsylvania’s economy and boost environmental sustainability. Eligible high-priority crops include hemp, hops, hardwoods, honey; and barley, rye and wheat for distilling, brewing and malting. Click here to review grant guidelines.
A percentage of funds will be designated to projects in rural communities with at least 20% of the population below the federal poverty line.
Proposals must be submitted through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Electronic Single Application. Applicants with questions about eligible projects or procedures should email Morgan Sheffield, the department’s grants manager, at msheffield@pa.gov.
