Pennsylvania Archives

Politics

Pennsylvania Governor Nominates Alison Beam as Secretary of Health

Gov. Wolf to Nominate Alison Beam as Secretary of Health, Names Dr. Wendy Braund as Interim Acting Physician General Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Governor Tom Wolf announced his intention to nominate Alison Beam to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and named Dr. Wendy Braund Interim Acting Physician General. “Alison Beam is a talented public servant who brings years of experience in health care policy and implementation to this position,” said Gov. Wolf. “Alison knows that a strong, widely available, and successful vaccination strategy is the path out of the pains of this pandemic. Her foremost and immediate focus will be on the strategic distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, making sure Pennsylvania receives as many doses as possible from the federal government, and that t...

Politics

Pennsylvania Governor: Photo Printing Lab Relocated to York County

Gov. Wolf Announces Photo Printing Lab Moving Out-of-State Headquarters to York County, Creating More Than 100 New Jobs Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Governor Tom Wolf announced that Nations Photo Lab, an affiliate of Gallery Blocks LLC (d/b/a Artsy Couture) — a leading professional full-service photography printing lab formerly headquartered in Cockeysville, Maryland — has its headquarters to Springettsbury Township, York County. The relocation will create 125 new, full-time jobs in the Susquehanna Valley. “In this digital era, memories can be captured using many different devices, but they can only be eternally preserved in print,” said Gov. Wolf. “Pennsylvania is happy to welcome Artsy Couture to the commonwealth and is proud to support them as they create jobs, capture life’s moment...

General

Pennsylvania Oag Alert: Possible Delays In Stimulus Check Deliveries

Oag Alert: Possible Delays In Stimulus Check Deliveries For People Who Used Tax Preparation Companies To File Taxes HARRISBURG, PA (STL.News) — Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro is today alerting consumers that certain Pennsylvanians may experience delays in receiving their federal stimulus checks. “As federal stimulus checks are being distributed to Pennsylvanians, there may be some delays,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “If you’re eligible for a stimulus check and haven’t received one, you can call the IRS or visit their website to file a complaint.” Tax preparation companies, like H&R Block and Intuit, use temporary bank accounts when they assist with filing tax returns. Unfortunately, the IRS used that information to issue stimulus checks, and therefore, some of ...

Politics

Pennsylvania: Knoll Inc. to Expand in Montgomery County

Gov. Wolf Announces Furniture Manufacturer to Expand in Montgomery County, Creating New Jobs and Recommitting to Growth in PA Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Governor Tom Wolf announced that Knoll, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of workplace and residential furniture with a longtime presence in the commonwealth, has relocated a manufacturing line from Michigan to Pennsylvania and expanding its footprint in the commonwealth. This project will create at least 138 new, full-time jobs and will position the company for future growth in the state. “Knoll’s move and expansion plans demonstrate its continuing commitment to maintaining a presence in our commonwealth,” Gov. Wolf said. “I’m pleased that Knoll has recognized the talent that our workforce has to offer and has chosen to continue its ...

Politics

Pennsylvania Governor: Investments in Water Infrastructure Projects

Governor Wolf Announces $178 Million Investment in Water Infrastructure Projects in 11 Counties Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Governor Tom Wolf today announced the investment of $178 million for 14 drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects across 11 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). “This continued focus on improving and investing in our infrastructure is vital for strong communities,” said Gov. Wolf. “Partnering with community leaders to make these investments, which ensure increased access to clean drinking water and provide stable environments for Pennsylvanians to work and live, is paramount to our regrowth as a commonwealth.” The funding for these projects originates from a combination of state funds approved by voters, Gro...

Politics

Pennsylvania Governor Wolf Congratulates Dr. Levine

Gov. Wolf Congratulates, Thanks Dr. Levine Following Nomination by President-Elect Biden Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Governor Tom Wolf released the followed statement on Dr. Rachel Levine’s nomination to serve as assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services: “I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Rachel Levine on her appointment by President-Elect Biden to serve as his assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. “Dr. Levine is a highly skilled and valued member of my administration and she will be greatly missed. She has been a wise and dedicated partner during this pandemic and throughout her career with the commonwealth. I couldn’t be prouder of the tireless work she’s done to serve Pennsylvanians and protect the public health. ...

Politics

Pennsylvania Governor: MLK Day Reminds the Importance of Volunteering

Gov. Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf: MLK Day of Service Reminds Pennsylvanians of the Importance of Volunteering Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) In honor of the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., Governor Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf encouraged Pennsylvanians who are healthy and able to consider volunteering with a local food bank or other helping organization, as this time is creating an incredible strain on charitable organizations’ efforts. Volunteer efforts to distribute meals and other life-sustaining services remain an essential activity, and residents who are able can assist local organizations with delivering services to their communities while also following necessary safety precautions. “Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life reminds of the importance of finding ways to be o...

Politics

Pennsylvania Governor: Funding To Affordable Housing in Centre County

Wolf Administration Announces More Than $1 Million In Funding To Affordable Housing in Centre County Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Governor Tom Wolf announced more than $1 million in funding through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to support affordable housing in Centre County. “All Pennsylvanians deserve access to affordable, safe, and livable spaces in their communities,” Gov. Wolf said. “This investment will support State College’s efforts to ensure that residents have affordable housing options in close proximity to the borough’s commercial corridors, downtown and Penn State University for work, school and shopping needs.” Under the program, $945,000 will be distributed to State College Borough to acquire and rehabilitate eight three-bedroom townhouses on one parcel locate...

Politics

Pennsylvania Governor Announces Deadline to Enroll for Health Coverage

Pennsylvania Governor Wolf: Friday, Jan. 15 is Deadline to Sign-up for State-based Marketplace Health Coverage Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf today reminded Pennsylvanians that Friday, Jan. 15 is the deadline to enroll at pennie.com for health coverage that includes free testing and treatment for COVID-19. “All plans provide free coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment and there are many affordable plans on the Pennsylvania’s state-based marketplace, pennie.com, that provide the coverage people need to feel protected,” Gov. Wolf said. “It’s been a priority of mine since day-one for Pennsylvanians to have health care coverage and the peace of mind that comes with that.” Pennie is Pennsylvania’s official destination for shopping for quality health insura...

Politics

Pennsylvania Governor on Proposed Constitutional Amendments

Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf issued the following statement in response to the House GOP’s plans to subvert democracy through amending the Constitution: “I strongly oppose giving the legislature the power to gerrymander our justice system. This constitutional amendment is just another effort by Harrisburg Republicans to prevent the will of the people from being heard by stopping all Pennsylvanians from having a voice in selecting judges for the highest courts in the state. “Just a few years ago, I joined five former Pennsylvania governors from both parties in calling for merit selection for statewide appellate judges. That is how we can ensure the most qualified judges are handling appeals in the commonwealth. With this constitutional amendment, the leg...

Politics

Pennsylvania: Investment in Rail Infrastructure & 200 Jobs Statewide

Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of 26 rail freight improvement projects that will enhance freight mobility while creating or sustaining more than 200 jobs across Pennsylvania. “Investing in our states rail system creates jobs and supports efficient freight travel,” said Gov. Wolf. “These investments help us build a world-class infrastructure system and support the business community.” The State Transportation Commission voted to approve $31.3 million for the projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP). Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, which is more than any other state. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is committed to working with private rail o...

Politics

Pennsylvania Governor’s Statement on Court Ruling Upholding Voters’ Will

Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Governor Tom Wolf issued the following statement in response to the U.S. District Court decision today reaffirming that Sen. Jim Brewster won re-election to the 45th Senate District in the Pennsylvania State Senate. “Today’s court decision reaffirms that Sen. Brewster won the election. He received the most votes and the court dismissed his opponent’s claims. Sen. Brewster must be sworn in to represent the 45th Senate District in the Pennsylvania State Senate. “The tragic events of the past week are a reminder that democracy must be preserved for today and future generations. The voters decide elections, not powerful Harrisburg politicians. Our nation has been through too much pain and disruption for this shameful power grab to continue. “Senate Repub...

General

Pittsburgh: Ronika Somerville Sentenced for Drug Trafficking

Pittsburgh Woman, Ronika Somerville Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking Activity of South Pittsburgh PITTSBURGH (STL.News) A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 2 years’ probation on her conviction of narcotics trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV, imposed the sentence on Ronika Somerville, age 24, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to information presented to the court, Somerville pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. The defe...

Health

Pennsylvania COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring Dashboard

Pennsylvania COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring Dashboard Update for Jan.1-7: Case Increases Near 42,300; Percent Positivity at 14.4% and All 67 Counties with Substantial Transmission Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today released a weekly status update detailing the state’s mitigation efforts based on the COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System dashboard, highlighting a seven-day case increase of 42,322, a statewide percent positivity of 14.4% and all 67 counties with substantial transmission status. The update includes the following: Level of community transmission as a basis for the recommendations for Pre-K to 12 schools to determine instructional models. Data on cases among 5-18-year-olds. Cases that reported visitin...

Politics

Pennsylvania Governor Wolf Announces $4.7 Million for Job Training

Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Governor Tom Wolf today announced nearly $4.7 million in PAsmart Next Generation Industry Partnership grants were awarded to bolster workforce development across Pennsylvania. “Employers need skilled workers now more than ever,” said Governor Wolf. “My administration created PAsmart to help close the skills gap and allow more people to get the education and training they need to get better paying jobs. Strengthening job and skills training continues to be a priority and the 28 grants announced today further enhances that goal.” The Next Generation Industry Partnership grants bring together multiple employers in the same industry to collectively provide targeted job training so that students, workers, and job seekers get the skills for good jobs in those in...

Politics

Pennsylvania: F.N.B. Corporation Announced160 New Jobs

Development of New Multi-Use Office Tower in Pittsburgh Will Create Hundreds of Jobs, Spur Economic Growth in Western Pennsylvania Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Governor Tom Wolf announced that F.N.B. Corporation will enter into a joint venture with Pittsburgh Arena Real Estate Development LP and the Buccini/Pollin Group to develop the FNB Financial Center, a 26-story, 547,888-square-foot office tower in Pittsburgh, which will create 160 new, high-paying jobs. The company has committed to investing more than $220 million into the project. The site would bridge the historic Hill District neighborhoods with the central business district, and the developer has committed to achieving more than 45 percent MWBE (Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise) participation in the total development ef...

Politics

Pennsylvania Governor Wolf Appoints Liz Gerloff Wagenseller

Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Governor Tom Wolf announced his intention to appoint Liz Gerloff Wagenseller to serve a six-year term as Executive Director of the Office of Open Records, effective January 19. “Liz brings a wealth of experience to the Office of Open Records,” said Gov. Wolf. “She is an astute administrator with a deep commitment to transparency. Liz will be an asset to the Office of Open Records and a key player in my administration’s efforts to improve transparency in government. “I extend my gratitude to departing Executive Director Erik Arneson, whose term expires this week. Erik’s hard work and dedication were critical to maintaining and improving the open records process.” As Chief of Staff to the Auditor General, Gerloff Wagenseller oversees operations, directs ...

Education

Pennsylvania: Funding for Workforce Training

New Funding for Workforce Training in Southwestern PA Will Prepare Students for In-Demand Manufacturing Careers Harrisburg, PA (STL.News) Today, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced that the Western Area Career & Technology Center (WACTC) in Washington County was approved for $112,262 in funding through Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing Training-to-Career program, a program that helps companies identify and train a skilled workforce through targeted programs and services. “Our manufacturing industry has established itself as a major player contributing to Pennsylvania’s economy and is in need of qualified applicants to support its continued growth,” said Gov. Wolf. “Training-to-Career funding will back Western Area CTC’s commitment to providing an all-encompassing education to its ...