Category: News

Pa Auditor General’s race poses historic first for candidates of color

Auditor’s race poses historic first for candidates of color
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s two major political parties have nominated candidates of color for state auditor general, a historic step that means that voters will for the first time elect a racial minority to lead a statewide executive branch office. Nina Ahmad, who came to the United States from Bangladesh as a student 40 years ago, has apparently won a six-way Democratic Party primary as counting wraps up. Tim DeFoor, the Republican Party’s uncontested nominee, is African American. Political analysts and campaign consultants couldn’t think of anyone of color who has been elected to serve in one of the five statewide elected executive branch offices: governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, attorney general and auditor general.

PA is One of Three States Recognized by CDC for COVID-19 Reduction Success

PA is One of Three States Recognized by CDC for COVID-19 Reduction Success

Harrisburg, PA – As states across the country begin to reopen and nearly half are seeing COVID-19 cases rise, Governor Tom Wolf announced Friday that Pennsylvania is not one of them.

Today at a daily COVID briefing with Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, he noted another milestone: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proprietary data for states indicates that we are one of just three states that has had a downward trajectory of COVID-19 cases for more than 42 days. The other two states are Montana and Hawaii.

“We know our decline in cases is because of our choices because more than half of states are experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases as reopening begins,” Gov. Wolf said. “Many of these states are experiencing significant case increases tied to reopening too soon or too much. Pennsylvania is not. We have remained focused on balancing economic interests with public health.”

Gov. Wolf pointed to the decision to require masks when visiting businesses even in counties in the green phase as another smart decision that could have lasting effects as a COVID-19 surge is possible this fall.

“Recently, more studies show that masks prevent people from unknowingly giving COVID-19 to others,” Wolf said. “This includes peer-reviewed studies published in scientific journals like The New England Journal of Medicine.

“As the U.S. Surgeon General said a few days ago, wearing a mask doesn’t impinge on our freedom – it gives us more freedom from unknowingly spreading COVID-19.”

According to other data analyses, including those by Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center and The New York Times, Pennsylvania’s steady decline in cases since April put the state among a select few that continue a flattening of the curve. This distinction is particularly important as more counties reopen.

“Pennsylvanians have done an excellent job at demonstrating how to balance business and public health,” Gov. Wolf said. “If we keep this up, we can continue to be a model to other states and a leader at saving lives and livelihoods during this pandemic.”

For the latest information on COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, including a data dashboard, visit here.

Find the latest Carnegie Mellon University metrics for reopening here.

Find more on Gov. Wolf’s Process to Open PA here.

Pennsylvania Capitol Building to Reopen to Public on June 22

Pennsylvania Capitol Building to Reopen to Public on June 22
Harrisburg, PA – The Department of General Services announced today the Pennsylvania Capitol building will reopen to the public with modified prevention protocols on June 22. The reopening follows Dauphin County moving to the green phase of the COVID-19 pandemic on June 19.
The Main Capitol, East Wing and North Office Building entrances will be accessible by the public. Visitors to the Capitol will be required to wear a mask to enter the building and adhere to social distancing protocols. Visitors without a mask will be supplied with one at the public entrances. Hand sanitizer stations will also be placed at those entrances.
Prevention and mitigation signage will be posted throughout the Capitol for visitors and those who work in the building. If you are sick, don’t feel well or are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please do not visit the Capitol.
All scheduled events through the department’s Office of Special Events remain canceled through July 5. The department will work with the requestors to reschedule. Beginning June 19, the Office of Special Events will resume scheduling events for the Capitol’s outdoor venues taking place on or after July 6. These locations include the Front Capitol Steps and Soldiers Grove.
The DGS Office of Special Events will not schedule any events for the Capitol’s interior spaces at this point and will issue further guidance on when such events will resume.

Beaver County Chamber of Commerce Business Insert – June 2020

Harry Kunselman’s Government Affairs article


With all the negativity surrounding he COVID-19, in the limited space available on this insert, the Chamber wanted to focus on some of the shining moments in Beaver County amidst the crisis.  By no means comprehensive, following are some “Silver Linings:”

 

Statistical Victories.  Because Beaver Countians exercised social responsibility, many areas have avoided or minimized infection.  Six zip codes in Beaver County had zero confirmed cases.  Twelve zip codes had 10 or fewer.  As of May 22, 2020, of the 539 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the County, 72% of them are confined to residents or employees of long-term care facilities.  This is not to minimize the tragic effects on those impacted in these facilities; but it is worth celebrating the successes outside these facilities.

 

Charity.  Hard times can bring out the best in people.  Through the United Way and other agencies, tens of thousands of dollars have supported local food programs.  Shell has generously donated to organizations in need, including a program by Shell employees for care packages for lower income families.  These efforts spawned other support for these care packages, including from such donors as the Highmark Caring Place, Serv Pro of West Beaver County, Walmart, Aliquippa Giant Eagle, the Beaver County Association of Realtors, Beverly and Philip Pietrandrea, Beaver Valley Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Alec & Helen Kissick, Spanos Group of Raymond James, and Design Inspirations, to name only a few.  In the coming weeks, you will hear more about this program, including the names of other donors.  Anyone wanting to support this effort should contact the Chamber office at 724-775-3944.  Many thanks to all who support such agencies as the United Way, Beaver County YMCA, Meals on Wheels, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, the Salvation Army, the Hugh Lane Foundation, and many more, all to relieve distress among those impacted most severely.


Good Government.­  Local officials have been nimble and proactive to manage the crisis.  As examples, the Courthouse has operated safely throughout the crisis, providing essential government services, including critical court operations.  So far, the jail has no confirmed cases– a remarkable accomplishment given the inherent risks of the facility.  The Community Development Program and the Corporation for Economic Development partnered to create a small business assistance program.  Our Beaver County state legislators have all been advocating zealously for Beaver County in Harrisburg, and our U.S. Congressman and Senators have been highly responsive to local needs.  It has been refreshing to see partisanship largely take a back seat to overcoming this crisis.

 

Support for Businesses.  Thanks to a tremendous staff, the Chamber created a COVID-19 resource page on its web site at www.beavercountychamber.com and remains open to assist businesses with navigating the crisis and saving jobs.  The Beaver County banking community has been an unsung hero helping businesses and individuals to access life-sustaining funding.  NBC News Now will feature Beaver County businesses in forthcoming coverage, hopefully attracting people to Beaver County as a place to live and work.  WBVP & WMBA (99.3 FM) have publicized the Chamber’s resource guide made available by My Benefit Advisor to help businesses to prepare for reopening.  These and other efforts are paving the way to emerging from the crisis and restoring prosperity.

 

Future Wins:  We encourage the community to stay tuned for more announcements from the Chamber in support of the community in the coming weeks.  As examples:

 

  • In coordination with Don Williams from TAB Pittsburgh North, the Chamber will launch 3 sessions to help business owners to strengthen their businesses under stressful circumstances;

 

  • The Chamber has been meeting with key stakeholders in the event planning/management business to prepare for a restart of that sector of the economy. Please contact the Chamber if you want to learn more and join this group.  It is open to members and non-members alike;

 

  • The Chamber is working with the Beaver County Regional Council of Governments (COG), Beaver Underground, Brkich Design, Paramount Pursuits, Beaver County Tourism and Minuteman Press to make available a shared database for all retailers open for business. This will launch very soon and will underpin a marketing campaign to help retail businesses to get back on their feet in Beaver County.

 

These are but a few examples of the winning spirit of Beaver County.  The Chamber salutes the private and public sector alike for dedicating themselves to overcoming this crisis.  We urge everyone to keep their resolve so that Beaver County can emerge stronger than ever.

Back to President’s Message Directory.

Pa. Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 6/17/20: Beaver County up Two Positive Cases, No New Deaths

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 335 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 79,818

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., June 17, that there are 335 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 79,818. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,319 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 43 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

Locally in Beaver County we are up two new cases t0 615. 596 Cases Confirmed and 19 probables. 5038 people have tested negative and the remains at 77 deaths.

In the 3 Nursing homes in the county that are reporting positive cases there are 392 positive cases. 43 employees have tested positive, and the death toll remains at 82.

“With more than half of the state now in the green phase of the process to reopen, it is essential that we continue to take precautions to protect against COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “The commonwealth’s careful, measured approach to reopening is working as we see case counts continue to decline even as many other states see increases. But the virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

There are 629 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 533,013 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

  • Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;
  • 1% are ages 5-12;
  • 2% are ages 13-18;
  • 6% are ages 19-24;
  • Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
  • Nearly 25% are ages 50-64; and
  • 28% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 16,774 resident cases of COVID-19, and 2,966 cases among employees, for a total of 19,740 at 649 distinct facilities in 47 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,331 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,060 of our total cases are in health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the yellow or green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, June 15:

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
  • Clean surfaces frequently.
  • Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
  • If you must go out for a life-sustaining reason, please wear a mask.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Joe Biden again hits Pennsylvania as he sticks close to home

Joe Biden again hits Pennsylvania as he sticks close to home
By WILL WEISSERT and ALEXANDRA JAFFE Associated Press
DARBY, Penn. (AP) — Joe Biden is returning to the battleground state of Pennsylvania as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee intensifies his criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak. Last week, Biden was in Philadelphia to unveil a multifaceted plan he said would gradually reopen the economy, increasing growth while not putting business owners or consumers at unnecessary risk. The former vice president promised that, if elected, he would guarantee testing for the virus and protective equipment to guard against its spread for people called back to work. Biden’s Wednesday appearance is in Darby, near the Philadelphia airport and about half an hour’s drive from his home in Wilmington, Delaware.

Pa. Health Department asks court to shut down Carlisle auto show

Health Department asks court to shut down Carlisle auto show
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s Health Department is asking a state court to shut down an auto show set to begin Wednesday that typically draws about 100,000 people due to coronavirus concerns. The agency filed a request for an injunction against Carlisle Events to stop the Spring Carlisle event that runs through Saturday from being held. The lawsuit calls the show dangerous and says it needs to be stopped. A spokesman for Carlisle Events says the legal filing is under review and is declining to comment about it. But he says the organizer has put in place COVID-19 prevention measures and doesn’t expect its typical crowd this year.

Aunt Jemima brand retired by Quaker due to racial stereotype

Aunt Jemima brand retired by Quaker due to racial stereotype
NEW YORK (AP) — Quaker Oats is retiring the 131-year-old Aunt Jemima brand, saying the company recognizes the character’s origins are “based on a racial stereotype.” Quaker said it’s overhauled pancake mix and syrup will hit shelves by the fourth quarter of 2020. The company will announce the new name at a later date.  Kristin Kroepfl of Quaker Foods North America said Wednesday that the company has worked over the years to update the brand, but realizes that it hasn’t been enough. Earlier this year, Land O’Lakes said it would removed images of a Native American woman from its packaging.

Pa State Rep Aaron Bernstine on Teleforum at 11:10 Today to Talk a Resolution of Impeachment Articles against Gov. Wolf

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Tune into 1230 WBVP, 1460 WMBA, 99.3 FM, and beavercountyradio.com at 11:10 a.m. today. Pa State Rep. Aaron Bersntine will join Frank Sparks on Teleforum today to talk about a resolution that he is co-sponsoring by Pa. State Rep Daryl Metcalf to introduce “Articles of Impeachment” against Pa. Gov Tom Wolf.  You can join the conversation by calling 724-843-1888 or 724-774-1888. You can listen online by clicking the link below:

$157.5 Million Now Available for School Health and Safety Grants to Address COVID-19

Gov. Wolf: $157.5 Million Now Available for School Health and Safety Grants to Address COVID-19

Harrisburg, PA — Governor Tom Wolf announced today that The School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has approved the opening of two funding announcements totaling $157.5 million that school entities are immediately eligible to apply for to address COVID-19-related health and safety needs for the 2020-2021 school year. Information about the grants and the application process can be found on PCCD’s School Safety and Security webpage.

“Schools have had to bear a significant operational and financial burden in responding to COVID-19,” Gov. Wolf said. “With the safety and well-being of students at the forefront of their response, this funding is intended to ease some of that burden.”

With the recent passage of Act 30 of 2020 on June 5, a total of $150 million in federal CARES Act funding was transferred to PCCD to be distributed to school districts, area career and technical centers, intermediate units, charter schools, regional charter schools and cyber charter schools to support COVID-19 Disaster Emergency School Health and Safety Grants.  Awards are to be made to over 770 eligible school entities per the formula distribution included in Act 30.

Another $7.5 million was allocated to PCCD to support COVID-19 Disaster Emergency Targeted School Health and Safety Grants for the 2020-2021 school year. Funding will be awarded by the SSSC to intermediate units applying on behalf of nonpublic schools for targeted grants to address COVID-19-related health and safety needs.

Eligible uses for the funding include the purchase of cleaning and sanitizing products; training and professional development of staff on sanitation and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases; equipment purchases; modifying existing areas to support appropriate social distancing of students and staff; providing mental health services and supports; purchasing educational technology for distance learning; and other health and safety programs, items or services necessary to address the COVID-19 disaster emergency.

Per Act 30, school entities are required to apply with PCCD no later than June 30, 2020, to be eligible to receive their funding by July 15, 2020.  Intermediate units must apply on behalf of nonpublic schools in their area no later than July 8, 2020, in order to be eligible to receive awards no later than August 1, 2020.

More information about the Committee, its work, these solicitations and other grant opportunities can be found on PCCD’s School Safety and Security webpage.