ICYMI: HOW THE BIDEN AGENDA DELIVERED FOR PENNSYLVANIA THIS WEEK

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania is coming back thanks to President Biden’s transformative agenda. Because of investments from the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the administration’s other continued efforts to lower costs, Pennsylvanians are getting a leg up to be healthier, better connected, and poised to win the competition for the 21st century.

As PA Republicans continue to push their extreme, ultra-MAGA agenda to raise Pennsylvanians’ taxes, sunset Medicare and Social Security, and gut reproductive rights, President Biden and Democrats keep working for families across the commonwealth. 

See below for local coverage on how the Biden Administration is helping Pennsylvanians:

BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW

Vista: Pa. Bridge Maintenance Benefits from $1.6 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 

Pa. will receive $1.6 billion in funding to repair 3,000 bridges across the state, writes Priyanka Singh for Contractor News. The once-in-a-generation boost is being facilitated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Pennsylvania proposed as a cleaner energy hydrogen hub 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $8 billion for at least four Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs to expand the use of clean hydrogen in the industrial sector. The BIL requires that at least two of the hubs be located in regions of the United States with the greatest natural gas resources, such as Pennsylvania. Pursuing this opportunity may promote the creation of clean jobs in the state.

North Central PA: Anthracite mine reclamation project boosts local economies
On May 13, U.S. Senate Bob Casey and John Stefanko, DEP Deputy Secretary for Active and Abandoned Mine Operations toured the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area in Shamokin, Northumberland County to highlight how abandoned mine reclamation projects can benefit local economies and communities.

The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act will provide an additional $244 million for abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation in 2022 alone.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

WHYY: Pa. families have more time to apply for LIHEAP assistance paying for heating bills

The LIHEAP extension was made possible due to funds available from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. 

Erie News Now: Acting Department of Human Services Secretary Stresses Importance of Child Care Funding in Erie  

In the fall, DHS said it planned to distribute $655 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to help Pennsylvania’s child care industry. Licensed child care providers were invited to apply for the money.

$352 million in Child Care Development Fund funding from the American Rescue Plan Act is being invested in the state’s subsidized child care program to make it affordable for families.

MyChesCo: $98M Grant Opportunity Announced for Child Care Workforce Recruitment and Retention

 Governor Tom Wolf this week announced a $98 million grant opportunity for certified child care providers to support workforce recruitment and retention. Funded by American Rescue Plan Act funding received specifically for child care providers and their critical workforce, this funding can support providers seeking to recognize staff dedication through retention bonuses and can assist with personnel development and recruitment. 

Indiana Gazette: Indiana’s use of ARP funds begins to take shape

Indiana Borough’s use of more than $1.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds is beginning to take shape, with $595,000 or 44 percent seen likely to go toward general services.

Borough Manager Nichole Sipos said $320,000, or 24 percent, likely would go toward infrastructure, as she conducted a discussion with members of Borough Council at its work session Tuesday night.

After that, $250,000, or 19 percent, would go toward economic development and $180,000, or 13 percent, toward miscellaneous needs that could range from stormwater project design and engineering costs to donations for Citizens’ Ambulance and Downtown Indiana Inc.

MyChesCo: Commonwealth Highlights Importance of Mental Health Services for Older Adults
Especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been more important for Pennsylvania to invest in initiatives that provide support for vulnerable Pennsylvanians. Governor Tom Wolf’s budget proposal calls for $36.6 million increase in county mental health base funds as well as an additional $40 million in one-time federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to support efforts to provide critical behavioral health services.

Meadville Tribune: County starting broadband internet needs survey

Commissioners and the county’s American Rescue Plan Committee is committing more than $3 million of the county’s federal American Rescue Plan Act funds toward broadband improvements.

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