HARRISBURG, July 27 -- Citing the distressing impacts COVID-19 is having on Pennsylvania’s restaurant industry and a recent Yelp survey showing more than half of restaurants could close permanently due to the virus’ impact, Democrats in Harrisburg have crafted a legislative package aimed at providing relief to community business owners and the workers that cook and serve our food. The package includes nine bills that would provide grants to local restaurants, bars and clubs, reduce and eliminate specific licensing fees, extend discounts to licensees and protect businesses by guaranteeing their insurance pays out in future emergencies. These efforts will provide direct relief to an industry of Pennsylvania businesses the virus has hit hard, House Democratic leaders said. Restrictions put in place have been necessary in the state’s response to COVID-19. The leaders said they recognize the hardship the virus has continued to place on the restaurant industry. Restaurants have served as the backdrop of many life occasions and special moments and they need support more now than ever. The House Democratic package includes: Earmarking CARES grant funding from the federal government to be directed to small, community restaurants instead of national chains to ensure those dollars are invested back into the region. ( Rep. Joe Ciresi, Montgomery County & Rep. Tina Davis, Bucks County ) Earmarking CARES grant Read more
LANSDALE, July 7 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, invites area business owners to his virtual town hall at 6 p.m. this Thursday on Pennsylvania’s new Small Business Assistance Grant Program. Malagari will be joined by community leaders Ken Scott of Beech Capital and Jim Burnett of West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution to discuss requirements, eligibility and how business owners can apply for a small business grant. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for operating costs to help businesses recover from COVID-19. “I know that local business owners were seriously impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, so I want to do all that I can to connect them with the aid that is readily available to them,” Malagari said. “Two hundred million dollars in grants are available and I want to make sure our community gets our fair share.” The meeting will be held through Zoom. Those interested can log in with the following credentials: Meeting ID: 869 8544 6998 Password: 368094 Participants can also dial-in to the meeting. Call Malagari’s office at 267-768-3671 for this information or to ask any questions. Read more
LANSDALE, June 26 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, today announced that two facilities serving his legislative district each received Environmental Education Grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The funding will be distributed as follows: Montgomery County Conservation District: Conservation and Water Pollution Prevention Workshop for homeowners, emphasizing stormwater management practices ($2,997). Souderton Area School District : New plant science course for high school students using a campus greenhouse ($3,000). “This funding will help cultivate a desire in Montgomery County residents from youth to homeowners to learn about and protect Pennsylvania’s environment,” Malagari said. “Investing in environmental education is a worthwhile expense toward preserving our commonwealth’s health and vitality.” These grants will engage youth and adults in environmental justice, climate change, and/or water quality improvement, expand their understanding of these issues in Pennsylvania and provide people with skills to take responsible action to protect Pennsylvania’s environment. Souderton Area School District and Montgomery County Conservation District were two of 55 grant recipients. Funding was awarded to schools and colleges, environmental and community organizations, and conservation district Read more
HARRISBURG, June 10 – The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded two Montgomery County programs a total of $247,007 to meet the needs of Montgomery County children and parents affected by domestic violence, substance abuse and crime. Family Services of Montgomery County, in partnership with the Montgomery County Reentry Initiative, was awarded $147,010 in Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program funding to expand the Positive Parenting Program helping parents who are recently released from incarceration. Montgomery County Children’s Advocacy Center’s Mission Kids program will receive $99,997 to continue family advocacy work, particularly to accompany children to medical evaluations court appearances. “In addition to providing direct support to returning parents, this money also supports a key position at Mission Kids,” said state Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery. “With the increased demands for these services, Mission Kids needs a family advocate who can appropriately support the needs of our communities.” "In my role as a state representative – specifically with regard to my position on the Children and Youth Committee – and most importantly in my role as a parent, the safety and wellness of children and families will always be my top priority,” said state Rep. Ben Sanchez, D-Montgomery. “That is why I am grateful for this opportunity to improve Read more
ERIE, June 2 – In response to news that the cashless, electronic toll system the Pennsylvania Turnpike implemented in March will become permanent — resulting in the immediate layoff of about 500 workers – state Rep. Pat Harkins released the following statement, also on behalf of Teamster President and state Rep. Dave Delloso, D-Delaware, and Teamster member and state Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery. “This is heartbreaking. The governor and the Turnpike Commission had an agreement with the toll takers to phase out operations in 2022, but in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the commission voted to do away with these workers immediately. “These workers were expecting to return to work soon and were caught completely off guard. They understood that their jobs were being phased out, but they were led to believe that they would have time to plan ahead, and they were relying on that assurance. Instead, they had the rug pulled out from under them. “This could have been done as a phased response on a shorter timeline. It didn’t have to happen overnight.” Read more
LANSDALE, May 27 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, today praised Gov. Tom Wolf’s latest announcement of additional guidance on dining during the Yellow and Green phases and more details on personal care services, like hair salons and barbershops operating in the Green Phase. Malagari and several other members worked closely with the governor to clarify these guidelines. "I worked closely with several other members to call on the governor to rethink his Yellow Phase guidelines, and he has listened to our concerns and is taking action,” Malagari said. “We know that we can eat outdoors without fear and should be able to do so. I was happy to see a more clarified process of reopening defined for our dining establishments and a light at the end of the tunnel for hair salons and barbershops. I know how much our small-business owners want to get back to work, and I will continue to ensure that we do so quickly, while still following the mitigation guidelines in place to keep us safe. Safety measures and guidelines will need to be met in order to reopen. I will continue to work with the governor on a safe reopening strategy." Malagari signed onto a letter written by Rep. Joe Ciresi and also signed by Reps. Christina Sappey, Tina Davis, Dave Delloso, Jennifer O’Mara, Dan Williams, Danilo Burgos, Tim Briggs, Melissa Shusterman and Austin Davis in calling for these changes. The letter was also accompanied by Read more
MONTGOMERY, May 21 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, today announced that he will be sponsoring a resolution urging Congress to extend the eight-week maximum for loan forgiveness to a 16-week minimum for the Paycheck Protection Program. “While the recently implemented Paycheck Protection Program has allowed many of our hardworking Pennsylvanians to continue to make payroll or pay their rent, the current eight-week limit is not enough,” Malagari said. “By allowing for a 16-week limit, we allow an additional eight weeks to provide financial security and help so many that are struggling to keep up with costs. We have to provide our families with more ways to put food on their table and provide for themselves. Small businesses and employees benefit.” The Paycheck Protection Program is a U.S. Small Business Administration loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the coronavirus pandemic. For more information, contact Malagari’s office at (267) 768-3671. ### Read more
HARRISBURG, May 4 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, today announced that the House passed a bill Thursday to open garden centers, whose work is critical to helping Pennsylvanians provide food for themselves and the environment, after an amendment supported by Malagari and fellow Democrats was added on to provide critical health and public safety requirements for employees and customers. The bill must be passed in the Senate before going to Gov. Tom Wolf. Ciresi said the requirements to protect workers are in line with Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine’s direction to keep people safe and calm while reopening the economy. “We are trying to navigate through an unprecedented time,” Malagari said. “My first priority is the safety of my constituents. We believe that people can get back to shopping in our garden centers by following the state health department and the CDC’s guidelines. But it takes us all working together. This measure will start to get more of our people back to work and allow others to shop while maintaining safe distances and wearing masks. It also means providing protections for the employees we are asking to put at risk.” Under the bill, all stores that receive a waiver and operate would be required to provide, at minimum, the following protections for an essential employee: Additional hazard pay, relative to the employee's risk of exposure. Read more
MONTGOMERY, APRIL 28 – State Reps. Steve Malagari and Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, today announced that WNPV 98.5 FM and 1440 AM has reached 60 years of service to Montgomery and Bucks counties and will be closing its doors as of April 30. “WNPV radio has been providing quality radio content since October of 1960,” Malagari said. “It’s unfortunate to see them closing their doors and leaving the airwaves after all of this time, but they have provided the community with a piece of local treasured history. They have received multiple awards, including from The Associated Press and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters. We couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.” “After almost 60 years of conducting the vital service of sharing the voices and views of our local community, it’s sad to contemplate WNPV’s final broadcast,” Hanbidge said. “I’ll especially miss the emphasis the station placed on local and state politics and news. I wish all those associated with the station good fortune in their future endeavors and thank them for all they’ve done for the community.” Malagari and Hanbidge recently honored WNPV with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives paying tribute to the radio station’s legacy. For more information, contact Malagari’s office at (267) 768-3671 or Read more
LANSDALE, APRIL 7 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, today announced that he is sponsoring a bill that would codify the best practices for Pennsylvania’s food processing and protein facilities in order to protect workers and ensure the operation of the food supply chain in times of crisis, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. “We have seen during this outbreak of coronavirus that the continued access to safe, healthy and nutritious food is a crucial component of sustaining social distancing practices and keeping ourselves and loved ones safe,” Malagari said. “Our families and friends rely on a robust network of grocers year-round, and especially now, we cannot take them for granted. We must ensure that they are protected as much as we are during these times. Allowing our food supply lines to become jeopardized is not a challenge anyone wants to endure.” The bill would be related to social distancing within the workplace, paid leave, attendance policies, and protocols for protecting and notifying employees should a coworker become ill. United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776 Keystone State has given this bill its full support. There are over 1,000 workers in the 53 rd Legislative District that work directly in food processing. For more information, contact Malagari’s office at 267-768-3671. ### Read more
My staff and I are continuing to work for you during this time to help mitigate the spread of the virus and keep you safe. Please make sure you are taking necessary precautions to take care of yourself and loved ones. Practice mitigation guidelines whenever possible and check the PA Health Department website for more information. My office has received many calls and requests for information on the latest guidelines from different agencies and state departments. Here’s where you can access the most recent information. The Montgomery County website will have up-to-date information for Montgomery County residents. You can find updates on the coronavirus here . Meals on Wheels is looking for help and people to deliver goods to those in need. If you would like to volunteer, visit https://www.rsvpmc.org . The PA Turnpike Commission (PTC) has announced that to keep travelers from interacting with tolling personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic, cash and credit cards will NOT be accepted at any interchange statewide. Click here for more info. SEPTA has announced it will be operating the Severe Weather Plan for Regional Rail. Click here for more info. If you’re employed in Pennsylvania and unable to work because of COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment or Workers' Compensation benefits. Click here for more info. Read more
LANSDALE, March 12 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, announced today that his district office at 100 W. Main St., Suite 110 is closed for the foreseeable future in order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus . Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf this afternoon outlined other advisories and closures for Montgomery County, which can be found here . “During this health emergency, those who can adhere to the policies of social distancing or stay at home should do so unless it’s imperative to work or seek care. My advice is based on expert guidance from the Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control,” he said. Malagari’s staff will handle as many state-related questions and requests as possible during the office closure. Emailing RepMalagari@pahouse.net is the best way to communicate with his office. His office can be reached by phone at (267) 768-3671. Staff will return calls and respond to messages. The state Department of Health continues to provide regular updates, along with information on prevention and preparation on the virus. Older adults and people with severe underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, appear to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Those interested can visit the CDC site here for advice on precautions those individuals should take. Read more
Materials from a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing hosted by State Rep. Steve Malagari. Read more
MONTGOMERY , March 6 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, today announced that the House Democratic Policy Committee will be hosting a public hearing on volunteer firefighters and EMS. The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 at Hatfield Township Building, 1950 School Road, Hatfield, PA 19440. Media and the public are invited to attend. Malagari requested the hearing to help facilitate solutions for shortages of volunteers for public servants and volunteers such as firefighters and EMS that can lead to saving lives. He continues to push for additional grants and funding for these organizations to assist in equipment purchases, debt reduction and training. After the hearing is over, legislators will be on-site to answer questions from the media. The current agenda is: 2 p.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks 2:10 p.m. Panel of Local Fire Companies and EMS: Jerry Guretse , president, Telford Volunteer Fire Co. Debbie Wellington , treasurer, North Penn Good Will Services Marv McKown , president, Tylersport Volunteer Fire Co. Jim Gallagher , president, Perseverance Volunteer Fire Co. 3 p.m. Closing Remarks ### Read more
MONTGOMERY, MARCH 5 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, today announced that a $5625 grant has been approved for the Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania. “Grants like this keep our community’s history and culture alive and well,” Malagari said. “I love to see this money going back into our district and towards the preservation of our past. It allows more opportunities to learn in the future.” Cultural and Historical Support Grants are to provide general operating support to Pennsylvania museums and official county historical societies that are not directly supported by other state agency operating support programs. An eligible museum must have an annual operating budget exceeding $100,000 and at least one full-time professional staff person. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission received 153 applications. All applicants were eligible. 56 Official County Historical Societies applied for support grants and 12 qualify in the Museum category. The number of counties to receive funding increased from 57 to 58 of the 67 counties. Museums outside of Philadelphia with budgets between $100,000 and $3,500,000 receive a grant based on 1.235% of the operating budget with a grant no less than $4,000. For more information, reach out to Malagari’s district office at (267) 768-3671. ### Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, announced today a $460,437 School Safety and Security grant for Souderton Area School District. The School Safety and Security Committee established within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency approved $60 million in safety grants for the commonwealth. “Congratulations to the Souderton Area School District on this sizeable and competitive state grant,” Malagari said. “An investment this size directly reflects on the hard work of the district and the dedication of its faculty, students and parents. The administration’s award also helps our community build leaders of tomorrow who can attend school knowing that they are being protected and that their needs are their state’s priority. “We owe a big thank you to the administration, and I’m happy to remain a vital part of keeping the governor and his cabinet trained on our region.” The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency receives hundreds of applications for the School Safety and Security grant program . The School Safety and Security Committee approved 524 grants today. Funds will be used for performing school safety assessments; purchasing security-related technology and equipment; supporting school safety-related and behavioral-health trainings; preparing all-hazards plans; hiring school resource officers, school police officers, school counselors, social Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 – State lawmakers today lauded the approval of $195,000 in School Safety and Security grants for North Penn School District and North Montco Technical Career Center. The School Safety and Security Committee established within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency approved $60 million in safety grants for the commonwealth. “It’s reassuring to see the administration meet the needs of parents, students and community members who deserve safe schools and communities in the face of modern dangers,” said state Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery. “When students go to school, they are there to learn, grow and make friends – not fear for their lives. This funding helps us return to that place.” The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency receives hundreds of applications for the School Safety and Security Grant Program . The School Safety and Security Committee approved 524 grants today. Funds will be used for performing school safety assessments; purchasing security-related technology and equipment; supporting school safety-related and behavioral-health trainings; preparing all-hazards plans; hiring school resource officers, school police officers, school counselors, social workers and school psychologists; and providing for trauma-informed approaches to education. Read more
State Rep. Steve Malagari's winter newsletter for 2019-20 for Franconia, Salford, Souderton and Telford. Read more
State Rep. Steve Malagari's winter newsletter to Hatfield Borough, Hatfield Township, Lansdale. Read more
The House Democratic Southeast Delegation today elected state Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, treasurer. Read more
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