EPHRATA, PA − July 30, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a secondary roundtable discussion of the current challenges emergency service and first responders are facing in their communities.
“We have heard a clear and consistent message from police and fire departments throughout the Commonwealth: they need public support and sufficient resources to recruit and retain new members. Hearing directly from those on the front lines is crucial to shape policies that are practical, responsive, and effective,” said Senator Miller. “Thank you to all the testifiers who shared their insights today, which will guide us in developing policies that will support those who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.”
“Supporting Lancaster’s first responders is a top priority for me,” said Senator Malone. “Hearing directly from our local police and fire departments about the challenges they face is the best way for lawmakers to understand how we can support them moving forward. I’m thankful to our Democratic Policy Chair, Senator Nick Miller, for hosting a discussion in Lancaster to spotlight our amazing local first responders and address the challenges they face with recruitment. These men and women do some of the most important work in our community. We need to make sure their departments have the resources and flexibility to recruit and retain the next generation of first responders to keep us safe.”
“I am proud to have participated in a crucial discussion about supporting our first responders,” said Senator Costa. “Having carried a badge myself, I am eager to make sure the Senate Democratic Caucus has the input of our officers as we deliver safe communities for every Pennsylvanian. I’m grateful for the contributions of Lancaster’s finest in our work, and I thank Senators Miller and Malone for hosting this roundtable.”
Chief Josh Kilgore from the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department stated programs like Camp Cadet are important to the youth and positively influencing them to join emergency service responders in the future.
“Programs like Camp Cadet are great, but why do kids want to go to these camps,” said Kilgore. “We need to create that want. I am a firm believer that it starts at home.”
Chief Chris McKim from the Ephrata Police Department emphasized the need for a change in policy, which includes the pension law.
“In many other states you can take your time and service to go to one agency to another,” said McKim. “This does two things: creates a desire in the officer to be marketable and maintain good skills and it also makes sure the municipality is offering the opportunity [to grow] in a department.”
Jerry Ozog, the Public Safety Specialist from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, spoke to his experience from a statewide perspective and challenges they are seeing.
“The challenges we are seeing in terms of recruitment and retention varies by demographic,” said Ozog. “If you go across the Northern tier of Pennsylvania, the population is declining a bit, and what that leads to is less people available to volunteer in some of those areas to be firefighters and EMTs. However, the growth of Pennsylvania, you see the fire departments and EMS use more and more. You see their call volume increase.”
Chief Darryl Keiser from Garden Spot Fire Rescue testified that recruitment should begin at a young age, but oftentimes, that comes with a sacrifice to our local emergency service responders.
“We push 14-year-olds to get involved and we get them in as juniors,” said Keiser. “Our members give up 325 vacation hours that they burn vacation so they can be at the cadet camp.”
Fire Chief John Kottmyer from East Hempfield Fire Company highlighted the cost of equipment that is increasing, and young volunteers are struggling to stay because of rising costs to living.
“The number of volunteers we had dwindled,” said Kottmyer. “The cost of an apparatus is phenomenal. Four years ago, we purchased a pumper, and we got a quote today of $430,000 more and I’m not sure how volunteer fire departments can ever compete with that in the future.”
State Fire Commissioner, Thomas Cook from the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner, stated recruitment is a very diverse problem and there is an opportunity to see what is working in different departments to bring success to those who are struggling.
“There is no silver bullet,” said Cook. “Our focus has been on identifying departments that are having success and how do we work with other departments to implement that program.”
Testifiers for today’s hearing included:
- Thomas Cook, State Fire Commissioner, Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner
- Jerry Ozog, Public Safety Specialist, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors
- Jamie Rohrer, Fire Chief, East Petersburg Fire Company Station 23
- John Kottmyer, Fire Chief, East Hempfield Fire Company
- Josh Kilgore, Chief, Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department
- Chris McKim, Chief, Ephrata Police Department
- Eric S. Higgins, Chief, West Earl Township Police Department
- Darryl Keiser, Chief, Garden Spot Fire Rescue
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his eighth as Chair.
Footage of the hearing, as well as the written testimony of the panel, is available at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Photographs and downloadable video are available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats commitment to protecting our commonwealth’s healthcare needs and other legislative priorities at www.pasenate.com.
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PITTSBURGH, PA − June 12, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a second hearing to continue the dialogue on what is needed to safeguard Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and economy through a skilled and dependable workforce.
“Today’s hearing provided an opportunity for more stakeholders to share their insights on the challenges that workers encounter today,” said Senator Miller. “I am appreciative of the testimonies shared from union members and the organizations that represent a large portion of the workforce. It is crucial to guarantee that employers do not create an uneven playing field for workers.”
“Senate Democrats stand united and clear: We are fighting tooth and nail for the rights of Pennsylvania’s workers and their families,” said Senator Costa. “It was an honor today to hear from labor leaders who testified to the urgency of reforms that level the playing field and allow workers to get ahead. I look forward to taking what was said during today’s hearing and working with my colleagues in the House and the Senate to deliver economic justice for every Pennsylvanian.”
“This hearing is an opportunity to ensure that our workforce is treated with the dignity they deserve,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Protecting the rights and safety of workers is not just good policy, it is essential for building a resilient economy and infrastructure. Every Pennsylvanian deserves the right to a safe workplace, fair wages, and the freedom to organize without fear of retaliation. I’m proud to stand with labor and my colleagues in the fight for fair, comprehensive worker protections.”
“Today’s hearing underscored that the legislature needs to strengthen worker rights and protections—because a right that cannot be enforced is just a suggestion,” said Senator Williams. “Our testifiers made plain that they need meaningful enforcement mechanisms and whistleblower protections against retaliation in order stand up for themselves and their coworkers against corporate greed. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to get legislation passed that provides these tools. Laws that are weak in protecting workers hurt all of us.”
John Schultz from Laborers Local 373 stated strong prevailing wage laws protect local wages and strengthen local economies.
“Unfortunately, there are some flaws in the state enforcement and application of these laws,” Schultz said. “Worker misclassification, right-to-know and RACP process that awards state funded to projects that directly undermine the intent of prevailing wage laws.”
Prior to today’s hearing, the Senate Democratic caucus’ reform legislation to prevent and address misclassification, sponsored by Sens. Kane, Tartaglione, and L. Williams as Senate Bill 72, was advanced unanimously from the state Senate Labor and Industry Committee this week.
Ron Meischter from Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters emphasized workers misclassification is a serious issue, but it is also affecting everyday people.
“Misclassifying workers increases medical costs due to unfunded liability at hospitals,” said Meischter. “When a misclassified worker is hurt on a project and they go to the hospital, they can’t claim its workers’ compensation because they’re not covered under it, and they don’t have their own medical benefits. So, it becomes an unpaid bill and leaves providers asking the government and asking insurers for help.”
Geoff Foringer said Pennsylvania legislature must amend the PA Prevailing Wage Act to include offsite custom fabrication for public works projects, strengthen oversight and enforcement against worker misclassification, and provide clear definitions and guidelines to prevent contractors from undercutting their competitors with labor standards.
“This is not just a labor issue. It is a taxpayer issue. It is a fairness issue,” said Foringer. “And it is a matter of ensuring the quality and safety of public construction. Let us protect skilled workers. Let us uphold fair competition. And let us make sure our laws reflect the realities of the modern construction industry.”
Todd Farally, from Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19, urged Pennsylvania Senate to support the inclusion of custom fabrication under the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act.
“For over 60 years, a significant portion of labor—custom fabrication work completed offsite—has been excluded from these protections,” said Farally. “This omission has left thousands of skilled workers fabricating project-specific components like HVAC duct systems, plumbing assemblies, electrical units, and more, without the prevailing wage they deserve. These components are specifically designed and manufactured for individual projects, with unique job numbers and detailed time documentation linking the work directly to public projects. Yet, the workers fabricating these critical parts are not protected under the Act.”
Mike Varholla, IBEW Local 5, stated that a study commissioned by the Department of Labor found 10% to 30% of employers have misclassified some of their workers.
“A typical construction worker is classified as an independent contractor can lose up to $20,000 a year in income and benefits,” said Varholla. “They do not qualify for overtime pay; they are no longer able eligible to participate in unemployment insurance or worker’s compensation if they get hurt on the job.”
Brittney Rodas from UFCW Local 1776, testified to the importance of representing the meatpacking and food processing workers that includes supporting legislation such as SB 406, sponsored by Senator Tartaglione, and Senator Schwank that directly addresses workplace safety in Pennsylvania’s meatpacking and food processing industries.
“In Pennsylvania, our injury rates mirror these national trends. And behind these numbers are real people, many of them immigrants, people of color, and individuals for whom English is not their first language,” said Rodas. “These workers perform physically demanding labor in fast-paced environments to serve our communities. These essential workers are relying on us to improve their working conditions, the same we rely on them to provide food for our families every day.”
Testifiers for today’s hearing included:
- John Schultz, President & Business Agent – Laborers Local 373
- Ron Meischker, Director of Industry & Labor Compliance – Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
- Geoff Foringer, Business Representative – Sheet Metal Workers Local #12
- Todd Farally, Political and Legislative Director – Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19
- Mike Varholla, President – IBEW Local 5
- Brittney Rodas, Legislative and Political Representative – UFCW Local 1776
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his seventh as Chair.
Footage of the hearing, as well as the written testimony of the panel, is available at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Photographs and downloadable video are available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats commitment to protecting our commonwealth’s healthcare needs and other legislative priorities at www.pasenate.com.
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Testimony
PHILADELPHIA, PA − May 14, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing to examine ways to protect Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and economy with a skilled, protected, and reliable workforce.
“The testimony we heard today from stakeholders sends a clear message: we must enact strong, effective policies to protect workers and ensure their safety,” said Senator Miller. “Senator Kane, along with Senators Tartaglione, L. Williams, and Robinson, are actively developing legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s Construction Workplace Misclassification Act. I look forward to supporting and advocating to protecting our workers and ensure fairness across our Commonwealth.”
“I’m really thankful for having this conversation in this location, a union house built by union people,” said Senator Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair. “Let’s go forward and make delivering more worker protections a reality.”
“We’re here because every worker in Pennsylvania deserves fair treatment, fair pay, and safe conditions—plain and simple,” said Senator Tartaglione. “I’ve spent my career fighting for these values, and I’m proud to stand with colleagues like Senator Miller as we push forward on legislation that reflects what workers have told us they need. With this momentum and the growing unity around these issues, I truly believe we can deliver real, lasting change.”
“Worker misclassification costs Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $141 million annually, but the human toll is even more devastating,” said Senator Kane. “This illegal practice strips hardworking Pennsylvania’s of basic protections like workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, and sick pay. These are real families who are struggling to make ends meet when these fundamental protections are denied. With SB 72, we have a real opportunity to crack down on these unfair practices and ensure Pennsylvania workers receive the pay, benefits, and respect they’ve earned. In addition to the harm to construction workers, our taxpayers are getting ripped off. It has to stop, and I won’t stop fighting until we get this done.”
“Worker safety is community safety. Across industries, workers are exposed to risks and hazards that are preventable—from bosses who steal wages through misclassification to the denial of collective rights when a business engages in union-busting,” said Senator Saval. “Drawing on Pennsylvania’s history of strong workplace protections, we can and must enshrine safety mechanisms to empower all workers, on and off the job.”
“Organizing is a fundamental responsibility in protecting workers and ensuring accountability to the taxpayers who support them,” said Senator Street. “It was great to hear testimony from the administration and frontline stakeholders who advocate for workers’ rights every day.”
Christopher Hallock, Deputy Secretary from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, testified that this is more than a worker’s issue.
“When employers misclassify workers, law-abiding businesses suffer because they are forced to compete in the marketplace on unequal terms against employers that are avoiding payroll tax contributions, unemployment compensation taxes, workers’ compensation insurance premiums, or paying overtime,” said Hallock. “Communities also suffer by not receiving the full amount of tax revenue they are owed. This means that parks, schools, and police and fire departments are all negatively impacted by misclassification, alongside further strain being placed on the healthcare system.”
Michael Ford, Secretary/Treasurer for the State Building Trades that represents 130,000 construction workers in the Commonwealth stated how this issue is affecting publicly funded jobsites.
“Contractors who break the rules by underpaying workers can underbid law-abiding companies,” said Ford. “This creates a race to the bottom, discouraging fair competition and driving down standards across the construction industry. This does nothing to help anyone in the process, except the bad actors who are reaping the benefits of underpaying their employees.”
Ed Dupree, an 8-year employee of Whole Foods and member of UFCW Local 1776, emphasized the importance of organizing a union.
“This hearing is about protecting our workers, and I can’t think of any better protection workers can have than forming a union,” said Dupree. “A union means a voice in the workplace. A union means a seat at the table. And my co-workers and I made a historic step when we were the first group of workers in the nation to successfully vote to unionize at an Amazon Whole Foods location on January 27, 2025.”
Dionne Gary, President of AFSCME District 1199C, NUHHCE, and the first Black woman to lead her union representing healthcare and childcare professionals in Philadelphia, testified in support of legislation, including House Bills 308, 812, 926, and 956, aimed at protecting the workforce.
“As someone who began organizing in 2000 at Hahnemann Hospital, and who’s stood beside workers in arbitration rooms, contract fights, and hospital hallways, I can tell you— these bills are not theoretical,” said Gary. “They are desperately needed, right now, in facilities across this state.”
The panelists for today’s hearing included:
- Chris Hallock, Deputy Secretary – Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
- Ron Meischker, Director of Industry & Labor Compliance – Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
- Thomas Lepera, Political Director – IBEW Local 98
- Joseph McMonigle, Business Agent – Plumber’s Local Union Local 690
- Tony Seiwell, International Representative – LIUNA
- Mike Ford, Secretary-Treasurer – Pennsylvania State Building & Construction Trades Council
- Bryan Bush, President/Business Manager – Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19
- Todd Farally, Political and Legislative Director – Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19
- Antione Little, Vice President – AFSCME District Council 33
- Ed Dupree, Member – UFCW 1776
- Dionee Gary, President – AFSCME District 1199C, NUHHCE
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his sixth as Chair.
Testimony
Panel 1: Governor Shapiro’s Administration on the Current State of Affairs
- Chris Hallock, Deputy Secretary – Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
Panel 2: Construction Worker Misclassification & Custom Fabrication
- Ron Meischker, Director of Industry & Labor Compliance – Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
- Thomas Lepera, Political Director – IBEW Local 98
- Joseph McMonigle, Business Agent – Plumber’s Local Union Local 690
- Tony Seiwell, International Representative – LIUNA
- Mike Ford, Secretary-Treasurer – Pennsylvania State Building & Construction Trades Council
- Bryan Bush, President/Business Manager – Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19
- Todd Farally, Political and Legislative Director – Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19
Panel 3: Workplace Safety
Additional Testimony
PITTSBURGH, PA − April 15, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing to examine the needs of regional mass transit systems and assess ways to ensure that their benefits remain accessible to residents and local businesses in Pennsylvania.
“Across our Commonwealth, we have noticed a rising mass transit funding crisis characterized by substantial cuts in services due to budget limitations. Consequently, we are jeopardizing the daily lives of our residents who depend on public transportation to get to work, visit friends and loved ones, and traverse these regions for everyday needs,” said Senator Miller. “Though today’s hearing focused on Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, we are seeing reduction in access to transit in every corner of the commonwealth, including rural and suburban areas. In my district, Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) has also been impacted by this crisis and recently reduced services. Today’s hearing highlights the importance of collaboration to identify a solution that ensures our mass transit systems remain accessible to all residents, regardless of age or ability.”
“Today’s hearing was a critical step in understanding the work before us in delivering excellent public transit for every Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for all the testifiers who shared their knowledge and expertise with us,” said Senator Costa. “Public transit is critical infrastructure for our students, our seniors, our workers, our tourists, our disabled friends and neighbors, our parents, and our climate. While providing essential services to riders, public transit also fuels our region’s economy by connecting workers to workplaces, improving access to family sustaining jobs and providing workforce needs for employers. I look forward to making progress in this critical space together as we move forward.”
“Public transportation is an essential asset to communities across the commonwealth, including here in Western Pennsylvania where transit authorities serve residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Senator Fontana. “It is incumbent upon us to ensure long-term sustainability of our transit systems so that we not again facing drastic cuts to the services so many our constituents depend upon.”
“As a new member of the PRT board and the State Senator representing the region of Allegheny County with the most service cuts since 2013, I am committed to finding a long-term funding solution for our public transit system to not only keep it alive, but for it to thrive,” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “Our people, our workforce, and the future economic prosperity of Pennsylvania depends on access to transportation. I’m grateful to today’s testifiers, who represented the senior and disabled communities and our region’s largest employers and clearly communicated the dire need for a funded system of public transportation.”
“We need to think boldly about the future of transportation in Allegheny County and across Pennsylvania,” said Senator Pisciottano. “We are actively working with state and local leaders to explore solutions that address the current funding gaps and prevent harmful service cuts, including advocating for sustainable, long-term investments in public transit to support riders and ensure equitable service. By making smart investments today, we can build a transit system that serves our communities for generations to come.”
Katharine Kellman, CEO of Pittsburgh Regional Transit, stated the importance of finding a funding solution that will avoid service disruptions and economic setbacks.
“If we don’t come together and identify a lasting solution, the fiscal cliff transit agencies across Pennsylvania face ultimately will make it harder to support economic opportunities, attract and retain employees, and support the social and business needs of our Commonwealth,” said Katharine Kellman. “Transit is not and should not be an optional priority—it is a foundational one.”
Michael Carroll, Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), highlighted their commitment to strengthening the public transportation system through continued collaboration, innovation, and strategic investments.
“Across Pennsylvania, 53 public transit agencies deliver millions of trips every year—supporting mobility in every one of our 67 counties. In rural areas, small towns, and cities like Pittsburgh, transit is a daily necessity,” said Michael Carroll. “In fact, outside the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions, over 45,000 trips occur every day, keeping tens of thousands of cars off our roads and reducing congestion and emissions.”
Kendra Ross, Head of Social Impact at Duolingo, expressed concerns amongst the growing workforce in Pittsburgh.
“We’re fortunate to be well-served by PRT today and we hope that that can continue. The proposed service cuts will directly impact us as well as many other businesses in our community, with several lines in East Liberty set to be cut or significantly scaled back,” said Kendra Ross. “It’s been a topic of significant concern among our workforce; I have heard from many of our employees, worried about what this will mean for their commute.”
Lauren Poskin, the Executive Director of Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, emphasized the need to invest in public transit for the community’s well-being, economy, and quality of life.
“Transportation avoids institutionalization, which is both extremely costly and not what people want,” said Lauren Poskin. “People want to age in community. Both from the human and fiscal perspectives, this is an investment we can’t afford not to make.”
The panelists for today’s hearing included:
- Michael Carroll, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
- Donminika Brown, Chief Financial Officer, Pittsburgh Regional Transit
- Katherine Kelleman, CEO, Pittsburgh Regional Transit
- Ross Nicotero, President Business Manager, A.T.U. Local 85
- Dan Yablonsky, Digital Organizing Director, Pittsburghers for Public Transit
- Laura Poskin, Executive Director, Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh
- Kendra Ross, Head of Social Impact, Duolingo
- Vic Vercammen, Vice President, Safety, Regulatory & Government Affairs, Giant Eagle, Inc
- Dr. Mark Rubino, President, Allegheny Health Network Forbes and Allegheny Valley Hospitals
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his fifth as Chair.
Footage of the hearing, as well as the written testimony of the panel, is available at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Photographs and downloadable video are available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats commitment to protecting our commonwealth’s healthcare needs and other legislative priorities at www.pasenate.com.
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Testimony
Panel 1: The Commonwealth’s Outlook
Panel 2: The State of Pittsburgh Regional Transit
Panel 3: Community Impacts
Panel 4: Regional Economic Effect
Additional Testimony
PITTSBURGH − February 3, 2024 – The Senate Democratic Policy Committee traveled to Pittsburgh yesterday to host two events to highlight the successes of Pennsylvania’s groundbreaking Whole-Home Repairs Program. Less than a year after the distribution of funds, the Whole-Home Repairs program has already facilitated the repairs of hundreds of homes and changed thousands of lives, including many in Allegheny County.
“The Whole-Home Repairs Program is one of the best examples of how the government can directly support our constituents and meet one of their most important needs – safe housing,” state Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, said. “Our events in Pittsburgh really highlighted not only the success of the program and the positive impact it has made in people’s lives – but also the unmet needs across the Commonwealth and the requests for funding that were not approved because of the lack of adequate, yearly funding for Whole-Home Repairs.”
The Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing at the Allegheny County Courthouse in downtown Pittsburgh on Friday to highlight the successes of the Whole-Home Repairs program across the Commonwealth.
“Through the Whole-Home Repairs Program, Pennsylvania is tackling many of the root causes of community instability by keeping people in their homes and keeping these homes safe and healthy,” Senator Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) said. “The need for this program is every bit as enormous as we anticipated. Whole-Home Repairs deserves continued investment because Pennsylvanians deserve investment.”
The Whole-Home Repairs Program was originally introduced in March 2022 as Senate Bill 1135 by Senator Saval and was signed into law in July 2022 as part of the state budget package with a $125-million appropriation to launch the statewide program. An additional $50 million was originally appropriated in the 2023-24 state budget, but the necessary implementation language was not included in the final code bills that passed the legislature in December 2023.
“There has been so much attention on the unhoused population of Allegheny County in the last few years, and rightfully so. But as we work to increase shelter capacity, bridge and transitional housing, we cannot lose site of the importance of keeping people in the homes they already have,” Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said. “We have to recognize that just because they’re housed today, if their home requires repairs that they can’t afford and becomes unlivable, those families may be unhoused tomorrow. That is what the Whole Home Repairs bill can do for families – keep them safe and housed.”
Demand for the program has far outpaced available resources. In Allegheny County, 96% of eligible applicants have been deferred because of a lack of sufficient funds. With similar reports from counties across Pennsylvania, additional state funding is urgently needed to continue the program.
“It is no secret that Pennsylvania is home to some of the oldest housing stock in the nation. Being a realtor, I understand that not fixing one main element of a house can escalate quickly and have a negative trickledown effect on other areas of a home to the point of making it even uninhabitable,” Senator Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) said. “The assistance provided for critical repairs on a house through the Whole Home Repairs Program can mean the difference between someone staying in their house and having to find somewhere else to live. As we have witnessed, the demand for the program has been staggering which illustrates the need to continue funding the Whole Home Repairs Program.”
The program provides funding for county-wide agencies to address habitability and safety concerns, provide measures to improve energy or water efficiency and make units accessible for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the program provides funding to the counties for construction-related workforce development.
“The Whole Home Repairs Program allows families to safely remain in their homes, prevents blighted properties, puts people to work, and keeps communities together. This one program and its direct investment in people brings a return on investment for the entire community far beyond the lifechanging effects for individual families,” Senator Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny) added. “I support ongoing and expanded funding for Year Two and beyond of the Whole Home Repairs Program so that we can bring these impacts to more communities across Allegheny County and Pennsylvania.”
At the hearing, Senator Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny) noted that during his tenure as Mayor of McKeesport, they were forced to demolish over 5,000 homes – many of which could have been salvaged if a program like Whole-Home Repairs existed.
“The Whole-Home Repairs Program is a necessary program to help older communities reinvent themselves and maintain their communities,” Senator Brewster added.
Prior to the public hearing, members of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee and several other elected officials held a press conference outside of the home of Kelly Scatena, an Allegheny County homeowner whose house was repaired through the Whole-Home Repairs Program.
“Home should be the place where you feel safe, and now I have that for my family. We can relax in our house and not worry that it’s going to fall down,” Kelly Scatena said. “Now that I’ve gotten these repairs, I feel like I have a solid foot on the ground. I feel like I’m actually a homeowner because I’m here for good. This has been life changing.”
The Whole-Home Repairs Program in Allegheny County is run by Action Housing, a nonprofit housing agency based in Pittsburgh. Action Housing received over 4,300 unique, eligible applications for the Whole Home Repairs program since it began, but because of the lack of funding, they were only able to work on 200 total homes.
“The Allegheny County Whole-Home Repairs Program has been a success for families and builders throughout the region, but the limited funding means that we’ve only been able to serve about 4% of eligible applicants,” Dan Sullivan, Housing Stabilization Program Manager, Action Housing, said. “Without continued funding, thousands of residents will continue to live in homes that are unsafe for them and their families. We can change the status quo, but we need the investment to do it.”
At the press conference, U.S. Representative Summer Lee indicated that she is working in Congress to secure federal investments to support Whole-Home Repairs across the country.
“Just in my small neighborhood of North Braddock, we have over 400 blighted properties. Each time I walk by, I think of the people who – for lack of a few thousand dollars – lost their community. I think of the thousands in this region who are desperately in search of affordable housing. I think of how much generational wealth families have lost, and how that has impacted them in so many other ways,” Congresswoman Lee added. “Whole-Home Repairs could have helped them. The story is not just about the 200 families Action Housing could help, but also the 6,000 eligible applicants they could not help because the program ran out of federal funding. That’s why I’m in DC fighting to secure massive federal investment to continue Whole-Home Repairs in Pennsylvania and implement it nationwide.”
The state legislators are hopeful that funding for the Whole-Home Repairs program is highlighted in the Governor’s Budget Address set for Tuesday afternoon in Harrisburg.
“I am proud that this program has already generated positive outcomes for neighbors in my district and across the state. However, we have a lot more we can do to ensure that our homes are safe and sustainable,” state Rep. Jessica Benham (D-Allegheny) said. “That is why I will continue to strongly advocate for Whole-Home Repairs funding in Harrisburg. Our communities deserve it.”
Additional participants in the Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing included Rick Vilello, Deputy Secretary for Community Affairs, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; Justin Livingston, Owner and Project Manager, JL Homebuilders; LuAnn Zak, Assistant Director, Indiana County Office of Planning and Development; and Chuck Weiss, Associate Executive Director for Housing, Community Action Lehigh Valley.
“I have been so proud to join my colleagues in the PA Senate Democratic Caucus as we fight for a safe, accessible, and affordable home for every Pennsylvanian,” Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said. “The Whole-Home Repairs program has been integral to delivering on this crucial goal, and I look forward to continuing to support our working families by ensuring their homes keep them warm, dry, and comfortable.”
All submitted testimony from the policy hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy. A recording of the press conference is available to watch on-demand at www.SenatorMuth.com/Video.
