STATE REPRESENTATIVE ALEX CHARLTON

165TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

Fall 2018

2018-19 Budget Prioritizes School, EMS Funding

This year, I was proud to support the 2018-19 state budget which
prioritizes funding for schools and EMS. The $32.7 billion spending General Fund Spending | 2018-19 #PABudget
plan for Fiscal Year 2018-19 is just 1.7 percent higher than last year’s $32.7 Billion
budget – an increase below the rate of inflation – and it does not raise
taxes or fees on hard-working Pennsylvanians. This budget is also
Criminal
putting money into the Rainy Day Fund for the first time since the Justice
$2.5
Great Recession of 2006-07. Improvement in the national economy All Other 8%
Debt Service $2.5
and restrained state spending over the past three years have helped $1.1 9%
put our Commonwealth on a solid path to financial stability. 3% PreK-12 Education
$12.3
Funding for education has never been higher. The budget invests 38%
$100 million more for basic education, $25 million more for early
childhood education and an additional $15 million for special
education. This equates to $12.3 billion for prekindergarten through Health & Human
Services
12th-grade education. All Other Spending:
Agriculture
$12.1
Higher
37%
The budget includes a 3 percent increase for Pennsylvania’s state- DEP Education
DCNR $1.7
related universities and community colleges; a 3.3 percent boost Judiciary 5%
State Police
for the State System of Higher Education; and $30 million more for DCED
Legislature
career and technical education. Etc. (billions)
The budget also includes a new, $60 million initiative to ensure
Pennsylvania’s children are in a safe learning environment tailored
to their needs. With many ambulance companies in our area and across the
Recognizing that each school’s needs are different, the block state struggling financially, I’m pleased to report the 2018-19
grants, to be distributed to schools throughout the Commonwealth, budget includes funding for a much-needed increase in Medicaid
can be used for a variety of tools to fight violence, including metal reimbursements for these life-saving services.
detectors, school resource officers, school safety assessments This is great news for our emergency responders, and for each and
and preplanning, and other upgrades to ensure a safe learning every one of us who rely on them to answer the call for help.
environment. The increases are based on legislation, which I proudly co-
A new committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on sponsored – House Bill 699 – to boost reimbursements for Advanced
Crime and Delinquency will review incoming applications from Life Support (ALS) services from $200 to not less than $300, and for
each district. The funds allocated this year must be awarded to all Basic Life Support (BLS) services from $120 to $180. The rate increase
qualifying districts by Oct. 31, 2019. – the first since 2004 – will take effect on Jan. 1, 2019.
Additional funds will help protect communities by training more While this increase in reimbursement rates will not solve all of the
state police troopers, caring for those with intellectual disabilities, financial challenges facing our ambulance services, it is a significant
supplying home visiting services for families affected by the opioid step in the right direction. I will continue to work on other initiatives
crisis and supporting emergency medical services. to help, including legislation to require reimbursement for treatment
Excessive spending and debt will not bring prosperity to provided, regardless of whether a transport takes place.
Pennsylvania. The priority must be to keep spending increases The budget also includes funds to help protect communities by training
at a minimum. We will continue to stand up for taxpayers and more state police troopers, caring for those with intellectual disabilities
clear the way for Pennsylvanians to fulfill the American Dream: a and supplying services for families affected by the opioid crisis.
good education; a good-paying job; and a safe home, school and Thank you to all of our emergency responders for their hard work
community. and commitment to saving lives!

Delaware County Sees a Soar in Clean Energy Grants

I’d like to thank the Commonwealth Finance Authority’s (CFA)
and the Alternative and Clean Energy Program (ACE) for awarding
our district with almost $2 million in clean energy grants. In May, I
announced the CFA awarded Villanova University with over $995,000
in grant funds to be used for the purchase and installment of a
combined heat and power (CHP) system on its campus.
I am pleased to report that these funds will come home to Delaware
County and help our local college campus. This effort will continue
Delaware County’s quest to become more environmentally friendly.
The electrical and thermal production offset will reduce Villanova
University’s energy usage by a combined 24 percent.
We need our Commonwealth to rely on clean, safe and efficient
energy. By brining Villanova’s energy usage down by 24 percent, we
are accomplishing that goal.
The total cost for this project is $3.6 million. LCP Generation
Partners will provide the $2.55 million in matching funds from bank
financing.
We also received $996,000 in grant funding from ACE and the CFA
for the purchase and installment of a solar photo voltaic system. The
proposed project includes installing an 864 kilowatt photo voltaic
system on the roof of Lawrence Park Shopping Center. The solar panels
will generate approximately 500 percent of the building’s energy use.
The total cost for this project is $1,992,236.
These awards will advance Pennsylvania’s role as a leader in
renewable energy, and Delaware County’s initiative to develop clean
energy that makes our communities safer.

Preserving our Land and Water
Recently, I held a press conference with legislators and advocates
to urge an adequate increase in funding for the Growing Greener
III program, which would provide a much-needed boost in funding
for conservation, preservation and recreation projects across the
Commonwealth.
The Growing Greener III program protects Pennsylvania’s water,
land, forests and other natural resources; stimulates economic
growth in our communities; and improves the quality of life for all
Pennsylvanians.
House Bill 2485, which I introduced, would establish the
framework for a Growing Greener III program to protect
Pennsylvania’s water, land, forests and other natural resources;
stimulate economic growth in our communities; and improve the
quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.
We only get one environment to leave to future generations, and
it is in everyone’s best interest to maintain the health of our air, land
and water. Even in challenging financial times, preservation now
is far more cost effective than restoration later. And in the end, a
healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand in hand.
To watch my press conference on the need for adequate Growing
Greener Legislation, visit the video section of www.RepCharlton.com.
Governor Signs My Bill to Plan America’s 250th Birthday
Just a day before the nation celebrated its most recent birthday, I
along with Rep. Jared Solomon announced our bill to establish the
Pennsylvania Semiquincentennial Commission was signed into law
by the governor.
It’s extremely important for us to recognize Pennsylvania’s integral
role in the founding of the United States. The semiquincentennial
in 2026 is a chance for all Pennsylvanians to engage in a shared
undertaking of national unity, as well as remembering the
Pennsylvanians who had an enormous impact in the past, present
and future of our great nation.
Act 28 of 2018 establishes a commission to plan, encourage,
develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th
anniversary of the founding of the United States. The commission
will submit a comprehensive report that includes the specific
recommendations of the commission to the governor and the
General Assembly by September 2018.
I’d like to thank the governor for signing this bill into law and
allowing our state to lead the efforts on America’s 250th birthday
planning. For Pennsylvanians, it is both a privilege and responsibility
to host the nation and the world on the anniversary of America’s
founding.
The commission will consist of the following members:
• One Republican and Democratic member of the Senate.
• One Republican and Democratic member of the House.
• Twenty private citizens who will be appointed by the governor,
Senate and House.
People with Disabilities to
Counteract Workforce Shortage
and Receive Fair Pay
Because of a bipartisan, bicameral effort from the
General Assembly, legislation, which I voted for, to benefit
individuals with disabilities and Commonwealth businesses
has been signed into law.
House Bill 1641, now Act 36, promotes competitive
integrated employment for all individuals with a disability
who are eligible to work under state or federal law. Because
of the bill, employment services and opportunities will be
offered to anyone who receives publicly funded services.
Individuals with disabilities have skills from which
businesses can benefit. Going further, these skills are
particularly needed given Pennsylvania’s workforce
shortage. This act addresses two significant problems,
which I am thankful Gov. Tom Wolf recognized.
Enactment of the Employment First Act will provide
people with disabilities the opportunity to work at
competitive wages in a wide range of jobs.
It also calls for state agencies to have a goal to employ
individuals with disabilities in at least 7 percent of the
overall state workforce. It, however, would not require
state agencies to give preference in hiring to people with
disabilities.
The act also creates an oversight commission, with
people who have disabilities making up more than half of
its members, that would set measurable goals for improving
the percentage of workers with disabilities in Pennsylvania.
The commission would also issue an annual progress report.
Because Commonwealth agencies would be required
to shift priorities within existing budgets, additional state
funding is unnecessary.
• Non-voting members including the Secretary of the
Commonwealth; the attorney general; the auditor general;
the chair of PA Historical and Museum Commission; the
secretary of Transportation, Education, and Conservation and
Natural Resources; the adjutant general, and the chairman of
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
The Pennsylvania Semiquincentennial Commission will meet
at points throughout the Commonwealth at times and locations
determined by the chairperson, whom the governor would appoint.
The passage comes after we held a news conference in October to
introduce our bipartisan effort. To view our press conference, visit
the video section of www.RepChartlon.com.
 Around the

165th District

I joined Rep. Jamie Santora and first responders in unveiling

legislation, House Bill 2147, which I co-sponsored, to fight the
Commonwealth’s opioid epidemic by further encouraging people
to pursue treatment following an overdose.

I had an awesome time celebrating Delco Day on 6/10. It was

fantastic event that showcased the kindness, respect and heart
of the people who make up the Delco community. To view my
comments on the importance of Delco day, visit my video section of
www.RepCharlton.com.

I was proud to present a grant check to the Domestic Abuse Project

in Media. I am proud Pennsylvania has continued to demonstrate its
commitment to supporting victims of this societal ill that confronts
far too many of our residents.

I was honored to attend

the 85th anniversary for
the American Legion
Post 668 this morning.
Events like these are
excellent reminders
of the sacrifice and
I attended the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce State House commitment of the
Forum at Elwin in July. This presented a great opportunity for small men and women who
and large businesses to interact with legislators and community have served to preserve
members. I look forward to attending more of these forums as a our freedoms and allow
way to hear the thoughts and concerns of business owners here in us to live in the greatest
our district. country in the world!

I presented House citations to the newest members of the Delaware County Sports Hall of Fame.
From left to right: Ky Lynn, Billy Carr and Dan Connor.
 STATE REPRESENTATIVE ALEX CHARLTON PRSRT STD
165TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
RepCharlton.com HARRISBURG, PA
PERMIT NO. 432

Honoring
Local Scouts

I had the chance to visit and present Troop I had the pleasure of presenting Springfield Troop 512 (top) and
284 of Radnor with House Citations. Troop 315 of Marple (bottom) with House Citations.

Representative Alex Charlton How We Can Help You

Serving the 165th Legislative District Here are some of the ways that my office can assist you:
• FREE notary services.
District Office • Assistance with preparations of Property Tax/Rent Rebate
claim forms.
905 West Sproul Road, Suite 203
• Information about state road conditions.
Springfield, PA 19064 • Information and problems with PA Insurance programs:
Phone: (610) 544-9878 Medical Assistance and CHIP.
Fax: (610) 338-2294 • Fishing and hunting information.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Information on financial assistance for higher education.
• PennDOT forms for special tags and driver and vehicle services.
• Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax forms.
Capitol Office
• Pennsylvania road maps.
53A East Wing, PO Box 202165 • Requests for copies of legislation, bills and regulations.
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2165 • Requests for literature for students and senior citizens.
Phone: (717) 787-1248 • Tours of the State Capitol for individuals or groups.
Fax: (717) 782-2956 • Unemployment compensation issues.

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