I am writing with my weekly District Update.

The Pandemic Response

Bucks County has now been in the green phase of re-opening for nearly two weeks.  While numbers of new cases in our area are not surging, there have been an increase over the last two weeks statewide.  To help curb the spread of COVID-19, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, has signed an order mandating masks be worn in all public spaces.   

The Bucks County Department of Health has been contact tracing new cases, and has attributed almost half of the recent new cases to people who became infected by traveling out of state. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is also currently recommending if you travel to the following states, you quarantine for 14 days upon your return home: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.

As we continue to see businesses, restaurants, and activities starting up again, it’s important that we wear a mask and practice social distancing when going out.  We also should continue to wash our hands often and thoroughly and regularly clean surfaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

BCCC Industrial Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program

Bucks County Community College's Industrial Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program is seeking candidates for training starting July 27th. Free instruction is available to Bucks County residents affected by COVID-19. Interested applicants should visit https://www.bucks.edu/wfd or call 267-685-4884.

Free Shredding Event at The Birches on July 18th

The Birches at Newtown is hosting a free, curbside shredding event on Saturday, July 18th from 8:00-11:00 AM.  Simply pull up to The Birches and pop your trunk, and an attendant will remove your old documents and sensitive paperwork for shredding.  Traffic will enter at 70 Durham Road in Newtown and will exit off Eagle Road.

The Birches at Newtown is a Personal Care and Memory care facility, providing a unique retirement community environment.  For more information about The Birches, call 215-497-7400 or visit www.thebirchesatnewtown.com.

Statewide Small Business Assistance Grants

The COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance program will provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses that have been economically impacted by COVID-19. This is not a first-come, first-served program. There will be multiple rounds of application windows.

The application window for the first round of funding is open until Tuesday, July 14th.  Applications will continue to be accepted after this period closes, but will be considered for future rounds of funding. Additional rounds will be announced soon.

Businesses must apply through an eligible Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). The CDFI Network is a group of 17 Pennsylvania-based community development financial institutions that primarily provide financing options for small businesses.  For more information, visit pabusinessgrants.com.

Round of Applause

This week’s round of applause goes to Manhattan Bagel in Chalfont.  Throughout the pandemic, the Chalfont shop has been working with local pantries to collect baby food, diapers and hygiene products, like soap and sanitary products, to assist families in need.  They have hosted multiple drives for supplies and have made additional purchases to fill in any gaps in donations. 

Thank you to Manhattan Bagel, located at 5 East Butler Avenue in Chalfont, for your generosity and commitment to the community.

Do you know of a business or individual who is going above and beyond during these unprecedented times to help others? Email senatorsantarsiero@pasenate.com for a chance to be featured in our District Update or on our social media pages.

Stay Up-to-Date

Please visit the district newsroom to view additional stories, videos, and photos from across the district and the commonwealth.

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Offices of State Senator Steve Santarsiero

All offices are temporarily closed to visitors due to COVID-19.

www.senatorstevesantarsiero.com