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Welcome to the PSATS Morning News, our email digest.
The PSATS Morning News includes the latest news, videos – look for TVN and the Question of the Week every Tuesday and Thursday – along with legislative and policy updates, grant and funding opportunities, and announcements about upcoming PSATS training.
Email comments and suggestions to morningnews@psats.org.
PSATS Morning News Library
Latest News
City of Reading Exits Distressed Status
After 15 years, the City of Reading is no longer considered distressed under Act 47. The state Department of Community and Economic Development announced yesterday that it has terminated Reading’s distressed status due to significant improvements in its financial status,…
Office of Open Records Hosts Training
The Office of Open Records is hosting a “Laws that Protect Information” webinar July 20 at 10 a.m. This webinar will discuss laws that define specific records as confidential and could be used to deny access to records under the…
Correction: New Liquor Code Act Removes License Restrictions for Amplified Music
Note: this article corrects and clarifies the summary of Act 67 of 2022 in the July 12 edition of the Morning News. Act 67 of 2022 (HB 1615) amends the state Liquor Code to remove license restrictions and allow any…
Good News….Bad News on ARP Funding
According to the Office of State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, some ARP money will be coming out this Friday, July 15, 2022. Unfortunately, this will only be the year 1 distribution for the unallocated funds so the deposits will be small. …
Commonwealth Authority Accepting Applications for RACP on July 25
The Office of the Budget will begin accepting applications for the latest round of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) beginning July 25. Applications will be due August 19. RACP grants are for the acquisition and construction of regional economic,…
Alternative Fuels Grant Opportunity
The state Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program. Townships and municipal authorities are eligible to apply for funding through this program. Approximately $3 million in grant funding is available to support: …
Watch for Cyber Attacks as Amazon Prime Day Approaches
With Amazon Prime Days approaching this week, be aware of scammers looking to deploy malware or steal information. A recent report noted an increase in phishing emails and suspicious domains that are designed to scam shoppers. Click here to read…
Definition of Rural and Urban Municipalities Updated 
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania revised their definitions to identify rural and urban counties, school districts, and municipalities in Pennsylvania following the 2020 Census results. In May 2022, the Center’s Board of Directors approved the following updated definition of rural/urban…
Realty Transfer Tax: 2021 Common Level Ratio 
The State Tax Equalization Board (STEB) established the 2021 Common Level Ratio (CLR) of assessed value to current market value for each county in the Commonwealth. Per the requirements set forth in the Community and Economic Development Enhancement Act, STEB…
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Bridge Investment Program Funding Opportunity 
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is accepting applications for $2.36 billion in FY 2022 through the competitive Bridge Investment Program (BIP). The program will provide $12.5 billion over the next five years to projects that replace, rehabilitate, preserve, or protect…
