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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.
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PSATS Morning News Library
Latest News
PA Unemployment Rate Up Again and Continues Above National Average
Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate for April increased slightly, from 7.3% to 7.4%. The U.S. rate also increased slightly in April, from 6.0% to 6.1%. Nationally, Hawaii, at 8.5%, had the highest unemployment rate in April, followed by California, New Mexico, and New York. In Pennsylvania,…
Municipal Recycling Grants Available
The state Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for Municipal Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grants (Section 902 Grants) until September 24, 2021. Eligible recycling program development and implementation costs are eligible for 90% funding. Municipalities that did not receive a…
Federal Broadband Grants Available
The U.S. Department of Commerce has $288 million available in grant funding for the deployment of broadband infrastructure. Grants will be awarded to partnerships between a state or local government and a provider of fixed broadband services. Projects should be…
Philadelphia Relaxes Mitigation Orders Today
Today, mitigation orders will be relaxed in the City of Philadelphia, including elimination of restrictions on capacity of stores, museums, and offices, elimination of capacity limits on outdoor pools, and allowing chairs at restaurants to be three feet apart. Indoor…
FDA Approves Refrigerator Storage of Thawed Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the storage of defrosted Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for up to one month at refrigerated temperatures. Previously, thawed vaccine could be stored in the refrigerator for only five days. This will make it easier to…
Wolf Renews COVID-19 Disaster Declaration
Yesterday, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a fifth renewal of his Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic. Wolf noted that he consulted with the General Assembly about the extension and will collaborate on the future of the declaration and any…
Federal Crime Reduction Grants Available
The U.S. Department of Justice is accepting grant applications until July 20 for the Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative for Law Enforcement Agencies. Rural townships with a local police department and a population of less than 15,000 are eligible to…
IFO Monthly Report Features Strong Signs of Economic Growth
The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) posted a monthly economic update featuring recent data showing that wage growth and job openings are both up. In addition, inflation is also seeing increases, particularly for home prices. Click here to learn more.
Pennsylvania Remains 11th for Vaccine Doses Administered Per Capita
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Pennsylvania remains 11th for total doses administered per capita. Nationally, more than 124 million people have been fully vaccinated, nearly 48% of the adult population. The CDC reported yesterday that for the first time since…
Reminder: DCED Accepting Applications for Act 13 Grants Until May 31
The state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is accepting applications for Act 13 programs until May 31, 2021. There are several grant programs listed below that are funded from impact fees from natural gas wells under Act 13 of 2012: Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) Abatement & Treatment Program: Townships…
