Schwartz Brings Home Eight Gifts for Hanukkah

From the inbox:

U.S. Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz praised the inclusion of eight projects for the 13th district in the Fiscal Year 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama earlier this week. The legislation increases funding for infrastructure, health, and education projects in order to create jobs immediately while investing in our local communities and workforce for the long-term.

The appropriations bill includes funding for the city of Philadelphia to establish electronic medical records; the Abington, Montgomery and Jenkintown police departments; the downtown streetscape expansion in Lansdale; the Liberty Housing Development Corporation in Philadelphia to assist disabled individuals; the Community College of Philadelphia; and the Jewish Employment and Vocational Service (JEVS).

“It is imperative that in these difficult economic times we make smart, targeted investments that will grow our economy and create jobs,” Schwartz said. “I am particularly pleased with funding for the city’s health information technology system, which will improve care and increase coordination between Philadelphia's multiple hospitals. These funds will improve transitions in care between primary care and tertiary care providers, resulting in improved patient outcomes and savings for the city and its hospitals.”

The Consolidated Appropriations Act includes funding for the following projects in the 13th District:

· $535,000 for the City of Philadelphia to establish an electronic health record (HER) system.

· $500,000 for a Downtown Streetscape Expansion in Lansdale. This investment will encourage commercial growth, enhance property, and transform the downtown area of Lansdale Borough while creating new gateways to the community.

· $300,000 for the Liberty Housing Development Corporation in Philadelphia, which will enable the organization to assist disabled individuals seeking to move from live-in nursing facilities to independent living by retrofitting residences and providing opportunities for occupants to become part of the community. These funds will increase community participation and access for disabled individuals.

· $100,000 for the Community College of Philadelphia to expand the Center for Small Business Education, Growth and Training, which will be an economic engine for Northeast Philadelphia, providing training and resources for locally owned small businesses. The expansion efforts will fulfill critical economic needs by enabling programs tailored to the demands of local and regional industries and businesses. These funds will improve the regions workforce and encourage economic growth.

· $165,000 for the Jewish Employment and Vocational Service (JEVS) for an associate degree program in court reporting.

The appropriations bill also includes funding for three area police departments:

· $195,000 for the Abington Township Police Department to assist in its ongoing effort to upgrade the in-car computer technologies used by its officers. This will allow all relevant and necessary information about police calls to be accessible to officers in their vehicles. Additionally, it will allow officers to remotely file reports back to the station for approval.

· $40,000 for the Jenkintown Borough Police Department to purchase new in-car video cameras, computer technology for its cars and offices and a new fingerprint system. The funds will also provide for the maintenance of the department’s newly formed K-9 and traffic safety units.

· $75,000 for Montgomery Township Police Department to acquire and deploy in-car video cameras to provide a permanent record of police activities. Such records are beneficial for criminal prosecutions - primarily driving under the influence cases - and protecting police officers against allegations of misconduct, false arrests, and excessive force by establishing an audible and visual recording of encounters.

“These critical funds will go towards strengthening our police force by providing officers with the tools they need to improve effectiveness and efficiency and ensure the safety of our citizens,” Schwartz said. “The funds for the Montgomery Township Police Department will enhance the accountability of the department by providing permanent records of police activities.”

The FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act combines appropriations bills for Transportation and HUD; Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government; Labor Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; and State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs.