Press Releases
Senator Collett Votes to Preserve Governor’s Emergency Powers and Reacts to Senate Vote on SB 1166
Harrisburg, Pa. - July 15, 2020 — During today’s session, Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) voted “No” on SB 1166, which would, if adopted as a constitutional amendment, allow the legislature to unilaterally end an emergency declaration by a Governor by...
Senator Collett Announces COVID-19 Relief Small Business Grant Program Application Window
Lower Gwynedd, Pa. - June 29, 2020 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) announced that a new COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance grant program (“PA Small Business Grant Program”) will open for applications on Tuesday, June 30....
State Senate Hearing Focuses on COVID-19’s Impact on the Food Supply Chain
Harrisburg – June 18, 2020 – At the request of state Senators Judy Schwank (D- Berks) and Maria Collett (D- Bucks/Montgomery), the Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a virtual public hearing today on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Pennsylvania’s food...
PA Senate Democrats Announce Comprehensive Police Reform Legislation
HARRISBURG – June 10, 2020 – Today, members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus announced plans for a comprehensive package of legislation to reform policing in Pennsylvania. Two years ago, members of the caucus introduced police and community relations...
Senator Collett Votes to Preserve Governor’s Emergency Declaration and Reacts to Senate Vote on HR 836
Harrisburg, Pa. − June 9, 2020 − During today’s session, Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) voted “No” on HR 836 as amended, which would end the Governor’s Emergency Declaration related to COVID-19. Senator Collett offers the following reactions:...
PA Senate Democrats Announce $225 Million for Small Business Assistance Grants Statewide
HARRISBURG – June 8, 2020 – Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus announced the direction of $225 million in federal CARES Act funding to aid small businesses across the commonwealth. This funding was authorized by the recently enacted COVID-19...
Senators Santarsiero, Collett Ask Governor to Allow Businesses in Personal Service Industry to Operate During Yellow and Green Phases of Reopening
BUCKS COUNTY – May 28, 2020 – Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Maria Collett (D-12) were joined by State Representatives Perry Warren (D-31), Tina Davis (D-141), John Galloway (D-140) and Wendy Ullman (D-143) in asking Governor Wolf to issue an executive order...
Senator Collett Reacts to Governor Wolf’s Announcement of Bucks and Montgomery Counties’ Anticipated June 5th Move to Yellow Phase
Lower Gwynedd, Pa. - May 22, 2020 — In response to Governor Wolf’s announcements at today’s 4 PM press conference, Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) offers the following initial reactions: “The residents and businesses of Bucks and Montgomery County have...
Senator Collett Urges Governor Wolf and Secretary Davin to Provide Additional Financial Support to Montgomery and Bucks County Businesses
Lower Gwynedd, Pa. - May 19, 2020 — Today, Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) sent a letter to Governor Tom Wolf and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin urging them to ramp up financial support for Montgomery and Bucks...
Senator Collett Encouraged By Department Of Health Announcement Of Universal Testing For Long-Term Care Residents And Staff
Harrisburg, Pa. - May 12, 2020 — Senate Aging & Youth Democratic Chairwoman Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks), who just last week pressed Secretary Levine on the Commonwealth’s ability to test long-term care residents and staff, was pleased and...
Senator Collett and Nursing Home Providers Say More PPE And Immediate, Mass Testing for Long-Term Care Residents and Staff Hold Key to Reopening State at May 7 Senate Aging & Youth Committee Hearing
Harrisburg, Pa. − May 8, 2020 — At yesterday’s joint hearing of the Senate Aging & Youth and Health and Human Services Committees, Aging & Youth Democratic Chairwoman Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) heard testimony from panelists in the...
Senator Collett Announces Legislation to Ensure Adequate PPE Stockpiles for Future Public Health Emergencies
Harrisburg, Pa. - May 4, 2020 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) introduced a bill memo for co-sponsorship to ensure Pennsylvania has adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpiles available during future public health emergencies like the...
Senator Collett Issues Statement in Support of PA Auditor General’s Review of and Critical of Efforts to Subpoena Wolf Administration Officials Regarding Flawed DCED Waiver Program During Health Crisis
Lower Gwynedd, PA — April 30, 2020 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) issued the following statement after a party-line vote in the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness (“VAEP”) Committee meeting today to move forward with the issuance of...
PA Senate Democrats Urge Action on Legislation for Working Families, Pledge to Oppose Partisan COVID Task Force
Harrisburg, PA − April 8, 2020 − The Senate adjourned Tuesday afternoon after the House Republicans indicated they would not be taking up Senate Bill 841, legislation that would have enabled local municipalities to hold their meetings remotely, permitted e-notary use;...
Senators Maria Collett and Lindsey M. Williams Announce Legislation to Protect Front-Line Workers During COVID-19 Outbreak
Harrisburg, Pa. − April 1, 2020 − Senators Maria Collett and Lindsey M. Williams announced today that they are introducing legislation to provide workers in healthcare facilities, public assistance workers, other direct support professionals, and first...
Senators Collett & Hughes Call for Additional Ventilator Care Funding During Public Health Crisis
Montgomery County, PA – March 26, 2020 – Senators Maria Collett, RN (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) and Vincent Hughes (D-7 Philadelphia/Montgomery) today urged the Governor and their colleagues to include additional funding for nursing homes serving Medicaid patients...
Senator Collett Announces Security Grants for Local Nonprofits
North Wales, Pa. - March 11, 2020 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) has announced $37,000 in Non-Profit Security Grants awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). A total of 805 houses of worships and other non-profit...
Senator Collett Announces Over $1.3 Million in School Safety and Community Violence Prevention Grants
North Wales, Pa. - February 26, 2020 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) has announced $765,437 in Competitive and Meritorious School Safety Grants and $598,200 in Community Violence Prevention/Reduction Grants awarded by Pennsylvania’s School Safety and...
Senators Santarsiero and Collett Respond to Wage History Ruling
Harrisburg, PA − February 10, 2020 − On Thursday, a federal appeals court upheld a Philadelphia law prohibiting employers from asking about wage history. The ruling partially reversed a lower court's 2018 decision that said the city could not ban employers...
Senator Collett Reacts to Governor Tom Wolf’s 2020-21 Budget Address
Harrisburg, Pa. – February 4, 2020 – Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) attended Governor Tom Wolf’s (D) budget address today. The Governor’s 2020-2021 budget proposal included key investments in our Department of Environmental Protection (DEP),...
Senator Collett Announces Over $309,000 in Grant Funding for Local Fire Companies and Emergency Medical Services Departments
North Wales, Pa. - January 30, 2020 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) has announced $309,766 in grant funding for 27 local fire companies and emergency medical services (EMS) departments distributed by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. “Our...
Senator Collett and Senator Laughlin Renew Call for Paid Family Leave Following Committee Hearing
Harrisburg, Pa. — January 30, 2020 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks), Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie), and advocates from across the Commonwealth held a press conference on Tuesday following a hearing of the Senate Labor and Industry...
Senator Collett Announces PAsmart Grant Awards for the 12th District
North Wales, Pa. - January 17, 2020 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) has announced $70,000 in PAsmart Targeted grants to fund computer services classes and teacher training for two school districts in the 12th District. “Computer science training is...
Senator Collett Encourages Local Organizations to Apply for Non-Profit Security Grants
North Wales, Pa. - January 15, 2020 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) announced that the new Non-Profit Security Grant Program is now accepting applications. The application period ends at 11:45 PM on February 14, 2020. Passed in the wake of a rise in...
Group of Democratic State Senators Request Hearing or Committee Vote on Bills Aimed at Protecting Quality, Stable Health Care in PA
HARRISBURG – January 7, 2020 – State Senators Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery), Pam Iovino (D-Allegheny/Washington), Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks), Maria Collett (D-Montgomery/Bucks), and Tim Kearney (D-Delaware/Chester) have requested that the state Senate...
Senator Collett Announces Teacher in The Workplace Grants for the 12th District
North Wales, PA. − January 6, 2020 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) has announced $50,000 in Teacher in the Workplace grants supporting two educational programs serving students in the 12th District. “These grants will allow our students to build...
Senator Collett Announces $150,000 For Career and Technical Education Equipment in the 12th District
North Wales, Pa. – December 20, 2019 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) has announced $150,000 in competitive career and technical education equipment grants awarded to three schools that serve her district. Grant recipients include: Middle...
Democratic Senators Introduce Legislation to Reform Judicial Nomination Process for Vacant Court Seats
Harrisburg, Pa. − December 18, 2019 − Today, Senators Anthony H. Williams (D – Delaware, Philadelphia), Lindsey M. Williams (D – Allegheny), Maria Collett (D – Bucks, Montgomery), and Katie Muth (D – Chester, Montgomery, Berks) introduced Senate Bill 978, which...
Senator Maria Collett Joined by More State Legislators Across the Country Committing to Protect Drinking Water
Harrisburg, Pa. – December 3, 2019 – Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) has been joined by legislators in 20 states across the country in introducing legislation to address PFAS contamination in drinking water. PFAS, or "forever chemicals,” are found in...
Senator Collett Announces $325,000 for Clean Energy Vehicle Projects in the 12th District, Encourages Others to Apply
North Wales, Pa. — November 20, 2019 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) has announced $325,000 in Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants (AFIG) for clean energy vehicle projects in her district. Grant recipients include: Waste Management, Inc. - $300,000 for...
Senator Maria Collett Highlights Pennsylvania’s Primary Care Loan Repayment Program
North Wales, Pa. – November 18, 2019 – Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) would like to call attention to the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s recent notice of requests for applications under the Pennsylvania Primary Care Loan Repayment Program. ...
Senator Collett Announces More than $1,000,000 in Funding for Local Transportation, Recreation and Conservation Projects
North Wales, Pa. — November 13, 2019 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) has announced over $1,000,000 in grant funding for local projects awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Pennsylvania...
Senator Maria Collett Announces Overnight Hit & Run Accident Damage to Warminster District Office
Warminster, Pa. – October 25, 2019 – Senator Maria Collett (D-Montgomery/Bucks) has announced that her Warminster district office, located at 1410 W. Street Road, was damaged during a hit and run accident overnight. “Fortunately, the office was closed when the crash...
Senator Collett Announces More Than $110,000 in Funding for Local School Safety
North Wales, Pa. - October 18, 2019 — Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) has announced $110,207 in Safe Schools Targeted Grants awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The grant recipients in the 12th Senatorial district include: Gwynedd Mercy...
Senator Maria Collett Introduces Menstrual Equity Legislation
North Wales, Pa. – October 7, 2019 – Today, Senator Maria Collett (D-12, Bucks and Montgomery) introduced legislation to establish the “Pennsylvania Menstrual Equity Act,” to ensure that Menstrual Products (“MPs”) are made available in public bathroom facilities....
Senator Collett Announces $560,000 for Traffic Safety Improvements in the 12th District
NORTH WALES, PA. – October 4, 2019 – Senator Maria Collett (D-Montgomery/Bucks) announced today that $560,000 in grant funds have been awarded to improve traffic safety in Montgomery Township and Upper Moreland Township through the Pennsylvania Department of...
Senator Maria Collett Introduces Legislation to Offer Real ID Discounts to Seniors
Harrisburg, Pa. – September 19, 2019 – Senator Maria Collett (D-Montgomery/Bucks) introduced legislation (SB 855) today to reduce fees for seniors applying for REAL ID cards and driver’s licenses. Pennsylvania is home to a substantial and expanding senior population....
Senator Collett Announces $250,000 for Watershed Protection and Recreational Development in Montgomery County
NORTH WALES, PA. – September 17, 2019 – Senator Maria Collett (D-Montgomery/Bucks) announced today that $250,000 in grant funds have been awarded to support watershed restoration and protection and the development of greenways, trails and recreation in Montgomery...
Legislators React to Grand Jury Report Calling for New System of Investigating Sexual Misconduct Claims
HARRISBURG, August 27, 2019 – After a months-long review of a sexual misconduct complaint against a former Pennsylvania House member, a Dauphin County grand jury has called for the Pennsylvania Legislature to create a new, independent Office of Legislative...
Senator Maria Collett Thanks Governor Wolf for PFAS Funding, Calls on him to Classify PFAS as “Hazardous Substances” and Set MCL
Horsham, Pa. – August 22, 2019 – Senator Maria Collett (D-Montgomery/Bucks), whose district includes the Horsham Air Guard Station and former Willow Grove Naval Air Station and Warminster Naval Warfare Center, welcomed Governor Wolf to Montgomery County today, where...