NFIB endorses GOP row office candidates
The National Federation of Independent Business Pennsylvania PAC endorsed Republicans Dave Sunday for Attorney General, Tim DeFoor for Auditor General and Stacy Garrity for Treasurer.
The NFIB Pennsylvania PAC is comprised of NFIB members from throughout the state and endorses candidates based on their positions on key small business issues.
“Small business owners understand the importance of these state offices and the impact they have on their local economy and workforce,” said Greg Moreland, NFIB Pennsylvania state director. “Now more than ever, small businesses need clarity and certainty from their elected officials and that starts with elected pro-small business candidates. We are proud to endorse Dave Sunday, Tim DeFoor and Stacy Garrity because they are committed to making Pennsylvania a better place to do business and strengthening Main Street.”
Small business owners recently cited “Uncertainty over Economic Conditions,” “Unreasonable Government Regulations” and “Uncertainty over Government Actions” as three of the top 10 problems facing small businesses. ••
Funding will promote fire safety
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-1st dist.) has secured $19,047.61 for Newportville Fire Company through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.
The Newportville Fire Company will create a “Smoke House” Sensory Room as part of its ongoing mission to educate the community on fire prevention and safety. This initiative will ensure that children and adults with special needs and different abilities can actively participate in critical fire prevention education in a thoughtfully designed environment tailored to their unique needs, comfort and safety.
The Fire Company will purchase smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers to provide to the community at open houses and to community members in need.
“The Newportville Fire Company is blessed to receive this grant that will help us further our mission of protecting our neighbors. Fire prevention has long been a cornerstone of our community outreach, bringing families together each year to learn critical safety measures. Our unwavering goal is to ensure that everyone in our community is equipped with the knowledge to act swiftly in an emergency and to alleviate any fears they may have. Through our experience hosting numerous prevention and safety events, we’ve recognized the unique needs of individuals with special needs and abilities in our community. These individuals require a quieter, sensory-friendly environment — free from the overwhelming sights and sounds — where they can take in this vital information at their own pace. This grant will enable us to meet these needs by creating an ADA-compliant ‘Smoke House’ Sensory Room, complete with tailored sensory activities and tools that make fire prevention education accessible and engaging for all. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Congressman Fitzpatrick and FEMA for this opportunity, which allows us to continue reaching new heights in our commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone in our community,” said Chief Fred Black of Newportville Fire Company. ••
Weddings, vow renewals
Linda Bobrin, Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court, will be holding her annual Vows and Veterans wedding celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from noon to 2 p.m. in the third-floor rotunda of the Bucks County Administration Building in Doylestown.
“This will be our eighth Weddings for Heroes event. These weddings are a wonderful way for the public to have a positive and even joyful interaction with local government. It’s so much more fun than paying a ticket,” Bobrin said.
In addition to the wedding ceremony, a vow-renewal ceremony will be part of the celebration. Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy will officiate the ceremonies.
The free wedding will feature photography by Courtney Kanig Photography, live music by Mervin Toussaint Jazz Band, flowers, videography, cupcakes and a catered lunch. The first five participating couples will receive a gift certificate for a night at 1740 House in Lumberville.
The registration deadline is Oct. 30. Email willsandweddings@buckscounty.org. Participating couples looking to marry or renew their marriage vows must include at least one veteran or first responder. Couples interested in the wedding ceremony must apply for and obtain their marriage license by Nov. 1. The marriage license application can be found at buckscounty.gov/marriagelicenses.
For more information on how to participate or to donate services or funds, call Rachel Landsberg at 215-340-8268. ••
Fitzpatrick attends military, intelligence meetings
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, chairman of the National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, recently returned from leading a series of military and intelligence meetings across Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. This mission was to advance U.S. intelligence objectives and reinforce global partnerships.
Fitzpatrick’s congressional delegation was focused on enhancing U.S. congressional oversight, obtaining updates and evaluating the regional posture amid the pressing challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party’s activities. Over the course of the week, Fitzpatrick met and worked with senior officials at the U.S. embassies, U.S. military leadership and foreign government partners, holding discussions aimed at strengthening regional stability, bolstering security and advancing coordinated defense strategies.
The National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee plays a role in overseeing the intelligence programs and forging strategic partnerships that safeguard U.S. national security. Through these meetings, Fitzpatrick gained insights into optimizing collaboration with international allies and strengthening global security. These efforts, he said, are important in fortifying defense capabilities and ensuring that the United States remains the leading force in global stability and security.
In a statement, Fitzpatrick said:
“From Aug. 15 to Aug. 23, we deployed across Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines to assess our national security and intelligence-related posture and solidify essential relationships with our key international partners.
“In a world where the stakes for global security have never been higher, it is imperative that the United States remains a steadfast leader, unwavering in our commitment to democracy and strategic alliances. This mission was not just about advancing our global partnerships, but also about reinforcing our collective security and demonstrating our leadership in confronting the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party. As chairman of the National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee, I am resolute in my commitment to fostering robust international cooperation and ensuring that the United States continues to lead with strength, purpose and an unyielding vision for global stability, security and peace.” ••
Farry office hours in Bensalem
State Sen. Frank Farry (R-6th dist.) is offering satellite office hours the first Wednesday of every month, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bensalem Township Municipal Building, 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.
Farry’s staff will be on site to assist with state government services; Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, birth and death certificate applications, SEPTA Senior Key card registrations and renewals; and unemployment issues. ••
Money for homeless shelter
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick announced that he has secured a $2.9 million Community Project Funding grant for the Family Service Association of Bucks County. The funding, introduced by Fitzpatrick as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act, is a component of the Community Project Funding program — an initiative that enables members of Congress to direct federal resources toward projects and programs within their districts that address the most critical needs of the communities they serve.
Family Service Association of Bucks County will use the funding for construction of an emergency homeless shelter building adjacent to its current shelter, as well as for the renovation of its existing shelter. One story of the shelter expansion will be dedicated solely to programming, including on-site mental health treatment, substance use treatment, Housing-First case management, nursing and wellness. The project will allow FSCBC to double its shelter capacity.
“Family Service is honored and grateful to have been awarded the CPF grant supporting an expansion of our Emergency Homeless Shelter in Levittown. The homelessness crisis in Bucks County is not often publicized, but it nevertheless exists, and continues to worsen. Our shelter provides temporary housing for nearly 400 of our neighbors in need each year, the majority of whom are families and nearly half of whom are children. Sadly there is still a waiting list for admission. This funding will support our plan to double capacity at the shelter, create privacy for our families with children and increase access to community resources and services that are intended to make homelessness rare and brief. Essentially, we ultimately envision a complete campus that will combat homelessness at every level,” said Julie Dees, Family Service Association of Bucks County CEO. ••
Lower South supervisor meeting schedule
The Lower Southampton Township Board of Supervisors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Township Building, 1500 Desire Ave., Feasterville. The next meeting is Sept. 25. ••
Peace and security in Ukraine
Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Marcy Kaptur, Joe Wilson and Mike Quigley introduced the Stand With Ukraine Act, which would ensure that the 10-year Bilateral Security Agreement made in June between the United States and Ukraine is upheld and further promotes peace and security in Ukraine. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Lindsey Graham.
The Stand with Ukraine Act would also enhance the U.S.-Ukraine partnership by establishing a framework to modernize Ukraine’s security capabilities and strengthen joint military relationships; prioritize excess U.S. defense article transfers to Ukraine; fast-track Foreign Military Financing sales to Ukraine; treat Ukraine as a major non-NATO ally for the purpose of defense article transfers; affirm U.S. policy regarding Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction; and reauthorize the Ukraine Democracy Lend-Lease Program.
“The policy of the United States toward Ukraine must be clear and firm: We will always stand with our friend and ally as they fight against Putin’s unprovoked assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty and liberty,” said Fitzpatrick, co-chairman of the Ukraine Caucus. “The bipartisan Stand with Ukraine Act will further bolster the security, diplomatic and economic partnerships the United States already has with Ukraine. Equally important, this legislation lays out a bold path for peace, stability and reconstruction in Ukraine. I am grateful to my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support, and I strongly encourage every member of Congress to join us in advancing this critical national security mission.” ••
Bensalem Council meeting schedule
Bensalem Township Council meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building at 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.
Meetings can be viewed live on Comcast Xfinity Channel 22 in Bensalem and on Verizon Fios Channel 34 throughout Bucks County. They can also be streamed live on the Bensalem Township YouTube channel.
The schedule is Oct. 15 (Tuesday), Oct. 28, Nov. 12 (Tuesday), Nov. 25, Dec. 4 (budget meeting) and Dec. 16. ••
Bensalem school board meeting schedule
The Bensalem Township Board of School Directors holds meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Dorothy D. Call Administrative Center, 3000 Donallen Drive, Bensalem.
The next meeting will take place on Oct. 22.
The public is invited to attend.
Future meetings are on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17 (third Tuesday). ••
Commissioners meeting
The Bucks County Commissioners meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Bucks County Administration Building, 55 E. Court St., in Doylestown.
The meetings are broadcast on the county’s YouTube channel.
The next meeting will be Oct. 2. ••
