On Monday, February 22, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”) informed states they must administer federally mandated standardized exams for the 2020-2021 school year. However, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the DOE provided states with flexible options with respect to assessment, accountability, and reporting systems. Accountability and School Identification Waiver: The … [Read more...] about USDOE Mandates Standardized Tests, But Does Provide Some Flexibility in Pandemic Year
Good News for Local Business as COVID Restrictions Ease
The light at the end of the tunnel seems to be near for businesses across Pennsylvania! Due to the steady decline in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and the positive test rate percentage, Governor Tom Wolf has announced plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions on bars, restaurants, gyms, theaters, and other businesses, which will go into effect on April 4, 2021. Eased/changed restrictions … [Read more...] about Good News for Local Business as COVID Restrictions Ease
How Are We Doing? Special Education Services A Year Into COVID
The more things change, the more they stay the same. A year ago, students and staff in Pennsylvania schools packed up classrooms and prepared to stay home for two weeks as directed by the Governor in response to COVID-19. The closure eventually extended for the remainder of the school year. Schools worked to resume instruction via remote means and tackled the task of ensuring all students could … [Read more...] about How Are We Doing? Special Education Services A Year Into COVID
CHIRP Offers Grants to Assist Local Businesses Affected by COVID
For the last year, local businesses have struggled significantly due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and mandated closures, restrictions, and mitigation efforts. However, relief is on the way for Pennsylvania business owners through the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP). The application process opens March 15, 2021. In December 2020, Governor Wolf started a … [Read more...] about CHIRP Offers Grants to Assist Local Businesses Affected by COVID
Equality Act Aims to Amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to Ban Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
On February 25, 2021, the House of Representatives passed the Equality Act with a final vote of 224-206. The Equality Act aims to amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and other services, including public accommodations such as restaurants, retail stores, and stadiums. This act would be national, … [Read more...] about Equality Act Aims to Amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to Ban Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Ongoing Pandemic and Declining Home Inventory Has Created Ideal Sellers’ Market
The ongoing pandemic has fueled residential real estate sales, resulting in a declining inventory of homes and creating a market that is ideal for sellers and stressful for buyers. Bidding above the asking price and incentivizing with cash offers has become more common this year, especially with record-low interest rates. While buyers are typically aware of the unusual characteristics of the … [Read more...] about Ongoing Pandemic and Declining Home Inventory Has Created Ideal Sellers’ Market
