News Center

Bellmon brings community together to combat anti-Haitian sentiment

(Oct 30, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 30 – Last night, state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., hosted a panel discussion at Grace Assembly Ministries addressing recent anti-Haitian rhetoric. Bellmon noted that he wanted to hold this discussion in response to recent attacks against Haitian immigrants, including from former President Donald Trump falsely claiming that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, OH are eating people’s pets. “As we see racist rhetoric and sentiment being aimed at the Haitian community for political gain, I wanted to bring our community together to have an open discussion on how we can combat it,” Bellmon said. “Our community is extremely diverse with neighbors from many different backgrounds -- I want everyone living here to feel welcome.” Members of the community, and multiple of Haitian descent, joined Bellmon for the discussion. The panelists and attendees discussed the impacts of hate and discrimination, shared personal stories, and plotted strategies for fostering understanding and solidarity. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Oct 29, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Economic Development Organizations, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities, For-Profit organizations. Use: Mixed-use site development, conversion projects, rehabilitation projects, a combination of the three afore-mentioned projects. Funds: $10 million in PA Sites funding has been allocated for this program. There is no limit on the amount of grant funding that may be awarded to an applicant. Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Support Services (RSS) Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, providing RSS and demonstrate the capacity to provide RSS to individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent substance use disorder (SUD). Use: Expand or enhance RSS to individuals in recover from OUD and other concurrent SUD. Funds: Approximately six grants totaling $1,500,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic Read more

 

Bellmon touts $500,000 in state funding for local project

(Oct 22, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 22 – Today, state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., announced that $500,000 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Local Share Account has been awarded for a local project in his legislative district. This funding was awarded to the PIDC Financing Corp., in partnership with Community Ventures and the city of Philadelphia to make improvements to the Lawncrest Recreation Center. This project aims to make renovations to the playground and pool, construct two new outdoor basketball courts, two multi-purpose sports courts striped for volleyball and tennis, one soccer mini-pitch, and lights at the playground and sports court. “The Lawncrest Recreation Center has provided local youth with a safe space to interact with peers, be physically active and grow overall as people for decades,” Bellmon said. “This funding will provide much-needed upgrades to this aging facility and give families and young people in Lawncrest the opportunity to play in a new, safe and clean environment.” The Statewide Local Share Account funding comes from the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, City and State Officials Celebrate Groundbreaking on a Major Renovation Project at Lawncrest Recreation Center

(Oct 10, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 4 – Today, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Councilmember Anthony Phillips (9th District), Pennsylvania Representative Anthony Bellmon (203rd District), City Officials, Community Ventures, and residents celebrated a groundbreaking at Lawncrest Recreation Center. The site, located in Philadelphia’s 9th Councilmanic District, will receive a $23.4 million investment made possible by the City’s Rebuild program, a historic capital investment of over $500 million in 72 neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia. This project received additional funding from the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program totaling $2 million, and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development totaling $50,000 awarded to Community Ventures. “This groundbreaking at Lawncrest Recreation Center is especially meaningful to me, as this project was one I passionately advocated for during my time on City Council,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker . “With this $23.4 million investment and support from our state partners, we’re not just restoring a building—we’re revitalizing the spirit of Lawncrest. This is about more than bricks and mortar; it’s about creating a place where our families can feel safe and grow stronger together." “The Lawncrest Recreation Center has provided youth in the Lawncrest community with a safe space to socialize and play for decades,” Read more

 

Isaacson, Bellmon legislation enhancing judicial protections passes PA General Assembly

(Oct 09, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – Today, legislation authored by state Reps. Mary Isaacson and Anthony Bellmon, both D-Phila., to enhance protections for federal judges, judicial officers and their families, passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly. House Bill 1700 would prohibit disclosing the personally identifiable information of federal judges, judicial officers and their families when there is intent to cause harm or interrupt the person from carrying out their duties. “Judges and judicial officers serve a crucial role as arbiters of a fair and balanced justice system,” Isaacson said. “In recent years, we have seen core pillars of our democracy attacked, which causes irreputable harm to our democracy and society. This legislation will serve to provide additional protections so judges can uphold their duty without threats of violence or intimidation.” "The justice system serves as a pillar of American Democracy. Threats and acts of violence against the judicial branch affect each and every one of us," Bellmon said. “As the number of threats against the judiciary continues to rise, we must ensure judges are protected from retaliation so that they can properly serve justice in our commonwealth." The bill passed the PA House unanimously in December and passed the state Senate unanimously today. It now heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk for his signature to become state law. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds the work of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

State Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., was the House Democratic appointee to the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force. He said he is proud of what they were able to accomplish. “The work of this group was an eye-opening experience for me to learn in-depth about the processes involved in licensing and grievance filing, and to hear directly from impacted Philadelphians about their issues,” Bellmon said. “Our study centered on Philadelphia, but our recommendations were designed with the ability to be applied across the state. I’m proud of the work that we accomplished and I’m hopeful that we’ll soon be able to go back to those neighborhoods to let them know that we’ve been successful in regulating and eliminating stop-and-gos from their community.” Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: November 5, 2024 More information: PennDOT website Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Who May Apply: Volunteer and career fire, EMS, and rescue companies in counties where unconventional gas well drilling is permitted and counties that directly border permitted counties and respond to related emergencies. Use: Funds may be used for certification, equipment, and Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 17, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program Who May Apply: All fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads Use: Eligible projects include but are not limited to facility renovations, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention. Funds: Awards may range from $2,500 to $20,000 for fire/rescue companies and $2,500 to $15,000 for EMS companies. Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 More information: OSFC Website Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, in providing SUD prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery support services, drop-in center services or relevant services and shall have the capacity to provide SUD drop-in center services to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent SUD. Use: DDAP will provide funds from the Opioid Settlement to drop-in centers or other human service organizations looking to expand their community-driven harm reduction support services to increase overdose prevention and linkage to SUD treatment and recovery support services. The goal is to provide hope, support, and resources to assist those on their road to recovery Funds: DDAP expects to award approximately 14 grants totaling $1,875,000 each. Application Read more

 

PA Safe Caucus praises governor’s relaunch of Office of Gun Violence Prevention

(Sep 11, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

HARRISBURG, Sept. 10 – House and Senate leaders of the PA Safe Caucus applauded Gov. Josh Shapiro’s move Tuesday to reestablish the Office of Gun Violence Prevention as part of an effort to marshal every possible resource to keep Pennsylvanians safe. “Pennsylvanians are wondering if they will be safe at a concert or a grocery store or their house of faith, or if their children might encounter an unsecured firearm at a friend’s house or will one day hide under a desk while a school shooter thunders down the hallway,” said House PA Safe Caucus Co-chair Dan Frankel. “I’m proud to partner with a governor who doesn’t find any of that OK and doesn’t think we are powerless to stop it.” The Office of Gun Violence Prevention falls under the purview of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which is led by Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. It will bring together public safety and public health experts, gun violence survivors and advocates and leaders from across Pennsylvania to address and prevent gun violence. “I applaud Governor Shapiro for taking the necessary steps to ensure safety for our communities. For decades, Republicans in the Pennsylvania legislature have blocked almost every attempt to regulate firearms, and the result has been beyond tragic for our communities,” said House PA Safe Caucus co-chair Anthony Bellmon. “This renewed office will make sure that gun Read more

 

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 10, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Funds: $20 million was allocated for this program in the 2024/25 budget. Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Program Who May Apply: Community-based organizations (i.e., active, registered 501(c)(3)s), institutions of higher education, municipalities, counties, and district attorneys. Use: Reducing community violence through, among other things, increasing access to support services and behavioral health, providing health services and intervention strategies, providing mentoring and other intervention models, and fostering and promoting communication between schools, the community, and law enforcement. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 04, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more

 

School supplies for kids, thanks to M&T

(Aug 27, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

Article recapping community back to school drive. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 26, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment and Training Who May Apply: Eligibility of these funds is open to any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: To support the training of medical and mental healthcare providers who treat children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $200,000 in Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately four projects with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: October 4, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street Read more

 

Capital One’s Community Benefits Plan a game-changer

(Aug 24, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

An op-ed from Rep. Bellmon stating his support for Capital One's $265 billion Community Benefits Plan. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 20, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Aug 13, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more

 

Testifiers detail negative health, economic impacts of gun violence in PA

(Aug 12, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

Gun violence intervention took center stage at Monday’s House Majority Policy Committee hearing as members gathered testimony to understand what more can be done to reduce gun violence in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 31, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program Who May Apply : Applicant must be a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth designated as a 501(c)(3) and principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication under the Uniform Crime Reporting program. Use : Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, safety and security planning, purchase of safety and security equipment, purchase of security related technology (metal detectors, protective lighting, deadbolts, etc.), safety and security training, upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security, and more. Funds : $10 million has been appropriated by the General Assembly to the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. Applicant requests must be between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : August 27, 2024 More information : PCCD Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums and official county historical societies. Use: Funds are intended to strengthen the museum community and provide operating support to museums and historical societies. Funds: Nearly $2 million in funds are available. Application Deadline: August Read more

 

Abney, PLBC hear Allegheny County Jail officials over voting access

(Jul 31, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30. HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail. The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power. "Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.” Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive. "The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation supports work of Stop and Go Legislative Task Force

(Jul 17, 2024) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

State Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., is the House Democratic appointee to the Task Force. “Nearly every community in our city has been affected in some way by a stop-and-go store or deli,” said Bellmon. “The input that we received in these hearings is incredibly valuable to the charge of this task force, as we work to find a state-level remedy for these establishments – resolving quality-of-life complaints while supporting our legitimate local business owners.” Read more

 

Bellmon brings community together to combat anti-Haitian sentiment
Oct 30, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Oct 29, 2024

Bellmon touts $500,000 in state funding for local project
Oct 22, 2024

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, City and State Officials Celebrate Groundbreaking on a Major Renovation Project at Lawncrest Recreation Center
Oct 10, 2024

Isaacson, Bellmon legislation enhancing judicial protections passes PA General Assembly
Oct 09, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds the work of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force
Oct 02, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 01, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 17, 2024

PA Safe Caucus praises governor’s relaunch of Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Sep 11, 2024

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 10, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 04, 2024

School supplies for kids, thanks to M&T
Aug 27, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2024

Capital One’s Community Benefits Plan a game-changer
Aug 24, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 20, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Aug 13, 2024

Testifiers detail negative health, economic impacts of gun violence in PA
Aug 12, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 31, 2024

Abney, PLBC hear Allegheny County Jail officials over voting access
Jul 31, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation supports work of Stop and Go Legislative Task Force
Jul 17, 2024