Burgos announces $2 million in state funding for local projects

(Oct 22, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., today announced that more than $2 million in state grant funding is headed to his legislative district to support local projects. Burgos was instrumental in securing the funding approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. According to Burgos, $815,739 was awarded for a roof replacement project at Cayuga Elementary School on North Fifth Street in Philadelphia. The 108-year-old building's roof will be replaced to provide a weather-tight building. The total project cost is $1,087,653. The School District of Philadelphia is providing $271,914 in matching funds. “This school building that houses are children has suffered from water infiltration issues, resulting in mold and mildew growth and damaged plaster within the building, which is a serious health concern for children and staff,” Burgos said. “Completing this project will prevent mold and mildew growth, creating healthier indoor air quality for the people who work and learn in the school. I continue fighting for grants like this to make our schools cleaner and safer.” Grants also were approved under the Statewide Local Share Account made possible by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the CFA to support projects in the public Read more

 

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

(Oct 16, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Global Access Program (GAP) Who May Apply: Pennsylvania companies that meet specific criteria (criteria available at link below) Use: Valid uses include: overseas and domestic trade show participation, overseas trade mission participation, foreign market sales trip, subscription to US DOC services, translation/interpreter fees, website internationalization, shipping sample products, and compliance testing. Funds: $800,000 in grant funding is available. Companies are eligible to receive up to $10,000 grants. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until funding is depleted. More information: DCED website Department of Environmental Protection: Orphan Well Plugging Grant Program Who May Apply: Qualified well pluggers Use: Funds are to be used to plug orphaned gas wells. Funds: Grants of $40,000 are available for plugging wells 3,000 feet deep or less. Grants of up to $70,000 are available for plugging wells deeper than 3,000 feet. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until funding is depleted. More information: DEP website Department of Education: It’s On Us PA Who May Apply: Post-secondary institutions, including public and private two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Use: Funding is intended to be used to implement strategies Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein hold news conference to highlight legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

(Oct 01, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., held a news conference to highlight their legislation, H.B. 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Generations of immigrants answered Pennsylvania’s welcoming call of opportunity and freedom, making our commonwealth into the powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Right now, Pennsylvania is betraying its own values by scapegoating immigrant communities with punitive policies that are driving them out of the state although foreign-born workers comprise over 8% of our state’s workforce and pay $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes. As our population ages and many residents leave our state for other opportunities, we need skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers and community leaders to make sure that Pennsylvania continues to grow and thrive economically, culturally and socially. “Pennsylvania needs an Office of New Pennsylvanians to ensure that these new residents are able to flourish in the commonwealth,” Smith-Wade-El said. “They need to know we have their back.” “Pennsylvania is stronger when we welcome and celebrate immigration,” Hohenstein said. “Our collective ability to come together from all different backgrounds and perspectives for the betterment of the commonwealth is truly wonderful. Read more

 

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

(Oct 01, 2024)

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)

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

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus express condolences to the family of Philadelphia Police Office Jaime Roman after his passing

(Sep 11, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Sept. 11 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus today expressed their condolences to the family of Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Roman, who succumbed to his bullet wound and passed away on Tuesday at Temple University Hospital surrounded by his family. Roman was 31 years old when he was shot during a traffic stop in Kensington in June. “Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus express their most sincere condolences to the family of Office Roman, especially to his wife and children,” said PLLC Chairman Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., on behalf of the caucus. “Our prayers are with Officer Roman’s family during this difficult time.” Read more

 

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

(Sep 10, 2024)

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

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for additional state funding for public transit following SEPTA’s announced plan for fare adjustments

(Sep 05, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today called on state lawmakers to work in earnest this fall to shore up public transit systems across the state, especially in Philadelphia where SEPTA is facing a $240 million annual budget deficit and is planning to increase fares. SEPTA officials today announced a plan to increase fares on Dec. 1 and is planning a public hearing on the proposal for Oct. 16. “Today’s decision proves two facts: SEPTA is doing everything they can to prevent a true fare increase, and the PA Senate has to stop holding funding for transit systems hostage to political games,” said Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “We know this decision by SEPTA wasn’t made lightly. The Senate’s reckless refusal to accept the importance of public transit during this year’s budget negotiations is going to impact so many working people. “We’re ready to work with the Senate and all stakeholders to support not just SEPTA riders, but people in every county in Pennsylvania who count on transit to get to work, to school, to shop, to the doctor and more. It must be addressed now, before it is too late,” she said. In March, the delegation played an integral part in passing legislation that would provide recurring funds for public transportation in Pennsylvania. The measure would have significantly increased the transfer of revenue Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to GA School Shooting

(Sep 05, 2024)

“The moments of terror and destruction this country and our communities have endured over the past several years at the hands of gun violence is unconscionable, especially when they happen in places that should be safe spaces for our children,” said Delegation Vice Chairman Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila. “The Pennsylvania legislature continues to sit on its hands while these triggers are being pulled. I join my delegation in calling on the Senate to act on the gun safety legislation passed by the House and call on all levels of government to get serious about saving our children and our communities from the scourge of mass shootings and gun violence.” Read more

 

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

(Sep 04, 2024)

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

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus expresses disappointment over administrative stay by a Texas federal court (Versión en español)

(Aug 29, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 29 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus today voiced their disappointment over a federal court order that is preventing the Biden administration from moving forward with its program to keep immigrant families together. On Aug. 26, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, in Texas v. Department of Homeland Security, issued an administrative stay, preventing the Department of Homeland Security from granting parole in place under its Keeping Families Together program. DHS in June announced a key step toward fulfilling President Joe Biden’s commitment to promoting family unity in the immigration system and on Aug. 19 it implemented Keeping Families Together, a process for certain noncitizen spouses and noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens to request parole in place under existing statutory authority. While specific numbers for Pennsylvania aren’t readily available, DHS estimates that around 500,000 noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens nationwide would have been eligible for this program. Rep. Danilo Burgos, chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, conveyed his frustration over what he considers a purely political move in a volatile election year. “Far too often, the livelihoods of millions of hard-working immigrant families in Pennsylvania are jeopardized for scoring cheap political points,” Burgos said. Read more

 

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

(Aug 26, 2024)

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

 

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

(Aug 13, 2024)

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

 

Summer 2024 Newsletter

(Aug 05, 2024)

My Summer 2024 Newsletter includes information on the newly enacted state budget, state programs available for application, how my office can help you and more! Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus issues statement on Sunday’s Venezuelan elections

(Jul 31, 2024)

HARRISBURG, July 31 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus today issued the following statement regarding the presidential election in Venezuela: “On Sunday, millions of Venezuelans went to the polls in a historic presidential election. The election presented an opportunity for Venezuelan voters to express their aspirations for a more democratic, prosperous, and stable country. We commend their courage and commitment to democratic principles. “The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus expresses concern that the partial results released by Venezuelan electoral authorities do not reflect the will of the Venezuelan people and we call for the release of full, detailed results for transparency. We commend the Organization of American States for not recognizing the results and urge the U.S. State Department and the international community to support efforts to ensure free and fair elections in Venezuela. “From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus stands with the Venezuelan community in our commonwealth and abroad in their struggle for self-determination through the democratic process.” Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus Chair Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., further explained his concerns. “I am deeply troubled by the irregularities during Sunday’s election in Venezuela. Reports of suppression and lack of transparency in the vote Read more

 

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

(Jul 30, 2024)

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

 

Shatter the Stigma: Supporting Recovery in the Workplace Training Series for PA Employers

(Jul 24, 2024)

Shatter the Stigma: Supporting Recovery in the Workplace Training Series is being offered by the Department of Labor and Industry in Collaboration with Penn State College of Medicine. Read more

 

Burgos Offers Prayer for Peace to Open House Session

(Jul 10, 2024)

Offering the opening prayer for the #PAHouse, PA state Rep. Danilo Burgos prays for unity among nations, dignity of human life, relief for those suffering, and wisdom for world leaders. Read more

 

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

(Jul 02, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Local Share Account: Monroe County Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development agencies, or redevelopment authorities within Monroe County or the five contiguous counties to Monroe (Carbon, Lackawanna, Northampton, Pike, and Wayne). Use: Public interest projects, community improvement projects, economic development projects, or roadway improvement projects. Funds: Funded by gross terminal revenues of certain licensed gaming facilities. Application Deadline: September 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Local Share Account: Category 4 Facilities Program (Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York Counties) Who May Apply: Municipalities, counties, redevelopment authorities, or economic development agencies in a county hosting a Category 4 licensed gaming facility. Use: Projects in the public interest. Funds: Funded by gaming revenues from Category 4 licensed facilities. Application Deadline: September 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Local Share Account: Luzerne County Who May Apply: All Luzerne County municipalities and the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority. Use: Projects in the public interest. Funds: Funded by 2% of gross terminal revenues of certain licensed gaming facilities. Application Deadline: September 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Local Read more

 

Burgos bill to get fresh foods to PA schools clears House (Spanish version included)

(Jul 01, 2024)

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State House lawmakers today passed legislation introduced by Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., that would get more fresh fruits and vegetables into schools while supporting locally grown products. Burgos’ bill ( H.B. 2420 ) would establish the Keystone Fresh Program, which would include three grant programs to provide opportunities for school districts, farms, food hubs, and local food aggregators to incorporate locally grown fresh foods into Pennsylvania schools. “ Schools across Pennsylvania serve more than 157 million lunches per year , providing critical nutrients to children across the state and making them one of the largest potential markets for agricultural producers in Pennsylvania,” Burgos said. “Despite having a child nutrition budget of more than $729 million per year, schools self-report that they spend less than 2% of those funds on Pennsylvania-grown foods. Local food purchasing incentive legislation , like the Keystone Fresh Act, would address this problem by establishing a grant program incentivizing schools to purchase, promote and serve local foods in their meal programs.” According to Burgos, similar LFPI programs in 16 other states have been an effective and innovative strategy, increasing the quantity of local foods served in school meals and creating an essential market for farmers. Research has shown LFPI programs generate a local Read more

 

Burgos announces $2 million in state funding for local projects
Oct 22, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 16, 2024

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein hold news conference to highlight legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians
Oct 01, 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

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus express condolences to the family of Philadelphia Police Office Jaime Roman after his passing
Sep 11, 2024

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

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for additional state funding for public transit following SEPTA’s announced plan for fare adjustments
Sep 05, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to GA School Shooting
Sep 05, 2024

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

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus expresses disappointment over administrative stay by a Texas federal court (Versión en español)
Aug 29, 2024

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

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

Summer 2024 Newsletter
Aug 05, 2024

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus issues statement on Sunday’s Venezuelan elections
Jul 31, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 30, 2024

Shatter the Stigma: Supporting Recovery in the Workplace Training Series for PA Employers
Jul 24, 2024

Burgos Offers Prayer for Peace to Open House Session
Jul 10, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Jul 02, 2024

Burgos bill to get fresh foods to PA schools clears House (Spanish version included)
Jul 01, 2024