HARRISBURG, March 9 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, tonight will host a virtual town hall on the processes surrounding bail within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “ The process surrounding bail is oftentimes confusing, convoluted, and can negatively affect you for the rest of your life. That is why I wanted to engage in a Virtual Town Hall to establish the facts regarding the bail process with judges who have career experience in dealing with this issue,” Guzman said. Guests for Guzman’s town hall will include Judges M. Theresa Johnson, Tonya A. Butler, and Priscilla Campos. The virtual town hall will begin at 7 p.m. and can be accessed at either RepMannyGuzman.com or on Facebook at: @RepGuzman. Read more
Winter 2022 Newsletter Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today announced a recent appointment to serve on the House Appropriations Committee. The House Appropriations Committee plays a key role in crafting the commonwealth’s annual budget, and Guzman hopes to use his appointment as a vehicle to create sound fiscal policy that enhances the lives of all Pennsylvanians. “I am overly grateful for this opportunity to serve on the Appropriations Committee and look forward to the discussions and dialogue that will take place alongside my colleagues as we strive to propel Pennsylvania into a prosperous economic future,” Guzman said. “For far too long, Latinos have been severely underrepresented during the budget process; however, they will now have a seat at the table and their voices will be heard during this budget and all budgets moving forward. “With how Pennsylvania’s budget surplus currently stands, we have a rare opportunity to make monumental, strategic investments in our schools, infrastructure, and work force to make places such as Reading and Berks County wonderful places to live, work, and raise a family. These investments will lead to community revitalization that will incentivize our citizens to continue living in our great commonwealth, while also attracting individuals to decide to move to Pennsylvania because of the vast economic and social opportunities.” For more information, contact Guzman’s Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., will host a Dominican Independence Day celebration event news conference at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7 in the Main Capitol Rotunda. Burgos will be joined by state Reps. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, and Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “In the United States, it is important that we recognize Dominican Independence Day,” Burgos said. “The Dominican population is growing, and we must acknowledge Dominican history and celebrate it.” “As we prepare to celebrate the 178th anniversary of Dominican Independence, let us be reminded of the struggles and sacrifices countless individuals made to gain independence, and the perpetual fight of the Dominican Republic’s citizens to retain their freedom,” said Guzman. “Now more than ever is a time to reflect and remind ourselves how important it is to continuously fight to ensure future generations have the privilege to live, work, and grow in an independent country.” "Our Dominican community is a beautiful one filled with amazing families, entrepreneurs and community leaders," said Schweyer. "I couldn’t be happier living in Allentown with our rich cultural diversity and am so very honored to join in this beautiful celebration of the Dominican heritage." The representatives will be honoring Dr. Cynthia Mona, first Dominican and woman to serve as City Council president in Allentown; and Johanna Read more
“The services local day cares provide to the growing families in our area is absolutely vital as they ensure our children are receiving the care they need, while also allowing their parents to pursue their careers and earn a living,” Guzman said. Read more
READING, Jan. 27 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today announced the awarding of a $600,000 grant aimed to curb community violence in Berks County. This grant was awarded through the Violence Intervention and Prevention Program and administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency “This grant hones and expands upon our collective mission of providing positive, constructive outlets for our youth that will establish a solid foundation for them as they progress throughout life,” Guzman said. “Having personally benefited from the fantastic work The Berks Community Action Program does for our community, I know these grant dollars will ensure their programs succeed well into the future and continue to positively influence the lives of our youth.” Guzman went onto say, “This grant award shows the number of resources that continue to be brought back to the 127 th Legislative District. I will continue fighting to bring every available resource home for the betterment of our community.” This grant award will go towards a multitude of programs and services that aim to combat poverty, engage youth in positive social and educational activities in an effort to reduce and eliminate gang involvement and gun violence. Anyone seeking more information can reach Guzman’s office at 610-376-1529. Read more
Watch webinar on the grant application process Read more
Guzman is concerned that revenue stream will disappear if the PLCB privatizes all alcohol sales. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Category 1 (Adult) Funds (Funding Source: SAEDR Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations may partner with governmental entities, including school districts, provided the nonprofit organization is the applicant. Use : To support implementation strategies aimed at combating opioid/heroin overdoses in Pennsylvania communities. Funds : Grants up to $150,000 over a two-year project period. Application Deadline : February 24, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Category 1 (Youth) Funds (Funding Source: SAEDR Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations may partner with governmental entities, including school districts, provided the nonprofit organization is the applicant. Use : To serve youth with research-based or evidence-based approaches to prevention, intervention, training, treatment, and education services to reduce substance use or provide resources to assist families in accessing these services. Funds : Grants up to $150,000 over a two-year project period. Application Deadline : February 24, 2022 More Information : Click Read more
READING, Dec. 30 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today announced the awarding of a $237,000 grant to support the necessary upgrades and improvements to Reading Iron Playground. This grant was awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Ensuring our youth here in the great City of Reading have a safe, modern playground to utilize is of the utmost importance,” Guzman said. “Public parks have the innate ability to be the backdrop for our young folks to forge everlasting friendships and memories, and I am thrilled these grant dollars are going towards expanding upon that initiative for our community.” Guzman went onto say, “This grant award is the latest example of the influx of dollars being invested to revitalize the City of Reading. Reading’s future is bright, and I will continue to fight to bring these types of grant awards home to the 127 th Legislative District.” This grant award will go towards the construction of a basketball court, soccer field, pedestrian walkways and parking area, installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing and lighting, ADA access, landscaping, and other related site improvements. Anyone seeking more information can reach Guzman’s office at 610-376-1529. Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 15 – Today, state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, was joined by fellow House Democrats for a news conference at the state Capitol where they voiced their opposition to H.B. 1800 , recent attempts by the GOP-led legislature to subvert the legislative process; and ongoing efforts by the Republican majority to undermine elections in Pennsylvania. “Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania have made it clear that they do not trust our elections – except for elections that put members of their own party in power,” said Kinkead. “The Republican majority has wasted myriad resources over the last year by attacking our democratic institutions and repeatedly weaponizing constitutional amendments. All of this is being done while we are abdicating our responsibility to help Pennsylvanians who are struggling.” Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, also spoke fiercely against the recent Republican-led legislation. “House Bill 1800 is the latest attempt to restrict access to the ballot box,” Guzman said. “Make no mistake, this is a well-coordinated effort to diminish voting participation in our Brown and Black communities. The restrictive use of drop boxes, shortening the window to register to vote, barriers to applying for mail-in ballots and submitting those mail-in ballots only begins to scratch the surface of the explicit measures targeting marginalized groups. Rather than proposing legislation that restricts access to the Read more
Guzman wants to allow undocumented individuals to obtain a legal driver's license to make it easier for them to support and provide for their families without endangering others lives and putting themselves at risk. Read more
READING, Dec. 8 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today announced the awarding of a $375,000 grant to support SAFE Berks’s initiative of combating violence against women. The grant was awarded through the STOP Violence Against Women Statewide Grant Funding Program and administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “Tragically, incidences of domestic violence against women continue to plague our community,” Guzman said. “These heartbreaking situations require immediate intervention, and this grant award will assist SAFE Berks in implementing the support these women need to overcome this trauma. “Breaking the vicious cycle of domestic abuse by providing the necessary tools and support to empower these women is vital in combating, and eventually ending, domestic abuse. SAFE Berks does great work for our community by providing a safe haven for these women to take proactive steps to remove themselves and their loved ones from these awful situations.” The grant will be utilized to continue a cross-system, collaborative response to violence against women crimes in the county. The intent of the project is to maintain specialized units in law enforcement and prosecution and direct services to victims of violence against women crimes in the county. For more information, contact Guzman’s office at 610-376-1529. Read more
READING, Dec. 6 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today announced the awarding of $2.25 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding for the ongoing rehabilitation project of Reading’s Medical Arts Building. The project will involve construction of a two-story addition to the adjacent vacant lot. Exterior renovations will include masonry and window repair and roof replacement. Interior rehabilitation work will include modernization of ground-floor retail space, lobby restoration, utility improvements, and the addition of 35 residential apartments. The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. “This ongoing rehabilitation project for this historic building is yet another example of taking existing structures and repurposing them for today’s use,” Guzman said. “Investing in the necessary upgrades for these historic structures allows the vibrant past of this city to be blended with Reading’s incredibly bright future. “While I am given the honor of representing the 127th Legislative District, I will continue being a zealous advocate and fight for every resource available as we continue investing in the future of the great City of Reading. I look forward to the day where all of these envisioned projects evolve from Read more
READING, Dec. 3 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today announced the awarding of $7.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding for construction of new facilities and an overhaul of FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading. The project will involve construction of a three-story structure at FirstEnergy Stadium for the home and visiting clubhouses, women's locker room, batting tunnels, weight room, team laundry, equipment storage, an indoor event space and other enhancements. The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. “ Like the pinstripes on their jerseys, the Reading Phillies are stitched into the fabric of our community ,” Guzman said. “ Generations of families have made it a tradition to visit this historic ballpark and root for their home team. I am so grateful this tradition and the memories that come with it will remain steadfast here in Reading .” Guzman was instrumental in securing the funding to keep the Reading Phillies in Baseball Town through collaborative measures with influential leaders that put the project in motion. Guzman went onto say, “I have such fond memories of coming to see the Reading Phillies play at this historic ballpark. The passion this Read more
READING, Dec. 3 – Sen. Judy Schwank, Rep. Mark Rozzi and Rep. Manny Guzman, all D-Berks, applauded today’s awarding of $7.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding by Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget in support of the construction of new facilities at FirstEnergy Stadium. In December of 2020, Major League Baseball contracted and consolidated its affiliations with minor league baseball franchises. Reading was offered a license, which maintained its affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies MLB franchise. As part of the new Minor League Baseball license agreements, improvements must be made to stadium facilities at all minor league baseball venues within the next two years. Improvements needed at FirstEnergy Stadium include, among other things, the construction of home and away team clubhouses and new player practice and training facilities. “Losing the Reading Fightin Phils was never an option and keeping the team in Reading has been one of my top economic development priorities,” Schwank said. “Officials from the state, county and local level were all on the same page and acted quickly and with urgency to find funding. We really worked together, and across party lines, to get this done. The R-Phils have a storied history in Berks County as the longest-running minor league affiliate in professional baseball. People who grew up going to games now take their own kids to the ballpark. We would have Read more
READING, Dec. 1 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today announced the awarding of a $238,062 grant to support the Reading Salvation Army’s initiative of implementing trauma-informed group sessions to support children and their families affected by gun violence. This grant was awarded through the Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program and administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “Gun violence continues to plague our streets and has caused unimaginable suffering for those that have experienced this trauma firsthand,” Guzman said. “This grant award will help our community take a more proactive approach in preventing and ultimately ceasing gun violence. Having personally experienced the great things the Salvation Army has done for our community here in Reading, I know this money will be put to good use.” Guzman went onto say, “While this influx of money is a step in the right direction to continue addressing the gun violence epidemic, it does not go far enough. We need concreate legislative action in Harrisburg that will play a substantial role in reducing the destruction that gun violence has caused in our community. I look forward to bringing these initiatives to the forefront with my colleagues in Harrisburg with the objective of saving as many lives as possible.” The Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program provides grants to address community violence Read more
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READING, Nov. 16 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today announced the awarding of a $600,000 grant poised to enhance and propel road projects with a focus on bicyclist and pedestrian safety in the 127th Legislative District. This grant was awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund Program. “I am extremely grateful for this much-needed investment that seeks to make our roadways in the City of Reading safer for everyone who utilizes them,” Guzman said. “Oftentimes when we think of enhancing our roadways, we think strictly in terms of vehicular traffic; however, this grant award will be utilized to seamlessly integrate vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.” Guzman went onto say, “Investments such as these will enhance the overall quality of life for all who reside in this great city. I look forward to bringing more available state resources home to the 127th Legislative District so we can see more projects such as this turn into a reality.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. The most recent round of awards from this fund totaled $84.4 million and has been spread out across a majority of the counties in Pennsylvania. Read more
READING, Nov. 16 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, will be partnering with the local chapter of the Salvation Army in Reading to conduct its annual turkey giveaway and kettle bell kickoff. This initiative will begin at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23 and will include distributing more than 500 turkeys and other holiday items for families in need. This event will be held in the parking lot of the Salvation Army at 301 S. 5 th St. Reading, PA 19602. In addition, at 9:30 a.m. the Red Kettle campaign will kick off to provide meals, shelter, toys, clothing, and many other services during the year. “While the holiday season is a time to make memories that will last a lifetime, we must be cognizant that this time of the year can be stressful and difficult for the most vulnerable members of our community,” Guzman said. “I am elated to partner with our local Salvation Army to remind folks of the reason for the season and play a small role in uplifting the spirits of our community as a whole.” As a part of this event, Guzman and his staff will be on hand to answer any state-related questions constituents of the 127 th Legislative District may have such as information on rent rebates and LIHEAP. Read more
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645 Penn St.5th FloorReading, PA 19601-3543
P*: (610) 376-1529
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The office has staff ready to assist you in Spanish and English.
115A East WingPO Box 202127 Harrisburg, PA 17120
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