HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today that nearly $700,000 in state funding has been awarded to support community improvement projects and local museums in her legislative district. Rivera advocated for grants awarded through the statewide Local Share Account, funded by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, as well as the Act 13 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which supports the development, rehabilitation, and improvement of public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation projects. “These grants will enhance the quality of life in our district by improving local trails and constructing a new pedestrian bridge in Manheim Township’s Stonehenge Linear Park,” Rivera said. “These projects will benefit our community in many ways, from providing opportunities for residents to achieve health goals by walking scenic trails, to improving park accessibility so people of all ages can enjoy it and fostering a stronger sense of community.” The project awarded LSA funding in Rivera’s legislative district is: $123,399 to Manheim Township to be used for construction costs to demolish and build a new pedestrian footbridge located in Stonehenge Linear Park. Rivera also worked with fellow lawmakers in the region to help secure the following LSA grant: $400,000 to East Hempfield Township for the Little Conestoga Creek Blue/Green Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Scott Conklin announced today that more than $859,000 in new grants will fund a range of public safety, transportation and community improvement projects in Legislative District 77. Conklin, who serves as majority chairman of the PA House Commerce Committee, said the new funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will help local municipalities carry out essential repairs and upgrades to improve services in the district. “These new funds will support projects to bring safer pedestrian travel, more efficient police and public safety services and improved amenities in our downtown,” Conklin said. “I am grateful to the CFA and our community partners for helping to secure this funding, which will improve safety and quality of life for residents.” Conkling said the funding, awarded under the Local Share Account, includes: $300,000 to Philipsburg Borough to replace damaged sidewalk sections in the downtown business area, including sidewalks on Front Street and the block of Laurel, Sixth, Seventh, and Pine streets. $133,110 to State College Borough to replace 70 trash and recycling receptacles throughout the downtown area. $125,000 to Ferguson Township for pedestrian crossing improvements to the Science Park-Circleville crossing, including additional lighting, signage, a pedestrian refuge island, a pedestrian-activated warning light and various crosswalk Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D–Lancaster, announced today that nearly $1.8 million in state funding has been awarded for community improvement projects and local museums across his legislative district. Smith-Wade-El advocated for grants awarded through the statewide Local Share Account, which is funded by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, as well as the Act 13 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which supports the development, rehabilitation, and improvement of public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation projects. “This state funding will make a real difference in our community -- from expanding affordable housing to creating more community centers and improving our trailways,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I am honored to have helped bring this funding home to support these worthy projects. I want to thank my fellow legislators who also advocated for these grants and give a huge shout-out to the many dedicated people who spearheaded these initiatives to improve their neighbors’ lives. Compassion and collaboration are what community is all about.” Projects awarded LSA funding in Smith-Wade-El’s legislative district include: 250,000 to Lancaster City/Chestnut Housing Corp. to transform a long-vacant historical building into 1,100 square feet of office/meeting space and 11 new affordable apartments called the Dinah's Hill Apartments. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) + Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Combined Grant Program Who May Apply: Community-based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status (VIP or BOOST), municipality, county, or district attorney’s office (VIP only), institute of higher education (VIP only), school district or career and technical center (BOOST only), library (BOOST only). Use: VIP + BOOST funds can be used to support a wide range of eligible activities designed to reduce and respond to community violence. Funds: Approximately $60 million in state funding is available, with no less than $11.5 million designated for BOOST funding. Application Deadline: January 26, 2026 More information: PCCD website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Statewide Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Program Who May Apply: Statewide youth-serving nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(4) status. Use: Funds for the proposed program may be used to support upstream prevention initiatives focused on school-age youth who are at risk, such as mentoring and OST programs. Funds: No less than $11.5 million in state VIP funding has been designated for BOOST funding. Application Deadline: January 26, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Read more
LANCASTER, Dec. 16 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced the approval of over $4.7 million from the Neighborhood Assistance Program to help low-income people and communities and improve distressed areas in Lancaster County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95 percent on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. “Thanks to NAP’s tax credits, our local businesses are investing in projects that will empower residents and energize our communities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “These public-private partnerships will go a long way to helping to address persistent socio-economic problems like the lack of affordable housing, food insecurity, workforce development, blight and public safety in Lancaster.” “NAP’s tax credits are a game changer for Lancaster County’s businesses and communities,” Rivera said. “They will help build up our communities, which in turn will drive our local economy. I am grateful to the Shapiro administration for its financial support of Lancaster County, and its faith in our future. I will continue to advocate for more dollars to be allocated for Lancaster-based projects.” The following programs received Charitable Food Program funding: $1,864,200 to Blessings of Hope to support its Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Dec. 11 – Grant funding of $2 million is coming back to Centre County to fund an important juvenile justice initiative, combat opioid addiction and bolster resources for domestic and child abuse survivors, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin said the funding includes nearly $1.2 million to the Pennsylvania State University to continue its work with the Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol – a data-driven system that allows the state to assess which evidence-based programs are most effective at serving juveniles in the justice system and preventing recidivism. “PSU has been a unique partner with the state in its efforts to improve the quality of juvenile justice services,” Conklin said. “The new funding will allow them to continue those efforts.” Conklin said that a $500,000 grant to the Centre County Commissioners will enhance the Centre County Correctional Facility’s medication-assisted treatment program to fight opioid addiction. “The program has been working to reduce addiction and opioid-related deaths through an approach that combines medication, therapy and access to post-release services,” Conklin said. “The new funding will make the program even more effective by adding educational components and intensive, post-release case coordination services to help people transitioning back to the community.” A $125,000 grant Read more
LANCASTER, Dec. 11 -- State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced $1,227,352 in state grants was awarded to support crime victims, young children, justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders, and firearm suicide prevention in Lancaster County. “This smart use of state funding will go far into providing lifelines to our residents, from helping to prevent firearm suicides to giving non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems another chance at life,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I will continue to advocate strongly in Harrisburg for targeted state investments in our people.” The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency : $150,000 to Lancaster General Hospital to implement a firearm suicide prevention initiative in Lancaster County. $50,000 to Lancaster General Hospital to help maintain compliance with the National Child Alliance standards for child abuse support: multi-disciplinary investigative team, forensic interview, victim support and advocacy, medical evaluation, case review and coordination, and child safety and protection. $95,000 to support county Intermediate Punishment Treatment Programs that treat non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems. $543,901 to reimburse Lancaster County for costs incurred by counties for adult probation and parole services. $388,451 to Lancaster County Commissioners for crime victim and witness Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 24 — Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law state Rep. Nikki Rivera’s legislation that will ensure older Pennsylvanians do not lose their eligibility for the state’s prescription drug assistance programs due to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. Rivera’s H.B. 923 , now Act 49 of 2025, will shield seniors from losing PACE and PACENET eligibility if their annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment exceeds normal income-eligibility guidelines. This protection is currently in place but was scheduled to expire after Dec. 31. The new law will extend that protection for two more years -- until Dec. 31, 2027. According to Rivera, the Social Security COLA for 2025 is currently 2.5%. If the moratorium had not been extended, 10,039 PACENET enrollees would have lost their eligibility. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would have been moved to PACENET, resulting in the loss of their lower copayments and the PACE-paid Part D premium. “I am so glad that our seniors will have guaranteed continued access to PACE and PACENET in the nick of time thanks to this legislation becoming law,” Rivera said. “These programs are true lifesavers, making medication affordable. Because of this legislation, our seniors won’t have to worry about whether they can pay for medication if a necessary Social Security cost-of-living adjustment would have otherwise made them ineligible for a prescription program. Read more
READING, Nov. 20 — State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, will host a Thanksgiving Resource Fair Friday to support families and connect residents with state and local programs. The fair will take place from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 21 at 206 S. 9th St. in Reading. Guzman emphasized that this event goes far beyond simply helping residents with their Thanksgiving meal. He said he wants families to take full advantage of the support available through state and local programs while experiencing the strength and spirit of the Reading community. Guzman indicated that his team will be on hand to provide information on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, job opportunities, updates on nutrition and utility assistance programs, PennDOT services, and much more. “One of the most valuable aspects of the event is hearing directly from constituents,” he said. “I look forward to answering questions and listening to the concerns of both long-time residents and new families in the district.” For more information, residents may contact Guzman’s office at 610-376-1529. Read more
LANCASTER, Nov. 20 –State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, together with Transit for All PA, will hold their rescheduled rally for increased bus services in Lancaster from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the Queen Street Station at 225 N. Queen St. According to Smith-Wade-El and Rivera, the South Central Transit Authority will hit its fiscal cliff in January 2027, which will lead to service cuts and fare increases due to state funding shortfalls. “Our South Central Transit Authority, and all transit systems in PA, are at risk due to the state budget failing to fully address the crisis they are facing,” Smith-Wade-El said. “At our rally, local and regional elected officials, labor leaders, transit riders, advocates, and more will come together to demand a dedicated and expanded state funding stream to ensure that Lancastrians have the transit system they need and deserve.” “We're not going to accept the gradual decline of our transit systems in Lancaster,” Rivera said. “Our economy and our quality of life depends on Lancaster having a strong and stable transit system. We are coming together to fight for this essential service on which we all depend.” The rally will feature 8 to 10 people speaking about the importance of public transit in the region. Residents can sign up to attend the rally online at https://www.mobilize.us/ppt/event/862791/ . Read more
LANCASTER, Nov. 20 – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will hold an in-person public hearing about PPL’s proposed rate increase for Manheim Township at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 in the Manheim Township Public Library Morgan Center, 595 Granite Run Drive. The hearings are being held due to PPL’s planned substantial rate increases. Under the proposal : The total monthly bill for a residential customer using 918 kWh per month would increase from $177.01 to $189.40 (7%). The changes would produce an overall annual revenue increase of $356.3 million (33.4%). “PPL’s proposed rate hike will have a serious impact on our residents’ wallets,” Rivera said. “I encourage residents to let the PUC know what these significant rate hikes will mean for their household finances.” If residents cannot attend in person, they are encouraged to attend one of two telephonic hearings on Monday, Dec. 15: Telephonic hearing #1 will begin at 1 p.m. Telephonic hearing #2 will begin at 6 p.m. The call-in information for the two telephonic hearings is: Toll-free Conference Number: 866-421-8851. PIN Number: 66640466. People who wish to testify at a telephonic hearing are encouraged to pre-register by 4 p.m. on Dec. 11. Failure to pre-register could result in missing the chance to testify to the PUC judges. To pre-register, those interested can call Pamela McNeal at 215-560-4228 or email Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – Pennsylvania’s self-storage business owners are poised to gain greater protections against defaulting customers after state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill to bring these small businesses stronger enforcement powers today heads for the governor’s desk. Conklin, who is majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee, said he introduced H.B. 1359 to help small self-storage business owners avoid significant business losses that can result when a customer fails to sign or pay their rental agreement. “Pennsylvania has more than 1,500 self-storage facilities, and most are small businesses,” said Conklin, D-Centre. “Yet our law fails to adequately protect these businesses when a customer fails to sign or pay their rental agreement. Without a timeframe in which the unsigned or unpaid agreement can be enforced, the storage unit sits occupied and unrentable, costing the business valuable income. “It’s not fair to punish these small businesses for a customer’s failure to uphold their end of the bargain. My bill would fix the issue by allowing for the electronic delivery of a rental agreement. This would make the agreement enforceable within 30 days of the document’s delivery – the same as if it had been signed. If the occupant failed to sign the agreement within 30 days, their rent payment or continued use of the unit would be deemed an acceptance of the Read more
“PACE and PACENET are true lifesavers for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania seniors, and so are Social Security cost-of-living adjustments,” Rivera said. “Our seniors should not have to stress over whether they can maintain eligibility for a program that helps them afford their prescription medications simply because the government has rightfully adjusted Social Security to keep up with the cost of living." Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 17 – In a step to increase school safety for students and teachers, the PA House Communications & Technology Committee held a public hearing Monday on legislation ( H.B. 634 ) introduced by state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, that would require schools to consider implementing silent panic alarm buttons in classrooms during the annual review of their safety and security practices. The alarms would be linked directly with law enforcement responders and could be used to signal a life-threatening emergency. The legislation is modeled after “Alyssa’s Law,” named for 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff, who was murdered along with 17 others in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018. In the wake of the shooting, Alyssa’s parents and fellow advocates have fought for the passage of laws to require or permit schools to install silent panic alarm buttons in classrooms. “At today’s hearing, Alyssa Alahadeff’s mother, Lori, movingly advocated for the implementation of silent panic alarms in our schools as a necessary step to prevent the unthinkable—the murder of a child in a school shooting,” said state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, who chairs the House Communications & Technology Committee. “At a time when it seems like there is a school shooting every day in our country, we must take concrete steps to make our schools as safe as possible. Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Scott Conklin today unveiled a proposal that would address a major quality-of-life issue for Pennsylvanians by requiring the state to reserve a portion of any former correctional facility land it plans to sell and make that portion available to the county for affordable housing. Speaking at a news conference at his State College district office, Conklin said his soon-to-be-introduced bill would give the county where a former SCI is located the option to receive a transfer of up to 2% of the land. “Safe, affordable housing is a major factor in quality of life, but shortages here at home and statewide are driving up housing costs and increasing the burden on lower-income families,” Conklin said. “My bill would help ease the shortage by ensuring that any time the state decides to sell former prison land, a small portion of that land is set aside and offered to the county for affordable housing use.” Under Conklin’s proposal, counties would not be required to accept the land, but if they did, they would be required to use it for affordable housing and to take certain steps within certain timeframes to ensure availability of that housing. Conklin is currently in the process of gathering co-sponsors for the proposal, which will then be introduced in the state House. This is the second measure Conklin has announced in the wake of the state’s decision to close Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – As a high school teacher for over 30 years, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, said she was proud to support this year’s state budget because it makes historic investments in public education, supports Pennsylvania’s working people and industries, protects Pennsylvania’s environment and keeps Pennsylvanians safe without raising taxes or reducing the Rainy Day Fund. “Balancing fiscal discipline with compassion, this compromise budget spends a little over $50 billion to provide stability to Pennsylvanians by ensuring support for critical state services at a time when a totally unpredictable federal government is curtailing or eliminating federal programs on which millions depend,” Rivera said. Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 budget increases total funding for K-12 education by more than $700 million. Rivera said she is extremely pleased to see that the budget is allocating $600 million to ensure that all of Pennsylvania’s students and schools have access to the resources and opportunities needed for academic success. There would also be $178 million in savings for school districts statewide reflecting savings from reforms that adjusted tuition payments that better reflect the actual costs to teach kids. “A budget is a statement of our commonwealth’s priorities, and our top priority is making sure all our students have access to a first-rate education,” Rivera said. “This Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 –As a fervent advocate for access to high-quality education for everyone and support for the vulnerable, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, is highlighting historic investments in Pennsylvania’s school districts and support for the food insecure as reasons for his support of this year’s budget, which was signed by the governor today. Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 state budget increases total funding for K-12 education by more than $700 million. Smith-Wade-El said he was extremely pleased to see that the budget is allocating $600 million to ensure that all of Pennsylvania’s students and schools have access to the resources and opportunities needed for academic success. There will also be $178 million in school district savings statewide – reflecting reforms in cyber-charter school funding that will better reflect the actual cost of teaching kids. “Access to a high-quality education is the foundation for our social health and economic success today and in the future,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This budget’s record investments in public education will help level the playing field and open up doors to academic and professional success for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable kids.” Locally, the budget increases funding for Lancaster County school districts, including over $8.2 million in increased funding and cost savings for school districts in the 49th Legislative District: Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – The Senate version of state Rep. Nikki Rivera’s bill to make sure older Pennsylvanians do not lose their eligibility for the state’s prescription drug programs (H.B. 923) due to Social Security cost-of-living-increases unanimously passed the House today with overwhelming bipartisan support. Senate Bill 731, which was introduced in the PA House by Rivera and state Rep. Shelby Labs (R-Bucks), would shield seniors from losing PACE and PACENET prescription eligibility due to their annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. This protection currently is in place until Dec. 31, 2025. Senate Bill 731 would extend it for two more years -- until Dec. 31, 2027. According to Rivera, the Social Security COLA for 2025 is currently 2.5%. Not extending the moratorium would result in 10,039 PACENET enrollees losing their eligibility. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would be moved to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium. “I am very glad that the Senate version of the bill passed the House today because these programs—PACE and PACENET—are true lifesavers,” Rivera said. “Thanks to them, a quarter of a million Pennsylvania seniors, many of whom require multiple medications to treat different chronic conditions, can purchase life-saving medications without having to go into medical debt or, even worse, decide they must give up treatment. “Unfortunately, Read more
Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other eligible specialty crops stakeholders. Use: To assist with the growth, certification of seed and marketing of eligible specialty crops. Funds: $460,000 is available for funding Application Deadline: December 19, 2025 More information: PDA Website Department of Agriculture: Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations and other eligible specialty crops stakeholders. Use: To enhance the competitiveness of eligible specialty crops. Funds: Approximately $1,000,000 is available for funding Application Deadline: December 19, 2025 More information: PDA Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: 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. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Scott Conklin cast a “yes” vote for the state’s $50.1 billion spending plan, which has cleared the General Assembly and is on its way to the governor’s desk. “Although my House colleagues and I were frustrated by the Senate’s failure to come to the table and vote on the budget bills we sent earlier this year, I am encouraged that we are finally moving forward with a solid agreement. The new budget delivers for our students, funds essential programs and services for residents, and will get critical dollars flowing to our schools, counties and municipalities – all without raising taxes.” Conklin said the new spending plan includes a $105 million increase for Basic Education and a nearly $40 million increase for Special Education statewide. District 77 schools will see the following increases in Basic and Special Education funding: Bald Eagle Area School District: $80,273 increase (0.8%) in Basic Education funding and $35,789 increase (2.2%) in Special Education funding. Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District: $136,556 increase (1.0%) in Basic Education funding and $59,289 increase (3.2%) in Special Education funding. State College Area School District: $249,978 increase (1.8%) in Basic Education funding and $59,409 increase (1.6%) in Special Education funding. Tyrone Area School District: $49,539 increase (0.5%) in Basic Education Read more
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