HARRISBURG, April 23 – The Pennsylvania House today passed state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would authorize the state to regulate virtual currency. Conklin, who is majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee, said he introduced H.B. 881 to ensure consumer confidence that exchanges made with digital currency are as safe and reliable as money transactions and are regulated in the same manner. “With technology creating new forms of virtual currencies such as cryptocurrency, our laws need to keep pace with those changes to protect Pennsylvanians,” Conklin said. “Consumers deserve to know that the transactions they conduct using digital currencies are as safe and secure as those involving traditional forms of money. “Under current state law, virtual currency is not subject to the state’s Money Transmission Licensing Law, which regulates businesses that transmit money or credit. My bill would expand the law so that it covers virtual currency and requires that it be treated similarly to money transmissions under the act.” Conklin said a number of other states already regulate virtual currency. “It’s time for Pennsylvania to join the other states that are already regulating virtual currency and bringing greater consistency to the way these transactions are conducted.” The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 22 - 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) unanimously passed the House today with overwhelming bipartisan support. Co-sponsored with state Rep. Shelby Labs, R-Bucks, the legislation would extend the moratorium on Social Security cost-of-living adjustments for PACE and PACENET eligibility to Dec. 31, 2027. The current moratorium on COLA adjustments is Dec. 31 of this year. According to Rivera, the Social Security COLA for 2025 is currently 2.5%. Without extending the moratorium, 10,039 PACENET enrollees would lose their coverage. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would move to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium. “These programs—PACE and PACENET—provide lifesaving services at a greatly reduced cost to a population that lives on fixed incomes,” Rivera said. “They make it possible so that a quarter of a million 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 forgo treatment. “Unfortunately, there’s a problem maintaining eligibility when Social Security cost-of-living increases go up, with over 20,000 seniors then no longer qualifying for their prescription plans. “I was proud to Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Watershed Planning and Restoration Grant Who May Apply: Incorporated watershed associations, counties or municipalities, county conservation districts, council of governments or other authorized organizations including nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and municipal authorities. Use: Examples of eligible projects include existing WIP revision or updates and design and construction of BMPs, including riparian forest buffers, streambank fencing, agricultural erosion and sediment control and nutrient and manure management practices; animal waste storage systems, animal concentration area/animal heavy use area protection and barnyard runoff controls; design and construction of stormwater control measures; AMD treatment systems and other projects that will reduce nonpoint source pollution in watersheds where streams are impaired. Funds: Funds are provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and authorized through Section 319(h) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Application Deadline: June 20, 2025 More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener Plus Grant Who May Apply: Counties Use: To update a county’s Act 167 plan. Funds: Funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 state budget and grants will range from $40,000 to $60,000 depending on the county’s Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE Program) Who May Apply: Local governments, planning organizations, or Commonwealth agencies. Use: Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, roadway safety, mobility, and capacity upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, local technical assistance program projects, and traffic signal improvements. Funds: PennDOT anticipates $32 million available with the intent of funding worthwhile projects that can be completed at a relatively low cost. Application Deadline: A pre-application scoping form is required to be submitted by April 30, 2025. Feedback will be provided by May 31, 2025. The application period will be open from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. More information: PennDOT Website Department of Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA Digital Connectivity Technology Program Who May Apply: Public-facing institutions, to include but not limited to, libraries, schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions located in areas where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband adoption and use. Use: The acquisition of digital connectivity technology that facilitates broadband internet access and promotes digital literacy and skills training. These devices will be Read more
HARRISBURG, March 20 – In the face of the Trump administration’s vilification of immigrants and unlawful deportations of immigrants , state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., and Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, held a news conference on Wednesday to highlight the reintroduction of their legislation to create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Pennsylvania welcomed William Penn from religious persecution in the 17 th century, Blacks fleeing slavery in the 19 th century, and today Afghans, Bhutanese, Ukrainians and others that are fleeing persecution, ethnic cleansing and war,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Instead of keeping to its values, Pennsylvania is scapegoating immigrant communities with punitive policies that are driving them out of the state. “Economically, we can’t afford to lose them as they make up 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 and retains its electoral power at the federal level. But even more than that, we can’t afford to betray the values on which our commonwealth was founded. Read more
Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart Technical Assistance Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any community-based organization, non-profit, for-profit, or educational institution. The applicant must successfully demonstrate their history in providing technical assistance in child sexual abuse prevention programming. Use: To establish a collaboration with the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network (CMSN) at Pennsylvania State University (PSU), including CMSN Affiliate Dr. Kate Guastaferro from New York University (NYU), to provide additional support to the 15 awarded Project Safe and Smart grantees, ensuring the successful implementation of their projects. Funds: A total of $150,000 in state Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one (1) grant over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: April 18, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Technical Assistance Initiative Who May Apply: Non-profit orgnaizations Use: To continue support of CJABs through the CJAB Specialists who serve as a resource to counties in assisting with CJAB projects. Funds: A combination of federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and state funds is being Read more
READING, March 18 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that a local project will benefit from a $106,334 state Local Share Account grant. The funds will be used for the purchase of a backhoe loader to be utilized throughout Shillington Borough. The grant was awarded to: Shillington Borough. - $106,324 for the purchase of a backhoe loader to assist with work on the borough's existing water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems along with other road maintenance tasks. “ This backhoe loader will improve work efficiency . I am glad to welcome this funding for Shillington Borough that will help address a critical need, and I will certainly continue fighting for other necessary funds for the community.” Read more
HARRISBURG, March 18 – The Pennsylvania House today passed state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would authorize agents at the Office of State Inspector General to arm themselves for protection on the job. Conklin said he introduced H.B. 36 to address a flaw in existing state law that leaves these officers – the only law enforcement officers in Pennsylvania not permitted to carry firearms while on duty – unable to properly defend themselves. “The Office of State Inspector General is a government watchdog agency that roots out fraud and other misconduct in state programs, and their agents are out there every day fighting bad actors, just like other law enforcement officers,” Conklin said. “Unlike other law enforcement, though, OSIG agents are not authorized to carry a weapon. They are investigating crimes and serving warrants – often facing dangerous situations – without the ability to protect themselves. It’s time to fix the law and ensure these officers have the same ability to defend themselves as their colleagues in other agencies.” Conklin said OSIG officers’ lack of authority to carry a weapon has other repercussions, as well. “Not only does it endanger these officers, but it forces them to rely on local law enforcement, which burdens local departments and creates delays that can allow conflicts to escalate, jeopardizing broader community Read more
HARRISBURG, March 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, along with state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia, today introduced a bill to protect net neutrality in Pennsylvania. Net neutrality is the rule that all internet service providers (ISP) cannot block, slow down, or speed up content delivery based on the content, user or device. With only a handful of companies providing these services, the rule is necessary to ensure fair practices. According to Smith-Wade-El, federal protections protecting net neutrality were removed on January 2, 2025, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a decision striking down the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality rule that required all Internet service providers (ISPs) to treat all consumers equally. This decision is expected to change the way Internet and streaming services work, resulting in increased costs for consumers. “The Internet is not a luxury but a daily necessity,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The tech oligarchy is trying to drive up our internet costs, making a “fair and fast” internet available only to the rich. My legislation would fight back against their monopoly, making it illegal for ISPs to block lawful Internet content, impede Internet traffic or otherwise engage in any activity that would negatively affect the Internet experience of Pennsylvania subscribers. A new chapter would be added to Title 66 (Public Utilities) Read more
HARRISBURG, March 12 – State Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, will hold a Health & Wellness Fair for residents of the 104th District from 10 a.m. to 2 p,m., Sat. March 29, at Lincoln Elementary School, 1601 State Street, Harrisburg 17103. “Maintaining good health and wellness are necessary in order to live a productive life, but the world is so stressful nowadays that people are struggling,” Madsen said. “I’m holding this fair because I want residents to have easy access to the tools that will enhance their physical, mental, and emotional health. I’m grateful for the participation of our health and wellness community partners who will provide tips on nutrition, stress and self-care strategies. Come to my fair to take the first step to a healthier, happier you!” The fair will offer engaging wellness activities, educational health screenings, informative workshops, and family friendly entertainment. Questions? Call Madsen’s office at 717-986-1673. Read more
LANCASTER, March 11 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, invites constituents to her free shred event from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Lancaster Airport, 500 Airport Road, Lititz, PA, 17543. This year Rivera and her office are partnering with Goodwill Keystone to include the recycling of electronics and gently used clothing items. Those interested in attending this event should register by calling Rivera’s office at 717-295-3157 or email RepRivera@pahouse.net . Read more
LANCASTER, March 7 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, held a public policy hearing Thursday to explore the impact of pre-K programming in Lancaster. Education experts and stakeholders explored and discussed the impact of pre-K education on children’s K-12 educational experiences and the challenges and needs of these programs. Presenters included representatives from Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster, Manheim Township School District, Pennsylvania Child Care Association, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Pennsylvania, School District of Lancaster, YWCA of Lancaster, Lancaster Recreation Commission, Pennsylvania School Library Association, Pennsylvania School Counselors Association and the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. Presenters spoke and attendees, which included state representatives, Deputy Secretary Shante Brown from the state Office of Child Development and Early Learning, and Lancaster County Commissioner Alice Yoder, were able to ask questions of each presenter. “After 30 years of teaching experience, there’s one big thing that I know is true: early investments in childhood education pay dividends for decades in a student’s life,” Rivera said. “You want a child with sharp cognitive and social skills, then you want to spend the money and the time making sure they get the holistic pre-K education they need to thrive during their formative years and beyond. Read more
READING, Feb. 27 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks will wrap up observations for Black History Month at 5 p.m. today with a ceremony to honor the contributions of a group of residents whose contributions and leadership have had a significant impact in the city of Reading. The event will include the participation of community leaders, city officials and business owners, among others. WHAT: Black History Month celebration. WHEN: 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27. WHERE: 140 N Fifth Street, Reading, PA. Media coverage is invited. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 25 – A longtime advocate for transportation safety in the 105 th Legislative District, state Rep. Justin Fleming helped secure $400,000 in state funding for a transportation improvement project in Lower Paxton Township through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Fleming said the grant funding is being used to improve roads in the Union Square Industrial Park that have deteriorated over time and are being negatively impacted by heavy truck traffic. Affected roads include Briarsdale Road, Katie Court, Fenton Avenue, Dana Drive and Corey Road. “I work closely with our business community and township officials to secure the funding necessary to improve our local infrastructure,” Fleming said. “Our business owners have been dealing with the negative impact of the heavy truck traffic on these local roads and on their businesses. This state funding will help alleviate those issues. I am proud to help secure funds to improve our community for businesses and residents alike." The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. For more information about the Multimodal Transportation Fund, visit here . Read more
LANCASTER, Feb. 24 – State funding of $150,000 for a transportation safety project is coming to the 96 th Legislative District through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster. The multimodal project will use the state funding to help improve pedestrian safety along Harrisburg Avenue by installing signs to direct pedestrian traffic onto existing walkways and signalized cross walks at Race Avenue, College Avenue, or Williamson Drive. “Thanks to this competitive award of $150,000 requested by Franklin and Marshall College, it will be safer to walk in Lancaster City,” Rivera said. “This money will help enhance life here in the city by making it a safer place for students, adults, and families to walk to school, to work, and to run errands. In short, this provides a better place in which to live. By making Lancaster a safer city for pedestrians, these funds will make Lancaster a healthier place to live.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. For more information about the program, visit www.penndot.pa.gov and click on Multimodal Program under the “Projects & Programs” button. Read more
LANCASTER, Feb. 24 – Lancaster will receive $500,000 for streetscape and pedestrian improvements through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Feb. 24 – New grant funding of $390,375 is coming to Patton Township for road and sidewalk rehabilitation projects, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the grants – approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the Multimodal Transportation Fund – include $283,500 for pedestrian safety and pavement improvements on Valley Vista Drive and $106,875 for roadway improvements on North Oak Lane. “The funding is great news for Patton Township, which has identified needed pedestrian and roadway improvements to Valley Vista Drive and North Oak Lane,” Conklin said. “Funding for the Valley Vista Drive project will support milling work, removal and replacement of deteriorating pavement and the addition of curb and sidewalk improvements to ensure accessibility at crossings. “Funding for the North Oak Lane project will support work to repair and rehabilitate aging roadway and stormwater infrastructure in Park Forest Village. Both projects will bring safer, smoother travel for residents.” Conklin said the work to North Oak Lane is a continuation of prior road rehabilitation work, with the new work focusing on the area between Douglas Drive and Highland Drive. More information about the Multimodal Transportation Fund is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/multimodal-transportation-fund/ Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, helped secure $350,000 in state funding for structural repairs at Harrisburg International Airport through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. “I am glad to have been able to help the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority secure critical funds that will help make the Harrisburg International Airport maintain its high level of safety and security,” Madsen said. “HIA has helped make the Capital Region a vital link in the eastern corridor for goods and serves. This project aligns with my focus on increasing the economic strength of the Harrisburg area and the wider Central Pennsylvania region through strategic investments and partnerships.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. For more information about the program, visit here . Read more
READING, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that one local transportation project will benefit from an $850,000 grant from the Multimodal Transportation Fund program through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Guzman said the funds are aimed at improving pedestrian protection and accessibility upgrades to the Penn Square Redevelopment Project in Reading. The grant was awarded to: Philly Office Retail LLC. - $850,000. To revitalize pedestrian safety and accessibility upgrades to Penn Square. The funding will go toward new ADA-accessible sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, planters, street trees, bicycle racks and benches at the corners of Fifth and Penn streets. “I am excited to welcome these grants to my district to support pedestrian protection and to create pedestrian-safe roads.” Guzman said. “Infrastructure development is a critical component for economic growth.” “Now as a proud member of the House Transportation Committee, I feel even more committed and equipped to help improve the quality of the transportation systems in our community,” he added. “I am working to advance infrastructure improvement plans. I am advocating for more efficient and accessible systems for all users.” Read more
“Childcare has overwhelming positive benefits, including preparing children to learn in a school setting as well as shaping expectations for behavior and interactions with adults and other children,” said state Rep. Justin Fleming, who represents portions of Dauphin County. “It’s nearly impossible for parents and guardians to make a living without childcare, so it’s important for the state to explore solutions to the childcare staffing crisis.” Read more
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