News Center

Rally calls on Pa. Senate to pass education funding bill

(Jul 03, 2024) Central PA Delegation

Central Pennsylvania state legislators, educators and other advocates gathered in Millersville Thursday morning to rally public support for the education funding bill that passed the state House this week and urge the Senate to follow suit. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to help cut government red tape poised to be signed into law

(Jul 03, 2024) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 3 –State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El’s legislation (H.B. 1477) that will allow for the electronic submission of municipal plans and ordinances passed the state Senate Monday and is now on its way to the governor’s desk. The legislation will amend the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to enable municipalities to make certain transmittals and submissions -- including proposed comprehensive plans/land use ordinances and amendments to such -- through electronic means. “This bill will codify what is already current practice -- emailing plans and land ordinances -- in order to eliminate the confusion about whether such transmissions are permissible,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “Planners and consultants within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development requested this clarification be put into law. This bill will help cut government red tape and streamline processes in DCED and other government agencies.” This bill was first introduced as H.B. 1592 in the 2021-22 session. Inquiries about the legislation can be directed to Smith-Wade-El’s office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s secures $67K grant for Otterbein Emergency Shelter

(Jul 03, 2024) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 2 – A longtime advocate for the unhoused in Lancaster, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El secured a $67,000 state grant for the Lancaster Redevelopment Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for the emergency shelter at the Otterbein United Methodist Church, which will open in Dec. 2024. The Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority, with support from the Lancaster Redevelopment fund, will carry out the renovations, lease, and management of the emergency clinic. The YMCA of the Roses will operate the shelter and funding of the operations will be provided in part by the Lancaster County Homeless Coalition. “We have a growing unhoused population in Lancaster, with the Lancaster County Homeless Coalition’s showing a 13.5% increase this year from 2023,” Smith-Wade-El said. “With stagnant wages and the skyrocketing cost of housing, more and more people are becoming homeless. We need to make sure our neighbors have somewhere to go until they get on their feet, particularly as the cold weather sets in.” The YMCA of the Roses’ emergency shelter at Otterbein United Methodist Church will be the county’s only low-barrier shelter in the winter, containing 80 beds. ( Low-barrier shelters offer a warm and dry place to stay without preconditions like sobriety.) “I am very glad that the unhoused in our community will have somewhere safe to stay during the Read more

 

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

(Jul 02, 2024) Central PA Delegation

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

 

Kim applauds bill to establish state Alzheimer’s, dementia office

(Jun 28, 2024) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 27 – A bill that would establish a state office to respond to Alzheimer’s, dementia and related disorders passed the House today, announced state Rep. Patty Kim, who co-sponsored the measure. House Bill 2400 would create a permanent Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Office and establish a 28-member advisory committee, both within the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, to coordinate across state agencies, advocate policy and leverage resources to better respond to the unique and complex needs of those living with Alzheimer's and other dementia. “Supporting specialized care can significantly enhance the quality of life for dementia patients, providing them with the necessary medical, psychological, and social support through a public-facing office,” Kim said. “Public health initiatives can promote early diagnosis and intervention, which can slow disease progression and improve outcomes.” By 2025, the number of Pennsylvanians living with Alzheimer’s is expected to increase to 320,000 with the total Medicaid costs to care for them expected to increase by over 10%. “Because patients eventually are unable to care for themselves, Alzheimer’s and dementia are major cost drivers in the state’s Medicaid budget,” Kim said. “Our taking a proactive and public approach to this specialized aging care could help us get ahead of the curve in fighting and Read more

 

Hill-Evans announces $15M for Codorus Greenway Project

(Jun 28, 2024) Rep. Carol Hill-Evans

“I’m so excited for this project to bring new recreation opportunities to our residents and visitors,” Hill-Evans said. “Tourism and beautification efforts in York continue to make our region shine even brighter, and I’m proud of all the individuals and organizations who are collaborating on projects like this.” Read more

 

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

(Jun 20, 2024) Central PA Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Broadband Development Authority: COVID-19 ARPA Capital Projects Fund Digital Connectivity Technology Program Who May Apply: Libraries, community schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions. Use: Acquisition of digital connectivity technology that facilitates broadband internet access and promotes digital literacy and skills training. Funds: $20 million in federal ARP money is available for this program. Application Deadline: August 19, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Program Who May Apply: Applicants must meet the federal definition of a very small meat and poultry processing operation and currently be operating under a grant of inspection or planning to get a grant of inspection upon completion of project. Use: Grant reimbursement is available for eligible costs associated with meeting the requirements to obtain a grant of inspection, opening a new very small meat and poultry processing operation, expanding the capacity of a current very small meat and poultry operation, or a combination of those purposes. Funds: Funding is limited to no more than $100,000 per applicant. Application Deadline: August 2, 2024 More information: PDA Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Read more

 

Rally calls on Pa. Senate to pass education funding bill

(Jun 17, 2024) Central PA Delegation

Central Pennsylvania state legislators, educators and other advocates gathered in Millersville Thursday morning to rally public support for the education funding bill that passed the state House this week and urge the Senate to follow suit. Read more

 

Conklin: Nearly $740,000 secured to preserve District 77 farms

(Jun 14, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, June 14 – New funding of nearly $740,000 – including a state investment of $628,000 from the Department of Agriculture – will ensure preservation of farms in the 77 th Legislative District, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin said the funding awarded under the state’s Farmland Preservation Program will allow the state to purchase development rights for two local farms to protect the land from future residential or commercial development. “These farms are critically important to our community, but their benefits extend far beyond the fences that border them,” Conklin said. “Under the talented stewardship of our local farmers, these lands strengthen our regional food supply and bolster the health of our local, regional and state economies. This new funding is going to help ensure they are around now and far into the future, where we can all continue to reap the benefits.” Conklin said the funding will be used to purchase development rights to the following farms: Carl R. Gates Farm, Ferguson Township, 193-acre crop and livestock farm. Thomas W., Cynthia B., and William H. Hall, and Janis H. Goodman Farm, Halfmoon Township, 88-acre crop and livestock farm. The funding includes $627,972 from the state, $100,000 from the county, and $11,956 from Ferguson Township. More about the funding is available here: Read more

 

Central PA Delegation to champion fair funding for schools at Millersville rally

(Jun 12, 2024) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 12 – The Pennsylvania House Central Pennsylvania Delegation today announced that the group will raise its voice on behalf of chronically underfunded schools along with advocate groups, educational organizations, legislators, community leaders, students, lawyers, and parents tomorrow, Thursday, June 13. MEDIA COVERAGE IS INVITED. State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, who serves the 49 th Legislative District where the event will take place, indicated that the rally which will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at Millersville University’s Pucillo Gymnasium, 125 Pucillo Dr., Millersville, is aimed at reinforcing the need to secure sustainable funding for public schools. “This rally will be a loud and clear call to action for colleagues on both side of the aisle and the Senate,” he said about the rally organized in coordination with PA Schools Work, a nonpartisan statewide movement that advocates on behalf of public schools. “We are determined to secure the $1.1 billion increase in Basic Education funding, as projected by Gov. Josh Shapiro in his 2024-25 budget proposal,” Smith-Wade-El added. “Now, following the House passage of a unprecedent $5.1 billion bill that fulfills the recommendations of a bipartisan Basic Education Funding Commission to end funding disparities, we need to make sure that this bill crosses the finish line. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, PA House members & community leaders rally for fair housing legislation, housing budget proposals

(Jun 12, 2024) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, hosted a rally today with other legislators, legal experts and community advocates from across the state in support of fair housing in Pennsylvania. “The lack of affordable housing in Pennsylvania has resulted in evictions and homelessness for many Pennsylvanians,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Every person has the right to a roof over their head. Our rally today called out the continuing inequities in housing in our commonwealth and the legislative and budget initiatives devised to address them. “As Democrats in the PA House, we’re fighting for a person-centered approach to fair housing, from helping the unhoused get back into a safe home, to my bill that would seal no-fault eviction records so people can find housing, to increased support for the Whole Home Repairs program so seniors can fix and stay in their homes,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We understand that having a home to call one’s own is a human right, a matter of justice. I and my colleagues will fight to make sure that every Pennsylvanian can enjoy their fundamental right to a safe and secure place in which to live.” The rally focused on the PA House budget proposal (H.B. 2324), which would increase funding for fair housing initiatives; the need for increased funding for the homelessness assistance program; a House-led proposal to increase PHARE funding to $100 million dollars; the LLC Read more

 

Guzman praises new significant funds to be allocated for the Reading and Governor Mifflin School districts

(Jun 10, 2024) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 10 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today praised the House passage of H.B. 2370 that would ensure fairness in the way that public schools across the state are funded and help close the historical financial gaps for Reading and Governor Mifflin school districts, located within his legislative district. Guzman, who also serves as chair of the Central Pennsylvania Delegation, said that under the current proposal, Governor Mifflin School District would see an additional $19.6 million to address chronic underfunding and property tax relief over seven years, a boost of $4,670 per student, while the Reading School District would be welcoming an additional $271 million to address chronic underfunding and property tax relief over seven years, a boost of more than $15,000 per student. “This is a massive victory for the Reading and Governor Mifflin school districts and an immense satisfaction for me as legislator,” Guzman said. “This win comes as the outcome of relentless individual and collective efforts focused on addressing inequities in funding,” he added. “Not only we are providing equity to every single student in the state, but we are also reducing the taxpayer burden. This plan provides $3.7 billion in saving to taxpayers over seven years to public schools. “This bill also would make thorough adjustments to laws governing cyber charter schools The wins Read more

 

Central PA Delegation to host a rally on basic education funding

(Jun 07, 2024) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 7 – Leaders of the PA House Central Pennsylvania Delegation today announced that they will host a rally on Basic Education funding at Millersville University in coordination with PA Schools Work, a nonpartisan statewide movement that advocates on behalf of public schools. The event will emphasize the need to secure a $1.1 billion increase in Basic Education funding, as projected by Gov. Josh Shapiro in his 2024-25 budget proposal. The rally, that will be led by state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, chairman of the Central PA Delegation, will include the participation of students, teachers, legislators, lawyers, education advocates and community leaders, among others. WHAT : Rally on Basic Education Funding WHEN : 10 a.m. Thursday, June 13 WHERE : Millersville University , Pucillo Gymnasium (Parking Lot area),125 Pucillo, Dr., Millersville, PA 17551 Read more

 

It's time for equitable education for all!

(Jun 06, 2024) Central PA Delegation

State Rep. Manuel Guzman, chairman of the Central PA Delegation and State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, in coordination with PA Schools Work, invite you to rally in support of underfunded schools. Come out and stand with legislators and advocates in support of the Basic Education Funding Commission's 7-year plan to fairly fund public education in the Commonwealth. WHAT : Rally on Basic Education Funding WHEN : 10 a.m. Thursday, June 13 WHERE : Millersville University , Pucillo Gymnasium (Parking Lot area), Millersville, PA 17551 Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein’s legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians reported out of committee

(Jun 05, 2024) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia, announced that their bill, House Bill 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth, was reported out of House State Government Committee on Monday. “It is thanks to our immigrant communities that Pennsylvania is the dynamic economic and cultural powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “It is an incredible injustice that despite foreign-born workers comprising over 8% of our state’s workforce and paying $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes, they are scapegoated and bear the brunt of punitive policies that drive them from our state. But it is Pennsylvania that’s the biggest loser when this happens—losing skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers, and community leaders. “I am very glad that the House State Government Committee agreed there is need for an Office of New Pennsylvanians that would support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth,” he said. “Immigration is what makes Pennsylvania strong,” Hohenstein said. “Our collective ability to come together from all different backgrounds and perspectives for the betterment of the commonwealth is truly wonderful. That’s why it’s particularly unfortunate that so often our immigrant communities face the brunt of regressive and restrictive Read more

 

Pa. House passes bill to provide free pads and tampons for students

(Jun 05, 2024) Pennsylvania Capital-Star

House Bill 851, cosponsored by Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, would create a grant program to provide public schools with funding to distribute menstrual hygiene products free to students. It passed the Democratic-controlled House Tuesday by a vote of 117 to 85. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces $500K state grant to develop ‘Prince Street Hub’ to help unsheltered Lancastrians

(May 22, 2024) Central PA Delegation

LANCASTER, May 22 – The Lancaster Redevelopment Fund has received a $500,000 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Program to develop a site to address the needs of unsheltered individuals in Lancaster County. The “Prince Street Hub” will offer needed aid to unsheltered Lancastrians by providing an emergency congregate shelter, permanent affordable housing, crisis housing, and a day center. “Every Lancastrian, every Pennsylvanian, has the right to a roof over their heads, and the Prince Street Hub will help them from getting temporary shelter to permanent housing,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The housing crisis is real, and it’s time to put in the work, not just the words, to help our people get back into a home and back on their feet. We’re at our best when we work to secure rights, such as a safe, warm, dry home, for all our friends and neighbors. Alongside DCED, the Lancaster Redevelopment Fund and the Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition, it’s an honor and a privilege to be a partner in this work.” Run by DCED, the KCP encourages the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors that support the growth and stability of neighborhoods and communities, social and economic diversity, and a strong and secure quality of life. Local governments, redevelopment and housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, community development Read more

 

House passes Guzman bill to lower barriers to become real estate appraiser supervisor in Pennsylvania

(May 22, 2024) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, May 22 – The PA House today passed legislation ( H.B. 2220 ) that would remove barriers for Pennsylvanians who want to become a real estate appraiser supervisor in the state. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Manuel Guzman , D-Berks, would allow real estate appraisers-in-training to work with multiple supervisors and in more types of properties to gain more experience. It also lowers the years of experience an appraiser must have to supervise trainees from five to three. “I am proud to see the unanimous passage of my bill, and I cannot wait to see it cross the finish line,” Guzman said. “I’m glad to help appraisers acquire better experience and training to reduce inconsistencies in appraised home values. “This bill also helps remove barriers to the profession and allows people in the industry to ‘skill up’ more easily as their career progresses,” he added. Guzman highlighted workforce development is one of his top priorities. “I believe it’s critical to educate and train individuals in demanding industries like real estate appraisal to advance a competitive local economy. I have made it my mission to foster a diverse, equitable and skilled workforce in Pennsylvania,” he said. Read more

 

Port Matilda Emergency Medical Services dedicates new ambulance in honor of Conklin

(May 20, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

PORT MATILDA, May 20 – As Pennsylvania observes National EMS Week to recognize the lifesaving work of its frontline medical responders, Port Matilda Emergency Medical Services expressed its own appreciation for state Rep. Scott Conklin on Saturday by naming a new ambulance after the lawmaker. Conklin, D-Centre, expressed thanks during the ceremony – held to recognize his longtime support for EMS workers – but said the spotlight should remain on the first responders who continue to serve the community with vigilance despite work that can be risk-filled and challenging. “I am deeply humbled that the first responders at Port Matilda EMS have chosen to dedicate this ambulance in my name, but they are the true heroes,” Conklin said. “They are the ones who stand ready 24/7 to render lifesaving care, regardless of the dangers or challenges involved. “We can never do enough for our EMS workers and other first responders, and we can never thank them enough. But we can do everything in our power to support them and try to ensure that they have the resources they need to carry on their lifesaving work.” At the ceremony, Port Matilda EMS staff thanked Conklin and recognized his support and efforts to strengthen resources for first responders. Read more

 

Health advocates speak out in support of Smith-Wade-El’s Legionnaires disease legislation

(May 17, 2024) Central PA Delegation

LANCASTER, May 17 – Local and state health experts joined state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, at a news conference on Thursday to support his legislation (H.B. 2145) aimed at preventing Legionnaires disease. Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia that is caused by Legionella bacteria, which is naturally occurring in freshwater, including water that supplies public water systems. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal. Pennsylvanians who are at increased risk for complications with this disease include people over 50, those who smoke or have lung disease, and those who live with cancer or are otherwise immunocompromised. “All Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to clean water, but too many people in low-income housing are drinking water contaminated by the Legionella bacteria,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This bill seeks to a public good ensuring that everyone in Pennsylvania can enjoy their right to clean, healthy water.” Smith-Wade-El’s legislation would establish guardrails to ensure public safety and prioritize root cause solutions to ensure water is properly tested and treated before it enters homes and buildings for human use. The legislation also aims to equip consumers with the information and tools necessary to manage their risk of the disease through notifications of water system disruption events that can lead to greater Legionella bacteria exposure. State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, Read more

 

Rally calls on Pa. Senate to pass education funding bill
Jul 03, 2024

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to help cut government red tape poised to be signed into law
Jul 03, 2024

Smith-Wade-El’s secures $67K grant for Otterbein Emergency Shelter
Jul 03, 2024

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

Kim applauds bill to establish state Alzheimer’s, dementia office
Jun 28, 2024

Hill-Evans announces $15M for Codorus Greenway Project
Jun 28, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Technology, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 20, 2024

Rally calls on Pa. Senate to pass education funding bill
Jun 17, 2024

Conklin: Nearly $740,000 secured to preserve District 77 farms
Jun 14, 2024

Central PA Delegation to champion fair funding for schools at Millersville rally
Jun 12, 2024

Smith-Wade-El, PA House members & community leaders rally for fair housing legislation, housing budget proposals
Jun 12, 2024

Guzman praises new significant funds to be allocated for the Reading and Governor Mifflin School districts
Jun 10, 2024

Central PA Delegation to host a rally on basic education funding
Jun 07, 2024

It's time for equitable education for all!
Jun 06, 2024

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein’s legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians reported out of committee
Jun 05, 2024

Pa. House passes bill to provide free pads and tampons for students
Jun 05, 2024

Smith-Wade-El announces $500K state grant to develop ‘Prince Street Hub’ to help unsheltered Lancastrians
May 22, 2024

House passes Guzman bill to lower barriers to become real estate appraiser supervisor in Pennsylvania
May 22, 2024

Port Matilda Emergency Medical Services dedicates new ambulance in honor of Conklin
May 20, 2024

Health advocates speak out in support of Smith-Wade-El’s Legionnaires disease legislation
May 17, 2024