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Committee advances Conklin bill to expand access to baby diaper changing stations in men’s restrooms

(Oct 29, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 –The Pennsylvania House Children and Youth Committee today approved state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would address the shortage of baby diaper changing stations in men’s restrooms. Conklin’s H.B. 1558 , which would establish the Baby Diaper Changing Station Accessibility Program, would require changing stations in new and totally renovated public restrooms. “Child rearing is much more of a shared responsibility today, with diaper duty now performed by many dads, grandfathers, uncles and other male caregivers,” Conklin said. “Unfortunately, our public restrooms around the state don’t reflect that, with most changing stations still found exclusively in women’s restrooms. My bill would help address the lack of diaper-changing stations in men’s public restrooms so that gender is not an obstacle to this important resource.” Conklin said the federal government has passed legislation requiring baby diaper changing stations in all public restrooms located in federal buildings, and nine states have passed laws requiring changing stations in both men and women’s restrooms. The bill exempts industrial buildings, nightclubs and bars, fitness centers and spas, public lodging rooms and single-patient restrooms in health care facilities, and it contains exceptions for situations in which the installation would not be feasible, would interfere with accessible design Read more

 

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

(Oct 28, 2025) Central PA Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS PennDOT: Green Light-Go Program Who May Apply: Municipalities and planning organizations. Use: To improve existing traffic control signals, such as LED replacement, traffic signal retiming, and studies, among other projects. Funds: Up to $40 million is available and projects require a 20% match. Application Deadline: Pre-application scoping forms will be accepted until January 2, 2026. PennDOT will provide comments by February 28, 2026. The full application window will be between March 1, 2026, and March 31, 2026. More information: PennDOT website Conservation and Natural Resources: Volunteer Fire Assistance Who May Apply: Volunteer fire companies in rural areas or communities under 10,000 in population Use: To prevent, control, and suppress the threat of wildfires through the purchase of wildfire suppression equipment, wildfire protective gear, mobile radios, installation of dry hydrants, wildfire training, or wildfire prevention and mitigation Funds: Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The maximum grant for 2025 is $15,000. Application Deadline: December 31, 2025 More information: DCNR Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, Read more

 

Rivera, Neilson legislation for a teacher-supplies tax credit referred out of committee

(Oct 28, 2025) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 28 – Legislation to establish a tax credit for educators with out-of-pocket expenses, co-sponsored by state Reps. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, and Ed Neilson, D-Phila., was referred from the House Finance Committee this morning, 25-1. The legislation would provide a $100 refundable tax credit to teachers who spend their own money on classroom supplies and equipment. It would complement the $300 federal tax deduction for the purchase of unreimbursed classroom supplies. The tax credit proposal would be administered separately from the federal deduction to ensure Pennsylvania teachers always have this option available to them. “Our teachers give so much of themselves to educate our kids, and unfortunately this includes a good portion of their paychecks for necessary school supplies so their students can learn,” Rivera said. “I know from over 30 years of teaching experience in Lancaster County public schools that teaching is not a highly paid profession and school budgets don’t have enough funds to cover all the classroom expenses. This bill would recognize teachers’ financial sacrifice by establishing a $100 tax credit for unreimbursed classroom supplies.” According to Rivera, teachers across the country have reported that school budgets are insufficient to cover all classroom needs, so they’ve had to pay out of pocket for books, pens, paper, cleaning supplies, prizes, snacks, decorations, hand Read more

 

Committee advances Conklin bill to help public employee retirement plans operate more efficiently

(Oct 28, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 28 –The House State Government Committee today unanimously approved state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would improve operations for Pennsylvania’s public employee retirement plans by providing more feasible deadlines for the agencies to complete and submit the results of required annual financial testing. Conklin, D-Centre, said he introduced H.B. 1304 in response to a request from the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System and its sister agency, the Public School Employees’ Retirement System, to adjust the deadlines so they better align with the agencies’ annual fiscal year. “Government runs more efficiently when timetables and deadlines are based on real-world logistics,” Conklin said. “Currently, state law requires SERS and PSERS to perform annual stress testing to assess the financial health and resiliency of their pension funds based on different scenarios. The law also sets deadlines for the agencies to complete and submit those tests to state officials, and a deadline for the Independent Fiscal Office to summarize the results into a report. “The problem is that the state-mandated testing and reporting deadlines are not workable. For example, SERS already conducts more rigorous testing than required by state law and has advised that it cannot deliver its comprehensive report by the required July 1 deadline. Both SERS and the IFO have stated Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Hohenstein to hold news conference Oct. 28 in support of their legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

(Oct 22, 2025) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., will be joined by representatives of Church World Service at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 in the East Wing Rotunda, Harrisburg, for a news conference in support of their legislation (H.B. 1113) that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Our immigrant communities are an integral part of Pennsylvania’s economic growth, making up over 8% of our state’s work force and paying $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes,” Smith-Wade-El said. “But they are facing too many roadblocks due to bureaucratic red tape and restrictive policies targeting immigrant communities. “To keep these skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers and community leaders in our state, I’ve introduced a bill that would raze the maze of bureaucratic silos by establishing an Office of New Pennsylvanians that would be a one-stop shop for benefits and resources for immigrants under the auspices of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.” “My support for immigrant rights is based on my belief in the value of all working people. Organized labor was born in immigrant communities from the coal mines in Pennsylvania to sweatshops in New York and to the grape harvests in California,” Hohenstein said. “Immigrants bring so much to our state – whether Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera hosting Medicaid Town Hall Oct. 28

(Oct 17, 2025) Central PA Delegation

LANCASTER, Oct. 17 —State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, will hold a Medicaid Town Hall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the J.P. McCaskey High School Cafeteria, 445 Reservoir St., Lancaster. “We are offering this Medicaid Town Hall to answer residents’ questions regarding Medicaid, especially the recent changes to the program’s eligibility requirements, and explain how our offices can help them navigate the program to get the coverage they need,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As your state representatives, we want to be there for residents during this time of uncertainty as a resource by providing informational events like this town hall to answer any questions residents may have and afterwards through the constituent services our offices offer,” Rivera said. Residents are encouraged to RSVP by signing up at tinyurl.com/49-96-TownHall . Residents in Rivera’s district can also RSPV by calling the district office at 717-295-3157 or emailing them at RepRivera@pahouse.net . Those residing in Smith-Wade-El’s district can call the office at 717-283-4218 or email RepSmithWadeEl@pahouse.net . Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera hosting Medicaid Town Hall Oct. 28

(Oct 17, 2025) Central PA Delegation

LANCASTER, Oct. 17 —State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, will hold a Medicaid Town Hall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the J.P. McCaskey High School Cafeteria, 1051 Lehigh Ave., Lancaster. “We are offering this Medicaid Town Hall to answer residents’ questions regarding Medicaid, especially the recent changes to the program’s eligibility requirements, and explain how our offices can help them navigate the program to get the coverage they need,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As your state representatives, we want to be there for residents during this time of uncertainty as a resource by providing informational events like this town hall to answer any questions residents may have and afterwards through the constituent services our offices offer,” Rivera said. Residents are encouraged to RSVP by signing up at tinyurl.com/49-96-TownHall . Residents in Rivera’s district can also RSPV by calling the district office at 717-295-3157 or emailing them at RepRivera@pahouse.net . Those residing in Smith-Wade-El’s district can call the office at 717-283-4218 or email RepSmithWadeEl@pahouse.net . Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to be panelist on addiction recovery panel Nov. 3

(Oct 17, 2025) Central PA Delegation

LANCASTER, Oct. 17 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will be a panelist at Blueprints for Addiction Recovery’s Healing Beyond Boundaries: Understanding What Our Communities Truly Need, at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, at The Ware Center, 42 N. Prince St. in Lancaster. The free, all-ages event will bring together leaders from recovery services, law enforcement and government for an open conversation about what communities need to heal, connect and move forward. The evening will be hosted by Chris Dreisbach, founder of Blueprints for Addiction Recovery, and will feature an engaging panel including: Ben McCoy, CEO, Blueprints for Addiction Recovery State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster Bill Hickey, deputy chief, Millersville University Police Department Becca Moyer, program director, Blueprints for Addiction Recovery “This event is about more than recovery; it’s about understanding one another,” said Dreisbach. “Every community has unique challenges, but the foundation of healing always starts with empathy, connection and open conversation.” The discussion will explore the realities of recovery and public safety while emphasizing compassion, accessibility and collaboration as the cornerstones of community growth. “We can’t expect change unless we first take the time to understand what people actually need,” said McCoy. “Recovery is not just a clinical process; Read more

 

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

(Oct 16, 2025) Central PA Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Fish and Boat Commission: Boating Facility Grant Program Who May Apply: Municipalities and non-profit organizations, including land trusts, conservancies, and watershed associations. Use: Planning, acquisition, development, expansion, and rehabilitation of public boating facilities Funds: Funds available may be adjusted by the commission and priority is given to projects with more than the required 50% match. Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 More information: PFBC 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. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and non-profit organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible. Read more

 

Rivera: Over $1.4 million in tax credits awarded for low-income housing

(Oct 15, 2025) Central PA Delegation

LANCASTER, Oct. 15 -- The Apartments at College Avenue in Lancaster has been awarded more than $1.4 million in low-income housing tax credits by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, said. “These tax credits will help provide more affordable housing in our community,” Rivera said. “Thanks to these credits, more working families, seniors and housing-insecure Pennsylvanians will have a home to call their own here in Lancaster.” The federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program provides a tax incentive to owners of affordable rental housing. The incentive is an annual tax credit -- a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal taxes -- earned in the first 10 years after the units are placed in service if program requirements are met. Developers market, or “syndicate,” the credits allocated to a development to investors, whose contributions are used as equity in the development’s financing plan. The credits are administered by PHFA and were approved by its board. Read more

 

Guzman secures $1.7 million for affordable senior housing in Reading

(Oct 10, 2025) Central PA Delegation

READING, Oct. 10 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that a local project in his legislative district has been awarded $1.7 million to support affordable housing for older residents. The proposed development, Cornerstone Apartments , located at 6th and Chestnut streets in Reading, received Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. The project will provide 46 units for residents aged 62 and older. Guzman emphasized the importance of affordable housing in the district and highlighted the impact of the Cornerstone Apartments project. These tax credits will be allocated annually over ten years, potentially generating $17 million in equity to support the development of additional affordable housing in Berks County. “I have been championing increased funding and resources to ensure that seniors and families in my district have access to safe, affordable homes. This investment in Cornerstone Apartments is a concrete step forward in meeting that goal and strengthening our community,” Guzman said. “These units will provide safe, affordable homes for our older residents in Reading, helping them stay connected to the community they love,” he added. Dana Hanchin, president and CEO of HDC MidAtlantic, welcomed the support, calling it a milestone for affordable housing in the district. "We are proud to partner with leaders across Read more

 

Sen. Saval and Rep. Smith-Wade-El announce legislation to end the criminalization of homelessness

(Oct 09, 2025) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – With World Homeless Day being recognized tomorrow, state Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Phila., and state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced plans to introduce companion legislation in the Pennsylvania Senate and House that would decriminalize homelessness across the commonwealth. World Homeless Day, observed annually on Oct. 10, aims to raise awareness about homelessness and encourage people to come together to help the unhoused in their communities. Saval’s and Smith-Wade-El’s Shelter First Act legislation would allow people experiencing homelessness to conduct life-sustaining activity in public spaces when no reasonable, alternative options for housing are offered or available. Municipalities would be required to provide adequate indoor spaces for people experiencing homelessness before the municipality could enforce any ordinance that would criminalize living outside. “Criminalizing individuals or families for being homeless condemns the unhoused to an unending cycle of heavy fines, arrests and incarceration, perpetuating their poverty and exacerbating the larger social crisis,” said Smith-Wade-El. “We’ve introduced the Shelter First Act in a fierce rejection of the denigration of the unhoused and a profound belief that our communities are stronger and safer when everyone’s dignity and rights --including their right to a place to place to sleep -- are respected.” “The Read more

 

Rivera bill allowing first-class townships to increase funding for fire and EMS reported out of committee

(Oct 08, 2025) Central PA Delegation

support financially struggling local fire and emergency services, introduced by state Rep. Nikki Rivera, was reported out of the House Finance Committee today. Read more

 

House Dems launch bills to strengthen Protection from Abuse Orders

(Oct 01, 2025) Rep. Nate Davidson, Rep. Justin Fleming, Rep. Emily Kinkead

Lawmakers call to protect survivors, increase accountability for repeat PFA violations Read more

 

Conklin, Kephart will introduce bill to ensure fairness and transparency in sales of former state correctional facility land

(Oct 01, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – In the wake of the state’s recent announcement that it is closing the State Correctional Institution at Rockview, state Reps. Scott Conklin and Dallas Kephart today unveiled plans for legislation to ensure that any potential sale of the nearly 5,700-acre property is conducted with fairness and transparency. Speaking at a Capitol news conference, the lawmakers said their bill would require that any sale of land associated with a former state correctional facility follow specific procedures, including publication of the sale in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and oversight by the state Attorney General, including disclosure of all bids and bidders. “When large facilities like Rockview close, it’s the region’s residents who bear the brunt of that decision. They’re also the ones most likely to feel the impact of any potential land sale,” said Conklin, D-Centre. “Despite our every effort, we were not able to stop the closure of SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp. But we can work to make sure that any sale of the underlying land happens in the fairest, most transparent way possible to prevent additional adverse impacts on residents. “Our bill would do that by bringing sunlight to the process and preventing closed-door transactions or sweetheart deals that are not necessarily in residents’ best interests.” The lawmakers are currently in the process of Read more

 

Rivera to hold $CAM JAM Oct. 9

(Sep 26, 2025) Central PA Delegation

LANCASTER, Sept. 26 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, in partnership with AARP Pennsylvania, will host a $CAM JAM event from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 9 at Calvary Homes by Tandem Living, 502 Elizabeth Drive, Lancaster. “As scammers are becoming more technologically savvy, the best way for residents to protect themselves from crime and fraud is to get educated,” Rivera said. “My $CAM JAM event is a great way for area residents to learn how to spot and avoid common scams.” Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities will lead the interactive event, which will educate attendees on how to safeguard their money from financial fraud and abuse. Attendees will also play Fraud BINGO, with a chance to win prizes. Rivera said she partnered with AARP Pennsylvania because seniors are the biggest targets for scams in the state. That follows a national trend, with millions of seniors targeted each year, resulting in an estimated $3 billion in losses annually, according to the FBI . Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting, have savings, own homes and have good credit. “This fun event will especially help our senior residents learn how to spot common scams and protect their finances,” Rivera said. Light refreshments will be served. RSVPs are required, as space is limited. Residents should call Rivera’s office at 717-295-3157 or email RepRivera@pahouse.net Read more

 

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

(Sep 24, 2025) Central PA Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol (SPEP) Implementation Who May Apply: Non-profit entities and institutions of higher education Use: To assess the quality of services provided to system-involved youth, support providers in creating and implementing quality improvement plans, and measure progress through follow-up evaluations. Funds: A total of $1,400,000 in state Violence and Delinquency Prevention Programs funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $1,400,000 over the 18-month project period. Application Deadline: October 14, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Law Enforcement and Youth R/ED Training Who May Apply: Any organization that can demonstrate the ability to provide training and technical assistance to members of law enforcement interacting with youth in their communities, including, but not limited to, police, probation, and school personnel. Use: To provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement entities across the Commonwealth to improve interactions with youth in their communities. Funds: A total of $250,000 in federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year Read more

 

Rivera, Smith-Wade-El host Haywood’s Food Dignity Tour in Lancaster

(Sep 23, 2025) Central PA Delegation

LANCASTER, Sept. 23 – State Reps. Nikki Rivera and Ismail Smith-Wade-El, both D-Lancaster, and state Sen. Art Haywood, D-Montgomery, co-chair of the state Senate Health and Human Services Committee, last week came together to speak about the impact of SNAP changes and cuts in Pennsylvania. Representatives from over 20 organizations were in attendance. “SNAP has for decades enabled low-income Pennsylvanians to put food on their families’ tables,” Rivera said. “Not only will 550 residents in my district lose their SNAP benefits, leaving them not knowing where their next meal is coming from, but the federal budget will also have a devastating impact on our farms, our groceries and our food retailers.” According to Rivera, in December 2024, SNAP provided $366,850,460 in federally funded food assistance benefits that supported grocers, food retailers and farms in PA. “Now that money is gone, our grocery, food retailing and agricultural industries—and all the people they employ—are going to be scrambling to survive,” Rivera said. “The draconian federal budget is going to push our most vulnerable neighbors into desperate circumstances,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Over the next year, more than 144,000 individual Pennsylvanians will lose 100% of their SNAP benefits, with 1,080 of them living in my district. Everyone in our communities is going to be affected, from our schools caring for Read more

 

Rivera, Smith-Wade-El host Haywood’s Food Dignity Tour in Lancaster

(Sep 23, 2025) Central PA Delegation

LANCASTER, Sept. 23 – State Reps. Nikki Rivera and Ismail Smith-Wade-El, both D-Lancaster, and state Sen. Art Haywood, D-Montgomery, co-chair of the state Senate Health and Human Services Committee, last week came together to speak about the impact of SNAP changes and cuts in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El receives award recognizing his leadership in advancing patient safety

(Sep 19, 2025) Central PA Delegation

HERSHEY, Sept. 19 – SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania Tuesday evening awarded the Thomas J. Zuber Memorial Patient Safety Award to state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, in recognition of his leadership in passing legislation that protects the safety, dignity and well-being of health care workers, and advancing patient safety. "It’s real simple: nurses take care of our neighbors and the entire commonwealth at every stage of our lives," said Smith-Wade-El. "It’s my honor to fight in Harrisburg and in Lancaster for folks who are fighting for us in delivery rooms, in hospice hallways and in and out of heart surgery." Recipients of the award also included state Rep. La'Tasha Mayes, D-Allegheny; Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato; and UPMC Magee nurses who just won their union. The award is named after Thomas Zuber, a registered nurse whose advocacy efforts led to Act 102 of 2008, the Ban on Excessive Overtime in Health Care. The award is presented by SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania for exemplary solidarity with nurses organizing for a voice in health care and advancing the profession of nursing. Read more

 

Committee advances Conklin bill to expand access to baby diaper changing stations in men’s restrooms
Oct 29, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 28, 2025

Rivera, Neilson legislation for a teacher-supplies tax credit referred out of committee
Oct 28, 2025

Committee advances Conklin bill to help public employee retirement plans operate more efficiently
Oct 28, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, Hohenstein to hold news conference Oct. 28 in support of their legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians
Oct 22, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera hosting Medicaid Town Hall Oct. 28
Oct 17, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera hosting Medicaid Town Hall Oct. 28
Oct 17, 2025

Smith-Wade-El to be panelist on addiction recovery panel Nov. 3
Oct 17, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 16, 2025

Rivera: Over $1.4 million in tax credits awarded for low-income housing
Oct 15, 2025

Guzman secures $1.7 million for affordable senior housing in Reading
Oct 10, 2025

Sen. Saval and Rep. Smith-Wade-El announce legislation to end the criminalization of homelessness
Oct 09, 2025

Rivera bill allowing first-class townships to increase funding for fire and EMS reported out of committee
Oct 08, 2025

House Dems launch bills to strengthen Protection from Abuse Orders
Oct 01, 2025

Conklin, Kephart will introduce bill to ensure fairness and transparency in sales of former state correctional facility land
Oct 01, 2025

Rivera to hold $CAM JAM Oct. 9
Sep 26, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 24, 2025

Rivera, Smith-Wade-El host Haywood’s Food Dignity Tour in Lancaster
Sep 23, 2025

Rivera, Smith-Wade-El host Haywood’s Food Dignity Tour in Lancaster
Sep 23, 2025

Smith-Wade-El receives award recognizing his leadership in advancing patient safety
Sep 19, 2025