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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

 

Smith-Wade-El speaks in support of eviction reform at Philly Town Hall

(May 17, 2024) Central PA Delegation

LANCASTER, May 17 – On Wednesday evening, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El joined Philadelphia Councilwoman Kendra Brooks and state representatives from the city—Jordan Harris, Elizabeth Fiedler and Rich Krajewski—and over 60 community members in South Philadelphia to speak about his eviction sealing bill, H.B. 1769 and other legislative eviction reform initiatives. “Home is where life begins for Pennsylvania families – for all of us,” said Smith-Wade-El. “When our children get up in the morning to go to school, they should do so from a bed in a home that is safe, warm and dry. Real educational equity would ensure that all children have a home to go home to so they have the stability needed to grow and flourish socially and academically. Inaccurate, unscrupulously distributed eviction records haunt families and make children homeless, even in cases when the judge found in the tenant’s favor. It’s time to put a stop to that.” “The harm of eviction records falls most heavily on Black women and their children, and the damage ripples out into our classrooms, our schools and our communities,” said Councilwoman Kendra Brooks of Philadelphia City Council. “We can’t expect our young people to succeed in school during the day if they don’t have a safe place to lay their head at night.” State legislators spoke in support of H.B. 1769, which would increase access to affordable housing Read more

 

Guzman welcomes $104,000 in state funding for senior community centers

(May 15, 2024) Central PA Delegation

READING, May 15 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced $104,759 in state funding to improve resources and services for older adults in the 127 th Legislative District that he serves. The announcement of the grants took place Tuesday at the Berks Encore Reading Center in Berks County, one of this year’s competitive grant recipients. Guzman joined Jason Kavulich, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, Berks community leaders and the Berks County Area Agency on Aging to welcome the grant. “This significant investment will certainly enrich the lives of our growing senior population,” Guzman said. “This funding will be used for upgrading facilities and towards enhancing nutrition services, among other necessities. I am glad to make a difference in our seniors’ lives,” he added. The center’s grant will be used for capital improvement and renovations. Forty-five senior community centers from 26 counties across the Commonwealth received one of the department’s 2023-24 competitive grants that combined, totaled $2 million. The grant funding is appropriated by the General Assembly with proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery. Read more

 

Fleming’s Mixed-Use Revitalization Program legislation passes House

(May 10, 2024) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, May 10 – This week the House passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Justin Fleming that would establish the Mixed-Use Revitalization Program to incentivize the revitalization of blighted commercial properties . “Communities across the commonwealth are seeing a rise in large, abandoned and blighted commercial properties like the Colonial Park Mall in Lower Paxton,” said Fleming, D-Dauphin. “As they stand vacant and fall into disrepair, these looming eyesores are negatively impacting communities by cutting into tax rolls, failing to pay utility bills, deterring traffic to nearby businesses, draining local services, and often posing significant safety concerns. "I believe we can transform these drains on our economy into thriving places to live and work, bringing new restaurants, retail shops, health care facilities, recreational spaces, and residential housing for working families.” Property redevelopment is a financially significant undertaking with large parcels often accruing substantial demolition and site preparation costs. Fleming’s bill would help provide capital funding to developers to purchase these large properties and expedite the redevelopment process. “My bill would establish a dedicated Mixed-Use Revitalization Fund administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority that would provide matching grants to incentivize the purchase and Read more

 

House passes Conklin bill to boost funding for minority-owned businesses

(May 02, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, May 2 – The House yesterday passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Scott Conklin that would help Pennsylvania’s minority-owned businesses secure the capital they need to grow and remain competitive. Conklin, who is majority chairman of the Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee, said he introduced H.B. 2202 – which would establish the Minority Business Development Program to provide low-interest loans and equity financing to ethnic-owned businesses – to get vital resources flowing to traditionally underserved business communities. “Minority-owned businesses have a critical role to play in Pennsylvania, but for too long, they have faced financing hurdles that have prevented them from growing and expanding,” Conklin said. “It’s time to level the playing field by connecting these businesses with the resources they need to thrive. Doing so creates jobs, adds healthy competition, grows our local and state economies, and empowers business owners to give back to their communities. It’s a win-win all around.” The fund established by Conklin’s bill would provide eligible businesses with means ranging from $3 million for one or more projects to a maximum of $5 million for up to three projects. Minority-owned businesses in counties of the First or Second Class would be eligible for a maximum of $10 million per applicant. The funds would be used as equity and Read more

 

Conklin issues statement on need to reform PIAA playoff system

(May 01, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, May 1 – Following his Pennsylvania Capitol news conference yesterday with school sports officials and student athletes, state Rep. Scott Conklin issued these remarks to shed further light on why Pennsylvania’s approach to school sports competitions should be reformed to model other states that recognize the difference between national all-star teams in private schools (non-boundary schools) and the teams in public schools (boundary schools): “In Pennsylvania, private schools are not restricted as to where they can recruit student athletes, whereas public schools may only recruit within the school district’s geographical location. “This allows private schools to create all-star teams that are providing an unfair advantage over public schools in playoffs. It’s not just about winning a championship. It’s about life opportunities – including scholarships and recruitment for college sports and professional sports – that our public school students are losing out on. “K-12 sports should be about teaching values and competitiveness, giving children a second option that keeps them in school, and allowing opportunities for a brighter future. “I am not against non-boundary schools. They provide many young athletes a chance for a better future, which is great. The change I am proposing would not reduce the opportunities for private school students, but would introduce Read more

 

House passes Conklin bill to allow pre-canvassing of mail and absentee ballots up to seven days before election

(May 01, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, May 1 – The House today took a major step toward ensuring smoother, more efficient administration of elections in Pennsylvania by passing state Rep. Scott Conklin’s H.B. 847 , which would allow pre-canvassing of mail and absentee ballots to begin up to seven days before an election. Conklin, D-Centre, said an earlier start to pre-canvassing – which involves inspecting and opening envelopes containing ballots; removing them from the envelops; and counting, computing and tallying the votes (but not reporting or publishing those votes) – is needed to address delays and frustration arising under the current law, which does not permit election workers to start the process until 7 a.m. on Election Day. “Free and fair elections are at the very heart of our democracy, but ensuring that they run smoothly and efficiently requires vigilance – and sometimes action – on our part when changing circumstances demand it,” Conklin said. “ Five years ago, Pennsylvania expanded the use of mail and absentee ballots, resulting in a dramatic increase in these ballots. It was a great move that increased voter participation, but it also created some unwanted administrative issues. “As mail ballots have increased, county election board workers from all over the state have been telling us that the current system is unworkable and that they simply don’t have enough time Read more

 

Conklin, PA sports officials highlight need for PIAA competition reform

(Apr 30, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, April 30 – State Rep. Scott Conklin joined school sports officials and student athletes at the Pennsylvania Capitol today to urge support for his proposal that would better protect players in Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association competitions. Conklin – whose H.B. 1983 would allow the PIAA to establish alternative playoffs and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools – spoke about how the current system jeopardizes student safety by pitting public school teams against private, charter and parochial school teams that are often larger and better equipped. “By leaving public schools no option but to compete against larger, more powerful teams recruited by private schools, the PIAA’s current system is putting student athletes from public schools at a huge disadvantage before they even set foot on the field,” Conklin said. “It’s a system that sets kids up for failure, sends the wrong message and – worst of all – exposes them to the risk of serious injury. “We need to reform the playoff rules by allowing the PIAA to set up alternate playoff systems and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools. Having separate playoffs would not hurt the element of competition – it would merely ensure those contests are waged on a level playing field.” Hall of Fame Football Coach Jim Cantafio and Bald Eagle Athletic Director Doug Read more

 

Fleming helped Lower Paxton Township secure $1.2 million transportation funding award

(Apr 26, 2024) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, said he helped Lower Paxton Township secure a competitive grant award of more than $1.18 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to extend the township’s sidewalk network. “This investment in Lower Paxton Township will help enhance quality of life in the township by increasing pedestrian safety,” Fleming said. “The funding will be used to extend the township’s sidewalk network to make important connections between neighborhoods and key destinations such as the Lower Paxton Township Municipal Center, Central Dauphin Middle School, and many neighborhood-serving businesses. This is a smart use of our taxpayer dollars to strengthen the connections in our community and provide easier access to critical services.” Fleming added that the new sidewalk connections will include all necessary signage, ADA-accessible ramps and crosswalks, and will narrow the width of the roadway on Prince Street, which will act as a traffic calming feature, and improve pedestrian safety. The grant award comes from the Surface Transportation Block Grant program Set-Aside, also known as the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA Set-Aside). The grant funds projects that improve the accessibility of biking and walking paths and amenities, pedestrian access to public transportation, community improvement activities, environmental mitigation projects and trails. Read more

 

Fleming congratulates area school districts for safety grants

(Apr 26, 2024) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 26 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, today announced that over $1.14 million in state grants have been awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to reduce gun and group violence in local Dauphin County schools. “Every child in our community should feel safe in school so they can flourish and preventing acts of violence is the best way to do that,” Fleming said. “These grants, which were funded by our votes in Harrisburg, will give our schools the tools they need to be more effective when it comes to reducing violence.” The total award amounts approved for schools in the district are: Central Dauphin School District - $307,321 Susquehanna Township School District - $631,469 Dauphin County Technical School - $70,000 Infinity Charter School - $70,000 Reach Cyber Charter School - $70,000 View a full list of awards, including dollar amount and school entities approved for funding, here: ? School Safety Awards . Nonpublic School Awards . Funds will advance the School Safety and Security Committee’s goal of ensuring that all Pennsylvania students can learn in safe, healthy school environments by helping school entities address basic safety needs and mental health services identified in the Committee’s recently adopted Revised Baseline Criteria Standards . Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Sturla help secure $3 million grant for Lancaster’s Water Street bike project

(Apr 26, 2024) Central PA Delegation

LANCASTER, April 26 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Mike Sturla, both D-Lancaster, helped the city of Lancaster secure a $3 million state grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to support the Water Street bike project. “Being on a bike offers the opportunity to see the world differently,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Having learned to ride a bike at the late age of 29, I can say it changed my life. I am thrilled that PennDOT has awarded Lancaster City $3 million to help execute the Water Street bike project. A city that is safer for cycling is safer for pedestrians, safer for people pushing strollers, safer for accessing public transit. This a smart investment in our city and in our future.” Sturla added, “I thank PennDOT for awarding this grant to enable the city of Lancaster to continue their successful strategy in making our community even more friendly to bike riders.” The Water Street bike project extends from Fairview Avenue up to Harrisburg Pike and includes a mixture of shared on-street bike facilities and a half-mile portion that will be off-road. According to Smith-Wade-El and Sturla, the project will include intersection improvements along the length of Water Street with raised intersections, speed humps, bump-out curb extensions, ADA compliant ramps, piano key crosswalks and rapid flashing beacons. Three intersections and one segment along Water Street are in the High Injury Network as Read more

 

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

Smith-Wade-El speaks in support of eviction reform at Philly Town Hall
May 17, 2024

Guzman welcomes $104,000 in state funding for senior community centers
May 15, 2024

Fleming’s Mixed-Use Revitalization Program legislation passes House
May 10, 2024

House passes Conklin bill to boost funding for minority-owned businesses
May 02, 2024

Conklin issues statement on need to reform PIAA playoff system
May 01, 2024

House passes Conklin bill to allow pre-canvassing of mail and absentee ballots up to seven days before election
May 01, 2024

Conklin, PA sports officials highlight need for PIAA competition reform
Apr 30, 2024

Fleming helped Lower Paxton Township secure $1.2 million transportation funding award
Apr 26, 2024

Fleming congratulates area school districts for safety grants
Apr 26, 2024

Smith-Wade-El and Sturla help secure $3 million grant for Lancaster’s Water Street bike project
Apr 26, 2024