News Center

A CRIZ for Reading: A beacon of hope for economic renewal [opinion]

(Dec 07, 2023) Rep. Manuel Guzman

The future can be written now, right here in the city of Reading, driving Berks County toward new heights. Let’s seize this opportunity for a brighter and more prosperous future for our city. Read more

 

Special Education Awareness

(Dec 02, 2023) Central PA Delegation

On December 2nd, we came together to celebrate National Special Education Day, a day that holds deep significance in recognizing the efforts and milestones in providing equal access to education for all. At the School District of Lancaster, our incredible teachers and staff go above and beyond every day, creating dynamic and positive learning spaces for all students. They tirelessly dedicate themselves to helping learners unlock their potential, thrive, and shine! We were honored to have Rep. Ismail-Smith-Wade-El stop by Carter & McCrae to learn more about the incredible work being done. His visit reflects a shared commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration in the realm of special education.Rep. Ismail-Smith-Wade-El's proactive interest in our Special Education program is a testament to the positive impact it's making in the lives of students. It's moments like these that remind us of the importance of collaboration and advocacy in ensuring every student has the chance to thrive.Let us celebrate the progress made, acknowledge the challenges ahead, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every child receives the education they deserve. Read more

 

Fleming presents $100K check to Central PA Food Bank to Support Its Mission

(Nov 28, 2023) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, Nov. 28 – State Rep. Justin Fleming today presented a $100,000 check from the PA Department of Human Services to Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, to support its efforts to eliminate food insecurity in the region. “Despite the fact we live in the richest country in the world, thousands of Pennsylvanians don’t know where or when their next meal is coming from,” Fleming said. “This state grant money will support the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in its life-supporting mission ensuring everyone in our region has access to the food needed to lead a healthy, productive life. With the expiration of pandemic funding, our charitable organizations like the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank will be struggling to meet demand for the basic necessities of life like food. I strongly encourage residents to donate their time and money this holiday season so that their neighbors and their families don’t go hungry this winter.” Central Pennsylvania Food Bank CEO Joe Arthur thanked Fleming for the check, saying, “There is a huge demand for food from the charitable network right now, with many of our agency partners now serving more neighbors than they were at the height of the pandemic.” Arthur added, “Rep. Fleming’s strong leadership and this additional support from DHS helps us to advance our mission and continue to provide healthy meals for our neighbors in needs in Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to authorize sending of electronic transmissions passes House

(Nov 15, 2023) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El’s H.B. 1477 passed the House yesterday. The bill would 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 would 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. “The bill is in response to a request for clarification from planners and consultants within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. I believe this bill, when passed, will help cut the red tape and streamline processes in DCED.” This bill was introduced as H.B. 1592 in the 2021-22 session. Inquiries about this legislation can be directed to Smith-Wade-El’s office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

Latino Entrepreneurship in Central Pennsylvania

(Nov 14, 2023) Central PA Delegation

Pennsylvania saw a nearly 50% increase in Hispanic-owned businesses between 2012 and 2019, according to Census data. Non-Hispanic businesses increased by 9.3%, which means Latinos are creating businesses at a higher rate than their non-Hispanic peers. Read more

 

Fleming Appointed to the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee

(Nov 13, 2023) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, has been appointed by House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila., to the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee. The committee oversees issues involving sports and athletic competitions sanctioned by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. The committee also receives an annual report from the PIAA with recommendations for the General Assembly. Fleming said he brings a unique perspective to the committee as a lettered high school athlete in baseball at Susquehanna Township High School. “Athletics offers kids opportunities to learn critical physical, emotional and intellectual skills that will serve them their whole lives,” Fleming said. “As a former student-athlete and the father of two children who participate in athletics, I have an interest in the committee’s issues and look forward to working with my colleagues, as well as the PIAA to ensure all student-athletes are competing safely and fairly.” The six-member committee consists of two members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, one appointed by the House minority leader, two appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate and one appointed by the Senate minority leader. Read more

 

State Lawmakers Travel Around York to Highlight its History and Economy

(Nov 06, 2023) Central PA Delegation

Articles of Confederation Day and Snack Foods of York County Read more

 

State lawmakers travel across York to highlight economic development centers

(Nov 03, 2023) CBS 21 News

"It's an opportunity for both our policy committees as well as our tourism and economic development committees to get together to see different places of the commonwealth," said Rep. Hill-Evans. Read more

 

House Tourism, Economic & Recreational Development Committee visits York attractions to learn about tourism efforts

(Nov 02, 2023) Central PA Delegation

In addition to learning about tourism efforts in York, the committee discussed Rep. Hill-Evans’ proposed legislation (H.R. 161) to acknowledge Nov. 15 as Articles of Confederation Day in Pennsylvania. Congress adopted the Articles while in session in the York County Courthouse on Nov. 15, 1777. Read more

 

York tour highlights tourism, economic development in region

(Nov 02, 2023) Central PA Delegation

“For long-time residents of York County, the presence of iconic brands and businesses throughout our region might not seem all that unusual,” said Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, who represents portions of York County and hosted the Policy Committee tour and discussion. “When you travel outside central Pennsylvania, however, you quickly realize how fortunate we are that so many iconic brands have either called York home or continue to call York home. It’s an impressive list of businesses and brands.” Read more

 

Kim and DHS secretary highlight beginning of LIHEAP season

(Nov 01, 2023) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, joined Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie Arkoosh and representatives from the Public Utility Commission at a news conference at the Tri County Community Action offices in Enola today to highlight the beginning of LIHEAP season. “As the cold weather sets in, financially vulnerable Pennsylvanians may need assistance paying for heat to ensure the health and welfare of their families,” Kim said. “From young families to seniors on fixed incomes, LIHEAP has been a lifesaver, ensuring that utility companies don’t cut off heat in the dead of winter and put lives at risk. I urge qualifying Pennsylvanians to apply for LIHEAP online through COMPASS or at their local county assistance office.” The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, season began Nov. 1 and provides cash grants to low-income families to help them pay their heating bills. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants . The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on the recipient’s bill. These grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income and fuel type. Households experiencing a heating crisis may be eligible for additional benefits through the LIHEAP crisis program. Emergency situations include: Broken heating Read more

 

Central Pennsylvania state representatives to hold Veterans Day breakfast Nov. 9

(Oct 24, 2023) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 24 – State Reps. Justin Fleming, D-Cumberland, David Madsen, D-Dauphin, and Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, will hold a Veterans Day Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at the AFSCME Conference Center, 150 S. 43rd St., Harrisburg. A delicious breakfast will be offered to veterans in recognition of their service. The state representatives and their staff will be available to help with state related issues and questions attendees might have. “We wanted to celebrate and honor those who sacrificed their time with their families and their personal comfort to put their lives at risk for our country and our freedoms,” a statement by the representatives said. “We encourage all area veterans to come and enjoy some delicious food, meet fellow servicemembers and learn about state services benefitting veterans.” Residents who are veterans and would like to attend can click on the link associated with their state representative below to RSVP: Rep. Justin Fleming: https://www.pahouse.com/fleming/Form/?id=1521 . Rep. Patty Kim: https://www.pahouse.com/Kim/Form/?id=1521 . Rep. David Madsen: https://www.pahouse.com/madsen/Form/?id=1521 . Read more

 

Kim receives Legislator of the Year Award from National Association of Social Workers

(Oct 24, 2023) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 24 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, today received the Legislator of the Year Award from the National Association of Social Workers Pennsylvania Chapter in recognition of her work as chair of the PA House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee and for her advocacy of legislation to improve state services and public programs. “The work that social workers do in Pennsylvania is important and lifesaving,” Kim said. “It is an honor to receive this award from a group of professionals that have devoted their lives to helping people.” Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El secures $872K to replace lead service lines in City of Lancaster

(Oct 18, 2023) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, secured $872,340 in grant and loan funding from Pennvest to replace 27 lead service lines in the City of Lancaster’s Jewels neighborhood. “Thanks to this money, 27 homes in the Jewels neighborhood will now have lead-free drinking water,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We’ve got to do everything we can to replace lead pipes as lead exposure is a public health hazard, causing developmental effects in fetuses, infants, and young children. This money will also ensure that the water delivery infrastructure is safe and performs reliably.” According to Smith-Wade-El, these line replacements will be prioritized by the city's selection model and user fees are not expected to increase because of the replacement project. Inquiries about this grant can be directed to Smith-Wade-El office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

State Representative Paul Takac talks about priorities

(Oct 18, 2023) Central PA Delegation

State Representative Paul Takac of District 82 wants his constituents to know more than anything that he’s invested in giving back to the people and communities he represents. Read more

 

Legislators, PA Coalition for Trans Youth, TAKE, NEPA Stands Up rally for safe and equal schools

(Oct 18, 2023) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – State Reps. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila.; Nancy Guenst, D-Montgomery; Paul Takac, D-Centre; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; the PA Coalition for Trans Youth; Transgender Advocates Knowledgeable Empowering; NEPA Stands Up and allies held a rally for safe and equal schools on the state Capitol steps in Harrisburg on Tuesday. Speakers highlighted a package of bills that would protect students from gender-based discrimination, bullying and harassment, and provide inclusive accommodations and curriculum. The package includes: Legislation introduced by Guenst that would create a statewide policy for all public schools to prohibit student discrimination and harassment based on actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression through anti-discrimination and harassment prevention and early intervention policies to create a supportive and equal opportunity learning environment. “Our children deserve to step into their learning environments across the commonwealth feeling safe and respected. No child should be made to feel less than their peers due to the real or perceived distinction of belonging to classes that do not currently hold statewide protections,” Guenst said. “This legislation would bridge the gaps currently being filled by individual school districts through policies that cover a wide spectrum; Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein introduce legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

(Oct 17, 2023) Central PA Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia, today outlined their new legislation, House Bill 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. The lawmakers were joined by representatives from CASA, Church World Services, Lancaster City Council, IU13 Lancaster-Lebanon Refugee Center and Nationalities Service Center–Philadelphia at a Capitol news conference to discuss the bill. “Immigrants have made Pennsylvania the powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Yet, 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. We’re the ones who lose out the most—at the expense of losing skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers, and community leaders. “Our bill would create 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 Read more

 

Grant awarded to fire department in the 82nd Legislative District

(Oct 17, 2023) Central PA Delegation

STATE COLLEGE, Oct. 16 – The Shapiro administration and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awarded a grant to a local rural fire department in the 82nd Legislative District, Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced. The grant provides $2,660 in funding to Citizens Hook and Ladder Company #1 to support their efforts to partner with DCNR to combat wildfires and brush fires in order to enhance safety for residents in rural Pennsylvania. “As a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and the former chair of the Centre region’s Public Safety Committee, I understand how important it is to support our local volunteer fire departments,” Takac said. “This grant to Citizens Hook and Ladder Company #1 in Milesburg will help support their efforts to protect the forest and wilderness areas of Centre County and to keep our communities safe.” The Shapiro administration awarded a total of $883,143 to volunteer fire departments in Pennsylvania as part of this program. Read more

 

Sturla to host House Housing & Community Development Committee roundtable on housing development in Lancaster on Monday

(Oct 17, 2023) Central PA Delegation

LANCASTER, Oct. 17 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that he will be chairing and hosting a House Housing & Community Development Committee roundtable on housing development at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23 at the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, Rooms 2E/2F,115 East King St., Lancaster. Sturla, who serves as majority chair of the committee, will be joined by Republican Chair Rich Irvin, R-Huntingdon/Franklin, and other committee members from across the state. They will hold a discussion with local organizations and developers about Lancaster’s housing development efforts and how the state can provide support. Panelists will include: Barbara Wilson , executive director, Lancaster City Housing Authority. Dana Hanchin , president and CEO, HDC MidAtlantic. Shelby Nauman , CEO, Tenfold. Chad Martin , executive director, Chestnut Housing. Lisa Greener , executive director, Community Basics, Inc. Chris Ballentine , community relations manager, Willow Valley Communities. David Martens , president, Zamagias Properties. Benjamin Lesher , president and founder, Parcel B Development Company. Matthew Richards , principal, Bowery Development Company. John Dantinne , owner/president, George St. Properties. Rob Bowman , president, Charter Homes and Neighborhoods. Brad Mowbray , senior vice president and managing Read more

 

Pardon Workshop

(Oct 16, 2023) Central PA Delegation

Pardon Workshop in Representative Kim's Lemoyne District Office Read more

 

A CRIZ for Reading: A beacon of hope for economic renewal [opinion]
Dec 07, 2023

Special Education Awareness
Dec 02, 2023

Fleming presents $100K check to Central PA Food Bank to Support Its Mission
Nov 28, 2023

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to authorize sending of electronic transmissions passes House
Nov 15, 2023

Latino Entrepreneurship in Central Pennsylvania
Nov 14, 2023

Fleming Appointed to the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee
Nov 13, 2023

State Lawmakers Travel Around York to Highlight its History and Economy
Nov 06, 2023

State lawmakers travel across York to highlight economic development centers
Nov 03, 2023

House Tourism, Economic & Recreational Development Committee visits York attractions to learn about tourism efforts
Nov 02, 2023

York tour highlights tourism, economic development in region
Nov 02, 2023

Kim and DHS secretary highlight beginning of LIHEAP season
Nov 01, 2023

Central Pennsylvania state representatives to hold Veterans Day breakfast Nov. 9
Oct 24, 2023

Kim receives Legislator of the Year Award from National Association of Social Workers
Oct 24, 2023

Smith-Wade-El secures $872K to replace lead service lines in City of Lancaster
Oct 18, 2023

State Representative Paul Takac talks about priorities
Oct 18, 2023

Legislators, PA Coalition for Trans Youth, TAKE, NEPA Stands Up rally for safe and equal schools
Oct 18, 2023

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein introduce legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians
Oct 17, 2023

Grant awarded to fire department in the 82nd Legislative District
Oct 17, 2023

Sturla to host House Housing & Community Development Committee roundtable on housing development in Lancaster on Monday
Oct 17, 2023

Pardon Workshop
Oct 16, 2023