Conklin: More than $2 million awarded to local outdoor projects

(Sep 07, 2022)

Grants made possible in part due to 2022-23 state budget Read more

 

Conklin: Bonus Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments on the way

(Sep 01, 2022)

Older adults, those with disabilities will see payments Read more

 

Conklin to host Pathways to Pardon event with state Board of Pardons

(Aug 26, 2022)

Event will discuss Clean Slate legislation, criminal justice Read more

 

PA Federation of Democratic Women support domestic violence bill

(Jul 28, 2022)

Bill would bar people convicted of domestic violence from holding public office. Read more

 

Conklin: Expand the accountability — keep domestic abusers out of public office

(Jul 21, 2022)

Embezzlers. Perjurers. Those engaged in bribing others. There are already laws on the books that forbid such individuals who commit these sorts of crimes from holding any public office at the state level. Yet, individuals committing acts of domestic violence are currently exempt from this restriction. Read more

 

Conklin bill to ban domestic violence convicts from holding public office moves to House Judiciary Committee

(May 19, 2022)

Legislation seeks to ensure officeholders’ ethical integrity Read more

 

Conklin: Mo Valley EMS awarded $1 million state grant

(Apr 22, 2022)

State funding will help pay for new ambulance facility in Rush Township Read more

 

Conklin to introduce domestic violence ethical integrity legislation

(Apr 04, 2022)

Bill would bar people convicted of domestic violence from holding public office Read more

 

Changes are coming to the 77th!

(Mar 17, 2022)

The state Supreme Court recently approved a plan for reapportionment in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Winter 2022 Newsletter

(Feb 09, 2022)

Read my winter newsletter for information on Harrisburg and here at home! Read more

 

Conklin: Fair Lines for Pennsylvania House Districts

(Jan 14, 2022)

Nordenberg’s tenure on the LRC has produced maps which, despite what some of my more cynical colleagues have claimed, may be amongst the fairest and non-partisan in our state’s recent electoral history. Read more

 

Rep. Kinkead and House Democrats defend election integrity

(Dec 15, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 15 – Today, state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, was joined by fellow House Democrats for a news conference at the state Capitol where they voiced their opposition to H.B. 1800 , recent attempts by the GOP-led legislature to subvert the legislative process; and ongoing efforts by the Republican majority to undermine elections in Pennsylvania. “Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania have made it clear that they do not trust our elections – except for elections that put members of their own party in power,” said Kinkead. “The Republican majority has wasted myriad resources over the last year by attacking our democratic institutions and repeatedly weaponizing constitutional amendments. All of this is being done while we are abdicating our responsibility to help Pennsylvanians who are struggling.” Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, also spoke fiercely against the recent Republican-led legislation. “House Bill 1800 is the latest attempt to restrict access to the ballot box,” Guzman said. “Make no mistake, this is a well-coordinated effort to diminish voting participation in our Brown and Black communities. The restrictive use of drop boxes, shortening the window to register to vote, barriers to applying for mail-in ballots and submitting those mail-in ballots only begins to scratch the surface of the explicit measures targeting marginalized groups. Rather than proposing legislation that restricts access to the Read more

 

Conklin: Republican congressional redistricting legislation a ‘shell game’

(Dec 13, 2021)

Bills passed through State Government Committee on party line vote Read more

 

Helping Afghan refugees

(Aug 27, 2021)

We’ve seen the images of thousands who are desperately trying to flee violence in Afghanistan. It’s beyond heartbreaking. Thankfully, Governor Wolf has pledged his support to work with refugees who will be resettling in our state and is working closely with several federal, state and local agencies to help them. Read more

 

Conklin chosen to chair House State Government Committee

(Aug 10, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 10 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, has recently been appointed by House Democratic leadership to serve as the Democratic chair of the House State Government Committee. This committee primarily reviews legislation on issues ranging from voting and elections to campaign finance reform and oversees various state agencies, including the Pennsylvania Department of State, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, the Public Employees’ Retirement System, the State Employees’ Retirement System and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission. “I am hopeful that we can bring an honest conversation to the table when it comes to governing and specifically how this committee operates,” Conklin said. “My goal is that we leave partisanship at the door and lead a committee that works for all citizens of Pennsylvania in a dignified, honest and forthright manner.” More information on the House State Government Committee, including upcoming hearings, can be found at the following link: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=36&CteeBody=H . Read more

 

Now open for applications: Alternative fuels vehicle and infrastructure funding opportunities

(Jul 22, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection : Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : School districts, municipal authorities, municipalities, nonprofits, private businesses. Use : Purchase or retrofit vehicles to operate on alternative fuels, purchase and install refueling equipment, and research or develop new technologies. Funds: Infrastructure and innovative technology project g rants up to $600,000. Vehicle grants up to $100,000 per vehicle, depending upon class of vehicle. Application Deadline : August 27; a second application round will close December 17 More Information : Click on https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Alternative-Fuels-Incentive-Grant/Pages/default.aspx . UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES: DEP Driving PA Forward Level 2 EV Charging Rebate Program: Until Funds Expended ( Funding Source: State Mitigation Trust - Volkswagen Emissions Settlement) Business, charitable organizations, incorporated nonprofits, local government entities, school districts, and other entities. - Rebates for Level 2 EV charging equipment for public use at government owned property, public use at non-government owned property, non-public use at work places, non-public use at multi-unit dwellings. DHS Children’s Read more

 

Conklin announces spotted lanternfly mitigation grant for Penn State

(Jul 01, 2021)

HARRISBURG, July 1 – Pennsylvania State University has been awarded $69,767 in state funds to mitigate the impacts of spotted lanternfly in the hardwood ornamentals industry, state Rep. Scott Conkin announced. Conkin, D-Centre, said the Pennsylvania Specialty Crop Block Grant program, part of the historic PA Farm Bill , supports projects to help grow and protect high-priority crops, including hardwoods. “Thirty-four counties in our state, including Centre, are battling this invasive pest,” Conklin said. “If it isn’t contained, the spotted lanternfly could potentially drain our state economy of at least $324 million each year, and it has quite the appetite for many of our economically vital plants, including maple, black walnut, birch, willow and other trees. This grant will be extremely helpful in supporting Penn State’s efforts to curb the insect’s spread.” The state Specialty Crop Block Grant program was created to enhance the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant program by establishing a state program for crops that are either not currently eligible for federal support, or that are designated as high-priority specialty crops. In addition to hardwoods, high priority crops include hemp, hops and honey; and barley, rye, and wheat for distilling, brewing and malting. Projects aim to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crops through research to Read more

 

Conklin: $55,000 in grants awarded to area volunteer fire, EMS companies

(Jun 30, 2021)

STATE COLLEGE, June 30 – A total of $55,040 in grants have been awarded to local fire and emergency medical services companies, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conkin, D-Centre, said the funding is from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, which is overseen by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. This annual program provides funding for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services , and rescue squads. “Our fire and EMS companies have always been there to answer the call, and that includes during the pandemic, which certainly took a tough toll on the men and women who serve as our first line of defense,” Conklin said. “My hope is these funds will help these companies continue to help those in need and keep their doors open.” The grants were awarded to the following companies: Hope Fire Co. No. 2: $13,302. Moshannon Valley EMS : $8,993. Mountain Top Fire Co. (EMS): $8,993. Mountain Top Fire Co.: $12,054. Reliance Volunteer Fire Co. : $11,698. Eligible organizations can use the funds for facilities and equipment, debt reduction, training and education, recruitment and retention, and to supplement operational expenses incurred by lack of opportunity for fundraising and inability to create revenue due to compliance Read more

 

Conklin issues 2021-22 budget statement

(Jun 25, 2021)

HARRISBURG, June 25 - State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, issued the following statement on the passage of the state’s 2021-22 fiscal year budget: “This budget will send much-needed education funding to our local schools, one of the key components of the Pennsylvania Rescue Plan that I have supported over the last few months. “We are investing $300 million in K-12 funding, with a third of that set aside for our most underfunded districts. This will help level the playing field and continue our work toward allowing every student – regardless of zip code, a chance to succeed. “The budget also provides an additional $350 million to help students rebound from the disruptions of the past year, due to the pandemic. "While this is good news for our schools, our children and our families, today's budget is, once again, a missed opportunity. This budget does not provide any asisstance to the local businesses impacted during the state COVID-19 shutdown, including restuarants, gyms, salons, and barber shops. It's baffling that, after more than a year of claiming to support small businesses during the pandemic, this budget contains nothing to help them on a path to recovery. We were sent billions of dollars to help our local businesses, and we should be using it, not letting it sit in savings. “And like last year, this year’s budget does not contain a minimum wage increase, Read more

 

Conklin announces hemp production grant for Penn State

(Jun 25, 2021)

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Scott Conklin has announced a $126,730 grant to Pennsylvania State University to support its hemp production efforts. Conkin, D-Centre, said the Pennsylvania Special Crop Block Grant, part of the historic PA Farm Bill , would fund the university’s project, which is focused on optimizing genotype selection and hemp production management practices. “Thanks to the PA Farm Bill, this grant will be beneficial to support this high-priority specialty crop and further support our strong agriculture sector,” Conklin said. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program assists with the growth, certification of seed and marketing of eligible crops, including hemp, hardwoods, honey and hops; and barley, rye and wheat for distilling, brewing and malting purposes only. More information on the grant program can be found at this link: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Pages/Specialty-Crop-Block-Grant-Program.aspx . Read more