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Giral celebrates inclusivity, representation of Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show

(Feb 13, 2026)

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 13 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., issued the following statement in response to this year’s Super Bowl halftime show performed by rapper and singer Bad Bunny. “As a Puerto Rican American, watching Bad Bunny’s performance on Sunday was a truly moving experience,” Giral said. “Seeing our culture and our language at the center of a such an event is more unifying than many people may realize.” Giral represents a section of Philadelphia’s Northeastern neighborhoods, Legislative District 180, where 45% of residents are Puerto Rican. His district ranks No. 1 in Puerto Rican population statewide. “You hear a lot about the importance of representation in popular culture, but unless you’ve lived the experience of your culture always being secondary to another, it’s hard to understand the impact. The people in my district, my family, my neighbors, my friends – they all just got to see a Puerto Rican superstar take center stage, even after a lot of backlash. “And Bad Bunny didn’t only elevate the Puerto Rican culture. He took this moment to also impress upon everyone the diversity of ‘the Americas’ – not just the U.S. – and of different kinds of love and respect, and very artfully conveyed to those willing to listen that we can all rise above the hateful messages that are becoming Read more

 

Giral applauds governor’s proposed investment in education, affordability, raising the minimum wage

(Feb 11, 2026)

Many of our residents struggle with low wages and continuously rising costs of living – everything from rent, to food, to utilities and medical care have become much more expensive in the last few years than they ever have before. The governor’s proposal approaches this significant issue twofold: by again calling to raise the state minimum wage, and by lowering costs. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Transportation, Parks, Pedestrian Safety, School Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 10, 2026)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrain Vehicle/Snowmobile Grants Who May Apply: County and municipal governments, non-profits, for-profits Use: Planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance of ATV or snowmobile trails and facilities, purchase of equipment, and educational programs related to the use of ATVs or snowmobiles Funds: Grants will range between $25,000 and $1,000,000 Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 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, 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 Read more

 

Fiedler applauds bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy economy, looks forward to more from House Energy Committee

(Feb 06, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 - This week, the PA House passed two bills aimed at driving innovation and investment in Pennsylvania’s energy and manufacturing sectors, earning bipartisan support. One, an advanced clean manufacturing bill sponsored by House Energy Committee Chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and the other, a measure to reduce barriers for emerging nuclear technologies sponsored by Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila. are designed to strengthen the state’s clean energy economy.Additionally, legislation requiring new warehouses to be built solar-ready, sponsored by Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, D-Berks, also advanced in the House this week.“We face a looming energy crisis that could have life-changing impacts on the people of Pennsylvania,” Fiedler said. “We must act with urgency and rise to the moment, building on Pennsylvania’s historic role as an energy leader and innovator.”Fiedler’s H.B. 1556 would incentivize the development of a clean manufacturing economy in PA by offering a tax credit of 30% of qualified production costs for an advanced clean manufacturing project. By covering operational costs, the tax credit would encourage companies to stay and grow in Pennsylvania.An advanced clean manufacturing facility is defined as a site that produces clean steel, clean aluminum, clean cement, clean glass, electric grid modernization equipment, energy-efficient heat pumps and turbines, or hydrogen electrolyzers. With growing demand for these products, this legislation would position... Read more

 

In wake of Kensington fire, Giral urges residents to practice fire safety

(Feb 05, 2026)

“Yesterday was traumatic for the families in those homes, but at any moment, house fires can become tragic. This fire spread from one row home to a total of five in the 40 minutes it took our firefighters to get the flames under control. That’s fast. That’s significant." Read more

 

Giral bill encouraging nuclear energy development passes Pa. House

(Feb 04, 2026)

Energy developers may soon find advancing smaller, more efficient nuclear reactors more affordable in Pennsylvania, thanks to legislation by state Rep. Jose Giral that passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. Read more

 

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 04, 2026)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Baseline Water Quality Data Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are those that will use accepted scientific principles and practices for water sample collection and analysis to document existing groundwater quality conditions on private water supplies. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Flood Mitigation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are to assist with flood Read more

 

Rep. Giral applauds nearly $3.8 million investment in housing support, traffic and recycling updates for Philadelphia

(Jan 28, 2026)

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 28 — State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., today announced that nearly $3.8 million in state funding has been awarded to enhance housing support services, implement a trash and recycling program, and upgrade traffic signals in Philadelphia. Nearly $3.4 million of the funding comes from the state’s Green Light-Go Program, a competitive grant initiative aimed at improving the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals across Pennsylvania. Philadelphia plans to use the funds to upgrade approximately 750 traffic controllers. “Upgrading traffic signals throughout the city is essential not only for their longevity but also for enhancing pedestrian and traffic safety,” said Giral. “Many of Philadelphia’s streets become congested during peak travel times. These upgrades provide a practical way to streamline traffic flow and help people get around the city more efficiently.” Another $310,914 will support projects aimed at reducing homelessness by providing financial assistance to families and offering supportive housing services for long-term stability. The initiatives follow a case-management model, helping participants with housing searches, budgeting, employment, benefit access, and financial literacy training. The Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services applied for the grant on behalf of two subrecipients. “Families in our Read more

 

Statement from the chair, vice chair, and secretary of Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus on the events in Minnesota

(Jan 26, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 - The chair, vice-chair, and secretary of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus issued the following statement today in response to another fatal incident involving federal immigration enforcement personnel in Minnesota: “Once again, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agents operating under this administration have demonstrated a reckless disregard for human life and community safety. These actions are not isolated -- they reflect a broader pattern of aggressive, militarized immigration enforcement that terrorizes communities, undermines public trust, and endangers both civilians and legitimate law enforcement officers. “ICE agents frequently misrepresent themselves as law enforcement and employ tactics that erode trust and interfere with the work of state and local police, whose duty is to protect all Pennsylvanians. “We categorically reject the false choice between public safety and immigrant rights. True public safety is built through transparency, accountability, restraint, and respect for due process -- not fear, intimidation, or lethal force. The escalation of violence linked to federal immigration operations should alarm every Pennsylvanian, regardless of immigration status. “Our congressional delegation continues to be obstructed by an administration that shows little regard for checks and balances or the rule of law. We urge U.S. Read more

 

Khan and colleagues introduce resolution demanding accountability in DHS and ICE enforcement

(Jan 25, 2026)

State Rep. Tarik Khan, D–Philadelphia, joined by colleagues in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, today introduced a resolution urging Congress to withhold additional federal appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until meaningful accountability and safety reforms are enacted.The resolution comes in the wake of the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis in January 2026, just weeks after another U.S. citizen, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed during federal immigration enforcement operations in the same city. Read more

 

Giral: $500,000 in state funds granted to create maternal health center in North Philadelphia

(Jan 22, 2026)

Giral said that Oshun focuses its practice on ensuring that the families it serves get the mental and physical health care they need while centering the culture of the patient and their community. Read more

 

Philadelphia lawmakers tout funding for ACCT Philly

(Jan 15, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – State Reps. Joe Hohenstein, Jordan Harris, Morgan Cephas, and Jose Giral, all D-Phila., announced today that $200,000 in funding has been awarded to ACCT Philly to support its operations. ACCT Philly is Philadelphia’s largest animal care and control service provider, assisting nearly 18,000 animals and residents in need each year. Its mission is to provide shelter, care, and lifesaving services for homeless, abandoned, and abused animals, while also protecting the health, safety, and welfare of Philadelphia’s residents -- benefiting all city residents regardless of race or economic status. Giral, who represents the legislative district in which ACCT Philly is located, applauded the funding. “ACCT plays a vital role in providing compassionate animal care and rescue services across the Philadelphia region, and I am proud to see this funding support their critical mission,” he said. “The North Philadelphia animal shelter serves nearly 18,000 animals each year who have been homeless, abandoned, or abused, with a steadfast commitment to humane care and finding loving, permanent homes. Protecting and caring for these animals strengthens not only their wellbeing, but also the wellbeing of our communities.” Hohenstein, a member of ACCT’s board, also expressed his appreciation for the funding. “I am happy to be part of Read more

 

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 08, 2026)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Funding (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 More information: PennDOT website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Public School Facility Improvement Grant Who May Apply: School entities, defined as a school district or an area career and technical school. Use: Facility improvement projects, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, plumbing systems, window repair/replacement, health and safety upgrades, and accessibility projects. Funds: $100 million in total funding is available. Grant requests shall not exceed $5 million per eligible improvement project. School entities may submit more than one application, but no school entity shall receive more than 20% of the total funding available. Application Deadline: March 13, 2026 More information: CFA Website Department of Military and Read more

 

Giral: Nearly $1.7 million in new grants to improve & maintain local infrastructure

(Dec 18, 2025)

Giral said the grants will primarily fund the renovation and upkeep of affordable housing and community service buildings, with two grants designated for a new public park and the operations of local food pantries. Read more

 

$1 million in tax credits awarded to residential and neighborhood revitalization projects in Philadelphia’s Lower Northeast

(Dec 17, 2025)

Giral said the tax credits will support ongoing community development projects and create opportunities for new initiatives aimed at enhancing affordable housing, public safety, childhood health, and multilingual services. Read more

 

Giral announces $100K grant for Philadelphia Children’s Alliance

(Dec 16, 2025)

The Philadelphia Children’s Alliance provides resources and advocacy for children and families impacted by child sexual abuse, exploitation and violence. They offer medical services, trauma therapy, child-conscious forensic interviews, caregiver support, and court accompaniment, all at no cost to families. Read more

 

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

(Dec 12, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia. Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia. Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum request/award of $500,000. Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 More information: DCED 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 Read more

 

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

(Dec 11, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia. Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia. Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum request/award of $500,000. Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 More information: DCED 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 Read more

 

Giral celebrates state investment in local manufacturing training programs

(Dec 10, 2025)

“This is a clear investment in our future workers and therefore an investment in the families and young people who live in our communities,” said Giral. “When we support the growth of skilled workers and technical education, we ensure more people have a pathway to success." Read more

 

Giral welcomes bilingual credit union to Port Richmond

(Dec 08, 2025)

Giral said Finanta Credit Union, also known as Cooperativa Finanta, aims to serve workers and small business owners who often rely on check-cashing services, money orders, or high-risk lenders instead of traditional banks. Read more

 

Giral celebrates inclusivity, representation of Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show
Feb 13, 2026

Giral applauds governor’s proposed investment in education, affordability, raising the minimum wage
Feb 11, 2026

Grant Memo: Transportation, Parks, Pedestrian Safety, School Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 10, 2026

Fiedler applauds bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy economy, looks forward to more from House Energy Committee
Feb 06, 2026

In wake of Kensington fire, Giral urges residents to practice fire safety
Feb 05, 2026

Giral bill encouraging nuclear energy development passes Pa. House
Feb 04, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 04, 2026

Rep. Giral applauds nearly $3.8 million investment in housing support, traffic and recycling updates for Philadelphia
Jan 28, 2026

Statement from the chair, vice chair, and secretary of Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus on the events in Minnesota
Jan 26, 2026

Khan and colleagues introduce resolution demanding accountability in DHS and ICE enforcement
Jan 25, 2026

Giral: $500,000 in state funds granted to create maternal health center in North Philadelphia
Jan 22, 2026

Philadelphia lawmakers tout funding for ACCT Philly
Jan 15, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 08, 2026

Giral: Nearly $1.7 million in new grants to improve & maintain local infrastructure
Dec 18, 2025

$1 million in tax credits awarded to residential and neighborhood revitalization projects in Philadelphia’s Lower Northeast
Dec 17, 2025

Giral announces $100K grant for Philadelphia Children’s Alliance
Dec 16, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Dec 12, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 11, 2025

Giral celebrates state investment in local manufacturing training programs
Dec 10, 2025

Giral welcomes bilingual credit union to Port Richmond
Dec 08, 2025