News Center

Fiedler issues statement on the closing of Southwark School due to concerns about asbestos

(Oct 27, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 27 – Following an announcement from the School District of Philadelphia last night that Southwark School will close for three weeks due to the discovery of dust that may contain asbestos, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., issued the following statement: “ As a Philly public school parent and a lawmaker, I am deeply concerned. Last night, I learned that Southwark Elementary will be closed for several weeks after the discovery of dust potentially containing asbestos, a dangerous carcinogen. “This morning, students and their families were given a very short amount of time to get their belongings from the school, including laptops, books and medication. Many parents were at work, which added to an already stressful situation. Parents joined forces to help get materials for students whose parents couldn’t make it in time. “Many of the students who will be home next week are the same students who faced an 18-month disruption due to COVID-19. Parents, alarmed that their children could have been exposed to environmental toxins, are now scrambling for information and scrambling to find childcare so they can go to work next week. Instead of focusing on helping kids grow and learn, teachers and principals at Southwark must now worry about their own health and the health of the children they care for. “I appreciate that the school district is addressing this issue — the Read more

 

Rep. Fiedler 2023 Fall Newsletter

(Sep 22, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

Recapping Rep. Fiedler's work in the community, support of schools, services her office can provide, and much more. Read more

 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

(Aug 22, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development: Keystone Communities Program Who May Apply : Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofit organizations to include economic development organizations, housing corporations, etc., community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use : Multiple uses, including: Planning grants (address a particular need or circumstance within a community, undertake a study relevant to an identified need, or study the results of implementing a specific activity) Implementation grants (assist designated KC program communities in implementing critical components of their approved Five-Year Strategy) Façade grants (to stimulate private investment in properties, foster an attractive environment, and preserve the architectural heritage of properties and communities. The grant funds may be used for primary street-facing, exterior building improvements in a defined target area of a downtown or neighborhood such as storefront signs, exterior façade painting, design assistance, etc.) Development grants (available to fund a variety of physical improvements, see program guidelines for full list) Public improvement grants (available to assist communities in a variety of development projects to help Read more

 

House Majority Leadership joins community to sound education SOS in Philadelphia

(Jul 31, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

“This is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue, and it is not a city issue or a rural issue – it’s a Pennsylvania issue,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, said. “Equitably funding schools is about investing in Pennsylvania’s future and ensuring that every student regardless of the neighborhood they live in has the tools to thrive academically, socially, and civically. Our state’s future starts now, and it’s time to equitably and adequately fund our public schools.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation hails unprecedented Teamsters win

(Jul 25, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

PHILADELPHIA, July 25 – Following the announcement of a tentative, historic five-year contract involving United Parcel Service and the Teamsters union, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation praised the triumph and reaffirmed their commitment to keep fighting for fair pay and safe workplaces for every worker in Pennsylvania. The UPS and Teamsters covenant comes after a series of local and national rallies to support UPS workers as they fought for better wages and working conditions. Workers also warned of a possible massive strike. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the agreement is a colossal win for the more than 340,000 UPS Teamsters members nationwide. “Our delegation applauds these tentative agreements that include wage increases as well as safety and health protections, equal pay part-time rewards, and new trucks with air conditioning, among other provisions. This would certainly change the game for many other unions. The bar has been raised,” Cephas added. “Our group has been proudly walking and fighting along with the UPS workers for better pay and tangible benefits, but this is also a fight for fairness and respect. We are pleased to see that their struggles have been finally acknowledged,” she said. “We are celebrating this victory, but we also ratify our firm commitment to keep championing for all workers in the Read more

 

Standing with UPS workers to deliver safe workplaces & fair wages

(Jul 17, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

The only way our economy truly grows is with a strong middle class powered by good jobs and safe workplaces – not tax breaks for billionaires or grueling conditions for working people. We’re sticking with the workers – and always will. Read more

 

Solar energy grant program for Pa. school districts gets bipartisan support in state House

(Jul 05, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

Rep. Fiedler's Solar for Schools Passed the PA House. Read more

 

Fiedler, PFT, Phila. councilmembers urge funding school facilities in 2023-24 budget

(Jun 23, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

PHILADELPHIA, June 23 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila., hosted a news conference at South Philadelphia High School Friday morning, calling on the Commonwealth to increase funding for school facilities improvements. Pennsylvania "has billions of dollars that should be invested in public infrastructure, job creation and education,” Fiedler said. The Commonwealth is currently sitting on $11 billion in reserve cash. “Governor Shapiro’s budget has proposed $100 million in school facilities funding, which is a great start,” Fiedler said. While Shapiro’s budget proposal did not indicate a method of distribution for these funds, Fiedler has co-sponsored H.B.1408, which provides a vehicle for distributing school facilities funds. Her bill updates PlanCon, a method of funds distribution that has not been utilized since 2016. “I am hopeful H.B. 1408 will get a House vote next week, and I’m committed to pursuing all avenues through which we may remediate and repair our schools across the Commonwealth,” she emphasized, who has spearheaded the issue in the House. Ana Tapia , Sunrise of Philadelphia’s South Philadelphia High School site director, spoke directly to her experience running the school’s after-school program. “Too often we hear on the news that budgets have increased for everything except for schools, after-school programming, and Read more

 

State Reps. Fiedler, Schweyer, Merski, Hill-Evans and advocates urge PA Legislature to fund school facilities in 2023-24 state budget

(Jun 14, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., hosted a news conference in the state Capitol Rotunda Wednesday and called on legislators to fund school facilities in Pennsylvania. “We have a unique opportunity to finally invest in fixing toxic schools across Pennsylvania,” said Fiedler. “It’s long past time we prioritize the health of our students, teachers and school staff. We have some of the oldest schools in the nation right here in Pennsylvania, and many of them have unsafe conditions that are simply unacceptable. I am committed to investing state dollars to remediate and repair our schools.” Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, chair of the House Education Committee, reminded everyone that school buildings are learning environments. “The quality of a school building has a direct impact on a child's ability to learn,” he said. “This year's House budget begins to address our toxic schools, but there's much more work to be done. We can't delay any longer -- our children deserve better.” State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York County, commended the bipartisan support behind funding school facilities. “We are building bipartisan support for funding school facilities within this year’s budget,” she said. “The House sent a version of the budget to the Senate last week. Our proposal used Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal as a starting point Read more

 

Fiedler, PA Building Trades, AFT, Evangelical Enviro Network, call on lawmakers to vote for Solar for Schools legislation

(Jun 05, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., today called on lawmakers to pass Solar for Schools legislation (H.B.1032). Fiedler was joined on the steps of the state Capitol by a diverse coalition including Mike Ford, secretary-treasurer of the PA Building & Construction Trades Council; Arthur Steinberg, president of PA American Federation of Teachers; Carolyn Heckman, PA policy and outreach coordinator for the Evangelical Environmental Network; Katie Blume, political and legislative director of Conservation Voters of PA; Tony Seiwell, business manager for LIUNA Eastern Region; and Bishop Dwayne Royster, executive director of POWER Interfaith. Fiedler’s bill passed was approved in committee with a unanimous bipartisan vote in late May. Fiedler said she anticipates a House floor vote on the bill before the end of June. “I’m excited that Solar is passing through the House. This legislation is truly blue-green, bringing new jobs to our Commonwealth while protecting and preserving our environment,” Fiedler said. She said the diverse coalition of supporters demonstrates the broad appeal of Solar for Schools. “Solar leverages state and federal dollars to support the creation of solar arrays at public schools across the Commonwealth. It will save school districts and taxpayers money, create new learning opportunities and invest in statewide clean Read more

 

Fiedler: Solar for Schools Creates Jobs, Fixes Schools

(Jun 05, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

Pa. state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler brings legislators and stakeholders together on the steps of the state Capitol to tout the benefits of her Solar for Schools legislation. Fiedler’s Solar for Schools bill would help public schools across the Commonwealth take full advantage of available federal and state grants to install solar panels on the roofs and grounds of their school buildings. Some Pa. school districts are already seeing big returns on investments in solar energy and Solar for Schools would put that same green energy within reach for many more. Read more

 

PA lawmakers form Progressive Caucus

(May 23, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

Focusing on prioritizing people over profit, fighting social inequality Read more

 

House committee unanimously approves Solar for Schools legislation

(May 23, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

HARRISBURG, May 23 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee voted unanimously today in support of House Bill1032, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler’s Solar for Schools legislation. Solar for Schools would provide grants to install solar to public k-12 schools, community colleges, and career technical schools across Pennsylvania. The program would fund 50% of the cost of project construction. Federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act would cover 30- 50% of the remaining installation costs, with school districts responsible for the remaining 0- 20%, plus costs associated with operation and maintenance. The vote comes on the heels of Fiedler’s tour of solar arrays at various schools across Pennsylvania. "I've been able to see firsthand the value that solar arrays bring by reducing costs for school districts and taxpayers, limiting our carbon footprint, and creating new jobs,” Fiedler, D-Phila., said. “I am thrilled Solar for Schools passed the committee. This legislation merges labor and environmental priorities to improve our environment and bring new jobs to our commonwealth.” Committee Chair Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, commended the legislation after voting in favor of the bill. “Solar for Schools is a solid bill that will help school districts and taxpayers save money,” Matzie said. “As chairman of the committee, I was happy Read more

 

Fiedler co-hosts rally for after school programs

(May 04, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

HARRISBURG, May 4 – On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network held an advocacy day at the state Capitol. State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, co-chairs of the PA House Afterschool Caucus, joined them on the Capitol steps to rally for afterschool programs in Pennsylvania. Speakers at the rally included: Contrell Armor, PSAYDN director. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. State Sen. Lynda Schlegel-Culver, R-Columbia/Luzerne/Montour/Northumberland/Snyder. State Sen. Mike Regan, R-Cumberland/York. Youth Keynote, Neha Shukla, Flight Crew Million Girls Moonshot. Youth Speaker, Enjalai Baillie, Harrisburg High School, Sci-Tech and PFEW. Youth Speaker, Aliyah Webster, chief science officer, Minersville Area Jr./Sr. High School. Youth Speaker, Sean Jackson, Braddock Hills High School, Pittsburgh. Youth Co-Speakers, Aaron Pravs & Nasir Harrison, South Philadelphia High School. Provider Speaker; Amy Burrows, assistant director of Propel Afterschool Programs, 2022 PSAYDN Afterschool Champion for Outstanding Quality. State Rep. Michael Schlossberg, D-Lehigh. Fiedler stressed the importance of afterschool programs to mentor young people and prevent violence. “At a time when violence has been increasing, we need to invest in high quality out-of-school-time programs that provide kids with safe Read more

 

Fiedler Touts Benefits of #Solar4Schools

(Apr 27, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

Pa. state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler joined renewable energy advocates, legislators, and school administrators outside Steelton-Highspire High School to highlight the school district’s solar energy project. Steelton-Highspire is an underfunded school district that is using energy saving from solar technology to offset their lack of funding. Fiedler’s Solar for Schools legislation would issue grants to K-12 schools and community colleges so that they too could install solar arrays and save on energy costs. Read more

 

Fiedler Touts Benefits of #Solar4Schools

(Apr 27, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

Pa. state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler joined renewable energy advocates, legislators, and school administrators outside Steelton-Highspire High School to highlight the school district’s solar energy project. Steelton-Highspire is an underfunded school district that is using energy saving from solar technology to offset their lack of funding. Fiedler’s Solar for Schools legislation would issue grants to K-12 schools and community colleges so that they too could install solar arrays and save on energy costs. Read more

 

Fiedler, Hanbidge ‘Patient Consent for Pelvic Exams’ bill passes House

(Apr 26, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

HARRISBURG, April 26 – Today, House Bill 507 introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, passed the Pennsylvania House unanimously. The legislation would require medical providers to receive explicit consent from a patient before performing an invasive pelvic or rectal exam on an unconscious patient for medical training purposes. Right now in Pennsylvania, medical students can legally perform a pelvic or rectal exam on a patient who is under anesthesia for an unrelated procedure. The invasive exam is done solely for medical students’ training purposes and not to ensure the health of the patient. The patient often is entirely unaware of what is being done to her/his body while are under anesthesia. Fiedler first learned about the practice from a constituent who was disturbed to learn that when she was a patient, a pelvic exam might have been conducted on her. Fiedler shared how her constituent’s experience inspired her to learn more about this practice and ultimately introduce this bill. She also expressed her joy to see this bill pass the House and called on the Senate to get it to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk. “The more I researched the situation, the more horrified I was,” Fiedler said. “Making sure we have highly trained medical professionals is incredibly important, and at the same time, patients should be asked for their consent ahead of time. This Read more

 

Fiedler, Madsen, Harris join Steelton-Highspire High School solar tour

(Apr 25, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

HARRISBURG, April 25 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.; Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin; and House Democratic Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris, D-Phila.; joined a tour of the solar panel array at Steelton-Highspire High School. The tour was hosted by Generation 180, a nonprofit organization working to inspire and equip people to adopt clean energy. Last year, Steelton-Highspire School District unveiled a solar panel field to power the district’s schools and buildings. Fiedler recently introduced ‘Solar for Schools’ legislation that would create a grant program to fund solar energy projects at school districts, intermediate units, community colleges, and career and technical schools. She said she was pleased to see Steelton-Highspire’s new solar panel field. “Today, we got to see how much positive change solar panel arrays can bring to schools like Steelton-Highspire,” Fiedler said. “If we pass Solar for Schools legislation, we can save schools thousands each year in energy costs, bring federal money for green energy projects back to Pennsylvania, generate good-paying jobs for skilled workers, reduce pollution, create opportunities for hands-on education, and inspire a new generation of leaders.” Madsen, whose legislative district includes Steelton-Highspire School District, praised the school’s leadership. “I am proud of Read more

 

Fiedler visits Middleburg Elementary School, touts ‘Solar for Schools’ legislation

(Apr 21, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

MIDDLEBURG, April 21 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., on Wednesday visited Middleburg Elementary School, where she toured the school’s solar panel array; met with school officials, teachers, and students; and advocated for her Solar for Schools legislation . Fiedler unveiled her bill (H.B. 137) at a news conference in March. If signed into law, the Solar for Schools program would issue grants to K-12 schools and community colleges for the purchase and installation of solar equipment, permit fees, energy storage, utility interconnection, and other costs approved by the Department of Community and Economic Development, which would manage the grant program. Paired with funds from the federal Inflation Reduction Act, schools could defray at least 80% of the cost of supplies and installation. Fiedler was joined by state Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R- Columbia/Luzerne/Montour/Northumberland/Snyder; state Rep. David H. Rowe, R-Union/Juniata/Mifflin/Snyder; Michael Ford, secretary-treasurer of the PA Building and Construction Trades Council; Katie Blume, political and legislative director of Conservation Voters for PA; and Midd-West School District Superintendent Joe Stroup. On the tour, Fiedler visited with elementary students who participated in last spring’s “Sun Day,” an event where Middleburg focused educational programming on the topic of solar energy. Students learned about energy transfer and Read more

 

Workforce Development, Infrastructure, and Housing Funding Opportunities

(Apr 13, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: DEI in the Building and Construction Trades Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Organizations that serve as sponsors or intermediaries of Registered Apprenticeship and/or Pre-Apprenticeship in the building and construction trades. Use : To develop diverse talent pipelines and reach underrepresented populations within the building and construction trades. Funds : $1 million in total program funding. Application Deadline : April 26, 2023 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT): Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Program (Funding Source: State, Federal, & Private Funding) Who May Apply : Private companies. Use : To develop innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : April 30, 2023 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/ProjectAndPrograms/p3forpa/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Youth Reentry Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Read more

 

Fiedler issues statement on the closing of Southwark School due to concerns about asbestos
Oct 27, 2023

Rep. Fiedler 2023 Fall Newsletter
Sep 22, 2023

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Aug 22, 2023

House Majority Leadership joins community to sound education SOS in Philadelphia
Jul 31, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation hails unprecedented Teamsters win
Jul 25, 2023

Standing with UPS workers to deliver safe workplaces & fair wages
Jul 17, 2023

Solar energy grant program for Pa. school districts gets bipartisan support in state House
Jul 05, 2023

Fiedler, PFT, Phila. councilmembers urge funding school facilities in 2023-24 budget
Jun 23, 2023

State Reps. Fiedler, Schweyer, Merski, Hill-Evans and advocates urge PA Legislature to fund school facilities in 2023-24 state budget
Jun 14, 2023

Fiedler, PA Building Trades, AFT, Evangelical Enviro Network, call on lawmakers to vote for Solar for Schools legislation
Jun 05, 2023

Fiedler: Solar for Schools Creates Jobs, Fixes Schools
Jun 05, 2023

PA lawmakers form Progressive Caucus
May 23, 2023

House committee unanimously approves Solar for Schools legislation
May 23, 2023

Fiedler co-hosts rally for after school programs
May 04, 2023

Fiedler Touts Benefits of #Solar4Schools
Apr 27, 2023

Fiedler Touts Benefits of #Solar4Schools
Apr 27, 2023

Fiedler, Hanbidge ‘Patient Consent for Pelvic Exams’ bill passes House
Apr 26, 2023

Fiedler, Madsen, Harris join Steelton-Highspire High School solar tour
Apr 25, 2023

Fiedler visits Middleburg Elementary School, touts ‘Solar for Schools’ legislation
Apr 21, 2023

Workforce Development, Infrastructure, and Housing Funding Opportunities
Apr 13, 2023