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Gallagher, Scott license plate flipping device ban signed into law

(1 day ago)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – On Monday, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law legislation (H.B. 2426) introduced by state Reps. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery that bans license plate flipping devices in Pennsylvania. Gallagher and Scott each issued the following statements after state Senate approval sent the bill to the governor's desk last week. “There are currently many ambiguities in our state law that allow individuals to use these devices as loopholes to get out of making payments they owe,” Gallagher said. “The city of Philadelphia recently took action on this issue by prohibiting these devices in the city, and now it’s time for the entire state of Pennsylvania to follow suit.” “House Bill 2426 represents an important move toward accountability on our roads,” Scott said. “License plates are vital for vehicle identification, and it’s crucial that our laws clearly prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices, which allow drivers to evade identification. These devices can be used to bypass tolls, engage in reckless driving, and even facilitate more serious crimes without detection. By banning these devices statewide, we are closing a loophole and strengthening public safety across Pennsylvania.” This bill is now known as Act 150 of 2024 . Read more

 

Bill banning license plate flipping devices headed to governor’s desk

(Nov 13, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – Legislation ( H.B. 2426 ) introduced by state Reps. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, that would explicitly ban license plate flipping devices in the state today passed the Pennsylvania Senate. License plate flipping devices enable a license plate on a vehicle to be changed to another license plate either manually or electronically. When affixed to vehicles, these devices can be used to conceal a license plate, modify its appearance, or switch one license plate to another. Drivers can use these devices to evade identification for purposes such as avoiding tolls, reckless driving, or even more nefarious criminal activity. “There are currently many ambiguities in our state law that allow individuals to use these devices as loopholes to get out of making payments they owe,” Gallagher said. “The city of Philadelphia recently took action on this issue by prohibiting these devices in the city, and now it’s time for the entire state of Pennsylvania to follow suit.” “House Bill 2426 represents an important move toward accountability on our roads,” Scott said. “License plates are vital for vehicle identification, and it’s crucial that our laws clearly prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices, which allow drivers to evade identification. These devices can be used to bypass tolls, engage in reckless driving, and even facilitate more Read more

 

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

(Oct 29, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Economic Development Organizations, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities, For-Profit organizations. Use: Mixed-use site development, conversion projects, rehabilitation projects, a combination of the three afore-mentioned projects. Funds: $10 million in PA Sites funding has been allocated for this program. There is no limit on the amount of grant funding that may be awarded to an applicant. Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Support Services (RSS) Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, providing RSS and demonstrate the capacity to provide RSS to individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent substance use disorder (SUD). Use: Expand or enhance RSS to individuals in recover from OUD and other concurrent SUD. Funds: Approximately six grants totaling $1,500,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic Read more

 

Gallagher announces more than $600,000 in state funding for local project

(Oct 22, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 22 – Today, state Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., announced that $633,425 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Local Share Account has been awarded for a project in his district. This funding was awarded to PIDC Financing Corp. on behalf of Glen Foerd Conservation Corp. to upgrade their electrical service for a community arts and environmental center. “I’m pleased to see this project being awarded significant funding,” Gallagher said. “It will provide necessary renovations and upgrades for Glen Foerd Conservation Corp., one of our district’s most community-involved organizations.” The Statewide Local Share Account funding comes from the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Oct 01, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS 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 Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (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: November 5, 2024 More information: PennDOT website Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Who May Apply: Volunteer and career fire, EMS, and rescue companies in counties where unconventional gas well drilling is permitted and counties that directly border permitted counties and respond to related emergencies. Use: Funds may be used for certification, equipment, and Read more

 

Pennsylvania one of growing number of states to target license plate flippers

(Sep 18, 2024)

The Pennsylvania House passed, with bipartisan support, legislation that would ban license plate flippers and impose a $2,000 penalty on those caught using or selling them. The bill now goes to the Senate.“With speed cams and red-light cams becoming more and more prevalent around, there are technologies that are coming out for people to evade safety on the roads,” Pennsylvania state Democratic Rep. Pat Gallagher, the bill’s lead sponsor in the House, said in an interview. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 17, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program Who May Apply: All fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads Use: Eligible projects include but are not limited to facility renovations, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention. Funds: Awards may range from $2,500 to $20,000 for fire/rescue companies and $2,500 to $15,000 for EMS companies. Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 More information: OSFC Website Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, in providing SUD prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery support services, drop-in center services or relevant services and shall have the capacity to provide SUD drop-in center services to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent SUD. Use: DDAP will provide funds from the Opioid Settlement to drop-in centers or other human service organizations looking to expand their community-driven harm reduction support services to increase overdose prevention and linkage to SUD treatment and recovery support services. The goal is to provide hope, support, and resources to assist those on their road to recovery Funds: DDAP expects to award approximately 14 grants totaling $1,875,000 each. Application Read more

 

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 11, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Funds: $20 million was allocated for this program in the 2024/25 budget. Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Program Who May Apply: Community-based organizations (i.e., active, registered 501(c)(3)s), institutions of higher education, municipalities, counties, and district attorneys. Use: Reducing community violence through, among other things, increasing access to support services and behavioral health, providing health services and intervention strategies, providing mentoring and other intervention models, and fostering and promoting communication between schools, the community, and law enforcement. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 04, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 26, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment and Training Who May Apply: Eligibility of these funds is open to any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: To support the training of medical and mental healthcare providers who treat children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $200,000 in Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately four projects with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: October 4, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 20, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more

 

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

(Aug 13, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more

 

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

(Jul 31, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program Who May Apply : Applicant must be a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth designated as a 501(c)(3) and principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication under the Uniform Crime Reporting program. Use : Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, safety and security planning, purchase of safety and security equipment, purchase of security related technology (metal detectors, protective lighting, deadbolts, etc.), safety and security training, upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security, and more. Funds : $10 million has been appropriated by the General Assembly to the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. Applicant requests must be between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : August 27, 2024 More information : PCCD Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums and official county historical societies. Use: Funds are intended to strengthen the museum community and provide operating support to museums and historical societies. Funds: Nearly $2 million in funds are available. Application Deadline: August Read more

 

PA House passes bill to ban license plate flipping devices

(Jul 08, 2024)

HARRISBURG, July 8 – Legislation ( H.B. 2426 ) introduced by state Reps. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, that would explicitly ban license plate flipping devices, today passed the Pennsylvania House. License plate flipping devices enable a license plate on a vehicle to be changed to another license plate either manually or electronically. When affixed to vehicles, these devices can be used to conceal a license plate, modify its appearance, or switch one license plate to another. Drivers can use these devices to evade identification for purposes such as avoiding tolls, reckless driving, or even more nefarious criminal activity. “There are currently many ambiguities in our state law that allow individuals to use these devices as loopholes to get out of making payments they owe,” Gallagher said. “My city of Philadelphia recently took action on this issue by prohibiting these devices in the city, and now it’s time for the entire state of Pennsylvania to follow suit.” “House Bill 2426 is a significant step toward ensuring accountability on our roads,” Scott said. “License plates are crucial for vehicle identification, and it's essential that our laws explicitly prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices that allow drivers to evade this identification. These devices can be used to avoid tolls, engage in reckless driving, and even commit more Read more

 

Gallagher applauds signing of acupuncture licensing bill

(Jul 02, 2024)

HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila, today offered praise to Gov. Josh Shapiro for signing his legislation to update the Acupuncture Licensure Act into law. “I applaud Governor Shapiro for signing this necessary piece of legislation into law,” Gallagher said. “As we see the practice of acupuncture continue to grow and more Pennsylvanians receive acupuncture treatment, it’s important that the people providing it are up to date on the latest guidelines and protocols so that patients can receive quality treatment from well-trained providers.” The update to current law will require licensed acupuncturists to complete 30 hours of approved continuing education every two years. If an acupuncturist is also a physician, only nine hours will be required as part of the physician’s continuing education. The law also will let acupuncturists from other states attend continuing education courses in Pennsylvania, helping programs based here to thrive. This legislation is now known as Act No. 38 of 2024. Read more

 

Bill to strengthen acupuncture education heads to governor’s desk

(Jun 26, 2024)

HARRISBURG, June 26 – The Pennsylvania House today gave final approval to state Rep. Pat Gallagher’s bill ( H.B. 1490 ) that would update the Acupuncture Licensure Act. The update to current law will require licensed acupuncturists to complete 30 hours of approved continuing education every two years. If an acupuncturist is also a physician, only nine hours will be required as part of the physician’s continuing education. Gallagher’s bill also will let acupuncturists from other states attend continuing education courses in Pennsylvania, helping programs based here to thrive. “As we see the practice of acupuncture continue to grow, it’s important that the people providing it are up to date on the latest information,” said Gallagher, D-Phila. “More and more Pennsylvanians are receiving acupuncture treatment, and they deserve to get it from well-trained providers.” With prior passage in the Senate, H.B. 1490 now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature. Read more

 

House Transportation Committee approves bill to ban license plate flipping devices

(Jun 24, 2024)

HARRISBURG, June 24 – Legislation ( H.B. 2426 ) introduced by state Reps. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, that would explicitly ban license plate flipping devices was approved today by the House Transportation Committee. License plate flipping devices enable a license plate on a vehicle to be changed to another license plate either manually or electronically. When affixed to vehicles, these devices can be used to conceal a license plate, modify its appearance, or switch one license plate to another. Drivers can use these devices to evade identification for purposes such as avoiding tolls, reckless driving, or even more nefarious criminal activity. “There are currently many ambiguities in our state’s law that allow individuals to use these devices as loopholes to get out of making payments they owe,” Gallagher said. “My city of Philadelphia recently took action on this issue by prohibiting these devices in the city, and now it’s time for the entire state of Pennsylvania to follow suit.” “House Bill 2426 is a significant step toward ensuring accountability on our roads,” Scott said. “License plates are crucial for vehicle identification, and it's essential that our laws explicitly prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices that allow drivers to evade this identification. These devices can be used to avoid tolls, engage in reckless Read more

 

Mentored Youth Trout Day

(Mar 28, 2024)

Important details about the 2024 Mentored Youth Trout Day Read more

 

Gallagher, Khan, Warren call for PA to update insurance laws around colorectal cancer screenings

(Mar 05, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 5 – Today, state Reps. Pat Galagher, Tarik Khan, both D-Phila., and Perry Warren, D-Bucks, hosted a news conference at the state Capitol announcing that they plan to introduce legislation that would update state insurance laws to expand coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths even though it is a very treatable form of cancer when caught early. When detected in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 90%. The legislators said their legislation would update Pennsylvania’s Insurance Company Law to reduce the age when colorectal cancer screenings are covered to 45 from 50. This legislation also prevents prior authorizations and advance notice for screening colonoscopies for individuals 45 and above. Current law requires health insurance coverage for routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50 based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008. Multiple other states have updated their law to reflect more recent American Cancer Society guidelines from 2018. The updated recommendations call for people to begin screening at age 45 rather than 50. Gallagher, who is a colorectal cancer survivor, said the legislation could result in more early detections and ultimately save lives. “As a survivor of colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the impact that early detection and proper care Read more

 

2023 Year in Review

(Feb 09, 2024)

A recap of 2023 and information on state government-related programs. Read more

 

Gallagher, Scott license plate flipping device ban signed into law
1 day ago

Bill banning license plate flipping devices headed to governor’s desk
Nov 13, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Oct 29, 2024

Gallagher announces more than $600,000 in state funding for local project
Oct 22, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 01, 2024

Pennsylvania one of growing number of states to target license plate flippers
Sep 18, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 17, 2024

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 11, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 04, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 20, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Aug 13, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 31, 2024

PA House passes bill to ban license plate flipping devices
Jul 08, 2024

Gallagher applauds signing of acupuncture licensing bill
Jul 02, 2024

Bill to strengthen acupuncture education heads to governor’s desk
Jun 26, 2024

House Transportation Committee approves bill to ban license plate flipping devices
Jun 24, 2024

Mentored Youth Trout Day
Mar 28, 2024

Gallagher, Khan, Warren call for PA to update insurance laws around colorectal cancer screenings
Mar 05, 2024

2023 Year in Review
Feb 09, 2024