News Center

House passes Philadelphia tow truck accountability legislation

(Apr 10, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, April 10 – A bill ( H.B. 816 ) sponsored by state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., that would require tow truck operators in Philadelphia to take photographic evidence of the violation for which they are towing or removing a vehicle passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. In Philadelphia, vehicle owners are allowed to provide evidence to the parking hearing examiner that their vehicle was towed unreasonably or unlawfully and avoid paying the associated fees, Giral said. However, without clear evidence of a violation, it’s difficult for the vehicle owners to prove their innocence. “This is a commonsense measure that would be a benefit to everyone involved — the courts, drivers and towing companies,” Giral said. “It will ensure greater accountability and transparency and that everything runs just a little bit smoother.” The bill now goes to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Khan to introduce bipartisan legislation to assist small businesses impacted by natural disasters

(Mar 22, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, March 22 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., announced that he plans to introduce legislation with a bipartisan group of legislators to assist small businesses that are affected by natural disasters. Khan said he will be joined by state Reps. Jamie Flick, R-Lycoming/Union; Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery; Jason Ortitay, R-Washington/Allegheny; and Jose Giral, D-Phila, in introducing the legislation. the legislation would create a Small Business Catastrophe Savings Account, which would allow for small businesses to deposit pre-tax dollars into a specially designated savings account. Small businesses would be able to deduct this amount from their taxes; however, they would only be permitted to use these funds to help recover from a natural disaster when their insurance claim does not cover the full cost of rebuilding. If the small business needs the money in the future for another unrelated reason, the money could be withdrawn, but the business would need to remit all taxes owed. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, and we must do all that we can to ensure a natural disaster -- that they have no control over -- does not completely upend their business,” Khan said. “This legislation is fair and gives these businesses the opportunity to be better prepared financially in the case of one of these catastrophes.” The lawmakers expressed their belief that allowing Read more

 

Grants available as of Tuesday, Jan. 30

(Jan 30, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Small Business Advantage Grant Who May Apply: For-profit businesses registered to do business in Pennsylvania with 100 or fewer full time equivalent employees. Use: To install equipment/material resulting in energy efficiency improvements or pollution prevent, natural resource or energy conservation, reduction of environmental contamination from air emissions and water effluents, or to develop and apply environmental improvement technologies and methods. Funds: DEP expects to award approximately $1 million in grants. Application Deadline: March 22, 2024, or until program funds are exhausted. More information: DEP Website Department of Health: WalkWorks Grant Who May Apply: Municipalities and metropolitan and rural planning organizations. Use: Funds will be available to applicants to assist with the development of a plan, which will identify and prioritize projects related to modes of active transportation with an emphasis on walking, biking, using a wheelchair, and public transit. Funds: Funding will depend on the number of applications received and the amounts requested. Application Deadline: March 22, 2024 More information: DOH Website Liquor Control Board: Reducing Underage Drinking and Dangerous Drinking Grant Who May Apply: School districts, including trade and technical schools, institutions of higher education, municipal representatives, nonprofit and for-profit Read more

 

Grants available as of Tuesday, Jan. 16

(Jan 16, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Security Grant Program Who May Apply: School districts, intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, cyber charter schools, regional charter schools, approved private schools, chartered school for the education of the deaf or the blind, private residential rehabilitative institutions, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and approved vendors. Use: Municipalities, law enforcement and approved vendors are limited to apply to provide school security personnel services within schools. Schools can apply for programs that address safety and security, including but not limited to, safety and security assessments, conflict resolution or dispute management strategies, school-wide positive behavior support, school-based diversion programs, peer help programs, classroom management, training, and more. Funds: A total of $32,179,000, which includes $26,345,000 from the $50 million allocated for the School Safety and Security Grant Fund and $5,834,000 allocated from the FY23-24 Targeted School Safety Grant Program, is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: February 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: School Districts, Intermediate Units, Area Career and Technical Schools, Charter Schools, Regional Charter Schools, and Cyber Charter Schools. Use: Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation commends appointment of Pedro Rosario, first ever Latino deputy police commissioner in the city

(Jan 12, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 12 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their satisfaction for the appointment of Pedro Rosario, a 29-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department who will serve as deputy commissioner of the department’s Kensington Initiative. “Winds of change keep blowing in Philadelphia and we cannot be more excited about the outcome,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, chairwoman of the delegation. “Mayor Cherelle Parker started strong. She is not only vowing to fight the overdose crisis and the drug market in Kensington; Parker is taking the bull by the horns. The designation of Rosario to work on specific duties in Kensington is a bold action that has our wholehearted support,” she added. Rep. Jose Giral, who represents the180 th Legislative District in the Kensington area, is confident that Rosario will be an effective commissioner, based on Rosario’s expertise and solid credentials. Giral witnessed his work firsthand while Rosario was assigned to the 24 th Police District. “I have known Pedro Rosario for a long time. I met him while I was a member of the Police Advisory Commission and this conferred me the opportunity to work hand in hand with him and the 24 th Police District,” Giral said. “Rosario is boots on the ground from day one because he knows exactly all the particulars of the issues impacting our Read more

 

Rep. Giral's 2024 Capitol calendar

(Jan 03, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

State Representative Jose Giral's 2024 Capitol scenes calendar. Read more

 

Newly Opened Grant Programs Available as of Tuesday, Nov. 14

(Nov 14, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY OPENED PROGRAMS Council on the Arts: Arts Organizations and Arts Programs Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations and municipalities with at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an average arts revenue over $200,000. School districts providing arts programming/services are also eligible. Use: Eligible uses of funds include, but are not limited to, operating, programming or project expenditures. Application Deadline: Jan. 17, 2024 More information: Arts Website Historical & Museum Commission: Empowered History Micro-Grant Program Who May Apply: Any community group or member of a community with historical materials located in Pennsylvania. Highest priority is given to organizations with demonstrated financial need and historical material from communities that are underrepresented in the historical record. Use: Enable communities to preserve and share their history through purchases that capture, preserve or disseminate community history, such as but not limited to, archival boxes, digital projects, educational materials, equipment to improve storage, and more. Funds: Grants will be awarded in amounts between $100 and $1,000 Application Deadline: Jan. 31, 2024 More information: PHMC Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: 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

 

Giral lauds passing of bill that would honor recipients of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal with registration plate

(Nov 01, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, Nov.1 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., today praised the passage of his legislation that would honor the recipients of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal with a special registration plate. House Bill 826 would add a special plate for passenger cars or trucks available for an additional $26 above the normal registration fee. The Congressional Gold Medal was awarded in 2016 to the 65 th Infantry Regiment, a Puerto Rican unit of the U.S. Army nicknamed “the Borinqueneers.” “The Borinqueneers' valor and dedication to the Unites States deserve recognition and remembrance. I am glad to be able to honor their courage,” Giral said. “Such a unique registration plate featuring the Borinqueneers can serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these Puerto Rican veterans, as well as a symbol of the enduring bond between Puerto Rico and United States,” he added. “The special registration plate would be a powerful way to commemorate their service and ensure their legacy lives on for generations to come.” The 65th Infantry Regiment is the first Hispanic unit and the sole unit from the Korean War to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. The regiment is also credited with the last battalion-sized bayonet assault in U.S. Army history. Read more

 

Grants available as of Tuesday, Oct. 17

(Oct 19, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Education Nita M. Lowey 21 st Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 12 Who May Apply: P ublic school districts, charter schools, private schools, nonprofit agencies, city or county government agencies, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, Indian tribes or tribal organizations and for-profit corporations. Applicants must target students in the lowest 5% to 10% of Title I schools or those listed as focus and priority schools. To be eligible for this grant, at least 85% of the students an applicant is proposing to serve must attend: schools that are Title 1, TSI, ATSI or CSI. Use: The primary goal of these centers is to assist students with meeting state and local standards for core subjects such as reading and mathematics, by providing students with academic enrichment opportunities. In addition to academics, centers may also offer participants a broad array of other services and programs, such as art, music, service learning, character education, drug and violence prevention programming, recreation activities and technology education. Funds: Approximately $25 million in federal funding is available. Applicants may request funds ranging from $50,000 to $600,000. Requests for funding should be based on a maximum per pupil-seat cost of $2,100—$2,548, which includes administrative and transportation costs. Application Deadline : Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation members seek justice for unfair Eddie Irizarry ruling and condemn looting in city

(Sep 27, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 27 – In the wake of a disruptive wave of looting that hit Philadelphia Tuesday night, Philadelphia House Delegation members condemned the episode and emphasized that seeking justice in the Irizarry case must be separate from the looting. The chaos unfolded shortly after the announcement that a judge had dropped all charges against former Philadelphia police Officer Mark Dial, who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry. The deadly incident involving Irizarry occurred after a traffic stop. “What we saw last night is a pure and simple act of vandalism. Under no circumstances can we correlate protesters and looters. There is no possible excuse for destroying public property,” said delegation chairwoman Morgan Cephas. “We express our solidarity to the victim’s family, and we will keep monitoring the Irizarry case. This needs to be resolved in court, not on the streets of Philadelphia. We would also like to extend our support to the business owners impacted by this unfortunate episode,” Cephas added. Rep. Jose Giral, who represents the180 th Legislative District where the deadly incident took place on Aug. 14, highlighted that he is deeply concerned about the way the Irizarry investigation was conducted. “It is absolutely outrageous that those charges were dismissed. We need accountability to right the wrongs that occurred today and provide Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application (09/19/2023)

(Sep 19, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: COVID Mitigation for Counties Who May Apply : This funding is available to 66 Pennsylvania counties. Each county’s Criminal Justice Advisory Board will be responsible for coordinating the application for their county and local confinement facilities, as funding is limited to that purpose. Use : Per the requirements of the CDC’s award, this grant has 15 allowable activities which are designed to detect, diagnose, trace, and monitor SARS–CoV–2 and COVID–19 infections, and mitigate the spread of COVID–19 in confinement facilities. These activities include hiring personnel related to testing/mitigation efforts, purchasing laboratory equipment used for COVID-19 testing, purchasing supplies, test kits, and other tools related to rapid identification of COVID-19, contracting with testing agencies, purchasing software and technology to track COVID-19, and other related activities. Funds : A total of $9,624,626 is available to 66 counties. Application Deadline : September 19, 2023 More information : PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Medical Marijuana Act Enforcement Who May Apply : Eligibility for these funds is open to municipalities and regional police departments proposing to implement projects and programs that address the Read more

 

Policy Committee hears testimony on concerns in Latino community

(Sep 15, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

“We needed to hear from prominent members of the Latino community so we could place a spotlight on the issues our residents are facing every day – and discuss what could be done in Harrisburg to help alleviate the greatest concerns,” said Rep. Jose Giral, who hosted the hearing. “It’s our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure no community is left behind or forgotten.” Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application (09/05/2023)

(Sep 05, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Regional Policing Assistance Program Who May Apply: Applicants for the Regional Policing Assistance Program may be any municipality – a city, borough, township, home-rule municipality, or county. Applicants may also be a public or quasi-public body, or its representative, duly authorized to act on behalf of one or more municipalities. All applications must be accompanied by fully executed Articles of Agreement or an Intergovernmental Agreement that establishes a Regional Police Department. Use: Funding will support efforts in establishing or expanding regional police departments that would improve the following: uniformity and consistency of enforcement across municipalities; recruitment; distribution and deployment of police personnel; training and personnel efficiency; career enhancement opportunities; enhanced professionalism; and reduction of costs. Funds: A total of approximately $1,000,000 in federal funds is being announced to support this initiative. Applicants may apply for up to $150,000 for the formation of a new regional police department or up to $50,000 for the expansion of an existing regional police department by adding a chartered municipality(ies). Application Deadline: September 6, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Legal Standing Video Read more

 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

(Aug 22, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

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

 

Infrastructure, Housing, Transportation, and Safety Funding Opportunities

(Jul 05, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

Below are several grant programs that are currently open for applications. PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program Who May Apply: Museums that are in Pennsylvania with annual operating budgets exceeding $100,000 (excluding capital and in-kind services) and at least one full-time professional staff person and that are not supported by other state agency funding programs and official County Historical Societies designated as the official historical society for the county. Use: The goal of this program is to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museums and allow applicants to determine how to use funds for operating expenses. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, salaries, benefits, insurance, food service, travel, professional development, marketing, and equipment. Funds: Grant awards range from $2,500 to $65,000. Application Deadline: November 7, 2023 More information: PHMC Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) Program Who May Apply: Municipality, Economic Development Organization, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Agencies. For-profit businesses are not eligible to apply for the PA SITES Program. However, an eligible applicant may apply for a site owned and controlled by the Read more

 

Giral Working Against Drug Abuse

(Jun 30, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

PA state Rep. Jose Giral is working to create a statewide program to help local pharmacies to hold their own drug take back events to help people safely dispose of dangerous prescriptions drugs in their home. Part of the effort is to educate pharmacists in best practices and safety measures. This is part of Giral's efforts to reduce opioid abuse in his community and across PA. Read more

 

PA House Labor & Industry Committee approves resolution condemning exclusion of mandated water breaks for workers

(Jun 28, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, June 28 – During a voting meeting today, the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee reported a resolution ( H.R. 159 ) out of committee and to the full House that would condemn the elimination of local rules in Texas mandating water breaks for construction workers. State Rep. Jose Giral introduced the resolution after Texas recently eliminated local ordinances mandating water breaks for construction workers, undermining their safety and well-being. “I believe it is appallingly brutal to institute legislation that would disregard the basic needs of any human being. I wholeheartedly condemn the Texas legislation that eliminates mandated water breaks for construction workers,” Giral said. “People are not machines; these decisions impact the health and mental wellness of human lives. We need to protect all workers’ rights and collectively raise our voices against this irrational and inhumane legislation in Texas.” Read more

 

Giral doubles up efforts to reduce opioid and prescription drug abuse

(Jun 27, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, June 27 – Today, bills (H.B. 817 and H.B. 818) introduced by state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The bills represent Giral’s dual effort to educate and support pharmacies to help reduce opioid and prescription drug abuse in communities. House Bill 817 (Educate pharmacies about drug takeback locations) would direct the State Board of Pharmacy to educate pharmacies about drug takeback programs. Pharmacies can institute takeback programs now, but many do not because they lack the necessary guidance and logistics plan. Giral highlights that the educational component in his bills is essential because educating pharmacies on the option to aid Pennsylvanians with safely and responsibly disposing of their unwanted or expired medications is crucial to preventing the misuse and diversion of prescription drugs. House Bill 818 (Provide support for drug takeback locations at pharmacies) would establish the Pharmaceutical Collection Sites Educational Program within the Department of State to assist pharmacy board efforts. The program would help pharmacies meet the cost and complete the necessary steps of setting up a takeback location. “I am proud to say today that we are moving legislation forward to address this issue,” Giral said. “We are now a step closer to take control of this serious public problem in our state. I am thankful to Read more

 

Infrastructure, Housing, and Safety Funding Opportunities

(Jun 16, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Support Families of Child Abuse Victims Who May Apply: Non-profits that specialize in providing service for child abuse victims in Pennsylvania. Use: Implementation of a research or evidence-based trauma training to support non-offending caregivers of child abuse victims. Funds: $250,000 in federal Children’s Justice Act funds. Application Deadline: July 6, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: PA START/STOP Project Who May Apply: Any private non-profit agency, any private for-profit agency, public agency, or unit of local government. Use: The PA START/STOP campaigns aim to increase awareness of the dangers of Opioid abuse, as well as to provide resources to assist parents and caregivers in promoting healthy behaviors among youth to prevent substance use in the first place. Funds: $900,000 in federal State Opioid Response funds. Application Deadline: July 10, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Who May Apply: Local, county, and tribal governments, transit agencies, schools, school districts, nonprofits, and small Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Use: Transportation alternatives, including on- and Read more

 

Giral appointed to four PA House committees

(Mar 09, 2023) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, March 9 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., announce today that he has been appointed to four PA House standing committees -- Aging & Older Adult Services, Labor and Industry, Human Services and Liquor Control -- for the 2023-24 legislative session. “I feel honored to have been chosen to serve on these important committees that will certainly allow me to generate, along with my colleagues, bold changes for the benefit of the state," Giral said. “I am ready to work with both sides of the aisle and advocate for policies that will help working-class families, especially with my Aging & Older Adult Services and Human Services assignments.” Read more

 

House passes Philadelphia tow truck accountability legislation
Apr 10, 2024

Khan to introduce bipartisan legislation to assist small businesses impacted by natural disasters
Mar 22, 2024

Grants available as of Tuesday, Jan. 30
Jan 30, 2024

Grants available as of Tuesday, Jan. 16
Jan 16, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation commends appointment of Pedro Rosario, first ever Latino deputy police commissioner in the city
Jan 12, 2024

Rep. Giral's 2024 Capitol calendar
Jan 03, 2024

Newly Opened Grant Programs Available as of Tuesday, Nov. 14
Nov 14, 2023

Giral lauds passing of bill that would honor recipients of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal with registration plate
Nov 01, 2023

Grants available as of Tuesday, Oct. 17
Oct 19, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation members seek justice for unfair Eddie Irizarry ruling and condemn looting in city
Sep 27, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application (09/19/2023)
Sep 19, 2023

Policy Committee hears testimony on concerns in Latino community
Sep 15, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application (09/05/2023)
Sep 05, 2023

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Aug 22, 2023

Infrastructure, Housing, Transportation, and Safety Funding Opportunities
Jul 05, 2023

Giral Working Against Drug Abuse
Jun 30, 2023

PA House Labor & Industry Committee approves resolution condemning exclusion of mandated water breaks for workers
Jun 28, 2023

Giral doubles up efforts to reduce opioid and prescription drug abuse
Jun 27, 2023

Infrastructure, Housing, and Safety Funding Opportunities
Jun 16, 2023

Giral appointed to four PA House committees
Mar 09, 2023