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Neilson: SEPTA Cutting Services & Increasing Fares

(1 day ago) Rep. Ed Neilson

Majority Chairman of the #PAHouse Transportation Committee state Rep. Ed Neilson gave his reaction to the announcement of SEPTA potentially cutting services & increasing fares. Neilson says that if we do not get SEPTA the funding that they need to avoid these cuts & increases it will be detrimental not just for the southeast but all of the commonwealth. Read more

 

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s service cuts and fare increase

(Apr 10, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

After the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority today announced unprecedented service cuts and fare increases, state Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, released the following statement: “SEPTA’s announced fare increases and service cuts will have a rippling and devastating effect. It will not just affect Philadelphia dramatically, but the commonwealth as a whole. “Nine out of every 10 people throughout PA rely on public transit when traveling for school or work; for some it’s the only option. These service cuts and fare increases will create barriers for hardworking Pennsylvanians who are already having trouble making ends meet. “But the impact spans far past a lack of services or unaffordable costs, it will rob our state of economic vitality. Every dollar invested in transit returns five dollars back into our economy. SEPTA employs more than 10,000 direct employees who would suffer but even people who have never seen a SEPTA bus will feel these cuts and fare increases. Companies in more than 41 Pennsylvania counties will lose money because SEPTA cannot purchase supplies and building materials, exacerbating the economic pressure of SEPTA’s $213 million budget deficit. “I will continue to advocate for all transit agencies in Pennsylvania to receive critical funding they need to keep Pennsylvanians moving forward.” Read more

 

Pennsylvania bill looks to remove PSP from Motor License Fund to rebuild roads, bridges

(Apr 09, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

Funding PA's roads and bridges is an investment in our economic strength, every $1 spent on transportation generates up to $3.60 in economic activity. Read more

 

House OKs Neilson resolution to honor transit workers

(Mar 19, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today adopted a resolution recognizing March 18 as National Transit Worker Appreciation Day in Pennsylvania, according to author House Transportation Committee Chair Rep. Ed Neilson. Read more

 

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

(Mar 19, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart Technical Assistance Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any community-based organization, non-profit, for-profit, or educational institution. The applicant must successfully demonstrate their history in providing technical assistance in child sexual abuse prevention programming. Use: To establish a collaboration with the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network (CMSN) at Pennsylvania State University (PSU), including CMSN Affiliate Dr. Kate Guastaferro from New York University (NYU), to provide additional support to the 15 awarded Project Safe and Smart grantees, ensuring the successful implementation of their projects. Funds: A total of $150,000 in state Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one (1) grant over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: April 18, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Technical Assistance Initiative Who May Apply: Non-profit orgnaizations Use: To continue support of CJABs through the CJAB Specialists who serve as a resource to counties in assisting with CJAB projects. Funds: A combination of federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and state funds is being Read more

 

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

(Mar 12, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

Learn more about the multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more

 

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

(Mar 04, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 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 More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business Read more

 

Neilson introduces legislation to mandate statewide licensing of electricians

(Feb 18, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

Today, state Rep. Ed Neilson introduced legislation (H.B. 98) that would require statewide licensing for all electrical workers to protect both electricians and the consumers they serve. Nelson is a lifelong member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98. He said the bill number is a nod to his commitment to promoting safety and setting standards in a highly skilled and dangerous trade. “Pennsylvania electricians deserve uniform guidelines that foster safe workplace practices and consumers deserve reliable service from well-trained electricians. The dangerous nature of electrical work is amplified in Pennsylvania by the lack of statewide licensing requirements to work in this highly skilled trade,” Neilson said. Neilson added that Pennsylvania is just one of a handful of states that doesn’t require statewide licensing to work as an electrician, leaving them without opportunity to work in reciprocity with other states. “We must ensure that our electricians have guidelines that not only set industry standards for quality electrical work but will keep safety a top priority for all.” Neilson said. Read more

 

Neilson bill to promote work zone driving safety headed to Senate

(Feb 04, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

Today, Pennsylvania lawmakers voted to protect road workers by passing legislation authored by House Transportation Committee Chair Rep. Ed Neilson. The bipartisan bill (H.B. 257) would provide more tools to help new drivers learn about how to drive safely in a work zone. It accomplishes this by requiring that the written driving test include at least one question about work zone driving safety, while also requiring minors to view PennDOT’s educational materials about work zone driving safety before they apply for a junior driver’s license. “Road workers deserve protective measures to ease their worry about potential safety risks. They work hard, sometimes in the extreme heat and cold, to ensure that roads and bridges across the state are safe and efficient,” Neilson said. “Educating new drivers on the best practices while driving through work zones instills safe driving habits from the moment they apply for their driver’s permit.” According to PennDOT, 91 workers have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1970. The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Legislation authorizing parking-protected bike lanes passes House

(Feb 04, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

On Monday, the House approved bipartisan legislation ( H.B. 291) that would give local authorities the option of installing parking-protected bicycle lanes between the curb and parking lanes on roadways under their jurisdiction. “My priority as transportation chair is to ensure the safety and well-being of anyone who uses Pennsylvania roads,” Neilson said. “We worked hard during the last legislative session to pass legislation that protects children in school zones, enforcing speeding violations through work zones and we strengthened our distracted driving laws.” Neilson said he felt compelled to make another push for this legislation after last summer’s tragic and preventable death of Dr. Barbara Friedes, a pediatrician with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who was tragically struck and killed while riding her bicycle in an unprotected bike lane in Philadelphia. “We all have people we care deeply about; I have five kids myself and three grandkids; the thought of having to bury one of them before their time is devastating itself but knowing it could have been prevented with a protected bike lane would amplify that grief,” he said. Neilson thanked his colleagues, state Reps. Mary Jo Daley and David Maloney, for introducing and championing H.B. 291. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Neilson: Pray for Families Affected by NE Philly Plane Crash

(Feb 03, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

As he convened the Feb. 3rd meeting of the #PAHouse Transportation Committee, Majority Chairman Ed Neilson asked his colleagues to observe a moment of silence and pray for the victims and families affected on  Jan. 31st when a plane crashed into a Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood. Read more

 

Reps. Bellmon, Dawkins, Dougherty, Gallagher, Neilson and Solomon Issue Statement on Plane Crash in Northeast Philadelphia

(Jan 31, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 31, 2025 — State Reps. Anthony Bellmon, Jason Dawkins, Sean Dougherty, Pat Gallagher, Ed Neilson and Jared Solomon today issued the following statement on a plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia: "While we're still learning details regarding the horrific tragedy in Northeast Philadelphia, we're working with local and state officials to support our community. For everyone's safety and to ensure first responders have unimpeded access to the site, please avoid the area around Roosevelt Mall. "Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims, as well as the neighbors and businesses impacted by this disaster. We're extremely grateful for all the first responders working this emergency." Read more

 

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

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. Application Deadline: April 2, 2025 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 Read more

 

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

(Jan 22, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Victims of Crime Act 2025-2027 Who May Apply: Agencies currently receiving federal Victims of Crime Act funding. Use: The federal VOCA guidelines classify eligible activities/costs into three categories: direct service costs, activities supporting direct services, and subrecipient administrative costs. The federal VOCA guidelines can be found in the Federal Register at: Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Program . Funds: This solicitation is for approximately $53.9 million in federal VOCA funds for the first year with year two amounts being determined at the November 2025 Victims Services Advisory Committee (VSCA) meeting. PCCD expects to fund approximately 157 grants. Applicants will be required to submit a continuation application for year two. Application Deadline: March 14, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Department of Health: WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning Program Who May Apply: Municipalities and metropolitan and rural planning organizations. Priority will be given to communities located in PA DOH State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) priority counties or with an overall percentile rating above 60 in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) PennEnviroScreen Tool. The 10 current SPAN target counties are: Clearfield, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Northumberland, and Philadelphia. Use: Funds will be Read more

 

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

(Jan 15, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program Who May Apply: Public institutions of higher education. Use: Funding may be used to offer college coursework to high school students enrolled in eligible school entities. Funds: $14 million in state funding was allocated through the 2024 School Code. Application Deadline: February 10, 2025 More information: PDE Website Department of Environmental Protection: Abandoned Mine Land and Abandoned Mine Draining Grant Program Who May Apply: An authority, incorporated nonprofit, political subdivision, or conservation district. Use: Funds may be used for abandoned mine land reclamation and abandoned mine drainage treatment or abatement. Funds: $75 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: April 25, 2025. Applicants must contact DEP ( ra-epamgrantprogram@pa.gov ) prior to applying for an initial project consultation. More information: DEP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Physical health care providers, hospitals, rural health centers, or federally qualified health clinics. Use: To promote full integration and collaboration in clinical practice between behavioral health care and primary physical health care. Funds: $3 million in funding is available from the Publicis Health Opioid Settlement. Application Deadline: January 24, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Read more

 

Legislators introduce consumer privacy rights a fourth time

(Jan 14, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

Pennsylvanians should be able to interact online without worrying how their information is used; they deserve the option to protect themselves from targeted advertising and other nefarious ways their information can be used Read more

 

Neilson introduces legislation to protect consumer’s online data

(Jan 09, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – Today, state Rep. Ed Neilson introduced legislation (H.B. 78) along with state Rep. Stephenie Scialabba to establish a Consumer Data Privacy Act, which would ensure that consumers are able to make informed decisions about how their data is being used online or sold to a third party. “Unlike other states, Pennsylvania has no safeguard to protect our constituents’ privacy,” Neilson said. “Pennsylvanians should be able to interact online without worrying how their information is used; they deserve the option to protect themselves from targeted advertising and other nefarious ways their information can be used.” Neilson added that it’s unfair to consumers who expect their private information to be safely stored with one business, but they are incentivized to sell it to third parties for targeted advertising purposes. “Many other states have protections for consumer data, but we are falling behind in Pennsylvania,” Neilson continued. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to establish important privacy laws.” House Bill 78 is based on similar legislation from last session (formerly H.B.1201), which received bipartisan support in the House but failed to receive a vote in the Senate before the end of the year. Read more

 

Neilson announces role as chair of the House Transportation Committee

(Jan 08, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

Today, state Rep. Ed Neilson was named as majority chair of the House Transportation Committee. Neilson previously served in this role during the 2023-24 legislative session and was successful in authoring laws that strengthened distracted driving laws, ensured that electric vehicle owners were paying their fair share for the upkeep of our roads, and make roads safer for everyone. “While the House Transportation Committee faced challenges during the previous legislative session, I was happy to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and implement bipartisan solutions to those challenges,” Neilson said. “I want to build on the accomplishments of the 2023-2024 legislative session and make Pennsylvania a leader in all aspects of the transportation sector.” Neilson was also instrumental in extending the emergency proclamation from Gov. Josh Shapiro to expedite the re-opening of I-95 after a truck fire caused an overpass in northeast Philadelphia to collapse. “I-95 is a major roadway, not just for Philadelphia but for the entire Northeast region. The cooperative effort of local, state and federal government resulted in the bridge re-opening for use just 12 days after the accident and I was proud to be a part of that,” Neilson added. Neilson said that his priorities include adequate funding for public transportation agencies across the commonwealth, as well as the repair and upkeep of Pennsylvania’s Read more

 

Rep. Neilson's 2025 Web Calendar

(Dec 30, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

2025 Web Calendar Read more

 

Neilson lauds cooperative effort to reduce vehicle fees for retirees and veterans

(Dec 18, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

State Rep. Ed Neilson today expressed his gratitude toward Gov. Josh Shapiro and his House colleagues, state Reps. Joe Ciresi and Rob Merski, for the successful effort to allow more seniors and certain military veterans to be eligible for reduced or eliminated vehicle registration fees at PennDOT. Neilson’s legislation, H.B. 2301, was signed into law by Shapiro as Act 60 on July 15, 2024 and went into effect this month. It included a proposal offered by Merski to increase the annual income cap for a retiree to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee of $11. Previously, the annual income cap for a retired customer to qualify for a reduced registration fee of $11 was $19,200, which had not been increased since 1998. Due to the newly enacted state law, the annual income cap is now $29,906, and it will be adjusted annually for inflation going forward. Because of the expansion of the annual income threshold, many more retired persons will be eligible for the reduced registration fee of $11. “As people age and retire, they are usually restricted to a fixed income,” Neilson said. “Every dollar helps, and the expansion of the eligibility threshold will allow these retirees to save more money on their vehicle registration.” Neilson’s legislation also included a proposal offered by Ciresi to eliminate registration and titling fees for one passenger vehicle or truck weighing 9,000 pounds or less Read more

 

Neilson: SEPTA Cutting Services & Increasing Fares
1 day ago

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s service cuts and fare increase
Apr 10, 2025

Pennsylvania bill looks to remove PSP from Motor License Fund to rebuild roads, bridges
Apr 09, 2025

House OKs Neilson resolution to honor transit workers
Mar 19, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 19, 2025

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 12, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 04, 2025

Neilson introduces legislation to mandate statewide licensing of electricians
Feb 18, 2025

Neilson bill to promote work zone driving safety headed to Senate
Feb 04, 2025

Legislation authorizing parking-protected bike lanes passes House
Feb 04, 2025

Neilson: Pray for Families Affected by NE Philly Plane Crash
Feb 03, 2025

Reps. Bellmon, Dawkins, Dougherty, Gallagher, Neilson and Solomon Issue Statement on Plane Crash in Northeast Philadelphia
Jan 31, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 29, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 22, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 15, 2025

Legislators introduce consumer privacy rights a fourth time
Jan 14, 2025

Neilson introduces legislation to protect consumer’s online data
Jan 09, 2025

Neilson announces role as chair of the House Transportation Committee
Jan 08, 2025

Rep. Neilson's 2025 Web Calendar
Dec 30, 2024

Neilson lauds cooperative effort to reduce vehicle fees for retirees and veterans
Dec 18, 2024