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Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to I-95 Collapse Emergency

Neilson applauds Gov. Shapiro for redirecting federal funding to SEPTA

(Nov 22, 2024)

House Transportation Committee Chair, state Rep. Ed Neilson made the following statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s redirection of $153 million in federal highway capital funds to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to allow for continued service, avoid immediate service cuts and delay more significant fare increases until July 1, 2025: “I want to thank Governor Shapiro for his leadership and support of Pennsylvania’s most complex and robust transit authority. SEPTA is a lifeline for people in Philadelphia and the outlying counties, providing almost 800,000 people daily with transportation that they might not otherwise have. “We have been sounding the alarm around public transit funding for months. On our statewide tour about the transportation needs of urban, suburban and rural Pennsylvania, we heard from countless experts who spoke of the dire consequences that would come without action from the General Assembly. “The PA House Democrats took that input seriously, passing bipartisan legislation to properly fund public transit in all 67 counties on three different occasions, which was never brought up for consideration in the Senate. “This isn’t just about buses; this is about jobs. This is about making sure that our businesses can still get their employees to work. Transit is an investment, not an expense. For every dollar invested in transit, we generate Read more

 

Crash Responder Safety Week Proclamation

(Nov 15, 2024)

With this proclamation for the emergency responders, we’re reminding people to Slow down and move over when approaching the scene of an accident. Read more

 

Neilson makes statement on SEPTA’s fare increase proposal

(Nov 13, 2024)

Following SEPTA’s new fare increase proposal, announced yesterday, Majority Chair of the House Transportation Committee, state Rep. Ed Neilson, made the following statement: “I am disappointed that millions of people from Philadelphia and the outlying suburbs will be drastically impacted by SEPTA’s fare increase and major service cuts to the region,” Neilson said. “Despite months of negotiations and a statewide informational tour about the importance of funding our public transit agencies in all 67 counties, the General Assembly failed to reach an agreement. “The Pennsylvania House Democrats passed legislation three times to increase funding to SEPTA and other public transit agencies statewide without raising taxes. My legislation, House Bill 2625, which passed the House, would have prevented SEPTA’s fare increases and service cuts, while also providing increased transit funding to rural, suburban, and urban communities in all 67 counties. “Although SEPTA is the first casualty of this inaction, it will not be the last. During the House Transportation Committee’s statewide tour over the summer, we heard from every transit agency about how they are facing the same fiscal challenges as SEPTA. Soon, other vital public transit agencies throughout the state will have to make the same hard choices as SEPTA without additional state funding. “As Majority Chair of the Read more

 

Neilson presents $1 million to Northeast Philadelphia Airport

(Nov 01, 2024)

Reaffirming commitment to his role as Majority Chair of the House Transportation Committee, state Rep. Ed Neilson today joined state Sen. Jimmy Dillon to present $1 million in state funding to Northeast Philadelphia Airport for critical upgrades to the facility. “This funding will go a long way to modernizing Northeast Airport which helps keep it competitive and an even stronger economic engine for Northeast Philadelphia and Pennsylvania,” Neilson said. “It will ease the burden of Northeast residents while traveling, boost tourism and support local jobs. It’s a commitment to the future of Pennsylvania’s transportation sector.” Secured by Neilson and Dillion, the funding comes from the Local Share Account grant program, supported by the Department of Community and Economic Development. It will be used for upgrading the facility, enhancing security, and improvements to office space for the many workers employed there. “This funding represents meaningful investments in our community,” Dillon said. “We’ll keep working to secure more support for the people and organizations that make Northeast Philadelphia thrive." 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

 

Neilson lauds Nonprofit Security Grant Program Awards

(Oct 24, 2024)

State Rep. Ed Neilson announced today that two Jewish synagogues were awarded $98,100 to enhance security for protection against acts of hate. In the 2024-25 state budget, House Democrats voted to bolster the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program to protect vulnerable communities from hate crimes. Funding for this program was more than doubled within the state budget, thanks to the leadership of Gov. Josh Shapiro and House Democrats. “All Pennsylvanians deserve to feel safe no matter where they are,” Neilson said. “This is not just a matter of security, but of justice. This funding will provide protected communities with peace of mind as they worship, pray or gather with their community.” The following organizations received awards from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program: Congregation Ahavas Torah - $75,000 Politz Hebrew Academy Philadelphia - $23,100 PCCD administers the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program , which has provided $25 million in funding to more than 580 organizations since its inception. This latest, seventh round of grants will go to 208 nonprofit organizations, including 102 organizations that have never before received funding through this program. More information about the 208 selected applicants, the county served and award amounts can be found on the PCCD website . Read more

 

Neilson applauds passage of funding for public transit

(Oct 23, 2024)

After months of negotiations and informational meetings regarding Pennsylvania’s transportation sector, state Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, today announced the passage of House Bill 2625. House Bill 2625, authored by Neilson, would increase the share of the state’s sales tax revenue designated to transit funding from 4.4% to 6.15%, resulting in approximately $282 million in new transit funding for all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties without raising taxes. “We’ve voted three times on legislation that would allow mass transit agencies across the commonwealth to continue providing vital services to urban, rural and suburban communities,” Neilson said. “Reliable public transit is a vital service that many Pennsylvanians rely on, especially our seniors and people with disabilities who require a robust public transit system to reach important medical appointments and much more. “There is still time for the Senate leadership to do the right thing and fund public transit for all 67 counties,” he said. House Bill 2625 now moves to the Republican-controlled Senate. Read more

 

Neilson welcomes $1.4 million in state funding for legislative district

(Oct 22, 2024)

Today, state Rep. Ed Neilson announced that $1,450,645 was awarded to three organizations in his legislative district which furthers his commitment to investing in Northeast Philadelphia’s future. The following organizations were awarded funding: JEVS Orleans Technical College - $52,132 Settlement Music School - $398,513 Northeast Philadelphia Airport - $1,000,000 “Investing in the security and environmental sustainability of these organizations will have significant and long-term benefits for Northeast Philadelphia,” Neilson said. “They help empower our community by providing training, and workforce development and keep the Northeast connected via aviation outside of the rush of Philadelphia International Airport. I’m happy to put in the work for these investments and prepare Northeast Philadelphia for a future of success and opportunity.” Neilson thanked state Sen. Jimmy Dillion for his support in obtaining this funding. “These projects represent meaningful investments in our community,” said Dillon. “We’ll keep working to secure more support for the people and organizations that make Northeast Philadelphia thrive." The Statewide Local Share Account funding comes from the PA Racehorse Development and Gaming Act, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public Read more

 

Neilson applauds newly signed law to enhance street racing penalties

(Oct 17, 2024)

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, today praised a new law to enhance penalties for illegal street racing. “Younger people see street racing in movies and it’s viewed as a fun and exciting activity that isn’t harmful to people and communities,” Neilson said. “However, we’ve seen time and time again the detrimental effects of illegal street racing in Philadelphia – from quality-of-life issues such as noise, litter and streets completely blocked by the traffic to more serious safety issues such as traffic accidents and even violence stoked by these races.” Neilson said that while illegal street racing is already a crime in Pennsylvania, it was time to update this law to reflect the commonwealth’s dedication to improve safety and order on Pennsylvania roads. The fine will increase from $250 to up to $2,000 per violation. On a second or subsequent violation the driver’s vehicle will be impounded to keep them from attending illegal street races, according to Neilson. The law also prohibits drifting and creates new penalties for people who organize illegal street races. Read more

 

Neilson committee advances legislation to increase transit funding in all 67 PA counties

(Oct 09, 2024)

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, announced today that the committee has advanced legislation (H.B. 2625) to increase state funding for transit agencies in all 67 counties. “Residents of all 67 counties rely on public transportation for their employment, education or health care, all of which play a part to keep our economy strong,” Neilson said. “Rural, suburban, and urban communities all need reliable and accessible transit services.” This bill would increase the allocation of existing sales tax revenue going to transit agencies from 4.4% to 6.15% without raising taxes. This increase will provide an additional $1.5 billion over the next five years to transit agencies across Pennsylvania. This amount of funding was recommended by Gov. Josh Shapiro during his 2024-25 budget address last February. The House previously approved two other proposals this session to increase transit funding, but they have not been considered by the state Senate. “I am hopeful that the House and Senate can come together to reach a solution as soon as possible,” Neilson said. The legislation was introduced after Neilson led the House Transportation Committee on a statewide tour, listening to Pennsylvanians and transit experts speak about the importance of a robust and reliable public transportation system throughout Pennsylvania. “We visited 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

 

OPINION: Pennsylvania Needs to Properly Fund Its Transportation System

(Oct 01, 2024)

Pennsylvania has more roads and bridges than New York, New Jersey, and all the New England states combined. We have roads that we must police, plow and pave. Yet currently, PennDOT is facing an annual budget shortfall of $9.4 billion. This doesn’t include all the local roads and bridges that are maintained by local governments, which need relief as well. Act 89 of 2013 marked the last time the state legislature attempted to address transportation funding. It’s time to address it again – and make sure we include all aspects of transportation, especially public transit. The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee just wrapped up a series of public hearings across the state to discuss how our transportation infrastructure impacts communities and what we need to address in the state legislature. This series of public meetings focused on many aspects of transportation. We spoke of ways to properly fund our infrastructure, workforce, public transit, and airports. All these areas have a great impact on Pennsylvania’s economy, and we must do everything as state legislators to keep Pennsylvanians connected. From Philadelphia’s busy streets to the quiet towns of central Pennsylvania, a reliable and well-funded transit system is crucial for keeping our state connected. A lack of reliable public transportation would have a devastating effect in all 67 counties of the commonwealth. Yet, despite its importance, public transit funding is Read more

 

Neilson committee advances legislation on parking-protected bicycle lanes

(Sep 30, 2024)

Today, the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee, chaired by state Rep. Ed Neilson, advanced legislation that would give local authorities the option to install parking-protected bicycle lanes between the curb and parking lanes on roadways under their jurisdiction. Senate Bill 1147 was amended by the committee today to add the provisions regarding parking-protected bicycle lanes. “My priority as transportation chair is to ensure the safety and well-being of anyone who uses Pennsylvania roads,” Neilson said. “You can see that reflected in the legislation we’ve passed this year, a lot of which surrounds the safety of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in Pennsylvania.” The House previously passed legislation on parking protected bicycle lanes in June 2023 with overwhelming bipartisan support, but it was never considered in the Senate. Neilson said he felt compelled to make another push for this legislation after Dr. Barbara Friedes, a pediatrician with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, was tragically struck and killed while riding her bicycle in a bike lane over the summer in Philadelphia. “I’ve got five kids and three grandkids; I can’t imagine having to bury one of my own over something which could have been prevented with a protected bike lane.” Neilson said. “I hope this bill moves quickly and we can avoid more tragic fatalities in Pennsylvania.” Neilson thanked his colleagues, Read more

 

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Philadelphia to discuss transportation needs

(Sep 23, 2024)

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee met in Philadelphia last week to hear from experts on transportation funding needs for Pennsylvania’s largest city, according to committee Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “During this informational tour, we heard experts from all over the transportation sector echo the same sentiment: this is a critical time for the vital industries that maintain Pennsylvania’s ever evolving transportation infrastructure,” Neilson said. “These experts, many from the various transit agencies that are a true economic engine for the commonwealth, explained that while they are grateful for the funding received from the 2024-2025 budget, the deficits they face will have a significant impact on our state’s economic growth and more importantly, it would limit personal mobility for thousands of Pennsylvanians.” “The final state budget that passed in July, did not include the governor's full transit funding proposal. It provided a one-time investment of $80.5 million to public transportation agencies across the state, including $46 million for SEPTA. This is less than one-fourth of the needed funding SEPTA originally requested, and less than one-third of the $161 million that Governor Shapiro's proposal would generate,” Kenneth Lawrence Jr., board chair of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, said at the hearing. “While SEPTA is Read more

 

The Reality of Pennsylvania’s Need for Transportation Funding

(Sep 19, 2024)

The Reality of Pennsylvania’s Need for Transportation Funding Pennsylvania’s transportation policy touches every facet of our lives. From the roads, bridges, rails, ships and planes we ride on to the packages we pick up on our porch, transportation policy created at the federal, state and local levels is ever-present. As chairman of the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee, I take that reality seriously, whether we’re voting on legislation in Harrisburg or gathering information in the field. The only way we can generate solutions for our transportation problems and elevate Pennsylvania’s reputation as a leader in transportation is to reach across the political aisle and work together to have these important conversations with leading industry experts. It’s why the committee I lead is holding several public meetings across the state this summer and fall. We face significant challenges. Pennsylvania has more roads and bridges than New York, New Jersey, and all the New England states combined. We have roads that we must police, plow and pave. Currently, PennDOT is facing an annual budget shortfall of $9.4 billion. This doesn’t include all the local roads and bridges that are maintained by local governments, which need relief as well. But we’re not just talking about roads and bridges. This series of public meetings is focusing on all aspects of 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

 

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Reading to discuss transportation’s impact on PA

(Sep 09, 2024)

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee met in Reading last week to hear from experts on Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs, according to committee Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “We can properly fund public transportation agencies in all 67 counties without raising taxes,” Neilson said. “We must act now because this isn’t just a SEPTA problem or a Philadelphia problem. This is a statewide problem that affects rural and urban communities.” The committee heard testimony from Bryan Barbin, the deputy secretary of Taxation for the PA Department of Revenue; he highlighted the impact of Pennsylvania’s mass transit infrastructure on the state’s economy. “In 2022, the Berks County economy was estimated to generate $23.8 billion in gross domestic product while Philadelphia County, the largest in Pennsylvania, generated $123 billion in gross domestic product,” Barbin said. Barbin also went into great detail about Gov. Josh Shapiro’s state budget proposal regarding public transit, explaining how investing in public transit will save on road repairs from wear and tear and lead to less overall cost in the long term. “A strong investment in mass transit not only promises to save on overall operating costs but also champions a significant environmental victory. By enhancing public transportation, we can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% per trip compared to driving, making every dollar spent Read more

 

House Transportation Committee meets in Luzerne County to discuss transportation’s impact on PA

(Sep 09, 2024)

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee met at the Luzerne County Transportation Authority to hear from experts on Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs, according to committee Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “We saw a real-life example in the LCTA: investing wisely in our transit systems cuts back on overall operating costs, providing less financial burden to the taxpayers and people who rely on public transportation daily,” Neilson said. “As state lawmakers, we have a responsibility to serve the people of Pennsylvania, and it’s clear that investing in our public transit system would be a great service to everyone in the commonwealth.” Bob Fiume, executive director of LCTA and vice-chair of the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association, spoke to the committee on the significant impact that public transit has on all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. “We connect people to their jobs, educational opportunities, and lots of important services,” Fiume said. “This includes access to medical care, nutrition access for seniors, access to jobs, and continued independence for transit-dependent populations.” Fiume described how the completion of LCTA’s new building, which serves as administrative offices, vehicle storage, and a maintenance facility, is crucial to the authority. “This new building now houses our administrative offices, our vehicles, a Compressed Natural Gas fueling station for Read more

 

PA House Transportation Committee met at the State Capitol to discuss transportation’s impact on PA

(Sep 05, 2024)

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee today met at State Capitol to hear from experts on Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs, according to committee Majority Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. The committee heard from Mark Markosky, president of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania, who explained how funding transportation is vital to Pennsylvania’s long-term economic well-being. “Funding for infrastructure projects provides high quality stable and good paying jobs for thousands of highly educated Pennsylvania residents – not just in the urban areas,” Markosky said. He said that even in rural areas, a small bridge replacement requires experts from all different sectors to determine the impact the bridge will have on the community, from engineers and environmental scientists to construction inspectors. “Funding for infrastructure projects provides high quality, stable and good paying jobs for thousands of educated Pennsylvanians,” Markosky said. David Heath, a consultant for the Aviation Council of PA, spoke of the importance of Aviation on Pennsylvania’s economy and the critical need to increase state funding for aviation infrastructure in the state. “With an annual economic impact that exceeds $34 billion, the aviation industry in Pennsylvania contributes more than 4% to our state’s Gross Domestic Read more

 

Neilson applauds Gov. Shapiro for redirecting federal funding to SEPTA
Nov 22, 2024

Crash Responder Safety Week Proclamation
Nov 15, 2024

Neilson makes statement on SEPTA’s fare increase proposal
Nov 13, 2024

Neilson presents $1 million to Northeast Philadelphia Airport
Nov 01, 2024

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

Neilson lauds Nonprofit Security Grant Program Awards
Oct 24, 2024

Neilson applauds passage of funding for public transit
Oct 23, 2024

Neilson welcomes $1.4 million in state funding for legislative district
Oct 22, 2024

Neilson applauds newly signed law to enhance street racing penalties
Oct 17, 2024

Neilson committee advances legislation to increase transit funding in all 67 PA counties
Oct 09, 2024

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

OPINION: Pennsylvania Needs to Properly Fund Its Transportation System
Oct 01, 2024

Neilson committee advances legislation on parking-protected bicycle lanes
Sep 30, 2024

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Philadelphia to discuss transportation needs
Sep 23, 2024

The Reality of Pennsylvania’s Need for Transportation Funding
Sep 19, 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

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Reading to discuss transportation’s impact on PA
Sep 09, 2024

House Transportation Committee meets in Luzerne County to discuss transportation’s impact on PA
Sep 09, 2024

PA House Transportation Committee met at the State Capitol to discuss transportation’s impact on PA
Sep 05, 2024