I realize that this health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic will affect people in multiple ways in our community and my office is committed to assisting however we can. My office is closed, but my staff is still here to help While my staff and I decided to close our office in order to limit the spread of COVID-19, we are still here to help you. We will be responding to emails and returning phone calls. You can reach my office at 215-330-3714, or email my staff and me through the form you can find online by clicking here . Important updates about local/regional services The PA Turnpike Commission (PTC) has announced that to keep travelers from interacting with tolling personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic, cash and credit cards will NOT be accepted at any interchange statewide. Click here for more info . SEPTA has announced it will be operating the Severe Weather Plan for Regional Rail. Click here for more info . If you’re employed in Pennsylvania and unable to work because of COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment or Workers' Compensation benefits : Click here for more info . PennDOT has issued an announcement about expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards, vehicle registrations and safety and emission inspections. Those dates Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 13 – Responding to the need for broadband internet access as Pennsylvania schools transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, state Reps. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, and Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, are calling on internet providers statewide to temporarily remove data caps on home broadband internet and wireless internet service. In a letter to telecom providers throughout the state , the lawmakers are urging the companies to suspend data caps and overage fees, citing the need to minimize the pandemic’s impact on students and their families. “As lawmakers, our No. 1 priority is always the safety and health of residents,” Matzie said. “But in challenging times, when circumstances force prolonged changes to our daily routine, it’s also important to ensure that residents continue receiving the benefit of essential services. That’s especially true when it comes to services like education. “With internet learning becoming a reality as we take measures to ensure safety during the pandemic, it’s essential that all families – regardless of household budget – have uninterrupted access to internet, without having to worry about the cost of overages. Continuing access to education should never depend on a family’s ability to afford an internet bill.” Neilson agreed, noting, “We are urging Pennsylvanians to do what is in Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 11 – State Rep. Ed Neilson announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded $52,890 in grants to two nonprofit organizations in his district that serve populations who are often targeted by hate crimes. These grant dollars are the first awarded by the commission as part of a new grant program it is administering, after legislation to create the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program was signed into law last year “Any program that increases safety measures for our most vulnerable neighbors – like people who are often targeted because of their religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability – is one I’m proud to support,” Neilson said. “I’m grateful that Federation Housing Inc. and Congregation Ahavas Torah Rhawnhurst Torah Center have received this funding, especially considering the many organizations that applied, and I know that they will put this funding to use to keep the people they serve safe.” Federation Housing Inc., which provides affordable housing to low- and moderate-income seniors, was awarded a $27,890 grant, and Congregation Ahavas Torah Rhawnhurst Torah Center, a synagogue in Northeast Philadelphia, was awarded a $25,000 grant. The grants awarded to the two organizations were among 805 total applications submitted for grant funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program. Of those 805 Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – State Rep. Ed Neilson today commended Gov. Tom Wolf for his plan to include $1 billion in funding in the 2020-21 budget for lead and asbestos remediation in Pennsylvania schools. “Because of my career working in construction, I’m aware of the prevalence of asbestos around the Philadelphia region,” Neilson said. “I know that these toxic chemicals are nothing to play with, and yet we’ve allowed our children to go to schools where these toxins are present year after year. It’s time we make our children and teachers a priority, and I’m glad that Governor Wolf has stepped up to do the right thing.” Wolf today presented a series of proposed 2020-21 budget items totaling more than $1.1 billion to support reducing the risks to Pennsylvanians of lead and asbestos, and remediating existing toxins in schools, day care centers, homes and public water systems. Learn more about Wolf’s announcement on his website, https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-announces-billion-dollar-plan-to-fix-toxic-schools-address-lead-across-pennsylvania/ . ### Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Ed Neilson announced today that Robert B. Pollock School and Anne Frank School each received a grant of $2,908 to purchase needed equipment for their cafeterias, including a milk cooler. Neilson, D-Phila, said the grant is part of more than $925,000 in competitive grants awarded to 72 elementary, middle and high schools across the state to buy new food service equipment for their cafeterias . “A quality lunch plays a critical role in ensuring students have the energy they need to focus and excel in the classroom,” Neilson said. “This funding will go toward providing our schools the tools they need to prepare meals safely and help fuel the minds and bodies of our children.” Neilson noted that other two area schools also received funding: Stephen Decatur Elementary School: $8,314 for a walk-in freezer Abraham Lincoln High School: $3,193 for a reach-in refrigerator Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Grants are awarded to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and have 50% or more of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Schools often use the grants to purchase new refrigerators, freezers, stoves and dishwashers to ensure safe food handling. ### Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today adopted a resolution introduced by Rep. Ed Neilson to recognize Jan. 27, 2020 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Pennsylvania. “ Between 1933 and 1945, nearly 17 million people were tragically murdered in the horrifying, state-sponsored genocide known as the Holocaust,” Neilson said. “It is critical to our humanity and to the memory of the millions of people who were murdered during the Holocaust that we commemorate Jan. 27 – 75 years to the day of the liberation of the largest and deadliest concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau – as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Pennsylvania.” The Holocaust was a human rights crisis of epic proportions. While Jews were the priority target of Nazi racism, other groups within Germany were persecuted for racial reasons. Studies have shown that a growing number of Americans lack a basic knowledge of the Holocaust and the events that led up to it. Commemorating the day is one way to try to educate the public, Neilson said. It is also about more than just remembering history and honoring the victims, Neilson added. “ This is a day to remember and mourn, and a day to stand up against hate and violence,” Neilson said. “We have seen recent violent acts inspired by hate perpetrated against people throughout our country, including the Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec.10 – Pennsylvania is in the midst of an infrastructure crisis, said state Rep. Ed Neilson on Wednesday, as he introduced a resolution calling on Congress to establish a National Infrastructure Bank. “Our infrastructure, from the school buildings we send our children off to each day, to the roads and bridges we navigate daily, is crumbling,” Neilson said. “To fix this problem, I’m calling on Congress to establish a National Infrastructure Bank to finance the improvements we need.” In 2018, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Pennsylvania a cumulative “C-” infrastructure grade across 18 categories that included a “D+” grade for roads, a “D” grade for drinking water, and a “D-” grade for wastewater treatment, Neilson said. Additionally, the report noted that traffic congestion in Pennsylvania results in more than $3.7 billion in lost time and wasted fuel annually. Neilson said the concept of a National Infrastructure Bank has been used by past presidents, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt. Investments from a National Infrastructure Bank would restart various industries, Neilson said, and create millions of new jobs and supply the needed financing to repair Pennsylvania’s crumbling infrastructure. ### Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 20 – Thanks to a grant from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, members of the 8th Police District Advisory Council, the 8th Police District, parishioners and community volunteers recently gave the Bethany African Methodist Episcopal church in northeast Philadelphia a fresh coat of paint, said state Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila. Neilson said his office assisted the 8th PDAC with applying for the Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania grant. “By partnering with 8th PDAC, it was a great opportunity to bring a sense of community to this important project,” Neilson said. “It was great to see high school students and community members working alongside our police officers to bring new life into the historical Bethany African Methodist Episcopal Church.” Neilson added Patricia Rosati, the 8th Police District community relations officer, headed up the project, applied for the grant and organized the paint days. Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania is a program designed to provide community groups with paint and supplies to enable them to renew a community structure in need. A list of the 2019 grant winners and projects can be found here . Read more
PHILADELPHIA, June 27 – State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., will hold a job fair for interested residents looking for opportunities to help with the 2020 Census. The job fair will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, July 12 at Neilson’s district office, 16 Old Ashton Road, 19152. Neilson said there are temporary positions available, including census takers, recruiting assistants and supervisory staff. “The Philadelphia region hopes to employ more than 3,000 people to ensure a complete and accurate count of everyone during the 2020 Census,” Neilson said. “These open positions will pay up to $35.50 an hour and offer weekly paychecks, flexible hours and paid training.” For more information or to reserve a spot at the job fair, constituents should call Neilson’s office at 215-330-3714. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, April 25 – State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on workforce development at the UA Steamfitters Local 420 Hall. Neilson requested the hearing to discuss efforts to recruit and train a workforce prepared for quality-wage jobs. Legislators from across the state including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, joined Neilson for the policy discussion. “I’m glad to have the opportunity to bring my colleagues to talk about how we can help train Pennsylvania’s future workforce. We have an obligation to educate the future electricians, builders, and plumbers. These are jobs that fuel our economy and communities, and can’t be outsourced,” explained Neilson. “It’s also imperative that moving forward, we are following the latest safety measures and taking code enforcement seriously. Workers take uninhabitable places and make them homes and businesses for generations to come. Let’s make sure we’re educating the public about the opportunities available for building a better future for Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.” Sturla added: “As we work on House Democrats’ Plan4PA, we’re working hard to learn more how we can equip businesses with a well-trained workforce prepared to carry out the needs of the future. When we create quality educational opportunities for the trades, we create family-sustaining careers that Read more
PHILADELPHIA. April 22 – State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, is hosting a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on workforce development. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 25 at the UA Steamfitters Local 420 Hall, 14420 Townsend Rd., Philadelphia. The media and public are invited to attend. Neilson requested the hearing to bring stakeholders and his legislative colleagues from across the state, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, together to discuss efforts to recruit and train a workforce prepared for quality-wage jobs. A panel of local union officials will testify including Ryan Boyer, President of Philadelphia Building Trades; Pete Klein, Director of Training, Steamfitters Local Union 420; Don Sweeten, Training Coordinator/Financial Secretary, Sprinkler Fitters Local 692; and Brian Murphy, Assistant Coordinator/Director of Apprentice & Training, IUOE 542 JATC. The meeting is one in a series held across the state on House Democrats’ Plan4PA, focused on putting people first by growing good jobs, providing health care access, creating quality schools, and providing training for jobs in a fair economy. Additional information about the plan is available at www.plan4pa.com . For more information about the Policy Committee, go to www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more
HARRISBURG, April 1 – State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., today introduced legislation that would protect consumers across the commonwealth by requiring the opportunity to opt out of having their personal information sold to third parties. “Everyone deserves the right to know what personal information is being collected and sold,” Neilson said. “Businesses are profiting on selling a customer’s information to third parties and most Pennsylvanians are getting tired of the robocalls and unwanted solicitations from these third parties trying to sell them something they never wanted.” Specifically, H.B. 1049 would allow customers to opt out of having their information sold or even have the information deleted. “In today’s electronic world in which we live, we read about security breaches in the paper every day. Just because you purchased goods or services does not mean we need to be in their system and others forever, nor should we have to be certain that their technology is updated on a regular basis,” Neilson said. “The people of Pennsylvania deserve better and this legislation would be a step in the right direction.” Neilson said his proposal is already gaining bipartisan traction, with House Democrats and Republicans signing on as co-sponsors even before the legislation was formally introduced. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 15 – Legislation introduced this week by state Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., would help police across the commonwealth remove illegal trespassers from residential properties. House Bill 546 would help address situations where people illegally move into a home or an apartment but claim to live there legally when police arrive. Law enforcement would have the authority to remove someone from a home if they have probable cause to believe the person is trespassing. Under the bill, the accused would be granted adequate opportunity to prove they live there legally before police can remove them. “There are cases when it’s one person’s word against another’s, so police often hesitate to remove the trespasser because the property owner could be attempting to evict rightful tenants illegally,” Neilson said. “There are certain situations when an owner may have to take legal eviction action, which could be expensive and time-consuming. My legislation would help eliminate that potential step for the property owner.” The bill would not affect landlord-tenant disputes, and a property owner making a false statement could be held criminally and civilly liable. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 14 – State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., today introduced legislation that would provide protection to local code enforcement officers if they are assaulted while on the job. House Bill 545 would include these public employees to a protected class in the event of an assault. The legislation would increase the penalty – from a misdemeanor of the second degree to a felony of the second degree – for an assault on a local code enforcement officer when they are on duty and they are injured. “These public servants are performing thankless jobs every day by enforcing the law. They face unexpected and, many times, unnecessary problems with citizens that could result in injury,” Neilson said. “Our local code enforcement officers deserve the same protections as those in similar jobs where telling people what they don’t always want to hear may lead them to become hostile.” Pennsylvania law currently provides such protection to constables, teachers, parking enforcement officers and public utility employees. Read more
Forms for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for the 2018 tax year are available – and my office staff is ready to help you file yours for free ! The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded and the maximum standard rebate is $650. Claimants must reapply for rebates every year because they are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid each year. Spouses, personal representatives or estates may file rebate claims on behalf of deceased claimants who lived at least one day in 2018 and meet all other eligibility criteria. The rebates normally are distributed by the Department of Revenue beginning July 1. So, the sooner you file, the sooner you will receive your money. Read more
The 2018-2019 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program – LIHEAP – is accepting applications for heating assistance grants. LIHEAP offers cash grants of $200 to $1,000 that are sent directly to the utility company to defray heating costs for eligible households, and crisis benefits of up to $600 for households in immediate danger of being without heat. Remember: These are grants and do not have to be repaid. This season’s income guidelines for both LIHEAP cash and crisis grants are $18,210 for an individual, $24,690 for couples and increases for each additional person in the household. Please click here for more LIHEAP information. Please consider visiting my office if you need help filing a LIHEAP application. Besides my office, LIHEAP information is available by: Contacting local County Assistance offices by phone or in person. Calling the LIHEAP Client Helpline at 1-866-857-7095 or PA Relay at 711 for the hearing impaired. Applying online at https://www.compass.state.pa.us . Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – Thousands of additional Pennsylvania seniors will be able to receive help paying for their prescription medicines thanks to a new state law. Act 87, signed into law today, increases seniors’ access to the state’s prescription drug assistance program (PACENET) by raising the program’s income limits to keep pace with rising costs. The law increases the maximum income limit for PACENET to $27,500 for individuals and $35,500 for married couples. In addition, the new law allows pharmacists to fill partial prescriptions so PACE/PACENET participants’ refills can be synchronized for the same day. It’s estimated this expansion will allow for an additional 17,000 seniors to be eligible for PACENET statewide. The new law supports the priority of putting people first in the House Democrats’ Plan for Pennsylvania , which focuses on working together to build a stronger Pennsylvania through good jobs, affordable health care, quality schools and a fair economy. Read more
Pennsylvania has been granted a REAL ID enforcement extension by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through August 1, 2019. This extension means that Pennsylvania residents will not face access issues when entering federal facilities or boarding domestic commercial aircraft through at least that date. REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and photo ID cards will be available from PennDOT at the customer’s option beginning March 2019. PennDOT is encouraging customers to pre-verify for REAL ID the required documentation as soon as possible, giving them ample time to prepare. More information about what documents will be required is available on PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website . More information about REAL ID, including frequently asked questions , can be found at www.dmv.pa.gov . Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 26 – State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., joined in a rally today with the Pennsylvania Dyslexia Literacy Coalition to highlight dyslexia and thank his colleagues in the state House of Representatives for unanimously adopting H.R. 1044 designating October 2018 as “Dyslexia Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Dyslexia is a neurological condition caused by a different wiring of the brain that affects people of all backgrounds and intellectual levels. There is no known cure for this condition, and individuals diagnosed must learn coping strategies. Research indicates that dyslexia has no relationship to intelligence, however it can make reading and comprehension more difficult. “My youngest son got lucky that someone identified and diagnosed him with dyslexia early. We need to encourage our children to tell their teachers and parents if they’re having trouble reading,” Neilson said. “It is our job as legislators to raise awareness about this learning condition, and the importance of early detection and interventions that we know have been effective.” People with dyslexia, or developmental reading disorder, experience problems confusing letters or learning what sounds go with certain letters; have trouble learning how to speak or determining the meaning of a simple sentence; and may include difficulty in correctly performing math operations or memorizing number facts. Symptoms include slow or inaccurate reading, Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 7 – After five months of construction, state Rep. Ed Neilson applauded the reopening of the Frankford Avenue Bridge that crosses the Pennypack Creek. Neilson attended the ribbon cutting for the reopening, which was officiated by PennDOT and the city of Philadelphia. “Many people have been anticipating the reopening of this bridge, myself included, and it is great to see that happen, ahead of schedule too,” Neilson said. “In the past two years, the state has invested nearly $1.8 billion in my district and surrounding areas for construction and improvement projects. The work done on this bridge is yet another great investment for the people of Northeast Philadelphia and the surrounding communities.” During the five-month closure, crews repaired part of the stone arch, reconstructed damaged stone masonry walls, rebuilt sidewalks and replaced the bridge barrier with a new crashworthy bridge barrier. Built in 1697 and reconstructed in 1893, the U.S. 13 (Frankford Avenue) bridge is a three-span stone masonry and concrete closed spandrel arch structure. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the bridge is 73 feet long, 50 feet wide and carries about 14,745 vehicles a day, including SEPTA’s Route 66 trolley. Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Ed Neilson.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
16 Old Ashton RoadPhiladelphia, PA 19152
P*: (215) 330-3714
F*: (215) 330-3717
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
127 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202174Harrisburg, PA 17120-2174
P*: (717) 772-4032
F*: (717) 783-1579