Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus | News Center <

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

(Jan 28, 2025)

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

 

Kazeem announces $325,000 in state grants for local development

(Jan 28, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, secured $325,000 in state funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program for area projects. The following projects in her legislative district will receive funding: Eddystone Delaware River Waterfront Park -- Awarded $125,000 for the development of the Delaware River Waterfront Park, including the construction and installation of a boardwalk, bridge, playground, splash pad, dog park, kayak launch, bathrooms, and install benches, tables, and trash receptacles. Market Square Memorial Park -- Awarded $200,000 to complete construction plans for the Delaware River Pier Replacement located at the Market Square Memorial Park in Marcus Hook Borough, Delaware County. "These grants are vital to improving the quality of life in our communities in the 159th District here in Delaware County by providing recreational spaces where our residents can come together," said Kazeem. “Investments in our area parks will help create or enhance healthier and more vibrant spaces, benefitting everyone in our communities.” The funding comes from the Act 13 of 2012, which established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails, Read more

 

Ciresi announces $53,000 in state funding for Schuylkill River Trail improvements

(Jan 28, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28– State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, is pleased to announce he secured $53,000 in state grant funding for the Schuylkill River Trail Grosstown Road crossing in West Pottsgrove Township through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. Provco Pinegood Stowe, LLC has received $53,000 to install a new crosswalk and rectangular rapid flashing beacons at the crossing of Grosstown Road and the Schuylkill River Trail, providing a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. Ciresi said the improvements will make access to the trail safer and more welcoming for current and additional trail users. “We are fortunate to have the Schuylkill River Trail, a key part of our natural and historic heritage, in our area,” Ciresi said. “Improvements proposed as part of this project would improve the experience for current trail users and support the growing popularity of this major trail. Upgrading the crossing of Grosstown Road and the Schuylkill River Trail will improve the quality of life for many residents, providing better access to safe and healthy outdoor recreation, while leaving a lasting legacy for generations to use.” Act 13 of 2012 established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Read more

 

As Pennsylvania legislators reintroduce medical debt relief legislation, Pittsburgh's program stalls

(Jan 24, 2025)

A bipartisan group of state legislators have re-introduced a proposal to create a medical debt relief program that could erase hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid medical bills. Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to provide unemployment compensation to school employees in summer

(Jan 23, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would deliver unemployment benefits to educational assistance workers throughout the course of the summer break. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 265 ) would make it possible for bus drivers, janitors, lunch staff and related positions to apply for unemployment compensation during the summer months. Currently, these staff members are forced to rely on temporary positions over the summer to afford necessities. “Our educational support professionals are the unsung heroes of schools and school districts across Pennsylvania and the entire nation. My bill would help remove significant obstacles to them providing for themselves and their families year-round,” Powell said. “They’re the backbone of our schools and it’s time we treat them like it.” Retaining such employees has proven difficult for Pennsylvania schools and school districts. According to the Pennsylvania School Bus Association , there were approximately 3,500 unfilled school bus driver positions, and 70% of superintendents reported a shortage of instructional aides. This survey, conducted by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association , took place at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. The bill has been referred to the House Labor and Industry Committee. Read more

 

Central Pennsylvania House Delegation to discuss labor force growth in Midstate counties with leaders of Tec Centro Workforce Network

(Jan 23, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr., chair of the Central Pennsylvania House Democratic Delegation, today announced that the group will join directors and leaders of Tec Centro Workforce Network to discuss labor force development in Midstate counties. The event will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27 at Tec Centro Capital Region, the newest extension of the network, located at 1426 N. Third Street, Harrisburg. Guzman said the delegation is looking forward to the meeting. He explained that one of the top priorities of the delegation during the 2025-26 legislative term is to help strengthen workforce and skill development in central Pennsylvania. “Our delegation is invested in fortifying resources and services that will help empower underserved communities and, in this sense, the role of Tec Centro in each of the counties that they serve is remarkable,” he highlighted. “These institutions are enabling individuals to break language and economic barriers to education. They are helping people to navigate the state’s system and place themselves in a path toward a better future,” he added. Carlos Graupera, CEO of Tec Centro Workforce, expressed that Tec Centro Workforce Network was founded on the mission of empowering individuals with the skills they need to transform their lives and drive the economic vitality of the region. Read more

 

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

(Jan 22, 2025)

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

 

Venkat, Flick introduce bipartisan legislation to raise awareness on opioid overdoses and save lives

(Jan 22, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Jamie Flick have introduced a bipartisan bill that would create and disseminate materials integral to recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose to empower Pennsylvanians to save the lives of their fellow citizens. House Bill 269 would require Pennsylvania’s Department of Health to develop a poster explaining: the signs of an opioid-related overdose. what to do in the event of an opioid-related overdose. where to find an opioid antagonist such as Naloxone. where to find additional resources and information. The poster would be made available online to download for private use and displayed in public places to increase awareness of how to recognize and respond to opioid-related overdoses. “Our country and state remain mired in the deadly grip of opioid addiction, so providing resources to decrease loss of life is essential,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’ve treated countless patients suffering from overdoses as an emergency physician, and informing family members that their loved ones have passed is truly heartbreaking. “I want to thank Rep. Flick for being a co-prime sponsor on this legislation, which strives to save the lives of as many Pennsylvanians as possible, and the Stop the Judgement Project , led by neighbors of mine in Franklin Park , for their tireless advocacy that led to this legislation.” “I could not be more thrilled to work Read more

 

Madsen announces $150,000 emergency grant to combat homelessness in Dauphin County

(Jan 17, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 17 – State Rep. Dave Madsen today said Dauphin County is receiving $150,000 in Emergency Grant Funds from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development to address homelessness in the county. “The pandemic supercharged the affordable housing crisis, leaving many Pennsylvanians without a home to call their own,” Madsen said. “This money will help Dauphin County combat homelessness and provide safe, affordable housing through a three-pronged approach with their partner, Christian Churches United: homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing and street outreach.” The county was also awarded funding to operate its Homeless Management Information System with both hardware, software and training costs to ensure accurate collection of data about the homeless population. Priority for funding is given to groups that represent areas of Pennsylvania that do not already receive a direct allocation of Emergency Solutions Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed an Executive Order mandating the first comprehensive Housing Action Plan to address the state’s housing shortage, homelessness, and to expand affordable housing options. DCED is leading the plan’s development and is working with stakeholders across Pennsylvania to identify housing needs and devise a strategic response. Read more

 

Venkat, Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik introduce bipartisan legislation to help Pennsylvanians overcome medical debt

(Jan 16, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 16 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Nate Davidson, Tarik Khan, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Andrew Kuzma, Jim Rigby and Tim Twardzik have introduced a bipartisan bill that would create the Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program. The legislation ( H.B. 79 ) would target the medical debt of low-income Pennsylvania residents for relief. The Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program would also improve the finances of health care institutions and providers, concentrated largely in rural Pennsylvania, that regularly carry debt that is less likely to be repaid. Furthermore, the legislation would enact provisions to ensure transparency in existing hospital charity care programs and provide assistance in applying for charity care to prevent the accumulation of new medical debt. “Medical debt has been dubbed a ‘uniquely American problem,’ so it’s my hope that our bill will help provide relief to as many Pennsylvanians as possible,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’m proud to partner with bipartisan colleagues on this legislation that reduces the burden of affording medical care and allows families to put more food on the table.” “This legislation is more than just a policy – it's a lifeline that restores dignity, empowers families, and ensures that health does not come at the cost of hardship. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan measure so that vulnerable Pennsylvanians can focus on their Read more

 

Ciresi announces $152,400 in state funding for affordable housing and community development

(Jan 15, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi today announced that three community projects have been approved for $152,400 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program. NAP helps low-income individuals and improves distressed areas in PA communities through the provision of tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities. “This state funding will provide critical support to some of our communities’ most vulnerable, from financially distressed individuals struggling to meet basic needs to low-income families requiring rehab grants to stay in their homes to at-risk students needing math and reading support so they can do well in school,” Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said. “This money will make sure our neighborhoods are healthy and flourishing by ensuring that some of the most vulnerable have the help they need to succeed.” The applicants receiving grant money and the NAP subprograms providing the funding are the following: Neighborhood Assistance Program, which supports affordable housing, community services, crime prevention, education, job training and neighborhood assistance: TriCounty Community Network – Pottstown, Montgomery County – $3,900. Funding will support emergency basic needs including transportation support, utility assistance, family assistance and housing Read more

 

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

(Jan 15, 2025)

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

 

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

(Jan 15, 2025)

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

 

State lawmakers launch bipartisan Competitiveness Caucus

(Jan 14, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 14 – Today, Pennsylvania state Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York; and Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton; along with state Reps. Paul Friel, D-Chester; and Josh Kail, R-Beaver; announced the formation of a new bipartisan, bicameral group within the state General Assembly: the Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus. The legislators said the new caucus aims to unify efforts across the Capitol and party lines to strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness and ensure a robust, dynamic economy today and into the future. The formation of the Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus comes at a crucial time for the commonwealth. As the state faces challenges in retaining businesses, attracting new investment, and reversing stagnant population growth, the caucus will serve as a dedicated platform for lawmakers to collaborate on policies that drive economic growth and make Pennsylvania an attractive place to live and work. “Although we sit on opposite sides of the aisle, we are united in our belief that making Pennsylvania more economically competitive through the advancement of pro-growth policies will benefit working-class families, reverse our stagnant population growth, and ensure our commonwealth is an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come,” Phillips-Hill said. “I am thrilled to be joining this bipartisan group of my colleagues to elevate this vital conversation and focus on Read more

 

Venkat, Matzie and Mehaffie introduce legislation to eliminate print statement fees

(Jan 14, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 14 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Rob Matzie and Tom Mehaffie have introduced legislation that would ban entities from assessing an additional fee to customers who request a print version of a financial statement. Such fees are as high as $5 per month, and H.B. 81 would also specify that any person or entity would still be allowed to create incentives for a consumer to select an alternative to a paper statement. “In effect, penalizing consumers for a peace of mind measure such as a paper statement runs contrary to keeping a readily accessible means to one’s financial data for a variety of necessary purposes,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Our bill would help keep more dollars in the pockets of Pennsylvanians and reward entities for pursuing options more beneficial to the health and livelihood of the environment.” “No consumer should ever have to pay for a print copy of their bank or credit card statement. Tacking on fees for paper statements takes a simple business expense easily borne by the financial institution and shifts it unfairly onto consumers, where it can take a toll on those who are elderly, low-income, or simple lacking the needed access to technology,” said Matzie, D-Beaver. “By prohibiting these fees, our bill would ensure that any expenses remain with the party best able to bear them – the business that maintains the records.” “Charging fees for consumers who want Read more

 

Legislators introduce consumer privacy rights a fourth time

(Jan 14, 2025)

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

 

Pa. Legislative Black Caucus, Pa. Human Relations Commission condemn incident of intimidation in Allentown

(Jan 13, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) and a representative from the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) came together today at a rally in Allentown to share their outrage, express their deep concern and stand in solidarity over the discovery of a noose on a Black female employee's desk in the Community and Economic Development Office in Allentown City Hall on Friday. "Acts like this have long plagued our communities and serve as a painful reminder of the work still ahead. I am deeply dismayed but unfortunately not surprised," said PLBC Chair and state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery. "Today, I stand with you to denounce this act of hate and to honor the legacy of the many men and women who have fought – and continue to fight – against racism in Pennsylvania. This anonymous and cowardly act will not silence or intimidate us. Together, we will shine as a beacon of racial equality, dispelling the darkness of hate." The Allentown Police Department is investigating the incident. The PLBC and PHRC commended the swift response by local authorities and reiterated the importance of transparency and accountability in the investigation. “Apparently, some folks have been emboldened to acts of racial insensitivity, with the seeming intent of intimidating Black and Brown workers,” said PLBC Secretary and state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. Read more

 

Madsen announces House committees for 2025-26 session

(Jan 13, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Dave Madsen today announced his state House committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session. Madsen said he looks forward to serving on the following committees: Appropriations. Housing & Community Development. Intergovernmental Affairs & Operations. Local Government. Transportation. Madsen took the oath of office Tuesday and was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to serve his second term representing the 104th Legislative District. “I want to thank Speaker Joanna McClinton and Leader Matt Bradford for the honor of serving on these committees,” said Madsen, D-Dauphin. “I look forward to bringing an informed perspective drawn from my experiences as a union leader, community activist and state representative to the bipartisan crafting of critical legislation that will impact millions of Pennsylvanians.” The 104 th Legislative District comprises part of the City of Harrisburg and Lower Swatara and Swatara and Highspire, Paxtang and Steelton boroughs. Read more

 

Venkat and Mihalek introduce bipartisan food allergy safety bill

(Jan 13, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Natalie Mihalek have introduced legislation that would promote food allergy safety in multiple ways. House Bill 77 would mandate that menus in restaurants and food establishments contain a disclaimer regarding food allergies, posters to make servers aware of food allergies must be present in food preparation and staff areas, and establishment staff would be required to undergo food allergy safety training. “The last thing anyone should worry about while enjoying a meal with their family and friends is having a medical emergency brought on by a food allergy,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Rep. Mihalek and I want to help ensure there are measures in place to keep Pennsylvanians protected from accidental food allergen exposures and their hazardous health effects.” “The scariest part is that someone with food allergies could do everything right, such as carrying EpiPens and asking questions, and still have a serious problem. A little information can go a long way in avoiding future catastrophes,” added Mihalek, R-Allegheny. “I’m happy to be working with Rep. Venkat on this bipartisan bill.” More than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and it is estimated that food allergies lead to 200 deaths per year. Over a 13-year period, nearly half of fatal food allergy reactions were caused by accidental food allergen exposure at a restaurant or other food Read more

 

Ciresi announces over $115,000 in career and technical education grants for Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery CTC

(Jan 13, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi today announced that $115,314 in competitive grant funding was awarded to Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help augment their career and technical education programs. The schools were awarded the following grants: Pottstown School District – $30,314 Western Montgomery CTC – $85,000 The Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center serves students from the Spring-Ford Area, Pottsgrove, and Upper Perkiomen school districts. “I’m thrilled that the Education Department has recognized and decided to support the Pottstown and Western Montgomery CTC students’ potential through these grant awards,” Ciresi said. “This money will help enhance the career and technical education programs in the Pottstown School District and at Western Montgomery, providing students with the skills and knowledge to obtain high-priority occupations through a combination of classes and hands-on learning experiences. Thanks to this money, students will leave school even more prepared to apply what they learned at school to real-world problems.” Under the program, grants of up to $85,000 are awarded to school entities to update or purchase equipment used in the training of students in Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 28, 2025

Kazeem announces $325,000 in state grants for local development
Jan 28, 2025

Ciresi announces $53,000 in state funding for Schuylkill River Trail improvements
Jan 28, 2025

As Pennsylvania legislators reintroduce medical debt relief legislation, Pittsburgh's program stalls
Jan 24, 2025

Powell introduces bill to provide unemployment compensation to school employees in summer
Jan 23, 2025

Central Pennsylvania House Delegation to discuss labor force growth in Midstate counties with leaders of Tec Centro Workforce Network
Jan 23, 2025

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

Venkat, Flick introduce bipartisan legislation to raise awareness on opioid overdoses and save lives
Jan 22, 2025

Madsen announces $150,000 emergency grant to combat homelessness in Dauphin County
Jan 17, 2025

Venkat, Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik introduce bipartisan legislation to help Pennsylvanians overcome medical debt
Jan 16, 2025

Ciresi announces $152,400 in state funding for affordable housing and community development
Jan 15, 2025

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

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

State lawmakers launch bipartisan Competitiveness Caucus
Jan 14, 2025

Venkat, Matzie and Mehaffie introduce legislation to eliminate print statement fees
Jan 14, 2025

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

Pa. Legislative Black Caucus, Pa. Human Relations Commission condemn incident of intimidation in Allentown
Jan 13, 2025

Madsen announces House committees for 2025-26 session
Jan 13, 2025

Venkat and Mihalek introduce bipartisan food allergy safety bill
Jan 13, 2025

Ciresi announces over $115,000 in career and technical education grants for Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery CTC
Jan 13, 2025