News Center

Nikki's News

(17 hours ago) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Hello, Northern Lancaster City, Manheim Township, and East Petersburg Borough! As the representative for our communities (officially known as the Dynamic House District 96!), I’m using this weekly e-newsletter to let you know about how I am working for you here in the community and in the Capitol, as well as share information about local and state resources that I hope will be helpful to you or someone you know. Last Week’s Swearing In Last Tuesday, I was sworn in as your state representative. I am very eager to share my experience and knowledge gained from being a long-time public high school teacher, school board director and president to strengthen our public school system. We must eliminate these structural inequities created and supported by an unfair funding system so all our children – who are the bedrock of Pennsylvania’s future – have a chance of reaching their potential. I am honored to serve as your state representative. I promise to fight every day for our working families, from supporting strong Read more

 

Education, Historic Preservation, Substance Abuse Education, Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 10, 2025) Rep. Nikki Rivera

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Parent Pathways Grant Who May Apply: Postsecondary institutions that award an associate degree or higher and private licensed schools. Use: To provide funding to institutions to directly support parenting students through tuition assistance, emergency funding, and wrap-around services. Funds: $1.6 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: February 3, 2025 More information: PDE Website Historical & Museum Commission: Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program Who May Apply: Certified local governments, colleges and universities, conservancies, historic preservation organizations, historical societies, local governments, museums, religious institutions, and other historical organizations. Use: Applications may apply for one construction-related or planning-related grant (not both) for sites that are listed in or eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Construction related grants are available for rehabilitation, preservation, and restoration activities for historic resources that are publicly accessible and under nonprofit or local government ownership. Planning related grants are available for planning and development initiatives that enhance historic preservation in communities. Please note, special consideration will be given to projects that promote the United States Semiquincentennial celebration in Read more

 

Rivera begins first term, will focus on strengthening Pennsylvania’s public schools

(Jan 10, 2025) Rep. Nikki Rivera

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning a new term serving the 96th Legislative District. “As a long-time public high school teacher, school board director and president, I’ve come to Harrisburg to share my experience and knowledge to strengthen our public school system,” said Rivera, D-Lancaster. “We must eliminate these structural inequalities created and supported by an unfair funding system so all our children – who are the bedrock of Pennsylvania’s future – have a chance of reaching their potential. “I am honored that the people of the 96th District chose me to serve as their state representative,” Rivera said. “I promise to fight every day for our working families, from supporting strong unions, establishing a living wage for all, offering efficient and effective health and mental health care, protecting our environment, and ensuring no one is discriminated against in the commonwealth. “There’s a lot of work to be done, and I am ready for the fight.” A 1994 University of Pittsburgh graduate, Rep. Rivera for the past 30 years taught high school Spanish in the Warwick School District. She also served as a longtime school board member working to improve public education. Rivera served as Manheim Township School board director from July 2016 through November 2024, and school board president Read more

 

Rivera announces House committee assignments

(Jan 09, 2025) Rep. Nikki Rivera

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera today announced her committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session. Rivera took the oath of office Tuesday and was sworn in to serve her first term representing the 96th Legislative District. Rivera said she looks forward to serving on the following House committees: Communications & Technology Aging & Older Adult Services Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Human Services Intergovernmental Affairs & Operations Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development “I want to thank Speaker Joanna McClinton and Leader Matt Bradford for the honor of serving on these committees,” said Rivera, D-Lancaster. “I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the bipartisan crafting of legislation that will impact millions of Pennsylvanians. I am committed to learning about the unique issues surrounding state government.” The 96 th District includes parts of the city of Lancaster and Manheim Township, and East Petersburg Borough. Read more

 

Rivera Discusses Issues Affecting Lancaster Farms

(Jan 09, 2025) Rep. Nikki Rivera

PA state Rep. Nikki Rivera had an opportunity to talk to PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding at the #PAFarmShow. Rivera knows the importance of farms in the commonwealth, especially in Lancaster County, and looks forward to working on legislation that is good for farms and the environment. Read more

 

Rivera Takes Oath of Office

(Jan 07, 2025) Rep. Nikki Rivera

PA state Rep. Nikki Rivera and her #PAHouse colleagues were sworn in to office today, kicking off the 2025-2026 legislative session. Rivera, a previous school board president and teacher of nearly 30 years, lists education and helping working families among her goals as she represents her neighbors in Lancaster County. Read more

 

Nikki's News

(Jan 03, 2025) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Nikki's News Jan. 3 Read more

 

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

(Dec 30, 2024) Rep. Nikki Rivera

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Housing for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Other Drugs Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing. Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing. Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP 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 Read more

 

Nikki's Notes-Holiday Edition

(Dec 23, 2024) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Dec 20 Email Read more

 

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

(Dec 18, 2024) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Community and Economic Development: Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Community-based non-profit organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience, educational institutions, and non-profit economic development organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience. Use: Creation or support of a Business Assistance Service Center for the purpose of serving small, historically disadvantaged businesses. Funds: $20 million in funding was appropriated in the 2024/25 state budget. Application Deadline: January 22, 2025 More information: DCED Website Council on the Arts: Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs (EAOAP) Who May Apply: Non-profit agencies with a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an annual average arts revenue over $200,000. Use: Entry track is the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) point of entry for organizations or programs to the AOAP. Applicants must apply in Entry track until recommended for AOAP, which is based on panel review and assessment totals Funds: Grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded. Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 More information: Arts Website Council on the Arts: Arts Read more

 

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

(Dec 17, 2024) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Dec 12 Read more

 

Nikki's Notes-Dec. 17

(Dec 17, 2024) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Nikki's Notes--Dec 17 Read more

 

PA Treasury could be holding your unclaimed property

(Dec 02, 2024) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Each year, the Pennsylvania Treasury receives millions of dollars of unclaimed property. It is estimated that roughly one in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property. Unclaimed property may include: Closed bank accounts Uncashed checks, including paychecks Lost stocks and bonds Contents of safe deposit boxes Proceeds from the demutualization of insurance companies Expired gift cards/gift certificates To find out if you have unclaimed property, search your name in the Unclaimed Property database at https://www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/ or call 1-800-222-2046. There is NO CHARGE to claim your unclaimed property. Read more

 

Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate

(Dec 02, 2024) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Don't miss your chance at a rebate on your property taxes or rent paid in 2024! The deadline is fast approaching on Dec. 31. My office can help you find out if you qualify and apply. We can also help you with your heating bills. Read more

 

Children's Health Insurance Program is here to help

(Dec 02, 2024) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Pennsylvania has a Children's Health Insurance Program that provides free and low-cost health care insurance to children. CHIP is not welfare – it covers children of working parents whose employers don't offer coverage and who can't afford private insurance. If you can't afford health insurance for your children, chances are they are eligible for CHIP. It's easy to sign up for CHIP If you think your children are eligible for CHIP, you can sign them up by calling 1-800-986-KIDS or visit www.chipcoverspakids.com . You can also contact my office for questions about your situation. What does CHIP cover? Immunizations Routine Check-ups Diagnostic Testing Prescriptions Dental, Vision, Hearing Services Emergency Care Maternity Care Mental Health Benefits Up to 90 Days Hospitalization in any Year Durable Medical Equipment Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Partial Hospitalization for Mental Health Rehabilitation Therapy Home Health Care Does my family qualify? The following factors are considered for a child's eligibility for CHIP: The family's income is within certain levels. Must not be eligible for Medicaid or have any other health insurance. Must be under age 19. Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful alien. Must be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 30 days, except for a newborn. Read more

 

REAL ID Applications

(Dec 02, 2024) Rep. Nikki Rivera

PennDOT has announced that the requirement for proof of Social Security Number for REAL ID products will expand to include additional documents. Per federal regulations, customers wishing to obtain a REAL ID product must present proof of Social Security Number. PennDOT is now expanding acceptable options beyond a Social Security Card. PennDOT now accepts the following documents as proofs of Social Security Number: Social Security Card. W-2 form. SSA-1099 form. Non-SSA-1099 form. Pay stub with the applicant’s name and full Social Security Number on it. For more information and to get your REAL ID, visit the link here . Read more

 

Nikki's News
17 hours ago

Education, Historic Preservation, Substance Abuse Education, Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 10, 2025

Rivera begins first term, will focus on strengthening Pennsylvania’s public schools
Jan 10, 2025

Rivera announces House committee assignments
Jan 09, 2025

Rivera Discusses Issues Affecting Lancaster Farms
Jan 09, 2025

Rivera Takes Oath of Office
Jan 07, 2025

Nikki's News
Jan 03, 2025

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 30, 2024

Nikki's Notes-Holiday Edition
Dec 23, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 18, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 17, 2024

Nikki's Notes-Dec. 17
Dec 17, 2024

PA Treasury could be holding your unclaimed property
Dec 02, 2024

Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate
Dec 02, 2024

Children's Health Insurance Program is here to help
Dec 02, 2024

REAL ID Applications
Dec 02, 2024