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Smith-Wade-El Hosts Social Work Town Hall at Millersville University

(Mar 06, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

MILLERSVILLE, March 6 – In celebration of National Social Work Month and in recognition of the vital role played by social workers in responding to growing community needs and evolving challenges, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El hosted a town hall in collaboration with the Millersville University School of Social Work Thursday evening. Dr. Laura Granruth introduced the representative and moderated questions from both in-person and virtual attendees. Topics under discussion included the qualifications for being an elected official; key housing bills currently under review in the state legislature; and the coming “Silver Tsunami” or Pennsylvania’s rapidly aging elder population – many of whom hold grave concerns about the availability of high-quality senior care and living facilities. The conversation highlighted how policy, academic research and on-the-ground social work intersect to address these complex issues. Following the panel, participants had the opportunity to engage directly with Smith-Wade-El, his district office staff and university professors, discussing key challenges and developments in social work from both legislative and academic perspectives. “Events like this are vital for fostering dialogue between policymakers, educators and the community,” Smith-Wade-El said. “By bringing together diverse perspectives, we can better understand the challenges facing social Read more

 

Help Us Raise the Minimum Wage in Pennsylvania

(Mar 05, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

You have a voice in this fight, and together we can help move Pennsylvania forward.My colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus and I are asking residents across the commonwealth to sign our petition calling for an increase to Pennsylvania’s minimum wage. If you believe that hard work should be rewarded with fair pay, I encourage you to make your voice heard.Add your name to the petition here.Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 since 2009, even as the cost of housing, groceries, utilities, and other essentials continues to rise. We can build more housing and work to lower utility costs, but that won’t be enough for millions of Pennsylvanians if wages don’t keep up with the cost of living. People shouldn’t have to work three or four jobs just to keep a roof over their heads.When wages remain this low, the state often ends up paying the difference. In fact, Pennsylvania spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year supporting working families through public assistance programs like Medicaid because wages haven’t kept pace with reality.That’s why we strongly support Governor Josh Shapiro’s call to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour and tie it to inflation, so workers aren’t left behind as costs continue to rise. The House has already passed legislation to raise the minimum wage twice, only to see those bills stall in the Senate.Meanwhile, we’re losing businesses and talented workers to neighboring states that already offer higher wages. It’s long past... Read more

 

Grant Memo: School Bus Safety, Recreation Facilities, Recycling, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 04, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS PennDOT: Automated School Bus Enforcement Grant Program Who May Apply: School entities, independent school bus contractors, and municipal governments Use: To cover costs associated with the issuance of CDL licenses to operate school buses within the Commonwealth or to increase school bus safety, education, and training Funds: The total amount of funding available is $1.2 million. Grants can be awarded up to $100,000 per applicant Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate engagement in market research, product development or promotion of agricultural products grown, raised or produced in the Commonwealth Use: To provide matching funds to nonprofit organizations engaged in market research, development or promotion of agricultural products Funds: Up to $381,810.50 is available for grants under the Program Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Environmental Protection: Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grant Program Who May Apply: Municipalities Use: To develop and implement recycling programs Funds: Grants are available up to $250,000. Application Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce job fair, record-clearing session

(Mar 03, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, March 3 – Building on their commitment to expanding opportunity for justice--involved residents, state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced two upcoming community events to connect Lancaster County residents with fair-chance employers and provide guidance on record-clearing processes. The first event, a Community Job Event , will take place Tuesday, March 24, at the Lancaster Public Library. The job fair will bring together local employers and support organizations committed to second-chance hiring, creating a welcoming space for individuals seeking employment despite prior court involvement. In addition to job opportunities, attendees will be able to connect with community partners offering resources to support long-term career success. Date: Tuesday, March 24 Time: 2 to 6 p.m. Location: Lancaster Public Library, 151 N. Queen St. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” Smith-Wade-El said. “By connecting people to employers who recognize the value of second chances, we can help strengthen families and our community.” Rivera emphasized the importance of accessibility and awareness: “This event demonstrates our shared commitment to breaking down barriers and expanding economic opportunities for all residents of Lancaster. We want to ensure that justice-involved Read more

 

Office Closures Next Week

(Feb 28, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

read izzy's e-newsletter Read more

 

Violence Prevention, Recreation Facilities, Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 24, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding Round 1 (Southeastern Region) Who May Apply: Contractors installing a publicly available community charger Use: To plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain charging stations across Pennsylvania. Subsequent rounds for other regions will be announced at later dates. Funds: Applicants may apply for up to 80 percent federal cost share of the eligible costs, with a minimum required match of 20 percent from non-federal sources. The maximum award size per selected Project is $1 million Application Deadline: August 21, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence & Delinquency Prevention Programs Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to local units of government (counties, municipalities), nonprofit organizations, private providers offering services to system-involved youth, and institutions of higher education. Use: To strengthen community-based strategies that prevent youth violence, delinquency, and other problem behaviors, expand diversion and deflection opportunities, and support successful reentry in accordance with Balanced and Restorative Justice guiding principles. Funds: A total of $5 million in state VDPP funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund a minimum of 20 grants with budgets not to exceed Read more

 

Government Programs & Grants

(Feb 20, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Government Programs and Grants Read more

 

Opportunities

(Feb 20, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Welcome to the Lancaster Workshop + Tool Library! The Lancaster Workshop + Tool Library are looking for instructors and tool library volunteers who want to share their time and skills with the community. Interested? Go here: Lancaster Workshop + Tool Library Become a Red Cross Volunteer Help your neighbors as a Red Cross volunteer supporting blood drives, assisting during disasters, and promoting safety in your local community. Volunteering lets you directly help those in need, while building strength in your community. Learn more and apply for opportunities by visiting the link . https://www.redcross.org/local/pennsylvania/greater-pennsylvania/volunteer.html Read more

 

Upcoming Events

(Feb 20, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Upcoming Events Read more

 

Government Programs & Grants

(Feb 13, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Feb. 13 Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El celebrates release of Pa.’s first comprehensive housing plan

(Feb 13, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Feb. 13 – A longtime advocate for housing rights of Pennsylvanians, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, issued the following statement about the release of Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive Housing Action Plan to address the commonwealth’s housing crisis. "Housing is a human right and a matter of justice, and the Shapiro administration’s housing action plan will help working Pennsylvanians achieve the American dream — a home of their own — by building more housing and cutting red tape to make housing more affordable. “The Housing Action Plan strongly supports renters’ rights, and I am grateful that it includes my legislative plan to seal eviction records for people who were not actually evicted. This step will ensure fair housing access for many and protect whole communities in Pennsylvania. “I am also glad that the Housing Action Plan addresses the legacies of racism in homeownership in Pennsylvania that is the primary driver for the racial wealth divide. While White homeownership was 72% in 2023 nationally, the homeownership rate for people of color was 45% . As homeownership is the biggest key to wealth accumulation , the Housing Action Plan to close the equity gap for minority homeownership by 25% will in turn also reduce the racial wealth divide in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvania’s families deserve access to safe and affordable housing, and this Housing Action Plan Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to Hold two Student Town Halls at Local Elementary Schools

(Feb 11, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Feb. 11 – A strong advocate for civic education, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, said he believes teaching civics equips youth to become informed and engaged members of a democratic society. He will host two student civic town halls in Lancaster this February. The first town hall will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20 in the cafeteria of Washington Elementary School, 545 S. Ann St. Smith-Wade-El will be joined by Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo and School District of Lancaster Board Vice President Katrina Holmes. The second town hall will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26 at Smith-Wade-El Elementary School, 910 Hamilton Park Drive. Smith-Wade-El will be joined by School District of Lancaster Board President Jennifer Eaton. These events will give students the chance to learn about state government, share their ideas for improving their communities, and participate in a Q&A session with Smith-Wade-El. “A truly democratic society relies on an informed and engaged citizenry, and civic education must begin early,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As we approach the United States’ 250th birthday and reflect on Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in its founding, now is the perfect time to teach our students about their rights and responsibilities as American citizens.” The town halls follow Smith-Wade-El's recent participation in Hamilton Elementary School's Celebration Assembly on Wednesday, Read more

 

Grant Memo: Transportation, Parks, Pedestrian Safety, School Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 11, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrain Vehicle/Snowmobile Grants Who May Apply: County and municipal governments, non-profits, for-profits Use: Planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance of ATV or snowmobile trails and facilities, purchase of equipment, and educational programs related to the use of ATVs or snowmobiles Funds: Grants will range between $25,000 and $1,000,000 Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 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 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 Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and non-profit organizations. For-profit Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce $1.2 million in state funds for bicycle and pedestrian improvements

(Feb 10, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Feb. 10 –State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced that their districts will receive over $1.2 million in state funding to make critical bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements in the City of Lancaster and in Manheim Township. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Automated Red-Light Enforcement (ARLE) program. Established in 2010, ARLE funds improvements at signalized intersections and is primarily supported by fines from red-light violations at 38 intersections currently operational in the commonwealth. The program is designed to reduce congestion, enhance mobility, and improve safety at high-traffic intersections. In Smith-Wade-El’s district, the City of Lancaster will receive $974,544 to improve bicycle safety by installing a bi-directional/two-way separated bike lane on the south and east side on the roadway from South Queen Street to East King Street. “I am very excited to see the City of Lancaster receive this significant investment in bicycle safety,” said Smith-Wade-El. “As someone who learned ride a bike at the old age of 29, I love the freedom and the whole new way of seeing the city that I experience when I’m riding a bike. This investment in our city will make Lancaster a healthier place to live thanks to more people engaging in this heart-healthy activity instead of driving a car, which increases air pollution and traffic Read more

 

Scholarships

(Feb 09, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Grow PA Grant Program accepting 2026-27 applications The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is accepting applications for the Grow PA Grant Program for the 2026–27 school year. The program is designed to expand opportunities for Pennsylvania’s workforce by helping students pursue training and education in high demand occupations. Qualified students may receive up to $5,000 per year, with the grant renewable for up to four years. If you’re planning to pursue post-secondary education or workforce training, this program can help make those opportunities more affordable. Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for the summer 2026 semester, which runs from Thursday, June 4, through Thursday, August 6, 2026. Program fellows serve in the offices of Committee Chairmen or House Leaders. The program is ideal for public-service minded undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students, and law school students attending Pennsylvania colleges or universities. Applications for the Summer Semester are due on Monday, March 2. The PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program The PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program awards two four-year scholarships to high school seniors each year. Each scholarship covers the cost of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Read more

 

Call to Action: Help Our Trans Kids

(Feb 09, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Our LGBTQ+ population deserves and has always deserved the same level of critical healthcare as all other populations of people in our communities. During the past twelve months, the current federal government has targeted and punished specific populations of people in the USA through cuts, bans, and cruelty. The federal government has proposed two new rules that could make it virtually impossible for transgender youth to get the health care they need. These proposed rules: Block Medicaid and CHIP funding for gender-affirming care for transgender youth; and Punish hospitals and providers that offer this care by threatening their ability to participate in Medicare and Medicaid altogether. If finalized, these rules would block hospitals and doctors from providing gender-affirming care to youth across the country. They would also take away public funding like Medicaid and CHIP from kids who rely on that coverage to access best practice, medically necessary care. Furthermore, not only would these proposals restrict youths’ access to gender-affirming care in the Medicaid and CHIP systems, but because almost every hospital in America receives this funding alongside Medicare, every one of them would have to cut off access to that care to continue receiving federal funding for other patients. This will impact all families seeking care for their trans children, regardless if they are doing so with public insurance, private insurance, or their own funds. Read more

 

My Thoughts on Gov. Shapiro's 2026-2027 Budget

(Feb 06, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Feb. 5, 2026 Read more

 

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 03, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Baseline Water Quality Data Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are those that will use accepted scientific principles and practices for water sample collection and analysis to document existing groundwater quality conditions on private water supplies. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Flood Mitigation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are to assist with flood Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus leaders recognize centennial Black History Month

(Jan 30, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – The executive team of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus have issued the following statement recognizing February 2026 as the 100th annual Black History Month. Black History Month was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson in his work founding the group now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The celebration, formerly known as Negro History Week, expanded into Black History Month in 1970, with the first federal recognition coming from President Gerald Ford in 1976. “This year marks not only the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, but also the 250th anniversary of our nation,” said Rep. Napoleon Nelson, chair of the PLBC. “Black history is American history, and it has made our nation what it is today. Especially now, it is important that we reflect on our history and use it to shape a more just future for people of color across Pennsylvania and our nation.” “Considering no one can erase what we have built, we cannot let one person’s actions define our present, erase our past and preserve our future. We will do that,” said Rep. Darisha Parker , vice chair of the PLBC. “And we will continue to do so by strategically supporting, uplifting and empowering Black communities. No weapon formed against us shall prosper.” “In this perilous time, it has never been more clear that preserving and Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to host Free Stuff to Do Fair Jan 31; Event will feature over 55 classes, clubs, hobbies, and activities

(Jan 27, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Jan. 27 — State Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El and the School District of Lancaster will host the second annual Stuff to Do Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. The event aims to help community members find a class, hobby, club, or activity to join. Fifty-five community organizations will host more than 50 tables, showcasing a wide range of activities and interests. The event is ideal for anyone looking to try something new, explore the many activities Lancaster has to offer, or simply enjoy a community fair. While the Stuff to Do Fair is primarily geared toward adults, children are welcome to attend. This year’s fair will feature more than 50 tables to browse, highlighting everything from book clubs and dance classes to sports, volunteering, nature, technology, and more. Attendees will also be able to enjoy live demonstrations of select activities, including dance, improv comedy, karate, and more. WHERE: Washington Elementary School, 545 S. Ann St., Lancaster, PA WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El Hosts Social Work Town Hall at Millersville University
Mar 06, 2026

Help Us Raise the Minimum Wage in Pennsylvania
Mar 05, 2026

Grant Memo: School Bus Safety, Recreation Facilities, Recycling, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 04, 2026

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce job fair, record-clearing session
Mar 03, 2026

Office Closures Next Week
Feb 28, 2026

Violence Prevention, Recreation Facilities, Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 24, 2026

Government Programs & Grants
Feb 20, 2026

Opportunities
Feb 20, 2026

Upcoming Events
Feb 20, 2026

Government Programs & Grants
Feb 13, 2026

Smith-Wade-El celebrates release of Pa.’s first comprehensive housing plan
Feb 13, 2026

Smith-Wade-El to Hold two Student Town Halls at Local Elementary Schools
Feb 11, 2026

Grant Memo: Transportation, Parks, Pedestrian Safety, School Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 11, 2026

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce $1.2 million in state funds for bicycle and pedestrian improvements
Feb 10, 2026

Scholarships
Feb 09, 2026

Call to Action: Help Our Trans Kids
Feb 09, 2026

My Thoughts on Gov. Shapiro's 2026-2027 Budget
Feb 06, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 03, 2026

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus leaders recognize centennial Black History Month
Jan 30, 2026

Smith-Wade-El to host Free Stuff to Do Fair Jan 31; Event will feature over 55 classes, clubs, hobbies, and activities
Jan 27, 2026