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

(Apr 02, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE Program) Who May Apply: Local governments, planning organizations, or Commonwealth agencies. Use: Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, roadway safety, mobility, and capacity upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, local technical assistance program projects, and traffic signal improvements. Funds: PennDOT anticipates $32 million available with the intent of funding worthwhile projects that can be completed at a relatively low cost. Application Deadline: A pre-application scoping form is required to be submitted by April 30, 2025. Feedback will be provided by May 31, 2025. The application period will be open from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. More information: PennDOT Website Department of Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA Digital Connectivity Technology Program Who May Apply: Public-facing institutions, to include but not limited to, libraries, schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions located in areas where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband adoption and use. Use: The acquisition of digital connectivity technology that facilitates broadband internet access and promotes digital literacy and skills training. These devices will be Read more

 

Pa. legislative Democrats propose bills to counter Trump on immigration

(Mar 27, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Article about the PA Welcoming Caucus' press conference rolling out a legislative package to protect PA's immigrant communities. Read more

 

State lawmakers release plans to protect PA immigrant communities

(Mar 26, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, March 26 – Today, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Welcoming Caucus united at the Capitol to announce legislative initiatives to support families, fortify communities, protect workers and uphold the integrity of the legal system. The Welcoming Caucus is a bicameral group of legislators dedicated to ensuring Pennsylvania remains a welcoming place of opportunity and connection. Members recognize the enormous contributions of immigrant communities and advocate for policies that promote social and economic justice and protect civil rights and freedoms. As the Trump administration ramps up attacks on immigrant communities across the country, members of the Welcoming Caucus have introduced a suite of bills that seek to uphold and protect the rights of all Pennsylvanians. The press conference to highlight the legislation was hosted by Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila, who chairs the Welcoming Caucus in the House, and Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Phila, who chairs the Welcoming Caucus in the Senate. “My support for immigrant rights is based on my belief in the value of all working people. Organized labor was born in immigrant communities from the coal mines in Pennsylvania, sweatshops in New York and the grape harvests in California,” Hohenstein said. “I consider my work for immigrants to be the same as my work on behalf of the people of my neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Everyone wants safer Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, legislators hold news conference to highlight reintroduction of legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

(Mar 20, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, March 20 – In the face of the Trump administration’s vilification of immigrants and unlawful deportations of immigrants , state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., and Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, held a news conference on Wednesday to highlight the reintroduction of their legislation to create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Pennsylvania welcomed William Penn from religious persecution in the 17 th century, Blacks fleeing slavery in the 19 th century, and today Afghans, Bhutanese, Ukrainians and others that are fleeing persecution, ethnic cleansing and war,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Instead of keeping to its values, Pennsylvania is scapegoating immigrant communities with punitive policies that are driving them out of the state. “Economically, we can’t afford to lose them as they make up over 8% of our state’s workforce and pay $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes. As our population ages and many residents leave our state for other opportunities, we need skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers and community leaders to make sure that Pennsylvania continues to grow and thrive economically, culturally and socially and retains its electoral power at the federal level. But even more than that, we can’t afford to betray the values on which our commonwealth was founded. Read more

 

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

(Mar 18, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to state, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $785,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund four to six grants with budgets not to exceed $185,000 over the 15-month project period. Application Deadline: April 10, 2025 More information: PCCD 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 Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El introduces bill protecting net neutrality in Pa.

(Mar 12, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, March 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, along with state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia, today introduced a bill to protect net neutrality in Pennsylvania. Net neutrality is the rule that all internet service providers (ISP) cannot block, slow down, or speed up content delivery based on the content, user or device. With only a handful of companies providing these services, the rule is necessary to ensure fair practices. According to Smith-Wade-El, federal protections protecting net neutrality were removed on January 2, 2025, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a decision striking down the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality rule that required all Internet service providers (ISPs) to treat all consumers equally. This decision is expected to change the way Internet and streaming services work, resulting in increased costs for consumers. “The Internet is not a luxury but a daily necessity,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The tech oligarchy is trying to drive up our internet costs, making a “fair and fast” internet available only to the rich. My legislation would fight back against their monopoly, making it illegal for ISPs to block lawful Internet content, impede Internet traffic or otherwise engage in any activity that would negatively affect the Internet experience of Pennsylvania subscribers. A new chapter would be added to Title 66 (Public Utilities) Read more

 

Sign Up to Attend my Second Chance Pardon Clinic!

(Mar 07, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Dear Neigbhor, My Second Chance Pardon Clinic I will be holding my second pardon clinic next Thursday, March 13 . Please call to register 717-283-4218 Visit the Clerk of Courts in the county in which the conviction occurred to get the following documents (if applicable) *Fees may apply, when obtaining the following documents* Criminal Complaint Affidavit of Probable Cause Indictment Final Plea or Disposition Sentencing Order Proof of Payment of Fines, Court Costs, and Restitution Read more

 

Grants for Our Area and Black History Matters!

(Feb 28, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Grants for Our Area and Black History Matters! Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El secures $500K state grant for streetscape and pedestrian improvements in Lancaster

(Feb 24, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Feb. 24 – Lancaster will receive $500,000 for streetscape and pedestrian improvements through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. Read more

 

Grants, Feb. 12

(Feb 13, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrian Vehicle and Snowmobile Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations Use: All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile projects include the planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction, and development of educational programs related to ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities. Funds: Funding comes from the ATV Management Restricted Account and the Snowmobile Restricted Account as authorized by Act 97 of 2016. There is no match requirement for this funding; however, applications that provide match funding will be given additional consideration. Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 More information: DCNR Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Medical & MH Pilots for CSA Victims Who May Apply: Any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: The goal of this specific solicitation is to support the development and implementation of innovative pilot projects that enhance or expand medical and mental health services for child sexual abuse victims. Funds: A total of $1.5 million in state Endowment Act Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El lauds Shapiro’s call to seal eviction records for millions of Pennsylvanians who struggle to find housing

(Feb 04, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El issued a statement today regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s call on state lawmakers – made during his 2024-25 budget address – to pass legislation that would seal eviction records for the millions of Pennsylvanians whose records prevent them from being able to secure adequate housing. Read more

 

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

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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

 

LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus: Committed to Protecting Transgender Pennsylvanians

(Jan 28, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, LGBTQ Equality Caucus

In response to President Donald Trump’s executive orders and statements on gender identity, members of the PA House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus released the following statement today: Read more

 

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

(Jan 24, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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

 

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

(Jan 15, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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: T o 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. Read more

 

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

(Jan 13, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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

 

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

(Jan 10, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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

 

Smith-Wade-El announces House committee assignments

(Jan 10, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El today announced his new committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session. The assignments were handed out Tuesday after Smith-Wade-El was sworn in for another term representing the 49th Legislative District. Smith-Wade-El said he looks forward to serving on the following committees: House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. House Education Committee. House Housing & Community Development Committee. House Local Government Committee. Professional Licensure Committee. “I want to thank Speaker Joanna McClinton and Leader Matt Bradford for the honor of serving on these committees,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “I look forward to drawing on my experience as a legislator, local government official and community activist to the bipartisan crafting of legislation that will improve the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians.” The 49th District includes parts of the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Township, and Millersville Borough. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El begins second term, will focus on affordable housing, education and fair wages for PA workers

(Jan 10, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning his second term serving the 49th Legislative District. “I’m honored that the people of the 49th District have once again invested their trust in me to fight for their interests in Harrisburg,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “In this term, I’m going to work to ensure that all our residents have a home to call their own, that our kids go to learn in schools where they feel safe and valued, and that Pennsylvania’s working families benefit from lower taxes and fair wages – two issues that haven’t gotten a fair deal in four decades. Now’s the time to get it done.” In his first term, Smith-Wade-El had two of his pieces of legislation signed into law and brought in $28.7 in state grants to the district. The Pennsylvania General Assembly is currently in its 209th consecutive legislative session, which began on Jan. 1, 2025, and will run through Nov. 30, 2026. The Oath of Office was administered by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd, and the invocation was given by Bishop Maureen L. Davis, who is pastor of the Open Door Mission True Light Church, located in Philadelphia. The 49th District includes parts of the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Township, and Millersville Borough. Read more

 

Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El talks about Jimmy Carter

(Jan 09, 2025) WGAL News8

News 8 spoke with Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El about President Jimmy Carter. Read more

 

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 02, 2025

Pa. legislative Democrats propose bills to counter Trump on immigration
Mar 27, 2025

State lawmakers release plans to protect PA immigrant communities
Mar 26, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, legislators hold news conference to highlight reintroduction of legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians
Mar 20, 2025

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 18, 2025

Smith-Wade-El introduces bill protecting net neutrality in Pa.
Mar 12, 2025

Sign Up to Attend my Second Chance Pardon Clinic!
Mar 07, 2025

Grants for Our Area and Black History Matters!
Feb 28, 2025

Smith-Wade-El secures $500K state grant for streetscape and pedestrian improvements in Lancaster
Feb 24, 2025

Grants, Feb. 12
Feb 13, 2025

Smith-Wade-El lauds Shapiro’s call to seal eviction records for millions of Pennsylvanians who struggle to find housing
Feb 04, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 29, 2025

LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus: Committed to Protecting Transgender Pennsylvanians
Jan 28, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 24, 2025

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

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

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

Smith-Wade-El announces House committee assignments
Jan 10, 2025

Smith-Wade-El begins second term, will focus on affordable housing, education and fair wages for PA workers
Jan 10, 2025

Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El talks about Jimmy Carter
Jan 09, 2025