News Center

Smith-Wade-El rallies for tenants’ rights in Steelton

(Oct 11, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Smith-Wade-El began his morning in Steelton to join state Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, and other House Democratic members from central Pennsylvania to advocate for legislation that would improve the plight of tenants in Pennsylvania today. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus installs new officers

(Oct 06, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus announced its new officers after a reorganizational meeting this week. The following members were installed as officers: Chairman, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D–Montgomery Vice Chair, state Rep. Darisha Parker, D–Phila. Secretary, state Rep. Ismail Smith Wade-El, D–Lancaster Treasurer, state Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin Outgoing chair state Rep. Donna Bullock, D–Phila., passes the baton to Nelson. Bullock will continue to focus on issues facing Pennsylvania’s children and youth; she chairs the PA House Children & Youth Committee. “We are grateful for Representative Bullock’s leadership, and I look forward to building on the momentum we have to achieve real results for minority communities throughout this Commonwealth,” Nelson said. “I am humbled by this honor.” Bullock guided many PLBC initiatives, including the annual Crystal Bird Faucet Awards, honoring women within state government and Speaker K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action, where business owners, public officials and organizations gather to discuss, learn, and network legislative bills, community concerns and visit the Capitol Complex. “Chairing the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience,” Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application (10/03/2023)

(Oct 04, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) Initiative Who May Apply: Any private non-profit agency, any private for-profit agency, public agency, or unit of local government. Applicants must: Have experience in implementing statewide initiatives in collaboration with state agencies. Demonstrate a long-term commitment to the JJSES implementation process. Agree to work collaboratively with the Pennsylvania Council of Chief Juvenile Probation Officers, the Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission, and PCCD to support county JJSES efforts and the coordination and planning of training opportunities. Use: This project is meant to be statewide and not specific to local service areas. Funds for the proposed project may be used to support any of the following: Training, technical assistance, and materials on evidence-based practices; Conferences, regional forums, etc. related directly to JJSES; strategic plan development; data collection and analysis; victim accountability strategies; reducing racial and ethnic disparities strategies; and more. Funds: Federal Title II Formula Grant funds are being announced to support this initiative over a two-year project period. PCCD expects to fund one grant. Matching funds are not a requirement of this funding opportunity, but a sustainability plan must be included as part of the Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to host free child car seat clinic Sept. 23

(Sep 15, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will be hosting a free child car seat clinic from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 23 at the Lancaster Township Fire Department-South Station, 125 Fairview Ave., Lancaster, 17603. “Many parents are unsure of whether their child car seat is the right size for their child, if their child is buckled in correctly, or if the seat is installed correctly, so I wanted to offer this free clinic where certified child passenger technicians will be available to check residents’ car seats and answer any of their questions,” Smith-Wade-El said. “My child car safety clinic will help give parents peace of mind when they are driving with their children in the car.” The car seat clinic offers fun for the whole family with: free children’s books provided by the Lancaster Education Foundation and the YWCA. free Kona Ice provided by School District of Lancaster. free car seats provided by Safe Kids Lancaster County. free fire truck tours. Smith-Wade-El has partnered with Safe Kids Lancaster County, Penn Medicine Lancaster Health and Lancaster Township Fire Department. Anyone interested in attending is asked to contact Smith-Wade-El’s office at 717-283-4218 or email RepSmithWadeEl@pahouse.net . Read more

 

Testifiers detail need for Community Development Financial Institutions in PA

(Sep 08, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

The House Majority Policy Committee convened a hearing Friday afternoon to discuss the need for Community Development Financial Institutions and support for workforce development in certain Pennsylvania communities. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El: $53K in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetables in area schools

(Aug 18, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Aug. 18 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that $53,136 in state funding has been awarded to two Lancaster elementary schools to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. They are: Burrowes Elementary School $21,384 Carter & MacRae Elementary School $31,752 Through the program, the schools will receive reimbursement for the cost of making free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students during the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal in one or more areas of the school during the school day. “This funding will help our schools provide healthy snack alternatives to our students during the day, helping to make healthy eating a habit,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This funding will help give our community’s school children the tools to make healthy choices for themselves. Students will learn that not only are fruits and vegetables the smart choice, but also the tastiest.” The goal of FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. Additionally, the program promotes nutrition education, resulting in healthier school environments for learners. To be eligible, schools must participate Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El: $53K in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetables in area schools

(Aug 18, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Aug. 18 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that $53,136 in state funding has been awarded to two Lancaster elementary schools to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. They are: Burrowes Elementary School $21,384 Carter & MacRae Elementary School $31,752 Through the program, the schools will receive reimbursement for the cost of making free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students during the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal in one or more areas of the school during the school day. “This funding will help our schools provide healthy snack alternatives to our students during the day, helping to make healthy eating a habit,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This funding will help give our community’s school children the tools to make healthy choices for themselves. Students will learn that not only are fruits and vegetables the smart choice, but also the tastiest.” The goal of FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. Additionally, the program promotes nutrition education, resulting in healthier school environments for learners. To be eligible, schools must participate Read more

 

Summer 2023 NL

(Aug 15, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Summer 2023 NL Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to hold free community shred event Aug. 12

(Jul 24, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, July 24 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will host a free shredding event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. The event will take place at the Elizabeth R. Martin School, 2000 Wabank Road. Residents may bring up to three bankers boxes of documents containing personal information. Electronics and trash will not be accepted at this event. “My FREE Community Shredding Event is a great opportunity for residents to declutter their homes and safely dispose of personal information in an environmentally friendly way,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I cannot stress enough that this shredding event is one of best ways to ensure that your confidential and sensitive documents are properly disposed of and your information is not used without your knowledge. I encourage everyone in the 49th District to take advantage of this free event to protect their privacy.” Pre-registration is required. Residents can either email their name and address to RepSmithWadeEl@pahouse.net or call Smith-Wade-El’s district office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s resolution to study the impact of housing and health quality adopted by House

(Jun 27, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, June 27 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that his resolution, H.R. 66, that directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the impact of housing on health in Pennsylvania passed the House on Monday. “We have a housing crisis in Pennsylvania,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only is there not enough affordable housing, but most housing dates from before 1978 and exposes residents to lead contamination, poor ventilation, ill-constructed waste systems, and other unsafe and toxic conditions. “Bad housing is having a devastating impact on people’s health and on our health services,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We’ve got to use our resources to find a remedy for a literally toxic situation by studying the health care costs associated with substandard housing and building affordable housing connected to local health care and social service systems.” According to Smith-Wade-El, studies have shown that substandard housing is a contributing factor to negative health outcomes and can perpetuate economic struggle and housing insecurity for some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. The LBFC will reach out to relevant stakeholders to gain insight on the impact housing has on residents’ health and provide recommendations for housing solutions. “Everyone deserves a safe and healthy home,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only Read more

 

Raise the Wage Virtual Town Hall: June 22, 2023

(Jun 20, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Watch live here. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El issues statement on Pittsburgh synogogue shooting trial verdict

(Jun 16, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, June 16 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, released a statement on the guilty verdict issued against the shooter in the Pittsburgh synogogue shooting in 2018. “ With the news that the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter has been found guilty on all charges, our office wishes to extend our solidarity to the Jewish communities of Allegheny County, Lancaster County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the entire United States. “Our thoughts and prayers as an office, and more importantly, my will and vote as a legislator are with those who summoned the will to testify in this trial. “For years, our Jewish friends and neighbors have been sounding the alarm about the ever-increasing rise of antisemitic hatred, the growing threat of Christian nationalism to American democracy, and the cultural hegemony that dominates and oppresses vulnerable minority communities. “The arc of the moral universe does not bend toward justice on its own. It takes the bravery of those who have acted in defense of human rights in a world that would harm them for it. “While hate may begin in the margins, in the shadows, it grows and multiplies in broad daylight thanks to the passive acceptance of the majority. Finally, hate reaches its monstrous apotheosis as an irreversible force, sweeping away millions in its wake. The time is now to stop the rising tide of antisemitism Read more

 

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22

(Jun 14, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Raise the Wage Virtual Town Hall Read more

 

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22

(Jun 14, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, June 14 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and state Sen. Art Haywood, D-Montgomery/Phila. will hold a virtual town hall from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 22. Following their successful “Raise the Wage” rally in Lancaster in June, the legislators are holding the virtual town hall to further raise awareness of efforts to increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania, focusing on Haywood’s “ Raise the Wage ” legislation, S.B. 772. “I am looking forward to teaming up with my colleague, state Senator Art Haywood, to raise awareness about legislative efforts to raise the minimum wage, especially his Raise the Wage bill,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Raising the minimum wage would help reverse decades of pay inequality and narrow the racial pay gap for workers of color. Raising the minimum wage also benefits our economy as working families will be able to spend more, injecting revenue into Pennsylvania’s economy, and strengthening our overall financial health.” "Raising the minimum wage is a form of respect for the dignity of hardworking people,” Haywood said. "Right now, the minimum wage doesn’t justly compensate our people for the work they do and doesn’t allow them to live a decent life. Our working people deserve a living wage, which allows them to have a roof over their heads and food on the table. My legislation would establish a $15-per-hour minimum wage for Read more

 

Lancaster receives $1.25M in PHARE grants

(Jun 09, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, June 9 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El announced today that $1,250,000 in PHARE grants has been awarded to eight Lancaster organizations that provide affordable housing and services to the unhoused. “Housing is one of the most critical needs in our community – everyone deserves a safe, affordable home. These PHARE grants are going to help improve the lives of some of Lancaster’s most vulnerable residents,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As your state representative, I am proud of the deserving, hardworking people and organizations in the 49th District, and grateful for the support the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency provides. Our office works hard to bring state and federal funds back to the people of Lancaster City, Lancaster Township and Millersville, and we don’t intend to stop any time soon.” The following organizations received grant money: United Disabilities Services Foundation received $100,000 to renovate 33 units for low-income residents across six apartment buildings in Lancaster County prioritizing accessible features for independent living and safety. The Lancaster City Housing Authority received $100,000 to support critical electrical and HVAC updates to their 169-unit building on Farnum Street. BASE, Building and Supporting Entrepreneurship of Southeast Lancaster Inc., received $100,000 to support phase three of its Home Ownership Made Equal initiative. Community Basics Inc. Read more

 

Lancaster organizations awarded nearly $125,000 in historical preservation grants

(Jun 08, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, June 8 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El helped to secure $124,827 in state grants for two Lancaster organizations. The award money comes from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission’s Keystone Historic Preservation grant program. The grant awardees are: The city of Lancaster received a $25,000 grant to create a small area plan to develop the closed historic prison at 625 E. King St. and its surrounding area. The plan would include potential land uses, historic resource analysis, scale of future development, transportation improvements and more. The YWCA Lancaster YForward Historic Porch Restoration Project was awarded a $99,827 grant to remove the 1973, non-historic, masonry fire stair tower from the North Lime Street elevation so the Colonial Revival style porch can be restored to its historical, full length configuration. ““I am very proud to have helped secure these state grants to preserve the city’s history for its current and future residents,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Preservation projects like these enhance the distinctiveness of the city’s diverse neighborhoods and repurpose historic buildings and sites in creative ways to meet evolving community needs.” All grants require a 50/50 cash match and were awarded through a competitive selection process. Keystone Historic Preservation grants Read more

 

Legislation to expand Property Tax/Rent Rebate limits passes House

(Jun 05, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

“In the district I represent, which features a growing number of seniors and people with disabilities who deserve support, delivering this legislation is welcome news,” said Smith-Wade-El, a first-year legislator from Lancaster County. “Once we get this through the Senate and signed into law, an expanded PT/RR will help stabilize our neighborhoods and keep seniors and our neighbors with disabilities in their homes.” Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to host Senior Health & Safety Fair June 2

(May 24, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, May 24 – State Rep. Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will host a free Senior Health & Safety Fair beginning at noon Friday, June 2 at Bright Side Opportunities Center, 515 Hershey Ave., Lancaster, PA 17602. Presenters will include Brian Roche from WGAL, Dr. Jesse Main and Dr. Ada Emuwa, and David Jones. “My Senior Health & Safety Fair is an opportunity for our seniors to get information to help them stay healthy and safe and offer them the opportunity to connect with each other over good food, music and dancing,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Our seniors have given so much to our community, and this is my chance to give back to them.” The schedule of the day’s events is as follows: Noon Arrival Remarks by Smith-Wade-El. 12 15 p.m. Common Senior Scams Presentation by Brian Roche from WGAL. 1:00 p.m. Lunch & Live Music by Rick Griswold. 1:30 p.m. Soulful Line Dancing with Cindy Felder. 1:50 p.m. Normal Aging vs. Memory Loss with Dr. Jesse Main and Dr. Ada Emuwa. 2:20 p.m. Seniors and Home Safety with David Jones. Vendor tables will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Lunch and dessert will be free for attendees. Read more

 

Finance Committee approves Property Tax/Rent Rebate expansion legislation

(May 23, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Taking the first significant step toward increasing income limits for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for the first time in 16-plus years, the Finance Committee passed legislation Tuesday to do just that. Read more

 

PA lawmakers form Progressive Caucus

(May 23, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Focusing on prioritizing people over profit, fighting social inequality Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El rallies for tenants’ rights in Steelton
Oct 11, 2023

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus installs new officers
Oct 06, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application (10/03/2023)
Oct 04, 2023

Smith-Wade-El to host free child car seat clinic Sept. 23
Sep 15, 2023

Testifiers detail need for Community Development Financial Institutions in PA
Sep 08, 2023

Smith-Wade-El: $53K in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetables in area schools
Aug 18, 2023

Smith-Wade-El: $53K in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetables in area schools
Aug 18, 2023

Summer 2023 NL
Aug 15, 2023

Smith-Wade-El to hold free community shred event Aug. 12
Jul 24, 2023

Smith-Wade-El’s resolution to study the impact of housing and health quality adopted by House
Jun 27, 2023

Raise the Wage Virtual Town Hall: June 22, 2023
Jun 20, 2023

Smith-Wade-El issues statement on Pittsburgh synogogue shooting trial verdict
Jun 16, 2023

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22
Jun 14, 2023

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22
Jun 14, 2023

Lancaster receives $1.25M in PHARE grants
Jun 09, 2023

Lancaster organizations awarded nearly $125,000 in historical preservation grants
Jun 08, 2023

Legislation to expand Property Tax/Rent Rebate limits passes House
Jun 05, 2023

Smith-Wade-El to host Senior Health & Safety Fair June 2
May 24, 2023

Finance Committee approves Property Tax/Rent Rebate expansion legislation
May 23, 2023

PA lawmakers form Progressive Caucus
May 23, 2023