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News Center

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 05, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other eligible specialty crops stakeholders. Use: The purpose of the Program is to enhance, but not replace, the Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program by establishing a Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for specialty crops that are not currently eligible for grant payments under the Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, or that are otherwise designated high-priority specialty crops by the Secretary. Funding for the Program will assist the growth, certification of seed and marketing of these eligible specialty crops. Funds: $460,000 in funding is available. Application Deadline: April 19, 2024 More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement Read more

 

REVIEW: Expanded State Programs that are Cutting Costs for Working Families, Older Friends & Neighbors

(Mar 04, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

I hope you are well! In this e-newsletter, I want to highlight expanded government programs that cut costs for working families, seniors and neighbors, newly opened grant programs, the upcoming FAFSA deadline (May 1) and PHEAA’s March and April webinars. Read more

 

Government Grants, Feb. 26

(Feb 27, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Tutoring Program for Adults Grant Who May Apply: School districts, intermediate units, area career and technical centers/vocational-technical schools, community colleges, literacy councils, local libraries, community-based organizations, any other educational entity recognized by the Secretary of education for providing appropriate and effective adult or family literacy programs. Use: Funds may be used to provide adult literacy education for eligible adults, family literacy education for eligible parents and children, training for volunteer adult literacy education instructors, and administration, support services for learns, and outreach activities. Funds: $1.084 million in funds is expected to be awarded. Application Deadline: March 20, 2024 More information: PDE Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Assessing Racial & Ethnic Disparities in Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice System Who May Apply: Institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, or for-profit institutions. Organizations must have experience, expertise, and credibility to conduct key project deliverables associated with this funding announcement. Use: To pay for expenses directly related to the activities, management and coordination of the project, to provide stipends/compensation for individuals contributing to qualitative research activities, for other Read more

 

PA House, Senate Dem Policy Committees convene joint hearing on eviction sealing

(Feb 15, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

The Pennsylvania House and Senate Democratic Policy Committees teamed up for a joint hearing Thursday morning to gather testimony on the need for eviction sealing in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

New Funding Opportunities for First Responders

(Feb 08, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

First Responder Grant Opportunities Read more

 

Open Grant Applications, Feb. 8

(Feb 08, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Available Grant Opportunities, Feb. 8 Read more

 

REVIEW: Get a Sneak Peak at Gov. Shapiro's Budget Proposal

(Feb 02, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

February is Black History Month. This month we honor the history, achievements, and legacies of Black Americans. February is a time to focus on education recognize the tremendous impact the Black community has had on Pennsylvania and American History – and continues to have every day. Read more

 

Gov Grants Jan 30

(Jan 30, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Available Gpvt. Grants Jan. 30 Read more

 

Lives changed by Tec Centro in Lancaster

(Jan 29, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

The Central PA Delegation along with the Latino Caucus were hosted by Tec Centro to discuss workforce education efforts happening in their Central PA locations. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s Inaugural “Second Chance” Pardon Clinic A Success

(Jan 22, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Jan. 22 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, hosted his first pardon and expungement clinic last Thursday in Lancaster with over 50 attendees counseled by eight volunteers on the pardon and expungement processes. In addition to Smith-Wade-El’s district staff, volunteers came from the following local agencies: Zion Community Services, Lancaster Bar Association, YWCA, and MidPenn Legal Services. “Too many people are being held back in life by past mistakes,” Smith-Wade-El said. “My goal for the pardon clinic is to help people learn how to navigate the pardon and expungement processes so they can get the fresh start they deserve -- opening doors to better job opportunities, housing, and overall peace of mind.” The clinic featured: Personalized advice from seasoned legal experts on the details of the pardon and expungement process. Engaging and informative sessions about eligibility criteria, required documentation, and the step-by-step process. Private one-on-one conversations with consultants. One-on-one support in preparing and submitting a pardon or expungement application. A resource fair featuring health, mental health, food, and clothing resources. Lunch and parking were provided to registrants. “This event wouldn’t have been possible without the Read more

 

Government Grants, Jan. 9

(Jan 09, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Govt Grants, Jan. 9 Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El: $116,000 awarded to Sacred Green Infrastructure Program

(Jan 05, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – A grant of $116,000 from Pennsylvania’s Growing Greener Program was awarded to Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake today, state Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El announced. The funds will help produce designs and perform construction for the Sacred Green Infrastructure Program. Smith-Wade-El said the investment was great news. “When we think environmental infrastructure and planning in Pennsylvania, we have to think about environmental justice as well as the availability of funds for projects across the state,” he said. “My part is to help match funds with projects according to state budgeting, and I’m proud of all of the people who helped my office make this application come to fruition. “Congratulations to Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake for their unrelenting work keeping our part of the world cleaner for all.” Growing Greener remains the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania's history to address Pennsylvania's critical environmental concerns of the 21st century. Signed into law on Dec.15, 1999, and reauthorized thereafter, legislation has increased the funding for the Growing Greener program and extended it. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El helped secure $3.36 million in state grants

(Dec 19, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that he helped secure $3,360,383 in state grants for the 49th District. “I am very proud to have helped to secure $3,360,383 in state grants to assist with projects to improve our infrastructure and water quality and support the arts in our communities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This is a great example of our tax dollars being brough back into the community to improve quality of life—from improving the quality of the water we drink to expanding opportunities to utilize our creativity.” Funds distributed through the Small Water and Sewer program provide for small water, sewer, and storm system water infrastructure projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $105.6 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the PA Small Water and Sewer Program. $149,715 for the Low and High Service Pumping Station-DCED Water-DPW for equipment upgrades at the pump station located at 150 Pitney Road, Lancaster. Funds distributed through the H20 PA Program provide for single-year or multi-year grants to municipalities or municipal authorities to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm water projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $205.4 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program. $3,132,000 for Phase 2 transmission line installation for the replacement Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to host Pardon and Expungement Clinic Jan. 18

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

"Rewrite Your Story," Pardon and Expungement Clinic, Jan 18. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application, Dec. 4

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

Grants, Dec. 4 Read more

 

Special Education Awareness

(Dec 02, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

On December 2nd, we came together to celebrate National Special Education Day, a day that holds deep significance in recognizing the efforts and milestones in providing equal access to education for all. At the School District of Lancaster, our incredible teachers and staff go above and beyond every day, creating dynamic and positive learning spaces for all students. They tirelessly dedicate themselves to helping learners unlock their potential, thrive, and shine! We were honored to have Rep. Ismail-Smith-Wade-El stop by Carter & McCrae to learn more about the incredible work being done. His visit reflects a shared commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration in the realm of special education.Rep. Ismail-Smith-Wade-El's proactive interest in our Special Education program is a testament to the positive impact it's making in the lives of students. It's moments like these that remind us of the importance of collaboration and advocacy in ensuring every student has the chance to thrive.Let us celebrate the progress made, acknowledge the challenges ahead, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every child receives the education they deserve. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to authorize sending of electronic transmissions passes House

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

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El’s H.B. 1477 passed the House yesterday. The bill would amend the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to enable municipalities to make certain transmittals and submissions, including proposed comprehensive plans/land use ordinances and amendments to such, through electronic means. “This bill would codify what is already current practice—emailing plans and land ordinances—in order to eliminate the confusion about whether such transmissions are permissible,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “The bill is in response to a request for clarification from planners and consultants within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. I believe this bill, when passed, will help cut the red tape and streamline processes in DCED.” This bill was introduced as H.B. 1592 in the 2021-22 session. Inquiries about this legislation can be directed to Smith-Wade-El’s office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application (Nov. 14)

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

State Grant Programs Open For Application (Nov. 14) Read more

 

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation

(Nov 13, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Nov.13 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, Elizabeth Fiedler, Rich Krajewski and Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris, all D-Phila., held a news conference today to highlight their legislation, House Bill 1769, that would seal some records in certain cases such as no-fault evictions. “We all deserve a safe, warm place to call home, but for millions of renters across the commonwealth, one mistake or emergency can lead to an eviction,” Smith-Wade-El said. “After evictions, households can struggle for months to find housing, which can break up families, risk employment, and lead to homelessness. This legislation would help give Pennsylvania’s renters a fair chance at finding housing by establishing procedures for limited access to eviction records. This legislation is a commonsense step that would make it easier for working-class Pennsylvanians to access housing.” According to the legislators, as soon as an eviction is filed, it becomes a permanent mark on someone’s background, making harder to find housing. The record remains even if the case was withdrawn, the tenant endured domestic violence, or the court found in favor of the tenant. Evictions disrupt workforce development for large swaths of communities and strain existing social support systems throughout the state. These records can put vulnerable people in difficult and dangerous situations, putting survivors of domestic violence Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El secures $872K to replace lead service lines in City of Lancaster

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

HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, secured $872,340 in grant and loan funding from Pennvest to replace 27 lead service lines in the City of Lancaster’s Jewels neighborhood. “Thanks to this money, 27 homes in the Jewels neighborhood will now have lead-free drinking water,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We’ve got to do everything we can to replace lead pipes as lead exposure is a public health hazard, causing developmental effects in fetuses, infants, and young children. This money will also ensure that the water delivery infrastructure is safe and performs reliably.” According to Smith-Wade-El, these line replacements will be prioritized by the city's selection model and user fees are not expected to increase because of the replacement project. Inquiries about this grant can be directed to Smith-Wade-El office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 05, 2024

REVIEW: Expanded State Programs that are Cutting Costs for Working Families, Older Friends & Neighbors
Mar 04, 2024

Government Grants, Feb. 26
Feb 27, 2024

PA House, Senate Dem Policy Committees convene joint hearing on eviction sealing
Feb 15, 2024

New Funding Opportunities for First Responders
Feb 08, 2024

Open Grant Applications, Feb. 8
Feb 08, 2024

REVIEW: Get a Sneak Peak at Gov. Shapiro's Budget Proposal
Feb 02, 2024

Gov Grants Jan 30
Jan 30, 2024

Lives changed by Tec Centro in Lancaster
Jan 29, 2024

Smith-Wade-El’s Inaugural “Second Chance” Pardon Clinic A Success
Jan 22, 2024

Government Grants, Jan. 9
Jan 09, 2024

Smith-Wade-El: $116,000 awarded to Sacred Green Infrastructure Program
Jan 05, 2024

Smith-Wade-El helped secure $3.36 million in state grants
Dec 19, 2023

Smith-Wade-El to host Pardon and Expungement Clinic Jan. 18
Dec 18, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application, Dec. 4
Dec 04, 2023

Special Education Awareness
Dec 02, 2023

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to authorize sending of electronic transmissions passes House
Nov 15, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application (Nov. 14)
Nov 14, 2023

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation
Nov 13, 2023

Smith-Wade-El secures $872K to replace lead service lines in City of Lancaster
Oct 18, 2023