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PA LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus holds rally for Fairness Act

(Apr 26, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, April 26 – Today, the PA House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, chaired by state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., and Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, held a rally on the PA Capitol steps in Harrisburg promoting the Fairness Act (H.B. 300), anti-discrimination legislation currently moving through the state House. House Bill 300 would prohibit discrimination in PA based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. On Monday, the bill was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee and is headed for an eventual vote by the full House. Today’s rally saw a huge turnout of legislators, advocates and the public. Kenyatta and Benham were joined by the other co-prime sponsors of H.B. 300, state Reps. Dan Frankel and Latasha D. Mayes, both D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery; to speak on their bill. “Pennsylvania is better when it’s fairer. Passing the Fairness Act is the right thing to do for our families, our commonwealth and for our economy. This legislation was first introduced 22 years ago -- leaving committee once before -- and never receiving a full vote,” Kenyatta said. “It’s time for that to change. Pennsylvanians are good and decent people. They know every single one of us should be treated with dignity and respect. We have a chance to deliver on that basic principle and we will.” “The Fairness Act is as Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El nominee The Artivist Corp. wins 2023 Community Pride Award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful  

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

LANCASTER, April 24 – Local organization The Artivist Corp. was honored during its Earth Day cleanup event “One Love, One Earth” on April 22 with the 2023 Community Pride Award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, according to state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, who nominated the group for the award. Smith-Wade-El pointed to the organization’s BlockRite program when nominating it for the award, given annually by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to recognize outstanding environmental stewardship. BlockRite participants clean up neighborhoods around the city, mentoring youth in the process by fostering artistic expression and emotional literacy – leading, founder Dominique Jordan said he hopes, to interest in civic engagement. “I am so proud to have residents, like Dominque Jordan, who see the potential that Lancaster and its youth have and actively work to make the city an even better place,” said Smith-Wade-El. “This group educates their community on environmental issues that affect our planet and promotes conservation and sustainability. It is vital that other organizations follow in The Artivist Corp.’s footsteps to a cleaner and brighter future.” Sir Dominique Jordan, the Prolific One as a rapper and artist, founded The Artivist Corp. in 2022. A lifelong resident of Lancaster city, he’s the single father of two young boys. The group revolves around giving young people the guidance and abilities Read more

 

‘Fairness Act’ reported out of House Judiciary Committee

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

HARRISBURG, April 24 – Today, The Fairness Act (H.B. 300) was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee 12-9 and will now head to the House floor for a vote. Prime sponsors of the bill, state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila; Jessica Benham, Dan Frankel and Latasha D. Mayes, all D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery; issued the following statement following the Judiciary Committee vote. “The Fairness Act has been in the works for years and never received fair consideration. With today’s vote in the Judiciary Committee, we took a huge step toward making Pennsylvania fairer for our LGBTQ+ residents. “As H.B. 300 heads to the house floor for a vote, we are ready to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians. “Most Pennsylvanians believe what we believe; Pennsylvania is better when it’s fairer. We hope our colleagues in the House can see eye to eye with us and most Pennsylvanians, so they can meet this monumental moment for our commonwealth and pass H.B 300 out of the House and to the Senate.” Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces state funding for girls’ STEM class at JP McCaskey

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

HARRISBURG, April 24 – The Pennsylvania Department of Education awarded JP McCaskey High School a $30,000 grant to outfit a girls’ IDEA Innovation Lab in its building, said state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, who helped secure the funding. The lab will have workstations and tables equipped with computers, microscopes, scientific instruments and programming tools. Additionally, the lab will have a range of hands-on activities and experiments designed to help girls learn through exploration. IDEA stands for Imagine, Design, Engineer and Accomplish. Women make up only 28% of the workforce in jobs specific to science, technology, engineering and math. “Historically, STEM fields have been male-dominated,” said Karen Wynn, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment at School District of Lancaster. “By creating an exciting and innovative space, we hope to further encourage our high school girls to engage in STEM activities, which will lead to increased gender diversity in these fields and bring new perspectives and ideas to the workforce.” “This grant is a wonderfully targeted and wise investment into the futures of Lancaster girls,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “My sincere congratulations are in order for JP McCaskey and the staff who applied for the funding, as well as to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, who realized the wisdom of investing here, and in this way.” Beginning Read more

 

Democratic lawmakers issue statement on introduction of “Fairness Act”

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

HARRISBURG, April 13 – Today, the Fairness Act , whose prime sponsors are state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila.; Jessica Benham, Dan Frankel and Latasha D. Mayes, all D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, was introduced as H.B. 300. The following joint statement can be attributed to the members listed above: “Every single Pennsylvanian deserves to live with dignity and respect. For far too long, LGBTQ+ folks across the commonwealth have faced horrific discrimination for who they love, how they identify and who they are. “In 2020, in the landmark decision of Bostock v. Clayton County, the United States Supreme Court ruled that an employer cannot discriminate against an individual because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. While this decision was a historic victory for civil rights, it does not prevent someone in our state who identifies as LGBTQ+ from being denied housing, education or access to public accommodations. These protections must be codified into law. “Lack of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law in Pennsylvania is a deterrent for workers and businesses who could help grow our economy, and its passage is long overdue. Discrimination in any form degrades us all. We can and must do better. “That is why we are introducing the Fairness Act (H.B.300) to prohibit discrimination in our state based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. “We Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El: Cybercharters, tough budgets plague Pennsylvania schools

(Apr 12, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

At the end of the day, our education system is our people. It is our students, our teachers, our staff, our school board members — and they are not broken. The way that we in the General Assembly choose to fund them, or not, is broken. They are doing the best they can with what they have been given, and it is time for us to do better by them. Read more

 

Benham, Kenyatta and Smith-Wade-El introduce bill to protect minors from conversion therapy in PA

(Mar 31, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, March 31 – State Reps. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny; Izzy Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Malcom Kenyatta, D-Phila., have introduced legislation (H.B. 575) to protect minors from conversion therapy. “There is an overwhelming amount of evidence that tells us efforts to change an individual’s sexual identity through so-called ‘therapy’ causes serious harm to their mental health,” said state Benham, who co-chairs the PA LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. “It is shameful that in 2023 Pennsylvania still allows the abhorrent practice known as conversion therapy to occur, and I am looking forward to outlawing it to protect and affirm LGBTQ+ youth across our Commonwealth.” “Conversion therapy is anti-gay bias masquerading as science,” said Smith-Wade-El. “This abusive practice has caused immense harm on patients, including depression, trauma, drug use, homelessness and suicide. It reinforces the idea that there is something psychologically wrong with LGBTQ people because of their sexual identity. It’s long past time that PA joins 20 other states and the District of Columbia in banning this abhorrent practice to protect the physical and psychological well-being of LGBTQ minors.” The legislation, the Protection of Minors from Conversion Therapy Act, seeks to address harms associated with conversion therapy by prohibiting a mental health professional from engaging in this archaic treatment with an Read more

 

Majority Policy Committee examines affordable housing crisis

(Mar 28, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

“There is not a corner of our commonwealth or a corner of our nation not affected by a lack of affordable housing,” said hearing host Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, who represents portions of Lancaster. “While our caucus continues to lead the way on issues, including education and employment, all of that work will be undermined if we cannot address the affordable housing crisis and ensure our families will be able to a find a place to lay their head every night.” Read more

 

Sturla and Smith-Wade-El secure $2.3M for Lancaster transportation and public works projects

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

LANCASTER, March 16 – State Reps. Mike Sturla and Ismail Smith-Wade-El, both D-Lancaster, announced today that they had secured $2,326,905 for Lancaster’s multimodal and local public improvement projects from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. “I thank the CFA for recognizing the important work of our local organizations and the City of Lancaster to our community,” Sturla said. “These vital awards will enable them to continue to enhance their services for the benefit of our residents.” “We are proud and grateful to have been able to secure these funds which will serve critical housing, social and community development needs,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Thank you to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for sharing this community’s vision of what we all deserve.” The funding will help the following projects: $200,000 to the City of Lancaster to construct an eastbound bicycle lane on Fulton Street in Lancaster City. $400,000 for South Ann Concerned Neighbors to construct a community hub where all neighborhood individuals are provided community resources. $476,905 for SACA Development Corporation to complete building renovations to their human services facility, El Centro Hispano. $250,000 for Tenfold to complete a comprehensive renovation its 112-year-old TLC shelter facility, to provide better temporary housing and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness. $1,000,000 for YWCA Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Hill-Evans introduce bill to expand PTRR Program in PA

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

HARRISBURG, March 14 – State Reps. Izzy Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, on Monday introduced legislation (H.B. 389) to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program in Pennsylvania by equalizing income levels, increasing rebate amounts and raising the highest income bracket for homeowners and renters. “It has become too hard to afford a home in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Smith-Wade-El said. “For many of our senior homeowners and renters, the place in which they live is a legacy of work, life, and love, and we have an obligation to protect them and that legacy by helping them stay in their homes. “Older Pennsylvanians in Lancaster and across the Commonwealth are struggling to pay for basic necessities like food and rent. Despite rising inflation and cost-of-living increases, PTRR’s income limits, rebate amounts and other provisions have not been modified to correspond to these economic changes, resulting in fewer people qualifying for the program and the program rebates failing to provide the necessary financial assistance. “In particular, the PTRR Program has too long discriminated against renters, saying that they deserve less support than homeowners. What we’re going to do differently with this legislation is make sure that all of our seniors and all of our neighbors with disabilities have the support they need to stay in their homes. “The changes Chairwoman Hill-Evans and I Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El appointed to PA House committees

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

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today he has been appointed to the Committee on Committees, and Education, Housing and Community Development, Human Services and Local Government committees for the 2023-24 session in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “I am honored that I have been named to these Pa. House committees that oversee the services that are the lifeblood of our community—education, human services, housing and local government,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I will use the knowledge and skills gained from my work on the Lancaster City Council, with the Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition and Community Action Partnership and as a community activist to evaluate the bills before the committees and advocate for legislation that will improve Pennsylvanians’ lives.” The Committee on Committees recommends to the House the names of members who are to serve on the standing committees of the House. The Education Committee reviews bills that pertain to educational funding, school choice and charter schools, teacher standards and more. The Housing and Community Development Committee was established in 2023. Formerly the Urban Affairs Committee, the committee reviews bills that pertain to cities and counties of the first, second and third class. Housing and public safety have been recent concerns for this committee. The Human Services Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s statement on the Shapiro budget address

(Mar 07, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, March 7 – State Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, released the following statement today on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s address: “I wholeheartedly support Governor Shapiro’s budget plan to improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians by improving the public education system, growing the economy, and making communities safer and healthier. “In particular, I look forward to working with the governor on a shared legislative goal: to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to help more seniors and disabled Pennsylvanians afford to stay in their homes. In his budget address today, Governor Shapiro said he wants to increase real relief by ensuring 175,000 more people qualify and providing higher rebates for those who do. “I’m introducing two bills to reform PTRR to ensure the program helps more people who need it. One bill would equalize homeowners and renters by income bracket, and another would double the amount of money that seniors get back from the Commonwealth. The increase in the money homeowners and renters receive would help them stay in the homes they’ve worked for all their lives and so stabilize the life of our communities. “I look forward to partnering with the governor to make our goals to increase access to and expand rebates from PTRR a reality.” Residents with inquiries can call Smith-Wade-El’s district office at 717-283-4218 or toll free Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El District Office Open House is Friday, March 3

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

LANCASTER, Feb. 27 – State Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, invites residents of the 49 th Legislative District to attend his District Office Open House from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 3. The office is located at 150 E. King St., Suite B, in Lancaster. “ I encourage residents to s top by to meet me and my staff to find out how my office can help them with the vast array of state government programs and services, such as property tax and rent rebates, PennDOT services and more,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I look forward to meeting our district’s residents to hear their concerns and let them know that my office is here for them.” The open house will include: Food vendors featuring West African and Puerto Rican fare. Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations on site provided by Union Community Care . Information from Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster about afterschool programs and other opportunities for children. Residents with inquiries can call Smith-Wade-El’s district office at 717-283-4218 or toll free at 833-787-1792 . Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El secures $115K for 49th District: District Office Open House Will Be Held Friday, March 3

(Feb 17, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Feb. 17 – State Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that he secured $115,000 in state grants for community organizations in the 49 th District and is inviting residents of the district to his District Office Open House on March 3 to learn more about the services his office provides. “ Our community organizations lift up the lives of so many in our district,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As state representative for Lancaster City, Lancaster Township, and Millersville, I am committed not just to legislating on behalf of our community, but to doing my part to encourage and support these organizations by bringing home the resources they need to give our neighbors the help they deserve.” The following groups received grants: Community Action Partnerships $20,000 to support the Crispus Attucks Community Center’s youth and community-serving programs was awarded by the PA Department of Human Services. City of Lancaster $20,000 to construct and establish the Beaver Street Pocket Park was awarded by PA Department of Community and Economic Development. City of Lancaster Bureau of Fire $15,000 to support fire services was awarded by the PA Office of State Fire Commissioner. Lancaster Township Fire Department $15,000 to support fire services was awarded by the PA Office of State Fire Commissioner. Blue Rock Read more

 

Rep. Smith-Wade-El statement on historic court decision on PA school funding system

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

HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Ismail “Izzy” Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, released the following statement today on Tuesday’s Commonwealth Court landmark ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional: “I have long maintained that a high-quality education is the right of every child in the state of Pennsylvania. An investment in our children’s education is an investment in their future that will lead to thriving communities throughout the commonwealth for generations to come. I’m pleased to report that yesterday’s historic decision regarding the unconstitutionality of how we fund education in our state reaffirms the petitioners’ commitment to children, educators, communities, and the future of our commonwealth. It is high time we acknowledge the fact that our education funding system has been broken for decades, and it is high time we fix it. “Homeowners – particularly seniors – have struggled to cope with high property taxes. This ruling upholds the simple fact that students and taxpayers are best served by enhancing funding for all schools at the state level, rather than relying on local property taxes. “Yesterday, the court ruled that it is simply not right that some kids start a school year with a new MacBook, while kids just a few miles away are asked to share a math book. Education should never be a zero-sum game, with Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El & Sturla: GOP should redirect its wrath about school district budgets to cybercharters

(Feb 08, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, Rep. Mike Sturla

The funding system in Pennsylvania is broken, but this is not a “can we fix it?” question. We have the tools, and we have the political will to pass real solutions. Are our colleagues in the GOP ready to join us? Read more

 

House Dems condemn insurrectionists at Jan. 6 remembrance event

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

“All of us deserve the fundamental American freedom to choose our leaders, and we do so by exercising the right to vote. For me, the right to vote is a precious gift given to me by grandparents and parents who fought and marched to ensure that I would have it,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The Jan 6. insurrectionists, their supporters in Congress, and the Pa. General Assembly tried to steal that from my family and yours. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El takes oath for first term

(Jan 03, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Ismail “Izzy” Smith-Wade-El took the oath of office today in the state Capitol to begin his first term representing the 49 th Legislative District, which comprises part of the city of Lancaster, Lancaster Township and Millersville Borough. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 session of the Pennsylvania House. Smith-Wade-El is also scheduled to be installed as treasurer of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus during its installation of officers at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4. The installation will be streamed live on the PLBC website or on the PLBC’s Facebook page. Smith-Wade-El said some of his priorities in his first term are affordable housing, justice and public safety; high-quality affordable healthcare for all; LGBTQ rights; cannabis decriminalization; high-quality education for children regardless of Zip code; workers’ rights; climate action; returning power to local government, and reproductive rights and health care. “I am honored to represent the 49 th District in the PA House of Representatives,” Smith-Wade-El said. ‘I am looking forward to drawing on my depth of skills and experiences acquired as an activist and president of the Lancaster City Council to improve our residents’ quality of life, make our communities safer and stronger, and increase economic opportunities for all.” Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces $4.4M in grants for Lancaster City

(Dec 16, 2022) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Dec. 16 -- Rep.-elect Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced $4.4 million in grants have been awarded to Lancaster organizations by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The grants will be used to improve community safety, support local law enforcement in transparency and accountability efforts, and help vulnerable populations and religious communities to protect themselves as the community pushes back against hate and white nationalism. The first set of grants come from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Established in 2019 after the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh that claimed the lives of 11 worshippers, the program supports grants for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication, such as race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity. The following Lancaster organizations received these grants: $50,000 to Bright Side Opportunities Corporation. $97,000 to the Church World Service Lancaster. $97,000 to the Islamic Community Center of Lancaster. $25,000 to the Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition. $6,296 to Lancaster Pride. $10,000 to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lancaster. “What unifies the recipients of these Read more

 

State Rep.-elect Smith-Wade-El’s statement on violence in Lancaster City

(Dec 13, 2022) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Dec. 13 -- Rep.-elect Ismail Smith-Wade-El has issued the following statement: “Over the past two weeks, Lancaster City has seen four separate shootings, and what appears to have been a dangerous accidental discharge of a firearm last night. Three of these shootings took place in the 49th Legislative District. These acts of violence are taking the lives of our loved ones, devastating our friends and neighbors, and undermining the safety that we deserve to feel in our communities. “Investigations are ongoing into these shootings. While there is much we do not yet know about the circumstances of these needless acts of violence, we know all too well their devastating impact: children left without their parents and parents left without their children. From the candlelight vigils and public outpourings of emotion, we do know those who have been harmed and killed are deeply loved by their friends and family. We offer our condolences and our prayers to all affected. “Luis Oscar Sanchez, Wakiel Jones, and James Jeffery Diggs deserved better. Their families deserve better. Our blocks, our community deserves better. “Let me be clear: our vision for this community has no place for gun violence, and no place for the legal and social apathy that enables it. We all deserve to feel safe in the places that we call home and we all have a responsibility to make that vision a reality. “We deserve Read more

 

PA LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus holds rally for Fairness Act
Apr 26, 2023

Smith-Wade-El nominee The Artivist Corp. wins 2023 Community Pride Award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful  
Apr 24, 2023

‘Fairness Act’ reported out of House Judiciary Committee
Apr 24, 2023

Smith-Wade-El announces state funding for girls’ STEM class at JP McCaskey
Apr 24, 2023

Democratic lawmakers issue statement on introduction of “Fairness Act”
Apr 14, 2023

Smith-Wade-El: Cybercharters, tough budgets plague Pennsylvania schools
Apr 12, 2023

Benham, Kenyatta and Smith-Wade-El introduce bill to protect minors from conversion therapy in PA
Mar 31, 2023

Majority Policy Committee examines affordable housing crisis
Mar 28, 2023

Sturla and Smith-Wade-El secure $2.3M for Lancaster transportation and public works projects
Mar 16, 2023

Smith-Wade-El and Hill-Evans introduce bill to expand PTRR Program in PA
Mar 14, 2023

Smith-Wade-El appointed to PA House committees
Mar 08, 2023

Smith-Wade-El’s statement on the Shapiro budget address
Mar 07, 2023

Smith-Wade-El District Office Open House is Friday, March 3
Feb 27, 2023

Smith-Wade-El secures $115K for 49th District: District Office Open House Will Be Held Friday, March 3
Feb 17, 2023

Rep. Smith-Wade-El statement on historic court decision on PA school funding system
Feb 08, 2023

Smith-Wade-El & Sturla: GOP should redirect its wrath about school district budgets to cybercharters
Feb 08, 2023

House Dems condemn insurrectionists at Jan. 6 remembrance event
Jan 06, 2023

Smith-Wade-El takes oath for first term
Jan 03, 2023

Smith-Wade-El announces $4.4M in grants for Lancaster City
Dec 16, 2022

State Rep.-elect Smith-Wade-El’s statement on violence in Lancaster City
Dec 13, 2022