Entering Women’s History Month this March has me pondering a lot of issues related to women, especially women of color, and where we are headed. In the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, I can tell you we are going in the right direction in terms of addressing important issues that impact the daily lives of women who have been historically underserved, underrepresented, misunderstood, ignored and generally not heard. We elected the first woman – a Black woman – to serve as speaker of the House. This role has always gone to white men with the exception of K. Leroy Irvis, a Black legislator from Pittsburgh, who served as speaker back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Speaker Joanna McClinton is accomplished, is the former Democratic leader in the House, is an attorney and represents the good folks of the 191st District in Philadelphia and parts of Delaware County. She brings experiences to this General Assembly that resonate with so many Pennsylvanians and is committed to making sure that everyone and every issue is heard during her tenure at the rostrum. Some of the issues that I know exist, and ones that were discussed during my time as chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus’ Subcommittee on Women and Girls of Color, include a backsliding of women’s reproductive rights, the need to raise the minimum wage, period poverty, and health care access and maternal mortality, to name a few. Women’s personal Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker spoke in support of Governor Shapiro's budget proposal, including increased investments in jobs, apprenticeship programs, and education. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., today was sworn into office representing the 198 th Legislative District. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-2024 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Parker said her priorities are quality of life issues like public safety, children’s health and education, as well as holding older adults as a priority. She will also continue to be an advocate for small business owners. “I remain honored and humbled to represent the people of the 198 th District,” Parker said. “Over the last 2 years, I have met with so many folks from the communities that make up the 198 th and every day I work and will continue to work to pursue legislation and other initiatives that will help the residents of my district. My office is always ready to help with all state government needs.” She said her office can assist with state-related services including home heating, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance, to name a few. More information is available by visiting her website www.RepDarisha.com . Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker took the oath of office for another term representing Pennsylvania's 198th Legislative District in Northwest Philadelphia. Parker plans to continue her push for better quality of life and to work on environmental issues. Read more
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency/Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training Innovative Solicitation (Funding Source: Justice Reinvestment Fund) Who May Apply : Existing PACTT Affiliates. Use : To improve services for delinquent youth receiving academic and career/technical training services. Funds : Awards up to $75,000 for 24-month projects. Application Deadline : December 23, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Pumpout Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities. Use : To fund the construction, renovation, and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations to service pleasure boats. Funds : Reimburse up to 75% of the installation cost of pumpout and dump stations. Application Deadline : December 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/PumpoutGrantProgram.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022-23 School Safety and Security Training and Technical Assistance Program (Funding Source: FY 2022 School Safety and Security Grant Program Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education (not-for profit), and for-profit organizations. Use : To Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker reminds you that the December 31st deadline to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is fast approaching. Rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2021 are available to many older and disabled adults living in Pa. To see if you qualify or for help applying, call Rep. Parker's district office at 215-849-6426. You can also get more information or apply online at www.mypath.pa.gov Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Pennsylvania Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnership (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania local workforce development boards. Use : To support the convening of Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnerships in lower moderate-income communities and guide the development and registration of healthcare apprenticeship programs, with emphasis on nursing occupations, through group sponsorships. Funds : Up to $260,000. Application Deadline : November 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Documents/Nurse-Pathway-IP/Nursing%20Pathway%20Apprenticeship%20IP%20NGA%20FINAL.pdf . Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Work Force Support Grant (WFSG) 2.0 (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Eligible DHS certified childcare providers. Use : To provide funding to eligible DHS certified childcare providers (providers) for staff retention and staff recruitment purposes. Funds : Variable depending on staff levels. Application Deadline : December 6, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.pakeys.org/workforcesupportgrants2/ . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022 Read more
With winter weather on our doorstep, Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker reminds you that the time to apply for heating assistance is now! Call her district office at 215-849-6426 for help with your application, or go to LIHEAP.com for more information. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., announced an additional $6 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants for projects in the 198 th Legislative District. “Bringing state dollars back to the district and all that entails for residents here is very important to me in my work as a state legislator,” Parker said. “These projects have an impact on the district, the region and can even impact the state.” The funding is provided from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program which is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. The following projects have been awarded: $5 million - Leading the Way III, Associated Alumni of Central High School: For the creation of the Performing Arts Center and campus improvements to help provide dedicated classrooms, practice and performance spaces for students. $1 million - Weavers Way Germantown Development: To restore the building at 328 W. Chelten Ave., including a renovated facade with new storefront windows and an easy access vestibule; a new roof, plumbing, fire and mechanical systems; upgraded and efficient electric and lighting; and improved parking and landscaping. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – State grants totaling nearly $12 million will fund local projects in the 198 th Legislative District , according to state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila. “The importance of this kind of state support cannot be overstated,” Parker said. “These are large-scale projects that are important parts of our communities and our region, our culture and our daily lives. State government support is a critical part of their success and something that I take very seriously.” The funding is provided from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, or RACP, and is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. The following projects have been awarded: $1.25 million to 5616 North Broad Street Associates to stabilize the remaining building structure at 5616-20 N. Broad St. along the North Broad commercial corridor. The building will require a full structural renovation, roof system and other projects. $500,000 for the Allegheny West Foundation 22 nd Street Commercial and Community Development II Project for a new recreation center that will provide more space for programs, classrooms, a computer lab, multimedia room, recording studio, commercial kitchen, a new indoor half basketball court and space for middle school programs. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: PA Industry Partnership Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, educational and post-secondary educational organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities. Use : To identify workforce, education & training, and economic development needs, coordinate regional teams to support industry needs, identify public and community resources to address industry identified needs and increase collaboration among businesses within a targeted industry sector. Funds : Up to $250,000 per partnership. Application Deadline : October 28, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program (Funding Source: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations. Use : To support security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth that is owned or operated by the nonprofit organization. Funds : Awards between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : October 31, 2022 More Information : Click on Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker encourages everyone to make their voice heard on Election Day, and to make a plan to vote today. Read more
What's at stake? Every vote matters. Make sure you are registered to vote this November. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker joined colleagues to celebrate a $4,000,000 investment in cleanliness, safety, and economic development for Philadelphia's Broad & Olney District. Read more
“The ages of grandparents and the role of grandparents have changed, and I wanted to know how you get older adults to come forward to say they are raising their grandchildren and they need help,” said state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila. Read more
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Regional Policing Assistance Program Who May Apply: Applicants for the Regional Policing Assistance Program may be any municipality – a city, borough, township, home-rule municipality, or county. Applicants may also be a public or quasi-public body, or its representative, duly authorized to act on behalf of one or more municipalities. All applications must be accompanied by fully executed Articles of Agreement or an Intergovernmental Agreement that establishes a Regional Police Department. Use: Funding will support efforts in establishing or expanding regional police departments that would improve the following: uniformity and consistency of enforcement across municipalities; recruitment; distribution and deployment of police personnel; training and personnel efficiency; career enhancement opportunities; enhanced professionalism; and reduction of costs. Funds: A total of approximately $1,000,000 in federal funds is being announced to support this initiative. Applicants may apply for up to $150,000 for the formation of a new regional police department or up to $50,000 for the expansion of an existing regional police department by adding a chartered municipality(ies). Application Deadline: September 6, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Legal Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker is calling on business owners and corporations to pay Black women equally for equal work. For every dollar a white man makes, Black women are paid 58 cents. With 30% of Black households headed by Black women, she says it's time to pay Black women their fair share so that they can support their families and uplift their communities. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 20 – State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., announced the awarding of a $180,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreation grant for Philadelphia Youth Basketball Inc. for the construction of the Allen Horwitz Sixth Man Center in Philadelphia. The Greenways, Trails and Recreation Grant Program is awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. “Youth basketball programs teach our kids structure, teamwork and dedication,” Parker said. “They are important to the youth of our communities and a beautiful facility will only enhance the experience. I always say it’s all about the kids. Now we put our money where our mouth is in state government. I will always back those initiatives for our young people.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 to administer Pennsylvania's economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania's economic growth. Read more
Summer newsletter 2022 Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Commonwealth Financing Authority: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) (Funding Source: Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund) Who May Apply : Allegheny County Municipalities, Authorities (Redevelopment, Municipal or Industrial), Councils of Government, Non-Profit Organizations, Trusts and For Profit Organizations. Use : To support community and economic development projects in Allegheny County. Funds : Awards between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline : September 23, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.alleghenycounty.us/economic-development/authorities/gedtf-fund.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Traffic Signal Technologies Grant Program (Funding Source: Motor License Fund) Who May Apply : Municipalities. Use : To install and maintain traffic signal technologies. Funds : Varies by award. This is a reimbursement grant with no matching funds required. Application Deadline : September 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/Bureaus/BOMO/Portal/TST_INFO.pdf . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Grant Program (Funding Source: American Rescue Plan Act Funds) Who May Apply Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Darisha Parker.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
1335 W. Tabor RoadSuite 109Philadelphia, PA 19141-3038
P*: (215) 849-6426
F*: (717) 772-1313
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
116 A East Wing Harrisburg, PA 17120-2198
P*: (717) 787-7727