HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – The Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee on Tuesday advanced a resolution by Majority Chairman Scott Conklin urging the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to establish separate playoffs and championships for public schools and private/charter schools. Conklin said he introduced H.R. 443 to encourage the PIAA to reform a system that gives private school athletes an unfair advantage over their public school counterparts, both on the field and beyond. “Unlike public schools, which must recruit student athletes from within their district’s geographic boundaries, private and charter schools can hand-select the best athletes from anywhere they choose,” Conklin said. “The result is that they end up with all-star teams and a deeply unfair advantage over public schools. “The impact goes far beyond a win or a loss. It leaves public school athletes behind when it comes to important life opportunities like scholarships and recruitment for college and pro sports. Public school is supposed to be about opening doors for students and teaching them the importance of fair play, and PIAA needs to help reinforce those lessons. “The association has the authority to make this change. It’s my hope that this resolution will bring them closer to doing so.” The committee approved the resolution by a vote of 24-1. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS 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 of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: November 5, 2024 More information: PennDOT website Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Who May Apply: Volunteer and career fire, EMS, and rescue companies in counties where unconventional gas well drilling is permitted and counties that directly border permitted counties and respond to related emergencies. Use: Funds may be used for certification, equipment, and Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., held a news conference to highlight their legislation, H.B. 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Generations of immigrants answered Pennsylvania’s welcoming call of opportunity and freedom, making our commonwealth into the powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Right now, Pennsylvania is betraying its own values by scapegoating immigrant communities with punitive policies that are driving them out of the state although foreign-born workers comprise 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. “Pennsylvania needs an Office of New Pennsylvanians to ensure that these new residents are able to flourish in the commonwealth,” Smith-Wade-El said. “They need to know we have their back.” “Pennsylvania is stronger when we welcome and celebrate immigration,” Hohenstein said. “Our collective ability to come together from all different backgrounds and perspectives for the betterment of the commonwealth is truly wonderful. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – After a recent incident where leaders of a Catholic School in Penbrook, Dauphin County, allegedly concluded that the hair length of a 5-year-old student violated the student conduct policies of the institution, members of the Central Pa Delegation today said episodes like this must force the PA Senate to take action and help end hair discrimination in the state by passing the Crown Act. Delegation Chair state Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr. explained that the group condemns any form of discrimination based on a person’s hair type, hair texture or hairstyle in the state and emphasized the need for the Senate to pass H.B. 1394 ( The Pennsylvania CROWN Act ), legislation that has been stuck in the Senate for more than a year and a half. The bill passed the PA House of Representatives on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 182-21 on July 7, 2023. “ This incident exemplifies one of the million reasons why the Senate needs to stop the arbitrary delays, face the elephant in the room and provide hair discrimination protections in Pennsylvania. This is certainly one of many ways we can better the quality of life in our communities,” said Guzman about the act, which is modeled on and inspired by the National CROWN Coalition and its ongoing efforts to pass a federal CROWN Act. “Today we are talking about a 5-year-old student, but on a regular basis we also hear of stories of explicit and Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – As Pennsylvania and the nation begin observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, state Rep. Scott Conklin held a Capitol news conference today to highlight legislation he has introduced to prevent domestic abuse and protect survivors. Conklin, D-Centre, discussed his bill that would allow electronic monitoring of domestic abusers and his newly introduced legislation that would bar convicted abusers from holding public office. “The statistics involving domestic violence are grim,” Conklin said. “According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women, one in four men and nearly half of LGBTQ+ people will experience this abuse in their lifetime. Sometimes, that abuse will turn deadly. Worse still, the statistics have been moving in the wrong direction.” Conklin discussed how a friend’s murder prompted him to introduce H.B. 1982 , which would permit the use of electronic ankle bracelets to monitor the movements of someone with a protection from abuse order. “My long-time family friend – Traci Ann Raymond – was stalked and murdered by her estranged husband,” Conklin said. “If she had had more warning regarding his presence, Traci might still be alive today.” Conklin also discussed his newly introduced legislation – H.B. 2580 – that would prohibit those convicted of domestic violence from Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Please note, the NAP is broken down into 5 programs (The Neighborhood Assistance Program, the Special Program Priorities, the Charitable Food Program, the Neighborhood Partnership Program, and the Enterprise Zone Program). Please visit the DCED website for specifics on each program. Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: The goals of the Programs are to promote community participation and collaborations among the residents, nonprofits and businesses while producing outcomes by assisting a distressed area or the low-income population in a neighborhood. Eligible neighborhood nonprofits apply for tax credits based on pending contributions from for-profit companies. Funds: The total available NAP tax credit amount has increased from $36 million to $72 million. Application Deadline: October 25, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: The primary purpose of the CCAPPG funds is to provide funding from the Commonwealth for costs incurred by the county for the supervision of adult offenders. Funds: PCCD is announcing a total of $16,150,000 in state Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant funds. PCCD expects to fund up to 65 county adult probation Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 23 – The National Civil War Museum has been awarded a $26,500 Cultural and Historical Support Grant by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), state Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, announced today. “The National Civil War Museum fosters awareness and understanding of this pivotal time in our nation’s history and its enduring legacy on our culture and society,” Fleming said. “I am glad that its critical work is being acknowledged and supported by this grant from the PHMC.” The National Civil War Museum is a private nonprofit corporation with a mission to serve as a national center to inspire lifelong learning of the American Civil War. The museum is located in Reservoir Park and offers hands-on educational programming to the community. More information about the museum can be found at www.NationalCivilWarMuseum.org . The Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program’s aim is to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museum community by supporting the general operations of eligible museums and official county historical societies that are not supported by other state agency funding programs. An eligible museum must have an annual operating budget exceeding $100,000 (excluding capital and in-kind services) and at least one full-time professional staff person (or approved equivalent). Funding for the program has increased by $2 million over previous years to better benefit Pennsylvania's Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Sept. 18 – Nearly $2 million in grant funding is coming to bolster Centre County’s criminal justice system, expand services and programs for crime victims and at-risk youth, and support crime-prevention measures, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will support a wide range of programs and services for the region. “The new funding will allow the county and area organizations to bolster crime prevention, expand services for victims, assess needs for at-risk youth and provide drug treatment and other services to help folks transition back to the community,” Conklin said. “Some of the new funding will also allow the public defender’s office to add caseworker services that can help folks with mental health, intellectual disabilities or substance use disorder access needed services. “They’re investments that are going to help people heal and put people back on a path to a better life.” The funding includes: $750,000 to Pennsylvania State University for oversight/administration of the 2025 and 2027 Pennsylvania Youth Surveys. $577,197 to Centre Safe to expand services for survivors of sexual or domestic violence. $220,833 to the Centre County Commissioners for the Public Defender Caseworker Program. $130,625 to Pennsylvania State University for maintenance Read more
LANCASTER, Sept. 13 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, today issued this statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order creating Pennsylvania’s first Housing Action Plan: “It is my guiding belief that having a home is a human right and a matter of justice, and so I wholeheartedly support Governor Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan, which puts at the forefront many of the issues I have fought for, first on the Lancaster City Council and now as state representative: the need to expand affordable housing options and provide support to the unhoused in Pennsylvania. “Housing insecurity has had a wide-ranging, devastating impact on our communities, from unemployment to educational disparities to the gun violence epidemic. “Though we have made historic investments in education in the past two budgets, all of that work will be undermined if parents and their kids don’t have a home to call their own. All of our work to build a work force will come to nothing if workers can’t afford to live in Pennsylvania. “Shapiro’s plan will provide a roadmap to increase housing availability, affordability, and quality through a coordinated, multi-agency, data-driven approach to effectively address Pennsylvania's current housing challenges. “Affordable housing is the keystone to Pennsylvania’s future success. “I applaud Governor Shapiro for taking this step to provide for the Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Sept. 10 – A grant of $105,906 to the State College Area School District will fund building repairs and improvements to ensure students and staff have the healthiest possible learning environment, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the grant was awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Environmental Repairs Grant program, which funds projects to eliminate school environmental hazards such as lead, mold, asbestos and other problems. “Dedicated teachers and school staff are the No. 1 reason our students thrive, but they also depend on a safe, hazard-free learning environment,” Conklin said. “That’s why I worked to secure budget funding that addresses all our district’s educational needs – from staffing and curriculum to building improvements that ensure safe and healthy classrooms. With this new funding, State College Area School District will have the resources needed to identify and eliminate any building hazards so students and staff can stay safe and focus on the business of learning.” The funding is part of a package of $75 million awarded to schools statewide under the PDE Environmental Repairs Grant program and secured in the state’s 2023-24 budget. Schools can use the money to improve water infrastructure and eliminate contamination, install point-of-use treatment devices to reduce lead and other contaminants, Read more
READING, Sept. 3 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr., chair of the Central Pennsylvania House Delegation, today announced that the group will team up with the House Transportation Committee to discuss public transportation priorities and investments in the City of Reading and Berks County. The public information meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6 in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 815 Washington St. , Reading. “Public transit systems and infrastructure development plans are critical factors for economic development and top priority of our delegation,” Guzman said. “We want to ensure that residents in urban and rural areas get equal access to convenient ways of transportation.” Guzman said the meeting’s agenda will include discussion on the proposed Schuylkill River Train to re-establish passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia for the first time in more than 40 years, along with updates on road & bridge repair, public transit, and how investments can be funded. Organizations presenting include: PennDOT, the South Central Transit Authority, and the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Michael Carroll has confirmed his participation in the meeting. The Reading stop is one of eight Moving PA Forward informational meetings the committee is holding in communities of all sizes to get the facts Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 27 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi and Joe Webster, both D-Montgomery, together with Upper Providence Township Police Department, will hold a hard-to-read license plate replacement event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 at Anderson Farm Park, 499 Hopwood Road, Collegeville. “Our license plate replacement event last year was such a success that I wanted hold it again this year, but this time to work with my friend and colleague, Joe Webster, to help an even larger pool of residents,” Ciresi said. “At this License Plate Restoration Event, police from the Upper Providence Township Police Department will check residents’ plates, determine whether residents are eligible for a new plate and complete the paperwork needed to replace the old license plate. I encourage all residents to come if they have faded or damaged license plates.” “In order to avoid potential fines and complications, vehicle owners can utilize this event to order replacement plates,” Webster said. “I am looking forward to bringing this service to our community and I encourage everyone to call my office to pre-register or if you have any questions. Many thanks to Rep. Joe Ciresi and the Upper Providence Police Department for your partnership on this event." A license plate is considered illegible if any of its numbers or letters can’t be recognized from 50 feet, or if it shows any blistering, peeling, discoloration or loss Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 27 – Nearly 50 license plates were replaced at a free license plate clinic this weekend hosted by state Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, the Office of Joe Kerwin, R-Dauphin, and the Lower Paxton Police Department. “I was very happy to join with Rep. Joe Kerwin’s office and the Lower Paxton Police Department to offer residents the convenience of a weekend clinic where they could replace their hard-to-read or damaged license plates,” Fleming said. “This free clinic is a great example of state and local government entities coming together to provide critical services to the public they all serve.” Residents who were not able to attend the clinic may contact Fleming’s office for information on getting a replacement license plate at no cost. Read more
“The lack of good-paying jobs and opportunities is leading to a falling population, as young people move away, with a corresponding decrease in local small businesses and services such as grocery stores, banks and even health care,” said Rep. Paul Takac, who hosted the House Majority Policy Committee tour and roundtable discussion. Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 23 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Cumberland/Dauphin, and state Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, today announced a state grant for $350,000 to the Broad Street Market . The Department of Community and Economic Development grant will go toward operating expenses, roof repairs and HVAC upgrades at the market. “This state funding saves significant costs for the urgently needed restoration of Broad Street Market,” Kim said. “I look forward to seeing this project continue to move forward and am happy to have helped the market and the many businesses that make Harrisburg thrive.” “We look forward to seeing a new design and more progress at the Broad Street Market, as it navigates its comeback,” Madsen said. “All eyes are on this reconstruction, and I’m happy that Rep. Kim and I were able to help deliver needed help.” “This funding commitment is an absolute game-changer for the Broad Street Market, which recently became financially solvent for the first time since last year’s fire, in conjunction with the financial sustainability plan put in place earlier this year,” said Eric Hagerty, chair of the market’s Board of Directors. “We will now be in a position to do more than barely make ends meet – we will be able to invest in the market’s facilities and address some long-standing needs for the businesses that operate at the market and Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 23 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Cumberland/Dauphin, and state Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, today announced a state grant for $350,000 to the Broad Street Market . The Department of Community and Economic Development grant will go toward operating expenses, roof repairs and HVAC upgrades at the market. “This state funding saves significant costs for the urgently needed restoration of Broad Street Market,” Kim said. “I look forward to seeing this project continue to move forward and am happy to have helped the market and the many businesses that make Harrisburg thrive.” “We look forward to seeing a new design and more progress at the Broad Street Market, as it navigates its comeback,” Madsen said. “All eyes are on this reconstruction, and I’m happy that Rep. Kim and I were able to help deliver needed help.” “This funding commitment is an absolute game-changer for the Broad Street Market, which recently became financially solvent for the first time since last year’s fire, in conjunction with the financial sustainability plan put in place earlier this year,” said Eric Hagerty, chair of the market’s Board of Directors. “We will now be in a position to do more than barely make ends meet – we will be able to invest in the market’s facilities and address some long-standing needs for the businesses that operate at the market and the community Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 21 – A $78,000 grant from the Multimodal Transportation Fund will fund work to bring safer travel for Rush Township residents, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. “Frequent and more severe storms are challenging our communities’ stormwater management capacity and increasing the risk of flooding that can threaten motorists and impact our roads,” Conklin said. “Securing this new funding will allow Rush Township to move forward with needed stormwater management work and roadway improvements on Medical Center Drive so traffic flows as smoothly and safely as possible.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides financial assistance to municipalities, government councils, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies and ports and rail freight entities. By improving transportation assets, the program seeks to enhance communities, pedestrian safety and transit revitalization. More about the funding statewide is available here: https://www.pa.gov/en/governor/newsroom/2024-press-releases/gov-shapiro--51-million-dot-mtf-grants-66-projects.html . Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 14 – Following the announcement that state Rep. Michael Sturla, D-Lancaster, that he will leave the PA House of Representatives once the current legislative session ends, PA House Central Pennsylvania Delegation Chairman Manuel Guzman Jr. released this statement expressing his appreciation of the legacy that Sturla will leave in the General Assembly once he finishes the remainder of his term this year. “For more than three decades, Mike Sturla has championed the most critical issues not only for the legislative district that he represents, but for the entire state. Mike leaves a footprint of lasting impact on our state. “Our delegation proudly supported and praised his wisdom, leadership and commitment to the process that led to the passage of a bill that will bring adequacy, equity and stability to Pennsylvania’s education funding system and secured a $1.1 billion increase for K-12 education. “He successfully served as chair of the Basic Education Funding Commission, a bipartisan group tasked with developing and recommending a new formula for distributing state funds for education to Pennsylvania school districts after the Commonwealth Court ruled that the current education funding system did not meet constitutional requirements. “He also has stood up fiercely against housing insecurity and homelessness in his role as chair of Housing and Community Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 13 – New grant funding of $220,000 will support firefighting resources for Hope Fire Co. and community center upgrades for Huston Township, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin said the funding includes $200,000 to Hope Fire Co. in Philipsburg to help the company purchase a utility vehicle, personal protective gear and other firefighting equipment. “Our district is fortunate to have highly dedicated first responders who answer the call 24/7, regardless of tight budgets, staff constraints and other logistical challenges,” Conklin said. “Securing this funding should help ease some of the burden for Hope Fire Company so the department can ensure that their frontline heroes have the resources they need to stay safe on the job.” Conklin said that in addition, Huston Township will receive $20,000 for building upgrades, including ADA compliance work, for the township’s community center. Read more
LANCASTER, Aug. 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that $31,020 in state funding has been awarded to Carter & Macrae Elementary School to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Through the program, Carter & Macrae Elementary School 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. “For low-income, historically marginalized communities in our area and throughout Pennsylvania, there is a striking lack of access to affordable, healthy fresh food,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As I strive to ensure that all Pennsylvanians can put nutritious food on their tables, I am very glad that thanks to this grant, students at Carter & Macrae will be able to snack on delicious, fresh fruits and vegetables that will provide them with the critical nutrients they need to learn and grow.” 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 in the Read more
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