Committee approves Conklin pre-canvassing legislation

(Apr 24, 2023)

"By giving election workers the time they need to tabulate votes, my bill would expedite the process and help eliminate the delays that can slow or obstruct a fair, democratic process.” Read more

 

Reading Fightin Phils Unveil Redner’s Event Center

(Apr 06, 2023)

State Representative Mark Rozzi, State Representative Manny Guzman and State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz helped bring funding for the Redner's Event Center home. Read more

 

During Women's History Month, 69 News speaks with Rep. Cepeda-Freytiz, the first Latina to represent Berks

(Mar 29, 2023)

When there's a will, there's always a way: It's one of Cepeda-Freytiz's favorite mottos. Read more

 

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

(Mar 16, 2023)

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)

“We look forward to partnering with the governor to expand PTRR so that our vulnerable seniors and persons with disabilities in Pennsylvania can stay in their homes,” the legislators said. Read more

 

Berks’ first female Latino state representative shares her story

(Mar 09, 2023)

Cepeda-Freytiz’s success in politics isn’t something she has accomplished on her own. In fact, it’s not even something she ever intended to pursue. Read more

 

PA House Democrats Central PA Delegation lauds Shapiro’s budget proposal; shares several priorities

(Mar 08, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 8 – The newly formed PA House Democratic Central Pennsylvania Delegation issued its first statement today by commending Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2023-24 state budget. The delegation’s members share several top budget priorities with the governor. “I conferred with our delegation members after yesterday’s budget address by Governor Shapiro and was heartened to learn they believe he spoke on initiatives that would have a great positive impact on their constituencies,” state Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, chair of the delegation, said. “Establishing equitable funding for all our public schools became a priority for our members after the Commonwealth Court’s long-awaited ruling earlier this year,” Hill-Evans continued. “That ruling gave us the green light to finally establish a fair school funding formula that works for all students – not just those who happen to reside in Pennsylvania’s wealthier ZIP codes.” She said delegation members were also heartened to see Shapiro broach issues on which they’ve drafted soon-to-be-introduced legislation, including: Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: Expanding the program for seniors and disabled residents would help keep these vulnerable communities safe in their homes and remove their burden of worrying about keeping the roof over their heads. Safe Read more

 

Hill-Evans commends Shapiro’s budget proposal investing in the commonwealth

(Mar 07, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 7 – State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, said she stands behind several measures in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2023/24 state budget, including investing in education and economic development and believes that it will create opportunities for growth in the central Pennsylvania region. “We have reformed the House to make our government more responsive to all of its people, and this proposal for a commonsense budget will build on the people’s needs for a bright future,” Hill-Evans said. “I am confident in the governor’s proposals for education, support of local businesses, and safety of residents of the commonwealth from youth to our seniors. “Governor Shapiro’s proposal finds solutions to everyday problems Pennsylvanians face. We want to improve our schools and make sure that every child has the access to quality education and safe learning environment no matter the ZIP code. It would not only help people gain access to an efficient education but provide more funding for career and tech schools and continue to provide universal free breakfast for all Pennsylvanian students. “This budget would expand the Property Tax Rent Rebate Program for our seniors and disabled Pennsylvanians. Everyone deserves a roof over their head, and this program keeps our vulnerable community safe and in their homes. Raising the maximum rebate and increasing the income cap for renters will help Read more