NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE Program) Who May Apply: Local governments, planning organizations, or Commonwealth agencies. Use: Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, roadway safety, mobility, and capacity upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, local technical assistance program projects, and traffic signal improvements. Funds: PennDOT anticipates $32 million available with the intent of funding worthwhile projects that can be completed at a relatively low cost. Application Deadline: A pre-application scoping form is required to be submitted by April 30, 2024. Feedback will be provided by May 31, 2024. The application period will be open from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. More information: PennDOT Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: Funds for the proposed program must be used to support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence and may be used for needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals Funds: Funding is contingent upon the availability of funds in the FY 2024-25 budget. Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Read more
HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, announced today that $318,750 in state funding was awarded to make safety improvements at the Prince Street and Houcks Road intersection with Jonestown Road in Lower Paxton Township. The grant was awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. “Jonestown Road is the lifeline of Lower Paxton Township, serving as both home to many small businesses as well as serving as residents’ connector to Harrisburg and beyond,” Fleming said. “I am therefore very glad to see this nearly $319,000 in state funding awarded so the township can make critical roadway improvements on Jonestown Road, making the road easier and safer for motorists and pedestrians to travel to get groceries for the week or commute to family-sustaining jobs.” The CFA’s Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure the commonwealth has a safe and reliable system of transportation. Funds may be used to develop, rehabilitate, and enhance transportation assets to existing communities, including streetscape, lighting, and sidewalk enhancement; implement pedestrian safety projects; improve the connectivity of transportation assets; and foster transit-oriented development. The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Read more
HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Elizabeth Fiedler, Rick Krajewski and Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris, all D-Phila., today introduced H.B. 1769 that would seal some records in certain cases such as no-fault evictions. “Millions of renters across the commonwealth are struggling to find housing because one mistake or emergency had led to an eviction on their records,” Smith-Wade-El said. “After these no-fault evictions, households often struggle -- sometimes for months -- to find housing, which can result in devastating consequences, including the breakup of families, the loss of employment, and even ending up homeless. This legislation would help give Pennsylvania renters a fair chance at finding housing by establishing procedures for limited access to eviction records. Our Fair Housing Access 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. Smith-Wade-El said that evictions disrupt workforce development for large swaths of communities and strain existing social support systems throughout the state. These records can put vulnerable Read more
READING, March 21 – The PA House Central Pennsylvania Delegation today announced that the group will team up with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to tour small business in West Reading on Thursday, March 21. Central PA Delegation Chairman Manuel Guzman explained that the tour, which will begin at 11. a.m. today, Thursday at Say Cheese! Restaurant , 600 Penn Ave. in West Reading, will help connect business owners with support services and provide information about the Main Street Matters program. Main Street Matters, introduced by Gov. Josh Shapiro in his 2024-25 state budget proposal, would support small businesses, downtowns and main streets across the state and build on the current Keystone Communities Program. “The Central PA Delegation is focused on reenergizing our communities and encouraging new business in the region,” Guzman said. “We are championing vibrant neighborhoods and competitive commercial corridors.” Guzman emphasized the importance of engaging with small business owners to successfully implement revitalization efforts in downtown areas in the commonwealth. “It is essential to hear directly from business owners about their concerns. Their feedback is fundamental to our work in the legislature,” he said. “This tour will help them voice and amplify their needs.” Read more
READING, March 20 – Leaders of the PA House Central Pennsylvania Delegation today announced that they will host a small business walking tour in West Reading to highlight the Main Street Matters program and discuss the concerns and challenges faced by business owners in the area. The tour will include Fadia Halma, a regional director at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, legislators, community leaders, city officials, and small business owners, among others. WHAT : Small business walking tour. WHEN : 11 a.m. Thursday, March 21. WHERE : Tour will start at Say Cheese! Restaurant, 600 Penn Ave., West Reading. Media coverage is invited. Read more
READING, March 1 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, said that he concluded observations for Black History Month with a ceremony that highlighted the work of 26 community leaders from the city of Reading and other municipalities across Berks County. “On the last day of Black History Month, I had the immense satisfaction of honoring a remarkable group of Black Americans. This group is comprised of individuals that have boldly paved the way in the most diverse areas,” said Guzman about the event held in his district office where he honored his guests with PA House citations. “Their accomplishments have made our community proud. This event was a perfect opportunity to remind them how much we value their tenacity and dedication.” The list of honorees included city District Justices Carissa L. Johnson and Tonya A. Butler; Seleda Simmons, executive director and founder of the nonprofit The Real Deal610; Tonya Henry, acting assistant director at Olivet Boys & Girls Club; and Beloved Pair, an outstanding student from Central Middle School. Read more
“When I learned about Child Advocacy Centers and their mission, I was so relieved these organizations and professionals are in place to support children throughout the state,” said Policy Committee roundtable host Rep. Justin Fleming, who represents portions of Lower Paxton and Susquehanna townships as well as the borough of Pennbrook in Dauphin County. “If we really want to support children and their recovery, then we need to prioritize Child Advocacy Centers.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 16 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, announced today that four fire companies and an EMS provider in the 105th district received $79,112 in state grants from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. “Our district’s residents will be safer thanks to this grant funding providing crucial support to our fire departments and emergency medical services,” Fleming said. “Our communities across the commonwealth need a strong safety infrastructure in order to thrive, and that’s why I will support the renewal of this program this year and the governor’s budget plan to double the program’s size.” The following organizations received funding: Citizens Fire Co. 1 of Pennbrook Fire $13,839.63 Colonial Park Fire Company No 1 Fire $16,951.99 Progress Fire Company Fire $16,951.99 Rescue Fire Co. # 1 Fire $16,368.42 Susquehanna Township Emergency Medical Services EMS $15,000.00 The grant money can be applied to a combination of up to two projects in the following categories: Construction and/or renovation of the fire company's or ambulance service’s facility. Purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance, or Read more
READING, Feb. 16 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced $63,325 in state funding to improve services of fire and EMS agencies in the 127 th Legislative District that he serves. The grants come from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner. “The safety and peace of mind of our community relies on local first responders. Funding these agencies is crucial and this is certainly one of my priorities,” Guzman said. “I will continue advocating to ensure that local fire companies and EMS providers are efficiently funded.” The grants were awarded to: Kenhorst Volunteer Fire Company No 1. - $14,423. Keystone Fire Co No 1 of Shillington - $16,951. City of Reading Dept of Fire and Rescue Services / Fire - $16,951. City of Reading Dept of Fire and Rescue Services/ EMS - $15,000. Act 91 of 2020 authorized the Fire Company and Medical Services Grant Program until June 30. Recently, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed increasing the program’s funding to $60 million. Read more
Two projects that will benefit residents in the 95th Legislative District were recently awarded grant funding, state Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, announced today. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, announced today that Dauphin County Technical School has been awarded a grant of $85,000 and the Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center a grant of $60,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the purchase of new equipment to help train students in skills required for high-demand occupations. “Our career and technical students need best-in-class educational opportunities so they will be able to thrive in the highly competitive 21 st century global economy,” Kim said. “These grants will make possible the hands-on experience with first-class equipment students need today to build careers in high-demand, high-paying fields. “Students from the 103 rd District are thriving in Dauphin County Technical School and Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center and are going on to have lucrative careers in their chosen fields,” she said. “I believe Pennsylvania would ensure its economic growth for years to come by making sure that more students benefit from these CTE grants.” Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 state budget proposal calls for more than $121 million for career and technical education, and $15 million for career and technical education equipment grants. Read more
State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, announced that the Dauphin County Technical School has been awarded a grant of $85,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the purchase of new equipment to help train students in skills required for high-demand occupations. Read more
READING, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, today praised Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 state budget and emphasized that the spending plan excludes new tax hikes. Cepeda-Freytiz said she is particularly excited for the proposed investments in education, mental health and small, disadvantaged businesses. “This budget invests in education at every level. We are talking about the largest increase in K-12 basic education funding in Pennsylvania history,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “I hail the $1.1 billion increase in basic education subsidies and significant funding for special education, school safety improvements, and universal free breakfast for 1.7 million students it calls for,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “I applaud the inclusion of feminine hygiene products at no cost to students. The overall allocations for education would certainly help address decades of disinvestment in this area,” she added. The legislator highlighted that Shapiro continues to support mental health services by proposing investing $10 million for 988 crisis line operations to boost Pennsylvania’s crisis intervention services, among other provisions. “Our community is experiencing challenging times when it comes to mental health,” she said. “I am proud to say that I, along with my colleagues, secured $100 million in the current budget Read more
Gov. Josh Shapiro today held the ceremonial bill signing for state Rep. Justin Fleming’s H.B. 1289, which was signed into law as Act 54 of 2023 in December. The law helps rectify the legacy of biased housing practices by making it easier for property owners to repudiate discriminatory deed covenants. Read more
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
READING, Jan. 25 – State Rep. Manny Guzman today announced that he has been appointed to serve as chair of the Pennsylvania House Central Pennsylvania Democratic Delegation. Guzman indicated that he is overjoyed with the appointment as it represents a new platform to amplify his efforts for the region, as well as represents a vote of trust from his colleagues. “My colleagues in Harrisburg know that I am a tireless and persistent advocate for the needs and wants of my district here in Reading and Berks County,” he said. “l am looking forward to continuing to be that voice not only for Reading and Berks County, but for all the members of the Central PA Delegation,” he added. “I am ready to embrace the new challenges and responsibilities that this position entails.” The legislator also explained the fact that he is now chair of the Central PA Delegation can be seen as a positive indicator of the Latino community advancement in the Commonwealth. “As a proud Latino, I feel that I reflect a growing, diverse community. I want to make it easier for kids in Reading and all across the state to see themselves in roles like this one; I want to empower them through my work,” he said. “I hope that seeing someone who looks just like them, who attended their school and ran around on the same playgrounds, will encourage them Read more
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
Governor Josh Shapiro joined Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, the York County Economic Alliance, and YWCA York to highlight the recent expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for over 210,000 Pennsylvania families. Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, announced today that he helped secure $2,428,357 in state funding to support water infrastructure projects and a community arts organization in the 105th district. “I am glad I was able to help bring back our tax money to our district to help rehabilitate and replace critical sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure so that our water remains clean and healthy,” Fleming said. “I am also glad that the arts in our community will be supported by a grant to the Harrisburg Community Theater.” Funds distributed through the H2O 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. $893,773 for Susquehanna Township’s Fox Run Trunk Line and Force main sanitary sewer improvement project $1,400,826 for Lower Paxton Township’s PC-3E sanitary sewer and storm sewer replacement/rehabilitation project. 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. $112,150 for Lower Read more
“I really love that we can have fun while we work, so thank you for that,” Rep. Cepeda-Freytiz told her colleagues in the House chamber before the vote. Read more
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