PITTSBURGH, Sept. 6 -- State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., joined state Reps. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, and other Allegheny County legislators Thursday to celebrate the recent passage of her Solar for Schools Act . The event was hosted at the IBEW Local 5 Training Center. Speakers were welcomed by business manager Thomas McInytre. Solar for Schools is a new state grant program designed to help school districts across Pennsylvania install solar panels on their grounds or roofs. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project—while creating good-paying jobs, reducing environmental impact, and helping keep costs low for taxpayers. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law on July 17. “Creating solar energy at schools not only reduces the amount of tax dollars spent on utility bills, but also creates union jobs in the high-tech and rapidly growing renewable energy industry,” said Pisciottano. “Solar for Schools is supporting working families, the environment, and local economies here in southwestern Pennsylvania and across the state.” “This is a win for taxpayers, a win for labor, and a win for the environment. I was proud to help shepherd this through the committee process and to help get it across the finish line,” said state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, chair of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 -- State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, and House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris, D-Phila., visited City Hall to celebrate the passage of the Solar for Schools Act . They were joined by lawmakers from both chambers of the state legislature, city councilmembers, and leaders in education, energy, and labor. Solar for Schools is a grant program designed to help school districts across Pennsylvania install solar panels on their grounds or roofs. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project -- while creating good-paying jobs, reducing environmental impact, and helping to keep costs low for taxpayers. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law on July 17. "I am excited to support the Solar for Schools grant program, a transformative initiative that not only promises to reduce energy costs but also fosters a sustainable future for our schools and communities,” said Harris . “This legislation will enable us to save significant funds -- money that can be reinvested into classrooms and educational resources. Thanks to Representative Fiedler’s dedication, we’re paving the way for a greener future for Pennsylvania’s students and communities." “The Solar for Schools grant program is good for students, taxpayers, Pennsylvania’s workforce and our environment. Not Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more
WAYNESBURG, AUGUST 29 — Today, state Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Beaver/Greene/Washington) and state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Phila.) visited Greene County Career & Technology Center (CTC) to celebrate the passage of the Solar for Schools Act . They were joined by leaders in education, energy, and labor. Solar for Schools is a grant program designed to help school districts across Pennsylvania install solar panels on their grounds or roofs. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project — while creating good-paying jobs, reducing environmental impact, and helping keep costs low for taxpayers. It is the first initiative of its kind to be passed in Pennsylvania. “Schools are constantly looking for innovative ways to be responsible to their taxpayers, diversifying their funding and most importantly allowing their students to learn and grow. This bipartisan legislation encourages our schools to include solar as an option for their energy source as well as providing family sustaining jobs to our workforce. This effort combines three of my greatest passions - education, jobs and energy,” Bartolotta said. The bill was introduced by Rep. Fiedler and ushered through the legislative process by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers. Its passage with overwhelming support from both parties signals that legislators are united in the belief Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment and Training Who May Apply: Eligibility of these funds is open to any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: To support the training of medical and mental healthcare providers who treat children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $200,000 in Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately four projects with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: October 4, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street Read more
Rep. Fiedler' newsletter for the summer of 2024 Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program Who May Apply : Applicant must be a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth designated as a 501(c)(3) and principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication under the Uniform Crime Reporting program. Use : Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, safety and security planning, purchase of safety and security equipment, purchase of security related technology (metal detectors, protective lighting, deadbolts, etc.), safety and security training, upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security, and more. Funds : $10 million has been appropriated by the General Assembly to the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. Applicant requests must be between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : August 27, 2024 More information : PCCD Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums and official county historical societies. Use: Funds are intended to strengthen the museum community and provide operating support to museums and historical societies. Funds: Nearly $2 million in funds are available. Application Deadline: August Read more
HARRISBURG, July 11 — Today, the Pennsylvania House gave final approval to Solar for Schools (HB1032) , introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. With prior passage in the Senate, this bill now moves to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. HB1032 will create a grant program to help school districts across Pennsylvania fund and install solar panels on school grounds. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project — while creating good-paying jobs and bringing career training opportunities to their schools. It is the first initiative of its kind to be passed in Pennsylvania. Fiedler calls the passage of this bill “a groundbreaking victory for energy, education and environmental policy in Pennsylvania.” “When we wrote Solar for Schools, we set out to create a piece of legislation that would unite labor and environmental groups to build the future we all want for our kids,” Fiedler said . “Since then, we’ve not only won Solar — we’ve created something so much bigger. We now have proof that environmental and labor leaders, Democrats and Republicans, can work together to usher Pennsylvania into the 21 st Century and ensure we are a nationwide leader in the energy of the future. I’m incredibly proud of Solar for Schools, and so excited for the communities that will soon benefit from all that Read more
HARRISBURG, June 25 — Today H.B. 2338 , which would accelerate Pennsylvania’s energy production, passed the House with bipartisan support. The bill was introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.; Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware; and Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny. The bill would update the duties and powers of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority to enable the body to apply for and leverage billions of federal dollars available through the Inflation Reduction Act. “With the federal government now implementing the $550 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the $783 billion Inflation Reduction Act, we have an incredible opportunity in front of us to jumpstart energy production and create good jobs in Pennsylvania. But to do that, PEDA needs the tools to seize these funds,” Fiedler said. “I’m excited to work with my Senate colleagues and get this done for working Pennsylvanians.” The bill is backed by labor unions such as the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, the Allegheny County Labor Council, IBEW Region 3 and Local 98, and Operating Engineers Local No. 542. It also has the support of the Philadelphia Green Capitol Corp. and environmental groups, including Conservation Voters of PA, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club-PA, PennFuture, and the PA Clean Air Council. On June 3, the House Consumer Protection, Utilities and Technology Read more
HARRISBURG, June 25 — State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.; Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; and Tarah Probst, D-Monroe/Pike, today introduced a bill that would create a School Facilities Office within the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The proposed office would be designed to help lawmakers and school district officials assess school facilities so they can adequately address facilities needs across the Commonwealth. “The deterioration of our school buildings is a statewide educational and public health issue, and we need to start funding them with that importance,” Fiedler said. “But if we are going to use millions of dollars in public money, we have to do it wisely and ensure no funds are wasted. We have a chance now to provide our children with the 21st-century learning spaces they deserve -- let's seize the opportunity and do it right.” In 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and that it is not enough for students to learn in facilities that are “generally safe,” the facilities “must be safe, and adequate.” "In Pittsburgh, more than 75% of our schools had to resort to remote learning because they lacked air conditioning and proper ventilation," explained Powell. "The need for an organizing office to help schools access local, state and federal dollars for Read more
HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, hosted a rally today with other legislators, legal experts and community advocates from across the state in support of fair housing in Pennsylvania. “The lack of affordable housing in Pennsylvania has resulted in evictions and homelessness for many Pennsylvanians,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Every person has the right to a roof over their head. Our rally today called out the continuing inequities in housing in our commonwealth and the legislative and budget initiatives devised to address them. “As Democrats in the PA House, we’re fighting for a person-centered approach to fair housing, from helping the unhoused get back into a safe home, to my bill that would seal no-fault eviction records so people can find housing, to increased support for the Whole Home Repairs program so seniors can fix and stay in their homes,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We understand that having a home to call one’s own is a human right, a matter of justice. I and my colleagues will fight to make sure that every Pennsylvanian can enjoy their fundamental right to a safe and secure place in which to live.” The rally focused on the PA House budget proposal (H.B. 2324), which would increase funding for fair housing initiatives; the need for increased funding for the homelessness assistance program; a House-led proposal to increase PHARE funding to $100 million dollars; the LLC Read more
HARRISBURG, JUNE 11 -- Superintendents and leaders from school districts across Pennsylvania rallied at the state Capitol Monday to voice support for state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler’s Solar for Schools legislation . Solar for Schools is a proposed grant program that would fund solar energy projects at public K-12 schools, community colleges and career technical schools across Pennsylvania. Fiedler said it enjoys broad bipartisan support from leading labor, environmental and education organizations. The superintendents present at the rally represent school districts in Dauphin, Indiana, Cambria, and Cumberland counties that are already taking advantage of solar energy. Fiedler has visited several on her statewide Solar for Schools tour. “On the Solar for Schools tour we’ve taken over the last year, I have been blown away. We’ve seen firsthand forward-thinking school districts and school leaders putting into place exactly what we talk about in the Capitol: giving kids hands-on, career building opportunities, capturing their attention with exciting projects in the green energy field, and finding ways to partner with entrepreneurs and building trades to put kids to work in meaningful careers,” Fiedler said. Despite passing the House with considerable bipartisan support nearly one year ago, the bill has not been brought up for a vote in the state Senate. Fieler pointed out that due to expiring Read more
HARRISBURG, June 11 — Today, H.B. 2338 , introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. , was approved unanimously by the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee. The bill would update the duties and powers of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, which was chartered in 1982 with the purpose of financing energy and energy-related projects. If enacted, H.B. 2338 would enable PEDA to apply for and leverage billions of federal dollars available through the Inflation Reduction Act to incentivize investments in Pennsylvania clean-energy projects. With the federal government now implementing the $550 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the $783 billion Inflation Reduction Act, Fiedler said she believes this presents an incredible opportunity for Pennsylvania. “These federal investments can jumpstart energy production in Pennsylvania, create good local jobs, and reduce energy costs for consumers, but only if we have the right vehicle to seize the funds,” Fiedler said. “PEDA, our state’s public energy financing authority, is well-suited to play this role, but first we must modernize PEDA to ensure it can maximize its role as an energy accelerator and job creator.” The legislation’s co-prime sponsor, state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, placed the legislation within the context of the state’s long history of energy production. Read more
Harrisburg, June 10 – A bill that would increase awareness of perinatal and postpartum depression and treatment options was a topic of discussion today as mothers and maternal health advocates rallied with members of the House on the bill’s importance and the House passed it. Introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Gina Curry, D-Delaware, and Lisa Borowski, D- Delaware, H.B. 2127 would empower the Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign to inform Pennsylvanians about the symptoms and effects of PPD. It also would direct the department to centralize access to organizations that provide counseling for PPD on their website and on fact sheets available in doctor’s offices. “New mothers deserve to feel supported, not alone, in the time before and after a new baby arrives. Our current lack of resources for perinatal depression effectively strips new mothers of agency in understanding their mental health,” Fiedler said. “Having widely available education materials on these conditions will empower new parents to support themselves and their babies. All women and pregnant people deserve the opportunity to prioritize their health, whether that means access to miscarriage management medication, abortion, or counselling for postpartum depression.” Fiedler said that PPD is distinct from what some call “baby blues,” feelings of sadness or anxiety that only Read more
HARRISBURG, JUNE 5 -- A coalition of elected officials, students and advocates rallied in the state Capitol today to support a dedicated funding source for after-school programs across Pennsylvania. Led by Sunrise of Philadelphia , a community-based after-school program and family resource provider, advocates spoke about the need for safe environments for students after traditional school hours. After-school programs — sometimes called out-of-school, or OST, programs — are defined as programs that provide learning opportunities, workforce development, or mentoring relationships following the school day. Many of these programs focus on STEM, art, or other areas that may be overshadowed during school hours. They give students space to receive mentorship, develop socially, and learn career and leadership skills to prepare them for the work force. “My daughter went to the after-school program at Shine, and some of my colleagues had their children go through the Shine after-school program. It’s in every community, no matter urban district or rural district, poor district or wealthy district,” said state Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon , co-chair of the House Afterschool Caucus. “Each student needs that opportunity to learn after school.” Attendees called for dedicated, recurring funding in the state budget for after-school programs. In his budget address earlier this year, Read more
Op-Ed discussing Rep. Fiedler's solar for schools legislation Read more
Harrisburg, May 21 —On Tuesday the House Health Committee voted to advance HB2127, the Postpartum Depression Screening and Care Act (HB 2127), introduced by Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Phila.), Gina Curry (D-Delaware), and Lisa Borowski (D-Delaware). The bill would create a public awareness push by requiring clinicians to provide expectant and new mothers with information about perinatal or postpartum depression, mood, and anxiety disorders. It would also require patients receive regular screenings for symptoms until their baby is one year old. “Our society expects new parents to be filled solely with happiness, joy, and updates about the baby’s weight and sleep,” Fiedler said. “There is little time—or desire—for talk of depression. The good news is that with greater awareness and diagnoses, there is hope for these new moms, and their babies.” “The health of the mother is directly tied to the wellbeing of the family. As a young mother I can remember feeling overwhelmed and sometimes hopeless. We need to help women put a name on these feelings, know it is normal, and connect them with the best options for support. Postpartum depression can affect even the most seasoned mother,” Borowski said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on this legislation to help families thrive.” Postpartum depression is distinct from what some call “baby blues,” Read more
WAYNESBURG, May 9 – Last Friday, state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Beaver/Greene/Washington, and state Reps. Bud Cook, R-Washington/Greene, and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., visited West Greene School District to discuss the possibility of building a solar array on West Greene’s campus. The legislators met with school officials, labor leaders and technical experts from the PA Solar Center to discuss locations, financing and workforce development options. Officials at West Greene School District are interested in installing a solar array to reduce high, market-rate electricity costs. The federal Inflation Reduction Act would fund 30% to 50% of any renewable energy project, and Fiedler’s Solar for Schools legislation (H.B. 1032) would fund up to 50% of solar projects for PA public schools. House Bill 1032 passed the state house in June of 2023 and is awaiting consideration in the state Senate. “The cost of energy is huge. If we can alleviate that by using Solar for Schools and providing that wonderful resource with some federal funding, I think that is a win-win-win for all of us,” Bartolotta said. “I commend West Greene School District officials for exploring solar as an option that may help save taxpayer dollars,” Cook said. “Now is the time to think outside the box when it comes to dealing with rising energy costs.” Labor leaders expressed support for exploring a solar project Read more
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