Rep. Giral's 2024 Capitol calendar

(Jan 03, 2024)

State Representative Jose Giral's 2024 Capitol scenes calendar. Read more

 

Newly Opened Grant Programs Available as of Tuesday, Nov. 14

(Nov 14, 2023)

NEWLY OPENED PROGRAMS Council on the Arts: Arts Organizations and Arts Programs Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations and municipalities with at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an average arts revenue over $200,000. School districts providing arts programming/services are also eligible. Use: Eligible uses of funds include, but are not limited to, operating, programming or project expenditures. Application Deadline: Jan. 17, 2024 More information: Arts Website Historical & Museum Commission: Empowered History Micro-Grant Program Who May Apply: Any community group or member of a community with historical materials located in Pennsylvania. Highest priority is given to organizations with demonstrated financial need and historical material from communities that are underrepresented in the historical record. Use: Enable communities to preserve and share their history through purchases that capture, preserve or disseminate community history, such as but not limited to, archival boxes, digital projects, educational materials, equipment to improve storage, and more. Funds: Grants will be awarded in amounts between $100 and $1,000 Application Deadline: Jan. 31, 2024 More information: PHMC Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: 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

 

Giral lauds passing of bill that would honor recipients of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal with registration plate

(Nov 01, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Nov.1 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., today praised the passage of his legislation that would honor the recipients of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal with a special registration plate. House Bill 826 would add a special plate for passenger cars or trucks available for an additional $26 above the normal registration fee. The Congressional Gold Medal was awarded in 2016 to the 65 th Infantry Regiment, a Puerto Rican unit of the U.S. Army nicknamed “the Borinqueneers.” “The Borinqueneers' valor and dedication to the Unites States deserve recognition and remembrance. I am glad to be able to honor their courage,” Giral said. “Such a unique registration plate featuring the Borinqueneers can serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these Puerto Rican veterans, as well as a symbol of the enduring bond between Puerto Rico and United States,” he added. “The special registration plate would be a powerful way to commemorate their service and ensure their legacy lives on for generations to come.” The 65th Infantry Regiment is the first Hispanic unit and the sole unit from the Korean War to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. The regiment is also credited with the last battalion-sized bayonet assault in U.S. Army history. Read more

 

Grants available as of Tuesday, Oct. 17

(Oct 19, 2023)

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Education Nita M. Lowey 21 st Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 12 Who May Apply: P ublic school districts, charter schools, private schools, nonprofit agencies, city or county government agencies, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, Indian tribes or tribal organizations and for-profit corporations. Applicants must target students in the lowest 5% to 10% of Title I schools or those listed as focus and priority schools. To be eligible for this grant, at least 85% of the students an applicant is proposing to serve must attend: schools that are Title 1, TSI, ATSI or CSI. Use: The primary goal of these centers is to assist students with meeting state and local standards for core subjects such as reading and mathematics, by providing students with academic enrichment opportunities. In addition to academics, centers may also offer participants a broad array of other services and programs, such as art, music, service learning, character education, drug and violence prevention programming, recreation activities and technology education. Funds: Approximately $25 million in federal funding is available. Applicants may request funds ranging from $50,000 to $600,000. Requests for funding should be based on a maximum per pupil-seat cost of $2,100—$2,548, which includes administrative and transportation costs. Application Deadline : Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation members seek justice for unfair Eddie Irizarry ruling and condemn looting in city

(Sep 27, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 27 – In the wake of a disruptive wave of looting that hit Philadelphia Tuesday night, Philadelphia House Delegation members condemned the episode and emphasized that seeking justice in the Irizarry case must be separate from the looting. The chaos unfolded shortly after the announcement that a judge had dropped all charges against former Philadelphia police Officer Mark Dial, who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry. The deadly incident involving Irizarry occurred after a traffic stop. “What we saw last night is a pure and simple act of vandalism. Under no circumstances can we correlate protesters and looters. There is no possible excuse for destroying public property,” said delegation chairwoman Morgan Cephas. “We express our solidarity to the victim’s family, and we will keep monitoring the Irizarry case. This needs to be resolved in court, not on the streets of Philadelphia. We would also like to extend our support to the business owners impacted by this unfortunate episode,” Cephas added. Rep. Jose Giral, who represents the180 th Legislative District where the deadly incident took place on Aug. 14, highlighted that he is deeply concerned about the way the Irizarry investigation was conducted. “It is absolutely outrageous that those charges were dismissed. We need accountability to right the wrongs that occurred today and provide Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application (09/19/2023)

(Sep 19, 2023)

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: COVID Mitigation for Counties Who May Apply : This funding is available to 66 Pennsylvania counties. Each county’s Criminal Justice Advisory Board will be responsible for coordinating the application for their county and local confinement facilities, as funding is limited to that purpose. Use : Per the requirements of the CDC’s award, this grant has 15 allowable activities which are designed to detect, diagnose, trace, and monitor SARS–CoV–2 and COVID–19 infections, and mitigate the spread of COVID–19 in confinement facilities. These activities include hiring personnel related to testing/mitigation efforts, purchasing laboratory equipment used for COVID-19 testing, purchasing supplies, test kits, and other tools related to rapid identification of COVID-19, contracting with testing agencies, purchasing software and technology to track COVID-19, and other related activities. Funds : A total of $9,624,626 is available to 66 counties. Application Deadline : September 19, 2023 More information : PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Medical Marijuana Act Enforcement Who May Apply : Eligibility for these funds is open to municipalities and regional police departments proposing to implement projects and programs that address the Read more

 

Policy Committee hears testimony on concerns in Latino community

(Sep 15, 2023)

“We needed to hear from prominent members of the Latino community so we could place a spotlight on the issues our residents are facing every day – and discuss what could be done in Harrisburg to help alleviate the greatest concerns,” said Rep. Jose Giral, who hosted the hearing. “It’s our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure no community is left behind or forgotten.” Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application (09/05/2023)

(Sep 05, 2023)

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: 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 Standing Video Read more

 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

(Aug 22, 2023)

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development: Keystone Communities Program Who May Apply : Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofit organizations to include economic development organizations, housing corporations, etc., community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use : Multiple uses, including: Planning grants (address a particular need or circumstance within a community, undertake a study relevant to an identified need, or study the results of implementing a specific activity) Implementation grants (assist designated KC program communities in implementing critical components of their approved Five-Year Strategy) Façade grants (to stimulate private investment in properties, foster an attractive environment, and preserve the architectural heritage of properties and communities. The grant funds may be used for primary street-facing, exterior building improvements in a defined target area of a downtown or neighborhood such as storefront signs, exterior façade painting, design assistance, etc.) Development grants (available to fund a variety of physical improvements, see program guidelines for full list) Public improvement grants (available to assist communities in a variety of development projects to help Read more

 

Infrastructure, Housing, Transportation, and Safety Funding Opportunities

(Jul 05, 2023)

Below are several grant programs that are currently open for applications. PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program Who May Apply: Museums that are in Pennsylvania with annual operating budgets exceeding $100,000 (excluding capital and in-kind services) and at least one full-time professional staff person and that are not supported by other state agency funding programs and official County Historical Societies designated as the official historical society for the county. Use: The goal of this program is to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museums and allow applicants to determine how to use funds for operating expenses. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, salaries, benefits, insurance, food service, travel, professional development, marketing, and equipment. Funds: Grant awards range from $2,500 to $65,000. Application Deadline: November 7, 2023 More information: PHMC Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) Program Who May Apply: Municipality, Economic Development Organization, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Agencies. For-profit businesses are not eligible to apply for the PA SITES Program. However, an eligible applicant may apply for a site owned and controlled by the Read more

 

Giral Working Against Drug Abuse

(Jun 30, 2023)

PA state Rep. Jose Giral is working to create a statewide program to help local pharmacies to hold their own drug take back events to help people safely dispose of dangerous prescriptions drugs in their home. Part of the effort is to educate pharmacists in best practices and safety measures. This is part of Giral's efforts to reduce opioid abuse in his community and across PA. Read more

 

PA House Labor & Industry Committee approves resolution condemning exclusion of mandated water breaks for workers

(Jun 28, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 28 – During a voting meeting today, the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee reported a resolution ( H.R. 159 ) out of committee and to the full House that would condemn the elimination of local rules in Texas mandating water breaks for construction workers. State Rep. Jose Giral introduced the resolution after Texas recently eliminated local ordinances mandating water breaks for construction workers, undermining their safety and well-being. “I believe it is appallingly brutal to institute legislation that would disregard the basic needs of any human being. I wholeheartedly condemn the Texas legislation that eliminates mandated water breaks for construction workers,” Giral said. “People are not machines; these decisions impact the health and mental wellness of human lives. We need to protect all workers’ rights and collectively raise our voices against this irrational and inhumane legislation in Texas.” Read more

 

Giral doubles up efforts to reduce opioid and prescription drug abuse

(Jun 27, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 27 – Today, bills (H.B. 817 and H.B. 818) introduced by state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The bills represent Giral’s dual effort to educate and support pharmacies to help reduce opioid and prescription drug abuse in communities. House Bill 817 (Educate pharmacies about drug takeback locations) would direct the State Board of Pharmacy to educate pharmacies about drug takeback programs. Pharmacies can institute takeback programs now, but many do not because they lack the necessary guidance and logistics plan. Giral highlights that the educational component in his bills is essential because educating pharmacies on the option to aid Pennsylvanians with safely and responsibly disposing of their unwanted or expired medications is crucial to preventing the misuse and diversion of prescription drugs. House Bill 818 (Provide support for drug takeback locations at pharmacies) would establish the Pharmaceutical Collection Sites Educational Program within the Department of State to assist pharmacy board efforts. The program would help pharmacies meet the cost and complete the necessary steps of setting up a takeback location. “I am proud to say today that we are moving legislation forward to address this issue,” Giral said. “We are now a step closer to take control of this serious public problem in our state. I am thankful to Read more

 

Infrastructure, Housing, and Safety Funding Opportunities

(Jun 16, 2023)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Support Families of Child Abuse Victims Who May Apply: Non-profits that specialize in providing service for child abuse victims in Pennsylvania. Use: Implementation of a research or evidence-based trauma training to support non-offending caregivers of child abuse victims. Funds: $250,000 in federal Children’s Justice Act funds. Application Deadline: July 6, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: PA START/STOP Project Who May Apply: Any private non-profit agency, any private for-profit agency, public agency, or unit of local government. Use: The PA START/STOP campaigns aim to increase awareness of the dangers of Opioid abuse, as well as to provide resources to assist parents and caregivers in promoting healthy behaviors among youth to prevent substance use in the first place. Funds: $900,000 in federal State Opioid Response funds. Application Deadline: July 10, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Who May Apply: Local, county, and tribal governments, transit agencies, schools, school districts, nonprofits, and small Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Use: Transportation alternatives, including on- and Read more

 

Giral appointed to four PA House committees

(Mar 09, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 9 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., announce today that he has been appointed to four PA House standing committees -- Aging & Older Adult Services, Labor and Industry, Human Services and Liquor Control -- for the 2023-24 legislative session. “I feel honored to have been chosen to serve on these important committees that will certainly allow me to generate, along with my colleagues, bold changes for the benefit of the state," Giral said. “I am ready to work with both sides of the aisle and advocate for policies that will help working-class families, especially with my Aging & Older Adult Services and Human Services assignments.” Read more

 

Giral to host district office grand opening Jan. 5

(Jan 03, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., will host a district office grand opening. The event will offer residents of the 180th Legislative District the opportunity to meet Giral and learn about the services available at his office. The celebration will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5 at 3503 N. B St., Unit #7. “I am excited to begin serving the people of the 180 th District. My staff and I can help with state-related concerns and services such as help with home heating bills, SEPTA ID cards for seniors, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, prescription assistance for seniors, vehicle registration and much more," Giral said. Read more

 

McClinton applauds, welcomes newest members to House Democratic Caucus

(Dec 08, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 7 – To kick off the new legislative session, Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus Majority Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, is welcoming the largest class of incoming legislators to the House Democratic Caucus in more than 15 years. “In January, the House Democratic Caucus will proudly swear in the largest and most diverse class of freshmen legislators in over a decade,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “These public servants are already on the ground in their communities, talking to neighbors, and prepared to be their voices in Harrisburg next month. Without a doubt, they will strengthen our legislature with their diverse experience and perspectives.” House Democrats will welcome 26 new members from communities across the state; some from districts that have never before been represented by a Democrat. New members include: Anthony Bellmon (D-Phila.) : Bellmon served in Philadelphia Congressman Brendan F. Boyle’s office for eight years, solving housing, student loan and immigration issues. As senior adviser to the congressman, Anthony worked on Capitol Hill advancing policy issues to better the lives of children and working families. Lisa A. Borowski (D-Delaware) : Borowski formerly served as vice president of the Radnor Township School District’s school board, leading the way on crafting one of the Read more

 

State programs now open for applications

(Dec 06, 2022)

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

 

Dial 2-1-1 for Southeastern Pennsylvania Health and Human Services

(Dec 02, 2022)

2-1-1 SEPA is part of the national 2-1-1 Call Centers initiative that provides health and human services for everyday needs and those in crisis situations. 2-1-1 works with county governments and provider agencies to ensure important local program information is easily accessible. Visit 211sepa.org for more information. Read more

 

New in PA: Chip postpartum coverage

(Dec 02, 2022)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, announced that more than half of all states have expanded access to 12 months of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage after pregnancy. Pennsylvania is the 26th state to be approved for the extended coverage, made possible by provisions in the American Rescue Plan signed into law in March of 2021. More information can be found here . Read more

 

Rep. Giral's 2024 Capitol calendar
Jan 03, 2024

Newly Opened Grant Programs Available as of Tuesday, Nov. 14
Nov 14, 2023

Giral lauds passing of bill that would honor recipients of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal with registration plate
Nov 01, 2023

Grants available as of Tuesday, Oct. 17
Oct 19, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation members seek justice for unfair Eddie Irizarry ruling and condemn looting in city
Sep 27, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application (09/19/2023)
Sep 19, 2023

Policy Committee hears testimony on concerns in Latino community
Sep 15, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application (09/05/2023)
Sep 05, 2023

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Aug 22, 2023

Infrastructure, Housing, Transportation, and Safety Funding Opportunities
Jul 05, 2023

Giral Working Against Drug Abuse
Jun 30, 2023

PA House Labor & Industry Committee approves resolution condemning exclusion of mandated water breaks for workers
Jun 28, 2023

Giral doubles up efforts to reduce opioid and prescription drug abuse
Jun 27, 2023

Infrastructure, Housing, and Safety Funding Opportunities
Jun 16, 2023

Giral appointed to four PA House committees
Mar 09, 2023

Giral to host district office grand opening Jan. 5
Jan 03, 2023

McClinton applauds, welcomes newest members to House Democratic Caucus
Dec 08, 2022

State programs now open for applications
Dec 06, 2022

Dial 2-1-1 for Southeastern Pennsylvania Health and Human Services
Dec 02, 2022

New in PA: Chip postpartum coverage
Dec 02, 2022