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Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to I-95 Collapse Emergency

Rep. Ed Neilson

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Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 11, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Funds: $20 million was allocated for this program in the 2024/25 budget. Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Program Who May Apply: Community-based organizations (i.e., active, registered 501(c)(3)s), institutions of higher education, municipalities, counties, and district attorneys. Use: Reducing community violence through, among other things, increasing access to support services and behavioral health, providing health services and intervention strategies, providing mentoring and other intervention models, and fostering and promoting communication between schools, the community, and law enforcement. Read more

 

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Reading to discuss transportation’s impact on PA

(Sep 09, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee met in Reading last week to hear from experts on Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs, according to committee Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “We can properly fund public transportation agencies in all 67 counties without raising taxes,” Neilson said. “We must act now because this isn’t just a SEPTA problem or a Philadelphia problem. This is a statewide problem that affects rural and urban communities.” The committee heard testimony from Bryan Barbin, the deputy secretary of Taxation for the PA Department of Revenue; he highlighted the impact of Pennsylvania’s mass transit infrastructure on the state’s economy. “In 2022, the Berks County economy was estimated to generate $23.8 billion in gross domestic product while Philadelphia County, the largest in Pennsylvania, generated $123 billion in gross domestic product,” Barbin said. Barbin also went into great detail about Gov. Josh Shapiro’s state budget proposal regarding public transit, explaining how investing in public transit will save on road repairs from wear and tear and lead to less overall cost in the long term. “A strong investment in mass transit not only promises to save on overall operating costs but also champions a significant environmental victory. By enhancing public transportation, we can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% per trip compared to driving, making every dollar spent Read more

 

House Transportation Committee meets in Luzerne County to discuss transportation’s impact on PA

(Sep 09, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee met at the Luzerne County Transportation Authority to hear from experts on Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs, according to committee Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “We saw a real-life example in the LCTA: investing wisely in our transit systems cuts back on overall operating costs, providing less financial burden to the taxpayers and people who rely on public transportation daily,” Neilson said. “As state lawmakers, we have a responsibility to serve the people of Pennsylvania, and it’s clear that investing in our public transit system would be a great service to everyone in the commonwealth.” Bob Fiume, executive director of LCTA and vice-chair of the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association, spoke to the committee on the significant impact that public transit has on all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. “We connect people to their jobs, educational opportunities, and lots of important services,” Fiume said. “This includes access to medical care, nutrition access for seniors, access to jobs, and continued independence for transit-dependent populations.” Fiume described how the completion of LCTA’s new building, which serves as administrative offices, vehicle storage, and a maintenance facility, is crucial to the authority. “This new building now houses our administrative offices, our vehicles, a Compressed Natural Gas fueling station for Read more

 

PA House Transportation Committee met at the State Capitol to discuss transportation’s impact on PA

(Sep 05, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee today met at State Capitol to hear from experts on Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs, according to committee Majority Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. The committee heard from Mark Markosky, president of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania, who explained how funding transportation is vital to Pennsylvania’s long-term economic well-being. “Funding for infrastructure projects provides high quality stable and good paying jobs for thousands of highly educated Pennsylvania residents – not just in the urban areas,” Markosky said. He said that even in rural areas, a small bridge replacement requires experts from all different sectors to determine the impact the bridge will have on the community, from engineers and environmental scientists to construction inspectors. “Funding for infrastructure projects provides high quality, stable and good paying jobs for thousands of educated Pennsylvanians,” Markosky said. David Heath, a consultant for the Aviation Council of PA, spoke of the importance of Aviation on Pennsylvania’s economy and the critical need to increase state funding for aviation infrastructure in the state. “With an annual economic impact that exceeds $34 billion, the aviation industry in Pennsylvania contributes more than 4% to our state’s Gross Domestic Read more

 

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s announced fare increases

(Sep 05, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, released the following statement regarding proposed fare increases by SEPTA: “This is the exact scenario we wanted to avoid while we were negotiating the state budget. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania use public transit as a tool to survive. It connects them with important medical appointments, they rely on it to get their groceries, and many people rely on public transit to attend school or work. “SEPTA is not the only agency that will be affected by the budget shortfall in public transit funding; it will trickle down to all of them and have disastrous consequences for Pennsylvanians in both rural and urban communities, not to mention the damage it will do to our state’s economy. “If people do not have access to their only mode of travel and they cannot get to school or work, it sets the commonwealth up for a perilous future, where our constituents have trouble meeting their basic needs and obligations. “We’ve heard from many experts in the public transit sector during the Moving PA Forward by Investing in Roads, Bridges and Transit tour, and our tour will continue throughout the month. “My hope is that after listening to the experts on the significant impact public transit has on the entire state, we can come together and implement a solution for this funding crisis. Pennsylvanians deserve the freedom of movement, and some can only use that Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 04, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

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

 

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Pleasant Gap to discuss area’s transportation funding needs

(Aug 29, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee on Wednesday continued its statewide Moving PA Forward by Investing in Roads, Bridges and Transit tour at the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology in Pleasant Gap, according to committee Majority Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “Often when we think about public transit, we often think of big and bustling cities, but a lack of public transit in rural areas like Centre County can be devastating to the local economy and has a lasting effect on people’s health and well-being,” Neilson said. David Rishel, executive director and CEO of the Centre Area Transportation Authority, testified before the committee about the benefits that the agency provides for Centre County’s economy and even the environment. “CATA provides more than 200 people in Centre County with secure jobs and, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, we remove more than 13,000 cars from the road in the region every day, eliminating 250,000 tons of CO2 and reducing other greenhouse gas emissions,” Rishel said. Rishel noted that CATA delivers a massive amount of service to the region with efficiency and that ridership is returning to pre-pandemic levels. He said the agency if facing significant financial challenges and will not be able to fulfill the needs of its ridership if the state does not increase funding for and make a better commitment to public transportation. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 26, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

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

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 20, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

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

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Aug 13, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

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

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 31, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

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

 

Neilson applauds Shapiro administration for securing largest federal transportation grant in PA history

(Jul 17, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, made a statement today regarding the historic win for Pennsylvania’s transportation sector: a $500 million federal grant as part of the Large Bridge Project grant program: “This historic funding will go towards replacing the I-83 South Bridge, which connects Harrisburg to the west shore of Cumberland County,” Neilson said. “It’s a vital route in central Pennsylvania that carries 125,000 vehicles over the Susquehanna River daily and is often used by truckers delivering goods throughout the commonwealth. “I’m thankful to Gov. Shapiro, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and the entire Biden administration for their help with securing the largest amount of federal funding Pennsylvania’s transportation sector has ever received; it will cover almost half the costs of the entire project. “It goes a long way to helping us invest in Pennsylvania’s vast network of roads and bridges. We can use the money saved with this funding to help maintain and repair other bridges that need major repairs throughout the commonwealth.” Neilson added that the I-83 bridge was built in 1960, and with wear and tear increasing throughout the years, the repairs have become too costly and frequent. The Large Bridge Project grant was awarded to Pennsylvania Transportation Department from the Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Investment Program. Read more

 

Neilson’s statement regarding transportation funding in Pa. budget

(Jul 12, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee Majority Chair Ed Neilson made the following statement today regarding increases in the budget for transportation funding and mass-transit funding. “Today’s budget agreement includes a lot to celebrate as it relates to transportation, including an increase of $110 million for highway maintenance, an increase of $75 million for road and bridge maintenance, and an additional $50 million for road and bridge construction – these are real investments to deliver a smoother, safer commute for everyone. “I am proud of what the House Democratic majority has accomplished in this budget for transportation, but this is only the beginning. After years of underfunding transit, today’s budget agreement includes a funding increase of $80.5 million for transit while we continue to negotiate a long-term funding solution. “This is the first time in over a decade that we have successfully increased state funding for transit, and it never would have happened without our House Democratic majority. This is a down payment and a promise to keep working and negotiating so we can fully fund our transit agencies in all 67 counties so that our residents in urban, suburban and rural communities can continue to have affordable and accessible ways to get to work, school, medical appointments and wherever they need to go. “I look forward to working with my colleagues over the coming Read more

 

Neilson applauds passage of fair and equitable EV fee legislation

(Jul 10, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, said he was happy to work on a bipartisan agreement for legislation (S.B. 656) passed by the state House today that would require electric vehicle owners to pay their fair share to help upkeep Pennsylvania’s massive network of roads and bridges. “Everyone who uses Pennsylvania roads should have to pay their part to help keep our roads safe and our bridges in top shape,” Neilson said. “I’m happy to implement a solution that is fair, equitable and accommodating for Pennsylvania’s electric vehicle owners.” Currently, electric vehicle owners are supposed to be paying the Alternative Fuel Tax on electricity. However, most owners do not do this because they are unaware that they must and because the process is too cumbersome, with owners having to self-report the tax to the Department of Revenue monthly based on how much electricity they use to charge their vehicles at home. Neilson said the bill would repeal the impractical Alternative Fuel Tax on electricity for residential charging and replace it with an annual fee of $200 in 2025, then $250 in 2026. After that it would be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (rounded to the nearest dollar). Owners would have the option of paying the fee in full or in monthly installments. Owners of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles would pay a reduced fee of $50 in 2025, then $63 in 2026. “We Read more

 

Neilson applauds passage of omnibus transportation bill

(Jul 09, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

The House of Representatives passed legislation which would support many of the priorities set forth by state Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee. House Bill 2301, an omnibus transportation bill, would raise the annual income cap for retirees to qualify for an $10 vehicle registration by approximately $10,000. Neilson said that moving forward, the cap would rise annually to keep pace with inflation. This cost-cutting move to aid retired people was proposed by state Rep. Bob Merski in H.B. 250 which the House passed in September. He added that the bill would waive title and registration fees on any one vehicle owned by a U.S. veteran who was injured or captured while serving. This language comes from Rep. Ciresi's H.B. 150 which the House passed in April. Neilson said the bill also retains language that would extend the distracted driving license plate program and it include license plates proposed by Rep. Jose Giral (Borinqueneers) and Rep. Nancy Guenst (Women Veterans). The bill now heads to Gov. Shapiro's desk for his signature to enact it into state law. Read more

 

Neilson applauds Shapiro signature to enact SB 37 into state law

(Jun 05, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

Today, State Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro as he signed S.B. 37, or “Paul Miller’s Law.” The bill, named after a Pennsylvania man who was tragically struck and killed by a distracted driver, would allow law enforcement to issue a ticket when a driver uses their cell phone while driving. “Today is a step toward mitigating a major safety issue when driving,” Neilson said. “Distracted driving has replaced driving while intoxicated as the most significant cause of accidents in Pennsylvania; I’m proud to work with my colleagues and thankful to Governor Shapiro for ensuring the safety of everyone who travels on Pennsylvania roads.” I n 2023, there were more than 11,262 distracted-driving crashes in 2023, compared to 8,330 alcohol-related crashes, according to PennDOT. Read more

 

Neilson bill to expedite abandoned vehicle processing passes House

(Jun 03, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

“Right now, it can take months for PennDOT to process junk titles, which leaves tow truck operators responsible for the non-working vehicle,” Neilson said. “Ensuring the reasonable processing and delivery of junk titles will greatly assist tow truck operators who don’t have the space or resources to store vehicles for an extended period of time.” Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(May 22, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024 County Jail-Based Vivitrol Program Who May Apply: Funding is available to all counties with a county jail seeking to establish or expand a jail-based substance use treatment program. Use: Implementation or expansion of a county jail-based Vivitrol program. Funds: A total of $7.175 million in Act 80 funds is available. Application Deadline: July 17, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Attorney & Judge Training – Children with Disabilities Who May Apply: Local governments, local and national nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education which demonstrate, in their application, an ability to collaborate with state and local partners to develop and deliver statewide training for attorneys and a commitment to the improvement of child abuse investigations in the Commonwealth. Use: Costs associated with the development and delivery of a trauma-focused, child-focused, training curriculum for attorneys and judges who participate in hearings involving child abuse victims in Pennsylvania who have verbal, cognitive, and/or physical disabilities. Funds: A total of $128,990 in federal Children’s Justice Act funds is available to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $128,990. Application Read more

 

Neilson Fighting for Safer Roadways

(May 10, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

Pa. state Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, tells KDKA Radio that lawmakers want to protect drivers and save lives. Banning the use of hand-held devices while driving will go a long way toward making the state's roadways safer. Read more

 

Neilson Discusses Ban on Hand-Held Devices While Driving

(May 10, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

Pa. state Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, tells KDKA Radio about why it was so important to ban the use of hand-held devices while driving. Read more

 

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 11, 2024

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Reading to discuss transportation’s impact on PA
Sep 09, 2024

House Transportation Committee meets in Luzerne County to discuss transportation’s impact on PA
Sep 09, 2024

PA House Transportation Committee met at the State Capitol to discuss transportation’s impact on PA
Sep 05, 2024

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s announced fare increases
Sep 05, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 04, 2024

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Pleasant Gap to discuss area’s transportation funding needs
Aug 29, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 20, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Aug 13, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 31, 2024

Neilson applauds Shapiro administration for securing largest federal transportation grant in PA history
Jul 17, 2024

Neilson’s statement regarding transportation funding in Pa. budget
Jul 12, 2024

Neilson applauds passage of fair and equitable EV fee legislation
Jul 10, 2024

Neilson applauds passage of omnibus transportation bill
Jul 09, 2024

Neilson applauds Shapiro signature to enact SB 37 into state law
Jun 05, 2024

Neilson bill to expedite abandoned vehicle processing passes House
Jun 03, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
May 22, 2024

Neilson Fighting for Safer Roadways
May 10, 2024

Neilson Discusses Ban on Hand-Held Devices While Driving
May 10, 2024