HARRISBURG, July 13 – Drawing on her 30 years as a public high school teacher, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, highlighted the 2026-27 state budget’s historic investments in education and support for working families as making Pennsylvania a more equitable place to live today and in the future. “I know from my own experience and that as a teacher, a high-quality education opens doors long after graduation,” Rivera said. “This budget will ensure that historically all Pennsylvania’s students have access to the skills and knowledge that will enable them to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive global workforce.” The budget makes a $670 million investment statewide in education, which includes a $565 million increase to help rectify historic funding discrepancies and a $58 million increase in basic education and $47 increase in special education funding, to ensure every student can succeed. Rivera said the school districts in the 96 th Legislative District will benefit from significant funding increases: Lancaster School District $4.2 million (4% increase) Manheim Township School District $1.9 million (11.7% increase) Hempfield School District $900,000 (3.6% increase) Rivera was pleased with the budget’s protections of cyber charter school students. “This budget would ensure that cyber charter schools are accountable for student safety by Read more

HARRISBURG, July 13 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, chairman of the Central Pennsylvania House Delegation and a member of the House Appropriations Committee, on Monday praised Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 state budget for delivering critical investments that will strengthen Reading, Berks County and communities across Pennsylvania. After working alongside his colleagues throughout the weekend to finalize the $50.8 billion spending plan, Guzman highlighted the budget’s investments in public education, affordable housing, tax relief for working families, public safety, mental health, job creation and health care, all without raising taxes. “Our communities deserve a budget that provides the support and resources hardworking families need to navigate everyday challenges,” Guzman said. “I am proud of what we were able to deliver for Reading and communities across the commonwealth by investing in the priorities that matter most and improving affordability.” The budget provides significant increases for local schools. Governor Mifflin School District will receive an additional $1.7 million, a 10.4% increase, while Reading School District will receive an additional $28.5 million, a 9.7% increase. “Education continues to be one of my top priorities,” Guzman said. “These investments will ensure our students and educators reach their full potential while strengthening our public Read more

HARRISBURG, July 12 -- State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, celebrated the passage today of a 2026-27 state budget that he said will help achieve equity in Pennsylvania through historic investments in education and housing. Read more

LANCASTER, July 8 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, will lead a third “Bus It to Market” trip on Tuesday, July 14, from East Petersburg Borough to Central Market in Lancaster to raise awareness of the Red Rose Transit Authority’s affordable bus system. “I’m delighted to host the third ‘Bus It to Market’ trip to show residents that RRTA buses are a fast, reliable and inexpensive way to travel to Lancaster and other places in the region,” Rivera said. “Public transit is a fast, convenient and affordable way to connect to health care facilities, shopping centers, community hubs and attractive regional destinations like central Lancaster City.” Rivera also stressed that public transit is kind to the environment. “Lancaster city has unhealthy levels of air pollution,” Rivera said. “ The American Lung Association’s 2025 ‘State of the Air’ report listed the Lancaster metro area as rejoining the worst 25 cities in the U.S., at 22nd most polluted in the nation. Lancaster city’s year-round pollution — it’s ranked 45th in the nation — has a negative impact on people’s health, especially affecting those with respiratory problems and seniors. “Regularly taking the bus can help reduce air pollution in our area. Congested roadways, limited street parking, the high cost of parking – who needs any of it when an RRTA bus can get Read more

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program Who May Apply: Family farm corporations, family farm partnerships, farm enterprises, nonprofit education institutions Use: Reduce operating expenses through practices that are ecologically beneficial, improve soil quality and fertility, improve water quality, and reduce or eliminate the need for the purchase of off-farm inputs, such as chemical or synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. Funds: Grants may not exceed $25,000 except as provided in this subsection. An additional amount of up to $25,000 may be granted if the grantee matches that additional amount dollar for dollar so that an individual grant may not exceed $50,000 in one calendar year. Application Deadline: August 28, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Transportation: Career and Technical Education Grant Who May Apply: Public, private, and cyber schools, career and technical centers, youth development centers, and institutions of higher learning Use: To develop and implement new technical training curriculum or to expand existing technical training curriculum and/or delivery, relevant to the heavy highway industry Funds: The total amount of direct grant reimbursement funding available under this program is $12 million. PennDOT intends to award a single individual grant up to $500,000 per eligible applicant. Read more