LANCASTER, Oct. 29 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will host the second annual “Celebrating Black Veterans: Bound by Courage, Lifted by Legacy: Honoring Our Black Veterans Who Paved the Way” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Lancaster, 450 E. Strawberry St. “Lancaster’s Black veterans valiantly served their country and came home to a nation that denied them their basic rights as Americans and forgot their sacrifice,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We will not forget. We will gather every year to hear their names and honor what they gave to our country. They paved the way for us, and we proudly carry their legacy forward for a new generation. Join us on Veterans Day to give our Black veterans their proper due, as true heroes of our great republic.” The program schedule: Introduction by Smith-Wade-El Chaplain’s Invocation Keynote by the Rev. Stephanie Atkins, senior pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church Lancaster Historical reflection on Lancaster’s Black veterans by Dr. Leroy Hopkins Essay by McCaskey High School student Roll call of names of those buried in cemetery Taps played as the colors are lowered Lunch There will be lunch provided to attendees. To register or inquire about the event, contact Smith-Wade-El’s office at 717-283-4218. Read more

HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, praised the Shapiro Administration for investing more than $441,000 in community revitalization projects locally. Read more

LANCASTER, Oct. 27 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, today praised the Shapiro Administration’s investment in Lancaster through nearly $1.9 million in tax credit awards for community revitalization projects. The Neighborhood Assistance Program provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities. Through the NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95% on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. Projects must fall under one of the following categories: affordable housing programs, community services, crime prevention, education, job training or neighborhood assistance. “These community partners labor all year to make life better for our neighbors who are struggling,” Rivera said. “These tax credits will help strengthen these organizations’ outreach to help Lancastrians stay in their homes, build more affordable housing, expand health and workforce services and feed those facing food insecurity.” The NAP has five main components: Neighborhood Assistance Program, Special Program Priorities, the Neighborhood Partnership Program, Charitable Food Program and the Enterprise Zone Program. The following tax credits were awarded: Charitable Food Program $16,250 Community Action Partnership for Crispus Attucks Choice Food Pantry’s food aid program $24,700 Water Street Mission for free food Read more

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – Bipartisan legislation to better protect Pennsylvania’s children from sexually explicit Artificial Intelligence-generated deepfakes and hazing is headed to the governor’s desk, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster. Read more

LANCASTER, Oct. 20 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will join Chester Frank “Chet” Stewart, members of Stewart’s family and friends, and other local officials at a street dedication in Stewart’s honor. Read more