LANCASTER, July 17 – New funding of $6 million from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will go to schools, affordable housing initiatives and business development in the 49th Legislative District, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today. “These state investments will deliver wide-ranging and long-term benefits for our communities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “From increasing access to quality education at Thaddeus Stevens to creating affordable housing options and local business growth opportunities at the Crossings at Penn Ridge, this funding will help strengthen our workforce, support economic development and improve quality of life. I will continue advocating for state investments that address our communities’ needs and support their long-term goals.” The funding includes: $4 million for Thaddeus Stevens Foundation to renovate the Lancaster Almshouse to include extensive mechanical upgrades, ADA compliance, and outfitting the building to expand classrooms, lab space, and the Workforce Development Center. $2 million for Crossings at Penn Ridge LLC to develop commercial buildings, mixed-use buildings, and multi-family dwelling units in Millersville. RACP funds design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that have a regional impact and generate Read more
LANCASTER, July 17 – New funding of $6.8 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program makes critical investments in affordable housing, educational and business development projects the 96th Legislative District, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today. “I advocated to fund these strategic investments to help fuel our economy, expand opportunities and increase affordable housing,” Rivera said. “By helping companies grow, supporting education and creating more affordable housing options, this funding is planting the seeds for a community where residents thrive and businesses succeed. I will continue to advocate for state investments that strengthen our communities and help our district reach its full potential.” $3.4 million for Ecore International Inc. to transform a 100-plus-year-old building into a modern corporate office. $2 million for Arconic US for its warehouse expansion and replacing its water piping. $1 million for Franklin & Marshall College to construct a wellness center. $400,000 for the College Avenue Property Holding Company LLC to rehabilitate the parking garage and the former UPMC building site to create affordable housing, retail and commercial space. RACP funds design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that have a regional impact and generate substantial Read more
WYOMISSING, July 17 – State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, today announced that Wyomissing Borough will receive a $2 million grant from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to support the construction of a new, standalone building for the borough’s police department. “This will be an exciting development for both the government and residents of Wyomissing,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “This will provide our local law enforcement with new opportunities to continue serving our community, while also expanding opportunities for the borough to support our neighbors. “I am proud to support our local police officers and ensure they have the resources they need. I look forward to seeing this new headquarters come to fruition and the new opportunities it will provide for Wyomissing.” In addition to the new police department building, there will also be renovations to house reception, offices and council chambers in the current borough hall. The building’s current parking lot will also be revised to support administrative parking, while the new police department will have a covered, police-only parking lot. The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, also known as RACP, serves to support the design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects and is administered by the Office of the Budget. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 15 – As Lancaster County experiences the largest measles outbreak in Pennsylvania in 2026, state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, are encouraging residents to get vaccinated against the disease and to stay informed about outbreaks through the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s new measles online dashboard. “We urge residents to protect themselves against the measles outbreak by getting vaccinated if they are unvaccinated and by staying informed about outbreaks using the Department of Health’s new online dashboard,” Smith-Wade-El and Rivera said in a joint statement. “We are grateful to the Department of Health for expanding public access to information and increasing transparency about measles cases in Pennsylvania.” Since the beginning of the year, Pennsylvania has reported 105 cases of measles. More than half of those cases — 63 — have been reported in Lancaster County. The new online dashboard provides up-to-date information on measles outbreaks across Pennsylvania, including case details by county, age and hospitalizations. The dashboard is updated every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon with the latest available data. The Department of Health currently provides school vaccination data at the county and state levels. In August, school-level vaccination information will be available online, giving families additional information to guide personal Read more
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
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Emergency Management Agency: Nonprofit Security Grant Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: Provides funding for physical and cybersecurity enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high-risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack. Funds: This program is funded through FEMA using federal dollars. The maximum award request is $200,000. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PEMA Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026 First Chance Trust Fund Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any school district identified as having statistically higher high school dropout and incarceration rates based on data from the PA Department of Education and the PA Department of Corrections. Please refer to Appendix A for a full listing of eligible school districts. Use: Direct financial support to eligible students via scholarship, administrative support directly related to the administration of student scholarships and connecting at-risk youth with community-based organizations, or community-based organization (CBO) direct programming support. Funds: A total of $3.3 million in state funding is being made available to support this initiative. PCCD anticipates awarding up to $150,000 per grantee for an initial two-year project period. Application Deadline: August 11, 2026 More Read more
HARRISBURG, June 29 — State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced H.R. 345 , designating July 2026 as “Culinary Arts Month” in Pennsylvania, a statewide initiative highlighting culinary education, professional training, and the Commonwealth’s food and hospitality industries. Adopted by the House of Representatives on June 10, the resolution recognizes the contributions of career and technical education programs and postsecondary institutions that prepare students for employment in food service, hospitality, and culinary innovation. It also highlights Pennsylvania’s restaurants, wineries, and food producers, which contribute to local economies and attract visitors from across the region. The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association has expressed support for the measure, citing the importance of strengthening Pennsylvania’s hospitality talent pipeline. “Pennsylvania’s culinary and hospitality industries play a vital role in our economy, our communities and the experiences that define our Commonwealth,” said Joe Massaro, president & CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Culinary Arts Month is an opportunity to celebrate the talented chefs, culinarians, educators, and hospitality professionals who create memorable dining experiences every day while inspiring the next generation of industry leaders. Through programs like Pennsylvania ProStart , students Read more
HARRISBURG, June 22 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation (H.B. 2632) introduced by state Rep. Nikki Rivera that would increase accountability and transparency in the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit programs. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 17 – Legislation aimed at reducing electricity costs and increasing reliability for Pennsylvania households and small businesses by requiring electric utilities to set targets for and procure grid-stabilizing battery storage cleared the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee today, the bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced. “Increasing demand for energy for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies is rapidly driving up electricity costs for Pennsylvanians,” Rivera said. “My legislation offers a practical, proven solution to help keep the lights on and electric bills affordable by requiring electric utilities to set targets for and invest in grid-stabilizing battery storage.” House Bill 2380 would require Pennsylvania’s largest electric utilities to install 3,000 megawatts of battery storage by 2033. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission would assign the shares of the 3,000 megawatts based on the service load and annual peak demand of each electric company with more than 600,000 customers. Rivera’s plan would help lower costs by reducing congestion on the electric grid, limiting the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades and reducing reliance on costly peak-period power purchases. The bill also includes competitive procurement requirements and regulatory oversight to help ensure that projects deliver value for ratepayers. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, today introduced H.B. 2632 which would improve transparency in Educational Improvement Tax Credit programs by closing reporting gaps to ensure that funds are directed to their intended recipients. Rivera said EITC programs have grown into a $680 million public investment in nonpublic education in fiscal year 2025-26, more than four times the $150 million cap in place a decade ago. However, the Independent Fiscal Office has found that critical data gaps make it impossible to fully evaluate the program's effectiveness. “While EITC funding has quadrupled over the last decade, key reporting gaps have left lawmakers and taxpayers unable to assess whether public funds have reached the students and schools they were intended to aid,” Rivera said. “That should concern everyone. “My legislation would close these reporting gaps and ensure greater accountability so we know that these scholarships have reached the intended students.” House Bill 2632 would: Reallocate credits in 2026-27 to better align with program demand. Create a new program beginning in 2027-28. The new program would: Increase oversight of scholarship granting organizations. Target resources to students living in the attendance area of a low-achieving public school or attending a nonpublic school in a low-income ZIP code. Increase transparency on how scholarship dollars are used, Read more
LANCASTER, June 11 – Building on the success of her May event promoting Red Rose Authority’s services, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, will lead a second “Bus it to Market” trip on Saturday, June 27, to Central Market in Lancaster to raise awareness of the region’s affordable bus transportation system. “Residents on last month’s ‘Bus it to Market’ trip told me how much they enjoyed the ease and affordability of RRTA’s bus ride to Central Market,” Rivera said. “I’m leading a second ride so that more of our residents can experience for themselves how central Lancaster City’s eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind shops and creative restaurants is just a short RRTA bus ride away. And knowledge of how to use our public transportation can lead to new job opportunities.” Rivera said that she hopes her Bus It to Market excursions will show residents that RRTA buses are a fast, reliable, and inexpensive way to get to Lancaster and other places in the region. According to Rivera, Lancaster has unhealthy levels of air pollution. She cited the American Lung Association’s 2025 “State of the Air” report, which listed the Lancaster metro area as rejoining the worst 25 cities in the U.S., at 22nd most polluted in the nation and second worst in the Mid-Atlantic for daily particle pollution. The Lancaster area’s year-round pollution went from bad to worse, from 57th to 45th Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) Who May Apply: Private non-profit agency or unit of local government Use: To build on the work that has been completed to date and advance statewide training and technical assistance around the JJSES framework with a strong focus on continuous quality improvement and fundamental fairness Funds: A total of $450,000 in federal Title II Formula Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $450,000 over the 12- month project period. Matching funds are not a requirement of this funding opportunity, but a sustainability plan must be included as part of the application submitted. Application Deadline: July 13, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Who May Apply: State, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $740,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Read more
PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Who May Apply: Pennsylvania residents whose total household income is below 400 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Level. Use: This program provides a rebate to Pennsylvanians who purchase or lease alternative fuel vehicles. Funds: Rebates vary depending on type of vehicle purchased. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first come, first served basis as long as funds remain available. Please note applications must be received within six months of the date of the vehicle purchase. More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: WIIN 2107: Voluntary School and Childcare Lead testing and Reduction Grant Who May Apply: Childcare facilities and schools located in Pennsylvania with Read more
LANCASTER, May 22 – Building on their commitment to support food-insecure Lancastrians, state Reps. Ismail Smith Wade El’s and Nikki Rivera’s offices attended a training on an innovative online platform that is increasing food access and sustainability in the region. The Lancaster County Food Exchange uses a mobile web application to allow procurement volunteers at food pantries and community kitchens in Lancaster County to communicate their surplus items and items they are requesting. Each posting is communicated to all participants via email or text twice daily. The service is free and only requires an email address and a cell phone or laptop. Terry Kile, founder and board chair of the non-profit, gave the training. Lancaster County Food Exchange is used by 23 food pantry providers to feed Lancaster County’s estimated 50,000 residents who need more access to food. “At a time when federal government budget cuts have significantly strained food pantries’ and food banks’ abilities to provide nourishment to the food-insecure, these critical organizations have had to become more agile to ensure that our neighbors in need have food to feed their families,” Smith-Wade-El said. “And this app makes that easy by enabling them to support one another’s needs by sharing surplus or requesting additional food with the click of a button.” “There’s no better example of the phrase Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026/27 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Single Solicitation for Local Initiatives Who May Apply: Units of government (including counties) and non-profit organizations Use: To implement projects and programs that directly address the PCCD Objectives and Goals outlined in PCCD’s 2026-2030 Strategic Framework Funds: A total of $8,221,880 in federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 30-35 grants with budgets not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year project period. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Department of Aging: Resilient environments for Aging and Dementia in Your Communities (READY Communities) Who May Apply: Non-profits, county and municipal governments, and coalitions of organizations Use: For community-based projects focused on improving the lives of older adults, people living with dementia, caregivers, and their communities Funds: A total of $325,000 is available with a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 More information: Aging Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants Who May Apply: School districts; Municipal authorities; Political subdivisions; Incorporated Read more
READING, May 13 — State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, said today he convened a coordinated public safety meeting at his office with state and local law enforcement leaders and key justice partners to address the recent rise in violence in the city. “The safety of our families requires coordinated action across every level of government,” Guzman said, adding that he remains laser-focused on addressing the issue as a top priority. “We cannot normalize violence in Reading and across Berks County.” The meeting included Reading Mayor Eddie Moran; Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams; Chief County Detective Mike Gombar; Maj. Robert Bailey, director of the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement; Capt. Chris Winesburg, commander of Troop L in Reading; and leadership from the Reading Police Department, including Chief Javier Ruiz and Deputy Chief Luz Shade. The objective was to align enforcement priorities and advance practical, enforceable measures to improve public safety. Reading Mayor Eddie Moran emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and community engagement and said he remains committed to providing peace of mind to all families across the city. “Public safety requires a shared commitment to prevention, accountability, and community trust,” Moran said. “I want to thank State Representative Manny Guzman for hosting today’s meeting and our local and state law enforcement officials for Read more
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