“The Route 222 corridor has experienced a vast demographic transformation, and it has benefitted from this growth economically,” said state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, who represents portions of Berks County and serves as the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus chair. “Our young Latino population has faced challenges and obstacles, yet we have persevered to create better lives and stronger, safer neighborhoods.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, helped secure $125,000 in grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to rehabilitate Stauffer Park in Manheim Township. The $125,000 grant for the Elizabeth S. Ludgate Trust for Stauffer Park will be used to renovate the internal loop trail; construct walkways and an access drive; and make ADA access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements. “The creation and preservation of green spaces are critical to improving the quality of life in our communities,” Rivera said. “The walkway and trail improvements at Stauffer Park will make it more accessible, improve safety, increase community access and enhance recreational opportunities.” The funding comes from DCNR’s Environmental Stewardship Fund, which supports state parks, conservation and outdoor recreation. More information about the ESF and other Community Conservation Partnership Program funding sources is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/programs-and-services/grants/grant-funding-sources . Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 6 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera held a news conference to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy last week at the Capitol. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – Legislation that would regulate the sale of natural kratom products and prohibit the sale of synthetic kratom unanimously passed the House today, the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced. Kratom is a plant from southeast Asia used for its psychoactive properties. The Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have recommended that the Drug Enforcement Agency classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 controlled substance – placing it in the same category as heroin and LSD. House Bill 2657 would create a statutory framework for the sale, distribution and quality control of kratom products within Pennsylvania. Retailers registered with the state would be allowed to sell natural-leaf kratom products to people 21 and over. Packaging would have to list the manufacturer's name and address, carry a warning that the products have not been evaluated by the FDA and make no medical claims. Packaging would also have to be child resistant and designed not to appeal to minors. Kratom products would be subject to the tobacco tax. The Pennsylvania Department of Health would enforce standards and collect taxes. The bill would also ban the sale of synthetic or adulterated kratom products, including those that contain more than 0.5% alkaloid composition of 7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, a compound found in only trace amounts in the kratom leaf. Sellers of these illegal products Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – 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 passed the House today, the bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced. “Pennsylvania’s aging electricity grid is strained by increasingly violent weather and surging energy demand from cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies,” Rivera said. “My legislation offers a practical, proven solution that will help keep our lights on and our electric bills affordable.” House Bill 2380 would require Pennsylvania’s largest electric utilities to install 3,500 megawatts of battery storage by 2035. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission would assign each utility’s share of 3,500 megawatts based on the service load and annual peak demand of each electric company with more than 600,000 customers. The bill also includes competitive procurement requirements and regulatory oversight to help ensure projects deliver value for ratepayers. Electricity costs are often driven by peak-hour demand, when electric utilities must rely on expensive “peaker” power plants that quickly ramp up to prevent grid failures. Battery storage systems store electricity when demand and prices are low and discharge it when demand is highest. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipality, council of governments, business/non-profit, economic development organization, public transportation agency, port or rail/freight entity Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Project costs must be above $100,000 and no award shall exceed $3,000,000 Application Deadline: October 30, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Agriculture: Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program Who May Apply: A person operating under a grant of inspection that meets the definition of ''very small establishment'' in 9 CFR 381.65(g)(1)(i) Use: To support the development and expansion of current or future very small meat and poultry processing operations in this Commonwealth by offering reimbursement grants to cover the cost associated with obtaining a grant of inspection from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), opening a new very small meat and poultry processing operation, expanding the capacity of a Read more
LANCASTER, Sept. 16 – Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, today announced that more than $1.7 million in state grants has been awarded for worthwhile projects and equipment purchases in the 96th Legislative District. “These state grants will help our communities address the issues they face, from increasing affordable housing stock to improving the condition of our roads,” Rivera said. “I am very glad to have advocated for these projects to ensure that our communities have the resources they need.” Grant recipients and projects are: $500,000 for HDC MidAtlantic to build affordable housing in Lancaster City. $400,062 for the Lancaster County Youth Amateur Hockey League to renovate the Lancaster Ice Rink and purchase a Zamboni to be used in Manheim Township. $250,000 to Lancaster Public Library to acquire and renovate a property for its Book ReSort Program. $243,500 for YWCA Lancaster for a renovation project. $175,000 for Lancaster City to improve Ross Street streetscape. $150,000 for Franklin and Marshall College to purchase maintenance equipment to care for multiple outdoor, publicly available spaces. The grants awarded come from Local Share Account funds, which are approved and distributed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority . Read more
LANCASTER, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, today announced that more than $3.1 million in state grants has been awarded for important projects and equipment purchases in the 49th Legislative District. “I am proud to have helped secure this funding for critical community projects that will keep Lancasterians healthier, put roofs over their heads, and increase their educational opportunities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Our municipalities and authorities rely on state dollars to make vital local projects like these happen. I’m thrilled to see these worthwhile projects benefit from this valuable state assistance.” Grant recipients and projects are: $1 million for Lafayette Fire Co. to purchase a ladder truck. $800,000 for Union Community Care to renovate the first floor of the Lancaster Southeast Health Center. $750,000 for Chestnut Housing Corp. and Dinah’s Hill Apartments LLC to construct affordable apartments. $250,000 for Lancaster Public Library to acquire and renovate a property for its Book ReSort program. $190,000 for Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology to purchase equipment for the Stevens Home Building Program. $94,064 for Lancaster City/Tenfold to purchase a passenger van. $29,000 for Lancaster Township to support local law enforcement. The grants awarded today come from Local Share Account funds, which are approved and distributed by the state’s Commonwealth Read more
READING, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, has announced over $1.4 million in grant funding through the Local Share Account program that will benefit five projects in the 129th Legislative District. “This funding will provide long-needed support for projects across our community, from helping our municipal governments and first responders to improving our greenways,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition, and I will keep working to ensure that our community continues to get the state funding it deserves.” The projects supported with this funding include: $688,709 for the Schuylkill River Greenways Association to develop a trailhead at Buttonhead Road in Reading to connect with the River Trail. $250,000 to Spring Township to add storage space in its Public Works building along Windmill Road. $250,000 to renovate the Wyomissing Borough Fire Department Station, including the creation of individual sleeping quarters and bathrooms, exterior façade repairs and upgrades to plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems. $160,000 to help construction in Sinking Spring through the purchase of a new wheel loader. $104,328 for Opportunity House to replace the deteriorating roof of its main campus. The Local Share Account program is funded through revenue generated by gaming and is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Read more
LANCASTER, Sept. 11 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, today announced that $67,000 in Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Cultural and Historical Support Grants were awarded to two Lancaster County institutions that preserve history and promote understanding of the county’s rich cultural tapestry. “At a time when the Trump administration is trying to whitewash American history, the Rock Ford Foundation and LancasterHistory.org are bravely preserving and sharing evidence-based history about Black, Latinx, AANHPI and LGBTQIA communities’ contributions to Lancaster’s rich cultural, economic and social landscape,” Smith-Wade-El said. “These grants will help counteract the federal government’s assault on who is and what it means to be an American.” The following organizations received grants: $47,000 Lancaster History.org $20,000 Rock Ford Foundation The PHMC grants provide state funding for the operational costs needed to maintain and preserve local heritage. Read more
LANCASTER, Sept. 11 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will host his annual free Senior Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Bright Side Opportunities Center, 515 Hershey Ave. Read more
LANCASTER, Sept. 11 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, today announced more than $127,000 in Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Cultural and Historical Support Grants for four Lancaster County institutions that preserve history, inspire interest in science and nature, engage young children’s imagination, and strengthen cultural identities. “As a former high school teacher, I am so grateful for our local museums, which educate us about the world we live in – a world shaped by the past, by the natural world, and by artists’ imaginations,” Rivera said. “This funding will help these local treasures continue their vital work to sustain lifelong learning, build community, and foster cultural engagement.” The following organizations received grants: $20,000 Hands on House Children’s Museum of Lancaster $30,000 Lancaster Science Center $47,000 Lancaster History.org $30,000 North Museum of Nature and Science The PHMC grants provide state funding for the operational costs needed to maintain and preserve local heritage. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: 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. 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, 2026 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026 PACTT – PA Academic, Career and Technical Training Who May Apply: All existing residential facilities, community-based providers, and juvenile probation departments that are current PACTT Affiliates in good standing and are not on provisional status Use: To advance academic and career/technical training among adjudicated youth receiving services in either residential facilities or from community-based providers or from County Juvenile Probation Departments that are PACTT affiliates Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Fruit Grower Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant Program Who May Apply: Specialty crop growers who experienced a loss of at least 30% of expected production due to freezing temperatures between April 1, 2026 and April 21, 2026 Use: Grants will be awarded on a per-acre basis to help growers recover from lost crops Funds: $10 million in funding is available Application Deadline: September 21, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Agriculture: Pennsylvania Agriculture Innovation Grant Program Who May Apply: A person who grows an agricultural commodity and who has anticipated sales greater than $2,000 per year, a person who processes an agricultural commodity and has anticipated sales greater than $10,000 per year, a person who provides technical assistance or services to farmers for conservation, engineering, veterinary care, animal disease management, farm management, agricultural commodity production, nutrient management or similar services, or a person or cooperative association that utilizes agricultural commodities to create products or energy Use: Grants will reimburse expenses for project planning, on-site project implementation, and larger grants for projects that have a regional impact. Funds: $10 million in funding is available Application Deadline: September 23, 2026 More information: PDA Website Read more
LANCASTER, Aug. 26 – Strong advocates for bringing state funding home, state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, will hold a workshop to help local small businesses and nonprofits unlock state grant opportunities from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the Conference Center at IU-13, 1020 New Holland Ave., Lancaster. At the workshop, representatives from local organizations and state agencies as well as fundraising professionals will speak about available funding opportunities, grant writing tips and relationship building strategies to help organizations submit successful applications. “This workshop’s goal is to give local organizations the tools to craft successful state grant applications,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We hope this workshop will help bring home our taxpayer dollars to support organizations and initiatives strengthening our community.” Rivera agreed, adding, “As a former high school Spanish teacher, I know that using the right grammar and vocabulary is essential to being understood. This workshop will help applicants speak the language of grant writing so reviewers can instantly recognize the value of local projects and organizations.” The representatives will be present to answer questions about state services and agencies. Read more
READING, Aug. 17 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, announced today that he will host the fifth annual Back-to-School Resource Fair this Wednesday. He is partnering with Reading Mayor Eddie Moran to provide information and free school supplies to students as they prepare to return to school. Guzman said the fair, now in its fifth year, has more than 55 community partners that have stepped up to support Reading students and families. The event will feature school supplies available on a first-come, first-served basis, free haircuts for children, refreshments, and information about state and local programs and services. “I am proud of all the work we have put into this fair. It has become the largest back-to-school event in Berks County, and that is truly rewarding to see. One of the important additions this year will be free vision screenings, along with glasses repairs and adjustments. This event gives families access to a wide range of resources and services all in one place, and we are eager to welcome them,” Guzman said. “This is a way to offer immediate assistance to families who may need extra support getting their children ready for the new school year. We want to make the process a little easier for parents. There will also be free parking provided by Shuman Development Group at the 6th & Cherry Street lot. “We are going above and beyond to make this an incredible experience. Attendance has grown so much Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters (MSM) 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: Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website Department of Transportation: Rail Freight Grant Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, or user of rail freight infrastructure Use: Capital maintenance of freight or intermodal rail infrastructure and capital construction of freight or intermodal rail infrastructure Application Deadline: August 28, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Motorized Trails and Recreation Program (formerly known as the All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile Read more
READING, Aug. 4 – State Rep. Manny Guzman , D-Berks, today announced that a $251, 390 Green Light-Go grant was awarded to the City of Reading to support traffic signal modernization projects. The grant was awarded to: City of Reading - $251,390 to upgrade traffic signals at: Schuylkill Avenue & Buttonwood Street 9th Street & Walnut Street 3rd Street & Franklin Street “I’m pleased to announce that the City of Reading has been awarded $251,390 through Pennsylvania’s Green Light-Go Program to modernize traffic signals at Schuylkill Avenue & Buttonwood Street, 9th & Walnut streets, and 3rd & Franklin streets,” Guzman said. “As a member of the House Transportation Committee, I understand the importance of investing in projects that improve safety, reduce congestion, and strengthen our transportation infrastructure. These upgrades will help create safer and more efficient travel for residents, commuters, and visitors across Reading.” Read more
LANCASTER, Aug. 4 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today that Green Light-Go grants totaling $945,186 were awarded to the city of Lancaster and the borough of Millersville to support traffic signal modernization. The city of Lancaster received $494,466 to modernize two signalized intersections in Lancaster—North Broad Street and East Chestnut Street, and North Broad Street and East Walnut Street. A separate award of $494,466 was provided for two additional signalized intersections in Lancaster, which are in state Rep. Nikki Rivera’s district. The borough of Millersville received $450,720 for traffic signal equipment upgrades across six intersections: Millersville Road / Manor Avenue / Millersville Pike Blue Rock Road / Manor Avenue / George Street / Shertzer Lane Millersville Road / Barbara Street / Oak Knoll Circle George Street & Frederick Street Manor Avenue / Herrs Market Driveway / Turkey Hill Driveway Manor Avenue & Leaman Avenue “These investments in transportation safety will create safer intersections, support better traffic flow and improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in our district,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This strategic use of state funding will help Lancaster and Millersville residents get around their communities more easily, whether it’s behind the wheel, on a bike or on foot.” The Greenlight-Go Program is a competitive state grant program designed Read more
LANCASTER, Aug. 4 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today that Lancaster received a Green Light-Go grant of $494,466 to modernize traffic signals at two key intersections to improve safety and increase traffic flow for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. The funding will support upgrades to the traffic signal systems at North Duke Street and East Walnut Street and New Holland Avenue and Franklin Street to modernize aging infrastructure, increase signal reliability and accommodate increased traffic. “I’m thrilled that the City of Lancaster is receiving state funding to make these necessary investments in transportation safety,” Rivera said. “This money will make Lancaster an easier and safer place to navigate for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians while extending the traffic signals’ lifespan and supporting the city’s growing transportation needs.” The Greenlight-Go Program is a competitive state grant program designed to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals in Pennsylvania and is administered by the state Transportation Department. Applicants are required to provide a 20% match. Funding may be used for traffic signal retiming; study and removal of unwarranted traffic-control signals; monitoring of traffic signal corridors; innovative technologies; installation, upgrade or maintenance of traffic signal communication systems; upgrade or installation of detection systems and Read more
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