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
READING, Oct. 20 – Eight projects located in northwest Reading will receive funding through the Neighborhood Assistance Program , totaling $1,776,291, announced state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz. “This funding will go a long way to addressing many of the most pressing issues in our community – education access, food insecurity, healthcare coverage and more,” said Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. “I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition, and I continue to work to see funding like this come back to our district.” The projects supported in this funding include: $594,000 to GoggleWorks Art Park to transform distressed space into safe green space with arts, food and education opportunities for residents and visitors. $459,000 to Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank to remediate a blighted historic building that houses the food bank’s community kitchen and Berks County Intermediate Unit Head Start classrooms. Helping Harvest will also receive $113,750 to purchase and distribute food to low-income residents in Berks and Schuylkill counties. $178,750 to the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County to renovate their Blue Mountain Camp to expand safe, affordable, structured summer programming for low-income youth. $174,166 to the Habitat for Humanity of Berks County for the launch of a six-year plan to revitalize a distressed neighborhood, transforming 40 Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Labor and Industry: Future Works Who May Apply: Local Workforce Development Boards Use: To strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce and economic competitiveness by supporting workforce development strategies that help new or expanding businesses build a skilled workforce, address talent needs, and establish a foundation for long-term success Funds: $2,000,000 is available in funds and the Department of Labor and Industry expects to award four grants of up to $500,000. Application Deadline: December 9, 2026 More information: L&I Website Labor and Industry: Veteran Employment Program Who May Apply: Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, education and post-secondary organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities who can serve veterans and spouses. Use: To enhance Pennsylvania’s capacity to support veterans as they transition into meaningful civilian careers Funds: $200,000 is available and the Department of Labor and Industry expects to award one grant Application Deadline: November 10, 2026 More information: L&I Website Labor and Industry: Veteran Employment Program – Delaware County Who May Apply: Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based Read more
“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
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates...
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email the Central PA Delegation.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.