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Legislators congratulate Wyomissing dispensary on reaching labor agreement

(15 hours ago) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

WYOMISSING, March 19 – State Reps. Emily Kinkead, Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, and Napoleon Nelson congratulated the workers of Teamsters Local 429 and their president, Bill Shappell, along with the leadership at Sunnyside Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Wyomissing, on reaching a labor agreement on Tuesday, March 17. The labor agreement comes as the future of cannabis access, employment, and entrepreneurship remains a legislative priority in Harrisburg. Such agreements between labor and cannabis operators are a central component to legislation the legislators said they hope will finally legalize adult-use cannabis in PA, achieving Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget priority and bringing the Commonwealth in line with neighboring states. House Bill 20 , offered by Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Rep. Abby Major, R-Armstrong, presents a bipartisan path to legalizing adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania and includes a requirement that dispensaries execute labor peace agreements in order to receive licenses. These contracts between the employer and a union require employers not to interfere with efforts of employees to organize in exchange for concessions like avoiding labor disruptions through strikes, picketing, or lockouts. “Cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania is estimated to create around 30,000 family-sustaining jobs in our Commonwealth and ensuring that those workers have access to a union if they want one, free from any employer interference, only makes Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz brings over $300,000 to the 129th District

(1 day ago) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

WEST READING, March 18 – New grant funding will bring $311,796 to support the purchase of government vehicles in three communities of the 129th Legislative District, announced state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. “Vehicles can be costly, yet very important purchases for our communities,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “These vehicles will help with snow removal, waste cleanup, getting our children to school and after-school activities, and more. I am proud to support these projects, and I will keep working to ensure our district has the funding it deserves.” The projects in this funding include: $113,304 for Sinking Spring Borough to support the purchase of a wheel loader tractor for snow removal, waste disposal, and other related borough services. $94,894 to the Greater Berks Development Fund to purchase a 12-passenger van for use by the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County in West Reading Borough . $103,598 to Shillington Borough for the purchase of a new dump truck. This vehicle will serve Spring Township—located in Cepeda-Freytiz’s district—in addition to Cumru Township, Mohnton Borough, and Shillington Borough. The project in Shillington Borough was supported by Cepeda-Freytiz, as well as state Reps. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks; David Zimmerman, R-Lancaster/Berks; and Mark Gillen, R-Berks. The funds for these projects come from the Local Read more

 

Celebrating our county's history, Raising awareness on common scams, My upcoming town hall, and more...

(Mar 13, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Celebrating our county's history, Raising awareness on common scams, My upcoming town hall, and more... Read more

 

Revitalizing Housing in Berks County, Honoring our Dominican Community, My Upcoming Scam Jam, and more...

(Mar 06, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Revitalizing Housing in Berks County, Honoring our Dominican Community, My Upcoming Scam Jam, and more... Read more

 

Grant Memo: School Bus Safety, Recreation Facilities, Recycling, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 05, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS PennDOT: Automated School Bus Enforcement Grant Program Who May Apply: School entities, independent school bus contractors, and municipal governments Use: To cover costs associated with the issuance of CDL licenses to operate school buses within the Commonwealth or to increase school bus safety, education, and training Funds: The total amount of funding available is $1.2 million. Grants can be awarded up to $100,000 per applicant Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate engagement in market research, product development or promotion of agricultural products grown, raised or produced in the Commonwealth Use: To provide matching funds to nonprofit organizations engaged in market research, development or promotion of agricultural products Funds: Up to $381,810.50 is available for grants under the Program Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Environmental Protection: Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grant Program Who May Apply: Municipalities Use: To develop and implement recycling programs Funds: Grants are available up to $250,000. Application Read more

 

2025 Year in Review Newsletter

(Mar 05, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Read my 2025 Year in Review print newsletter here or scan the QR code on Page 1 for Spanish! Read more

 

New grants for our community, Avoid these scams impacting our community, House Fellowship accepting applications, and more...

(Feb 27, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

New grants for our community, Avoid these scams impacting our community, House Fellowship accepting applications, and more... Read more

 

My Recent Town Hall, Spotlighting our Youth Leaders, and more!

(Feb 20, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

My Recent Town Hall, Spotlighting our Youth Leaders, and more! Read more

 

NEXT WEEK: My Black Health Community Discussion

(Feb 13, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

NEXT WEEK: My Black Health Community Discussion Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz hosting Black health community discussion in Honor of Black History Month

(Feb 11, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

READING, Feb. 11 – In recognition of Black History Month, state Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, and Andre Carroll, D-Phila., will host a community conversation focused on advancing Black health and strengthening wellness outcomes across the district and throughout Pennsylvania from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 from at Zion Baptist Church (224 Washington St., Reading) . “Black History Month is a time to celebrate resilience, leadership and contributions that have shaped our nation,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “It is also a time to confront health disparities that continue to impact Black families and to work together, across communities and regions, to build equitable systems that ensure everyone has access to quality care.” “Health equity is not a regional issue, it is a statewide responsibility,” Caroll said. “By bringing leaders together from Reading to Philadelphia, we are strengthening our collective voice and advancing solutions that center dignity, access and accountability.” This event will bring together neighbors, healthcare professionals, educators, faith leaders and advocates to discuss real, actionable solutions to improve health outcomes and expand access to culturally responsive care. Event speakers will include: Ebony McNeil , executive director, The Forge Tremayne Jones , owner, Betterview Counseling and Trauma Recovery Read more

 

Grant Memo: Transportation, Parks, Pedestrian Safety, School Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 10, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrain Vehicle/Snowmobile Grants Who May Apply: County and municipal governments, non-profits, for-profits Use: Planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance of ATV or snowmobile trails and facilities, purchase of equipment, and educational programs related to the use of ATVs or snowmobiles Funds: Grants will range between $25,000 and $1,000,000 Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 More information: DCNR Website 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 Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and non-profit organizations. For-profit Read more

 

A Budget for Working Families, My Upcoming Events, Recognizing the Dominican Community, and more...

(Feb 06, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

A Budget for Working Families, My Upcoming Events, Recognizing the Dominican Community, and more... Read more

 

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 06, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Baseline Water Quality Data Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are those that will use accepted scientific principles and practices for water sample collection and analysis to document existing groundwater quality conditions on private water supplies. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Flood Mitigation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are to assist with flood Read more

 

Legislative Latino and Black caucus chairs issue statement on Berks County ICE facility

(Feb 04, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

READING, Feb. 4 – State Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Napoleon Nelson, chairs of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, respectively, today issued the following statement regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s purchase of a 520,000-square-foot warehouse to be used as an immigration detention facility: “Across this country, ICE enforcement has led to devastating consequences for families and communities -- including family separation, aggressive raids, and the targeting of individuals who pose no threat to public safety. These actions have created fear and instability, particularly within immigrant communities,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “Now, ICE is preparing to establish a detention operation in Berks County. This decision risks provoking fear, disrupting families, and endangering the wellbeing of our neighbors -- regardless of citizenship status. The pattern of cruelty and lack of accountability we have seen from ICE has no place in Berks County or anywhere in Pennsylvania. “Berks County has faced an ICE detention facility before, and after years of sustained community advocacy, that center ultimately closed. That history matters. “While many questions remain about the scope and operations of this proposed facility, I will continue to use every tool available to demand transparency, protect due process, and stand with our Read more

 

My Natural Gas Safety Bills Pass, Supporting Small Businesses, My Upcoming Events, and more...

(Jan 30, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

My Natural Gas Safety Bills Pass, Supporting Small Businesses, My Upcoming Events, and more... Read more

 

House passes natural gas safety recommendations after R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion

(Jan 28, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – The Pennsylvania House has passed two bipartisan bills introduced by state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, aimed at addressing natural gas safety concerns in the wake of the 2023 R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion. The bills were introduced after a March 2025 investigation found the explosion, which killed seven people and injured 10 others at the West Reading factory, located in Cepeda-Freytiz’s legislative district, was likely caused by a degraded natural gas connection. “As we approach the three-year anniversary of the devastating R.M. Palmer factory explosion, we continue to feel the impact it had on our community, including the loss of seven of our neighbors,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “The measures outlined in these bills will save lives and ensure that we learn from this tragedy, so no one else has to suffer as our community has.” The bills passed by the House include: House Bill 1525 : Would require all owners and operators of pipelines transporting steam located in public rights-of-way to register with the Pennsylvania One Call System so that property owners and construction workers know where steam lines are located. (183-16) House Bill 1526 : Would require the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission to work with natural gas pipeline operators to develop guidance and management programs to address threats to degrading plastic pipelines. Read more

 

Statement from the chair, vice chair, and secretary of Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus on the events in Minnesota

(Jan 26, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 - The chair, vice-chair, and secretary of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus issued the following statement today in response to another fatal incident involving federal immigration enforcement personnel in Minnesota: “Once again, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agents operating under this administration have demonstrated a reckless disregard for human life and community safety. These actions are not isolated -- they reflect a broader pattern of aggressive, militarized immigration enforcement that terrorizes communities, undermines public trust, and endangers both civilians and legitimate law enforcement officers. “ICE agents frequently misrepresent themselves as law enforcement and employ tactics that erode trust and interfere with the work of state and local police, whose duty is to protect all Pennsylvanians. “We categorically reject the false choice between public safety and immigrant rights. True public safety is built through transparency, accountability, restraint, and respect for due process -- not fear, intimidation, or lethal force. The escalation of violence linked to federal immigration operations should alarm every Pennsylvanian, regardless of immigration status. “Our congressional delegation continues to be obstructed by an administration that shows little regard for checks and balances or the rule of law. We urge U.S. Read more

 

Khan and colleagues introduce resolution demanding accountability in DHS and ICE enforcement

(Jan 25, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

State Rep. Tarik Khan, D–Philadelphia, joined by colleagues in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, today introduced a resolution urging Congress to withhold additional federal appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until meaningful accountability and safety reforms are enacted.The resolution comes in the wake of the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis in January 2026, just weeks after another U.S. citizen, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed during federal immigration enforcement operations in the same city. Read more

 

New Funding for our Community, Scholarship Applications now Open, Weekend Events and more...

(Jan 23, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

New Funding for our Community, Scholarship Applications now Open, Weekend Events and more... Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz announces over $1.5 million in grant funding

(Jan 20, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

WEST READING, Jan. 20 – The Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved over $1.5 million in grant funding to four projects in the 129th Legislative District, announced state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. “We will see long-needed repairs to our infrastructure and investments in the safety of our pedestrians with this new funding,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “I continue to ensure that our community gets the state funding it deserves, and I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition.” Funding from the Small Water and Sewer Program includes: $454,922 to support the second phase of the Lincoln and Brandywine flood mitigation project in Wyomissing. $400,000 to support watermain replacements in West Reading. Funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund includes: $543,180 to repair the curb and add a handicap access ramp to Playground Drive in West Reading. $132,047 to install a rapid flashing pedestrian crossing device at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Pine Street in West Reading. Read more

 

Legislators congratulate Wyomissing dispensary on reaching labor agreement
15 hours ago

Cepeda-Freytiz brings over $300,000 to the 129th District
1 day ago

Celebrating our county's history, Raising awareness on common scams, My upcoming town hall, and more...
Mar 13, 2026

Revitalizing Housing in Berks County, Honoring our Dominican Community, My Upcoming Scam Jam, and more...
Mar 06, 2026

Grant Memo: School Bus Safety, Recreation Facilities, Recycling, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 05, 2026

2025 Year in Review Newsletter
Mar 05, 2026

New grants for our community, Avoid these scams impacting our community, House Fellowship accepting applications, and more...
Feb 27, 2026

My Recent Town Hall, Spotlighting our Youth Leaders, and more!
Feb 20, 2026

NEXT WEEK: My Black Health Community Discussion
Feb 13, 2026

Cepeda-Freytiz hosting Black health community discussion in Honor of Black History Month
Feb 11, 2026

Grant Memo: Transportation, Parks, Pedestrian Safety, School Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 10, 2026

A Budget for Working Families, My Upcoming Events, Recognizing the Dominican Community, and more...
Feb 06, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 06, 2026

Legislative Latino and Black caucus chairs issue statement on Berks County ICE facility
Feb 04, 2026

My Natural Gas Safety Bills Pass, Supporting Small Businesses, My Upcoming Events, and more...
Jan 30, 2026

House passes natural gas safety recommendations after R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion
Jan 28, 2026

Statement from the chair, vice chair, and secretary of Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus on the events in Minnesota
Jan 26, 2026

Khan and colleagues introduce resolution demanding accountability in DHS and ICE enforcement
Jan 25, 2026

New Funding for our Community, Scholarship Applications now Open, Weekend Events and more...
Jan 23, 2026

Cepeda-Freytiz announces over $1.5 million in grant funding
Jan 20, 2026