Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz | News Center

Highlighting Reading’s Recent Economic Developments, Mecum Classic Car Auction, and more...

(1 day ago)

I joined the House Majority Policy Committee and Central PA House Delegation this week in visiting Nissley Vineyards in Lancaster to speak with growers and producers in the winemaking industry. It was a pleasure to speak with the Nissley family about how we can best support the wine industry’s economic growth throughout the state as legislators. Read more

 

State investments transforming PA cities, hometowns

(Jul 29, 2025)

“These are not just investments in infrastructure — they’re investments in people,” said state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who serves as the House Majority Policy Committee chairman. “These initiatives provide an opportunity for generational change, bringing businesses back to buildings that have been underutilized or sitting vacant for 25 years. “Erie received its CRIZ designation the same time as Reading, so this is a great opportunity to see how another community with this designation is gearing up to take advantage of the program.” Read more

 

Schuylkill River Greenways Meeting, Star City Boxing Free Youth Wellness Camp, and more...

(Jul 25, 2025)

It was an honor to present Coach Lindsey Bates with a citation for his commitment and dedication to teaching youth boxing, discipline, confidence and grit. Coach Bates has been a father figure to so many of the youth that attend Star City Boxing Gym. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 22, 2025)

Newly listed grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more

 

Budget Update, Star City Boxing Match, Safe Berks Summer Camp at Penn State Berks Recognition

(Jul 21, 2025)

It’s two weeks past the start of the fiscal year. It’s July 18th and getting the budget to the Governor's desk is well overdue. The Representatives in the House have been in Harrisburg working diligently for you! Read more

 

My Back to School Event, Berks SummerFest, and more...

(Jul 15, 2025)

I will be hosting a Back-to-School event from 12-2 PM on Saturday, August 16 with Councilor Chris Miller at the Barbey Playground on 200 Schuylkill Ave. in Reading. We will have a backpack and school supply giveaway while supplies last. The rain date for this event is Sunday, August 17. We look forward to seeing our students and families there!! Read more

 

Happy 4th of July, Budget Update, and more...

(Jul 02, 2025)

Over the past several weeks the House of Representatives has been passing budget-related bills to ensure Pennsylvanians’ a timely and responsible budget, but Republican Senate leaders are delaying the process by canceling their legislative session and not engaging in fruitful discussions. Read more

 

House Passes My Bill to Bolster Tourism in PA, Venezuela Day in the Capitol, and more...

(Jun 30, 2025)

This week, the House passed my HB 1347 that would allow counties to establish one or more Tourism Improvement Districts to help them better promote tourism through development, special event promotion, sales, and marketing.? Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 26, 2025)

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more

 

Visiting the Battlefield at Gettysburg, Juneteenth Celebration, and more

(Jun 20, 2025)

I joined the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus this week in Harrisburg to celebrate Juneteenth. I proudly joined my colleagues who shared their personal stories and commitment to diversity and equity throughout our great Commonwealth. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, in partnership with Casa de Venezuela and Gente de Venezuela, to host Venezuelan Day

(Jun 17, 2025)

 The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, in partnership with Casa de Venezuela and Gente de Venezuela, will host this year’s Venezuelan Day at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.   Read more

 

Raising the Minimum Wage, Early Childhood Education Workforce, and more

(Jun 16, 2025)

This week, we voted to pass the Raise the Wage Act -- which will get more than 1/5 of Pennsylvania's workers a raise (HB 1549). Read more

 

My HB 1072 passes the House, a Visit from HSDPA, and more...

(Jun 06, 2025)

We passed my bill (HB 1072) to get property tax and rent rebates out faster to senior citizens than current law allows. Right now, seniors and residents with disabilities who qualify for the program must wait until after July 1 to get their rebate, no matter how early in the year they apply. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 04, 2025)

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: School Bus Safety Grant Program Who May Apply: Independent school bus contractors, school entities, and municipalities Use: To promote and increase school bus safety, education, and training, as well as pay for education, training, and other associated costs related to an individual earning their commercial learner's permit, commercial driver's license, or school bus endorsement for the purpose of driving a school bus in Pennsylvania. Funds: $1.2 million in funds are available through the School Bus Safety Grant Program. Grant awards will not exceed $100,000. Application Deadline: July 3, 2025 More information: PennDOT website Department of Environmental Protection: Pennsylvania Grid Resilience Grant Program Who May Apply: An electric grid operator, an electricity storage operator, an electricity generator, a transmission owner or operator, a distribution provider, a fuel supplier, and any other relevant entity, as determined by DEP in consultation with DOE. Use: To implement resilience measures throughout PA intended to mitigate the impact of electric grid disruptive events. Funds: $8 million in grant awards is available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Application Deadline: Concept Paper submission availability will close at Read more

 

Salvation Army Annual Civic Luncheon, Tec Centro Graduation Ceremony, and more

(May 30, 2025)

This is a reminder that TOMORROW, May 31, I will be hosting Fiesta de la Salud (Health Fair) at Lauer’s Park Elementary School at 251 N. 2nd Street, Reading from 10 AM – 2 PM. There will be free glucose meters, free food, free massages, and MORE! We look forward to seeing you there!! Read more

 

Haitian Flag Day, Visit to Berks County Election Services Center, and more...

(May 16, 2025)

Haitian Flag Day, Visit to Berks County Election Services Center, Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, this week in Harrisburg, and more Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(May 07, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Sports Marketing and Tourism Grant Who May Apply: A municipality, a local authority, a nonprofit organization, or a legal entity that meets all of the following criteria: • the applicant participates or plans to participate in a competitive selection process; • the site selection process is conducted by a Site Selection Organization not located in this Commonwealth; • The applicant is seeking to secure a single year or multiyear commitment from a site selection organization to conduct high quality, amateur and professional sporting or esports events at one or more locations in this Commonwealth. Use: To attract high-quality, amateur, and professional sporting and e-sports events to this Commonwealth with the goal of advancing and promoting year-round tourism, economic impact, and quality of life through sport. Application Deadline: June 6, 2025 More information: DCED Website Historical & Museum Commission: Historical and Archival Records Care Grant Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations that have been incorporated for at least two years. Use: To enhance the preservation and accessibility of valuable historical records across the Commonwealth Funds: Grants will be awarded up to $5,000. Application Deadline: August 1, 2025 More information: PHMC Website PROGRAMS OPEN Read more

 

Policy Committee Roundtable on Arts and Culture, Tec Centro Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and more

(May 02, 2025)

This week I welcomed my House colleagues to Reading for a public policy roundtable on the economic impact of arts and culture in Reading and throughout the Commonwealth. Our discussion focused on how the arts and culture sector is a powerful economic engine that breathes economic and creative life into our communities. Read more

 

Highlighting Reading’s Recent Economic Developments, Mecum Classic Car Auction, and more...
1 day ago

State investments transforming PA cities, hometowns
Jul 29, 2025

Schuylkill River Greenways Meeting, Star City Boxing Free Youth Wellness Camp, and more...
Jul 25, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 22, 2025

Budget Update, Star City Boxing Match, Safe Berks Summer Camp at Penn State Berks Recognition
Jul 21, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 18, 2025

My Back to School Event, Berks SummerFest, and more...
Jul 15, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 08, 2025

Happy 4th of July, Budget Update, and more...
Jul 02, 2025

House Passes My Bill to Bolster Tourism in PA, Venezuela Day in the Capitol, and more...
Jun 30, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 26, 2025

Visiting the Battlefield at Gettysburg, Juneteenth Celebration, and more
Jun 20, 2025

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, in partnership with Casa de Venezuela and Gente de Venezuela, to host Venezuelan Day
Jun 17, 2025

Raising the Minimum Wage, Early Childhood Education Workforce, and more
Jun 16, 2025

My HB 1072 passes the House, a Visit from HSDPA, and more...
Jun 06, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 04, 2025

Salvation Army Annual Civic Luncheon, Tec Centro Graduation Ceremony, and more
May 30, 2025

Haitian Flag Day, Visit to Berks County Election Services Center, and more...
May 16, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
May 07, 2025

Policy Committee Roundtable on Arts and Culture, Tec Centro Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and more
May 02, 2025