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
HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today, legislation (H.B. 37) sponsored by state Rep. Scott Conklin, advanced through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a 103-99 vote. The legislation would allow counties to pre-canvass mail-in and absentee ballots up to a full week before Election Day, allowing for quicker election results and ensuring election workers have proper time to address large quantities of mail-in ballots. Pre-canvassing does not include recording or publishing votes. Under current law, pre-canvassing of mail-in and absentee ballots cannot begin until 7 a.m. on Election Day. “As mail-in balloting continues to grow in popularity, we need to do right by our voters and by our election workers,” Conklin said. “Allowing more time to count mail-in and absentee ballots will significantly reduce delays in election returns, delays that can lead to voter suspicion and unfounded conspiracies. This bill will go a long way toward upholding public trust in the Commonwealth’s elections.” H.B. 37 now heads to the Senate for consideration. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today, state Rep. Scott Conklin was joined by legislators, school administrators, and student-athletes in support of legislation (H.B. 41) that would allow the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to create separate playoffs and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools. Conklin introduced H.B. 41 due to the PIAA’s existing competition structure containing fairness issues and unnecessary risks to athletes’ health. He urged the state Senate to consider the bill, which currently sits in the Senate Education Committee after passing in the House on April 29 by a 178–23 vote. “You only have one hurdle to cross, and that’s to kick out the bill,” Conklin said. “Please, for the young people, let’s do it.” Speaking in support of the bill alongside Conklin were state Sen. Marty Flynn, state Reps. Jim Haddock and Jennifer O’Mara, Springfield School District Superintendent Anthony Barber, Riverside School District Superintendent Paul Brennan, Old Forge School District Superintendent Christopher Gatto, Kennett Consolidated School District Assistant Superintendent Michael Barber, and Old Forge student-athlete Christopher Rasmus. Flynn, who represents the Old Forge School District, spoke about traditional public schools facing challenges against non-boundary opponents in a playoff setting, sparking renewed conversations around the legislation. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 8 – Today, legislation (H.B. 2391) sponsored by state Rep. Scott Conklin advanced through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a 117-84 vote. The legislation would deter the practice of buying houses to fix and sell at a quick profit, also known as “house flipping,” by allowing mortgage lenders to offer investors the option of better terms if they accept prepayment penalties. “We’ve seen this practice drive up home prices and reduce availability for too long, hurting both buyers and renters in their search for affordable properties,” Conklin said. “Giving Pennsylvania lenders the option to offer financing terms with or without a prepayment penalty would open up more housing, stabilize prices and spur more long-term investments in our communities.” Conklin said the legislation would protect mortgages for primary residents and second homes. Under the legislation, lenders would not be allowed to include prepayment penalties for personal, family or household purposes. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more
STATE COLLEGE, June 4 – State Rep. Scott Conklin announced today that $85,000 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education will go toward State College Area School District’s career and technical education programs. The funding comes under the Competitive Equipment Grants Program to help with the purchase of new equipment for approved CTE programs preparing students for in-demand jobs. Recipients of the funding must have at least eight CTE programs approved by the DEP. State College Area School District offers CTE programs including automotive technology, culinary arts, early childhood education, computer programming and business management. “Career and technical programs have given students across Pennsylvania opportunities to explore their interests, take new pathways and be part of a robust future workforce,” Conklin said. “The funding for State College Area School District can give our students the tools they need to take full advantage of these opportunities. I see how the district’s programs have flourished, and I appreciate the Department of Education for rewarding this success.” A total of $4.3 million was allocated to 54 schools throughout the commonwealth, part of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration’s increases in CTE funding to expand programs and student access. For more information on the grant, those interested can visit 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
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
STATE COLLEGE, May 1 – State Rep. Scott Conklin announced today that $94,125 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will go toward Pennsylvania State University programs. A total of $64,125 will go toward the Penn State K-12 Sustainability Summit, while another $30,000 will go toward supporting the Science-U Environmental Education Pipeline. The investments will support hands-on experiences that connect communities directly with environmental learning. The Penn State K-12 Sustainability Summit is an annual two-day event that brings together 50 education leaders from 25 school districts and intermediate units to strengthen K-12/university partnerships. The summit explores how sustainability can be integrated into K-12 learning environments and connects students with Penn State experts. Science-U is a summer camp program run by the Penn State Eberly College of Science that delivers cohesive, grade-aligned environmental learning for students in grades 2-12. An updated programming schedule for 2026 includes Middle School Ecology, Eco Investigators and more activities that offer hands-on field studies. “I’m grateful for this funding, which increases the resources that Penn State has to offer our local K-12 students,” Conklin said. “Exposing students to the sciences at a young age can have a tremendous impact on their education and future career choices, and Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener Plus Act 167 Plans Who May Apply: Counties Use: To prepare and adopt a watershed stormwater management plan. Funds: Grant awards will be at least $30,000 and not more than $50,000. Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act Grants Who May Apply: Municipalities, municipal authorities, and appropriate incorporated nonprofit organizations Use: The design, construction and/or rehabilitation of treatment facilities on ABS Legacy AMD discharge sites, but grants may also be awarded for ABS bond forfeited land reclamation projects. Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 More information: DEP 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 Read more
“Student athletes and their parents recognize that contact sports pose certain physical risks, which schools try to minimize through protective equipment, training, and policies like concussion protocols,” Conklin said. “Unfortunately, our schools can’t protect against a playoff system that needlessly escalates those risks through unfair competitions.“PIAA’s existing playoff system forces athletes from public schools, which are limited to recruiting from within district boundaries, to compete against athletes from private schools, which can recruit from anywhere and amass larger, stronger teams. The result is unfair, lopsided competitions that leave public school students on a dangerously unlevel playing field, subjecting them to added physical risks and even depriving them of scholarship and recruitment opportunities. School sports are supposed to be about building confidence and teaching kids lessons in fair play, but the current system is teaching all the wrong lessons.“My bill would provide a way to end these increasingly dangerous competitions by allowing the PIAA to establish separate playoffs and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools.” Read more
“House flipping—when investors buy houses to fix them up and sell them for a quick profit—is driving up home prices and reducing inventory, making it increasingly difficult for buyers and renters to find affordable properties,” Conklin said. “An important way we can discourage this is by allowing mortgage lenders to offer investors the option of better terms if they accept prepayment penalties. Doing so would deter house flipping and encourage long-term investments, which in turn would help stabilize prices and increase available housing for both buyers and renters.“Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is one of a minority of states that does not allow mortgage lenders to offer competitive mortgage terms through prepayment penalties on investment property. My bill would change that by allowing lenders to offer investors the option of choosing financing terms with or without a prepayment penalty.” Read more
“The modern American family looks much different than it used to, with many men playing a central or sole role in child care, including diaper changing,” Conklin said. “Despite this, most men’s public restrooms in the state still lack diaper-changing stations, creating unnecessary logistical problems for male caregivers.“My bill would remedy this by requiring baby diaper-changing stations in new or fully renovated public restrooms, with a few exceptions. The commonwealth needs to keep pace with the realities of modern parenting, and that includes making sure that men have public access to this essential child care resource.” Read more
“The time allotted for pre-canvassing might have been feasible at one time, before the state adopted no-excuse mail-in voting, but with the more recent surge of voters choosing that option, the timeframe is no longer realistic,” Conklin said. “We’re hearing that repeatedly from county election officials and workers on both sides of the political aisle, who have asked us to change the law to give them more time to process these ballots.“We need to answer that call. Delays in processing ballots don’t just create frustration – they can generate mistrust of the system. Giving counties the time they need to pre-canvass ballots would provide quicker election results and, in the process, help maintain trust in the system.” Read more
“Self-storage facility owners often face a costly problem when a defaulting customer fails to sign or pay their rental agreement. With no timeframe in place to enforce the unsigned or unpaid agreement, the owner’s hands are tied as the unit sits occupied and unrentable, draining income and causing financial hardship.“The new law solves the problem by allowing for the electronic delivery of a rental agreement. This makes the agreement enforceable against the occupant within 30 days of the document’s delivery – the same as if it had been signed. If the occupant fails to sign or pay the agreement, the owner can restrict or deny access and take other enforcement actions, including removing the property.” Read more
“Aging in place—in the homes and communities they love—should be a realistic expectation for Pennsylvania’s more than 2.5 million residents who are 65 or older,” Conklin said. “Yet that future is far from certain for the growing number of seniors on fixed incomes, who face the risk of losing their cherished homes as property taxes increase.“A number of other states currently offer some form of property tax exemption for qualifying seniors. Pennsylvania should investigate whether it would be feasible to do the same, which is why I am calling on the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to research the feasibility of providing such an exemption." Read more
Read Rep. Conklin's Winter 2026 Newsletter Online! Read more
“The new funding will help ensure Fullington has the resources to train more than two dozen new drivers,” Conklin said. “Having those additional trained staff will make it easier to keep buses running safely and on time, and it will give parents and caregivers the peace of mind that goes with knowing their students are as safe as possible on the road.” Read more
“As our brave first responders answer the call 24/7, their departments are constantly juggling expenses to cover personal protective gear, equipment, fuel, facility repairs, and myriad other expenses,” Conklin said. “The new funding will help departments cover more of these costs, to help our frontline heroes carry out their lifesaving work.” Read more
“Ferguson Township identified these intersections as high priority for pedestrian safety and determined they would benefit from enhancements such as rectangular rapid flashing beacons, which significantly reduce the risk of pedestrian crashes,” Conklin said. “This funding ensures the township can move forward with these improvements so pedestrians and cyclists can travel more safely.” Read more
“The governor’s plan makes sense to me because it focuses on helping working families thrive, boosting jobs, and strengthening our public schools – all without raising taxes." 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 Rep. Scott Conklin.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
State College Service Center301 S. Allen St. Suite 102State College, PA 16801
P*: (814) 238-5477
F*: (814) 863-3898
Hours of Operation - Hours: M-F, 9:00am - 4:30pm
213 N. Front St.Philipsburg, PA 16866
P*: (814) 342-4872
F*: (814) 342-4874
314 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202077Harrisburg, PA 17120-2077
P*: (717) 787-9473
F*: (717) 780-4764