PA state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler joined colleagues from both chambers and parties of the General Assembly to celebrate recipients of Solar for Schools grants. The grants were awarded following the program's inaugural round of applications and will be used to help districts reduce energy costs by installing solar panels. Currently, electricity bills are the second-highest cost for schools in Pennsylvania as energy prices are expected to rise. While the initiative has received widespread support, continued funding is not guaranteed and must be renewed annually in the state budget. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 25 – Today, lawmakers from both chambers and both parties in the PA General Assembly joined school leaders from across the commonwealth to celebrate the recipients of Solar for Schools grants. The awards were announced earlier this year after the program’s first-ever round of applications. Introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila, and passed into law in 2024, Solar for Schools provides schools with funding to install solar arrays. By generating their own electricity, these investments can save school districts millions of dollars over the life of one project, as well as generate new renewable energy at a time when energy demand is increasing statewide. Currently, electricity bills are the second-highest cost for schools in Pennsylvania as energy prices are expected to rise. “This is a transformational bill that helps us solve many problems at once: improve school funding, create jobs, add renewable energy to the grid, and make the air cleaner for our kids.” Fiedler said. “We’re just in the first year of Solar for Schools, so these 73 schools are paving the way for what’s possible in Pennsylvania. I am so excited to see how this program will impact schools for years to come.” “I am thrilled about the overwhelming response from schools across the state interested in participating in the Solar for Schools program," state Sen. Camera Bartolotta , Read more
HARRISBURG, June 23 – Today, legislation that would require platforms for event tickets, lodging, and food delivery to list the full, final price of their products upfront, passed the House. The bill was introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila, with a companion bill introduced by state Sen. Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny. Junk fees are the unexpected, mandatory fees added to the price of a good or service at checkout, often associated with online purchases for items like concert tickets. These fees can add up to 30% more to the original price, and they cost the average American family more than $3,000 per year. “Pennsylvanians are trying to make plans with their budgets in mind, but these hidden fees prevent people from making informed decisions,” said Fiedler. “It's more than frustrating to be scouring for hours to plan your family vacation only to get to the checkout page to see the price skyrocket. Whether it's a special occasion like a concert or a trip, we all deserve better treatment from these corporations.” House Bill 1216 would protect Pennsylvania consumers against “bait and switch” pricing practices, while allowing small businesses to compete with the artificially lowered prices used by dominant, national corporations. In 2023, the legislation was previously authored by then-Rep. Pisciottano and passed the House with significant bipartisan support. It was Read more
HARRISBURG, June 13 – Today, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila; Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon; Sen. Tim Kearney, D-Delaware; and Sen. Lynda Culver, R-Luzerne/Montour/Cumberland/Snyder, announced the expansion of the Afterschool Caucus. Originating in the House, the Caucus now includes membership from both chambers and both parties. The caucus is a space for members who support afterschool and other out-of-school time (OST) programming across Pennsylvania. “Families that can’t afford afterschool childcare shouldn’t be left wondering what their child is up to when the bell rings,” said Fiedler . “At its heart, afterschool programming is about taking care of students and helping them grow. I’m really thrilled to see support for this issue from all sides of the legislature and to know that protecting our kids is a unifying cause.” “High-quality afterschool programs offer students opportunities for hands-on learning and academic support, including help with homework,” said Heffley . “These programs have consistently shown positive results, with many students improving their grades and overall performance. Funding should be directed toward these proven, evidence-based programs.” Last year, the legislature secured $11.5 million for Building Opportunity for Out-of-School Time (BOOST), the first-ever dedicated line item for afterschool programs in the state Read more
HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today the House Blue-Green Caucus , a group of members who support both labor unions and environmental causes, joined advocates to announce a package of bills to advance clean energy production, create family-sustaining jobs, and protect the environment in Pennsylvania. The caucus, chaired by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., seeks to unify labor and environmental advocates and dispel the long-held myth that their interests are at odds in Harrisburg. “There is no more important time for the state to enact an ambitious energy plan than right now,” said Fiedler , who is also chair of the House Energy Committee. “As state lawmakers, we are stepping up and making sure that Pennsylvania has a workable energy plan that keeps our state competitive and sustainable for future generations. This package of bills is a core part of shaping the energy present and future of our commonwealth.” “For the second year in a row, I am proud to support a Blue-Green Bill package that has the support of both the labor movement and the environmental movement,” said Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware. “We have so much common ground and so many shared values, yet outside forces have often tried to divide labor and environmental stakeholders for their own political gain and, sometimes, to cause chaos. We are always stronger together.” This year’s package includes legislation Read more
A celebration and check ceremony Thursday hosted by the Philadelphia House and Senate delegations honored the Philadelphia schools and community colleges that received Solar for Schools grants. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 20 – Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Financing Authority today announced that 74 schools across Pennsylvania will receive a total more than $22.6 million for solar installations through the Solar for Schools grant program. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., who introduced the Solar for Schools bill in 2024, applauded the announcement. “I am so happy for each of these schools and excited to see names from nearly every corner of the state,” said Fiedler , who is also chair of the state House Energy Committee. “I’ve heard from rural schools who plan to include their solar panels in agricultural education and from city schools that are thinking strategically about rooftop solar with limited space. I have no doubt that the recipients will benefit from the program’s flexibility to meet their school’s needs and to make the most of their strengths." Solar for Schools was designed as a creative way to address the school funding crisis, rising utility costs, and climate change at once. It is estimated that solar installations can save school districts millions of dollars over the life of one project. As such, the program has gained support across geographic and party lines. It was one of very few bills to pass through the divided legislature last session with broad, bipartisan support. "The Solar for Schools program is a smart investment in Read more
Rep. Fiedler's weekly email for May 16, 2025 Read more
96 @media only screen and (min-width:660px){.u-row{width:640px!important}.u-row .u-col{vertical-align:top}.u-row .u-col-50{width:320px!important}.u-row .u-col-100{width:640px!important}}@media (max-width:660px){.u-row-container{max-width:100%!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important}.u-row .u-col{min-width:320px!important;max-width:100%!important;display:block!important}.u-row{width:100%!important}.u-col{width:100%!important}.u-col>div{margin:0 auto}}body{margin:0;padding:0}table,td,tr{vertical-align:top;border-collapse:collapse}p{margin:0}.ie-container table,.mso-container table{table-layout:fixed}*{line-height:inherit}a[x-apple-data-detectors=true]{color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important}table,td{color:#000}#u_body a{color:#00e;text-decoration:underline} Teacher William Sax honored by the House of Representatives and City Council Last week, I was so proud to be able to present an official award of recognition to William Sax of South Philadelphia High School. My Chief of Staff, along with state Rep. Jordan Harris and staff from Read more
Chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., joined Gov. Josh Shapiro, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger, and other elected officials at the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia this morning to announce a state investment of $30 million to develop the Philadelphia Navy Yard Greenway District.The grant is awarded to Ensemble/Mosaic Navy Yard LLC. through the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites program – a strategic and targeted strategy to unlock economic growth by preparing sites for business expansion and job creation. The project will target life sciences, research, and manufacturing. Cephas touted the major investment as a key to unlocking economic growth and prosperity for the Philadelphia region. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 14 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and state Sen. Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, today introduced legislation in the state House and Senate to create price transparency for consumers in Pennsylvania. The Pay the Price You See legislation (H.B.s 1216 and S.B. 640) would require platforms for event tickets, lodging, and food delivery to list the full, final price of their products upfront, allowing consumers to make informed decisions. Junk fees are the unexpected, mandatory fees added to the price of a good or service at checkout, often associated with online purchases for items like concert tickets. These fees can add up to 30% more to the original price, and they cost the average American family more than $3,000 per year. "At a time when costs are rising nationwide, Pennsylvanians deserve the ability to see real prices upfront, so they can make informed decisions that work for their budgets,” Fiedler said. “Baseball season is back, and families like mine will be heading to the ballpark. We should all be able to make plans and have fun—whether it’s seeing a Phillies game or booking a vacation—without the fear of corporations slapping hidden fees on tickets.” The concept is commonsense legislation that would protect Pennsylvania consumers against “bait-and-switch” pricing practices, while allowing small businesses to compete with the artificially lowered Read more
Push for more solar in Pennsylvania Read more
Leaders in energy, the solar industry, and organized labor called on the state legislature to approve H.B. 362, a bill authorizing a Solar for All program, which was introduced by House Energy Committee Chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. The bill was approved in committee Monday morning with bipartisan support. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 13 — Today State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila., and State Senator Nikil Saval, D-Phila., joined IATSE Local No. 8 leadership and workers to celebrate a $1,500,000 state grant for an expansion of the union’s renowned training center. “IATSE Local No. 8 members are the stagehands behind the live events we love, including theater, parades, and the concerts that happen at the stadiums,” said Fiedler . “This $1.5-million state grant will help them prepare more Philadelphians for the union jobs that make our city a beloved hub for arts and culture. I can’t think of a better use of public funds!” “IATSE members work in and day out to make Philadelphia a world-class arts and entertainment center,” said Saval . “These funds will allow the union to expand their facilities to train current workers and build and support the next generations of workers who follow. The new facilities will offer a modern space where they can gain the knowledge that allows them to do their jobs safely, effectively, and expertly. By investing in these incredible workers, we’re supporting Philadelphia’s cultural and arts sectors to flourish.” IATSE represents stagehands and other behind-the-scenes workers whose labor fuels the entertainment industry. IATSE is not only the largest union in the industry, but also one of the oldest unions in the country, having Read more
The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) released data on Solar for Schools applications that indicates overwhelming demand for the program. School districts across Pennsylvania requested a total of $88,087,001—more than triple the amount of available funding. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) 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: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 More information: DCED 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 Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business Read more
The House Energy Committee held a public hearing Thursday to consider H.B. 660, introduced by state Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware; and Rep. Thomas Mehaffie, R-Dauphin. The Appliance Energy Efficiency Standards bill sets energy efficiency and water conservation standards for the sale of some new appliances sold in Pennsylvania, ensuring they use no more energy or water than necessary. Products included in the legislation include commercial dishwashers, commercial ovens, commercial fryers, faucets, and gas fireplaces. Read more
State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee, issued the following statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s RISE PA initiative: “On Wednesday, the Shapiro administration launched RISE PA — a new $396 million grant program that will fund projects to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions at Pennsylvania’s industrial facilities. RISE PA is an example of a smart investment that will create family-sustaining jobs, lower costs for businesses, and improve the health of Pennsylvanians at once. Read more
State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., who also serves as Chair of the House Energy Committee, issued the following statement on the release of federal funding: Read more
$600,000 state grant for Murphy Rec Center Read more
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