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Venkat, Cerrato, Giral, Kosierowski, Marcell, Mihalek, Shaffer, & Warner introduce bipartisan legislation to update statutes on the use of epinephrine to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis

(Apr 02, 2025) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, April 2 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Melissa Cerrato, Jose Giral, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Kristin Marcell, Natalie Mihalek, Jeremy Shaffer and Ryan Warner have introduced two bipartisan bills that would ensure all Food and Drug Administration-approved formulations of epinephrine – used to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis – can be administered in Pennsylvania schools and other settings as currently codified in state law. The legislative package (H.B.s 1043 and 1044 ) would replace “epinephrine auto-injector” with “epinephrine delivery system” in current statutes related to the use of epinephrine under state law. In August 2024, the FDA approved a nasal formulation of epinephrine for treatment of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, necessitating an update of current state law. “A quick and decisive response often means the difference between life and death for patients suffering from an allergic reaction, and epinephrine is the definitive treatment for this serious or even life-threatening condition. By making a simple change in statutory terminology, other FDA-approved formulations of epinephrine will be recognized under Pennsylvania law and ensure that we can rapidly treat serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in schools and other settings across the Commonwealth,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I’m so grateful to all my legislative partners for their collaboration Read more

 

REAL ID in Pennsylvania

(Mar 19, 2025) Rep. Jose Giral

Do you need a REAL ID? The deadline to get one is May 7, 2025! Look inside for more information on REAL ID and how to get yours. Read more

 

State funding for safety on Allegheny Ave.

(Mar 06, 2025) Rep. Jose Giral

I’m thrilled to announce that our community received state funding towards expanding the Slow Zone program into the Fairhill/West Kensington area of Allegheny Ave. This area of our community experiences too many crash-related injuries and even fatalities. People should always feel safe while walking, riding their bikes or driving down our streets. Read more

 

Expanding our workforce by investing in nursing professionals

(Mar 06, 2025) Rep. Jose Giral

I was proud to stand with Gov. Josh Shapiro, my colleagues from the PA House and PA Senate, PA Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker, and health care professionals from Temple University to highlight the work we’ve done to address Pennsylvania’s nursing shortage. Nurses are a critical part of a person’s health care journey and Gov. Shapiro’s 2025-26 state budget proposal calls for a $5 million investment to educate and recruit qualified nursing professionals. We’re expanding workforce development initiatives under Gov. Shapiro’s leadership to address our ongoing nursing shortage and to provide better health care and outcomes for all Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

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

(Mar 04, 2025) Rep. Jose Giral

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

 

Investments into our community with Sen. Tartaglione

(Feb 26, 2025) Rep. Jose Giral

Liberty Coke has been awarded $1 million to support a comprehensive streetscape and sidewalk improvement project, aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety, accessibility, and overall connectivity in the area. This investment will fund the development, rehabilitation, and enhancement of essential transportation infrastructure, ensuring that residents, businesses, and visitors can navigate the community safely and efficiently. Read more

 

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

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. Application Deadline: April 2, 2025 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 Read more

 

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

(Jan 22, 2025) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Victims of Crime Act 2025-2027 Who May Apply: Agencies currently receiving federal Victims of Crime Act funding. Use: The federal VOCA guidelines classify eligible activities/costs into three categories: direct service costs, activities supporting direct services, and subrecipient administrative costs. The federal VOCA guidelines can be found in the Federal Register at: Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Program . Funds: This solicitation is for approximately $53.9 million in federal VOCA funds for the first year with year two amounts being determined at the November 2025 Victims Services Advisory Committee (VSCA) meeting. PCCD expects to fund approximately 157 grants. Applicants will be required to submit a continuation application for year two. Application Deadline: March 14, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Department of Health: WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning Program Who May Apply: Municipalities and metropolitan and rural planning organizations. Priority will be given to communities located in PA DOH State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) priority counties or with an overall percentile rating above 60 in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) PennEnviroScreen Tool. The 10 current SPAN target counties are: Clearfield, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Northumberland, and Philadelphia. Use: Funds will be Read more

 

Giral applauds Mayor Parker on new Kensington initiative

(Jan 22, 2025) Rep. Jose Giral

“I’m grateful to Mayor Parker for her dedication to implementing solutions that are certain to help improve the quality of life for everyone who lives in Kensington. “For decades we have resorted to only using the criminal justice system to address substance addiction in Kensington; clearly that hasn’t helped the people who live here and are suffering. "In the past, politicians have swept this under the rug. We finally have all branches of government at the table addressing this issue that has plagued our community for decades. I am realistic that this Executive Order is not going to fix the whole problem, but Kensington as a whole is going in the right direction. “Adding opportunities for medical and behavioral evaluations after an arrest is a new direction for our neighborhood. One that allows for compassion and treatment options to combat relapses and recidivism. “I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes for Kensington that this will bring and that it’s the start of healing and restoring our neighborhood.” Read more

 

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

(Jan 15, 2025) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program Who May Apply: Public institutions of higher education. Use: Funding may be used to offer college coursework to high school students enrolled in eligible school entities. Funds: $14 million in state funding was allocated through the 2024 School Code. Application Deadline: February 10, 2025 More information: PDE Website Department of Environmental Protection: Abandoned Mine Land and Abandoned Mine Draining Grant Program Who May Apply: An authority, incorporated nonprofit, political subdivision, or conservation district. Use: Funds may be used for abandoned mine land reclamation and abandoned mine drainage treatment or abatement. Funds: $75 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: April 25, 2025. Applicants must contact DEP ( ra-epamgrantprogram@pa.gov ) prior to applying for an initial project consultation. More information: DEP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Physical health care providers, hospitals, rural health centers, or federally qualified health clinics. Use: To promote full integration and collaboration in clinical practice between behavioral health care and primary physical health care. Funds: $3 million in funding is available from the Publicis Health Opioid Settlement. Application Deadline: January 24, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 30, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Housing for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Other Drugs Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing. Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing. Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP 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 Read more

 

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

(Dec 17, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Community and Economic Development: Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Community-based non-profit organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience, educational institutions, and non-profit economic development organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience. Use: Creation or support of a Business Assistance Service Center for the purpose of serving small, historically disadvantaged businesses. Funds: $20 million in funding was appropriated in the 2024/25 state budget. Application Deadline: January 22, 2025 More information: DCED Website Council on the Arts: Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs (EAOAP) Who May Apply: Non-profit agencies with a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an annual average arts revenue over $200,000. Use: Entry track is the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) point of entry for organizations or programs to the AOAP. Applicants must apply in Entry track until recommended for AOAP, which is based on panel review and assessment totals Funds: Grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded. Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 More information: Arts Website Council on the Arts: Arts Read more

 

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

(Dec 04, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

Broadband Development Authority: Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Who May Apply: Cooperative organizations, non-profit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utility companies, public utility districts, municipalities or units of local government, internet service providers registered through the FCC Use: Deploying and/or upgrading broadband network facilities, data collection, broadband mapping and broadband planning Funds: $1,161,778,242 in federal funding pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 is available. Application Deadline: January 21, 2025 More information: PBDA Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia. Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia. Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum Read more

 

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

(Nov 20, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Non-profit Security Grant Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations Use: Target hardening and physical security enhancements for sites that may be a target for a terrorist or extremist attack. Funds: $210 million in FEMA dollars has been made available nationally. PEMA will serve as the grantee and subgrant funds to recipients in Pennsylvania. Application Deadline: December 16, 2024 More information: PA Grants website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Developing Satellite Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) Who May Apply: A NCA accredited CAC who, in conjunction and partnership with another county MDIT, seeks to develop a satellite CAC location within that county. Use: Supporting the development of satellite location(s) in counties in the Commonwealth that may not have enough child abuse cases to sustain an independent CAC Funds: A total of approximately $1,200,000 in state Endowment Act funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 4 grants. Maximum awards of $300,000 are available for the three-year project period. Application Deadline: December 2, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion matching Grant Program Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations that Read more

 

Giral welcomes $4.5 million in grant funding to community

(Nov 01, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., welcomed today $4.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant funding for the projects of multiple nonprofits throughout the community. “These projects and this funding will go a long way toward redeveloping facilities and properties in the district that will enable our community to further grow and prosper,” Giral said. “It is always heartening to see such significant investment in state dollars come back to our community and I can’t wait to see the finished products.” Projects receiving funding include: $500,000 to Impact Services Corporation for the A & Indiana Campus III project, which will fully renovate the 124 E. Indiana Ave. property subject to historic requirements. $2 million to ASPIRA Inc. of Pennsylvania for the ASPIRA Gym and Community Center project, which assist with the addition of a building to serve as a dual-use gymnasium and auditorium. $500,000 to the City of Philadelphia — Rebuild for the McPherson Square Library project, which will go toward replacing the roofing system and restoring the historic dome. $500,000 to the City of Philadelphia — Rebuild for the McVeigh Recreation Center project, which will assist with demolition of the existing recreation building and construction of a new one. $500,000 to Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Oct 29, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Economic Development Organizations, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities, For-Profit organizations. Use: Mixed-use site development, conversion projects, rehabilitation projects, a combination of the three afore-mentioned projects. Funds: $10 million in PA Sites funding has been allocated for this program. There is no limit on the amount of grant funding that may be awarded to an applicant. Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Support Services (RSS) Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, providing RSS and demonstrate the capacity to provide RSS to individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent substance use disorder (SUD). Use: Expand or enhance RSS to individuals in recover from OUD and other concurrent SUD. Funds: Approximately six grants totaling $1,500,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus expresses anger over racist remarks made at Trump rally

(Oct 28, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus issued the following statement expressing deep outrage and indignation over racist comments made towards Latinos at yesterday's rally hosted by former president Donald Trump: “Dismissing Puerto Rico as a ‘floating island of garbage,’ mocking Hispanics as failing to use birth control and calling out a Black man in the audience with references to watermelon is abhorrent, disgusting and downright racist – and their claim it was all jokes is not believable at all. “Pennsylvania is home to 1.3 million Latinos -- a half-million of which are of Puerto Rican descent, who work hard, raise their families, serve in the military, support their communities and are American citizens,” said state Reps. Jose Giral, who is from Puerto Rico, and Manuel Guzman, who is of Puerto Rican descent, represent large Puerto Rican communities and expressed dismay that the state’s Puerto Rican community would be so wantonly mocked as a comedic prop. “The hateful, racist rhetoric of the former president and his supporters insults not just the Puerto Rican community, but every immigrant in our commonwealth and our nation. “We all deserve better.” The members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus are Reps. Danilo Burgos, Manuel Guzman, Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, Jose Giral, Liz Hanbidge, Lindsay Powell, Karol Kazeem, Read more

 

Giral welcomes over $3.5 million in community grants

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., announced that over $3.5 million in state funding was awarded through two grant programs to various organizations and schools in the area. “It's always a great day when grants are awarded to the wonderful schools and organizations in our community. I was happy to advocate every step of the way for these grants,” Giral said. “The LSA and PSFIG grant programs, by assisting our community organizations and schools with their major projects, are essential to improving the quality of life for our residents and ensuring that our students have a safe place to learn and grow.” Organizations receiving funding through the Local Share Account program include: $800,000 to Philadelphia for the McPhearson Square Library project, which will assist with renovation of the roofing system and building envelope. $1 million to Philadelphia for the McVeigh Recreation Center project, which will assist with the renovation of the baseball and soccer fields, construction of two basketball courts, and installation of light fixtures, community garden plots and more. Schools receiving funding through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant program include: $821,239 to Francis Hopkinson School for its roof replacement project, which will replace the school’s 97-year-old roof. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 17, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program Who May Apply: All fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads Use: Eligible projects include but are not limited to facility renovations, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention. Funds: Awards may range from $2,500 to $20,000 for fire/rescue companies and $2,500 to $15,000 for EMS companies. Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 More information: OSFC Website Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, in providing SUD prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery support services, drop-in center services or relevant services and shall have the capacity to provide SUD drop-in center services to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent SUD. Use: DDAP will provide funds from the Opioid Settlement to drop-in centers or other human service organizations looking to expand their community-driven harm reduction support services to increase overdose prevention and linkage to SUD treatment and recovery support services. The goal is to provide hope, support, and resources to assist those on their road to recovery Funds: DDAP expects to award approximately 14 grants totaling $1,875,000 each. Application Read more

 

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 11, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Funds: $20 million was allocated for this program in the 2024/25 budget. Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Program Who May Apply: Community-based organizations (i.e., active, registered 501(c)(3)s), institutions of higher education, municipalities, counties, and district attorneys. Use: Reducing community violence through, among other things, increasing access to support services and behavioral health, providing health services and intervention strategies, providing mentoring and other intervention models, and fostering and promoting communication between schools, the community, and law enforcement. Read more

 

Venkat, Cerrato, Giral, Kosierowski, Marcell, Mihalek, Shaffer, & Warner introduce bipartisan legislation to update statutes on the use of epinephrine to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Apr 02, 2025

REAL ID in Pennsylvania
Mar 19, 2025

State funding for safety on Allegheny Ave.
Mar 06, 2025

Expanding our workforce by investing in nursing professionals
Mar 06, 2025

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

Investments into our community with Sen. Tartaglione
Feb 26, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 29, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 22, 2025

Giral applauds Mayor Parker on new Kensington initiative
Jan 22, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 15, 2025

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 30, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 17, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 04, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Nov 20, 2024

Giral welcomes $4.5 million in grant funding to community
Nov 01, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Oct 29, 2024

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus expresses anger over racist remarks made at Trump rally
Oct 28, 2024

Giral welcomes over $3.5 million in community grants
Oct 23, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 17, 2024

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 11, 2024