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Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

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Hohenstein: REAL ID Morning Joe

(Apr 17, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

In this week's Morning Joe, PA state Rep. Joe Hohenstein talks about the impending REAL ID deadline and how his office can help you to get yours. Read more

 

Hohenstein Calls on #PaSenate to Fund Public Transit

(Apr 11, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

#PASenate Republicans refusal to adequately fund transit could mean cuts to SEPTA service and increased fares. PA state Rep. Joe Hohenstein joined his colleagues in the legislature and city officials in Philly to remind everyone just how much SEPTA means to the commonwealth's economy. If an agreement can't be reached, people could see a rate increase of 22% and a 45% reduction in service. Read more

 

Hohenstein: Keeping PA Jobs Despite Irresponsible Tariffs

(Apr 10, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

As Chair of the #PAHouse Transportation Subcommittee on Ports, PA state Rep. Joe Hohenstein knows how important the Port of Philadelphia is to PA’s economy. Unfortunately, the current irresponsible international trade war threatens consumers with higher prices and workers with job instability. Hohenstein met with Gov. Shapiro and labor leaders, businesses and workers to talk about making smart, strategic investments to continue growing PA’s economy and keep the commonwealth open for business. Read more

 

Hohenstein: Reproductive Rights are Human Rights

(Apr 08, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

With uncertainty growing at the federal level, Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein stands with his colleagues in the #PAHouse Democratic Caucus to fight for #bodilyautonomy for ALL birthing people. Hohenstein says this fight is not just about #reproductiverights, it’s a fight for women's health and personal freedom. Read more

 

Hohenstein, Cappelletti join advocates to rally for Trans Day of Visibility

(Apr 02, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, April 2– On Monday, state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., and state Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, D Delaware/Montgomery, joined members of transgender advocacy groups to rally for Trans Day of Visibility. Trans Day of Visibility is an observance held on March 31 every year. This day is dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination they face worldwide. At this rally, the lawmakers highlighted a package of legislation that would protect and support Pennsylvania trans residents and trans students in their schools. This legislation includes: HB1040 (LGBTQ+ Inclusive Curriculum) SB448 (Administrative Name Change Reform) SB477 (Removal of Sex from Birth Certificates) SB437 (Navigating Pennsylvania’s Current Name Change Process) Bill # TBD (Grants LGBTQ+ Community Organizations) Bill # TBD (Removing Publication Requirements for Name Changes ) Bill # TBD (Nondiscrimination Policies to Protect All Students) Hohenstein, is the parent of a trans/nonbinary child and emphasized the importance of protecting trans kids. “Trans people are human; however, they are too often attacked for being different and not fitting into our society’s rigid gender structures,” Hohenstein said. “Because of this, many trans individuals live in fear of being attacked or harmed simply for being their true selves. Read more

 

An Open Letter to the Lawyers and Law Firms the Trump Administration Seeks to Silence

(Apr 02, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

We, the undersigned lawyer-legislators of the Pennsylvania state House of Representatives, are appalled though tragically not surprised by President Trump's latest attack on the rule of law. As outlined in the Presidential Memorandum of March 22, 2025, SUBJECT: Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court, the President instructed the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to weaponize the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and any other regulations governing attorney conduct and discipline to silence the zealous advocacy of lawyers and law firms across the nation. We will not allow the Trump Administration’s attempt with this memorandum to chill legal representation that inconveniences its efforts to undermine the Constitution, gut essential programs, attack vulnerable groups and individuals, and otherwise subvert the rule of law to go unchallenged. Read more

 

Hohenstein: Trout Season Opens April 5th

(Mar 27, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

As Secretary of the #PAHouse Game and Fisheries Committee and an angler himself, Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein knows how much Pennsylvanians love trout fishing. That’s why Hohenstein rolled up his sleeves and helped Fish and Boat Commission conservation officers and volunteers to stock trout in the #Pennypack Creek. Every year the #PFBC stocks millions of #trout in waterways across the Commonwealth. Trout season officially opens April 5th, but kids can get an early start on March 29th for Mentored Youth Trout Day. Funds from the purchase of #fishing licenses pay for stocking and all trout stocking events are open to the public. There are hundreds of sporting goods, bait and tackle shops across Pa. where you can purchase a license or go to www.fishandboat.com to buy online and check stocking schedules. Read more

 

Pa. legislative Democrats propose bills to counter Trump on immigration

(Mar 27, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

Article about the PA Welcoming Caucus' press conference rolling out a legislative package to protect PA's immigrant communities. Read more

 

State lawmakers release plans to protect PA immigrant communities

(Mar 26, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, March 26 – Today, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Welcoming Caucus united at the Capitol to announce legislative initiatives to support families, fortify communities, protect workers and uphold the integrity of the legal system. The Welcoming Caucus is a bicameral group of legislators dedicated to ensuring Pennsylvania remains a welcoming place of opportunity and connection. Members recognize the enormous contributions of immigrant communities and advocate for policies that promote social and economic justice and protect civil rights and freedoms. As the Trump administration ramps up attacks on immigrant communities across the country, members of the Welcoming Caucus have introduced a suite of bills that seek to uphold and protect the rights of all Pennsylvanians. The press conference to highlight the legislation was hosted by Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila, who chairs the Welcoming Caucus in the House, and Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Phila, who chairs the Welcoming Caucus in the Senate. “My support for immigrant rights is based on my belief in the value of all working people. Organized labor was born in immigrant communities from the coal mines in Pennsylvania, sweatshops in New York and the grape harvests in California,” Hohenstein said. “I consider my work for immigrants to be the same as my work on behalf of the people of my neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Everyone wants safer Read more

 

Hohenstein on Protecting Affordable Healthcare

(Mar 26, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein joined colleagues in celebrating the passage of multiple pieces of legislation that would help secure Affordable Care Act (ACA) protections here in the commonwealth. Hohenstein says that with all of the uncertainty happening on the federal level the #PAHouse needed to take action in order to protect everyone’s healthcare. Read more

 

Hohenstein on Increasing Funding for Direct Service Professionals

(Mar 26, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein joined colleagues and advocates to urge further support for increasing funding for disability and human service programs. Hohenstein says that those with disabilities often show us what it truly means to be human & those that care for them deserve to be paid a livable wage in order to continue their care for our disabled community. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, legislators hold news conference to highlight reintroduction of legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

(Mar 20, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, March 20 – In the face of the Trump administration’s vilification of immigrants and unlawful deportations of immigrants , state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., and Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, held a news conference on Wednesday to highlight the reintroduction of their legislation to create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Pennsylvania welcomed William Penn from religious persecution in the 17 th century, Blacks fleeing slavery in the 19 th century, and today Afghans, Bhutanese, Ukrainians and others that are fleeing persecution, ethnic cleansing and war,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Instead of keeping to its values, Pennsylvania is scapegoating immigrant communities with punitive policies that are driving them out of the state. “Economically, we can’t afford to lose them as they make up over 8% of our state’s workforce and pay $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes. As our population ages and many residents leave our state for other opportunities, we need skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers and community leaders to make sure that Pennsylvania continues to grow and thrive economically, culturally and socially and retains its electoral power at the federal level. But even more than that, we can’t afford to betray the values on which our commonwealth was founded. Read more

 

Hohenstein: Clearing the Air in Environmental Justice Communities

(Mar 05, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

Knowing the historic impact of industrial pollution on the communities he represents, Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein is working to ensure that cumulative pollution is considered in the permitting process in environmental justice areas like the River Wards. Read more

 

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

(Mar 04, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

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

 

Philadelphia House Delegation elects new leaders

(Jan 30, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

Hohenstein said he is ready to address the needs of funding for SEPTA. “I grew up riding the Frankford El to school, so I’m familiar with the needs of Philadelphia families to have a fully functioning and safe mass transit system in this city. Finding a solution for recurring and stable funding for SEPTA has to be our Number One priority in the coming months. I’m anxious to find a solution that will benefit everyone and keep our city moving.” Read more

 

Bipartisan ‘Meet Me in the Middle’ Caucus welcomes new session

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – In a renewed effort to continue fostering collaboration and bipartisanship, Reps. Jill Cooper, R-Westmoreland, Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, and Jamie Flick, R-Lycoming/Union, are re-introducing the Bipartisan “Meet Me in the Middle” Caucus for the new 2025-26 legislative session. During the 2023-24 legislative session, the caucus’ activities included touring a senior center and hosting an information meeting on the dangers of pornography for children. Success was had with the passage and enactment of Act 52 of 2023, which makes it easier for school districts to host dual enrollment programs. The caucus’ purpose is to bring members from both parties together to listen to people, nonprofit organizations, civic groups and businesses across the commonwealth. By sitting down and listening to their stories and concerns, caucus members can then work collectively to address issues, find solutions and listen to one other's perspectives without straying from one’s core legislative beliefs. "Results matter. When constituents contact their legislator’s office with concerns, they are not interested in partisan explanations; they want to know what 'we' are doing," Cooper said. “As a freshman last session, having co-authored a bill (Act 52 of 2023) that made it through the legislative process was an incredible achievement, and that Read more

 

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

(Jan 22, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

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

 

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

(Jan 15, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

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

 

Hohenstein: The Importance of PA Agriculture

(Jan 08, 2025) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

PA state Rep. Joe Hohenstein talks to PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding about this year’s #PAFarmSow and the importance of agriculture to ALL Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

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

(Dec 30, 2024) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

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

 

Hohenstein: REAL ID Morning Joe
Apr 17, 2025

Hohenstein Calls on #PaSenate to Fund Public Transit
Apr 11, 2025

Hohenstein: Keeping PA Jobs Despite Irresponsible Tariffs
Apr 10, 2025

Hohenstein: Reproductive Rights are Human Rights
Apr 08, 2025

Hohenstein, Cappelletti join advocates to rally for Trans Day of Visibility
Apr 02, 2025

An Open Letter to the Lawyers and Law Firms the Trump Administration Seeks to Silence
Apr 02, 2025

Hohenstein: Trout Season Opens April 5th
Mar 27, 2025

Pa. legislative Democrats propose bills to counter Trump on immigration
Mar 27, 2025

State lawmakers release plans to protect PA immigrant communities
Mar 26, 2025

Hohenstein on Protecting Affordable Healthcare
Mar 26, 2025

Hohenstein on Increasing Funding for Direct Service Professionals
Mar 26, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, legislators hold news conference to highlight reintroduction of legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians
Mar 20, 2025

Hohenstein: Clearing the Air in Environmental Justice Communities
Mar 05, 2025

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

Philadelphia House Delegation elects new leaders
Jan 30, 2025

Bipartisan ‘Meet Me in the Middle’ Caucus welcomes new session
Jan 29, 2025

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

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

Hohenstein: The Importance of PA Agriculture
Jan 08, 2025

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