Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rep. Mary Isaacson | NewsCenter Search Page

News Center

Isaacson bill amending outdated scholarship program unanimously advances through House

(May 05, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

HARRISBURG, May 5 – Today, legislation introduced by state Rep. Mary Isaacson (H.B. 2237) to eliminate unnecessary reporting for the phased-out New Economy Technology Scholarship passed the PA House unanimously. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency continues to generate and submit reports for the NETS program due to existing requirements, despite the NETS program no longer receiving appropriations. House Bill 2237 would repeal this reporting section. “This update would eliminate the unneeded administrative and reporting obligations for a program that no longer accepts recipients or receives funding,” Isaacson said. “There is no need to have these burdens on PHEAA, and I’m glad my colleagues in the House recognized this by advancing my bill.” House Bill 2237 now moves to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Isaacson bill to cap rental application fees advances through House

(May 04, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

HARRISBURG, May 4 – Today, legislation brought forth by state Rep. Mary Isaacson (House Bill 558) that would put a cap on rental application fees advanced through the House 148-53 . The bill would amend The Landlord Tenant Act of 1951, limiting a landlord or landlord’s agent to only charge rental application fees reasonably related to the actual administrative expenses incurred for an application. The bill would also prohibit application fees as being a general revenue source for a landlord. On April 13, House Bill 558 was reported out of the Housing and Community Development Committee by a vote of 23-3, prior to passage in the House. The bill aligns with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan that stresses affordability for renters. “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House for providing a victory to Pennsylvania renters,” Isaacson said. “Landlords have been preying on the Commonwealth via excessive fees, limiting the opportunities renters have to find housing. Someone shouldn’t have to stop applying for housing because of simple paperwork, and this bill would alleviate that concern.” The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Busy week in Harrisburg, voter registration deadline and more!

(May 01, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

It was a busy week in Harrisburg, moving lots of bills in both committees and the floor. Read more

 

Transportation, Environmental, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 30, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

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

 

Earth Day, Reading Terminal Market recognized, upcoming events and more!

(Apr 24, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

Wednesday, April 22nd, was Earth Day, which is always a good time to stop and reflect on the importance of taking care of our world. This year’s Earth Day theme was “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizing community action, reducing plastic use, and advancing renewable energy to fight climate change. Read more

 

Isaacson welcomes nearly $4 million in state funding towards violence prevention

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

Today, state Rep. Mary Isaacson announced that nine organizations in her legislative district were awarded a combined $3,911,786 in state funding for violence prevention initiatives. “This year, Philadelphia saw the lowest homicide rate we’ve had in 60 years. It’s a remarkable milestone representing hope for our youth and restoring peace in our city,” Isaacson said. “It’s only possible because of organizations like those awarded these grants. They work every day with at-risk youth to ensure that they have the tools they need to thrive – whether that is mental health treatment or structured after school activities – I am thankful that they are leading the next generation to success,” she said. The organizations and amounts awarded are: Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture: $390,000 Azzim Dukes Initiative: $49,000 Career & Academic Development Institute, Inc.: $499,032 City Year Inc. dba City Year Philadelphia: $500,000 Community Behavioral Health: $499,687 Education Plus Health: $492,801 Philadelphia Education Fund: $500,000 Philadelphia Youth Network: $481,266 Rock to the Future: $500,000 The funding comes from the fiscal year 2025-26 Violence Intervention and Prevention grant under the direction of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, to better address community violence throughout the Read more

 

Transportation, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

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, 2026 More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, and PA Preferred Organic Marketing Grant Program Who May Apply: Grants may be awarded to PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, or PA Preferred Organic licensees Use: Offsetting the cost of designing or redesigning product labels to include the PA Preferred logo, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes logo or PA Preferred Organic logo or Enhancing farmers’ market displays with the PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes or PA Preferred Organic logos Funds: Up to $500,000 is available in funding, with no grant to exceed $10,000 Application Deadline: Read more

 

Davis, Isaacson encourage Pennsylvanians to get tested for diabetic retinopathy

(Apr 14, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

HARRISBURG, April 14 – State Reps. Tina Davis and Mary Isaacson today announced the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ adoption of a measure aimed at raising awareness of diabetic retinopathy and promoting free diabetic eye screenings taking place across the Commonwealth on April 25. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, remains the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. Over time, more than half of individuals living with diabetes will develop the condition. However, early detection through regular screenings can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. House Resolution 428 highlights the importance of these preventative screenings and recognizes the dedicated ophthalmologists who are volunteering their time and expertise to provide free services to Pennsylvanians. “Diabetic retinopathy is a serious but often preventable condition when caught early,” Davis said, noting that increasing awareness of free screenings gives people the opportunity to take control of their health and protect their vision. “These free screenings are a critical resource, especially for individuals who may not otherwise have access to regular eye care, and I commend the ophthalmologists and medical professionals who are stepping up to serve their communities and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.” House Read more

 

Community and Economic Development, Transportation Safety, Fresh Food and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 31, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Business in Our Sites Who May Apply: Municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities, private developers (construction loans only) Use: The acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 More information: CFA Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Please note, the NAP is broken down into 5 programs (The Neighborhood Assistance Program, the Special Program Priorities, the Charitable Food Program, the Neighborhood Partnership Program, and the Enterprise Zone Program.) Please visit the DCED website for specifics on each program. Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: The goals of the Programs are to promote community participation and collaborations among the residents, nonprofits and businesses while producing outcomes by assisting a distressed area or the low-income population in a neighborhood. Eligible neighborhood nonprofits apply for tax credits based on pending contributions from for-profit companies. Funds: The total available NAP tax credit amount is $72 million. Application Deadline: May 29, 2026 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Read more

 

Democrats draw line on dynamic pricing for essential goods

(Mar 04, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

“When working families are counting every dollar, unpredictable prices are not innovation – they’re instability,” said Rep. Mary Isaacson, who co-hosted the hearing and represents portions of Philadelphia. “AI-enabled pricing puts consumers and working families at an extreme disadvantage, all in the name of corporate greed.” Read more

 

Grant Memo: School Bus Safety, Recreation Facilities, Recycling, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 04, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS PennDOT: Automated School Bus Enforcement Grant Program Who May Apply: School entities, independent school bus contractors, and municipal governments Use: To cover costs associated with the issuance of CDL licenses to operate school buses within the Commonwealth or to increase school bus safety, education, and training Funds: The total amount of funding available is $1.2 million. Grants can be awarded up to $100,000 per applicant Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate engagement in market research, product development or promotion of agricultural products grown, raised or produced in the Commonwealth Use: To provide matching funds to nonprofit organizations engaged in market research, development or promotion of agricultural products Funds: Up to $381,810.50 is available for grants under the Program Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Environmental Protection: Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grant Program Who May Apply: Municipalities Use: To develop and implement recycling programs Funds: Grants are available up to $250,000. Application Read more

 

Isaacson joins Carpenters’ Hall, America250PA and others to announce yearlong celebration of Pennsylvania’s independence

(Feb 04, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

“I am honored to represent a legislative district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with such deep and meaningful historical roots in the founding of our nation and our great commonwealth,” Isaacson said. “I encourage all Pennsylvanians to learn about the significance of the Pennsylvania Provincial Conference during America’s 250th anniversary, to visit Carpenters’ Hall, and to become more familiar with the vital document that formed -- and continues to govern -- Pennsylvania: our Constitution.” Read more

 

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 02, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Baseline Water Quality Data Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are those that will use accepted scientific principles and practices for water sample collection and analysis to document existing groundwater quality conditions on private water supplies. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Flood Mitigation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are to assist with flood Read more

 

Khan and colleagues introduce resolution demanding accountability in DHS and ICE enforcement

(Jan 25, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

State Rep. Tarik Khan, D–Philadelphia, joined by colleagues in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, today introduced a resolution urging Congress to withhold additional federal appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until meaningful accountability and safety reforms are enacted.The resolution comes in the wake of the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis in January 2026, just weeks after another U.S. citizen, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed during federal immigration enforcement operations in the same city. Read more

 

Isaacson announces over $800,000 in state funding for district

(Jan 21, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

State Rep. Mary Isaacson today announced that $895,817 in state funding has been awarded to two projects in her legislative district. “Since my start in public service, I’ve always fought to support the many renowned institutions of art, recreation, science and history that we are fortunate to have in our community,” Isaacson said. “These funds are essential to moving our city forward, and I’m proud to help facilitate that progress.” The funding will support the following organizations and projects: Delaware River Waterfront Corp. — $600,000. Preliminary engineering for the Waterfront Rail Line. Pennsylvania Ballet Association — $295,817 Streetscape improvements along Wood Street and North Broad Street. The funding was awarded through the Commonwealth Finance Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. Read more

 

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 21, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) Who May Apply: County or Municipal Government, Higher Educational Institution, Other Educational Institution, Non-profit with 501(c)3 IRS Status and Non-profit with PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations Status. Use: Park rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, land acquisition and conservation, trail projects, river conservation and development, and community and watershed forestry. Funds: The total grant awards vary based on state and federal funding sources, with the program awarding approximately $50 million for projects each year. Individual grant amounts also vary, with typical awards ranging from $50,000 - $500,000. Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: DCNR Website Liquor Control Board: Alcohol Education Grant Program Who May Apply: School districts and institutions of higher education (including technical, trade, and post-secondary establishments), community organizations, municipal police departments, municipal officials/representatives, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Use: To fund programs that discourage and reduce underage and dangerous drinking and promote a message of responsible alcohol consumption by those of legal drinking age. Funds: The grant cycle is for two years, from July 2026 through June Read more

 

PA Senate and House Philadelphia Delegations Denounce ICE Violence, Reaffirm Support for Immigrant Communities, and Call for Action

(Jan 14, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 14 — Following the murder of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, MN by an ICE agent, the shooting of two people by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Portland, OR, the death of Parady La after his detention at the federal center in Philadelphia all last week, and against the backdrop of a year of escalated violence, 18 state senators and state representatives serving legislative districts across Philadelphia have released the following statement: "Building a community of respect, care, and support is a sacred responsibility entrusted to each of us. For doing this vital work, on Wednesday, January 7, ICE agents in Minneapolis, MN murdered Renee Nicole Good—a mother, poet, and community member who was onsite to document ICE’s violence against her neighbors. This was immediately followed by another shooting by U.S. Border Patrol agents on Thursday, January 8, in Portland, OR. "Since his return to the White House, President Trump has directed ICE to embark on a reign of terror and chaos in our communities, with violence that has torn apart families, shuttered small businesses, and hollowed out public spaces. In the past year, ICE agents have shot at least 16 people, and 33 people have died in detention centers across the country, including here in Philadelphia just last week. "We know the circumstances of Ms. Good’s death because of community members who showed up to prevent their neighbors from being Read more

 

Protecting Animals in Pennsylvania

(Jan 08, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

Protecting Animals in Pennsylvania - A 2025 review Read more

 

Issacson helps local organizations preserve the past and shape the future with $2.1 million in state funding

(Dec 22, 2025) Rep. Mary Isaacson

Reaffirming her commitment to enriching the 175th Legislative District through its many renowned institutions of art, culture and history, state Rep. Mary Isaacson announced that $2.1 million in state funding was awarded to eight organizations in her community Read more

 

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

(Dec 16, 2025) Rep. Mary Isaacson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS 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 request/award of $500,000. Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 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 Read more

 

Isaacson bill amending outdated scholarship program unanimously advances through House
May 05, 2026

Isaacson bill to cap rental application fees advances through House
May 04, 2026

Busy week in Harrisburg, voter registration deadline and more!
May 01, 2026

Transportation, Environmental, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 30, 2026

Earth Day, Reading Terminal Market recognized, upcoming events and more!
Apr 24, 2026

Isaacson welcomes nearly $4 million in state funding towards violence prevention
Apr 15, 2026

Transportation, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 15, 2026

Davis, Isaacson encourage Pennsylvanians to get tested for diabetic retinopathy
Apr 14, 2026

Community and Economic Development, Transportation Safety, Fresh Food and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 31, 2026

Democrats draw line on dynamic pricing for essential goods
Mar 04, 2026

Grant Memo: School Bus Safety, Recreation Facilities, Recycling, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 04, 2026

Isaacson joins Carpenters’ Hall, America250PA and others to announce yearlong celebration of Pennsylvania’s independence
Feb 04, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 02, 2026

Khan and colleagues introduce resolution demanding accountability in DHS and ICE enforcement
Jan 25, 2026

Isaacson announces over $800,000 in state funding for district
Jan 21, 2026

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 21, 2026

PA Senate and House Philadelphia Delegations Denounce ICE Violence, Reaffirm Support for Immigrant Communities, and Call for Action
Jan 14, 2026

Protecting Animals in Pennsylvania
Jan 08, 2026

Issacson helps local organizations preserve the past and shape the future with $2.1 million in state funding
Dec 22, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Dec 16, 2025