Philadelphia House Delegation lauds passage of equitable school funding

(Jun 10, 2024)

Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation lauded by members of the House Philadelphia Delegation that would fundamentally change the way that school districts are funded in the state to meet the constitutional mandate of equitably funding schools. Read more

 

Isaacson Lauds Vote for Equitable Education Funding

(Jun 04, 2024)

As a member of the Basic Education Funding Commission and the PA House Education Committee, state Rep. Mary Isaacson applauds the advancement of legislation that would bring equity for ALL schools, accountability for charter schools, and relief for PA taxpayers. Read more

 

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

(May 22, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024 County Jail-Based Vivitrol Program Who May Apply: Funding is available to all counties with a county jail seeking to establish or expand a jail-based substance use treatment program. Use: Implementation or expansion of a county jail-based Vivitrol program. Funds: A total of $7.175 million in Act 80 funds is available. Application Deadline: July 17, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Attorney & Judge Training – Children with Disabilities Who May Apply: Local governments, local and national nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education which demonstrate, in their application, an ability to collaborate with state and local partners to develop and deliver statewide training for attorneys and a commitment to the improvement of child abuse investigations in the Commonwealth. Use: Costs associated with the development and delivery of a trauma-focused, child-focused, training curriculum for attorneys and judges who participate in hearings involving child abuse victims in Pennsylvania who have verbal, cognitive, and/or physical disabilities. Funds: A total of $128,990 in federal Children’s Justice Act funds is available to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $128,990. Application Read more

 

Isaacson: Keystone Saves is Good for PA

(May 08, 2024)

PA state Rep. Mary Isaacson and the House Democratic Policy Committee heard testimony regarding the proposed Keystone Saves program. Keystone Saves would consist of a public/private partnership offering retirement savings plans to workers whose employers do not offer one. Isaacson stressed the importance of making sure older Pennsylvanians can retire with dignity and urged her Senate colleagues to support the Keystone Saves program in the state budget. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Apr 10, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program Who May Apply: Agricultural producers or processors and nonprofits, for-profits, local government entities, and institutions such as schools, universities or hospitals that operate middle of the food chain activities or invest in equipment that will benefit middle of the supply chain activities. Use: Activities that expand capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural products Funds: Grants will be awarded to the extent that funds are available. Grant requests shall be between $10,000 and $100,000. Application Deadline: May 15, 2024 More information: PDA Website Department of Health: WalkWorks Grant Program Who May Apply: Municipalities located in either a PA Department of Health State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) priority county or in communities with an overall percentile rating above 60 in the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s PennEnviroScreen Tool. The 10 current SPAN counties include Clearfield, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Northumberland, and Philadelphia. Use: Funds and structured pre-planning assistance will be available to a limited number of municipal and/or multi-municipal applicants to complete the steps necessary to prepare to apply in the future for funds Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 02, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE Program) Who May Apply: Local governments, planning organizations, or Commonwealth agencies. Use: Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, roadway safety, mobility, and capacity upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, local technical assistance program projects, and traffic signal improvements. Funds: PennDOT anticipates $32 million available with the intent of funding worthwhile projects that can be completed at a relatively low cost. Application Deadline: A pre-application scoping form is required to be submitted by April 30, 2024. Feedback will be provided by May 31, 2024. The application period will be open from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. More information: PennDOT Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: Funds for the proposed program must be used to support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence and may be used for needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals Funds: Funding is contingent upon the availability of funds in the FY 2024-25 budget. Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Read more

 

Isaacson: Equal Pay For All

(Mar 26, 2024)

Pa. state Rep. Mary Isaacson joined businesswomen from across the Commonwealth at a press conference at the state Capitol to rally for the passage of the Fair Pay for All Act. On average, women only get paid 84 cents for every dollar earned by men. Isaacson says it’s time to close this gap once and for all. Isaacson has also introduced legislation that would require employers disclose the pay range on job postings for each position offered or the minimum compensation for a position when a pay range does not exist. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Mar 26, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: Funds for the proposed program must be used to support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence and may be used for needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals Funds: Funding is contingent upon the availability of funds in the FY 2024-25 budget. Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street railway police, airport authority police, and county park police. Use: Funding is explicitly to support Act 120 training and recruitment activities for law enforcement officers that will take place between Oct. 19, 2023 and June 30, 2025. Funds: $14 million in Read more

 

Isaacson bill to expand dual enrollment for students passes House

(Mar 26, 2024)

House Bill 1434 would establish the Dual Credit and Equity Grant Program to provide grants to colleges and universities for expansion of their free dual credit programs, increase access to college course materials at no cost, and ensure that high school students easily transition to college level work. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Mar 19, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Existing organizations that have the capacity to provide or expand drop-in center services for individuals with SUD, including single county authorities, DDAP licensed treatment providers, organizations that offer clinical services and recipients of DDAP’s prior funding opportunities for Drop-In Centers. Use: To expand drop-in center services for individuals with SUD. Funds: Up to $6,575,000 is available. DDAP expects to award approximately eight grants totaling $750,000 each. Application Deadline: April 12, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street railway police, airport authority police, and county park police. Use: Funding is explicitly to support Act 120 training and recruitment Read more

 

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

(Mar 14, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Public School Facility Improvement Grant Who May Apply: School entities, defined as a school district or an area career and technical school. Use: Facility improvement projects, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, plumbing systems, window repair/replacement, health and safety upgrades, and accessibility projects. Funds: $100 million in total funding is available. Grant requests shall not exceed $5 million per eligible improvement project. School entities may submit more than one application, but no school entity shall receive more than 20% of the total funding available. Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 More information: CFA Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: STOP Violence Against Women Grant Program Who May Apply: County governments and non-profit victim service agencies are eligible to apply. Faith-based organizations may be eligible to apply under certain circumstances. Use: Funds may be used to support cross-system, collaborative efforts to respond to victims of violence against women crimes. This includes, but is not limited to, personnel and benefit costs associated with specialized units in law enforcement or core direct victim services, supplies and operating expenses related to the STOP project, equipment necessary for implementation, and training or professional development. Funds: A total of $12 Read more

 

Main Street Matters

(Mar 08, 2024)

It was a great morning touring Fishtown businesses with DCED Secretary Siger as part of Governor Shapiro’s Main Street Matters initiative! Our local small businesses are the pulse of each of our neighborhoods and Main Streets, and I am proud to stand behind Governor Shapiro and Secretary Siger in bringing home state resources to make certain they thrive. Read more

 

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

(Mar 05, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other eligible specialty crops stakeholders. Use: The purpose of the Program is to enhance, but not replace, the Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program by establishing a Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for specialty crops that are not currently eligible for grant payments under the Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, or that are otherwise designated high-priority specialty crops by the Secretary. Funding for the Program will assist the growth, certification of seed and marketing of these eligible specialty crops. Funds: $460,000 in funding is available. Application Deadline: April 19, 2024 More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement Read more

 

Isaacson Working to Protect PA Consumers

(Feb 26, 2024)

PA state Rep. Mary Isaacson leads a hearing of the House Majority Policy Committee examining misleading contracts and how best to inform and protect Pennsylvanians from these unfair business practices. Read more

 

Committee hearing focuses on improving public transportation

(Feb 20, 2024)

“Testifiers highlighted the economic importance of public transportation, noting workers in southeastern Pennsylvania and Philadelphia help drive 41% of the state’s economic activity and many of them depend on mass transportation,” House Majority Policy Vice Chairwoman Rep. Isaacson said. “It’s critical for the state to correct the funding shortfall for the sake of our residents and our economy.” Read more

 

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District

(Jan 23, 2024)

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. The 2023 funding round provided over $52 million in awards. Application Deadline: April 3, 2024 More information: DCNR Website Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA PA Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program Who May Apply: Units of local government and community anchor institutions ( as defined in Act 96 of 2021 ). Use: Funding is to be used for community projects that construct, acquire, or improve facilities (shared office space, recreation centers, schools, libraries, etc.) Read more

 

State lawmakers roll out legislation to facilitate safe abortion access

(Jan 22, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – Today, on the 51st anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade , state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Philadelphia, hosted a news conference at the state Capitol announcing the introduction of legislation regarding abortion rights. Rep. Khan was joined by fellow legislators and abortion-rights advocates. The legislation aims to remove unnecessary obstacles to safe abortion access by eliminating the requirement that abortion facilities meet the same regulations as ambulatory surgical centers. It would also remove the excessive mandate that abortion providers maintain admitting privileges or have transfer agreements at hospitals, which only blocks access to care. The legislators who have also prime-sponsored Khan’s bill are state Reps. La'Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny; Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery; Mary Issacson, D-Phila.; Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester; Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester; Tara Probst, D-Monroe/Pike; Heather Boyd, D-Delaware; Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery; Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware; and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia. "As a nurse, I know that restrictive abortion laws do not lower abortion rates — they just make them less safe," Khan said. "We must remove any unnecessary requirements from facilities that provide this care. Our bill increases access to safe abortion by increasing people's access to safe abortion Read more

 

Isaacson Works to Keep Lights, Heat on for Struggling Pennsylvanians

(Jan 17, 2024)

As a member of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, PA state Rep. Mary Isaacson knows the importance of keeping the lights and heat on for Pennsylvanians who may have fallen on hard times. She talks about the need to reauthorize and improve statutes that protect our neighbors from service disconnections and unjust fees. Read more

 

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  

(Jan 12, 2024)

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ): What You Need to Know: There are major changes to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) form. The new FAFSA form is now available. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The 2024–25 FAFSA form will expand eligibility for federal student aid. What You Can Do Now : Watch the “2024–25 FAFSA FAQs” playlist to better for a look at what has changed on the new form. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an estimate of what your aid could be once the FAFSA is completed. If you did not submit a 2023–24 FAFSA form, make sure to create your StudentAid.gov account —and remember your username and password so you can access and submit the 2024–25 FAFSA form when it’s available. Find out if your parent(s) or spouse will need to be contributors (contribute their info on your FAFSA form). If your parent(s) or spouse will need to contribute to your form, make sure each contributor creates their own StudentAid.gov account . Watch our “Preparing for the FAFSA Form” to better understand what information and documents you’ll need to complete the FAFSA form. 2024–25 FAFSA ® Deadlines : Read more

 

PA House Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications

(Jan 11, 2024)

Applications are now being accepted for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program . The Program – administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities – is for graduating high school seniors who reside in the Commonwealth of PA. TFEC awards two four-year scholarships to high school seniors each year. The award consists of the value of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for each of four years. Students must maintain eligibility criteria in all four years to receive the ongoing award. Please consider sharing this opportunity with those who may be eligible. Eligibility Criteria: Graduating High School Senior Legal Residency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Attendance at a PA College, university, or career school as a full-time student Academic achievement (minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA) Commitment to community and leadership qualities Extracurricular activities Financial need *Children of Legislators and their staff are NOT eligible Details on how to apply and submit required documents are available online at www.tfec.org or by clicking here . The deadline to submit all materials is April 15, 2024. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation lauds passage of equitable school funding
Jun 10, 2024

Isaacson Lauds Vote for Equitable Education Funding
Jun 04, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
May 22, 2024

Isaacson: Keystone Saves is Good for PA
May 08, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Apr 10, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 02, 2024

Isaacson: Equal Pay For All
Mar 26, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Mar 26, 2024

Isaacson bill to expand dual enrollment for students passes House
Mar 26, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Mar 19, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 14, 2024

Main Street Matters
Mar 08, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 05, 2024

Isaacson Working to Protect PA Consumers
Feb 26, 2024

Committee hearing focuses on improving public transportation
Feb 20, 2024

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District
Jan 23, 2024

State lawmakers roll out legislation to facilitate safe abortion access
Jan 22, 2024

Isaacson Works to Keep Lights, Heat on for Struggling Pennsylvanians
Jan 17, 2024

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  
Jan 12, 2024

PA House Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications
Jan 11, 2024