Featured News

Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to I-95 Collapse Emergency

Support grows for Shapiro’s idea for freeing up more money for road, bridge projects

(Apr 14, 2023)

The House Transportation Committee on Tuesday held an hourlong hearing about the governor’s proposal to eliminate dipping into the Motor License Fund to fund anything other than transportation projects. Read more

 

Workforce Development, Infrastructure, and Housing Funding Opportunities

(Apr 13, 2023)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: DEI in the Building and Construction Trades Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Organizations that serve as sponsors or intermediaries of Registered Apprenticeship and/or Pre-Apprenticeship in the building and construction trades. Use : To develop diverse talent pipelines and reach underrepresented populations within the building and construction trades. Funds : $1 million in total program funding. Application Deadline : April 26, 2023 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT): Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Program (Funding Source: State, Federal, & Private Funding) Who May Apply : Private companies. Use : To develop innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : April 30, 2023 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/ProjectAndPrograms/p3forpa/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Youth Reentry Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Read more

 

Transportation chairmen get input on plan to ensure road and bridge funds

(Apr 12, 2023)

Committee received input about Motor License Fund supporting State Police Read more

 

Neilson meets with SEPTA officials to discuss challenges and initiatives

(Apr 11, 2023)

This is a huge update for SEPTA that will take the system we have now and upgrade it to run more efficiently, decrease delays and run more direct routes to get the people who rely on public transit where they need to go, when they need to be there. I look forward to working with SEPTA to implement these updates and provide support where it’s needed. Read more

 

House Transportation Committee chairs back plan to cease using gas tax dollars for state police

(Apr 11, 2023)

The PSP performs an invaluable service to our Commonwealth and must continue to be fully funded. However, every dollar taken from the MLF is one less dollar spent on our aging roads and bridges. Read more

 

Northeast Philadelphia Airport receives nearly $2 million in state funding

(Mar 23, 2023)

Neilson, chair of the Transportation committee, is dedicated to making sure our airports are running safe and efficiently. Read more

 

Scam Warning: Deceptive ‘Final Demand for Payment’ Letters Again Targeting Pennsylvanians

(Feb 06, 2023)

Harrisburg, PA — With the tax filing season underway, the Department of Revenue is encouraging Pennsylvanians to be on the lookout for scams that are designed to trick people into turning over sensitive data and personal information. One recurring scam that has been reported to the department involves phony letters that are sent to taxpayers through the mail . The “Final Demand for Payment” letters threaten wage garnishment and the seizure of property or assets unless the recipient calls a phone number to satisfy a lien. “We want Pennsylvanians to remember four simple words — don’t take the bait. Take a moment to think over the situation and make sure that you’re taking the proper steps to ensure that any notice you receive in the mail is legitimate,” said Acting Revenue Secretary Pat Browne. “We have received many reports on this scam that involves fraudulent notices. This is a common time of the year for scam artists to impersonate a government agency to victimize hard-working Pennsylvanians.” Understanding the Scam The scam notices are sent through the mail from phony entities that closely resemble the name of a collection agency or a state taxing agency. Keep an eye out for dubious claims or suspicious details, such as: The phony letters come from “Tax Assessment Procedures Domestic Judgment Registry.” No such entity exists. The letters do not include a return address. A notice from Read more

 

Neilson reintroduces legislation to curb speeding through school zones

(Jan 30, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 -- State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., has reintroduced legislation designed to save children’s lives by requiring automated speed cameras in school zones to “Give our kids a break.” “The city is plagued by being unable to hire police and bus drivers, and it has reduced the number of bus routes and crossing guards in our neighborhoods,” Neilson said. “The calls about these dangerous situations keep coming to my office and if the city isn’t able to fix it, as public servants, it’s our duty to introduce legislation that protects and enhances the life of our constituents, and that’s exactly what this legislation would do.” Former Gov. Tom Wolf invested $14.5 million to install these cameras along Roosevelt Boulevard, a main corridor in Neilson’s district – Neilson said he wants to have the program expanded into the neighborhood because the death of just one child from carelessness is too many. “Every day, we see people speeding through school zones, endangering the lives of children and the crossing guards in a place where they are supposed to be safe,” Neilson said. “We need to give our kids a break.” Neilson said he wants to see the same automated speed cameras in school zones across the commonwealth. This is not the first kind of legislation introduced in the country that puts speed cameras in school zones. Neilson said that similar sized cities Read more

 

Neilson applauds Gov. Wolf's investment in Roosevelt Boulevard

(Jan 06, 2023)

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., said he extends his appreciation to Gov. Tom Wolf for investing in the safety of Northeast Philadelphians by awarding $14.5 million for Automated Speed Enforcement along Roosevelt Boulevard. “People in our community have been asking for changes to enhance safety along the boulevard for some time now,” Neilson said. “This will include the enforcement of fines for speeding vehicles and new engineering solutions to reduce accidents.” The approved projects are as follows: $10 million for the design of intersection modifications related to the Roosevelt Boulevard Route for Change program in the city of Philadelphia. These modifications include curb extensions to shorten pedestrian crossing distances, realigned crosswalks, realigned lane configurations and turn lanes, upgrades to traffic signals and timing, changes to traffic movements, and new or upgraded transit shelters and stations. $1.5 million for the Roosevelt Boulevard Parallel Corridor Intelligent Transportation Systems and Emergency Preemption Program, which includes design and construction of emergency preemption along corridors as well as make-ready signal upgrades needed for the introduction of red-light running cameras by the Philadelphia Parking Authority at select intersections on Roosevelt Boulevard corridors in the city of Philadelphia. $1.5 million for Roosevelt Boulevard to support 2040 alternatives analysis for Roosevelt Read more

 

Rabb, Neilson announce legislation establishing Jan. 6 Day in schools

(Jan 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 6 – State Reps. Chris Rabb and Ed Neilson, both D-Phila., today announced they are drafting legislation that would establish an observance of Jan. 6 Day in the Commonwealth’s schools. The legislation is a companion bill to one that state Sen. Art Haywood, D-Phila./Montgomery, has proposed. “The January 6th insurrection is a stark reminder that democracy is only as effective as the sum effort of its parts and that it takes our collective will toward being an inclusive and honest society to function,” Rabb said. “We must commit to reshaping America into a country that lives up to the creed: liberty and justice for all.” On Jan. 6, 2021, members of the U.S. Capitol Police Department and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department faced an unprecedented situation when insurrectionists attacked the U.S. Capitol building intent on violently attacking members of Congress to stop them from carrying out the electoral college process. “Two years ago on Jan. 6, after 9,400 rioters invaded the U.S. Capitol, five Capitol Police officers gave the ultimate sacrifice in trying to protect our democracy," Neilson said. "This legislation would honor their heroism, bravery and devotion to the rule of law, the U.S. Constitution and our country." This legislation would honor the five police officers who lost their lives due to the events of their hours-long battle with more than 9,000 rioters that day. Read more

 

Pa. Grant and Resource Guide

(Dec 13, 2022)

Make sure you take advantage of all the grant resources that Pennsylvania has to offer Read more

 

State programs now open for applications

(Dec 05, 2022)

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency/Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training Innovative Solicitation (Funding Source: Justice Reinvestment Fund) Who May Apply : Existing PACTT Affiliates. Use : To improve services for delinquent youth receiving academic and career/technical training services. Funds : Awards up to $75,000 for 24-month projects. Application Deadline : December 23, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Pumpout Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities. Use : To fund the construction, renovation, and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations to service pleasure boats. Funds : Reimburse up to 75% of the installation cost of pumpout and dump stations. Application Deadline : December 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/PumpoutGrantProgram.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022-23 School Safety and Security Training and Technical Assistance Program (Funding Source: FY 2022 School Safety and Security Grant Program Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education (not-for profit), and for-profit organizations. Use : To Read more

 

Neilson’s statement on Home Depot Unionization efforts

(Sep 22, 2022)

State Rep. Ed Neilson said he stands in solidarity with the workers at Home Depot, 4640 Roosevelt Blvd., in their efforts to form a collective bargaining agreement with their employer. “Unions achieve historical rights for workers across both the commonwealth and the whole country,” Neilson said. “We must stand with workers who want to ensure their rights are not violated. Workers have a right to protection from predatory workplace practices and only unions can provide that.” Workers at the Home Depot have filed paperwork with the National Labor Relations Board, under the name Home Depot Workers United, according to an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer. If successful, the Philadelphia location would be the first Home Depot store in the U.S. where workers organized a collective bargaining unit. Read more

 

GRANT MEMO: Youth Agriculture, Urban Agriculture, and Watershed Cooperative Funding Opportunities

(Aug 30, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: ?Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : An individual, partnership, association, firm, corporation, cooperatives or any other legal entity. Use : To support projects that grow agricultural infrastructure in urban food deserts to improve access to fresh, local food and provide opportunities for hands-on learning, community-building, and for people to become social entrepreneurs. Community gardens are eligible projects. Funds : $2,500 micro grants or up to $50,000 for collaboration grants. Application Deadline : September 16, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Funding/Farmbill/Pages/Urban-Ag-Grant.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: ?Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : An individual, partnership, association, firm, corporation or any other legal entity. Use : To support the development and expansion of current or future very small meat and poultry processing operations. Funds : Grants are limited to no more than $100,000 per applicant. Application Deadline : September 26, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Funding/Farmbill/Pages/Very-Small-Meat-Processor-Grant.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: ?Agriculture and Youth Grant Program Read more

 

Neilson introduces legislation that would expand automated traffic cameras into school zones

(Aug 16, 2022)

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 16 -- With schools opening in the next few weeks, state Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., has introduced legislation (HB 2276) that would establish a pilot program to expand automated speed traffic cameras into school zones within the City of Philadelphia. “I have traveled throughout the city and state,” Neilson said. “The blinking school zone lights do not slow traffic down for children to cross the street safely. Many in the City of Philadelphia have been in disrepair for years and blink when they want and are not maintained.” According to the Philadelphia Police Department, there were 63 traffic fatalities in the first six months of 2022. Neilson maintains that this expansion of the automated traffic program would be the best protection for children making their way to school. “As public servants, it’s our duty to enact legislation that keeps people safe, healthy and improves their quality of life,” Neilson said. “The proof is the success of the current automated traffic cameras – expanding the program to protect children is the next logical step in making Philadelphia safe for pedestrians – especially our children. I call on all elected officials to protect our children that are going to and from school each day. Either fix it locally or we will fix it in Harrisburg.” Since the original automated traffic camera program, along Roosevelt Boulevard, violations have dropped 91%, Read more

 

House passes state Rep. Ed Neilson’s Constable William Davidson Reward Fund legislation

(Apr 26, 2022)

HARRISBURG, April 26 -- State Rep. Ed Neilson introduced legislation passed by the House today that would establish the Constable William Davidson Reward Fund, which would provide rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals who commit criminal homicide against a law enforcement officer. “There was a 36% increase in law enforcement homicides from the previous year,” Neilson said. “This legislation will serve as a stern warning to anyone who wants to engage in violence against the men and women who protect us daily.” Constable William Davidson was the first law enforcement officer to be killed at a criminal’s hands in Pennsylvania, when he went to serve a warrant and was ambushed by a second man who had intentions of killing the man named on the warrant. Davidson was killed when he encountered the second man, who was subsequently found not guilty by reason of insanity. Neilson said this fund will serve to honor Davidson’s memory and the memory of all law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty. The bill (H.B. 1123) will now move to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Substance use disorder awareness, fire and emergency medical services, overdose programmatic collaboration funding opportunities

(Mar 23, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Programs (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Counties. Use : To support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence, needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals. Funds : Varies by county. Application Deadline : April 25, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs/Life Unites Us: Life Unites Us Community Award Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations. Use : To promote knowledge about substance use disorder (SUD) and reduce the stigma associated with addiction by sharing stories from individuals and family members living in recovery and broadcasting a message of hope throughout the state. Funds : Awards range between $5,000 and $15,000. Application Deadline : April 13, 2022 More Information : Click on https://lifeunitesus.com/grant . Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program (Funding Source: Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Fund) Read more

 

A Year in Review in the 174th Legislative District

(Mar 09, 2022)

A look back at 2021 Read more

 

Now open for applications: Student mental health and wildlife funding opportunities

(Mar 07, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Support for Student Mental Health Needs Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations, school districts, and other school entities. Use : To propose programming and other services to address youth mental health needs that have become apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds : Grants up to $150,000. Application Deadline : March 28, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022 Resource Center for Prevention Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Any institution of higher education, nonprofit agency, or for-profit organization. Use : To support Pennsylvania’s Resource Center for Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Programs and Practices (Resource Center). Funds : One award of $945,000. Application Deadline : April 4, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission: State Wildlife Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Any agency, organization, or entity desiring to participate in the planning or Read more

 

Neilson: Come Out to Middle Creek

(Feb 23, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Ed Neilson encourages anyone, but especially those living in Philadelphia, to come out to the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. He says that people from all across the world come to watch the migratory birds travel through Pa. He thinks it's a great way to see nature up close and personal. Read more

 

Support grows for Shapiro’s idea for freeing up more money for road, bridge projects
Apr 14, 2023

Workforce Development, Infrastructure, and Housing Funding Opportunities
Apr 13, 2023

Transportation chairmen get input on plan to ensure road and bridge funds
Apr 12, 2023

Neilson meets with SEPTA officials to discuss challenges and initiatives
Apr 11, 2023

House Transportation Committee chairs back plan to cease using gas tax dollars for state police
Apr 11, 2023

Northeast Philadelphia Airport receives nearly $2 million in state funding
Mar 23, 2023

Scam Warning: Deceptive ‘Final Demand for Payment’ Letters Again Targeting Pennsylvanians
Feb 06, 2023

Neilson reintroduces legislation to curb speeding through school zones
Jan 30, 2023

Neilson applauds Gov. Wolf's investment in Roosevelt Boulevard
Jan 06, 2023

Rabb, Neilson announce legislation establishing Jan. 6 Day in schools
Jan 06, 2023

Pa. Grant and Resource Guide
Dec 13, 2022

State programs now open for applications
Dec 05, 2022

Neilson’s statement on Home Depot Unionization efforts
Sep 22, 2022

GRANT MEMO: Youth Agriculture, Urban Agriculture, and Watershed Cooperative Funding Opportunities
Aug 30, 2022

Neilson introduces legislation that would expand automated traffic cameras into school zones
Aug 16, 2022

House passes state Rep. Ed Neilson’s Constable William Davidson Reward Fund legislation
Apr 26, 2022

Now open for applications: Substance use disorder awareness, fire and emergency medical services, overdose programmatic collaboration funding opportunities
Mar 23, 2022

A Year in Review in the 174th Legislative District
Mar 09, 2022

Now open for applications: Student mental health and wildlife funding opportunities
Mar 07, 2022

Neilson: Come Out to Middle Creek
Feb 23, 2022