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

(Jan 22, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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

 

Venkat, Flick introduce bipartisan legislation to raise awareness on opioid overdoses and save lives

(Jan 22, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Jamie Flick have introduced a bipartisan bill that would create and disseminate materials integral to recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose to empower Pennsylvanians to save the lives of their fellow citizens. House Bill 269 would require Pennsylvania’s Department of Health to develop a poster explaining: the signs of an opioid-related overdose. what to do in the event of an opioid-related overdose. where to find an opioid antagonist such as Naloxone. where to find additional resources and information. The poster would be made available online to download for private use and displayed in public places to increase awareness of how to recognize and respond to opioid-related overdoses. “Our country and state remain mired in the deadly grip of opioid addiction, so providing resources to decrease loss of life is essential,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’ve treated countless patients suffering from overdoses as an emergency physician, and informing family members that their loved ones have passed is truly heartbreaking. “I want to thank Rep. Flick for being a co-prime sponsor on this legislation, which strives to save the lives of as many Pennsylvanians as possible, and the Stop the Judgement Project , led by neighbors of mine in Franklin Park , for their tireless advocacy that led to this legislation.” “I could not be more thrilled to work Read more

 

Madsen announces $150,000 emergency grant to combat homelessness in Dauphin County

(Jan 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 17 – State Rep. Dave Madsen today said Dauphin County is receiving $150,000 in Emergency Grant Funds from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development to address homelessness in the county. “The pandemic supercharged the affordable housing crisis, leaving many Pennsylvanians without a home to call their own,” Madsen said. “This money will help Dauphin County combat homelessness and provide safe, affordable housing through a three-pronged approach with their partner, Christian Churches United: homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing and street outreach.” The county was also awarded funding to operate its Homeless Management Information System with both hardware, software and training costs to ensure accurate collection of data about the homeless population. Priority for funding is given to groups that represent areas of Pennsylvania that do not already receive a direct allocation of Emergency Solutions Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed an Executive Order mandating the first comprehensive Housing Action Plan to address the state’s housing shortage, homelessness, and to expand affordable housing options. DCED is leading the plan’s development and is working with stakeholders across Pennsylvania to identify housing needs and devise a strategic response. Read more

 

Venkat, Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik introduce bipartisan legislation to help Pennsylvanians overcome medical debt

(Jan 16, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat, Rep. Nate Davidson, Rep. Tarik Khan, Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski

HARRISBURG, Jan. 16 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Nate Davidson, Tarik Khan, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Andrew Kuzma, Jim Rigby and Tim Twardzik have introduced a bipartisan bill that would create the Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program. The legislation ( H.B. 79 ) would target the medical debt of low-income Pennsylvania residents for relief. The Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program would also improve the finances of health care institutions and providers, concentrated largely in rural Pennsylvania, that regularly carry debt that is less likely to be repaid. Furthermore, the legislation would enact provisions to ensure transparency in existing hospital charity care programs and provide assistance in applying for charity care to prevent the accumulation of new medical debt. “Medical debt has been dubbed a ‘uniquely American problem,’ so it’s my hope that our bill will help provide relief to as many Pennsylvanians as possible,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’m proud to partner with bipartisan colleagues on this legislation that reduces the burden of affording medical care and allows families to put more food on the table.” “This legislation is more than just a policy – it's a lifeline that restores dignity, empowers families, and ensures that health does not come at the cost of hardship. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan measure so that vulnerable Pennsylvanians can focus on their Read more

 

Ciresi announces $152,400 in state funding for affordable housing and community development

(Jan 15, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi today announced that three community projects have been approved for $152,400 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program. NAP helps low-income individuals and improves distressed areas in PA communities through the provision of tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities. “This state funding will provide critical support to some of our communities’ most vulnerable, from financially distressed individuals struggling to meet basic needs to low-income families requiring rehab grants to stay in their homes to at-risk students needing math and reading support so they can do well in school,” Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said. “This money will make sure our neighborhoods are healthy and flourishing by ensuring that some of the most vulnerable have the help they need to succeed.” The applicants receiving grant money and the NAP subprograms providing the funding are the following: Neighborhood Assistance Program, which supports affordable housing, community services, crime prevention, education, job training and neighborhood assistance: TriCounty Community Network – Pottstown, Montgomery County – $3,900. Funding will support emergency basic needs including transportation support, utility assistance, family assistance and housing Read more

 

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

(Jan 15, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Learn more about the multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more

 

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

(Jan 15, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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

 

State lawmakers launch bipartisan Competitiveness Caucus

(Jan 14, 2025) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, Jan. 14 – Today, Pennsylvania state Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York; and Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton; along with state Reps. Paul Friel, D-Chester; and Josh Kail, R-Beaver; announced the formation of a new bipartisan, bicameral group within the state General Assembly: the Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus. The legislators said the new caucus aims to unify efforts across the Capitol and party lines to strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness and ensure a robust, dynamic economy today and into the future. The formation of the Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus comes at a crucial time for the commonwealth. As the state faces challenges in retaining businesses, attracting new investment, and reversing stagnant population growth, the caucus will serve as a dedicated platform for lawmakers to collaborate on policies that drive economic growth and make Pennsylvania an attractive place to live and work. “Although we sit on opposite sides of the aisle, we are united in our belief that making Pennsylvania more economically competitive through the advancement of pro-growth policies will benefit working-class families, reverse our stagnant population growth, and ensure our commonwealth is an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come,” Phillips-Hill said. “I am thrilled to be joining this bipartisan group of my colleagues to elevate this vital conversation and focus on Read more

 

Venkat, Matzie and Mehaffie introduce legislation to eliminate print statement fees

(Jan 14, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat, Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Jan. 14 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Rob Matzie and Tom Mehaffie have introduced legislation that would ban entities from assessing an additional fee to customers who request a print version of a financial statement. Such fees are as high as $5 per month, and H.B. 81 would also specify that any person or entity would still be allowed to create incentives for a consumer to select an alternative to a paper statement. “In effect, penalizing consumers for a peace of mind measure such as a paper statement runs contrary to keeping a readily accessible means to one’s financial data for a variety of necessary purposes,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Our bill would help keep more dollars in the pockets of Pennsylvanians and reward entities for pursuing options more beneficial to the health and livelihood of the environment.” “No consumer should ever have to pay for a print copy of their bank or credit card statement. Tacking on fees for paper statements takes a simple business expense easily borne by the financial institution and shifts it unfairly onto consumers, where it can take a toll on those who are elderly, low-income, or simple lacking the needed access to technology,” said Matzie, D-Beaver. “By prohibiting these fees, our bill would ensure that any expenses remain with the party best able to bear them – the business that maintains the records.” “Charging fees for consumers who want Read more

 

Legislators introduce consumer privacy rights a fourth time

(Jan 14, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvanians should be able to interact online without worrying how their information is used; they deserve the option to protect themselves from targeted advertising and other nefarious ways their information can be used Read more

 

Madsen announces House committees for 2025-26 session

(Jan 13, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Dave Madsen today announced his state House committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session. Madsen said he looks forward to serving on the following committees: Appropriations. Housing & Community Development. Intergovernmental Affairs & Operations. Local Government. Transportation. Madsen took the oath of office Tuesday and was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to serve his second term representing the 104th Legislative District. “I want to thank Speaker Joanna McClinton and Leader Matt Bradford for the honor of serving on these committees,” said Madsen, D-Dauphin. “I look forward to bringing an informed perspective drawn from my experiences as a union leader, community activist and state representative to the bipartisan crafting of critical legislation that will impact millions of Pennsylvanians.” The 104 th Legislative District comprises part of the City of Harrisburg and Lower Swatara and Swatara and Highspire, Paxtang and Steelton boroughs. Read more

 

Venkat and Mihalek introduce bipartisan food allergy safety bill

(Jan 13, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Natalie Mihalek have introduced legislation that would promote food allergy safety in multiple ways. House Bill 77 would mandate that menus in restaurants and food establishments contain a disclaimer regarding food allergies, posters to make servers aware of food allergies must be present in food preparation and staff areas, and establishment staff would be required to undergo food allergy safety training. “The last thing anyone should worry about while enjoying a meal with their family and friends is having a medical emergency brought on by a food allergy,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Rep. Mihalek and I want to help ensure there are measures in place to keep Pennsylvanians protected from accidental food allergen exposures and their hazardous health effects.” “The scariest part is that someone with food allergies could do everything right, such as carrying EpiPens and asking questions, and still have a serious problem. A little information can go a long way in avoiding future catastrophes,” added Mihalek, R-Allegheny. “I’m happy to be working with Rep. Venkat on this bipartisan bill.” More than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and it is estimated that food allergies lead to 200 deaths per year. Over a 13-year period, nearly half of fatal food allergy reactions were caused by accidental food allergen exposure at a restaurant or other food Read more

 

Ciresi announces over $115,000 in career and technical education grants for Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery CTC

(Jan 13, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi today announced that $115,314 in competitive grant funding was awarded to Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help augment their career and technical education programs. The schools were awarded the following grants: Pottstown School District – $30,314 Western Montgomery CTC – $85,000 The Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center serves students from the Spring-Ford Area, Pottsgrove, and Upper Perkiomen school districts. “I’m thrilled that the Education Department has recognized and decided to support the Pottstown and Western Montgomery CTC students’ potential through these grant awards,” Ciresi said. “This money will help enhance the career and technical education programs in the Pottstown School District and at Western Montgomery, providing students with the skills and knowledge to obtain high-priority occupations through a combination of classes and hands-on learning experiences. Thanks to this money, students will leave school even more prepared to apply what they learned at school to real-world problems.” Under the program, grants of up to $85,000 are awarded to school entities to update or purchase equipment used in the training of students in Read more

 

Pielli re-introduces artificial intelligence content disclosure bill

(Jan 13, 2025) Rep. Chris Pielli

“The bill is simple. If it’s AI, it has to say it’s AI,” Pielli said. “People deserve to know if what they’re looking at is real or not when making purchases. This disclosure will be clear and conspicuous in the same medium as the content generated to help consumers make better-informed and more secure purchases. We also hope to curb possible misinformation by malicious authors who knowingly or recklessly generate and spread this content with the goal of fooling the public." Read more

 

Pielli re-introduces bill to help seniors stay in their homes

(Jan 13, 2025) Rep. Chris Pielli

“As a former court-appointed guardianship attorney, I saw clients who lost their homes as a result of unpaid property taxes,” Pielli said. “Too often, these were individuals with cognitive impairment or those who were otherwise incapacitated and could not pay tax bills without assistance. Tragically, these same individuals sometimes had the financial means but were so impaired that they were unable to keep up with payments. It is simply unfair to have these folks lose their homes. This bill helps avoid the sad occurrence of missed property tax payments for those who are aging and might be suffering from any number of conditions that hinders their ability to regularly pay bills.” Read more

 

Ciresi begins new term, will focus on property tax relief for seniors and the middle class

(Jan 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning a new term serving the 146th Legislative District, and was named as majority chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee. “This session I am going to build on my work in the House to fully and fairly fund education, achieve property tax relief for seniors and the middle class, make higher education more affordable and continue to work to restore passenger train service to western Montgomery County,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “I know there is a lot of work to be done to meet these goals in these challenging times. By working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I hope to see this new session as a productive one. “I am proud that in my second term that three pieces of legislation I introduced were signed into law and I brought home $13.8 million in state grant money to the district. In this term, I aim to introduce, support and pass legislation that will build up our educational system, spur our local economies, reduce property taxes and improve our quality of life.” Ciresi’s legislation that was enacted into law was: Act 64 of 2024 to simplify the process of claiming unclaimed property as an heir. Act 29 of 2024 to prohibit companies from charging early termination fees to a deceased person’s family or estate when canceling certain service contracts. Act 60 of 2024 Read more

 

Fleming begins new term

(Jan 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 8 – State Rep. Justin Fleming was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Tuesday, beginning a new term serving the 105th Legislative District. “I am both honored and humbled that my constituents have once again trusted me to advocate for them at the Capitol,” said Fleming, D-Dauphin. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to work to deliver continued investments in public education, support for working families by raising the minimum wage and instituting paid sick/family leave, investments in mental health services and top-notch constituent services to our residents. In his first term, Fleming had legislation enacted into law to enable homeowners to disavow restrictive covenants on their property deeds and incentivize redevelopment of shopping malls. A Senate version of his bill to implement a tested literacy program to improve reading rates for school children was also passed into law last year. He additionally introduced legislation to simplify Miranda Rights for juvenile suspects and co-sponsored dozens of other legislative proposals. Fleming has been appointed to serve on the following committees during the 2025-26 term: Appropriations, Children & Youth, Environmental & Natural Resources Protection, Finance and Local Government. “I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle on these House committees to craft and steward critical legislation impacting Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces House committee assignments

(Jan 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El today announced his new committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session. The assignments were handed out Tuesday after Smith-Wade-El was sworn in for another term representing the 49th Legislative District. Smith-Wade-El said he looks forward to serving on the following committees: House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. House Education Committee. House Housing & Community Development Committee. House Local Government Committee. Professional Licensure Committee. “I want to thank Speaker Joanna McClinton and Leader Matt Bradford for the honor of serving on these committees,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “I look forward to drawing on my experience as a legislator, local government official and community activist to the bipartisan crafting of legislation that will improve the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians.” The 49th District includes parts of the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Township, and Millersville Borough. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El begins second term, will focus on affordable housing, education and fair wages for PA workers

(Jan 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning his second term serving the 49th Legislative District. “I’m honored that the people of the 49th District have once again invested their trust in me to fight for their interests in Harrisburg,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “In this term, I’m going to work to ensure that all our residents have a home to call their own, that our kids go to learn in schools where they feel safe and valued, and that Pennsylvania’s working families benefit from lower taxes and fair wages – two issues that haven’t gotten a fair deal in four decades. Now’s the time to get it done.” In his first term, Smith-Wade-El had two of his pieces of legislation signed into law and brought in $28.7 in state grants to the district. The Pennsylvania General Assembly is currently in its 209th consecutive legislative session, which began on Jan. 1, 2025, and will run through Nov. 30, 2026. The Oath of Office was administered by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd, and the invocation was given by Bishop Maureen L. Davis, who is pastor of the Open Door Mission True Light Church, located in Philadelphia. The 49th District includes parts of the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Township, and Millersville Borough. Read more

 

Williams sworn in for fourth term and named majority chair of Human Services Committee

(Jan 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Dan Williams was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning his fourth term serving the 74th Legislative District, and was named the majority chair of the House Human Services Committee. “I am proud that the people of the 74th District have once again entrusted me to be their voice in Harrisburg,” Williams said. “I will continue to be a champion in the House for the common good in Chester County and throughout Pennsylvania, fighting to ensure working families have the support they need from ensuring they are paid a living wage to having affordable housing to providing their children with a great education. I will advocate for programs that enable them to keep them in their homes when they retire after a long life of work and sacrifice. “I take seriously the opportunities my position affords me to bring home funding that will improve our roads, increase and improve our healthcare system and support our local businesses, non-profits and municipalities,” Williams said. “Building our communities up, brick by brick, will ensure a better tomorrow for all. A rising tide lifts all boats.” In his fourth term, Williams will be focused on the following issues to improve the quality of life in the 74th District: Continued repairs and repaving of area state roads. Increasing and improving health care options in the 74th District. Support and funding for local Read more

 

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

Venkat, Flick introduce bipartisan legislation to raise awareness on opioid overdoses and save lives
Jan 22, 2025

Madsen announces $150,000 emergency grant to combat homelessness in Dauphin County
Jan 17, 2025

Venkat, Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik introduce bipartisan legislation to help Pennsylvanians overcome medical debt
Jan 16, 2025

Ciresi announces $152,400 in state funding for affordable housing and community development
Jan 15, 2025

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

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

State lawmakers launch bipartisan Competitiveness Caucus
Jan 14, 2025

Venkat, Matzie and Mehaffie introduce legislation to eliminate print statement fees
Jan 14, 2025

Legislators introduce consumer privacy rights a fourth time
Jan 14, 2025

Madsen announces House committees for 2025-26 session
Jan 13, 2025

Venkat and Mihalek introduce bipartisan food allergy safety bill
Jan 13, 2025

Ciresi announces over $115,000 in career and technical education grants for Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery CTC
Jan 13, 2025

Pielli re-introduces artificial intelligence content disclosure bill
Jan 13, 2025

Pielli re-introduces bill to help seniors stay in their homes
Jan 13, 2025

Ciresi begins new term, will focus on property tax relief for seniors and the middle class
Jan 10, 2025

Fleming begins new term
Jan 10, 2025

Smith-Wade-El announces House committee assignments
Jan 10, 2025

Smith-Wade-El begins second term, will focus on affordable housing, education and fair wages for PA workers
Jan 10, 2025

Williams sworn in for fourth term and named majority chair of Human Services Committee
Jan 10, 2025