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House Environmental Committee hears need for responsible development in Environmental Justice areas

(Mar 04, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The state House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee today held a public hearing at Widener University on legislation (H.B. 109) that would regulate the issuance of permits by the PA Department of Environmental Protection in environmental justice areas, according to committee Chairman Rep. Greg Vitali, D-Delaware, who hosted the hearing and is the prime sponsor, along with Reps. Chris Rabb and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., of the legislation.The state Department of Environmental Protection already has the ability to set environmental justice areas in historically burdened communities across Pennsylvania; however, the issuance of permits for development in those areas has been largely unregulated. House Bill 109 would require the applicant to submit a cumulative environmental impact report, in addition to DEP holding a more robust public hearing process, before issuing a permit in an environmental justice area, and would allow DEP to impose additional conditions or deny the permit based on the cumulative impacts. Read more

 

Roundtable discusses importance of PA’s connection to cities

(Mar 04, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The planning has already begun for the international events scheduled for Philadelphia during the next two years and it continues to adapt as it learns from hosting other premier events,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, who represents portions of West Philadelphia. “Philadelphia will host the sesquicentennial of the U.S. Navy and Marines, MLB All-Star games, NCAA men’s basketball tournament games, FIFA World Cup games and America’s 250th birthday during the next two years. Beyond these signature events, infrastructure across Pennsylvania needs continued investment in order for the commonwealth to thrive.” Read more

 

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

(Mar 04, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 More information: DCED Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business Read more

 

Freeman bill seeks better response to overdoses

(Mar 03, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“The opioid crisis knows no age and ensuring that our high schools are properly equipped with the tools necessary to prepare and respond to overdoses will not only encourage a larger conversation on addiction but, most importantly, save lives,” said Freeman. Read more

 

Kazeem secures $475,000 in state funding for transportation project in Upper Chichester Township

(Mar 03, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 3 – As a longtime advocate for investments in transportation safety in the 159th Legislative District, state Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, helped secure $475,000 in state funding for a transportation improvement project in Upper Chichester Township through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the state’s Commonwealth Financing Authority. The $475,000 will be used for streetscape improvements along the Chichester Avenue and Meetinghouse Road intersection corridor in Upper Chichester Township, Delaware County. “I am proud to have helped secure this critical funding that will improve pedestrian safety in Upper Chichester Township,” Kazeem said. “Thanks to this $475,000 in state funding, pedestrians on Chichester Avenue and Meetinghouse Road will be safer walking, day or night. This project aligns with one of my focuses as state representative: to increase pedestrian safety through smart investments in our transportation infrastructure.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. Read more

 

Miller joins fellow public officials in defending Medicaid for Pennsylvanians amidst proposed federal funding cuts

(Feb 28, 2025) Rep. Dan Miller

Medicaid is an essential, life-sustaining program,” Miller said. “It helps millions of low-income people, supporting disability and mental health services, providing nursing home care, covering Medicare costs and much more. It helps Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike, and promises must be kept.” Read more

 

Powell, Policy Committee focus on increasing achievable housing

(Feb 26, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The lack of attainable housing is a complex issue, negatively affecting workers, businesses and families,” said state Rep. Lindsay Powell, who represents a portion of Allegheny County. “The lack of attainable housing means workers are sometimes unable to accept higher paying jobs because they cannot afford to move to a new geographic location, which heightens Pennsylvania’s workforce needs. It also means an entire generation of workers have been denied one of the basic tenets in building generational wealth through home ownership.” Read more

 

Fleming helped to secure $400,000 for Lower Paxton Township for roadway improvement projects

(Feb 25, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 25 – A longtime advocate for transportation safety in the 105 th Legislative District, state Rep. Justin Fleming helped secure $400,000 in state funding for a transportation improvement project in Lower Paxton Township through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Fleming said the grant funding is being used to improve roads in the Union Square Industrial Park that have deteriorated over time and are being negatively impacted by heavy truck traffic. Affected roads include Briarsdale Road, Katie Court, Fenton Avenue, Dana Drive and Corey Road. “I work closely with our business community and township officials to secure the funding necessary to improve our local infrastructure,” Fleming said. “Our business owners have been dealing with the negative impact of the heavy truck traffic on these local roads and on their businesses. This state funding will help alleviate those issues. I am proud to help secure funds to improve our community for businesses and residents alike." The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. For more information about the Multimodal Transportation Fund, visit here . Read more

 

Testifiers weigh in on need to combat wage theft in Pennsylvania

(Feb 25, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Wage theft is a pervasive problem in Pennsylvania and across the country responsible for roughly three times as much economic loss as all other theft combined, testifiers said Tuesday during a House Majority Policy Committee hearing on the topic. Read more

 

Rivera announces $150K in state funding for road reconstruction in Lancaster City

(Feb 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Feb. 24 – State funding of $150,000 for a transportation safety project is coming to the 96 th Legislative District through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster. The multimodal project will use the state funding to help improve pedestrian safety along Harrisburg Avenue by installing signs to direct pedestrian traffic onto existing walkways and signalized cross walks at Race Avenue, College Avenue, or Williamson Drive. “Thanks to this competitive award of $150,000 requested by Franklin and Marshall College, it will be safer to walk in Lancaster City,” Rivera said. “This money will help enhance life here in the city by making it a safer place for students, adults, and families to walk to school, to work, and to run errands. In short, this provides a better place in which to live. By making Lancaster a safer city for pedestrians, these funds will make Lancaster a healthier place to live.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. For more information about the program, visit www.penndot.pa.gov and click on Multimodal Program under the “Projects & Programs” button. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El secures $500K state grant for streetscape and pedestrian improvements in Lancaster

(Feb 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Feb. 24 – Lancaster will receive $500,000 for streetscape and pedestrian improvements through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. Read more

 

Ciresi secures nearly $400,000 in state funds for area transportation projects

(Feb 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, Feb. 24 – Nearly $400,000 in state funding for transportation safety projects is coming to the 146th Legislative District through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “I am proud to have helped secure this critical funding for our district,” Ciresi said. “This money will make it safer to walk down Pottstown’s sidewalks and will enrich our local economy by drawing residents to a new development in Royersford Borough. These projects align with my focus as state representative: to increase public safety and to make our communities attractive places in which to reside for commuters and local professionals.” The projects and funding are as follows: $225,000 for streetscape improvements to Main Street and Walnut Street to support a new development located in Royersford Borough, Montgomery County. $139,997 to rehabilitate sidewalks and install street lighting along Beech Street in Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County. The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. For more information about the program, visit here . Read more

 

Madsen secures $350K in state funding for structural repairs at Harrisburg International Airport

(Feb 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, helped secure $350,000 in state funding for structural repairs at Harrisburg International Airport through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. “I am glad to have been able to help the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority secure critical funds that will help make the Harrisburg International Airport maintain its high level of safety and security,” Madsen said. “HIA has helped make the Capital Region a vital link in the eastern corridor for goods and serves. This project aligns with my focus on increasing the economic strength of the Harrisburg area and the wider Central Pennsylvania region through strategic investments and partnerships.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. For more information about the program, visit here . Read more

 

Guzman secures $850,000 in MTF grants for a local project

(Feb 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that one local transportation project will benefit from an $850,000 grant from the Multimodal Transportation Fund program through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Guzman said the funds are aimed at improving pedestrian protection and accessibility upgrades to the Penn Square Redevelopment Project in Reading. The grant was awarded to: Philly Office Retail LLC. - $850,000. To revitalize pedestrian safety and accessibility upgrades to Penn Square. The funding will go toward new ADA-accessible sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, planters, street trees, bicycle racks and benches at the corners of Fifth and Penn streets. “I am excited to welcome these grants to my district to support pedestrian protection and to create pedestrian-safe roads.” Guzman said. “Infrastructure development is a critical component for economic growth.” “Now as a proud member of the House Transportation Committee, I feel even more committed and equipped to help improve the quality of the transportation systems in our community,” he added. “I am working to advance infrastructure improvement plans. I am advocating for more efficient and accessible systems for all users.” Read more

 

It’s time to get serious about cyber charter school reform

(Feb 21, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

We’ve got to get serious about cyber charter school reform. Don’t just take my word for it. This week, Republican Auditor General Timothy DeFoor released a blockbuster report that called for comprehensive charter school reform. And you know what, the report says the same things I’ve said for YEARS about cyber charter schools and makes the same calls for reform that I’ve tried to enact through legislative initiatives: A single statewide tuition rate for cyber charter schools that’s more related to the actual cost of cyber education. Additional oversight of cyber charter schools by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Limits on excessive cyber charter school fund balances. Despite all that I know about how cyber charter schools rip off Pennsylvania taxpayers, my blood still boiled when I read this audit of five PA cyber charter schools showing that from 2020 to 2023 the schools legally increased their revenues by $425 million and reserves by 144%. And what did the schools do with this extra taxpayer money? While our kids struggled in underfunded traditional public schools, these cyber charter schools legally used taxpayer dollars on staff bonuses, gift cards, vehicle payments and fuel stipends. While our seniors fought to pay property taxes so they could stay in their homes, one of the audited schools, Commonwealth Charter Academy, spent $196 million to purchase and/or renovate 21 buildings. What does a Read more

 

Fleming, Policy Committee highlight childcare crisis

(Feb 21, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Childcare has overwhelming positive benefits, including preparing children to learn in a school setting as well as shaping expectations for behavior and interactions with adults and other children,” said state Rep. Justin Fleming, who represents portions of Dauphin County. “It’s nearly impossible for parents and guardians to make a living without childcare, so it’s important for the state to explore solutions to the childcare staffing crisis.” Read more

 

Policy hearing focuses on elevated lead levels in PA school buildings

(Feb 20, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Testifiers at a House Majority Policy Committee hearing on Thursday described the urgent need to address elevated levels of lead found in the drinking water of school buildings in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to keep Pennsylvanians seeking reproductive healthcare services safe

(Feb 20, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, Feb. 20 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a state version of a federal law that protects patients from violence and harassment when visiting sites where abortions and reproductive healthcare services are provided. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 670 ) would establish a state version of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act to guarantee the rights of Pennsylvania mothers and birthing individuals. The FACE Act prohibits intimidation, obstruction and/or violence against those seeking reproductive healthcare services and providers, while also prohibiting defacement/damage to sites offering such services. “As long as abortion is legal in PA, all efforts must be made to not only keep reproductive healthcare readily accessible, but to keep both patients and providers safe during these processes. Intolerance of any kind runs counter to the constitutional rights of residents and has no place in this Commonwealth,” Powell said. “My bill would help curb potential threats and put the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians first.” President Bill Clinton signed the federal FACE Act into law in May 1994. Read more

 

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

(Feb 19, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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

 

Lawmakers highlight need for legislation to end animal fighting

(Feb 19, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Animal fighting still exists, and testifiers detailed how and why Pennsylvania needs to fund criminal investigations to combat animal fighting and care for its victims,” said House Majority Policy Committee Vice Chair Rep. Mary Isaacson, who represents portions of Philadelphia. Read more

 

House Environmental Committee hears need for responsible development in Environmental Justice areas
Mar 04, 2025

Roundtable discusses importance of PA’s connection to cities
Mar 04, 2025

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

Freeman bill seeks better response to overdoses
Mar 03, 2025

Kazeem secures $475,000 in state funding for transportation project in Upper Chichester Township
Mar 03, 2025

Miller joins fellow public officials in defending Medicaid for Pennsylvanians amidst proposed federal funding cuts
Feb 28, 2025

Powell, Policy Committee focus on increasing achievable housing
Feb 26, 2025

Fleming helped to secure $400,000 for Lower Paxton Township for roadway improvement projects
Feb 25, 2025

Testifiers weigh in on need to combat wage theft in Pennsylvania
Feb 25, 2025

Rivera announces $150K in state funding for road reconstruction in Lancaster City
Feb 24, 2025

Smith-Wade-El secures $500K state grant for streetscape and pedestrian improvements in Lancaster
Feb 24, 2025

Ciresi secures nearly $400,000 in state funds for area transportation projects
Feb 24, 2025

Madsen secures $350K in state funding for structural repairs at Harrisburg International Airport
Feb 24, 2025

Guzman secures $850,000 in MTF grants for a local project
Feb 24, 2025

It’s time to get serious about cyber charter school reform
Feb 21, 2025

Fleming, Policy Committee highlight childcare crisis
Feb 21, 2025

Policy hearing focuses on elevated lead levels in PA school buildings
Feb 20, 2025

Powell introduces bill to keep Pennsylvanians seeking reproductive healthcare services safe
Feb 20, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 19, 2025

Lawmakers highlight need for legislation to end animal fighting
Feb 19, 2025