November 1, 2025 - An open letter to Governor Josh Shapiro The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) was recently made aware of the Trump Administration’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) directing state transportation departments to discontinue their current Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) procurement programs effective October 3rd. The Trump Administration contends that gender and race should not be factors considered in the determination of disadvantage. This is a familiar argument from them as it has been the basis of almost every strong-handed, overreaching tactic by this Federal Government to backtrack on the injustices of the nation’s past and the tendency toward systemic discrimination without transparency and intentionality. The Trump administration is trying to justify this latest attempt to dismantle a critical lifeline for opportunity for minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses on a court case, Mid-America Milling vs the US Department of Transportation. This justification for administrative precedent is at best premature seeing as the case has not yet been decided in our court system. The PLBC applauds the City of Pittsburgh in filing their amicus brief supporting the DBE system as structured and the efforts of the city to advocate for all of their constituents. The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus is calling on you, Governor Shapiro, to offer public comment on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania before the public Read more
Some GOP lawmakers have claimed they don’t know much about the impact of the federal shutdown on Pennsylvania or about how the changes to SNAP and Medicaid have affected their constituents. Well, as state representatives for the 49th and 96th legislative districts in Lancaster, let us share what we’ve heard from our constituents at a Medicaid and SNAP Town Hall this week about the hardships they are experiencing and the terror they are feeling if the federal shutdown continues much longer. (It should be noted that all Lancaster-area state lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats alike, were invited to this important discussion with residents but only state Sen. James Malone joined.) Our constituents told us that they’re not just worried about where their next meal is coming from when SNAP benefits end in early November, but they also don’t know what they are going to do when the supportive services associated with the program dry up, from transportation services, which gets them to their jobs, to extra clothing, to child care (extended through December, but no one knows what will happen in January). We heard about the transportation deserts in some areas of the county that make it impossible to get to work or a community food pantry, about the language barriers that make it difficult for people to fill out paperwork or to understand critical changes to these essential programs. One constituent who doesn’t have his GED told us he does Read more
LANCASTER, Oct. 29 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will host “Celebrating Black Veterans: Bound by Courage, Lifted by Legacy: Honoring Our Black Veterans Who Paved the Way” from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Stevens Greenland Cemetery, 1300 S. Duke St. in Lancaster. “As a proud Black Lancastrian, I am honored to lead this event recognizing our city’s often overlooked Black veterans who fought to protect American freedom and promote American ideals throughout the world, while facing discrimination in the service and at home,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This event will provide an opportunity to give our Black veterans their proper due, as true heroes of our great republic.” Program schedule: Introduction by Smith-Wade-El Chaplain’s Invocation J.P. McCaskey High School Choir National Guard presents colors/J.P. McCaskey High School Band Leroy Hopkins’s brief history of Lancaster’s Black veterans Honorees to be recognized: Alvin Gantz, Casey Jones, Toria Butcher, Celest Leslie McCaskey student essay Roll call of names of those buried in cemetery Taps played while colors lowered Lunch To register or inquire about the event, contact Smith-Wade-El’s office at 717-283-4218. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 - The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, chaired by state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, released the following statement on the University of Pennsylvania’s rejection of President Donald Trump’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.” “The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus commends University of Pennsylvania President Larry Jameson on his formal rejection of the Trump administration’s ‘Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.’ This compact was not about academic excellence. It was a bribe. It was an opportunity for America’s colleges and universities to sell their soul, their mission, the wellness of their student body, and their academic freedoms to the president in exchange for ‘preferential funding.’ “The compact, already rejected by MIT and Brown University, is a dangerous expansion of federal overreach from an administration that has already pledged themselves to shutter the Department of Education, and, even in its rejection, should be remembered for the audacity of its premise. “President Jameson, we thank you for heeding the voices of students and faculty on campus as well as the state and city lawmakers who called on you to reject this compact and resist the president’s Faustian bargain. The challenges faced recently are not over. We look forward to more productive and proactive Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 16 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, chaired by state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, released the following statement on the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the lowering of American flags in his honor. “The rise in violence against public figures across this nation is deeply concerning. The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus affirms our commitment to building a society where political debate leads to deeper understanding and non-violent solutions. We extend our condolences to the family of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was murdered on Sept. 10 in Utah. “At the same time, we must express our disgust regarding the decision by the president to direct American flags to be lowered in his honor. The lowering of our national flag, a sacred symbol of unity, mourning and honor, should be reserved for those whose lives and legacies universally embody the values of justice, equity and service to all people. “When this honor is extended to individuals whose public platforms have sown division, marginalized communities of color, or amplified rhetoric harmful to the pursuit of justice as Kirk’s has, it sends a painful message to many. It suggests that the very government that we look to for protection, representation and inclusion has instead chosen to cast us out. The decision by the president is offensive on its face, and when taken in context of the rest Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Urban Agricultural Infrastructure Grant Who May Apply: A person may apply to the Department for a grant for an eligible project in an urban municipality. Use: To improve urban agricultural infrastructure in an urban area, improve or facilitate the aggregation of agricultural products in an urban area, entail the sharing of resources among urban agricultural entities or community organizations, and/or support community development in the project area. Funds: $500,000 is expected to be available contingent on the 2025-26 budget. Application Deadline: October 31, 2025 More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin 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 Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the Budget: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) Who May Apply: Applicants must have been previously itemized in a Capital Budget Project Itemization Act. Use: Applicants can use funds for the purposes prescribed in the Capital Budget Project Itemization Act. Funds: Varied. Application Deadline: September 23, 2025 More information: OB website Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2025 More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Agriculture and Youth Organization Grant Program Who May Apply: Agriculture and youth organizations, Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 22 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus called on the Pennsylvania State Police to conclude their investigation into the tragic loss of Marchello Woodard. Woodard was fatally shot in his Erie community on July 2 during an incident involving state parole agents. “It has been 51 days since the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office started investigating this incident, and no charges have been filed,” said state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, chair of the PLBC . “No family should have to endure the pain that Marchello’s has – dealing with the loss of a loved one without any answers, action, or meaningful reform. Our caucus demands full accountability for the events that led to this devastating loss of life.” Woodard was reportedly unarmed during the July 2 incident and just two weeks away from the end of his parole. While no charges have been filed, the Erie County Coroner ruled Woodard’s death as a homicide after an autopsy was conducted. He was shot three times in the chest. “We are calling for greater urgency and transparency from state officials working on this case,” Nelson said. “The use of fatal force in this incident raises urgent questions about safety, accountability and the interactions between parole agents and law enforcement in our communities. Fifty-one days is more than enough time to investigate this Read more
Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Environmental Education Grant Program Who May Apply: Schools, non-profit organizations, colleges and universities, county conservation districts, businesses, and other eligible entities. Use: Delivery of meaningful environmental education projects to improve understanding of natural resources and cultivate critical thinking and environmental stewardship for sustainable resource management. Funds: 5% of the pollution fines and penalties collected annually by DEP are used for Environmental Education grants. There are three grant ranges that include grants up to $5,000, grants between $5,001 and $30,000, and grants between $30,001 and $65,000. Application Deadline: November 14, 2025 More information: DEP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: Read more
HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Reps. Carol Kazeem and Heather Boyd, both D-Delaware, and Andre Carroll, D-Phila., of the relaunched bipartisan House PA Youth & Public Safety Caucus on Monday announced a public safety initiative in Harrisburg. Read more
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have faced years of chronic underfunding, prompting the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee and PA Legislative Black Caucus to convene a joint policy hearing Thursday to discuss how the state can provide sustainable support to these institutions of higher education. Read more
“We are driven in the Black Maternal Health Caucus by one statistic: 93% of maternal deaths are preventable,” said Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, who represents portions of Allegheny County and co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “The question is why we are not preventing them.” Read more
Bill would protect hundreds of thousands of unimpaired drivers Read more
By: State Rep. Darisha Parker Vice Chair of Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Recently, I was honored to stand in solidarity with students, teachers represented by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Service Employees International Union, Teamsters from the Commonwealth of School Administration and their dedicated President, Dr. Robin Cooper, for a Day of Action to protect Philadelphia students and their constitutional right to a free and efficient education. I’m disheartened by the injustices looming over our children’s future. I’m overwhelmed from seeing the strides and progress we have made struck down with the vindictive stroke of pen, but at the same time, it’s reassuring to see people across the country standing up to make their voices heard. The Day of Action, facilitated by the American Federation of Teachers, was a national movement where leaders all over the country stood up and made our point clear: We won’t step down, there’s too much at stake for apathy and inaction. These movements show our strength and resilience, but the most profound effect of collective action is igniting a spark that motivates spectators to stand with us. Many people are walking on eggshells because of the uncertainty we face as a country and while it’s imperative to be informed and engaged with the political sphere, we have to act strategically. If you haven’t already, register to vote. Remember that Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 13 – The chairs of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, and Pennsylvania Legislative Asian Pacific American Caucus issued the following statements on behalf of their respective caucuses amid fears and concern from the commonwealth's immigrant communities. Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, PA Legislative Latino Caucus Chair: "The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus stands with our immigrant brothers and sisters and reaffirms our support to their families. Thousands of our immigrant community members are worried they won't be returning home to their families. Parents are worried about raids in our public schools. Worshippers are troubled that federal customs and enforcement agents will storm our places of worship. Immigrants – documented and undocumented – are our neighbors, business owners, taxpayers and workers, and are all contributing parts of Pennsylvania’s diverse and thriving communities.” Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, PA Legislative Black Caucus Chair: “The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus stands shoulder to shoulder with immigrant and minority community members across this commonwealth. Too many residents have already been directly impacted by federal enforcement through the deportation or interrogation of loved ones, and we are seeing families, community organizations, and workplaces torn apart. We Read more
Returns to lead busy House Labor and Industry Committee Read more
“Black history is American history, and in south-central Pennsylvania, we have a wealth of historic sites worth preserving, but many of them have been under-valued or under-developed,” said hearing host Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, who represents portions of Lancaster County. “The committee heard about the economic benefit of preserving these sites, as well as the educational benefits in telling the truth and erasing popular myths that masquerade as facts.” Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Economic Development Organizations, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities, For-Profit organizations. Use: Mixed-use site development, conversion projects, rehabilitation projects, a combination of the three afore-mentioned projects. Funds: $10 million in PA Sites funding has been allocated for this program. There is no limit on the amount of grant funding that may be awarded to an applicant. Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Support Services (RSS) Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, providing RSS and demonstrate the capacity to provide RSS to individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent substance use disorder (SUD). Use: Expand or enhance RSS to individuals in recover from OUD and other concurrent SUD. Funds: Approximately six grants totaling $1,500,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today hosted t he Pennsylvania State Coalition of the National Council of Negro Women for the NCNW’s lobbying day at the state Capitol. "Today, we warmly welcome the National Council of Negro Women, a beacon of empowerment and advocacy for our communities,” said state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, who chairs the PLBC. “Its tireless work inspires change and uplifts voices that need to be heard. Thank you NCNW for your unwavering commitment to justice and equality -- together, we can continue to forge a brighter future." The NCNW advocated for the passage of state Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes’s Crown Act, and well as state Rep. Darisha Parker’s H.B.s 850 and 851. The Crown Act (H.B. 1394) would prohibit discrimination based on hair type or hair texture. It passed the PA House in August 2023, but there has been no action on it in the state Senate. House Bills 850 and 851 would create better accessibility to feminine hygiene products. The bills passed the state House in June and await further action in the state Senate. The NCNW was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, to enlighten and inspire and has connected more than 2 million women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today hosted the Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of the most well-known civil rights leaders of his era, at the state Capitol. Jackson and members of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition visited Harrisburg to evaluate the progress of the PLBC in Dauphin County regarding voting rights for incarcerated individuals, particularly in relation to Rep. Rick Krajewski’s H.B. 1756 . Their goals also include supporting the PLBC tour from this past summer and promoting Black economic development. “Rev. Jackson has been a pivotal figure in the civil rights and voting rights movements, advocating for social justice and racial equality through grassroots activism and national campaigns,” said Rep. Napoleon Nelson, who chairs the PLBC. “His leadership and unwavering commitment have helped amplify the voices of marginalized communities and shaped critical dialogues around civil rights issues in America.” Jackson was recognized by both state legislative bodies for founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which advocates for civil rights, economic equality, voting rights and social justice. He played a crucial role in pushing for federal and state legislators to implement legislation addressing voter impediments, affirmative action in contracts, and major civil rights campaigns, including the push for economic empowerment. “Let Read more
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