NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Firearm Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention Initiative Who May Apply: Units of local government, nonprofit organizations (including community-based and statewide organizations), institutions of higher education, and state government agencies. Use: To support programming that focuses on firearm-related suicide prevention. Funds: A total of $1 million in federal 2024 Byrne SCIP funds in available. PCCD expects to fund 4 to 6 grants over a 21-month period. Application Deadline: September 9, 2025 More information: PCCD 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 Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic Read more
It’s survival of the richest. I think of a budget as a statement of priorities. It’s supposed to support working families — who are the backbone of Pennsylvania — care for the poor, the sick and the vulnerable; spur economic growth; and allot for expenses necessary to carry our country smartly and soundly into the future. And it must ensure that our environment is safe for all. What stunned me about the 2025 federal budget was the absence of these priorities, which have made the United States a beacon of light to the nations. The budget does a “Reverse Robin Hood,” transferring wealth to the rich by funding tax cuts with cuts to programs for low-income Americans. It’s literally stealing from the poor to make the rich richer. The budget evisceration of Medicaid funding will put the nail in the coffin of our already overburdened health system. If Medicaid is slashed, many of our hospitals and nursing homes will buckle and close under the impossible financial strain of caring for the uninsured. None of us can afford the destruction of our health care system. The bill also takes food off the table of food-insecure Pennsylvanians, reducing federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding by hundreds of millions. If Pennsylvania can’t fund the difference, food assistance would have to be drastically cut by either removing 1 million Pennsylvanians from the food assistance program or cutting the benefit amounts Read more
This Sunday, LNP published my view on how the 2025 federal budget is an attack on America by eviscerating support for: working families; care for the poor, the sick and the vulnerable; environmental protections; and smart economic policies to drive growth and save money for the future. Instead, it’s survival of the richest. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Mixed-Use Revitalization Program Who May Apply: Developers (person or business entity with a demonstrated history of advancing commercial or mixed-use redevelopment projects Use: A community revitalization project that promotes economic growth and includes commercial assets. Eligible projects must be on at least 15 acres of land, contain at least 200,000 square feet of proposed development that has not received a certificate of occupancy as of 7/11/24, and be zoned for planned end use. Funds: Grant amount shall not exceed more than twice the amount of matching funds provided by the developer or $3,000,000, whichever is less. Application Deadline: August 31, 2025 More information: CFA Website Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Grant Who May Apply: Individuals or organizations focused on agriculture research Use: Research on topic areas listed here Funds: All funding is contingent upon 2025-2026 budget appropriations Application Deadline: July 25, 20225 More information: PDA 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: Read more
Presidential term limits are essential for preserving our democracy. PA state Rep. Nikki Rivera stands in support of a #PAHouse resolution that recognizes April 29 as "22nd Amendment Day" in PA. Rivera says the amendment is crucial in protecting our American way of life and ensuring that power remains in the hands of the people. Read more
See You at the Lancaster Hispanic Summit on Alzheimer’s & Dementia Tomorrow, June 10! Read more
Grant Memo: June 4 Read more
LANCASTER, June 2 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, will hold a public safety fair from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 7 at Manheim Township Fire Rescue – 1399 Fruitville Pike, Lancaster. “I wanted to offer residents of all ages resources on all aspects of public safety, from traffic to fires to bicycles to mental health and more,” Rivera said. “I am grateful that wonderful community partners like Manheim Township Fire Rescue, Penn Medicine LGH and others are going to be there to answer questions and offer resources to help people stay safe, including tips on safe driving, fire prevention and practices that support good mental health.” Safety information related to traffic, fires, bikes, mental health, fall preventions and emergency preparedness will be available along with FREE safety items while supplies last. Participating groups include Manheim Township Fire Rescue, Penn Medicine LGH, PA Fish & Boat Commission (with animal demonstrations), Mental Health America and others. Residents interested in attending are encouraged to register for this event via RepRivera@pahouse.net (include name and home address) or call 717-295-3157. Read more
LANCASTER, June 2 - State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter to host The Lancaster Hispanic Summit on Alzheimer’s & Dementia from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10 at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Multipurpose Activity Center, 750 E. King St., Lancaster. “I wanted to co-host this important event to provide critical information about Alzheimer’s prevention as approximately 13% of Hispanics who are 65 or older have Alzheimer’s or another dementia,” Rivera said. “This summit will be an opportunity for attendees to learn about preventative care as well as be a place where they can share their difficulties trying to get health care, from facing outright discrimination to failing to find health care practitioners who understand their racial or ethnic background and experiences. “As Alzheimer’s disease rates are projected to triple by 2060 with Hispanics predicted to have the largest increase, we need to make sure that people have critical knowledge how they can prevent developing Alzheimer’s as well as being able to recognize the signs of the onset of the disease.” Rivera said the summit will be an opportunity for attendees to learn about preventative care and learn about how the disease impacts the Hispanic community while sharing their own difficulties trying to get health care and finding health care Read more
Dear Neighbor, We’re Hiring! Our Lancaster office is hiring for a full-time Constituent Services Advisor. You can apply here: Constituent Services Advisor | Job Details tab | Career Pages . Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: PACTT (Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training) Grant Who May Apply: All residential facilities, community-based, and/or juvenile probation office providers that are not currently PACTT Affiliates and serve primarily adjudicated delinquent youth. Use: Applicants must ensure that the proposed program and associated expenses directly align with the PACTT affiliation areas (Academics, Job Skills Training, or Work-Related Services) the agency intends to pursue Funds: A total of $160,000 in state JRI funds is being announced to support this initiative among residential facilities, community-based providers, and juvenile probation departments. PCCD expects to fund eight grants with budgets not to exceed $20,000 over a 12-month project period. Application Deadline: July 7, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others Use: Create or obtain business plans, management strategies, transition plans, ownership plans, or plans to maintain the long-term economic viability of a farm. Funds: Up to $500,000 is available in grant funding. Individual grants shall not exceed $15,000. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted until funds are exhausted. More information: PDA Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more
Rivera Spring 2025 NL Read more
May 13 Read more
May 7 Grant Memo Read more
HARRISBURG, May 6 -- State Rep. Nikki Rivera’s bill that would update Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Program statutory language with recovery-oriented terminology passed the House today with overwhelming bipartisan support, 201-2. “Words matter. Too many people suffering from substance use disorders don’t seek the help they need due to stigmatizing language surrounding the condition,” Rivera said. “Though positive, recovery-oriented programs in treatment and prevention are the standard, DDAP’s archaic and negative statutory language is perpetuating negative stereotypes about substance abuse. The department should be leading the way in discussing substance abuse in today’s evidence-based and recovery-focused terms. Substance use is a treatable disease and should be discussed as such to promote treatment. “As DDAP plays a central role in the commonwealth’s response to the substance use crisis, I’ve worked with the agency to introduce this legislation that updates the language defining the department’s duties with recovery-oriented language that promotes dignity, respect, and greater access to care and substance abuse disorders as chronic but treatable conditions. “The commonwealth needs to model the supportive approach to treating substance abuse disorders so that families and communities can provide the necessary support to those struggling with substance abuse,” Rivera said. Read more
Dear Neighbor, May is Teacher Appreciation Month Our office has received several nominations for Teacher Appreciation Month. This week we will highlight the first nominations. Our first nomination shared the following message regarding their nominations: Selecting a single teacher for this year's award has proven challenging. My family and I have been fortunate to receive love and support from many exceptional teachers in Manheim Township, and we believe their dedication deserves recognition. Kamsi Odume, a third-grader at Bucher Elementary School, nominates the following teachers for Teachers Appreciation Day: Nancy Copper (Gifted Program), Mrs. Rychener (3rd Grade), Miss Wolfe (Substitute), Mr. Bransby (PE), and Mrs. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Watershed Planning and Restoration Grant Who May Apply: Incorporated watershed associations, counties or municipalities, county conservation districts, council of governments or other authorized organizations including nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and municipal authorities. Use: Examples of eligible projects include existing WIP revision or updates and design and construction of BMPs, including riparian forest buffers, streambank fencing, agricultural erosion and sediment control and nutrient and manure management practices; animal waste storage systems, animal concentration area/animal heavy use area protection and barnyard runoff controls; design and construction of stormwater control measures; AMD treatment systems and other projects that will reduce nonpoint source pollution in watersheds where streams are impaired. Funds: Funds are provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and authorized through Section 319(h) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Application Deadline: June 20, 2025 More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener Plus Grant Who May Apply: Counties Use: To update a county’s Act 167 plan. Funds: Funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 state budget and grants will range from $40,000 to $60,000 depending on the county’s Read more
HARRISBURG, April 22 - State Rep. Nikki Rivera’s bill to make sure older Pennsylvanians do not lose their eligibility for the state’s prescription drug programs (H.B. 923) unanimously passed the House today with overwhelming bipartisan support. Co-sponsored with state Rep. Shelby Labs, R-Bucks, the legislation would extend the moratorium on Social Security cost-of-living adjustments for PACE and PACENET eligibility to Dec. 31, 2027. The current moratorium on COLA adjustments is Dec. 31 of this year. According to Rivera, the Social Security COLA for 2025 is currently 2.5%. Without extending the moratorium, 10,039 PACENET enrollees would lose their coverage. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would move to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium. “These programs—PACE and PACENET—provide lifesaving services at a greatly reduced cost to a population that lives on fixed incomes,” Rivera said. “They make it possible so that a quarter of a million seniors, many of whom require multiple medications to treat different chronic conditions, can purchase life-saving medications without having to go into medical debt, or, even worse, decide they must forgo treatment. “Unfortunately, there’s a problem maintaining eligibility when Social Security cost-of-living increases go up, with over 20,000 seniors then no longer qualifying for their prescription plans. “I was proud to Read more
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, 2025. Feedback will be provided by May 31, 2025. The application period will be open from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. More information: PennDOT Website Department of Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA Digital Connectivity Technology Program Who May Apply: Public-facing institutions, to include but not limited to, libraries, schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions located in areas where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband adoption and use. Use: The acquisition of digital connectivity technology that facilitates broadband internet access and promotes digital literacy and skills training. These devices will be Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to state, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $785,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund four to six grants with budgets not to exceed $185,000 over the 15-month project period. Application Deadline: April 10, 2025 More information: PCCD 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 Read more
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1560 Lititz PikeSuite 2Lancaster, PA 17601-6523
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109A East WingPO Box 202096Harrisburg, PA 17120-2096
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