Over $1.7 million in state funding to protect Lancaster City’s public health

Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El July 18, 2025 | 9:27 AM

Dear Neighbors,

Upcoming Office Closures

Please note the following office closures and plan accordingly if you need our services. These dates represent times that office staff will be in training or are preparing the materials for 3,000+ families to participate in the 14th Annual Back to School Event. We appreciate your understanding!

Friday 8/8, closed from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Monday 8/11, closed from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Over $1.7 million in state funding to protect

Lancaster City’s public health

I believe our health is our most precious gift and that our city’s crumbling infrastructure puts that health at risk, especially through the contamination of the water we drink or cook with.

I am proud to announce that $1,709,338 in Pennvest funding was awarded to the City of Lancaster to replace 108 lead service lines.

This money will protect Lancastrians’ health by removing lead from our water.

Fighting for Workers, Fighting for Your Future

We need more jobs with better wages and real benefits you can raise a family on in Lancaster County.

I want to let you know about how I’m fighting for you, your family, and our community.

I fought to give more than 1 million working people a raise – making sure employees can afford to be customers, businesses can save money by keeping workers on the job and growing the Lancaster’s economy.

You shouldn’t have to work until you die, and with Social Security under attack by federal lawmakers I fought to pass a bill that would give you the power to control your future. Keystone Saves lets you make your own choices while still enjoying the power of bulk purchasing to maximize your investments and protect your future.

Americans built the strongest economy and middle class on earth thanks to union labor and workers standing together. I’m working to make sure workers’ rights are not just law, they’re part of our constitution.

I voted to crack down hard on employers who violate the Child Labor Act – because our kids deserve a chance to be kids and not be exploited by companies breaking the rules, and our workers shouldn’t have to compete with an underage worker being paid pennies in an unsafe space.

Public workers deserve the same workplace protections as private workers. I delivered to make sure federal OSHA safety regulations apply to every worker.

Worker misclassification costs you money and gives a free pass to some employers to cheat while punishing the employers who play by the rules. I voted to protect workers by ensuring that the rules apply to all employers.

When it comes to protecting workers like you, I will never stop fighting.

Want to know more? Just visit www.pahouse.com/deliveringforpa

SUN Bucks Distribution Begins Mid-July

Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. SUN Bucks helps offset the cost of groceries during the summer months when school is not in session.

This federally run program offers $120 per eligible child on a prepaid EBT card. Students currently receiving SNAP are automatically enrolled. If you are not enrolled in SNAP, you may still be eligible! Check eligibility, program resources, and get an application now at dhs.pa.gov/SUNBucks.

Note: Benefits for Summer 2025 will begin being issued to all eligible children in mid-July. Deadline to apply is Aug. 31st, 2025.

Summer EBT | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Veterans, need help finding your DD-214 or military records?

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA) is here to assist veterans who have lost their DD Form 214 or other military documents. This crucial paperwork verifies your military service and is necessary to access benefits, retirement, employment opportunities, and veterans’ organizations.

If you need help locating your DD-214 or correcting it with DD-215, DMVA’s accredited veteran service officers are ready to support you. You can call toll free at 1-800-547-2838, or email RA-REQ@pa.gov.

Over 2,300 veterans have received help from DMVA in the past year – don’t wait to get the documents you need!

For more information or to sign up for the DMVA Veterans Registry, visit www.register.dmva.pa.gov.

Unlock your next opportunity with PA CareerLink

Whether you’re just starting out in the workforce, considering a career change, or seeking new skills, Pennsylvania’s PA CareerLink is here to help you land your next role at no cost.

PA CareerLink offers comprehensive job listings with thousands of openings across every industry in our region, one-on-one coaching that includes personalized resume reviews, interview preparation and career counseling, skills training and certifications through approved programs – from IT bootcamps to health care credentials – and a variety of workshops and job fairs, both in-person and virtual, where you can meet employers face-to-face.

Getting started is simple. Visit the PA CareerLink website, create a free account and upload your resume, then schedule an appointment at your nearest PA CareerLink center – virtual and in-office options are available.

PHMC Cultural & Historical Support Grants open through Aug. 22

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission has opened applications for its 2025 Cultural and Historical Support Grants, aimed at strengthening museums and historical societies across the state. Now in its 13th year, the program has awarded nearly $26 million to help preserve Pennsylvania’s rich heritage and boost local economies.

Eligible museums and county historical societies can apply for general operating support through the Commonwealth’s Single Application for Assistance portal. The deadline is Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at midnight.

Grant highlights:

Up to $65,000 for eligible museums (with budgets over $100K and at least one full-time staff member).
Up to $4,000 for official county historical societies.
Simple application process and geographic balance in funding.

Full details and guidelines are available on the PHMC website. As always, you can contact my office for assistance with any grant program or application process.

State Government Programs Accepting Applications

Click here to learn more.

Back to School Event

The 14^th Annual Back to School Event is BACK & Pre-registration is LIVE through August 4! This event serves students in grades K-8^th from schools within the 49^th and 96^th Legislative Districts. Students will receive FREE clothing, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, reading books, haircuts and MORE! My staff will also be available onsite to answer questions about state-related matters. You can register at https://www.pahouse.net/Smith-Wade-El/BackToSchool.

If you are interested in volunteering at the event, visit the following link to sign up: 14th Annual Back to School Event: Volunteer Sign Up.