Protecting Our Homeless Community, The Ongoing Budget Impasse, and Upcoming Events

Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El October 10, 2025 | 3:54 PM

Hello from Harrisburg!

I’m spending this week with my colleagues passing the third bipartisan budget since June and advocating for legislation that will improve our lives here in Pennsylvania. I want to keep you updated with information I hope you will find helpful:

Upcoming office closures
Upcoming events
More than 100 days without a budget
Delivering for you in Harrisburg
State grant program funding
Community resources

Upcoming Office Closures

My office will be closed on Monday, Oct. 13, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Our office will also be closed on the following days for a combination of training and community events:

Tuesday, October 21
Thursday, October 23

Upcoming Events

Trunk or Treat

PACL Lancaster County will sponsor and host a Trunk or Treat for the community on Thursday, October 30, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Lancaster Housing Authority on Susquehanna Street.

Find here a sign up with trunk and treat registrations, ideas for trunk decorations, and other information: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AABAF23A7FCC25-59093281-pacareerlink

Medicare Open Enrollment Events

PA Medi

Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. Medicare-eligible Pennsylvanians can take advantage of the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight program (formerly APPRISE).

MEDI is a free program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging that helps older Pennsylvanians choose Medicare supplements based on their income and medical needs.
For more information, call MEDI at 1-800-783-7067 or visit its website: https://bit.ly/3kWtXSl.

Mark Your Calendars for my Senior Health Fair!

Get ready for my Senior Health Fair! It’s one of my favorite events of the year because I get to meet some truly awesome constituents and share with them helpful information on how to live healthy lives. RSVP here: by email repsmithwadeel@pahouse.net or calling (717) 283-4218.

Medicaid Town Hall October 28^th

Rep. Rivera’s office and mine will be co-hosting a Medicaid Town Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the J.P. McCaskey High School Cafeteria, 1051 Lehigh Ave, Lancaster, PA 17602.

Join us to learn about changes to benefit programs, share your concerns, and brainstorm community solutions! Please RSVP by signing up at tinyurl.com/49-96-TownHall, calling our office at (717) 283-4218 or emailing us at repsmithwadeel@pahouse.net

Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Office Hours at Lancaster Public Library Nov. 6^th

The Dec. 31 deadline to apply for the 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is approaching quickly. My office and Rep. Rivera’s office are co-hosting an office hour to assist individuals with completing their applications on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 2–3 p.m. at the Lancaster Public Library, 151 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.

If you are unsure of what documents may be needed or have questions about the PTRR application, please feel free to contact our office at: repsmithwadeel@pahouse.net or (717) 283-4218.

In the District

The best part of a tough week was standing with the students of the School District of Lancaster as they walked out to protest our legislature’s failure to pass a budget and fund our schools!

These students should be learning and, you know, just enjoying being kids. Instead, they are doing what so many adults will not—fighting for the education that they and millions of other children deserve.

It’s time to stop debating whether the kids are alright and start following their lead.

Let’s get it done!

Legislative Update

Together with Senator Nikil Saval, I will be introducing legislation that would decriminalize homelessness across the commonwealth. The Shelter First Act is a fierce rejection of the denigration of the unhoused and a profound affirmation of the belief that our communities are stronger and safer when everyone’s dignity and rights—including their right to a place to sleep—are respected.

Learn more: Sen. Saval and Rep. Smith-Wade-El announce legislation to end the criminalization of homelessness

More than 100 Days without a Budget

After 100 days of Senate Republicans putting politics ahead of people and refusing to negotiate in good faith on a state budget, House Democrats have had enough.

To show our true commitment to Pennsylvanians, I was proud on Wednesday to once again cast my vote for a state budget that demonstrates an ability to govern through thoughtful compromise.

The first bipartisan budget plan the House sent to the Senate (H.B. 1330) on July 14 was met with silence. On Wednesday, we in the House again raised our voices and our votes, demanding that Senate leaders take this seriously.

And it is serious. Schools, counties, and organizations—like rape crisis centers and Head Start programs—are all feeling the effects of Senate inaction. Many have been forced to cut services or take out loans to cover expenses normally paid for with state funding.

What the Senate is doing isn’t governing. It’s weakness.

Please join me in calling on Senate Republican leaders to end their political games and pass the House state budget—one that funds schools and services, does not increase taxes, and is grounded in thoughtful compromise and a commitment to govern.

Delivering for You in Harrisburg

This week, my House colleagues and I passed important bills that will help our neighbors and strengthen our communities:

Protecting workers: We are allowing individuals to collect unemployment compensation benefits if their unemployment is due to a work stoppage caused by a labor dispute (HB 145).
Supporting safe school infrastructure: We are creating a school facilities inventory within the Pennsylvania Department of Education (HB 1701).
Modernizing state liquor laws and supporting businesses: We are allowing businesses with liquor licenses to offer premixed cocktails on tap, just like beer (HB 1702).

State Grant Program Funding Available

The latest grant opportunities from the state have been released! My office is happy to connect you with government funding opportunities like these, so please reach out if you have any questions or need a letter of support.

Community Resources

Coats for Kids

The Salvation Army will be hosting their Coats for Kids in partnership with WGAL. Please visit their Facebook page or scan the QR code in the flyer for registration and more information or you can register here: form.jotform.com/251894242494162.

Registration for Toys for Tots is NOW OPEN!

Families who need a little extra help this holiday season can sign up today to receive toys for their children. Register early to secure your spot!

Please make sure you read the updated information about applying before you register.
Click here to register: https://lancaster-pa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-toy-request-single-form.aspx or contact our office to sign up.

Help us spread the word by sharing this post so that every child has the chance to experience the joy of Christmas morning.

Our office is one of many Toys for Tots drop-off locations throughout Lancaster County. Toys can be dropped off at our office Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you’re looking for a location closer to you, please visit the following website for other locations: Home - Toys for Tots.

America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program

To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and honor Pennsylvania’s strong commitment to education, America250PA will award $250,000 in scholarships to deserving Pennsylvania students attending in-state colleges next school year.

Any Pennsylvania high school senior planning to attend a college or university in Pennsylvania for the 2026–27 academic year is eligible to apply. Twenty-five scholarships of $10,000 each will be awarded.

Applications are due January 31, 2026. More details, including matching opportunities from partner institutions, can be found here.

National Civics Bee Applications Available!

The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce is proud to once again serve as a regional host for the National Civics Bee®, an initiative that encourages middle school students to explore the importance of civic engagement and deepen their understanding of how our government works. This competition provides a unique opportunity for students to become more active, informed members of their communities and potentially earn recognition and cash prizes—including $100,000 in a 529 education savings account—along the way.

The National Civics Bee® is open to all 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-grade students across Pennsylvania. To enter, students must submit a short essay responding to a civics-related prompt. The application portal is now open, and the deadline to submit is February 3, 2026. Participation is free.

Finalists from the Lancaster regional competition will advance to the 2026 Pennsylvania State Finals, with the opportunity to compete nationally in Washington, D.C.

Students ready to participate can submit their application here!

Interested in volunteering as an essay judge, supporting a student project, or giving as a corporate sponsor? Contact Kat DeSantis at kdesantis@lancasterchamber.com!