For Autumn Fingerhood, a single mother who works three jobs, public transportation is the reason her 15-year-old daughter can get to school and back every day. However, the bus her daughter relies on is slated to be cut in a matter of weeks if Pennsylvania’s Republican-led Senate doesn’t quickly pass a state budget or a separate standalone bill with funding for mass transit. Read more
Stop at our 198th District resources table for information on a variety of state programs and the services my office provides. We'll also be participating in the Walk for Peace on Saturday. Hope to see you there! Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 22, 2025 More information: RAAC Website Department of Transportation: Rail Freight Transportation Grant Who May Apply: Redevelopment authorities, rail companies, and for profit businesses Use: Investments in rail structure to keep and/or boost economic development. Funds: $41 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: August 29, 2025 More information: PennDOT Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment Training Who May Apply: For-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), unit of local government, or schools including colleges and universities. Use: This funding is specifically for the training of persons who treat adult and/or child victims/survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $250,000 in state Endowment Act funds is being announced to Read more
Read my latest email newsletter about my work with the policy committee, the fight to fund public transit, help from PECO with your utility bills and some great upcoming events. Read more
96 @media only screen and (min-width:660px){.u-row{width:640px!important}.u-row .u-col{vertical-align:top}.u-row .u-col-50{width:320px!important}.u-row .u-col-100{width:640px!important}}@media (max-width:660px){.u-row-container{max-width:100%!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important}.u-row .u-col{min-width:320px!important;max-width:100%!important;display:block!important}.u-row{width:100%!important}.u-col{width:100%!important}.u-col>div{margin:0 auto}}body{margin:0;padding:0}table,td,tr{vertical-align:top;border-collapse:collapse}p{margin:0}.ie-container table,.mso-container table{table-layout:fixed}*{line-height:inherit}a[x-apple-data-detectors=true]{color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important}table,td{color:#000}#u_body a{color:#00e;text-decoration:underline} It's 7/25 and the minimum wage in PA is still just $7.25! It's been 16 years since we've increased our wage -- it's time for $15/hour now. I voted to Raise the Wage because I want to build a better economy where everyone can afford to participate. Call these legislators to demand that they vote to Raise the Wage: Senate Majority Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Broadband Development Authority: Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Who May Apply: Cooperative organizations, non-profit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utility companies, public utility districts, municipalities or units of local government, internet service providers registered through the FCC Use: Deploying and/or upgrading broadband network facilities, data collection, broadband mapping and broadband planning Funds: Pennsylvania received $1,161,778,242 in federal funding pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This is the second round of BEAD funding. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount for any project Application Deadline: August 1, 2025 More information: PBDA Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums located in Pennsylvania with annual operating budgets exceeding $100,000 and at least one full-time professional staff person or an official county historical society. Use: To strengthen Pennsylvania’s museums and allow applicants to determine how to use funds for operating expenses Funds: Grant awards range from $2,500 to $65,000 Application Deadline: August 22, 2025 More information: PHMC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Sequential Intercept Model Training Initiative (SIM) Read more
96 @media only screen and (min-width:660px){.u-row{width:640px!important}.u-row .u-col{vertical-align:top}.u-row .u-col-50{width:320px!important}.u-row .u-col-100{width:640px!important}}@media (max-width:660px){.u-row-container{max-width:100%!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important}.u-row .u-col{min-width:320px!important;max-width:100%!important;display:block!important}.u-row{width:100%!important}.u-col{width:100%!important}.u-col>div{margin:0 auto}}body{margin:0;padding:0}table,td,tr{vertical-align:top;border-collapse:collapse}p{margin:0}.ie-container table,.mso-container table{table-layout:fixed}*{line-height:inherit}a[x-apple-data-detectors=true]{color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important}table,td{color:#000}#u_body a{color:#00e;text-decoration:underline} I hope you and your family are having a wonderful summer! It’s been so hot – make sure you know how to find relief from hot weather during Code Red Alerts. The PA House again was in session this Monday when we passed a portion of the state budget – a General Appropriations bill to fund core operations of government. Read more
Small Business Funding and Support Opportunities in Philadelphia Below is an overview of several programs offered by the Department of Commerce to support small businesses in Philadelphia. The Mayor’s Business Action Team within the Department of Commerce offers personalized guidance for any business in Philadelphia who wants to be connected to resources and programs. The Mayor’s Business Action Team can be contacted by emailing business@phila.gov or calling (215) 683-2100. The Mayor’s Business Action Team also provides personalized assistance in multiple languages to entrepreneurs for all aspects of doing business in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund is a recent $5 million investment designed to accelerate the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs across the city. Support includes funding and strategic guidance. Grants of up to $50,000 per business are awarded based on demonstrated need, growth potential, and economic impact. Eligibility: Businesses that generated no more than $2 million in revenue in 2024 Business must be located in Philadelphia and registered and licensed with the City of Philadelphia Business must be up to date on City taxes or have an approved tax payment agreement with the City Business must be able to accelerate business goals with targeted funding and support Must show strong growth potential Read more
96 @media only screen and (min-width:660px){.u-row{width:640px!important}.u-row .u-col{vertical-align:top}.u-row .u-col-50{width:320px!important}.u-row .u-col-100{width:640px!important}}@media (max-width:660px){.u-row-container{max-width:100%!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important}.u-row .u-col{min-width:320px!important;max-width:100%!important;display:block!important}.u-row{width:100%!important}.u-col{width:100%!important}.u-col>div{margin:0 auto}}body{margin:0;padding:0}table,td,tr{vertical-align:top;border-collapse:collapse}p{margin:0}.ie-container table,.mso-container table{table-layout:fixed}*{line-height:inherit}a[x-apple-data-detectors=true]{color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important}table,td{color:#000}#u_body a{color:#00e;text-decoration:underline} Dear Megan, I hope you enjoyed your holiday; unfortunately, it wasn’t a good one for America. The Big Bad Bill was signed into law. As aptly stated by Jordan Harris, the PA House Majority chair of the Appropriations Committee: “This bill is a direct attack on the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians. It strips health care from working families, risks food Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Who May Apply: Local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource or public land agencies, school districts, tribal governments or nonprofits with a separate eligible applicant. Use: To construct pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to school, incorporate community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management, provide environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity, create trail projects that serve a transportation purpose, and provide for vulnerable road user safety assessment program projects. Funds: $80 million in funding is available through the Federal Highway Administration’s Surface Block Grant Program. Awards will be at least $50,000 and at maximum $1.5 million. This is a reimbursement program and no funds are provided upfront. Application Deadline: Webinar will be held July 9, 2025. Application period opens July 14, 2025. Draft applications due September 5, 2025. Final applications due October 31, 2025 More information: PennDOT 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 Read more
96 @media only screen and (min-width:660px){.u-row{width:640px!important}.u-row .u-col{vertical-align:top}.u-row .u-col-50{width:320px!important}.u-row .u-col-100{width:640px!important}}@media (max-width:660px){.u-row-container{max-width:100%!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important}.u-row .u-col{min-width:320px!important;max-width:100%!important;display:block!important}.u-row{width:100%!important}.u-col{width:100%!important}.u-col>div{margin:0 auto}}body{margin:0;padding:0}table,td,tr{vertical-align:top;border-collapse:collapse}p{margin:0}.ie-container table,.mso-container table{table-layout:fixed}*{line-height:inherit}a[x-apple-data-detectors=true]{color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important}table,td{color:#000}#u_body a{color:#00e;text-decoration:underline} Dear Megan, My heartfelt condolences to all those effected by the incident in Nicetown. Love and support go out to all the first responders working tirelessly to keep everyone safe. I'll continue to fight and pray for everyone involved! If you were affected by this tragedy, please feel free to contact my office for help. Read more
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
“I most passionately urge my colleagues in the Senate to not ignore the needs of women in our commonwealth and pass this bill now,” Parker said. “I will not stop talking about this issue while countless young girls entering womanhood continue to experience embarrassment or consider themselves as less than due to public policy that stigmatizes and endangers a natural biological process.” Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker delivered the opening prayer for House session asking for peace and serenity to face the challenges of the upcoming days. Parker reminds colleagues to lead in service for peace and deliver for the people they represent. Read more
96 @media only screen and (min-width:660px){.u-row{width:640px!important}.u-row .u-col{vertical-align:top}.u-row .u-col-50{width:320px!important}.u-row .u-col-100{width:640px!important}}@media (max-width:660px){.u-row-container{max-width:100%!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important}.u-row .u-col{min-width:320px!important;max-width:100%!important;display:block!important}.u-row{width:100%!important}.u-col{width:100%!important}.u-col>div{margin:0 auto}}body{margin:0;padding:0}table,td,tr{vertical-align:top;border-collapse:collapse}p{margin:0}.ie-container table,.mso-container table{table-layout:fixed}*{line-height:inherit}a[x-apple-data-detectors=true]{color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important}table,td{color:#000}#u_body a{color:#00e;text-decoration:underline} Mark your calendars for events later this month! I voted YES to give over 1 million Read more
Don't miss your chance to apply for grant opportunities throughout PA Read more
State Rep. Darisha Parker released the following statement after a fire spread throughout dozens of decommissioned buses caught fire at SEPTA’s Midvale Depot near Roberts Yard. “Many of my neighbors woke up this morning to black smoke and helicopters circling our neighborhood due to the 3-alarm fire at SEPTA’s Midvale Depot in my district,” Parker said. “Midvale Depot is SEPTA’s largest facility, used for maintenance and storage of decommissioned buses, making this a huge loss for SEPTA. “I want to highlight and thank the quick response of our brave first responders who showed up to battle the fire. Because of their dedication and quick response, no injuries have been reported, and all SEPTA services remain unimpacted. “My office is available if anyone has questions or would like updates on the blaze as firefighters continue to work tirelessly to put out the flames.” Read more
Get the facts on your Medicaid questions and listen to what your friends and neighbors are talking about! Read more
After-school Programs, Childcare Assistance, Schools, Employment, Summer Camps & more resources Read more
96 @media only screen and (min-width:660px){.u-row{width:640px!important}.u-row .u-col{vertical-align:top}.u-row .u-col-50{width:320px!important}.u-row .u-col-100{width:640px!important}}@media (max-width:660px){.u-row-container{max-width:100%!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important}.u-row .u-col{min-width:320px!important;max-width:100%!important;display:block!important}.u-row{width:100%!important}.u-col{width:100%!important}.u-col>div{margin:0 auto}}body{margin:0;padding:0}table,td,tr{vertical-align:top;border-collapse:collapse}p{margin:0}.ie-container table,.mso-container table{table-layout:fixed}*{line-height:inherit}a[x-apple-data-detectors=true]{color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important}table,td{color:#000}#u_body a{color:#00e;text-decoration:underline} Thank you, First Lady Shapiro It was such an honor to visit Kensington Health Sciences Academy with Office of the First Lady of Pennsylvania Lori Shapiro & the student advocates for Menstrual equity doing the groundwork for the cause! What a great way to celebrate #MenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth ! Thank you all for your support on this journey but we're not done Read more
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