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Fleming bipartisan bill to protect firefighters’ income passes House

(Jun 24, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

HARRISBURG, June 23 – Bipartisan legislation from state Reps. Justin Fleming and Joe Kerwin that would exempt income tax on length of service awards for volunteer firefighters passed the House today. “Every day, our volunteer firefighters give their time and put themselves in danger to safeguard our community's health, safety, and property," said Fleming, D-Dauphin. "Our bill keeps the hard-earned money these men and women deserve in their pockets." House Bill 1306 would exclude contributions to length of service award programs from the definition of income under the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax. “Firefighters answer the call 24/7 to protect our communities. There are great demands on their time, and they shouldn’t be taxed on the income that departments use as a retention incentive,” Kerwin, R-Dauphin, said. To retain volunteers during an ongoing statewide firefighter shortage, some fire companies are choosing to offer length of service award programs to volunteers who remain with the fire company for a dedicated amount of time. The representatives said they feel these award programs not only honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women who keep Pennsylvania safe, but also provide a retention incentive. They are concerned that contributions made by a fire company to a volunteer firefighter through a length-of-service award program can currently be Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 11, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

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

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 04, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: School Bus Safety Grant Program Who May Apply: Independent school bus contractors, school entities, and municipalities Use: To promote and increase school bus safety, education, and training, as well as pay for education, training, and other associated costs related to an individual earning their commercial learner's permit, commercial driver's license, or school bus endorsement for the purpose of driving a school bus in Pennsylvania. Funds: $1.2 million in funds are available through the School Bus Safety Grant Program. Grant awards will not exceed $100,000. Application Deadline: July 3, 2025 More information: PennDOT website Department of Environmental Protection: Pennsylvania Grid Resilience Grant Program Who May Apply: An electric grid operator, an electricity storage operator, an electricity generator, a transmission owner or operator, a distribution provider, a fuel supplier, and any other relevant entity, as determined by DEP in consultation with DOE. Use: To implement resilience measures throughout PA intended to mitigate the impact of electric grid disruptive events. Funds: $8 million in grant awards is available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Application Deadline: Concept Paper submission availability will close at Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(May 22, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

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

 

Legislation to protect firefighters’ income advances

(May 14, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

HARRISBURG, May 14 – The House Finance Committee today approved legislation that would exempt income tax on length of service awards for volunteer firefighters, according to state Reps. Justin Fleming and Joe Kerwin, who introduced the bill. “Our volunteer firefighters donate their time and risk their lives every day to protect our health, safety and property,” said Fleming, D-Dauphin. “More than 90% of Pennsylvania’s 2,400 fire companies are volunteer.” House Bill 1306 would exclude contributions to length of service award programs from the definition of income under the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax. “Firefighters give so much of their time and talents to keep our communities safe. They shouldn’t be taxed on the income that departments use as a retention incentive,” Kerwin, R-Dauphin, said. To retain volunteers during an ongoing statewide firefighter shortage, some fire companies are choosing to offer length of service award programs to volunteers who remain with the fire company for a dedicated amount of time. The representatives said they feel these award programs not only honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women who keep Pennsylvania safe, but also provide a retention incentive. They are concerned that contributions made by a fire company to a volunteer firefighter through a length-of-service award program can currently be considered Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(May 07, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Sports Marketing and Tourism Grant Who May Apply: A municipality, a local authority, a nonprofit organization, or a legal entity that meets all of the following criteria: • the applicant participates or plans to participate in a competitive selection process; • the site selection process is conducted by a Site Selection Organization not located in this Commonwealth; • The applicant is seeking to secure a single year or multiyear commitment from a site selection organization to conduct high quality, amateur and professional sporting or esports events at one or more locations in this Commonwealth. Use: To attract high-quality, amateur, and professional sporting and e-sports events to this Commonwealth with the goal of advancing and promoting year-round tourism, economic impact, and quality of life through sport. Application Deadline: June 6, 2025 More information: DCED Website Historical & Museum Commission: Historical and Archival Records Care Grant Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations that have been incorporated for at least two years. Use: To enhance the preservation and accessibility of valuable historical records across the Commonwealth Funds: Grants will be awarded up to $5,000. Application Deadline: August 1, 2025 More information: PHMC Website PROGRAMS OPEN Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 22, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

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

 

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 02, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

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

 

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 13, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

Learn more about the multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more

 

Winter 2025 Newsletter

(Mar 13, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

Click here to read Rep. Fleming's latest newsletter. Read more

 

Budget Hearing Updates

(Mar 07, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

Dear Neighbor, In the News this Week I was proud to stand with Gov. Shapiro this week as he signed his Executive Order to assist federal workers to fill critical vacancies in the commonwealth’s agencies. The governor also supported the Civil Service Modernization Act (CSMA), a legislative initiative I co-sponsored along with my colleagues Reps. Dave Madsen (D-Dauphin), and Nathan Davidson (D-Cumberland/Dauphin) and Sen. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin). The legislation would modernize Pennsylvania’s civil service system, which hasn’t been changed in over 80 years. This legislation would streamline outdated hiring practices, expand access to state jobs, and improve recruitment and retention while preserving the integrity of merit-based Read more

 

$400K grant for our area

(Feb 28, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

$400K grant for our area Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 28, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: PA Small Water and Sewer Program Who May Apply: Municipalities or a municipal authority Use: Projects that involve the construction, improvement, expansion, repair, or rehabilitation of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system, or flood control projects that are owned and maintained by an eligible applicant. Funds: Projects must have a total cost of not less than $30,000 and not more than $500,000. A total of $50 million was allocated in the fiscal year 2024/25 Fiscal Code. Application Deadline: April 30, 2025 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2025 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Baseline Water Quality Data Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible Read more

 

Fleming helped to secure $400,000 for Lower Paxton Township for roadway improvement projects

(Feb 25, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

HARRISBURG, Feb. 25 – A longtime advocate for transportation safety in the 105 th Legislative District, state Rep. Justin Fleming helped secure $400,000 in state funding for a transportation improvement project in Lower Paxton Township through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Fleming said the grant funding is being used to improve roads in the Union Square Industrial Park that have deteriorated over time and are being negatively impacted by heavy truck traffic. Affected roads include Briarsdale Road, Katie Court, Fenton Avenue, Dana Drive and Corey Road. “I work closely with our business community and township officials to secure the funding necessary to improve our local infrastructure,” Fleming said. “Our business owners have been dealing with the negative impact of the heavy truck traffic on these local roads and on their businesses. This state funding will help alleviate those issues. I am proud to help secure funds to improve our community for businesses and residents alike." The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. For more information about the Multimodal Transportation Fund, visit here . Read more

 

Fleming, Policy Committee highlight childcare crisis

(Feb 21, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

“Childcare has overwhelming positive benefits, including preparing children to learn in a school setting as well as shaping expectations for behavior and interactions with adults and other children,” said state Rep. Justin Fleming, who represents portions of Dauphin County. “It’s nearly impossible for parents and guardians to make a living without childcare, so it’s important for the state to explore solutions to the childcare staffing crisis.” Read more

 

Grants, Feb. 12

(Feb 12, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrian Vehicle and Snowmobile Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations Use: All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile projects include the planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction, and development of educational programs related to ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities. Funds: Funding comes from the ATV Management Restricted Account and the Snowmobile Restricted Account as authorized by Act 97 of 2016. There is no match requirement for this funding; however, applications that provide match funding will be given additional consideration. Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 More information: DCNR Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Medical & MH Pilots for CSA Victims Who May Apply: Any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: The goal of this specific solicitation is to support the development and implementation of innovative pilot projects that enhance or expand medical and mental health services for child sexual abuse victims. Funds: A total of $1.5 million in state Endowment Act Read more

 

Fleming announces over $88K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies

(Feb 11, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – A strong advocate for robust local safety infrastructures, state Rep. Fleming, D-Dauphin, today announced local fire and EMS companies have been awarded $88,218 in grants through the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. “Our lives literally depend on our fire and emergency responders, but they have been struggling to respond to emergencies with limited resources and fewer recruits,” Fleming said. “Fundraising initiatives can only do so much. This funding will allow our fire and EMS companies to continue providing life-saving services. I will continue to advocate for funding to support our fire and emergency responders to keep our communities safe.” Local fire and EMS companies that were awarded grants include: Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Fire Fire $12,233.63 Susquehanna Township Emergency Medical Services Inc. EMS $15,000.00 Citizens Fire Co. 1, of Penbrook Fire $12,879.17 Progress Fire Company Fire $16,322.02 Rescue Fire No. 1 Fire $15,461.31 Colonial Park Fire Co. No. 1 Fire $16,322.02 The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner and is available Read more

 

Fleming responds to Shapiro’s 2025 budget address

(Feb 04, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, today issued the following statement in response to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address: “I found that many of Gov. Shapiro’s proposals directly address current needs in the communities I represent. “A great education is the surest way to invigorate communities and raise people up into the middle class, but historic inequality in our funding system left richer school districts better funded at the expense of poorer ones, creating a legacy of structural inequality. Though last year’s budget made headway in rectifying this imbalance, there’s still a lot of work to be done. This budget would deliver a needed $75 million increase in basic education and a $40 million increase in special education. “We need to ensure that our schools are staffed with top-notch educators by filling the teacher pipeline with highly qualified candidates. I’m impressed by Gov. Shapiro’s plan to put more teachers in the classroom from pre-K to grade 12, by supporting student teachers and investing in professional development that will help our educators stay on the cutting edge of education. “Governor Shapiro sees how working parents have been struggling to juggle work with the rising cost of childcare and how some parents have had to drop out of the workforce altogether, negatively impacting their careers, their families’ income and even Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. Application Deadline: April 2, 2025 More information: DCNR 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 Read more

 

Fleming announces $121,000 in state grants for Black Run Park Trails

(Jan 28, 2025) Rep. Justin Fleming

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Justin Fleming has helped to secure $121,000 in state funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program for Hawthorne SPE LLC Susquehanna Union Green project. The funds will be used to install accessible walking trails at Susquehanna Union Green and to install stairs to the pedestrian bridge installed over Black Run tributary. "This funding will help Susquehanna Union Green fulfill its promise as an outdoor experience destination for our communities," Fleming said. “Offering over 19 acres of green space, Susquehanna Union Green offers area residents of all ages beautiful areas to explore and enjoy.” In 2022, Susquehanna Union Green received an award from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The award provided financial assistance for construction of the public parks and greens making up the heart of the Susquehanna Union Green master plan. This latest grant funding comes through the Act 13 of 2012, which established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program. The funds are allocated to projects involving the development, rehabilitation and improvement of public parks, recreation Read more

 

Fleming bipartisan bill to protect firefighters’ income passes House
Jun 24, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 11, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 04, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
May 22, 2025

Legislation to protect firefighters’ income advances
May 14, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
May 07, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 22, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 02, 2025

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 13, 2025

Winter 2025 Newsletter
Mar 13, 2025

Budget Hearing Updates
Mar 07, 2025

$400K grant for our area
Feb 28, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 28, 2025

Fleming helped to secure $400,000 for Lower Paxton Township for roadway improvement projects
Feb 25, 2025

Fleming, Policy Committee highlight childcare crisis
Feb 21, 2025

Grants, Feb. 12
Feb 12, 2025

Fleming announces over $88K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies
Feb 11, 2025

Fleming responds to Shapiro’s 2025 budget address
Feb 04, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 29, 2025

Fleming announces $121,000 in state grants for Black Run Park Trails
Jan 28, 2025