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Happy Memorial Day; My Shred Event is Next Saturday!

(May 22, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Dear Neighbor, Happy Memorial Day In between the cookouts and fireworks, please take the time to remember our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for us—so we can enjoy the freedom we have today. Please note my office will close in observance of Memorial Day at noon on Friday, May 23 and will reopen on Tuesday morning, May 27 . Read more

 

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

(May 22, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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

 

Smith-Wade-El to hold free shred and e-cycling event May 31

(May 19, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, May 19 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will host a free shred and e-cycling event with Goodwill Keystone from 9 a.m. to noon May 31. The event will take place at the New Life Christian Fellowship Parking Lot, 1501 Millersville Pike. “My free shred and e-cycling event is a great opportunity for residents to declutter their homes and safely dispose of personal information in an environmentally friendly way,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I cannot stress enough that this shredding event is one of best ways to ensure that your confidential and sensitive documents are properly disposed of and your information is not used without your knowledge. And you will feel good knowing that the clothes that you no longer wear and the housewares you no longer use will go to someone who needs them. I encourage everyone in the 49th District to take advantage of this free event to protect their privacy and support the community.” Residents can dispose of the sensitive documents, including: Financial statements. Canceled checks. Income tax information. Insurance and medical records. Retirement and pension records. Electronics: Accepting unwanted electronics except for large appliances, hazardous household waste and any mercury and freon-containing devices. Clothing: Accepting gently used clothing. Housewares: Accepting housewares in good condition. Households only, no businesses. Residents may bring up Read more

 

Grant Memo: May 7

(May 15, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus May 7, 2025 | 3:14 PM 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 Read more

 

Register for My Back to School Event!

(May 09, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Dear Neighbor, My Eviction Sealing Bill Heads to the House Floor This week, my legislation that would seal eviction records for the millions of Pennsylvanians whose records prevent them from being able to secure adequate housing was reported out of committee with overwhelming bipartisan support, 23-3. The bill would protect communities and ensure fair housing access by instituting a statewide policy that would establish procedures to limit access to eviction records in certain cases, such as no-fault evictions. In cases where the tenant has been determined to be at fault by a judge, the records would remain accessible to the public for seven years, bringing them into line with policies related to bankruptcies and foreclosures. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to seal eviction records for millions of Pennsylvanians who struggle to find housing reported out of committee

(May 05, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, May 5 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El’s legislation that would seal eviction records for the millions of Pennsylvanians whose records prevent them from being able to secure adequate housing was reported out of committee today with overwhelming bipartisan support, 23-3. “Pennsylvania’s families deserve access to safe and affordable housing where they can raise their children and our workers deserve the opportunity to secure career-advancing jobs,” Smith-Wade-El said. “But millions of Pennsylvanians, who have eviction records, can’t find housing because of a past eviction, creating instability in family life and disrupting workforce development for entire communities.” Smith-Wade-El introduced H.B. 1095 to protect communities and ensure fair housing access by instituting a statewide policy that would establish procedures to limit access to eviction records in certain cases, such as no-fault evictions. In cases where the tenant has been determined to be at fault by a judge, the records would remain accessible to the public for seven years, bringing them into line with policies related to bankruptcies and foreclosures. According to Smith-Wade-El, most landlords and property managers now use automated tenant screening measures that deny the application of anyone with a single eviction record. That’s even the case if the motion to evict was withdrawn, the court found in favor of the tenant, or the tenant Read more

 

REAL ID Goes into Effect Wednesday--Are You Ready?

(May 02, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

REAL ID Goes into Effect Wednesday--Are You Ready? Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El holds news conference to encourage state investment in small businesses

(May 01, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, May 1 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El held a news conference Wednesday to draw attention to the critical importance of state investments in small businesses as drivers of local economies. The news conference at ASSETS in Lancaster specifically highlighted the role that the PA Department of Community & Economic Development’s Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program has played in helping minority-owned businesses succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. Historically disadvantaged small businesses are defined under this program as minority businesses generating annual revenues of $1 million or less and employing fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees. According to DCED, disadvantaged businesses on average have less access to capital, are three times more likely to be denied loans, are more likely to pay a higher interest rate and are more likely to receive lower loan amounts than non-minority owned firms. To rectify this historical economic inequity, Gov. Josh Shapiro secured $20 million in state funds for historically disadvantaged small businesses for the first time in the 2023-24 state budget. The new state-funded Historically Disadvantaged Business program opened in 2024, disbursing microgrants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to qualifying minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses. “As we prepare to pass another budget — a moral statement of Read more

 

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

(Apr 23, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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

 

Pa. legislative Democrats propose bills to counter Trump on immigration

(Mar 27, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Article about the PA Welcoming Caucus' press conference rolling out a legislative package to protect PA's immigrant communities. Read more

 

State lawmakers release plans to protect PA immigrant communities

(Mar 26, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, March 26 – Today, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Welcoming Caucus united at the Capitol to announce legislative initiatives to support families, fortify communities, protect workers and uphold the integrity of the legal system. The Welcoming Caucus is a bicameral group of legislators dedicated to ensuring Pennsylvania remains a welcoming place of opportunity and connection. Members recognize the enormous contributions of immigrant communities and advocate for policies that promote social and economic justice and protect civil rights and freedoms. As the Trump administration ramps up attacks on immigrant communities across the country, members of the Welcoming Caucus have introduced a suite of bills that seek to uphold and protect the rights of all Pennsylvanians. The press conference to highlight the legislation was hosted by Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila, who chairs the Welcoming Caucus in the House, and Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Phila, who chairs the Welcoming Caucus in the Senate. “My support for immigrant rights is based on my belief in the value of all working people. Organized labor was born in immigrant communities from the coal mines in Pennsylvania, sweatshops in New York and the grape harvests in California,” Hohenstein said. “I consider my work for immigrants to be the same as my work on behalf of the people of my neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Everyone wants safer Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, legislators hold news conference to highlight reintroduction of legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

(Mar 20, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, March 20 – In the face of the Trump administration’s vilification of immigrants and unlawful deportations of immigrants , state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., and Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, held a news conference on Wednesday to highlight the reintroduction of their legislation to create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Pennsylvania welcomed William Penn from religious persecution in the 17 th century, Blacks fleeing slavery in the 19 th century, and today Afghans, Bhutanese, Ukrainians and others that are fleeing persecution, ethnic cleansing and war,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Instead of keeping to its values, Pennsylvania is scapegoating immigrant communities with punitive policies that are driving them out of the state. “Economically, we can’t afford to lose them as they make up over 8% of our state’s workforce and pay $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes. As our population ages and many residents leave our state for other opportunities, we need skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers and community leaders to make sure that Pennsylvania continues to grow and thrive economically, culturally and socially and retains its electoral power at the federal level. But even more than that, we can’t afford to betray the values on which our commonwealth was founded. Read more

 

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

(Mar 18, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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

 

Smith-Wade-El introduces bill protecting net neutrality in Pa.

(Mar 12, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, March 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, along with state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia, today introduced a bill to protect net neutrality in Pennsylvania. Net neutrality is the rule that all internet service providers (ISP) cannot block, slow down, or speed up content delivery based on the content, user or device. With only a handful of companies providing these services, the rule is necessary to ensure fair practices. According to Smith-Wade-El, federal protections protecting net neutrality were removed on January 2, 2025, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a decision striking down the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality rule that required all Internet service providers (ISPs) to treat all consumers equally. This decision is expected to change the way Internet and streaming services work, resulting in increased costs for consumers. “The Internet is not a luxury but a daily necessity,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The tech oligarchy is trying to drive up our internet costs, making a “fair and fast” internet available only to the rich. My legislation would fight back against their monopoly, making it illegal for ISPs to block lawful Internet content, impede Internet traffic or otherwise engage in any activity that would negatively affect the Internet experience of Pennsylvania subscribers. A new chapter would be added to Title 66 (Public Utilities) Read more

 

Sign Up to Attend my Second Chance Pardon Clinic!

(Mar 07, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Dear Neigbhor, My Second Chance Pardon Clinic I will be holding my second pardon clinic next Thursday, March 13 . Please call to register 717-283-4218 Visit the Clerk of Courts in the county in which the conviction occurred to get the following documents (if applicable) *Fees may apply, when obtaining the following documents* Criminal Complaint Affidavit of Probable Cause Indictment Final Plea or Disposition Sentencing Order Proof of Payment of Fines, Court Costs, and Restitution Read more

 

Grants for Our Area and Black History Matters!

(Feb 28, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Grants for Our Area and Black History Matters! Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El secures $500K state grant for streetscape and pedestrian improvements in Lancaster

(Feb 24, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Feb. 24 – Lancaster will receive $500,000 for streetscape and pedestrian improvements through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. Read more

 

Grants, Feb. 12

(Feb 13, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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

 

Smith-Wade-El lauds Shapiro’s call to seal eviction records for millions of Pennsylvanians who struggle to find housing

(Feb 04, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El issued a statement today regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s call on state lawmakers – made during his 2024-25 budget address – to pass legislation that would seal eviction records for the millions of Pennsylvanians whose records prevent them from being able to secure adequate housing. Read more

 

Happy Memorial Day; My Shred Event is Next Saturday!
May 22, 2025

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

Smith-Wade-El to hold free shred and e-cycling event May 31
May 19, 2025

Grant Memo: May 7
May 15, 2025

Register for My Back to School Event!
May 09, 2025

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to seal eviction records for millions of Pennsylvanians who struggle to find housing reported out of committee
May 05, 2025

REAL ID Goes into Effect Wednesday--Are You Ready?
May 02, 2025

Smith-Wade-El holds news conference to encourage state investment in small businesses
May 01, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 23, 2025

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

Pa. legislative Democrats propose bills to counter Trump on immigration
Mar 27, 2025

State lawmakers release plans to protect PA immigrant communities
Mar 26, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, legislators hold news conference to highlight reintroduction of legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians
Mar 20, 2025

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 18, 2025

Smith-Wade-El introduces bill protecting net neutrality in Pa.
Mar 12, 2025

Sign Up to Attend my Second Chance Pardon Clinic!
Mar 07, 2025

Grants for Our Area and Black History Matters!
Feb 28, 2025

Smith-Wade-El secures $500K state grant for streetscape and pedestrian improvements in Lancaster
Feb 24, 2025

Grants, Feb. 12
Feb 13, 2025

Smith-Wade-El lauds Shapiro’s call to seal eviction records for millions of Pennsylvanians who struggle to find housing
Feb 04, 2025