Solar for Schools Benefits Taxpayers AND Schools

(Mar 15, 2024)

PA state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler and labor leaders toured Central Cambria School District in Cambria County and spoke to students and staff about the benefits of her Solar for Schools legislation. Students shared excitement about taking climate action and using solar panels to create new educational opportunities at their school. Read more

 

Central Cambria tour focuses on solar possibilities

(Mar 14, 2024)

Rep. Fiedler tours Central Cambria High School to discuss her Solar for Schools legislation. Read more

 

State Rep. promotes solar projects through school visit

(Mar 14, 2024)

Rep. Fiedler Tours Central Cambria High School, touting her Solar for Schools legislation Read more

 

Central Cambria School District discusses ‘going solar’ during tour with Fiedler, labor leaders

(Mar 14, 2024)

EBENSBURG, March 14 – Yesterday, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and labor leaders toured Central Cambria School District and spoke about potentially installing solar panels. Owning a solar array could save the district money on dramatically rising energy costs. Fiedler introduced state Solar for Schools legislation in May to help districts fund the construction and maintenance of solar panels. Visitors heard from district officials about their financial challenges and how solar projects have cost similar school districts hundreds of thousands of dollars. Dr. Jason Moore, superintendent of the Central Cambria School District, said owning a solar array would benefit the district financially, allowing them to eschew volatile market-price energy in favor of cheap renewables. “The work our teachers and staff do each day to support kids and families is only possible with adequate funding,” Moore said. “But in the last school year, our electric bills alone totaled over $540K, an amount that equates to roughly seven teachers’ salaries and benefits. I’d love to know our school can generate its own electricity and not have to worry about that number each month. With the help of Solar for Schools, we could!” Also on the tour were labor leaders, school board members and faith groups, including: Sarah Hammond, legislative director of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; Alexander Tomasko, Read more

 

Philly Dems say boost for SEPTA just one of highlights for city in Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Feb 08, 2024)

State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia) called Shapiro’s education budget a “truly bold proposal.” It includes more than $1 billion in new funding for K-12 public schools and another $1.5 billion over the next five years for repairs to schools. Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates education funding in state budget proposal

(Feb 07, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – Gov. Josh Shapiro today delivered his 2024-2025 state budget address to the state legislature. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., lauded proposed investments in education, including $1.1 billion in basic education funding and $300 million in school facilities updates to address asbestos, lead, and mold in school buildings. “This proposal is a big step in the right direction. As a working parent and as a lawmaker, I know how much underfunded schools can negatively impact students and school workers," said Fiedler. The announcement follows the bipartisan Basic Education Funding Commission’s recommendations to address Pennsylvania’s unconstitutional K-12 school funding system, which recommended $300 million for facilities upgrades last month. “Governor Shapiro’s proposed investment in education is a direct response to the tireless advocacy of students, parents, educators, unions, and lawmakers,” said Fiedler. “It’s a fraction of what we need to address our unconstitutional school funding crisis, but it’s a good starting point and a sound investment in the future of our city and state.” Discoveries of asbestos and other toxins have led to school closures across the Commonwealth, including seven Philadelphia schools in 2023 alone. In the same year, 100 schools statewide closed due to excessive heat. Read more

 

State lawmakers roll out legislation to facilitate safe abortion access

(Jan 22, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – Today, on the 51st anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade , state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Philadelphia, hosted a news conference at the state Capitol announcing the introduction of legislation regarding abortion rights. Rep. Khan was joined by fellow legislators and abortion-rights advocates. The legislation aims to remove unnecessary obstacles to safe abortion access by eliminating the requirement that abortion facilities meet the same regulations as ambulatory surgical centers. It would also remove the excessive mandate that abortion providers maintain admitting privileges or have transfer agreements at hospitals, which only blocks access to care. The legislators who have also prime-sponsored Khan’s bill are state Reps. La'Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny; Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery; Mary Issacson, D-Phila.; Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester; Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester; Tara Probst, D-Monroe/Pike; Heather Boyd, D-Delaware; Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery; Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware; and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia. "As a nurse, I know that restrictive abortion laws do not lower abortion rates — they just make them less safe," Khan said. "We must remove any unnecessary requirements from facilities that provide this care. Our bill increases access to safe abortion by increasing people's access to safe abortion Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates nearly $25,000 in neighborhood revitalization grants 

(Dec 22, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 22 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., today announced that $24,695 in funding from the Pennsylvania Local Share Account is coming to her district in South Philadelphia. This funding was awarded to East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District for safety updates to East Passyunk Avenue. The funds allocated to the East Passyunk Business Improvement District will be used to install cameras on the intersections of Juniper, Mifflin, Moore, Morris, Tasker, and Reed streets and East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. These upgrades will enhance the sense of safety for business and property owners, residents, and visitors, Fiedler said. “I’m proud to support the small business owners and employees who are at the heart of our economy,” Fiedler said. “At the same time that many shoppers focus on buying local this holiday season, it’s especially wonderful to bring back these state grant dollars to our district to support local businesses!” Rebecca O’Leary, the executive director of the East Passyunk Avenue BID, said, "East Passyunk’s businesses, residents and visitors deserve a safe and clean community. The EPABID is grateful to State Representative Fiedler and State Senator Saval for helping us secure grant money for the installation of public safety cameras at all major intersections along our commercial Read more

 

State lawmakers tout budget funding for school facilities

(Dec 21, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 20 – Today, House Appropriations Committee Majority Chairman Jordan Harris, D-Phila., hosted a news conference at South Philadelphia High School discussing school facilities funding in the 2023-24 state budget. The budget includes $175 million for school facility improvements. Pennsylvania has some of the oldest schools in the country. The average school building is around 70 years old and was built when lead pipes and asbestos were standard building materials. Discoveries of asbestos and other toxins have led to school closures across the Commonwealth, including seven Philadelphia schools in 2023 alone. In the same year, 100 schools statewide closed due to excessive heat. Harris stated that he believes this funding will help to address this issue that’s plagued Pennsylvania schools for a long time. “This funding is paramount to improving the health and safety of our educators, students and school staff, Harris said. “This major Democratic priority is a significant investment and critical step toward ensuring that receiving an education in Pennsylvania does not equate to sick or injured students, teachers, or staff. There is more work to do, and we intend to continue our work until every Pennsylvania school is a safe learning environment for our children.” Harris was joined by members of the Philadelphia House Delegation, including state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and members of the House Read more

 

State leaders tout $175 million to fix old school buildings during visit to South Philly HS

(Dec 21, 2023)

The issue is personal to State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D., Philadelphia): Her children attend Southwark Elementary, a Philadelphia school that had to temporarily shut this year because of asbestos issues. For a time, Southwark students were moved into South Philadelphia High and Childs Elementary in Point Breeze while remediation work happened at their building.“These sorts of school facilities problems will continue to get more and more expensive and more and more dangerous if we don’t fund the improvements that we need,” Fiedler said. Read more

 

Fiedler welcomes more than $100,000 in state grants to south Phila.

(Dec 19, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., has announced that a total of $105,685 in state funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Arts and Culture Recovery Grants Program has been awarded to multiple organizations in her legislative district in south Philadelphia. Funds distributed through the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations located in the commonwealth. The organizations in Fiedler’s district that were awarded are: 1812 Productions Inc. - $30,000. Ars Nova Workshop Inc. - $19,091. KYL Dancers Inc. - $16,027. Team Sunshine Performance - $10,000. Theatre Exile - $30,567. “South Philadelphia has a vibrant arts and cultural scene that is a source of local pride,” Fiedler said. “I’m proud to see state funding brought back to these five organizations doing amazing work in our community.” 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. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth. Unique among state agencies in structure and scope, the CFA consists of seven board members: four legislative appointees and Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates $175 million in school facilities funding

(Dec 14, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania legislature approved $175 million from the state budget in additional funding to help fix school buildings across the Commonwealth. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., who has been a long-time proponent of fixing school buildings, advocated for the funds. “Many school buildings are in huge need of repair and remediation. Getting this work done is critical to the health and safety of everyone in schools,” Fiedler said. “We have a long road ahead to make sure every school is a safe, healthy, modern learning environment. This additional funding is a step in the right direction to finally addressing this issue that has weighed on our Commonwealth for too long.” Pennsylvania has some of the oldest schools in the country. The average school building is around 70 years old and was built when lead pipes and asbestos were standard building materials. Discoveries of asbestos and other toxins have led to school closures across the Commonwealth, including seven Philadelphia schools in 2023 alone. In the same year, 100 schools statewide closed due to excessive heat. Read more

 

Fiedler, Hanbidge celebrate signing of Pelvic Exam Consent bill

(Nov 27, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 27 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila., and Liz Hanbidge , D-Montgomery, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro for the ceremonial signing of H.B. 507 , which requires medical facilities in Pennsylvania to obtain consent before performing pelvic, prostate or rectal exams on anesthetized patients. The bill was officially signed into law on Nov. 21 by Shapiro as Act 31 of 2023. "Patients in Pennsylvania will finally have the right to make decisions about exams performed on their bodies while under anesthesia. This legislation ensures informed consent for invasive pelvic and rectal exams, at last giving patients the decision-making power that we all deserve about our own bodies,” Fiedler said. “I’m grateful to my colleague, Representative Hanbidge, for her work on this bill, and I thank Governor Shapiro for signing it into law.” “Performing a pelvic, rectal or prostate exam unknowingly on an anesthetized patient isn’t only invasive, but it’s also a breach of trust. Our legislation abolishes this archaic practice, thereby strengthening the trust that Pennsylvanians have in medical professionals, protecting bodily autonomy and highlighting the importance of consent,” Hanbidge said. “Patients expecting to go under anesthesia should never have to worry about being objectified for ‘learning purposes,’ and now thanks to my co-sponsor Representative Fiedler, Read more

 

Fiedler, Hanbidge pelvic exam bill headed to governor’s desk

(Nov 15, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – The PA House today passed legislation (H.B. 507) that requires medical facilities in Pennsylvania to obtain consent before performing pelvic, prostate or rectal exams on anesthetized patients. The legislation, introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. In Pennsylvania, medical students are currently permitted to perform these invasive exams on unconscious patients for training purposes. The legislators said this unethical practice undermines patient-doctor relationships, which require a foundation of trust, respect and transparency. “This year, we’ve seen millions of women and people across the country stand up for reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy,” said Fiedler. “It’s never been more important to empower patients to make decisions about their own bodies and lives. I am elated to see this bill pass, and I look forward to Governor Shapiro signing it into law.” “When patients arrive at the hospital for surgeries or treatments that require anesthesia, they are understandably worried or anxious about the outcome of their procedure, rarely thinking that an unrelated internal and intimate exam by a medical student might be part of the process,” Hanbidge said. “House Bill 507 puts the power back in the hands of the patient, giving them the final say in the care Read more

 

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation

(Nov 13, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Nov.13 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, Elizabeth Fiedler, Rich Krajewski and Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris, all D-Phila., held a news conference today to highlight their legislation, House Bill 1769, that would seal some records in certain cases such as no-fault evictions. “We all deserve a safe, warm place to call home, but for millions of renters across the commonwealth, one mistake or emergency can lead to an eviction,” Smith-Wade-El said. “After evictions, households can struggle for months to find housing, which can break up families, risk employment, and lead to homelessness. This legislation would help give Pennsylvania’s renters a fair chance at finding housing by establishing procedures for limited access to eviction records. This legislation is a commonsense step that would make it easier for working-class Pennsylvanians to access housing.” According to the legislators, as soon as an eviction is filed, it becomes a permanent mark on someone’s background, making harder to find housing. The record remains even if the case was withdrawn, the tenant endured domestic violence, or the court found in favor of the tenant. Evictions disrupt workforce development for large swaths of communities and strain existing social support systems throughout the state. These records can put vulnerable people in difficult and dangerous situations, putting survivors of domestic violence Read more

 

Southwark School in South Philly closed due to asbestos

(Oct 31, 2023)

Video of Rep. Fiedler speaking to NBC 10 Philadelphia about Southwark School in her district closing due to asbestos. Read more

 

Fiedler issues statement on the closing of Southwark School due to concerns about asbestos

(Oct 27, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 27 – Following an announcement from the School District of Philadelphia last night that Southwark School will close for three weeks due to the discovery of dust that may contain asbestos, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., issued the following statement: “ As a Philly public school parent and a lawmaker, I am deeply concerned. Last night, I learned that Southwark Elementary will be closed for several weeks after the discovery of dust potentially containing asbestos, a dangerous carcinogen. “This morning, students and their families were given a very short amount of time to get their belongings from the school, including laptops, books and medication. Many parents were at work, which added to an already stressful situation. Parents joined forces to help get materials for students whose parents couldn’t make it in time. “Many of the students who will be home next week are the same students who faced an 18-month disruption due to COVID-19. Parents, alarmed that their children could have been exposed to environmental toxins, are now scrambling for information and scrambling to find childcare so they can go to work next week. Instead of focusing on helping kids grow and learn, teachers and principals at Southwark must now worry about their own health and the health of the children they care for. “I appreciate that the school district is addressing this issue — the Read more

 

Rep. Fiedler 2023 Fall Newsletter

(Sep 22, 2023)

Recapping Rep. Fiedler's work in the community, support of schools, services her office can provide, and much more. Read more

 

Safety, Housing, Environmental, and Redevelopment Funding Opportunities

(Sep 12, 2023)

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: COVID Mitigation for Counties Who May Apply : This funding is available to 66 Pennsylvania counties. Each county’s Criminal Justice Advisory Board will be responsible for coordinating the application for their county and local confinement facilities, as funding is limited to that purpose. Use : Per the requirements of the CDC’s award, this grant has 15 allowable activities which are designed to detect, diagnose, trace, and monitor SARS–CoV–2 and COVID–19 infections, and mitigate the spread of COVID–19 in confinement facilities. These activities include hiring personnel related to testing/mitigation efforts, purchasing laboratory equipment used for COVID-19 testing, purchasing supplies, test kits, and other tools related to rapid identification of COVID-19, contracting with testing agencies, purchasing software and technology to track COVID-19, and other related activities. Funds : A total of $9,624,626 is available to 66 counties. Application Deadline : September 19, 2023 More information : PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Medical Marijuana Act Enforcement Who May Apply : Eligibility for these funds is open to municipalities and regional police departments proposing to implement projects and programs Read more

 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

(Aug 22, 2023)

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development: Keystone Communities Program Who May Apply : Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofit organizations to include economic development organizations, housing corporations, etc., community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use : Multiple uses, including: Planning grants (address a particular need or circumstance within a community, undertake a study relevant to an identified need, or study the results of implementing a specific activity) Implementation grants (assist designated KC program communities in implementing critical components of their approved Five-Year Strategy) Façade grants (to stimulate private investment in properties, foster an attractive environment, and preserve the architectural heritage of properties and communities. The grant funds may be used for primary street-facing, exterior building improvements in a defined target area of a downtown or neighborhood such as storefront signs, exterior façade painting, design assistance, etc.) Development grants (available to fund a variety of physical improvements, see program guidelines for full list) Public improvement grants (available to assist communities in a variety of development projects to help Read more

 

Solar for Schools Benefits Taxpayers AND Schools
Mar 15, 2024

Central Cambria tour focuses on solar possibilities
Mar 14, 2024

State Rep. promotes solar projects through school visit
Mar 14, 2024

Central Cambria School District discusses ‘going solar’ during tour with Fiedler, labor leaders
Mar 14, 2024

Philly Dems say boost for SEPTA just one of highlights for city in Shapiro’s budget proposal
Feb 08, 2024

Fiedler celebrates education funding in state budget proposal
Feb 07, 2024

State lawmakers roll out legislation to facilitate safe abortion access
Jan 22, 2024

Fiedler celebrates nearly $25,000 in neighborhood revitalization grants 
Dec 22, 2023

State lawmakers tout budget funding for school facilities
Dec 21, 2023

State leaders tout $175 million to fix old school buildings during visit to South Philly HS
Dec 21, 2023

Fiedler welcomes more than $100,000 in state grants to south Phila.
Dec 19, 2023

Fiedler celebrates $175 million in school facilities funding
Dec 14, 2023

Fiedler, Hanbidge celebrate signing of Pelvic Exam Consent bill
Nov 27, 2023

Fiedler, Hanbidge pelvic exam bill headed to governor’s desk
Nov 15, 2023

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation
Nov 13, 2023

Southwark School in South Philly closed due to asbestos
Oct 31, 2023

Fiedler issues statement on the closing of Southwark School due to concerns about asbestos
Oct 27, 2023

Rep. Fiedler 2023 Fall Newsletter
Sep 22, 2023

Safety, Housing, Environmental, and Redevelopment Funding Opportunities
Sep 12, 2023

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Aug 22, 2023