Featured News

Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to I-95 Collapse Emergency

House Transportation Committee weighs new legislation in voting hearing

(14 hours ago)

The House Transportation Committee, led by Majority Chair Ed Neilson, held a meeting today to vote on two pieces of legislation that he said are vital to Pennsylvania’s transportation sector. House Resolution 322, introduced by state Rep. Kyle Mullins, would encourage Congress to allow people aged 18-20 with a Commercial Driver’s License to participate in interstate commerce activities. “We are facing an increasing shortage of qualified truck drivers not only in Pennsylvania but across the county.” Neilson said. “In 2022, our state’s truckers moved 897 million tons of freight, valued at $1.1 trillion which speaks volumes about their value to our state’s economy.” Neilson said Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the country in freight moved. As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration launched the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program to expand the pool of qualified CDL drivers. The committee also voted on H.B. 816, authored by state Rep. Jose Giral. It would require that tow truck operators in Philadelphia provide photographic evidence of violations to vehicle owners who wish to appeal the towing and storage fees to the Parking Hearing Examiner. “Philadelphia citizens already have a soured opinion about their ability to park anywhere in the city without the fear of financial burden caused by a towed vehicle,” Neilson said. “I hope this legislation will Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 14, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Public School Facility Improvement Grant Who May Apply: School entities, defined as a school district or an area career and technical school. Use: Facility improvement projects, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, plumbing systems, window repair/replacement, health and safety upgrades, and accessibility projects. Funds: $100 million in total funding is available. Grant requests shall not exceed $5 million per eligible improvement project. School entities may submit more than one application, but no school entity shall receive more than 20% of the total funding available. Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 More information: CFA Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: STOP Violence Against Women Grant Program Who May Apply: County governments and non-profit victim service agencies are eligible to apply. Faith-based organizations may be eligible to apply under certain circumstances. Use: Funds may be used to support cross-system, collaborative efforts to respond to victims of violence against women crimes. This includes, but is not limited to, personnel and benefit costs associated with specialized units in law enforcement or core direct victim services, supplies and operating expenses related to the STOP project, equipment necessary for implementation, and training or professional development. Funds: A total of $12 Read more

 

Neilson Touts Transportation Investments at Budget Hearings

(Mar 06, 2024)

Pa. state Rep. Ed Neilson, Majority Chair of the House Transportation Committee, discusses the critical investments being proposed in this year's state budget to enhance public transportation and repair aging roads and bridges across the commonwealth. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 05, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other eligible specialty crops stakeholders. Use: The purpose of the Program is to enhance, but not replace, the Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program by establishing a Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for specialty crops that are not currently eligible for grant payments under the Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, or that are otherwise designated high-priority specialty crops by the Secretary. Funding for the Program will assist the growth, certification of seed and marketing of these eligible specialty crops. Funds: $460,000 in funding is available. Application Deadline: April 19, 2024 More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement Read more

 

Neilson asks PennDOT about EV charging station contracts during final week of budget hearings

(Mar 05, 2024)

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, asked the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation yesterday about the department’s compliance with federal regulations regarding the maintenance of electric vehicle charging stations across Pennsylvania, during the final week of budget hearings. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program was created by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Under NEVI, Pennsylvania will receive $171.5 million in federal funding over five years to help make EV charging more accessible to all Americans for local and long-distance trips. As of this writing, PennDOT has announced $34.1 million for the first round of NEVI funding. The application period for the next round closed on January 26, 2024. NEVI requires that maintenance on electric vehicle charging stations only be performed by qualified electricians who have passed the requirements to work, and that they follow prevailing wage laws and Davis-Bacon laws. Neilson questioned Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Mike Caroll about how PennDOT verifies that the projects are awarded within compliance of NEVI to ensure worker and consumer safety, as well as proper spending of taxpayer money. “There are state-approved apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania that meet the minimum requirements to install EV charging stations and incorporate the training program designed by Read more

 

Traffic Alert: March 4 to March 8

(Mar 04, 2024)

Due to rain in the forecast, this week’s planned closure of southbound I-95 in Center City Philadelphia has been cancelled. If weather permits, there will be a single lane closure on I-95 South scheduled at night this week beginning on Tuesday, March 5. The ramp from I-676 East to I-95 South will also close at night this week beginning on Tuesday, March 5. Construction will continue at night this week on southbound Interstate 95 under the $329 million CAP project to replace and expand the covered area over the interstate. Weather permitting, motorists are advised of the following travel restrictions: Tuesday, March 5, through Thursday, March 7, from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning, a lane closure is scheduled on southbound I-95 between Market Street and South Street . Tuesday, March 5, through Thursday, March 7, from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning, the ramp from I-676 East to I-95 South (Chester/Philadelphia Int’l Airport) will be closed. Motorists will be directed to exit at the Ben Franklin Bridge and use 6th Street, Race Street and southbound Columbus Boulevard to access the on-ramp to I-95 South at Morris Street. Trucks will be directed to continue south on Columbus Boulevard and use Oregon Avenue and Front Street to access the on-ramp to I-95 South. The Market Street ramp to I-95 South , which closed on Monday, February 19, is scheduled to reopen to traffic on Friday, March 8. During the closure, drivers are being directed Read more

 

Traffic Alert: February 24, to February 26

(Feb 21, 2024)

PennDOT announced today that southbound Interstate 95 will be closed and detoured from Saturday evening, February 24, to Monday morning, February 26, between I-676/Callowhill Street (Exit 22) and the Morris Street on-ramp in Philadelphia. This closure comes as PennDOT continues demolition under its $329 million CAP project to replace and expand the covered area over I-95 in Penn's Landing. Weather permitting, motorists are advised of the following travel restrictions: From 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday, February 24, a single lane closure will be in place on I-95 South between I-676 and Walnut StreetOpens In A New Window . From 5:00 PM Saturday, February 24, to 5:00 AM Monday, February 26, I-95 South will be closed between I-676/Callowhill Street (Exit 22) and the Morris Street on-rampOpens In A New Window . Motorists will be directed to follow the posted alternate routes that include using the Girard Avenue Interchange (Exit 23) or the Callowhill Street Interchange (Exit 22) to access southbound Columbus Boulevard and the on-ramp to I-95 South at Morris Street. Truck traffic will be directed to continue south on Columbus Boulevard and use Oregon Avenue and Front Street to access the on-ramp to I-95 South. From 5:00 PM Saturday, February 24, to 5:00 AM Monday, February 26, a left lane closure will be in place on I-95 North between Walnut Street and Chestnut StreetOpens In A New Window . When I-95 South closes at 5:00 PM on Saturday, February 24, the following Read more

 

Neilson applauds historic federal investment to upgrade SEPTA’s aging trains on Market-Frankford Line

(Feb 21, 2024)

State Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee, said he is excited that SEPTA will be receiving $317 million in federal funding to replace its aging Market-Frankford Line fleet. SEPTA was awarded $317 million for the project and is evaluating bids from different rail car manufacturers to build new cars for the Market-Frankford Line. The award is the largest competitive federal grant SEPTA has won for a project. “The Market-Frankford Line is a vital route that makes almost 15 million trips per year,” Neilson said. “The trains haven’t been upgraded in 25 years which leads to delays for passengers who rely on this route and even cancellations.” The Market-Frankford Line needs approximately 96 cars to maintain levels of ridership, according to SEPTA. They said they are currently operating with 85. “This investment is a big deal and is long overdue,” Neilson said. Neilson said that as one of the largest cities in the United States, elected officials on all levels of government need to work together with local agencies to ensure that Philadelphians can travel safely and on time throughout the city using SEPTA. Read more

 

Grant Programs Open for Application: Conservation, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 08, 2024)

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications, as of Feb. 8, 2024. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: CDFI Network Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Small businesses that are at least 51% owned and operated by disadvantaged individuals that historically lacked access to financial services (as defined by the U.S. Treasury), generate annual revenues of less than $1 million, employ 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, and have been in operation on or before March 17, 2020. Use: Funds may be used for, but not limited to, working capital, inventory, equipment, safety and security equipment, marketing, and costs to support the ongoing operation of the business. Funds: $10.5 million in federal ARPA funds are available for grants that will range from $2,500 to $10,000. Application Deadline: Feb. 23, 2024 More information: CDFI Network Website Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, non-profit organizations, and for profit organizations Use: Planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation, or equipment purchase for ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities, ATV and/or snowmobile educational programs. Funds: Funding comes from the ATV Management Read more

 

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District

(Jan 23, 2024)

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. The 2023 funding round provided over $52 million in awards. Application Deadline: April 3, 2024 More information: DCNR Website Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA PA Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program Who May Apply: Units of local government and community anchor institutions ( as defined in Act 96 of 2021 ). Use: Funding is to be used for community projects that construct, acquire, or improve facilities (shared office space, recreation centers, schools, libraries, etc.) Read more

 

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  

(Jan 12, 2024)

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ): What You Need to Know: There are major changes to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) form. The new FAFSA form is now available. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The 2024–25 FAFSA form will expand eligibility for federal student aid. What You Can Do Now : Watch the “2024–25 FAFSA FAQs” playlist to better for a look at what has changed on the new form. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an estimate of what your aid could be once the FAFSA is completed. If you did not submit a 2023–24 FAFSA form, make sure to create your StudentAid.gov account —and remember your username and password so you can access and submit the 2024–25 FAFSA form when it’s available. Find out if your parent(s) or spouse will need to be contributors (contribute their info on your FAFSA form). If your parent(s) or spouse will need to contribute to your form, make sure each contributor creates their own StudentAid.gov account . Watch our “Preparing for the FAFSA Form” to better understand what information and documents you’ll need to complete the FAFSA form. 2024–25 FAFSA ® Deadlines : Read more

 

PA House Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications

(Jan 11, 2024)

Applications are now being accepted for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program . The Program – administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities – is for graduating high school seniors who reside in the Commonwealth of PA. TFEC awards two four-year scholarships to high school seniors each year. The award consists of the value of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for each of four years. Students must maintain eligibility criteria in all four years to receive the ongoing award. Please consider sharing this opportunity with those who may be eligible. Eligibility Criteria: Graduating High School Senior Legal Residency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Attendance at a PA College, university, or career school as a full-time student Academic achievement (minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA) Commitment to community and leadership qualities Extracurricular activities Financial need *Children of Legislators and their staff are NOT eligible Details on how to apply and submit required documents are available online at www.tfec.org or by clicking here . The deadline to submit all materials is April 15, 2024. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates state grants to reduce emissions from high-polluting trucks

(Jan 10, 2024)

While world leaders are demanding we all move to zero emissions, it's great to see it embraced by local leaders of the transportation sector in Philadelphia. I hope to see more local companies take advantage of this program and invest in zero-emission fleet vehicles, which will pave the way for a cleaner future for generations to come. Read more

 

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - Summer 2024 PA House Legislative Fellowship Program

(Jan 10, 2024)

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2024 semester. Applications are due on March 1, 2024 . The Fellowship Program is based in Pennsylvania’s magnificent Capitol Building in Harrisburg . Fellows are assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership offices, are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit) and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few. Qualified applicants will be: College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students; Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university, or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If you know of any college students who would benefit from the Fellowship Program, please feel free to invite them to visit the website at: www.pahousefellowship.us . Applications can be submitted via email at: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net . Read more

 

RACP, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities

(Jan 09, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: PAYS Survey Design Consultant Who May Apply: Applicants must meet the qualifications listed in the program guidelines, but any non-profit, for-profit, or academic organization is eligible. Use: The primary purpose of this project is to contract with an expert in the practice of surveying youth and adolescents to help inform necessary and appropriate revisions to the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS). Funds: Funding is provided through the State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program stream. PCCD expects to fund one grant not to exceed $200,000. Application Deadline: February 12, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Oversight of the 2025 and 2027 PAYS Administrations Who May Apply: Applicants must demonstrate their ability to conduct the tasks outlined in the program guidelines, but non-profits, for-profits, institutions of higher education, or others are eligible. Use: The primary purpose of this project is to provide direct oversight of the administration of the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) for the 2025 and 2027 survey administration periods. Funds: Funding is provided through the State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program stream. PCCD expects to fund one grant not to exceed $125,000. Application Deadline: February 12, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024/25 Justice Assistance Grant Read more

 

Grant Memo: Cultural, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities

(Jan 03, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Human Services: OCDEL Keystone STARS Continuous Quality Improvement Who May Apply: Eligible childcare providers will be notified via an eligibility letter from their Early Learning Resource Center. Providers must meet the requirements outlined here . Use: Staff qualifications and professional development, early childhood education programs, partnerships with families and communities, leadership and management, and accreditation costs. Funds: Grant amounts vary by provider. Grant funding comes from $12 million of federal Childcare Development Fund funds. Application Deadline: Feb. 15, 2024 More information: Keystone STARS Website Department of Transportation: State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) Incentive Program Who May Apply: To be eligible for STIC Incentive funding, the STIC or other equivalent task force, committee or group must be formally established with a charter, include public and private members, meet regularly, and comprehensively consider sources of innovation. Use: The State Transportation Innovation Council Incentive Program provides funding to help STICs foster a culture of innovation and make innovations standard practice in their states. Examples of allowable activities include but are not limited to: developing standards and specifications; developing training to facilitate widespread use of innovation, developing memoranda of agreement; preparing a report summarizing the lessons Read more

 

PA House Democrats Deliver: Safer, healthier, more equitable communities

(Dec 29, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 29 – As the House majority in 2023, the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus advanced measures to keep communities safer, healthier and make them better places to live for all residents. First, House Democrats championed legislation to strengthen public safety, including keeping 911 services operational, making Pennsylvania roadways safer for drivers and pedestrians, and recruiting more law enforcement professionals. 911 Centers serve residents and first responders 24/7/365 -- often during times of emergency. When funding for 911 Centers was at risk, House Democrats fought for a plan to secure funding to enable them to continue to serve the public and make improvements to the 911 system. Communities across Pennsylvania are struggling to fill police officer positions , but a plan introduced by Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, will update some outdated standards used to assess applicants that have made recruiting municipal police officers more difficult and imbalanced statewide. “Vacancies in local police departments hurt our communities and put us all at risk,” Williams said. “This measure will give our local police departments a tool to help solve their vacancies but is only a piece of the puzzle as we need to do more.” This comes after an announcement earlier this year that the Pennsylvania State Police was removing its college credit requirement on a trial basis to attract more Read more

 

Neilson applauds state budget’s allocation for Education Improvement Tax Credit

(Dec 14, 2023)

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania General Assembly increased funding to $150 million for the state’s Education Improvement Tax Credit, which provides tax breaks to businesses that contribute monetary donations to scholarships or other educational funds throughout the state. State Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee, applauded the funding to expand access to quality education for all students and families in the commonwealth. “A strong education is the foundation of setting students and their families up for success,” Neilson said. “The EITC allows children and families not only financial relief, but endless opportunities to invest in their education and futures.” “Opportunity is a promise that we should always make to our children,” he continued. “As our future leaders, we need to use every tool to set them up for a thriving and equitable society.” Read more

 

Speed cameras will stay on Roosevelt Boulevard and be expanded to other parts of the city under Pa. bill

(Dec 13, 2023)

Authorization for a trial of the camera, which began operation on Roosevelt Blvd. in 2020, was set to expire Monday, Dec. 18. The bill also makes permanent the state’s use of automated speed enforcement in highway work zones. Read more

 

House passes H.R. 279 to extend emergency disaster proclamation for I-95

(Dec 12, 2023)

Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 279 , authored by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., to further extend the emergency disaster proclamation for I-95 and allow work to rebuild the overpass that collapsed due to fire to continue. “The I-95 bridge collapse has had a major effect on Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the entire northeast United States,” Bellmon said. “We must extend the governor’s emergency declaration to ensure the bridge gets the proper reconstruction it needs so that we don’t witness another catastrophe happen to it, and so travelers can be safe driving on it.” Last June, a tanker truck carrying gasoline lost control as it attempted to exit the highway. It caught fire after the crash causing the north and southbound lanes of I-95 to require reconstruction for an undetermined amount of time. Gov. Josh Shapiro declared a disaster emergency proclamation on June 12, the day after the accident. The first extension was contained in S.R. 136, introduced by state Sen Jimmy Dillion, which extended the proclamation until Nov. 1. That was followed by another extension by offered by state Rep. Pat Gallagher, H.R. 197. The disaster declaration allows the state to continue to access emergency funding and follow streamlined rules for repair work. “I am thankful for my House and Senate colleagues for making the reconstruction of I-95 a priority this legislative session.” Said Read more

 

House Transportation Committee weighs new legislation in voting hearing
14 hours ago

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 14, 2024

Neilson Touts Transportation Investments at Budget Hearings
Mar 06, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 05, 2024

Neilson asks PennDOT about EV charging station contracts during final week of budget hearings
Mar 05, 2024

Traffic Alert: March 4 to March 8
Mar 04, 2024

Traffic Alert: February 24, to February 26
Feb 21, 2024

Neilson applauds historic federal investment to upgrade SEPTA’s aging trains on Market-Frankford Line
Feb 21, 2024

Grant Programs Open for Application: Conservation, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 08, 2024

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District
Jan 23, 2024

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  
Jan 12, 2024

PA House Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications
Jan 11, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates state grants to reduce emissions from high-polluting trucks
Jan 10, 2024

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - Summer 2024 PA House Legislative Fellowship Program
Jan 10, 2024

RACP, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities
Jan 09, 2024

Grant Memo: Cultural, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities
Jan 03, 2024

PA House Democrats Deliver: Safer, healthier, more equitable communities
Dec 29, 2023

Neilson applauds state budget’s allocation for Education Improvement Tax Credit
Dec 14, 2023

Speed cameras will stay on Roosevelt Boulevard and be expanded to other parts of the city under Pa. bill
Dec 13, 2023

House passes H.R. 279 to extend emergency disaster proclamation for I-95
Dec 12, 2023