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Cepeda-Freytiz, Burgos introduce legislation to mark Colombian Independence Day

(Apr 20, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, April 20 – To commemorate when patriot leaders set into motion events that led to independence in Colombia 216 years ago, state Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, and Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., have introduced legislation that would recognize Colombian Independence Day in Pennsylvania. The legislation, H.R. 487 , would recognize July 20, 2026, as Colombian Independence Day. On July 20, 1810, the struggle for Colombian independence began in Santafé de Bogotá, shaping Latin American and world history. “The road to Colombia’s independence began as a movement for local self-government and continued to grow over the next decade,” said Cepeda-Freytiz, who chairs the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus. “This ultimately led to the formation of the Republic of Gran Colombia, which supported the independence of many other Latin American nations. “This resolution will honor that momentous legacy, the longstanding ties between our Commonwealth and Colombia, and the contributions Colombians have made to enrich Pennsylvania’s economy, civic life, and culture.” “Pennsylvania holds a unique place in the story of Colombian independence, acting as an early hub where revolutionary ideas were shared and strengthened,” said Burgos. “Recognizing Colombian Independence Day is not only a tribute to the courage and determination of those who fought for Read more

 

Legislation to recognize Venezuelan Independence Day introduced in state House

(Apr 20, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, April 20 – To mark the nation’s 215th anniversary, state Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, and Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., have introduced legislation that would recognize Venezuelan Independence Day in Pennsylvania. The legislation, H.R. 486 , would recognize July 5, 2026, as Venezuelan Independence Day. Venezuela became the first nation in the Americas to declare independence from Spain on July 5, 1811, which led to a wave of independence movements across Latin America. “Venezuela’s long-fought war for independence marked extraordinary courage and sacrifice that reshaped world history,” said Cepeda-Freytiz, who chairs the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus. “Venezuelan independence led other Latin American nations to seek independence, and the Venezuelan community in both their nation and Pennsylvania continues to shape the future. “I am honored to lead this effort to commemorate this historic day and uplift the contributions Venezuelans have made to our Commonwealth.” "Recognizing Venezuelan Independence Day here in Pennsylvania is a powerful way to honor the resilience, courage, and spirit of the Venezuelan people,” said Burgos. “Their fight for freedom not only shaped a nation, but inspired movements across the continent. I’m proud to recognize and celebrate the vibrant Venezuelan community right here in Pennsylvania, whose cultural and Read more

 

Burgos applauds PECO for withdrawing proposed rate hikes

(Apr 16, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

In the wake of PECO’s decision to retract proposed rate hikes, state Rep. Danilo Burgos thanked Gov. Josh Shapiro, fellow legislators, and Pennsylvanians for speaking up and out. Read more

 

Burgos announces $1M grant for youth-violence prevention services

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

State Rep. Danilo Burgos announced that two Philadelphia organizations received a total of $1 million in grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Read more

 

Transportation, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, and PA Preferred Organic Marketing Grant Program Who May Apply: Grants may be awarded to PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, or PA Preferred Organic licensees Use: Offsetting the cost of designing or redesigning product labels to include the PA Preferred logo, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes logo or PA Preferred Organic logo or Enhancing farmers’ market displays with the PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes or PA Preferred Organic logos Funds: Up to $500,000 is available in funding, with no grant to exceed $10,000 Application Deadline: Read more

 

Community and Economic Development, Transportation Safety, Fresh Food and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 31, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Business in Our Sites Who May Apply: Municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities, private developers (construction loans only) Use: The acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 More information: CFA Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Please note, the NAP is broken down into 5 programs (The Neighborhood Assistance Program, the Special Program Priorities, the Charitable Food Program, the Neighborhood Partnership Program, and the Enterprise Zone Program.) Please visit the DCED website for specifics on each program. Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: The goals of the Programs are to promote community participation and collaborations among the residents, nonprofits and businesses while producing outcomes by assisting a distressed area or the low-income population in a neighborhood. Eligible neighborhood nonprofits apply for tax credits based on pending contributions from for-profit companies. Funds: The total available NAP tax credit amount is $72 million. Application Deadline: May 29, 2026 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Read more

 

Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus Launched in Harrisburg

(Mar 25, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

Republican and Democratic lawmakers launched the Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus today in Harrisburg.Pennsylvania ranks 11th in the nation for most reported cases on the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Shared Hope International, an anti-sex trafficking advocacy group, gave the commonwealth an “F” on their 2025 reportcard.“Government is chaotic right now. Everywhere, including here, let’s be honest. But when we can focus on a singular goal to ensure that we are working towards reestablishing that dignity and humanity– It shows up like this,” said Rep. Regina Young, a Democrat for parts of Philadelphia and Delaware counties. Read more

 

Pa. lawmakers announce caucus to fight human trafficking

(Mar 25, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

State lawmakers have launched a bipartisan caucus focused on combatting human trafficking. The goal is to facilitate passing legislation to address the issue, according to a statement issued following a news conference to promote the eight-person panel. Read more

 

Pennsylvania lawmakers launch first Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus

(Mar 25, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania ranks as one of the top states for human trafficking, and a new bipartisan caucus looks to squash the crime. Lawmakers from both the House and Senate gather Tuesday in Harrisburg to launch the Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus, the first of its kind in the United States. Battling human trafficking has brought Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, together. It’s an uncomfortable topic that most in society avoid, lawmakers fear, which helps bad actors get away with an estimated $150 billion a year worldwide crime.“ From my perspective on this, trying to avoid another Epstein situation,” said Rep. Danilo Burgos (D-Philadelphia). Read more

 

Winter 2025-26 Newsletter

(Mar 05, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well. While 2025 was a challenging year in many aspects, we had some rewarding moments in our community and at the state Capitol. Read more

 

Grant Memo: School Bus Safety, Recreation Facilities, Recycling, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 04, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS PennDOT: Automated School Bus Enforcement Grant Program Who May Apply: School entities, independent school bus contractors, and municipal governments Use: To cover costs associated with the issuance of CDL licenses to operate school buses within the Commonwealth or to increase school bus safety, education, and training Funds: The total amount of funding available is $1.2 million. Grants can be awarded up to $100,000 per applicant Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate engagement in market research, product development or promotion of agricultural products grown, raised or produced in the Commonwealth Use: To provide matching funds to nonprofit organizations engaged in market research, development or promotion of agricultural products Funds: Up to $381,810.50 is available for grants under the Program Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Environmental Protection: Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grant Program Who May Apply: Municipalities Use: To develop and implement recycling programs Funds: Grants are available up to $250,000. Application Read more

 

Burgos: $949,900 in grant funding secured to strengthen pipeline for high schoolers entering long-term employment

(Mar 03, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., announced today that four career pipeline organizations in Philadelphia received more than $949,900 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Read more

 

Fighting to lower bills, improve consumer transparency, and put people ahead of profits in Pennsylvania

(Feb 27, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

In Harrisburg, I’m fighting to lower your bills, improve transparency, and put people ahead of profits. Read more

 

My LIHEAP Drive is Wednesday + Millions in grant funding secured for neighborhood slow zones in the 197th

(Feb 13, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

My LIHEAP Drive is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 3–7 p.m. at West Kensington Ministry (2140 N. Hancock St., 19122). Read more

 

Grant Memo: Transportation, Parks, Pedestrian Safety, School Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 10, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrain Vehicle/Snowmobile Grants Who May Apply: County and municipal governments, non-profits, for-profits Use: Planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance of ATV or snowmobile trails and facilities, purchase of equipment, and educational programs related to the use of ATVs or snowmobiles Funds: Grants will range between $25,000 and $1,000,000 Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 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 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and non-profit organizations. For-profit Read more

 

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 04, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS 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, 2026 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 projects are those that will use accepted scientific principles and practices for water sample collection and analysis to document existing groundwater quality conditions on private water supplies. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Flood Mitigation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are to assist with flood Read more

 

Legislation that stands up and protects our immigrant communities + Community Energy Fair canceled

(Jan 30, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

Real public safety builds trust, not fear. I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting bills that focus on making our immigrant neighbors, and all of us, safer. Read more

 

Discussing rising energy rates + $750,000 in grant funding secured for Hunting Park South

(Jan 23, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

In Pennsylvania, heating your home in the winter or keeping the lights on for your small business is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. At this meeting, we went beyond identifying existing programs and focused on developing legislative solutions. Read more

 

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 21, 2026) Rep. Danilo Burgos

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) Who May Apply: County or Municipal Government, Higher Educational Institution, Other Educational Institution, Non-profit with 501(c)3 IRS Status and Non-profit with PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations Status. Use: Park rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, land acquisition and conservation, trail projects, river conservation and development, and community and watershed forestry. Funds: The total grant awards vary based on state and federal funding sources, with the program awarding approximately $50 million for projects each year. Individual grant amounts also vary, with typical awards ranging from $50,000 - $500,000. Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: DCNR Website Liquor Control Board: Alcohol Education Grant Program Who May Apply: School districts and institutions of higher education (including technical, trade, and post-secondary establishments), community organizations, municipal police departments, municipal officials/representatives, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Use: To fund programs that discourage and reduce underage and dangerous drinking and promote a message of responsible alcohol consumption by those of legal drinking age. Funds: The grant cycle is for two years, from July 2026 through June Read more

 

As utility bills soar, PA House Energy and Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities committees discuss solutions at joint hearing

(Jan 20, 2026) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rep. Danilo Burgos

“We are here today because for far too many Pennsylvanians, the monthly utility bill has moved from a routine expense to a source of genuine anxiety,” said Burgos, majority chair of the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee. “In Pennsylvania, heating your home in the winter or keeping the lights on for your small business is not a luxury—it is a basic necessity. Today, we moved beyond identifying the problems and toward legislative solutions.” Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz, Burgos introduce legislation to mark Colombian Independence Day
Apr 20, 2026

Legislation to recognize Venezuelan Independence Day introduced in state House
Apr 20, 2026

Burgos applauds PECO for withdrawing proposed rate hikes
Apr 16, 2026

Burgos announces $1M grant for youth-violence prevention services
Apr 15, 2026

Transportation, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 15, 2026

Community and Economic Development, Transportation Safety, Fresh Food and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 31, 2026

Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus Launched in Harrisburg
Mar 25, 2026

Pa. lawmakers announce caucus to fight human trafficking
Mar 25, 2026

Pennsylvania lawmakers launch first Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus
Mar 25, 2026

Winter 2025-26 Newsletter
Mar 05, 2026

Grant Memo: School Bus Safety, Recreation Facilities, Recycling, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 04, 2026

Burgos: $949,900 in grant funding secured to strengthen pipeline for high schoolers entering long-term employment
Mar 03, 2026

Fighting to lower bills, improve consumer transparency, and put people ahead of profits in Pennsylvania
Feb 27, 2026

My LIHEAP Drive is Wednesday + Millions in grant funding secured for neighborhood slow zones in the 197th
Feb 13, 2026

Grant Memo: Transportation, Parks, Pedestrian Safety, School Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 10, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 04, 2026

Legislation that stands up and protects our immigrant communities + Community Energy Fair canceled
Jan 30, 2026

Discussing rising energy rates + $750,000 in grant funding secured for Hunting Park South
Jan 23, 2026

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 21, 2026

As utility bills soar, PA House Energy and Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities committees discuss solutions at joint hearing
Jan 20, 2026