LANCASTER, Feb. 13 – A longtime advocate for housing rights of Pennsylvanians, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, issued the following statement about the release of Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive Housing Action Plan to address the commonwealth’s housing crisis. "Housing is a human right and a matter of justice, and the Shapiro administration’s housing action plan will help working Pennsylvanians achieve the American dream — a home of their own — by building more housing and cutting red tape to make housing more affordable. “The Housing Action Plan strongly supports renters’ rights, and I am grateful that it includes my legislative plan to seal eviction records for people who were not actually evicted. This step will ensure fair housing access for many and protect whole communities in Pennsylvania. “I am also glad that the Housing Action Plan addresses the legacies of racism in homeownership in Pennsylvania that is the primary driver for the racial wealth divide. While White homeownership was 72% in 2023 nationally, the homeownership rate for people of color was 45% . As homeownership is the biggest key to wealth accumulation , the Housing Action Plan to close the equity gap for minority homeownership by 25% will in turn also reduce the racial wealth divide in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvania’s families deserve access to safe and affordable housing, and this Housing Action Plan Read more

READING, Feb. 12 — State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, announced today that he will host his annual Black History Month Celebration at the WCR Center for the Arts from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18. This free event will honor the enduring legacy and significant contributions of the Black community while providing an opportunity for engagement, and community pride. “This annual event is growing in the heart of our community, and I could not be prouder,” said Guzman. “The event honors remarkable individuals across the district and provides a meaningful space for connection, reflection and empowerment,” he added. Guzman said that this year, he will honor 32 community leaders, including religious figures, government officials, educators, and business owners. “This celebration will be a vibrant event showcasing culture, history and pride, reminding us all of the power of dedication, resilience and shared progress.” A key component of the festivities is that Guzman’s staff will be available to provide information about state programs and services that support families across Reading and Berks County. For more information, residents may contact Guzman’s office at 610-376-1529. Read more

LANCASTER, Feb. 11 – A strong advocate for civic education, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, said he believes teaching civics equips youth to become informed and engaged members of a democratic society. He will host two student civic town halls in Lancaster this February. The first town hall will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20 in the cafeteria of Washington Elementary School, 545 S. Ann St. Smith-Wade-El will be joined by Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo and School District of Lancaster Board Vice President Katrina Holmes. The second town hall will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26 at Smith-Wade-El Elementary School, 910 Hamilton Park Drive. Smith-Wade-El will be joined by School District of Lancaster Board President Jennifer Eaton. These events will give students the chance to learn about state government, share their ideas for improving their communities, and participate in a Q&A session with Smith-Wade-El. “A truly democratic society relies on an informed and engaged citizenry, and civic education must begin early,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As we approach the United States’ 250th birthday and reflect on Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in its founding, now is the perfect time to teach our students about their rights and responsibilities as American citizens.” The town halls follow Smith-Wade-El's recent participation in Hamilton Elementary School's Celebration Assembly on Wednesday, Read more

LANCASTER, Feb. 10 –State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced that their districts will receive over $1.2 million in state funding to make critical bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements in the City of Lancaster and in Manheim Township. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Automated Red-Light Enforcement (ARLE) program. Established in 2010, ARLE funds improvements at signalized intersections and is primarily supported by fines from red-light violations at 38 intersections currently operational in the commonwealth. The program is designed to reduce congestion, enhance mobility, and improve safety at high-traffic intersections. In Smith-Wade-El’s district, the City of Lancaster will receive $974,544 to improve bicycle safety by installing a bi-directional/two-way separated bike lane on the south and east side on the roadway from South Queen Street to East King Street. “I am very excited to see the City of Lancaster receive this significant investment in bicycle safety,” said Smith-Wade-El. “As someone who learned ride a bike at the old age of 29, I love the freedom and the whole new way of seeing the city that I experience when I’m riding a bike. This investment in our city will make Lancaster a healthier place to live thanks to more people engaging in this heart-healthy activity instead of driving a car, which increases air pollution and traffic Read more