LANCASTER, July 8 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, will lead a third “Bus It to Market” trip on Tuesday, July 14, from East Petersburg Borough to Central Market in Lancaster to raise awareness of the Red Rose Transit Authority’s affordable bus system. “I’m delighted to host the third ‘Bus It to Market’ trip to show residents that RRTA buses are a fast, reliable and inexpensive way to travel to Lancaster and other places in the region,” Rivera said. “Public transit is a fast, convenient and affordable way to connect to health care facilities, shopping centers, community hubs and attractive regional destinations like central Lancaster City.” Rivera also stressed that public transit is kind to the environment. “Lancaster city has unhealthy levels of air pollution,” Rivera said. “ The American Lung Association’s 2025 ‘State of the Air’ report listed the Lancaster metro area as rejoining the worst 25 cities in the U.S., at 22nd most polluted in the nation. Lancaster city’s year-round pollution — it’s ranked 45th in the nation — has a negative impact on people’s health, especially affecting those with respiratory problems and seniors. “Regularly taking the bus can help reduce air pollution in our area. Congested roadways, limited street parking, the high cost of parking – who needs any of it when an RRTA bus can get Read more

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program Who May Apply: Family farm corporations, family farm partnerships, farm enterprises, nonprofit education institutions Use: Reduce operating expenses through practices that are ecologically beneficial, improve soil quality and fertility, improve water quality, and reduce or eliminate the need for the purchase of off-farm inputs, such as chemical or synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. Funds: Grants may not exceed $25,000 except as provided in this subsection. An additional amount of up to $25,000 may be granted if the grantee matches that additional amount dollar for dollar so that an individual grant may not exceed $50,000 in one calendar year. Application Deadline: August 28, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Transportation: Career and Technical Education Grant Who May Apply: Public, private, and cyber schools, career and technical centers, youth development centers, and institutions of higher learning Use: To develop and implement new technical training curriculum or to expand existing technical training curriculum and/or delivery, relevant to the heavy highway industry Funds: The total amount of direct grant reimbursement funding available under this program is $12 million. PennDOT intends to award a single individual grant up to $500,000 per eligible applicant. Read more

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Emergency Management Agency: Nonprofit Security Grant Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: Provides funding for physical and cybersecurity enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high-risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack. Funds: This program is funded through FEMA using federal dollars. The maximum award request is $200,000. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PEMA Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026 First Chance Trust Fund Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any school district identified as having statistically higher high school dropout and incarceration rates based on data from the PA Department of Education and the PA Department of Corrections. Please refer to Appendix A for a full listing of eligible school districts. Use: Direct financial support to eligible students via scholarship, administrative support directly related to the administration of student scholarships and connecting at-risk youth with community-based organizations, or community-based organization (CBO) direct programming support. Funds: A total of $3.3 million in state funding is being made available to support this initiative. PCCD anticipates awarding up to $150,000 per grantee for an initial two-year project period. Application Deadline: August 11, 2026 More Read more

HARRISBURG, June 29 — State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced H.R. 345 , designating July 2026 as “Culinary Arts Month” in Pennsylvania, a statewide initiative highlighting culinary education, professional training, and the Commonwealth’s food and hospitality industries. Adopted by the House of Representatives on June 10, the resolution recognizes the contributions of career and technical education programs and postsecondary institutions that prepare students for employment in food service, hospitality, and culinary innovation. It also highlights Pennsylvania’s restaurants, wineries, and food producers, which contribute to local economies and attract visitors from across the region. The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association has expressed support for the measure, citing the importance of strengthening Pennsylvania’s hospitality talent pipeline. “Pennsylvania’s culinary and hospitality industries play a vital role in our economy, our communities and the experiences that define our Commonwealth,” said Joe Massaro, president & CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Culinary Arts Month is an opportunity to celebrate the talented chefs, culinarians, educators, and hospitality professionals who create memorable dining experiences every day while inspiring the next generation of industry leaders. Through programs like Pennsylvania ProStart , students Read more

HARRISBURG, June 22 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation (H.B. 2632) introduced by state Rep. Nikki Rivera that would increase accountability and transparency in the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit programs. Read more