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

STATE COLLEGE, March 2 – Fullington Auto Bus Company, which provides student bus transportation for Centre County schools, has secured a $42,500 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to train new school bus drivers, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin said the grant, which was awarded under the newly established School Bus Safety Grant Program, will cover initial training, trainee wages, and testing and permit fees associated with training 25 new operators to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License. “The new funding will help ensure Fullington has the resources to train more than two dozen new drivers,” Conklin said. “Having those additional trained staff will make it easier to keep buses running safely and on time, and it will give parents and caregivers the peace of mind that goes with knowing their students are as safe as possible on the road.” Conklin said the School Bus Safety Grant Program is funded through a portion of the fines assessed for violation of the state’s school bus stopping law, which is enforced through automated cameras. Of the $300 fine assessed for each violation, PennDOT receives $25 for the grant program. More information about the awards is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/news-and-media/newsroom/statewide/2026/shapiro-administration-invests-in-safer--more-reliable-school-tr . Read more

STATE COLLEGE, Feb. 17 – Fire and EMS companies in the 77 th Legislative District are slated to receive nearly $114,350 in funding from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin said the grants will allow area fire and EMS companies to upgrade equipment, replace supplies, make facility repairs, and cover other operational expenses. “As our brave first responders answer the call 24/7, their departments are constantly juggling expenses to cover personal protective gear, equipment, fuel, facility repairs, and myriad other expenses,” Conklin said. “The new funding will help departments cover more of these costs, to help our frontline heroes carry out their lifesaving work.” Conklin said the funding includes: Alpha Fire Company, State College – $16,137. Hope Fire No. 2, Philipsburg – $14,900. Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Service, Philipsburg – $15,000. Mountain Top Fire Co. (EMS), Sandy Ridge – $15,000. Mountain Top Fire Co. (fire), Sandy Ridge – $12,633. Port Matilda Emergency Medical Services, Port Matilda – $15,000. Port Matilda Volunteer Fire Company Inc., Port Matilda – $13,457. Reliance Volunteer Fire Company, Philipsburg – $12,220. The funding was secured through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant program, which is Read more

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