HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – To address the growing shortage of affordable housing, state Rep. Scott Conklin today introduced legislation that would require the state to reserve a portion of any former state prison land it plans to sell and offer that land to the host county for affordable housing. Conklin said his bill, H.B. 2180 , would give the county in which a former state correctional institution is located the option to receive a transfer of up to 2% of the property. “Nearly half of Pennsylvania renter households are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing, and a significant number are severely cost-burdened, spending more than 50%,” Conklin said. “One of the primary drivers of this crisis is the lack of affordable housing. My bill would help ease that shortage by ensuring that whenever the state sells former prison land, a portion is set aside and offered to the county for affordable housing use.” Under the proposal, counties would not be required to accept the land. However, if they do, they would be required to use it for affordable housing and to meet certain requirements and timelines to ensure that housing becomes available. House Bill 2180 is the second measure Conklin has announced following the state’s decision to close SCI-Rockview. Earlier this year, he and state Rep. Dallas Kephart introduced legislation (H.B. 1951) to promote fairness and Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 — The state House today unanimously passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Scott Conklin that would allow Pennsylvania’s pension systems for state and public education employees to operate more efficiently by implementing a deadline change requested by the administering agencies. Conklin’s H.B. 1304 would adjust the deadlines for the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System and the Public School Employees’ Retirement System to complete and submit the results of required annual financial testing so that the deadlines better align with the agencies’ fiscal year. “State law requires SERS and PSERS to conduct annual financial stress testing to assess the financial health of their pension funds and the plans’ ability to withstand adverse market conditions,” Conklin said. “The law also sets deadlines for the agencies to complete and submit the test results to state officials and for the Independent Fiscal Office to compile the results into a summary report. “The agencies have told us the current deadlines are not workable and have asked that they be adjusted to provide more time,” Conklin said. “My bill would move the testing and reporting deadlines back by three months to better align with the agencies’ fiscal year and actuarial practices.” Conklin said SERS – which already conducts more rigorous testing than Read more
LANCASTER, Jan. 27 — State Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El and the School District of Lancaster will host the second annual Stuff to Do Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. The event aims to help community members find a class, hobby, club, or activity to join. Fifty-five community organizations will host more than 50 tables, showcasing a wide range of activities and interests. The event is ideal for anyone looking to try something new, explore the many activities Lancaster has to offer, or simply enjoy a community fair. While the Stuff to Do Fair is primarily geared toward adults, children are welcome to attend. This year’s fair will feature more than 50 tables to browse, highlighting everything from book clubs and dance classes to sports, volunteering, nature, technology, and more. Attendees will also be able to enjoy live demonstrations of select activities, including dance, improv comedy, karate, and more. WHERE: Washington Elementary School, 545 S. Ann St., Lancaster, PA WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 Read more
LANCASTER, Jan. 22 – Pedestrians will enjoy increased safety thanks to $650,000 in pedestrian safety improvements approved by the Commonwealth Finance Authority, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today. “This funding to Frankin & Marshall College will help improve the pedestrian safety of college students and residents alike on Harrisburg Avenue,” Rivera said. “This is a smart allocation of state funding that will improve the quality of life here in Lancaster. I was proud to be able to use my position as state representative to advocate for the approval of this project with the CFA and the Shapiro administration.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund, administered by the CFA, provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development. Photo: Rivera pictured with Franklin & Marshall President Andrew Rich on Harrisburg Avenue. Read more
LANCASTER, Jan. 23 – The Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved $600,000 in Multimodal Transportation Funding to Garman Builders to address existing queuing and safety issues present along PA Route 741 (Millersville Pike) and PA Route 999 (Millersville Road), state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today. The funding will be used for the following improvements to Routes 741 and 999 in Millersville: Construction of a roundabout along PA Route 741(Millersville Road). Traffic signal upgrades, including a northbound left turn and signal timing. Construction of an 8-foot-wide multi-purpose trail along PA Route 741 and PA Route 999. Creation of a bus stop, including a shelter, bench and streetlight. Repaving, striping and signage. “This strategic state investment helps us make Routes 741 and 999 in Millersville safer for our residents—whether they are traveling by car, bicycle or on foot—and will help offset some of the cost for local taxpayers. I am grateful to the CFA and the Shapiro administration for following our guidance about the project’s importance for our area,” Smith-Wade-El said. The MTF, administered by the CFA, provides grants between $100,000 and $3 million to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Funds Read more
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
STATE COLLEGE, Jan. 21 – New funding of $16.8 million from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority will fund a sanitary sewer extension project in Rush Township, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin said the funding – which includes a 30-year, low-interest loan of $9.2 million and grant funding of nearly $7.6 million – will support work to replace on-lot sewer systems that Rush Township has identified as malfunctioning. “A sanitary survey by the township showed that some on-lot sewer systems are failing and allowing untreated or improperly treated sewage into surface water and groundwater,” Conklin said. “I’m glad we were able to secure the new funding and grateful to Pennvest for providing needed resources to tackle this important public health project.” Conklin said the project includes installation of approximately 11 miles of sewer line and three pump stations to connect and serve approximately 245 residential equivalent dwelling units and three commercial equivalent dwelling units that are currently using on-lot sewer systems. Pumps at the plant will also be upgraded to handle the additional waste from the new connections. This existing system currently serves 1,046 households in Rush Township in Centre County and Decatur Township and Osceola Mills Borough in Clearfield County with median household income levels below the state median. Once the project is Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Jan. 20 – Transportation, water, and wastewater improvements are coming to the 77 th Legislative District thanks to $1.9 million in grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin said the funding includes $1.35 million under the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program for pedestrian, cyclist, and roadway improvements and $553,600 under the PA Small Water and Sewer Program for water and wastewater improvements. “The new funding will help our townships and boroughs tackle multiple projects across the district to address paving needs and strengthen water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure,” Conklin said. “The funding will also support improvements to Calder Way in State College, to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety.” Conklin said the funding under the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program includes: $425,202 to State College Borough to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety along Calder Way. $400,000 to Taylor Township for roadway improvements to two sections of South Mountain Road. $350,000 to Worth Township for road paving and other upgrades to rehabilitate East Mountain Road. $174,150 to Patton Township for the Douglas Drive Drainage Improvement project, involving rehabilitation of a stormwater pipe along North Oak Lane and Douglas Drive in the Park Forest Village area. Funding under the PA Small Water and Sewer Read more
READING, Jan. 20 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, announced today that $242,596 in grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, has been awarded to support the Gerry Street Connector Project in Reading. The $242,596 grant will be used for the creation of a pedestrian trail connector from Gerry Street to the Lancaster Avenue Plaza. “This funding will deliver a vital pedestrian connector for our community,” Guzman said. “The Gerry Street Connector Project will improve safety, accessibility and connectivity for residents and visitors, while strengthening links between our neighborhoods. “This investment also reflects my ongoing commitment to building infrastructure that promotes walkability and improves quality of life in Reading,” he added. Read more
“The goal of this hearing was to identify proven solutions that guarantee every student has access to healthy, high-quality meals, while also eliminating the stigma of meal debt so children can overcome hunger,” said state Rep. Nate Davidson, who hosted the hearing and represents portions of Cumberland and Dauphin counties. “What we heard tonight is that universal school meals support students’ needs and improve classroom environments and academic results for all.” Read more
LANCASTER, Dec. 30 – Smoother, safer traffic flow is coming to Lancaster thanks to nearly $824,000 in grant funding from the state Transportation Department, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today. Read more
LANCASTER, Dec. 30 – Safer and more efficient traffic flow is coming to the 96th Legislative District thanks to nearly $874,000 in grant funding from PennDOT, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today. According to Rivera, the funding -- awarded through the Green Light-Go Program -- will support traffic flow and safety improvements in the city of Lancaster and Manheim Township. The funding includes: • City of Lancaster: $91,476 to study and remove unwarranted traffic-control signals. • City of Lancaster: $732,095 to modernize multiple intersections. • Manheim Township: $50,000 to install LED traffic signal modules at multiple locations. “These critical investments will help motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians get where they’re going more quickly and safely,” Rivera said. “This funding will increase the efficiency and reliability of our traffic signal systems, making travel on our streets safer for everyone. I want to thank PennDOT and our local partners for helping to bring this funding home.” Green Light-Go is a reimbursement-based grant program that requires applicants to provide a 20% local match. Grants may be used for operational improvements, such as installing light-emitting diode technology, retiming traffic signals, developing special-event traffic plans, monitoring signal performance, and upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Dec. 30 – Centre County has secured $200,000 in Emergency Solutions Grant funding and will share an additional $350,000 for a 12-county project aimed at helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the grants, approved through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, will fund critical services to help local families access emergency housing and prevent eviction. “No family should ever have to face life’s challenges without a safe, secure place to call home,” Conklin said. “By expanding access to emergency housing resources and eviction counseling, this new funding will provide a lifeline to more families.” The funding for Centre County will enable Housing Transitions to provide emergency shelter services and case management for local households. Meanwhile, the grant awarded to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence will support a 12-county initiative to provide emergency shelter services, aiming to assist 1,107 households. Statewide, more than $5.3 million in ESG grants were approved to combat homelessness and increase access to affordable housing across Pennsylvania. The Emergency Solutions Grant program is authorized under the federal Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction (SAEDR) Category One Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations. Use: To support projects designed to educate the public about the dangers of substance abuse and/or reduce demand for these substances. Funds: PCCD expects to award up to nine grants with budgets not to exceed $200,000 over a 24- month project period. Application Deadline: February 23, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction (SAEDR) Categories Two and Three Who May Apply: A statewide organization that possesses five or more consecutive years of experience carrying out substance abuse education and demand reduction programs, maintains a drug-free workplace policy, and has as its purpose the reduction of substance abuse. Use: The goal of SAEDR Category 2 funding is to educate youth, caregivers of youth, and employers about the dangers of substance use; and increase the awareness of the benefits of a drug-free Pennsylvania. The goal of SAEDR Category 3 funding is to educate employers, unions, and employees about the dangers of substance use in the workplace Funds: PCCD expects to fund up to three Category 2 and three Category 3 Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction (SAEDR) projects to support this initiative. Budgets for each project may not exceed Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today that nearly $700,000 in state funding has been awarded to support community improvement projects and local museums in her legislative district. Rivera advocated for grants awarded through the statewide Local Share Account, funded by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, as well as the Act 13 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which supports the development, rehabilitation, and improvement of public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation projects. “These grants will enhance the quality of life in our district by improving local trails and constructing a new pedestrian bridge in Manheim Township’s Stonehenge Linear Park,” Rivera said. “These projects will benefit our community in many ways, from providing opportunities for residents to achieve health goals by walking scenic trails, to improving park accessibility so people of all ages can enjoy it and fostering a stronger sense of community.” The project awarded LSA funding in Rivera’s legislative district is: $123,399 to Manheim Township to be used for construction costs to demolish and build a new pedestrian footbridge located in Stonehenge Linear Park. Rivera also worked with fellow lawmakers in the region to help secure the following LSA grant: $400,000 to East Hempfield Township for the Little Conestoga Creek Blue/Green Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Scott Conklin announced today that more than $859,000 in new grants will fund a range of public safety, transportation and community improvement projects in Legislative District 77. Conklin, who serves as majority chairman of the PA House Commerce Committee, said the new funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will help local municipalities carry out essential repairs and upgrades to improve services in the district. “These new funds will support projects to bring safer pedestrian travel, more efficient police and public safety services and improved amenities in our downtown,” Conklin said. “I am grateful to the CFA and our community partners for helping to secure this funding, which will improve safety and quality of life for residents.” Conkling said the funding, awarded under the Local Share Account, includes: $300,000 to Philipsburg Borough to replace damaged sidewalk sections in the downtown business area, including sidewalks on Front Street and the block of Laurel, Sixth, Seventh, and Pine streets. $133,110 to State College Borough to replace 70 trash and recycling receptacles throughout the downtown area. $125,000 to Ferguson Township for pedestrian crossing improvements to the Science Park-Circleville crossing, including additional lighting, signage, a pedestrian refuge island, a pedestrian-activated warning light and various crosswalk Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D–Lancaster, announced today that nearly $1.8 million in state funding has been awarded for community improvement projects and local museums across his legislative district. Smith-Wade-El advocated for grants awarded through the statewide Local Share Account, which is funded by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, as well as the Act 13 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which supports the development, rehabilitation, and improvement of public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation projects. “This state funding will make a real difference in our community -- from expanding affordable housing to creating more community centers and improving our trailways,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I am honored to have helped bring this funding home to support these worthy projects. I want to thank my fellow legislators who also advocated for these grants and give a huge shout-out to the many dedicated people who spearheaded these initiatives to improve their neighbors’ lives. Compassion and collaboration are what community is all about.” Projects awarded LSA funding in Smith-Wade-El’s legislative district include: 250,000 to Lancaster City/Chestnut Housing Corp. to transform a long-vacant historical building into 1,100 square feet of office/meeting space and 11 new affordable apartments called the Dinah's Hill Apartments. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) + Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Combined Grant Program Who May Apply: Community-based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status (VIP or BOOST), municipality, county, or district attorney’s office (VIP only), institute of higher education (VIP only), school district or career and technical center (BOOST only), library (BOOST only). Use: VIP + BOOST funds can be used to support a wide range of eligible activities designed to reduce and respond to community violence. Funds: Approximately $60 million in state funding is available, with no less than $11.5 million designated for BOOST funding. Application Deadline: January 26, 2026 More information: PCCD website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Statewide Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Program Who May Apply: Statewide youth-serving nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(4) status. Use: Funds for the proposed program may be used to support upstream prevention initiatives focused on school-age youth who are at risk, such as mentoring and OST programs. Funds: No less than $11.5 million in state VIP funding has been designated for BOOST funding. Application Deadline: January 26, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Read more
LANCASTER, Dec. 16 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced the approval of over $4.7 million from the Neighborhood Assistance Program to help low-income people and communities and improve distressed areas in Lancaster County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95 percent on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. “Thanks to NAP’s tax credits, our local businesses are investing in projects that will empower residents and energize our communities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “These public-private partnerships will go a long way to helping to address persistent socio-economic problems like the lack of affordable housing, food insecurity, workforce development, blight and public safety in Lancaster.” “NAP’s tax credits are a game changer for Lancaster County’s businesses and communities,” Rivera said. “They will help build up our communities, which in turn will drive our local economy. I am grateful to the Shapiro administration for its financial support of Lancaster County, and its faith in our future. I will continue to advocate for more dollars to be allocated for Lancaster-based projects.” The following programs received Charitable Food Program funding: $1,864,200 to Blessings of Hope to support its Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Dec. 11 – Grant funding of $2 million is coming back to Centre County to fund an important juvenile justice initiative, combat opioid addiction and bolster resources for domestic and child abuse survivors, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin said the funding includes nearly $1.2 million to the Pennsylvania State University to continue its work with the Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol – a data-driven system that allows the state to assess which evidence-based programs are most effective at serving juveniles in the justice system and preventing recidivism. “PSU has been a unique partner with the state in its efforts to improve the quality of juvenile justice services,” Conklin said. “The new funding will allow them to continue those efforts.” Conklin said that a $500,000 grant to the Centre County Commissioners will enhance the Centre County Correctional Facility’s medication-assisted treatment program to fight opioid addiction. “The program has been working to reduce addiction and opioid-related deaths through an approach that combines medication, therapy and access to post-release services,” Conklin said. “The new funding will make the program even more effective by adding educational components and intensive, post-release case coordination services to help people transitioning back to the community.” A $125,000 grant Read more
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