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NEXT WEEK: My Black Health Community Discussion

(Feb 13, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

NEXT WEEK: My Black Health Community Discussion Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz hosting Black health community discussion in Honor of Black History Month

(Feb 11, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

READING, Feb. 11 – In recognition of Black History Month, state Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, and Andre Carroll, D-Phila., will host a community conversation focused on advancing Black health and strengthening wellness outcomes across the district and throughout Pennsylvania from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 from at Zion Baptist Church (224 Washington St., Reading) . “Black History Month is a time to celebrate resilience, leadership and contributions that have shaped our nation,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “It is also a time to confront health disparities that continue to impact Black families and to work together, across communities and regions, to build equitable systems that ensure everyone has access to quality care.” “Health equity is not a regional issue, it is a statewide responsibility,” Caroll said. “By bringing leaders together from Reading to Philadelphia, we are strengthening our collective voice and advancing solutions that center dignity, access and accountability.” This event will bring together neighbors, healthcare professionals, educators, faith leaders and advocates to discuss real, actionable solutions to improve health outcomes and expand access to culturally responsive care. Event speakers will include: Ebony McNeil , executive director, The Forge Tremayne Jones , owner, Betterview Counseling and Trauma Recovery Read more

 

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

(Feb 10, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

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

 

A Budget for Working Families, My Upcoming Events, Recognizing the Dominican Community, and more...

(Feb 06, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

A Budget for Working Families, My Upcoming Events, Recognizing the Dominican Community, and more... Read more

 

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

(Feb 06, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

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

 

Legislative Latino and Black caucus chairs issue statement on Berks County ICE facility

(Feb 04, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

READING, Feb. 4 – State Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Napoleon Nelson, chairs of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, respectively, today issued the following statement regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s purchase of a 520,000-square-foot warehouse to be used as an immigration detention facility: “Across this country, ICE enforcement has led to devastating consequences for families and communities -- including family separation, aggressive raids, and the targeting of individuals who pose no threat to public safety. These actions have created fear and instability, particularly within immigrant communities,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “Now, ICE is preparing to establish a detention operation in Berks County. This decision risks provoking fear, disrupting families, and endangering the wellbeing of our neighbors -- regardless of citizenship status. The pattern of cruelty and lack of accountability we have seen from ICE has no place in Berks County or anywhere in Pennsylvania. “Berks County has faced an ICE detention facility before, and after years of sustained community advocacy, that center ultimately closed. That history matters. “While many questions remain about the scope and operations of this proposed facility, I will continue to use every tool available to demand transparency, protect due process, and stand with our Read more

 

My Natural Gas Safety Bills Pass, Supporting Small Businesses, My Upcoming Events, and more...

(Jan 30, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

My Natural Gas Safety Bills Pass, Supporting Small Businesses, My Upcoming Events, and more... Read more

 

House passes natural gas safety recommendations after R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion

(Jan 28, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – The Pennsylvania House has passed two bipartisan bills introduced by state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, aimed at addressing natural gas safety concerns in the wake of the 2023 R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion. The bills were introduced after a March 2025 investigation found the explosion, which killed seven people and injured 10 others at the West Reading factory, located in Cepeda-Freytiz’s legislative district, was likely caused by a degraded natural gas connection. “As we approach the three-year anniversary of the devastating R.M. Palmer factory explosion, we continue to feel the impact it had on our community, including the loss of seven of our neighbors,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “The measures outlined in these bills will save lives and ensure that we learn from this tragedy, so no one else has to suffer as our community has.” The bills passed by the House include: House Bill 1525 : Would require all owners and operators of pipelines transporting steam located in public rights-of-way to register with the Pennsylvania One Call System so that property owners and construction workers know where steam lines are located. (183-16) House Bill 1526 : Would require the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission to work with natural gas pipeline operators to develop guidance and management programs to address threats to degrading plastic pipelines. Read more

 

Statement from the chair, vice chair, and secretary of Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus on the events in Minnesota

(Jan 26, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 - The chair, vice-chair, and secretary of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus issued the following statement today in response to another fatal incident involving federal immigration enforcement personnel in Minnesota: “Once again, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agents operating under this administration have demonstrated a reckless disregard for human life and community safety. These actions are not isolated -- they reflect a broader pattern of aggressive, militarized immigration enforcement that terrorizes communities, undermines public trust, and endangers both civilians and legitimate law enforcement officers. “ICE agents frequently misrepresent themselves as law enforcement and employ tactics that erode trust and interfere with the work of state and local police, whose duty is to protect all Pennsylvanians. “We categorically reject the false choice between public safety and immigrant rights. True public safety is built through transparency, accountability, restraint, and respect for due process -- not fear, intimidation, or lethal force. The escalation of violence linked to federal immigration operations should alarm every Pennsylvanian, regardless of immigration status. “Our congressional delegation continues to be obstructed by an administration that shows little regard for checks and balances or the rule of law. We urge U.S. Read more

 

Khan and colleagues introduce resolution demanding accountability in DHS and ICE enforcement

(Jan 25, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

State Rep. Tarik Khan, D–Philadelphia, joined by colleagues in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, today introduced a resolution urging Congress to withhold additional federal appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until meaningful accountability and safety reforms are enacted.The resolution comes in the wake of the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis in January 2026, just weeks after another U.S. citizen, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed during federal immigration enforcement operations in the same city. Read more

 

New Funding for our Community, Scholarship Applications now Open, Weekend Events and more...

(Jan 23, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

New Funding for our Community, Scholarship Applications now Open, Weekend Events and more... Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz announces over $1.5 million in grant funding

(Jan 20, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

WEST READING, Jan. 20 – The Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved over $1.5 million in grant funding to four projects in the 129th Legislative District, announced state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. “We will see long-needed repairs to our infrastructure and investments in the safety of our pedestrians with this new funding,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “I continue to ensure that our community gets the state funding it deserves, and I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition.” Funding from the Small Water and Sewer Program includes: $454,922 to support the second phase of the Lincoln and Brandywine flood mitigation project in Wyomissing. $400,000 to support watermain replacements in West Reading. Funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund includes: $543,180 to repair the curb and add a handicap access ramp to Playground Drive in West Reading. $132,047 to install a rapid flashing pedestrian crossing device at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Pine Street in West Reading. Read more

 

A Day of Service, New Funding for Local Youth Sports, Property Tax/Rent Rebate Now Open, and more...

(Jan 16, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

A Day of Service, New Funding for Local Youth Sports, Property Tax/Rent Rebate Now Open, and more... Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz: $1.3 million for trail, park development coming to district

(Jan 12, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

READING, Jan. 12 -- The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has awarded $1.3 million to projects investing in outdoor access within the 129th Legislative District, announced state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. “This funding delivers real, visible change – safer infrastructure, roads, trails, transit systems, opportunities to connect with nature and new spaces for our children to play,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “I am proud to support funding for these projects, and I continue to work to make sure our district gets the resources it deserves.” The funding, which comes from the Community Conservation Partnership Program , includes: $1 million to Spring Township for the development of West Wyomissing Park. Work will include construction of walking trails, a parking area, a tricycle track and pavement games; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, pavilion, fencing and signage; ADA access, landscaping and project sign. $348,500 to Reading City for the development of the Schuylkill River Trail, including the construction of 0.13 miles of trail from Riverfront Drive to the intersection of Front and Penn streets, as well as lighting, ADA access and landscaping improvements. The Community Conservation Partnership Program serves to invest in new recreational opportunities, expand outdoor access, protect natural resources, and strengthen local communities. Read more

 

My Upcoming Property Tax Workshop, Welcoming Our New Local Officials, Looking Back on 2025, and more...

(Jan 09, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

My Upcoming Property Tax Workshop, Welcoming Our New Local Officials, Looking Back on 2025, and more... Read more

 

State lawmakers introduce legislation to mark Dominican Independence Day

(Jan 09, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – To celebrate the contributions of Pennsylvania’s Dominican community, state Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Manuel Guzman , both D-Berks, and Danilo Burgos , D-Phila. -- all of whom are of Dominican ancestry -- have introduced legislation to designate Feb. 27, 2026, as “Dominican Republic Independence Day.” The legislation, H.R. 387 , seeks to honor the impact Dominicans have made as leaders around the world, including in the United States and the Dominican Republic. The date marks the 182nd anniversary of the Dominican Republic’s independence, following centuries of Spanish colonial rule and 22 years of Haitian governance. “As the proud daughter of Dominican immigrants, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices, resilience and determination that helped my parents -- and so many Dominicans across our commonwealth and beyond -- build better lives,” said Cepeda-Freytiz, chair of the PA Legislative Latino Caucus. “Dominican Independence Day honors a legacy rooted in freedom, self-determination and democratic values -- principles that continue to guide our commonwealth today. It is an honor to lead this effort to recognize the Dominican community’s enduring contributions to civic life, public service and the cultural strength of Pennsylvania.” “In 2018, I became the first Dominican elected to serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. All these years later, it Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz presents $60,000 check to Latin Fusion Baseball

(Jan 09, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

READING, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, presented a check to Latin Fusion Baseball Thursday to celebrate the organization receiving $60,000 in state grant funding. Noelia Montero, director of Latin Fusion Baseball, accepted the check on the organization’s behalf. The funding for this project will go to support its operations and goals, which include expanding youth Little League and tournament participation, while cementing Reading as a baseball town and motivating a new generation of leaders. “This funding will not just serve as an investment in an outstanding organization, it will also serve as an investment in our future,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “Latin Fusion Baseball is working to foster leadership skills and athletic talent in the children of our community, and I am proud to support this work by pushing for this funding.” This funding came from a legislative initiative backed by Cepeda-Freytiz, who also serves as chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus. Read more

 

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

(Jan 08, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Funding (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 More information: PennDOT website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Public School Facility Improvement Grant Who May Apply: School entities, defined as a school district or an area career and technical school. Use: Facility improvement projects, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, plumbing systems, window repair/replacement, health and safety upgrades, and accessibility projects. Funds: $100 million in total funding is available. Grant requests shall not exceed $5 million per eligible improvement project. School entities may submit more than one application, but no school entity shall receive more than 20% of the total funding available. Application Deadline: March 13, 2026 More information: CFA Website Department of Military and Read more

 

Statement From the Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, Regarding Venezuela

(Jan 05, 2026) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

“The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in Venezuela. We are deeply concerned about the potential impact on civilians and the stability of the region. We urge all parties to exercise restraint, uphold international law, and prioritize a peaceful, diplomatic resolution that protects human rights and respects the Venezuelan people’s right to self-determination.” “Our thoughts are with Venezuelan families, including many here in Pennsylvania - who are anxiously seeking clarity, stability, and a future free from violence.” Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz: Over $220,000 for traffic safety coming to West Reading

(Dec 30, 2025) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

WEST READING, Dec. 30 – The state Transportation Department has approved $228,404 in grant funding to West Reading Borough to support traffic safety and mobility by improving traffic flow, announced state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. “This funding will clear up traffic congestion in West Reading, which will improve safety and mobility for so many of our neighbors,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “I am proud to see this funding come back through the state budget to improve the community.” Intersection that will receive new traffic signal retiming and equipment upgrades include: 7th Avenue / Parkside Drive North 7th Avenue / Reading Avenue 8th Avenue / Hill Avenue / Reading Avenue This grant is funded through the Green Light-Go grant program. It is one of three awarded projects in Berks County to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. Read more

 

NEXT WEEK: My Black Health Community Discussion
Feb 13, 2026

Cepeda-Freytiz hosting Black health community discussion in Honor of Black History Month
Feb 11, 2026

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

A Budget for Working Families, My Upcoming Events, Recognizing the Dominican Community, and more...
Feb 06, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 06, 2026

Legislative Latino and Black caucus chairs issue statement on Berks County ICE facility
Feb 04, 2026

My Natural Gas Safety Bills Pass, Supporting Small Businesses, My Upcoming Events, and more...
Jan 30, 2026

House passes natural gas safety recommendations after R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion
Jan 28, 2026

Statement from the chair, vice chair, and secretary of Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus on the events in Minnesota
Jan 26, 2026

Khan and colleagues introduce resolution demanding accountability in DHS and ICE enforcement
Jan 25, 2026

New Funding for our Community, Scholarship Applications now Open, Weekend Events and more...
Jan 23, 2026

Cepeda-Freytiz announces over $1.5 million in grant funding
Jan 20, 2026

A Day of Service, New Funding for Local Youth Sports, Property Tax/Rent Rebate Now Open, and more...
Jan 16, 2026

Cepeda-Freytiz: $1.3 million for trail, park development coming to district
Jan 12, 2026

My Upcoming Property Tax Workshop, Welcoming Our New Local Officials, Looking Back on 2025, and more...
Jan 09, 2026

State lawmakers introduce legislation to mark Dominican Independence Day
Jan 09, 2026

Cepeda-Freytiz presents $60,000 check to Latin Fusion Baseball
Jan 09, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 08, 2026

Statement From the Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, Regarding Venezuela
Jan 05, 2026

Cepeda-Freytiz: Over $220,000 for traffic safety coming to West Reading
Dec 30, 2025