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Ciresi introduces legislation to prevent gift card scams

You asked, we listened: Expanded Office Hours

(17 hours ago)

Jan. 30 Read more

 

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 22, 2026)

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

 

Ciresi: Over $1.3 in state funding awarded for community infrastructure projects

(Jan 20, 2026)

ROYERSFORD, Jan. 20 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that over $1.3 million in state funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority for infrastructure projects in the 146th Legislative District. “As our communities’ advocate in Harrisburg, I worked with the Shapiro administration and the CFA to explain how these grants would enable our municipalities to make critical improvements on the roads we travel and the streets we walk that otherwise might not be possible,” Ciresi said. “I am very pleased that we’ve also received funding to improve our water infrastructure without raising local taxes.” Funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund includes: $550,000 to Limerick Township for Phase 2 of improving Lightcap Road. $139,025 to Royersford Borough for streetscape improvements along Main Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenue Funding from the Small Water and Sewer Program includes: $190,283 to North Coventry Water Authority for its Riverside Drive water main relocation project $424,589 to Pottstown Borough Authority for Phase 3 of its lead service replacement project The grants were approved Tuesday by the Commonwealth Financing Authority from the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund and Small Water and Sewer program . Read more

 

Pennie Deadline, New Property Tax/Rent Rebate Season, Rte 422 Updates

(Jan 16, 2026)

Pennie deadline, New Property Tax/Rent Rebate Season , Rte 422 Updates Read more

 

Ciresi proposes legislative solution to provide more seniors with greater financial relief from property tax, rental burdens

(Jan 09, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – At a time of increasing unaffordability – particularly in the housing market – state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, stepped up with a legislative solution: H.B. 2116, which would provide greater financial relief from high property taxes and rent burdens to Pennsylvania’s seniors and people with disabilities. The legislation aims to increase the number of Pennsylvanians eligible for the state Property Tax Rent Relief Program and provide existing rebate recipients more financial support. “In a time of increasing unaffordability, many of our seniors are struggling to stay in their homes due to high property tax or rent burdens,” Ciresi said. “In this time of crisis, we owe it to them and the communities they’ve been a part of for years to increase accessibility and provide more property tax and housing relief through the PTRR program.” Ciresi’s legislation would: Eliminate the $30,000 income cap for supplemental rebates, which was not raised when the eligibility for the PTRR was last expanded. Supplemental PTRR rebates are currently issued automatically to applicants who qualify for PTRR rebates and pay more than 15% of their income in property taxes or live in high-cost locations. Allow homeowners to deduct the amount of property taxes paid from their PTRR eligibility income, both expanding eligibility for the program and offering higher rebates to those who already qualify. Expand Read more

 

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

(Jan 09, 2026)

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

 

Year in review and local updates

(Jan 02, 2026)

Year in review and local updates Read more

 

Ciresi applauds nearly $247K secured for Traffic Management Center in Limerick Township

(Dec 30, 2025)

ROYERSFORD, Dec. 30 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, applauded the $246,559 in grant funding from PennDOT’s Green Light Go program, which will be used to upgrade the Traffic Management Center in Limerick Township. The Traffic Management Center, connected to Ridge Pike, actively monitors, synchronizes and manages traffic signals and cameras along the corridor to improve traffic flow and safety. It serves as a central hub for controlling field devices, providing real-time traffic data. “With the new funding, our area will be better equipped to monitor and improve traffic conditions by optimizing flow and reducing congestion,” Ciresi said. “The funding will help enhance roadway safety and reduce response time to traffic incidents in our area. This is a needed investment in our roadway safety.” Green Light-Go is a reimbursement grant program, and applicants are required to provide a 20% local match. Grants may be used for operational improvements such as LED technology, traffic signal retiming, developing special-event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. More about the statewide funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/penndot-details.aspx?newsid=897 . Read more

 

$2 million in grants delivered

(Dec 19, 2025)

More than $2 million in state grants for our district Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Dec 19, 2025)

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

 

Ciresi brings back $1.9 million for area public safety and infrastructure projects

(Dec 18, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced nearly $1.9 million in state funding for public safety and infrastructure projects within his legislative district. Ciresi advocated for grants awarded from the Statewide Local Share Account, which is funded by the PA Race Horse Development Gaming Act. “These state grants are smart investments in both public safety and our infrastructure,” Ciresi said. “Residents will feel safer walking the streets or traveling around Pottstown and Royersford thanks to new security improvements. First responders will reach people in distress more quickly with the addition of two ambulances and a firetruck. The water our residents use to drink and cook with will be safer thanks to upgraded service lines. And our community will have a refreshed space to connect and gather in a renovated community center. “As a long-time advocate for resuming commuter rail service from Philadelphia to Reading, I am especially thrilled that this funding will allow the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority to enter its final phase of construction and soon restore passenger rail service,” Ciresi said. “Our community will see significant benefits from this project, including greater access to jobs, higher property values, and stronger local businesses. “These grants will help us achieve the future we’ve planned for.” Projects awarded LSA funding in Read more

 

Ciresi’s House resolution on litter enforcement in PA unanimously referred out of committee

(Dec 17, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 -- Today, the Pennsylvania House Environmental & Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and issue recommendations on litter law enforcement in Pennsylvania. The legislation, H.R. 352, was introduced by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery. The resolution stems from the Pennsylvania Litter Research Study (2018–19) and the subsequent Litter Action Plan (2021). Conducted by DEP, PennDOT, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, these initiatives urged the Commonwealth and the General Assembly to evaluate the effectiveness of Pennsylvania’s litter ordinances, laws, statutes, and regulations, and to take steps to enhance enforcement. “The Pennsylvania Litter Research Study found more than 500 million pieces of litter on Pennsylvania roadways. While 90% of Pennsylvanians believe litter is harming the state in every possible way -- damaging the environment, polluting waterways, depressing property values, reducing tourism, and hurting businesses -- the overwhelming majority feel it’s unlikely that anyone will actually be caught or fined for littering,” Ciresi said. “We need to strengthen our litter laws and improve their enforcement.” Described as a 'first step in this process,' PalmettoPride and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful completed a joint study on litter law enforcement in 2023, highlighting key issues raised Read more

 

Ciresi announces over $67,000 for community projects in Pottstown

(Dec 16, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced the approval of $67,050 in funding through the Neighborhood Assistance Program to support educational initiatives for at-risk students and public safety improvements in Pottstown. 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% for contributions made to qualifying community projects. “These investments in Pottstown’s youth and public safety will go a long way toward improving the quality of life,” Ciresi said. “Together, these state awards look to the future by supporting young learners and helping protect downtown Pottstown for everyone’s enjoyment.” The approved funding includes: • $51,300 to RSVP Volunteers to provide critical math and reading support to at-risk and vulnerable students in the Pottstown and Norristown school districts. The funding will also support family literacy programs for Pre-K MCIU Head Start students and essential digital literacy training across Montgomery County, both directly and in collaboration with community partners. • $15,750 to Pottstown Area Industrial Development Inc. to enhance public safety and strengthen community trust in the 300 block of East High Street in Pottstown. The project includes installing a new security camera to complete the police department’s monitoring Read more

 

Ciresi announces opposition to Trump executive order neutering state laws regulating AI industry

(Dec 16, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced his opposition to President Donald Trump’s executive order which would override states’ authority to regulate artificial intelligence. Ciresi serves as the majority chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee. According to The New York Times , the order gives the U.S. attorney general immense authority to sue states and overturn laws that the Administration views as not in alignment with its goal of global domination of the AI industry. Trump has directed federal regulators to withhold funds for broadband and other projects if states keep their laws in place. Trump’s argument is that his order would provide a federal regulatory framework that would override the patchwork of state regulations that might limit technological innovation and give China a competitive edge, according to The Hill . Some critics contend that Trump’s order is a “carve-out for Big Tech” as it both fails to offer a strong national standard on AI regulations and blocks states from regulating the technology. The Trump executive order is the latest move in Washington to limit regulation of AI, including the president’s previous executive orders allowing access to federal data and making it easier for companies to build AI infrastructure. Congressional Republicans have twice this year tried to pass moratoriums on state AI laws, with both efforts Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee holds hearing on bill to establish guardrails for AI use in health care

(Dec 16, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – In the wake of last week’s Trump executive order limiting state authority over artificial intelligence, the Pennsylvania House Communications & Technology Committee, chaired by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, held a hearing emphasizing the need for state regulations despite the federal push to deregulate the emerging technology. The committee considered legislation (H.B. 1925) that would establish guardrails for the use of AI in the health care industry. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by state Reps. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, Joe Hogan, R-Bucks, Tarik Khan, D-Phila., Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery. Venkat is a medical doctor, both Khan and Kosierowski are nurses, and Scott is an EMT. “As AI becomes an increasingly common part of our lives, it offers tremendous potential benefits, but we also need safeguards to protect the public from its misuse,” Ciresi said. “This hearing focused on striking that balance -- ensuring the technology is deployed responsibly with patient care as the priority. Putting the patient first means that important health care and insurance decisions, including prior authorization, must be driven by qualified human decision-makers who consider each patient’s individual circumstances, not just AI algorithms.” The legislation would establish rules for health care providers, insurers, and Medical Assistance and Children’s Health Read more

 

December 15, 2025 Public Hearing Packet

(Dec 15, 2025)

December 15, 2025 Public Hearing Packet Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Dec 12, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia. Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia. Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum request/award of $500,000. Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 More information: DCED 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 Read more

 

Ciresi applauds removal of lifetime caps for assistive technology

(Dec 12, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today applauded the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ removal of lifetime caps for assistive technology, an achievement he has long championed. DHS removed the $10,000 lifetime limit and replaced it with a $3,000 annual limit in the Consolidated Waiver to support Pennsylvanians’ use of Assisted Technology. “The long, outdated limit hadn’t kept up with the times—either with technology or inflation—and so posed a big obstacle to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who use assistive technology to allow them to live more independent, safe and fulfilling lives,” Ciresi said. “As a legislator, I’ve voted to lift outdated caps like with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and the cost-of-living adjustment for long-retired public school teachers, and likewise I was an outspoken advocate in Harrisburg for the urgent necessity of removing the outdated cap on assistive technology. I am thrilled for the people in our communities who will now be able to get the technology they need.” During the public comment period on this proposed change in May, Ciresi joined state Rep. Joe Hohenstein and staff members from service provider KenCrest to discuss how SMART homes can help more people with disabilities live independently. Read more

 

RSVP to My Veterans Appreciation Dinner, Dec. 9.

(Dec 05, 2025)

Dear Neighbor, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am reaching out to you this week to give you some updates on government programs and helpful information for older drivers. Veterans Appreciation Dinner, Dec. 9 LIHEAP Opens Dec. 3 PTRR Deadline is Dec.31 Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit Online Tool TSA introduces new $45 fee option for travelers without REAL ID starting February 1 Older Driver Safety Awareness Week State Program Funding is Available As always, please contact my office if you need any assistance with state programs. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 04, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Who May Apply: Any nonprofit organization designated under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the organization must primarily serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidence identified by the FBI in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication (race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, or gender identity). Use: For security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth. Funds: A total of $10 million in state funding is available for this round. Grants may range from $5,000 to $150,000 with match funding required above a request of $25,001 based on the size of the grant request. Application Deadline: January 12, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Who May Apply: Counties that provide adult probation staff and may be used for costs incurred by the county for adult probation and parole services, but only to the extent that the staff and program meet the qualifications and standards established by the Commission. Use: To provide funding from the Commonwealth for costs incurred by the county for adult probation and parole supervision. Read more

 

You asked, we listened: Expanded Office Hours
17 hours ago

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 22, 2026

Ciresi: Over $1.3 in state funding awarded for community infrastructure projects
Jan 20, 2026

Pennie Deadline, New Property Tax/Rent Rebate Season, Rte 422 Updates
Jan 16, 2026

Ciresi proposes legislative solution to provide more seniors with greater financial relief from property tax, rental burdens
Jan 09, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 09, 2026

Year in review and local updates
Jan 02, 2026

Ciresi applauds nearly $247K secured for Traffic Management Center in Limerick Township
Dec 30, 2025

$2 million in grants delivered
Dec 19, 2025

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Dec 19, 2025

Ciresi brings back $1.9 million for area public safety and infrastructure projects
Dec 18, 2025

Ciresi’s House resolution on litter enforcement in PA unanimously referred out of committee
Dec 17, 2025

Ciresi announces over $67,000 for community projects in Pottstown
Dec 16, 2025

Ciresi announces opposition to Trump executive order neutering state laws regulating AI industry
Dec 16, 2025

House Communications & Technology Committee holds hearing on bill to establish guardrails for AI use in health care
Dec 16, 2025

December 15, 2025 Public Hearing Packet
Dec 15, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Dec 12, 2025

Ciresi applauds removal of lifetime caps for assistive technology
Dec 12, 2025

RSVP to My Veterans Appreciation Dinner, Dec. 9.
Dec 05, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 04, 2025