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Pa. House votes to update infant, toddler, pregnancy lead testing standards

(1 day ago) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, June 8 – State Rep. Jose Giral today announced his bill that would mandate insurance-covered blood lead tests for pregnant women and children at 12 and 24 months of age passed the Pa. House with bipartisan support. This is a change from existing law, which merely recommends lead testing in these groups unless they are deemed high risk. Current law does not require health insurance plans to help cover the costs. “Lead poisoning is a significant health risk for children and for pregnant mothers,” said Giral. “We do a disservice to these vulnerable groups if we only recommend a course of action. This bill would require healthcare practitioners to perform blood lead testing at least once during a woman’s pregnancy, and twice before a child’s second birthday, unless there is express written refusal by the woman or the child’s parent.” According to Giral, lead poisoning in children can lead to developmental delays, seizures and nervous system damage. During pregnancy, lead poisoning raises the risk of miscarriage and can expose the developing baby to lead, leading to premature birth, underdeveloped organs, low birth weight, and future learning and developmental issues. Early blood lead level testing helps identify children who have already been exposed to lead and those who may be living in environments where lead is present. Once lead Read more

 

Transportation, Development, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 03, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

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 Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Who May Apply: Pennsylvania residents whose total household income is below 400 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Level. Use: This program provides a rebate to Pennsylvanians who purchase or lease alternative fuel vehicles. Funds: Rebates vary depending on type of vehicle purchased. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first come, first served basis as long as funds remain available. Please note applications must be received within six months of the date of the vehicle purchase. More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: WIIN 2107: Voluntary School and Childcare Lead testing and Reduction Grant Who May Apply: Childcare facilities and schools located in Pennsylvania with Read more

 

Transportation, Environmental, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 01, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026/27 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Single Solicitation for Local Initiatives Who May Apply: Units of government (including counties) and non-profit organizations Use: To implement projects and programs that directly address the PCCD Objectives and Goals outlined in PCCD’s 2026-2030 Strategic Framework Funds: A total of $8,221,880 in federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 30-35 grants with budgets not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year project period. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Department of Aging: Resilient environments for Aging and Dementia in Your Communities (READY Communities) Who May Apply: Non-profits, county and municipal governments, and coalitions of organizations Use: For community-based projects focused on improving the lives of older adults, people living with dementia, caregivers, and their communities Funds: A total of $325,000 is available with a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 More information: Aging Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants Who May Apply: School districts; Municipal authorities; Political subdivisions; Incorporated Read more

 

Giral applauds Kentucky Derby’s historic finish

(May 06, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

PHILADELPHIA, May 6 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., issued the following statement in response to this year’s history-making Kentucky Derby finish. “Part of the lesser-recognized history of the Kentucky Derby is that there is a long Latino legacy in American horse racing,” said Giral. “From jockeys to the workers taking care of the horses, Latinos have long been a part of the Derby and other major races.” On May 2, Puerto Rican American Jose Ortiz won his first Kentucky Derby just one day after winning the Kentucky Oaks on May 1. He is the 9 th jockey to complete the Oaks/Derby sweep – and only the third to do it this century. He won the Derby by narrowly beating his older brother, fellow jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Both brothers, born in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, attended Puerto Rico’s Escuela Vocacional Hípica, a school for prospective jockeys, before moving to New York. “Horse racing is one the of premier sports in Puerto Rico,” said Giral, “The island has a long history of training both horses and jockeys. For the Puerto Rican community, the finish this weekend is an incredible source of pride – as someone born in Puerto Rico myself, I feel that pride. It’s generations of dedication to this sport showcased on an international stage.” This year’s win also marks the first time a female Read more

 

Bill mandating blood lead tests for children under 2 advances from committee

(Apr 28, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, April 28 – State Rep. Jose Giral today announced his bill that would mandate insurance-covered blood lead tests for pregnant women and children at 12 and 24 months of age has advanced from the House Health Committee. “There is no safe blood lead level for children,” said Giral. “Ensuring every pregnant person and toddler is tested for lead in their blood is the best way to find out if they’re being exposed and to make changes before they reach the point of having lead poisoning.” According to Giral, lead poisoning in children can lead to significant health issues, including developmental delays, seizures, and nervous system damage. During pregnancy, lead poisoning raises the risk of miscarriage or exposes the developing baby to lead, leading to premature birth, underdeveloped organs, low birth weight, and future learning and developmental issues. Under current law, children determined to be high-risk for lead exposure are eligible for blood lead testing at 12 and 24 months of age, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Giral’s House Bill 916 expands current requirements so that all children, not just those deemed high risk, are eligible for lead testing. It adds a requirement that all pregnant women should receive at least one lead test during their prenatal care. “Unfortunately, as lead exposure goes on and blood lead Read more

 

Giral: Over $1 million awarded for Harrowgate, Kensington youth programs

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

PHILADELPHIA, April 15 – Three programs designed to help youth in Harrowgate, Kensington and other Philadelphia neighborhoods cope with exposure to high rates of trauma and community violence will receive over $1 million in state funding, state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., announced today. The grants awarded in Giral’s district today include: $500,000 to 12Plus , a college and career readiness nonprofit based in Harrowgate, to expand its program across five high-need public high schools in Philadelphia. Their program aims to reduce youth disconnection and strengthen protective factors for kids living in areas with economic instability and high violence rates, by offering grade-specific programs, individualized mentorship, and relationship-based support to help students transition from high school through post-graduation. $500,000 to Hopeworks, a Kensington nonprofit that provides paid training in technical skills like web development, GIS and data visualization. The funding will expand their training-to-employment model, which was developed for justice-involved, system-impacted young adults aged 17-26. The program includes consistent adult support and trauma-informed coaching. $60,000 to PB&J for CultureTrust Philadelphia, a Kensington after-school cooking program that connects youth to supportive adults and local opportunities, and teaches food preparation, nutrition, Read more

 

Transportation, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, and PA Preferred Organic Marketing Grant Program Who May Apply: Grants may be awarded to PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, or PA Preferred Organic licensees Use: Offsetting the cost of designing or redesigning product labels to include the PA Preferred logo, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes logo or PA Preferred Organic logo or Enhancing farmers’ market displays with the PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes or PA Preferred Organic logos Funds: Up to $500,000 is available in funding, with no grant to exceed $10,000 Application Deadline: Read more

 

Community and Economic Development, Transportation Safety, Fresh Food and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 01, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Business in Our Sites Who May Apply: Municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities, private developers (construction loans only) Use: The acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 More information: CFA Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Please note, the NAP is broken down into 5 programs (The Neighborhood Assistance Program, the Special Program Priorities, the Charitable Food Program, the Neighborhood Partnership Program, and the Enterprise Zone Program.) Please visit the DCED website for specifics on each program. Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: The goals of the Programs are to promote community participation and collaborations among the residents, nonprofits and businesses while producing outcomes by assisting a distressed area or the low-income population in a neighborhood. Eligible neighborhood nonprofits apply for tax credits based on pending contributions from for-profit companies. Funds: The total available NAP tax credit amount is $72 million. Application Deadline: May 29, 2026 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Read more

 

Winter 2026 Newsletter

(Mar 12, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

Get the latest updates in this Winter 2026 edition of Rep. Giral's newsletter Read more

 

Giral celebrates inclusivity, representation of Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show

(Feb 13, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 13 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., issued the following statement in response to this year’s Super Bowl halftime show performed by rapper and singer Bad Bunny. “As a Puerto Rican American, watching Bad Bunny’s performance on Sunday was a truly moving experience,” Giral said. “Seeing our culture and our language at the center of a such an event is more unifying than many people may realize.” Giral represents a section of Philadelphia’s Northeastern neighborhoods, Legislative District 180, where 45% of residents are Puerto Rican. His district ranks No. 1 in Puerto Rican population statewide. “You hear a lot about the importance of representation in popular culture, but unless you’ve lived the experience of your culture always being secondary to another, it’s hard to understand the impact. The people in my district, my family, my neighbors, my friends – they all just got to see a Puerto Rican superstar take center stage, even after a lot of backlash. “And Bad Bunny didn’t only elevate the Puerto Rican culture. He took this moment to also impress upon everyone the diversity of ‘the Americas’ – not just the U.S. – and of different kinds of love and respect, and very artfully conveyed to those willing to listen that we can all rise above the hateful messages that are becoming Read more

 

Giral applauds governor’s proposed investment in education, affordability, raising the minimum wage

(Feb 11, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

Many of our residents struggle with low wages and continuously rising costs of living – everything from rent, to food, to utilities and medical care have become much more expensive in the last few years than they ever have before. The governor’s proposal approaches this significant issue twofold: by again calling to raise the state minimum wage, and by lowering costs. Read more

 

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

(Feb 10, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

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

 

Fiedler applauds bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy economy, looks forward to more from House Energy Committee

(Feb 06, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 - This week, the PA House passed two bills aimed at driving innovation and investment in Pennsylvania’s energy and manufacturing sectors, earning bipartisan support. One, an advanced clean manufacturing bill sponsored by House Energy Committee Chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and the other, a measure to reduce barriers for emerging nuclear technologies sponsored by Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila. are designed to strengthen the state’s clean energy economy.Additionally, legislation requiring new warehouses to be built solar-ready, sponsored by Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, D-Berks, also advanced in the House this week.“We face a looming energy crisis that could have life-changing impacts on the people of Pennsylvania,” Fiedler said. “We must act with urgency and rise to the moment, building on Pennsylvania’s historic role as an energy leader and innovator.”Fiedler’s H.B. 1556 would incentivize the development of a clean manufacturing economy in PA by offering a tax credit of 30% of qualified production costs for an advanced clean manufacturing project. By covering operational costs, the tax credit would encourage companies to stay and grow in Pennsylvania.An advanced clean manufacturing facility is defined as a site that produces clean steel, clean aluminum, clean cement, clean glass, electric grid modernization equipment, energy-efficient heat pumps and turbines, or hydrogen electrolyzers. With growing demand for these products, this legislation would position... Read more

 

In wake of Kensington fire, Giral urges residents to practice fire safety

(Feb 05, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

“Yesterday was traumatic for the families in those homes, but at any moment, house fires can become tragic. This fire spread from one row home to a total of five in the 40 minutes it took our firefighters to get the flames under control. That’s fast. That’s significant." Read more

 

Giral bill encouraging nuclear energy development passes Pa. House

(Feb 04, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

Energy developers may soon find advancing smaller, more efficient nuclear reactors more affordable in Pennsylvania, thanks to legislation by state Rep. Jose Giral that passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. Read more

 

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

(Feb 04, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

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

 

Rep. Giral applauds nearly $3.8 million investment in housing support, traffic and recycling updates for Philadelphia

(Jan 28, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 28 — State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., today announced that nearly $3.8 million in state funding has been awarded to enhance housing support services, implement a trash and recycling program, and upgrade traffic signals in Philadelphia. Nearly $3.4 million of the funding comes from the state’s Green Light-Go Program, a competitive grant initiative aimed at improving the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals across Pennsylvania. Philadelphia plans to use the funds to upgrade approximately 750 traffic controllers. “Upgrading traffic signals throughout the city is essential not only for their longevity but also for enhancing pedestrian and traffic safety,” said Giral. “Many of Philadelphia’s streets become congested during peak travel times. These upgrades provide a practical way to streamline traffic flow and help people get around the city more efficiently.” Another $310,914 will support projects aimed at reducing homelessness by providing financial assistance to families and offering supportive housing services for long-term stability. The initiatives follow a case-management model, helping participants with housing searches, budgeting, employment, benefit access, and financial literacy training. The Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services applied for the grant on behalf of two subrecipients. “Families in our Read more

 

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

(Jan 26, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

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. Jose Giral

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

 

Giral: $500,000 in state funds granted to create maternal health center in North Philadelphia

(Jan 22, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

Giral said that Oshun focuses its practice on ensuring that the families it serves get the mental and physical health care they need while centering the culture of the patient and their community. Read more

 

Pa. House votes to update infant, toddler, pregnancy lead testing standards
1 day ago

Transportation, Development, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 03, 2026

Transportation, Environmental, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 01, 2026

Giral applauds Kentucky Derby’s historic finish
May 06, 2026

Bill mandating blood lead tests for children under 2 advances from committee
Apr 28, 2026

Giral: Over $1 million awarded for Harrowgate, Kensington youth programs
Apr 15, 2026

Transportation, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 15, 2026

Community and Economic Development, Transportation Safety, Fresh Food and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 01, 2026

Winter 2026 Newsletter
Mar 12, 2026

Giral celebrates inclusivity, representation of Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show
Feb 13, 2026

Giral applauds governor’s proposed investment in education, affordability, raising the minimum wage
Feb 11, 2026

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

Fiedler applauds bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy economy, looks forward to more from House Energy Committee
Feb 06, 2026

In wake of Kensington fire, Giral urges residents to practice fire safety
Feb 05, 2026

Giral bill encouraging nuclear energy development passes Pa. House
Feb 04, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 04, 2026

Rep. Giral applauds nearly $3.8 million investment in housing support, traffic and recycling updates for Philadelphia
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

Giral: $500,000 in state funds granted to create maternal health center in North Philadelphia
Jan 22, 2026