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Grant Memo: Public Interest, Transportation, Community Development and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(1 hour ago) Rep. Mary Isaacson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 14, 2026 More information: RAAC Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Local Share Account: Monroe County Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development agencies, or redevelopment authorities within Monroe County or the five contiguous counties to Monroe (Carbon, Lackawanna, Northampton, Pike, and Wayne). Use: Public interest projects, community improvement projects, economic development projects, or roadway improvement projects. Funds: Funded by gross terminal revenues of certain licensed gaming facilities. Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 More information: DCED Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Local Share Account: Category 4 Facilities Program (Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York Counties) Who May Apply: Municipalities, counties, redevelopment authorities, or economic development agencies in a county hosting a Category 4 Read more

 

Fourth of July festivities shined brightly in the district!

(Jul 10, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

While it was a very hot Fourth of July, I hope everyone was able to enjoy and celebrate with some of the festivities both in and around the city. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agriculture, CTE, Tourism, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(Jul 08, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program Who May Apply: Family farm corporations, family farm partnerships, farm enterprises, nonprofit education institutions Use: Reduce operating expenses through practices that are ecologically beneficial, improve soil quality and fertility, improve water quality, and reduce or eliminate the need for the purchase of off-farm inputs, such as chemical or synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. Funds: Grants may not exceed $25,000 except as provided in this subsection. An additional amount of up to $25,000 may be granted if the grantee matches that additional amount dollar for dollar so that an individual grant may not exceed $50,000 in one calendar year. Application Deadline: August 28, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Transportation: Career and Technical Education Grant Who May Apply: Public, private, and cyber schools, career and technical centers, youth development centers, and institutions of higher learning Use: To develop and implement new technical training curriculum or to expand existing technical training curriculum and/or delivery, relevant to the heavy highway industry Funds: The total amount of direct grant reimbursement funding available under this program is $12 million. PennDOT intends to award a single individual grant up to $500,000 per eligible applicant. Read more

 

A time to celebrate our independence!

(Jul 03, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

As we sit in Harrisburg this week trying to come to a compromise on the budget, I am reminded that this is how government works, even when it seems dysfunctional. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Nonprofit security, Redevelopment, Scholarship, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(Jun 29, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Emergency Management Agency: Nonprofit Security Grant Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: Provides funding for physical and cybersecurity enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high-risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack. Funds: This program is funded through FEMA using federal dollars. The maximum award request is $200,000. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PEMA Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026 First Chance Trust Fund Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any school district identified as having statistically higher high school dropout and incarceration rates based on data from the PA Department of Education and the PA Department of Corrections. Please refer to Appendix A for a full listing of eligible school districts. Use: Direct financial support to eligible students via scholarship, administrative support directly related to the administration of student scholarships and connecting at-risk youth with community-based organizations, or community-based organization (CBO) direct programming support. Funds: A total of $3.3 million in state funding is being made available to support this initiative. PCCD anticipates awarding up to $150,000 per grantee for an initial two-year project period. Application Deadline: August 11, 2026 More Read more

 

My text messaging bill passes the House and more!

(Jun 26, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

It has been a busy week in Harrisburg. I was pleased to see my bill, H.B. 2551, pass the House unanimously. The bill prevents the state from collecting payments, fines, and fees through electronic communications. Read more

 

Isaacson legislation to prohibit state agencies from sending texts regarding fines, fees unanimously passes House

(Jun 23, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

HARRISBURG, June 23 – Today, legislation introduced by Rep. Mary Isaacson (H.B. 2551) advanced through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a unanimous 202-0 vote. House Bill 2551 would prohibit state agencies and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission from sending text messages regarding unpaid fines, fees, tolls, or other charges. The bill would reinforce Commonwealth messaging that agencies will never collect payments through texts, making a distinction between official agency messages and potential scammers. “We’ve spent Commonwealth resources educating the public to not fall for text scams, and this bill would further clear up any confusion for our residents,” Isaacson said. “There are better ways to notify residents about their due payment, such as paper mail with clear instructions. Text messaging for this purpose undermines the credibility of our agencies and causes unneeded chaos. I thank the House for providing bi-partisan support on this issue.” The bill now heads to the State Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Working on policy issues, historic preservation grants and more!

(Jun 19, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

As we head into the heart of June, we have been busy in Harrisburg working on policy issues we hope to address while the budget gets negotiated Read more

 

Over $140,000 in historical preservation grant funding secured for local organizations

(Jun 15, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

PHILADELPHIA, June 15 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson today announced that $144,150 in funding from the Keystone Historic Preservation Grants program will be going toward venues in her district. Of the funding, $100,000 will go toward the Third Scots And Mariners Presbyterian Church, otherwise known as Old Pine Church, while $44,150 will go toward the Independence Seaport Museum. The Keystone Historic Preservation Grants program, allocated through the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, supports projects that protect historic resources in the commonwealth for public benefit and the revitalization of communities. The Third Scots And Mariners Presbyterian Church is part of Presbytery of Philadelphia, which was founded in 1717 and is the oldest Presbyterian corporate entity in the United States. The Independence Seaport Museum was opened in 1961 as the Philadelphia Maritime Museum and acts as a preservation of maritime history for charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes. “I applaud the Historical & Museum Commission for allocating this funding, helping to preserve two sites in my district that are rich in historical significance,” Isaacson said. “Being in historic Philadelphia, I’m aware of how important it is to preserve our past, as it can teach all of us a little something about ourselves and where we come from. Both the Third Scots church and the Seaport Museum are shining examples of Read more

 

Cyber Charter School bill & My Text Messaging Fee bill reported out of committee!

(Jun 12, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

It was another busy week in Harrisburg as we near the middle of June. Read more

 

Redevelopment, Transportation, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 10, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) Who May Apply: Private non-profit agency or unit of local government Use: To build on the work that has been completed to date and advance statewide training and technical assistance around the JJSES framework with a strong focus on continuous quality improvement and fundamental fairness Funds: A total of $450,000 in federal Title II Formula Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $450,000 over the 12- month project period. Matching funds are not a requirement of this funding opportunity, but a sustainability plan must be included as part of the application submitted. Application Deadline: July 13, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Who May Apply: State, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $740,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Read more

 

School cell phone ban passes House, protecting homeowners and more!

(Jun 05, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

This week in Harrisburg, I was able to welcome many advocacy groups to discuss an array of budget issues and priorities. I am always happy to hear about what matters to them as we craft the budget for the new fiscal year. Read more

 

Transportation, Development, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 03, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

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

 

Budget season approaching, Pops on the Plaza and more!

(May 29, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

I hope that everyone had a relaxing (although rainy) Memorial Day Weekend and a happy start to the summer. Read more

 

Remembering the reason for Memorial Day

(May 22, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

On this Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, let us remember the meaning of this holiday. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Transportation, Environmental, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(May 13, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

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

 

My Rental Application Fees Legislation Advances Through the House

(May 08, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms, grandmas, and mother figures who make the world brighter with their love. Read more

 

Isaacson bill amending outdated scholarship program unanimously advances through House

(May 05, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

HARRISBURG, May 5 – Today, legislation introduced by state Rep. Mary Isaacson (H.B. 2237) to eliminate unnecessary reporting for the phased-out New Economy Technology Scholarship passed the PA House unanimously. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency continues to generate and submit reports for the NETS program due to existing requirements, despite the NETS program no longer receiving appropriations. House Bill 2237 would repeal this reporting section. “This update would eliminate the unneeded administrative and reporting obligations for a program that no longer accepts recipients or receives funding,” Isaacson said. “There is no need to have these burdens on PHEAA, and I’m glad my colleagues in the House recognized this by advancing my bill.” House Bill 2237 now moves to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Isaacson bill to cap rental application fees advances through House

(May 04, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

HARRISBURG, May 4 – Today, legislation brought forth by state Rep. Mary Isaacson (House Bill 558) that would put a cap on rental application fees advanced through the House 148-53 . The bill would amend The Landlord Tenant Act of 1951, limiting a landlord or landlord’s agent to only charge rental application fees reasonably related to the actual administrative expenses incurred for an application. The bill would also prohibit application fees as being a general revenue source for a landlord. On April 13, House Bill 558 was reported out of the Housing and Community Development Committee by a vote of 23-3, prior to passage in the House. The bill aligns with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan that stresses affordability for renters. “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House for providing a victory to Pennsylvania renters,” Isaacson said. “Landlords have been preying on the Commonwealth via excessive fees, limiting the opportunities renters have to find housing. Someone shouldn’t have to stop applying for housing because of simple paperwork, and this bill would alleviate that concern.” The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Busy week in Harrisburg, voter registration deadline and more!

(May 01, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

It was a busy week in Harrisburg, moving lots of bills in both committees and the floor. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Public Interest, Transportation, Community Development and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
1 hour ago

Fourth of July festivities shined brightly in the district!
Jul 10, 2026

Grant Memo: Agriculture, CTE, Tourism, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Jul 08, 2026

A time to celebrate our independence!
Jul 03, 2026

Grant Memo: Nonprofit security, Redevelopment, Scholarship, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Jun 29, 2026

My text messaging bill passes the House and more!
Jun 26, 2026

Isaacson legislation to prohibit state agencies from sending texts regarding fines, fees unanimously passes House
Jun 23, 2026

Working on policy issues, historic preservation grants and more!
Jun 19, 2026

Over $140,000 in historical preservation grant funding secured for local organizations
Jun 15, 2026

Cyber Charter School bill & My Text Messaging Fee bill reported out of committee!
Jun 12, 2026

Redevelopment, Transportation, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 10, 2026

School cell phone ban passes House, protecting homeowners and more!
Jun 05, 2026

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

Budget season approaching, Pops on the Plaza and more!
May 29, 2026

Remembering the reason for Memorial Day
May 22, 2026

Grant Memo: Transportation, Environmental, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
May 13, 2026

My Rental Application Fees Legislation Advances Through the House
May 08, 2026

Isaacson bill amending outdated scholarship program unanimously advances through House
May 05, 2026

Isaacson bill to cap rental application fees advances through House
May 04, 2026

Busy week in Harrisburg, voter registration deadline and more!
May 01, 2026