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Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to I-95 Collapse Emergency

Neilson bill to promote work zone driving safety headed to Senate

(Feb 04, 2025)

Today, Pennsylvania lawmakers voted to protect road workers by passing legislation authored by House Transportation Committee Chair Rep. Ed Neilson. The bipartisan bill (H.B. 257) would provide more tools to help new drivers learn about how to drive safely in a work zone. It accomplishes this by requiring that the written driving test include at least one question about work zone driving safety, while also requiring minors to view PennDOT’s educational materials about work zone driving safety before they apply for a junior driver’s license. “Road workers deserve protective measures to ease their worry about potential safety risks. They work hard, sometimes in the extreme heat and cold, to ensure that roads and bridges across the state are safe and efficient,” Neilson said. “Educating new drivers on the best practices while driving through work zones instills safe driving habits from the moment they apply for their driver’s permit.” According to PennDOT, 91 workers have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1970. The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Legislation authorizing parking-protected bike lanes passes House

(Feb 04, 2025)

On Monday, the House approved bipartisan legislation ( H.B. 291) that would give local authorities the option of installing parking-protected bicycle lanes between the curb and parking lanes on roadways under their jurisdiction. “My priority as transportation chair is to ensure the safety and well-being of anyone who uses Pennsylvania roads,” Neilson said. “We worked hard during the last legislative session to pass legislation that protects children in school zones, enforcing speeding violations through work zones and we strengthened our distracted driving laws.” Neilson said he felt compelled to make another push for this legislation after last summer’s tragic and preventable death of Dr. Barbara Friedes, a pediatrician with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who was tragically struck and killed while riding her bicycle in an unprotected bike lane in Philadelphia. “We all have people we care deeply about; I have five kids myself and three grandkids; the thought of having to bury one of them before their time is devastating itself but knowing it could have been prevented with a protected bike lane would amplify that grief,” he said. Neilson thanked his colleagues, state Reps. Mary Jo Daley and David Maloney, for introducing and championing H.B. 291. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Neilson: Pray for Families Affected by NE Philly Plane Crash

(Feb 03, 2025)

As he convened the Feb. 3rd meeting of the #PAHouse Transportation Committee, Majority Chairman Ed Neilson asked his colleagues to observe a moment of silence and pray for the victims and families affected on  Jan. 31st when a plane crashed into a Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood. Read more

 

Reps. Bellmon, Dawkins, Dougherty, Gallagher, Neilson and Solomon Issue Statement on Plane Crash in Northeast Philadelphia

(Jan 31, 2025)

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 31, 2025 — State Reps. Anthony Bellmon, Jason Dawkins, Sean Dougherty, Pat Gallagher, Ed Neilson and Jared Solomon today issued the following statement on a plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia: "While we're still learning details regarding the horrific tragedy in Northeast Philadelphia, we're working with local and state officials to support our community. For everyone's safety and to ensure first responders have unimpeded access to the site, please avoid the area around Roosevelt Mall. "Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims, as well as the neighbors and businesses impacted by this disaster. We're extremely grateful for all the first responders working this emergency." Read more

 

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

(Jan 29, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. Application Deadline: April 2, 2025 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 Read more

 

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

(Jan 22, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Victims of Crime Act 2025-2027 Who May Apply: Agencies currently receiving federal Victims of Crime Act funding. Use: The federal VOCA guidelines classify eligible activities/costs into three categories: direct service costs, activities supporting direct services, and subrecipient administrative costs. The federal VOCA guidelines can be found in the Federal Register at: Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Program . Funds: This solicitation is for approximately $53.9 million in federal VOCA funds for the first year with year two amounts being determined at the November 2025 Victims Services Advisory Committee (VSCA) meeting. PCCD expects to fund approximately 157 grants. Applicants will be required to submit a continuation application for year two. Application Deadline: March 14, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Department of Health: WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning Program Who May Apply: Municipalities and metropolitan and rural planning organizations. Priority will be given to communities located in PA DOH State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) priority counties or with an overall percentile rating above 60 in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) PennEnviroScreen Tool. The 10 current SPAN target counties are: Clearfield, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Northumberland, and Philadelphia. Use: Funds will be Read more

 

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

(Jan 15, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program Who May Apply: Public institutions of higher education. Use: Funding may be used to offer college coursework to high school students enrolled in eligible school entities. Funds: $14 million in state funding was allocated through the 2024 School Code. Application Deadline: February 10, 2025 More information: PDE Website Department of Environmental Protection: Abandoned Mine Land and Abandoned Mine Draining Grant Program Who May Apply: An authority, incorporated nonprofit, political subdivision, or conservation district. Use: Funds may be used for abandoned mine land reclamation and abandoned mine drainage treatment or abatement. Funds: $75 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: April 25, 2025. Applicants must contact DEP ( ra-epamgrantprogram@pa.gov ) prior to applying for an initial project consultation. More information: DEP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Physical health care providers, hospitals, rural health centers, or federally qualified health clinics. Use: To promote full integration and collaboration in clinical practice between behavioral health care and primary physical health care. Funds: $3 million in funding is available from the Publicis Health Opioid Settlement. Application Deadline: January 24, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Read more

 

Legislators introduce consumer privacy rights a fourth time

(Jan 14, 2025)

Pennsylvanians should be able to interact online without worrying how their information is used; they deserve the option to protect themselves from targeted advertising and other nefarious ways their information can be used Read more

 

Neilson introduces legislation to protect consumer’s online data

(Jan 09, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – Today, state Rep. Ed Neilson introduced legislation (H.B. 78) along with state Rep. Stephenie Scialabba to establish a Consumer Data Privacy Act, which would ensure that consumers are able to make informed decisions about how their data is being used online or sold to a third party. “Unlike other states, Pennsylvania has no safeguard to protect our constituents’ privacy,” Neilson said. “Pennsylvanians should be able to interact online without worrying how their information is used; they deserve the option to protect themselves from targeted advertising and other nefarious ways their information can be used.” Neilson added that it’s unfair to consumers who expect their private information to be safely stored with one business, but they are incentivized to sell it to third parties for targeted advertising purposes. “Many other states have protections for consumer data, but we are falling behind in Pennsylvania,” Neilson continued. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to establish important privacy laws.” House Bill 78 is based on similar legislation from last session (formerly H.B.1201), which received bipartisan support in the House but failed to receive a vote in the Senate before the end of the year. Read more

 

Neilson announces role as chair of the House Transportation Committee

(Jan 08, 2025)

Today, state Rep. Ed Neilson was named as majority chair of the House Transportation Committee. Neilson previously served in this role during the 2023-24 legislative session and was successful in authoring laws that strengthened distracted driving laws, ensured that electric vehicle owners were paying their fair share for the upkeep of our roads, and make roads safer for everyone. “While the House Transportation Committee faced challenges during the previous legislative session, I was happy to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and implement bipartisan solutions to those challenges,” Neilson said. “I want to build on the accomplishments of the 2023-2024 legislative session and make Pennsylvania a leader in all aspects of the transportation sector.” Neilson was also instrumental in extending the emergency proclamation from Gov. Josh Shapiro to expedite the re-opening of I-95 after a truck fire caused an overpass in northeast Philadelphia to collapse. “I-95 is a major roadway, not just for Philadelphia but for the entire Northeast region. The cooperative effort of local, state and federal government resulted in the bridge re-opening for use just 12 days after the accident and I was proud to be a part of that,” Neilson added. Neilson said that his priorities include adequate funding for public transportation agencies across the commonwealth, as well as the repair and upkeep of Pennsylvania’s Read more

 

Rep. Neilson's 2025 Web Calendar

(Dec 30, 2024)

2025 Web Calendar Read more

 

Neilson lauds cooperative effort to reduce vehicle fees for retirees and veterans

(Dec 18, 2024)

State Rep. Ed Neilson today expressed his gratitude toward Gov. Josh Shapiro and his House colleagues, state Reps. Joe Ciresi and Rob Merski, for the successful effort to allow more seniors and certain military veterans to be eligible for reduced or eliminated vehicle registration fees at PennDOT. Neilson’s legislation, H.B. 2301, was signed into law by Shapiro as Act 60 on July 15, 2024 and went into effect this month. It included a proposal offered by Merski to increase the annual income cap for a retiree to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee of $11. Previously, the annual income cap for a retired customer to qualify for a reduced registration fee of $11 was $19,200, which had not been increased since 1998. Due to the newly enacted state law, the annual income cap is now $29,906, and it will be adjusted annually for inflation going forward. Because of the expansion of the annual income threshold, many more retired persons will be eligible for the reduced registration fee of $11. “As people age and retire, they are usually restricted to a fixed income,” Neilson said. “Every dollar helps, and the expansion of the eligibility threshold will allow these retirees to save more money on their vehicle registration.” Neilson’s legislation also included a proposal offered by Ciresi to eliminate registration and titling fees for one passenger vehicle or truck weighing 9,000 pounds or less Read more

 

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

(Dec 17, 2024)

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Community and Economic Development: Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Community-based non-profit organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience, educational institutions, and non-profit economic development organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience. Use: Creation or support of a Business Assistance Service Center for the purpose of serving small, historically disadvantaged businesses. Funds: $20 million in funding was appropriated in the 2024/25 state budget. Application Deadline: January 22, 2025 More information: DCED Website Council on the Arts: Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs (EAOAP) Who May Apply: Non-profit agencies with a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an annual average arts revenue over $200,000. Use: Entry track is the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) point of entry for organizations or programs to the AOAP. Applicants must apply in Entry track until recommended for AOAP, which is based on panel review and assessment totals Funds: Grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded. Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 More information: Arts Website Council on the Arts: Arts Read more

 

Neilson applauds Gov. Shapiro for redirecting federal funding to SEPTA

(Nov 22, 2024)

House Transportation Committee Chair, state Rep. Ed Neilson made the following statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s redirection of $153 million in federal highway capital funds to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to allow for continued service, avoid immediate service cuts and delay more significant fare increases until July 1, 2025: “I want to thank Governor Shapiro for his leadership and support of Pennsylvania’s most complex and robust transit authority. SEPTA is a lifeline for people in Philadelphia and the outlying counties, providing almost 800,000 people daily with transportation that they might not otherwise have. “We have been sounding the alarm around public transit funding for months. On our statewide tour about the transportation needs of urban, suburban and rural Pennsylvania, we heard from countless experts who spoke of the dire consequences that would come without action from the General Assembly. “The PA House Democrats took that input seriously, passing bipartisan legislation to properly fund public transit in all 67 counties on three different occasions, which was never brought up for consideration in the Senate. “This isn’t just about buses; this is about jobs. This is about making sure that our businesses can still get their employees to work. Transit is an investment, not an expense. For every dollar invested in transit, we generate Read more

 

Crash Responder Safety Week Proclamation

(Nov 15, 2024)

With this proclamation for the emergency responders, we’re reminding people to Slow down and move over when approaching the scene of an accident. Read more

 

Neilson makes statement on SEPTA’s fare increase proposal

(Nov 13, 2024)

Following SEPTA’s new fare increase proposal, announced yesterday, Majority Chair of the House Transportation Committee, state Rep. Ed Neilson, made the following statement: “I am disappointed that millions of people from Philadelphia and the outlying suburbs will be drastically impacted by SEPTA’s fare increase and major service cuts to the region,” Neilson said. “Despite months of negotiations and a statewide informational tour about the importance of funding our public transit agencies in all 67 counties, the General Assembly failed to reach an agreement. “The Pennsylvania House Democrats passed legislation three times to increase funding to SEPTA and other public transit agencies statewide without raising taxes. My legislation, House Bill 2625, which passed the House, would have prevented SEPTA’s fare increases and service cuts, while also providing increased transit funding to rural, suburban, and urban communities in all 67 counties. “Although SEPTA is the first casualty of this inaction, it will not be the last. During the House Transportation Committee’s statewide tour over the summer, we heard from every transit agency about how they are facing the same fiscal challenges as SEPTA. Soon, other vital public transit agencies throughout the state will have to make the same hard choices as SEPTA without additional state funding. “As Majority Chair of the Read more

 

Neilson presents $1 million to Northeast Philadelphia Airport

(Nov 01, 2024)

Reaffirming commitment to his role as Majority Chair of the House Transportation Committee, state Rep. Ed Neilson today joined state Sen. Jimmy Dillon to present $1 million in state funding to Northeast Philadelphia Airport for critical upgrades to the facility. “This funding will go a long way to modernizing Northeast Airport which helps keep it competitive and an even stronger economic engine for Northeast Philadelphia and Pennsylvania,” Neilson said. “It will ease the burden of Northeast residents while traveling, boost tourism and support local jobs. It’s a commitment to the future of Pennsylvania’s transportation sector.” Secured by Neilson and Dillion, the funding comes from the Local Share Account grant program, supported by the Department of Community and Economic Development. It will be used for upgrading the facility, enhancing security, and improvements to office space for the many workers employed there. “This funding represents meaningful investments in our community,” Dillon said. “We’ll keep working to secure more support for the people and organizations that make Northeast Philadelphia thrive." Read more

 

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

(Oct 29, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Economic Development Organizations, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities, For-Profit organizations. Use: Mixed-use site development, conversion projects, rehabilitation projects, a combination of the three afore-mentioned projects. Funds: $10 million in PA Sites funding has been allocated for this program. There is no limit on the amount of grant funding that may be awarded to an applicant. Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Support Services (RSS) Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, providing RSS and demonstrate the capacity to provide RSS to individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent substance use disorder (SUD). Use: Expand or enhance RSS to individuals in recover from OUD and other concurrent SUD. Funds: Approximately six grants totaling $1,500,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic Read more

 

Neilson lauds Nonprofit Security Grant Program Awards

(Oct 24, 2024)

State Rep. Ed Neilson announced today that two Jewish synagogues were awarded $98,100 to enhance security for protection against acts of hate. In the 2024-25 state budget, House Democrats voted to bolster the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program to protect vulnerable communities from hate crimes. Funding for this program was more than doubled within the state budget, thanks to the leadership of Gov. Josh Shapiro and House Democrats. “All Pennsylvanians deserve to feel safe no matter where they are,” Neilson said. “This is not just a matter of security, but of justice. This funding will provide protected communities with peace of mind as they worship, pray or gather with their community.” The following organizations received awards from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program: Congregation Ahavas Torah - $75,000 Politz Hebrew Academy Philadelphia - $23,100 PCCD administers the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program , which has provided $25 million in funding to more than 580 organizations since its inception. This latest, seventh round of grants will go to 208 nonprofit organizations, including 102 organizations that have never before received funding through this program. More information about the 208 selected applicants, the county served and award amounts can be found on the PCCD website . Read more

 

Neilson applauds passage of funding for public transit

(Oct 23, 2024)

After months of negotiations and informational meetings regarding Pennsylvania’s transportation sector, state Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, today announced the passage of House Bill 2625. House Bill 2625, authored by Neilson, would increase the share of the state’s sales tax revenue designated to transit funding from 4.4% to 6.15%, resulting in approximately $282 million in new transit funding for all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties without raising taxes. “We’ve voted three times on legislation that would allow mass transit agencies across the commonwealth to continue providing vital services to urban, rural and suburban communities,” Neilson said. “Reliable public transit is a vital service that many Pennsylvanians rely on, especially our seniors and people with disabilities who require a robust public transit system to reach important medical appointments and much more. “There is still time for the Senate leadership to do the right thing and fund public transit for all 67 counties,” he said. House Bill 2625 now moves to the Republican-controlled Senate. Read more

 

Neilson bill to promote work zone driving safety headed to Senate
Feb 04, 2025

Legislation authorizing parking-protected bike lanes passes House
Feb 04, 2025

Neilson: Pray for Families Affected by NE Philly Plane Crash
Feb 03, 2025

Reps. Bellmon, Dawkins, Dougherty, Gallagher, Neilson and Solomon Issue Statement on Plane Crash in Northeast Philadelphia
Jan 31, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 29, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 22, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 15, 2025

Legislators introduce consumer privacy rights a fourth time
Jan 14, 2025

Neilson introduces legislation to protect consumer’s online data
Jan 09, 2025

Neilson announces role as chair of the House Transportation Committee
Jan 08, 2025

Rep. Neilson's 2025 Web Calendar
Dec 30, 2024

Neilson lauds cooperative effort to reduce vehicle fees for retirees and veterans
Dec 18, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 17, 2024

Neilson applauds Gov. Shapiro for redirecting federal funding to SEPTA
Nov 22, 2024

Crash Responder Safety Week Proclamation
Nov 15, 2024

Neilson makes statement on SEPTA’s fare increase proposal
Nov 13, 2024

Neilson presents $1 million to Northeast Philadelphia Airport
Nov 01, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Oct 29, 2024

Neilson lauds Nonprofit Security Grant Program Awards
Oct 24, 2024

Neilson applauds passage of funding for public transit
Oct 23, 2024