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Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to I-95 Collapse Emergency

Rep. Ed Neilson

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Neilson applauds historic federal investment to upgrade SEPTA’s aging trains on Market-Frankford Line

(Feb 21, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

State Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee, said he is excited that SEPTA will be receiving $317 million in federal funding to replace its aging Market-Frankford Line fleet. SEPTA was awarded $317 million for the project and is evaluating bids from different rail car manufacturers to build new cars for the Market-Frankford Line. The award is the largest competitive federal grant SEPTA has won for a project. “The Market-Frankford Line is a vital route that makes almost 15 million trips per year,” Neilson said. “The trains haven’t been upgraded in 25 years which leads to delays for passengers who rely on this route and even cancellations.” The Market-Frankford Line needs approximately 96 cars to maintain levels of ridership, according to SEPTA. They said they are currently operating with 85. “This investment is a big deal and is long overdue,” Neilson said. Neilson said that as one of the largest cities in the United States, elected officials on all levels of government need to work together with local agencies to ensure that Philadelphians can travel safely and on time throughout the city using SEPTA. Read more

 

Grant Programs Open for Application: Conservation, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 08, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications, as of Feb. 8, 2024. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: CDFI Network Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Small businesses that are at least 51% owned and operated by disadvantaged individuals that historically lacked access to financial services (as defined by the U.S. Treasury), generate annual revenues of less than $1 million, employ 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, and have been in operation on or before March 17, 2020. Use: Funds may be used for, but not limited to, working capital, inventory, equipment, safety and security equipment, marketing, and costs to support the ongoing operation of the business. Funds: $10.5 million in federal ARPA funds are available for grants that will range from $2,500 to $10,000. Application Deadline: Feb. 23, 2024 More information: CDFI Network Website Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, non-profit organizations, and for profit organizations Use: Planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation, or equipment purchase for ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities, ATV and/or snowmobile educational programs. Funds: Funding comes from the ATV Management Read more

 

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District

(Jan 23, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

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. The 2023 funding round provided over $52 million in awards. Application Deadline: April 3, 2024 More information: DCNR Website Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA PA Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program Who May Apply: Units of local government and community anchor institutions ( as defined in Act 96 of 2021 ). Use: Funding is to be used for community projects that construct, acquire, or improve facilities (shared office space, recreation centers, schools, libraries, etc.) Read more

 

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  

(Jan 12, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ): What You Need to Know: There are major changes to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) form. The new FAFSA form is now available. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The 2024–25 FAFSA form will expand eligibility for federal student aid. What You Can Do Now : Watch the “2024–25 FAFSA FAQs” playlist to better for a look at what has changed on the new form. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an estimate of what your aid could be once the FAFSA is completed. If you did not submit a 2023–24 FAFSA form, make sure to create your StudentAid.gov account —and remember your username and password so you can access and submit the 2024–25 FAFSA form when it’s available. Find out if your parent(s) or spouse will need to be contributors (contribute their info on your FAFSA form). If your parent(s) or spouse will need to contribute to your form, make sure each contributor creates their own StudentAid.gov account . Watch our “Preparing for the FAFSA Form” to better understand what information and documents you’ll need to complete the FAFSA form. 2024–25 FAFSA ® Deadlines : Read more

 

PA House Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications

(Jan 11, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

Applications are now being accepted for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program . The Program – administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities – is for graduating high school seniors who reside in the Commonwealth of PA. TFEC awards two four-year scholarships to high school seniors each year. The award consists of the value of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for each of four years. Students must maintain eligibility criteria in all four years to receive the ongoing award. Please consider sharing this opportunity with those who may be eligible. Eligibility Criteria: Graduating High School Senior Legal Residency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Attendance at a PA College, university, or career school as a full-time student Academic achievement (minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA) Commitment to community and leadership qualities Extracurricular activities Financial need *Children of Legislators and their staff are NOT eligible Details on how to apply and submit required documents are available online at www.tfec.org or by clicking here . The deadline to submit all materials is April 15, 2024. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates state grants to reduce emissions from high-polluting trucks

(Jan 10, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

While world leaders are demanding we all move to zero emissions, it's great to see it embraced by local leaders of the transportation sector in Philadelphia. I hope to see more local companies take advantage of this program and invest in zero-emission fleet vehicles, which will pave the way for a cleaner future for generations to come. Read more

 

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - Summer 2024 PA House Legislative Fellowship Program

(Jan 10, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for the Summer 2024 semester. Applications are due on March 1, 2024 . The Fellowship Program is based in Pennsylvania’s magnificent Capitol Building in Harrisburg . Fellows are assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership offices, are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit) and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few. Qualified applicants will be: College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students; Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university, or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If you know of any college students who would benefit from the Fellowship Program, please feel free to invite them to visit the website at: www.pahousefellowship.us . Applications can be submitted via email at: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net . Read more

 

RACP, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities

(Jan 09, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: PAYS Survey Design Consultant Who May Apply: Applicants must meet the qualifications listed in the program guidelines, but any non-profit, for-profit, or academic organization is eligible. Use: The primary purpose of this project is to contract with an expert in the practice of surveying youth and adolescents to help inform necessary and appropriate revisions to the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS). Funds: Funding is provided through the State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program stream. PCCD expects to fund one grant not to exceed $200,000. Application Deadline: February 12, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Oversight of the 2025 and 2027 PAYS Administrations Who May Apply: Applicants must demonstrate their ability to conduct the tasks outlined in the program guidelines, but non-profits, for-profits, institutions of higher education, or others are eligible. Use: The primary purpose of this project is to provide direct oversight of the administration of the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) for the 2025 and 2027 survey administration periods. Funds: Funding is provided through the State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program stream. PCCD expects to fund one grant not to exceed $125,000. Application Deadline: February 12, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024/25 Justice Assistance Grant Read more

 

Grant Memo: Cultural, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities

(Jan 03, 2024) Rep. Ed Neilson

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Human Services: OCDEL Keystone STARS Continuous Quality Improvement Who May Apply: Eligible childcare providers will be notified via an eligibility letter from their Early Learning Resource Center. Providers must meet the requirements outlined here . Use: Staff qualifications and professional development, early childhood education programs, partnerships with families and communities, leadership and management, and accreditation costs. Funds: Grant amounts vary by provider. Grant funding comes from $12 million of federal Childcare Development Fund funds. Application Deadline: Feb. 15, 2024 More information: Keystone STARS Website Department of Transportation: State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) Incentive Program Who May Apply: To be eligible for STIC Incentive funding, the STIC or other equivalent task force, committee or group must be formally established with a charter, include public and private members, meet regularly, and comprehensively consider sources of innovation. Use: The State Transportation Innovation Council Incentive Program provides funding to help STICs foster a culture of innovation and make innovations standard practice in their states. Examples of allowable activities include but are not limited to: developing standards and specifications; developing training to facilitate widespread use of innovation, developing memoranda of agreement; preparing a report summarizing the lessons Read more

 

PA House Democrats Deliver: Safer, healthier, more equitable communities

(Dec 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 29 – As the House majority in 2023, the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus advanced measures to keep communities safer, healthier and make them better places to live for all residents. First, House Democrats championed legislation to strengthen public safety, including keeping 911 services operational, making Pennsylvania roadways safer for drivers and pedestrians, and recruiting more law enforcement professionals. 911 Centers serve residents and first responders 24/7/365 -- often during times of emergency. When funding for 911 Centers was at risk, House Democrats fought for a plan to secure funding to enable them to continue to serve the public and make improvements to the 911 system. Communities across Pennsylvania are struggling to fill police officer positions , but a plan introduced by Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, will update some outdated standards used to assess applicants that have made recruiting municipal police officers more difficult and imbalanced statewide. “Vacancies in local police departments hurt our communities and put us all at risk,” Williams said. “This measure will give our local police departments a tool to help solve their vacancies but is only a piece of the puzzle as we need to do more.” This comes after an announcement earlier this year that the Pennsylvania State Police was removing its college credit requirement on a trial basis to attract more Read more

 

Neilson applauds state budget’s allocation for Education Improvement Tax Credit

(Dec 14, 2023) Rep. Ed Neilson

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania General Assembly increased funding to $150 million for the state’s Education Improvement Tax Credit, which provides tax breaks to businesses that contribute monetary donations to scholarships or other educational funds throughout the state. State Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee, applauded the funding to expand access to quality education for all students and families in the commonwealth. “A strong education is the foundation of setting students and their families up for success,” Neilson said. “The EITC allows children and families not only financial relief, but endless opportunities to invest in their education and futures.” “Opportunity is a promise that we should always make to our children,” he continued. “As our future leaders, we need to use every tool to set them up for a thriving and equitable society.” Read more

 

Speed cameras will stay on Roosevelt Boulevard and be expanded to other parts of the city under Pa. bill

(Dec 13, 2023) Rep. Ed Neilson

Authorization for a trial of the camera, which began operation on Roosevelt Blvd. in 2020, was set to expire Monday, Dec. 18. The bill also makes permanent the state’s use of automated speed enforcement in highway work zones. Read more

 

House passes H.R. 279 to extend emergency disaster proclamation for I-95

(Dec 12, 2023) Rep. Ed Neilson

Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 279 , authored by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., to further extend the emergency disaster proclamation for I-95 and allow work to rebuild the overpass that collapsed due to fire to continue. “The I-95 bridge collapse has had a major effect on Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the entire northeast United States,” Bellmon said. “We must extend the governor’s emergency declaration to ensure the bridge gets the proper reconstruction it needs so that we don’t witness another catastrophe happen to it, and so travelers can be safe driving on it.” Last June, a tanker truck carrying gasoline lost control as it attempted to exit the highway. It caught fire after the crash causing the north and southbound lanes of I-95 to require reconstruction for an undetermined amount of time. Gov. Josh Shapiro declared a disaster emergency proclamation on June 12, the day after the accident. The first extension was contained in S.R. 136, introduced by state Sen Jimmy Dillion, which extended the proclamation until Nov. 1. That was followed by another extension by offered by state Rep. Pat Gallagher, H.R. 197. The disaster declaration allows the state to continue to access emergency funding and follow streamlined rules for repair work. “I am thankful for my House and Senate colleagues for making the reconstruction of I-95 a priority this legislative session.” Said Read more

 

Pennsylvania House considers road use fee for EV owners

(Dec 12, 2023) Rep. Ed Neilson

The proposed electric vehicle fee would replace the alternative fuels tax on electricity, but only for electricity used to charge a vehicle at the owner’s legal residence. The bill would also forgive any unpaid alternative fuel tax owed prior to the new fee taking effect. Read more

 

Legislators Reach Across the Aisle to Speed Up Road Projects

(Nov 14, 2023) Rep. Ed Neilson

“It can take five to 10 years to get a road or bridge constructed using current state government practices,” added state Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., majority chairman of the House Transportation Committee. Neilson was the prime sponsor of the bill. “It was a pleasure to work with Rep. Struzzi on this much needed legislation,” Neilson said. “It shows that great things can happen when we work together.” Read more

 

Pa. lawmakers approve declaration to aid repair work for I-95 bridge collapse

(Oct 25, 2023) Rep. Ed Neilson

Article on Rep. Gallagher's emergency declaration resolution's adoption in the Pennsylvania Senate. Read more

 

Neilson applauds Biden administration’s historic investment in Pennsylvania for hydrogen production

(Oct 13, 2023) Rep. Ed Neilson

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., who serves as chairman of the House Oil and Gas Caucus, applauded the Biden Administration’s announcement today that two hydrogen hub projects in Pennsylvania were selected to receive a portion of $7 billion in federal grants to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen. “I was proud to stand next to President Biden today as he made this historic announcement,” Neilson said. “I want to thank the Biden Administration for not only choosing Pennsylvania but investing in our future.” Biden and Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm announced today at an event in Philadelphia that a total of seven regional hubs have been awarded $7 billion as part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by Biden in 2021. Two of the selected regional hubs will serve Pennsylvania. The first regional hub is the Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The project will receive up to $750 million in federal grants, enabling it to create more than 20,000 jobs for residents in those states. The other project located in Pennsylvania is the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub . In addition to Pennsylvania, it will also include West Virginia and Ohio. This hub will receive up to $925 million in federal grants, which will create approximately 21,000 jobs. “This federal investment will bring thousands of family sustaining, union jobs to Pennsylvania and the greater Read more

 

Neilson applauds funding increase for public transit across Pennsylvania

(Oct 04, 2023) Rep. Ed Neilson

I recognize the important link between a robust public transit system and economic opportunity for the commonwealth,” Neilson said. “Millions of people use public transit to take them to work, school and everywhere in between – investing in public transit is also investing in the people of Pennsylvania, ensuring that they can get anywhere they need to go, even in rural areas Read more

 

Neilson speaks on extending, expanding automated speed enforcement programs

(Oct 03, 2023) Rep. Ed Neilson

H.B. 1284 would update the School Bus Stop Arm Camera program which allows school districts to install cameras on school buses to capture vehicles that illegally pass a school bus with its red lights on and stop arm extended. This bill would extend PennDOT’s temporary regulations scheduled to expire on Oct. 24 and make multiple technical improvements to the program. Read more

 

Neilson’s plan to give cities greater authority over off-road vehicles passes House

(Oct 02, 2023) Rep. Ed Neilson

“The safety of our residents and visitors is paramount. HB1338 empowers cities to take decisive action to protect pedestrians, motorists, and the overall well-being of their communities,” Neilson said. Read more

 

Neilson applauds historic federal investment to upgrade SEPTA’s aging trains on Market-Frankford Line
Feb 21, 2024

Grant Programs Open for Application: Conservation, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 08, 2024

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District
Jan 23, 2024

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  
Jan 12, 2024

PA House Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications
Jan 11, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates state grants to reduce emissions from high-polluting trucks
Jan 10, 2024

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - Summer 2024 PA House Legislative Fellowship Program
Jan 10, 2024

RACP, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities
Jan 09, 2024

Grant Memo: Cultural, Health, Environmental, Public Safety, Transportation, and Redevelopment Opportunities
Jan 03, 2024

PA House Democrats Deliver: Safer, healthier, more equitable communities
Dec 29, 2023

Neilson applauds state budget’s allocation for Education Improvement Tax Credit
Dec 14, 2023

Speed cameras will stay on Roosevelt Boulevard and be expanded to other parts of the city under Pa. bill
Dec 13, 2023

House passes H.R. 279 to extend emergency disaster proclamation for I-95
Dec 12, 2023

Pennsylvania House considers road use fee for EV owners
Dec 12, 2023

Legislators Reach Across the Aisle to Speed Up Road Projects
Nov 14, 2023

Pa. lawmakers approve declaration to aid repair work for I-95 bridge collapse
Oct 25, 2023

Neilson applauds Biden administration’s historic investment in Pennsylvania for hydrogen production
Oct 13, 2023

Neilson applauds funding increase for public transit across Pennsylvania
Oct 04, 2023

Neilson speaks on extending, expanding automated speed enforcement programs
Oct 03, 2023

Neilson’s plan to give cities greater authority over off-road vehicles passes House
Oct 02, 2023