Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila. is intricately involved in the response. "I'm on site with city, state and federal officials. We're assessing the situation and working with PEMA and the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management," Neilson said. "We will provide critical updates as soon as we have more details, but for now please stay away from the area." Read more
State Rep. Ed Neilson said he stands in solidarity with the workers at Home Depot, 4640 Roosevelt Blvd., in their efforts to form a collective bargaining agreement with their employer. “Unions achieve historical rights for workers across both the commonwealth and the whole country,” Neilson said. “We must stand with workers who want to ensure their rights are not violated. Workers have a right to protection from predatory workplace practices and only unions can provide that.” Workers at the Home Depot have filed paperwork with the National Labor Relations Board, under the name Home Depot Workers United, according to an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer. If successful, the Philadelphia location would be the first Home Depot store in the U.S. where workers organized a collective bargaining unit. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: ?Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : An individual, partnership, association, firm, corporation, cooperatives or any other legal entity. Use : To support projects that grow agricultural infrastructure in urban food deserts to improve access to fresh, local food and provide opportunities for hands-on learning, community-building, and for people to become social entrepreneurs. Community gardens are eligible projects. Funds : $2,500 micro grants or up to $50,000 for collaboration grants. Application Deadline : September 16, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Funding/Farmbill/Pages/Urban-Ag-Grant.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: ?Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : An individual, partnership, association, firm, corporation or any other legal entity. Use : To support the development and expansion of current or future very small meat and poultry processing operations. Funds : Grants are limited to no more than $100,000 per applicant. Application Deadline : September 26, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Funding/Farmbill/Pages/Very-Small-Meat-Processor-Grant.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: ?Agriculture and Youth Grant Program Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 16 -- With schools opening in the next few weeks, state Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., has introduced legislation (HB 2276) that would establish a pilot program to expand automated speed traffic cameras into school zones within the City of Philadelphia. “I have traveled throughout the city and state,” Neilson said. “The blinking school zone lights do not slow traffic down for children to cross the street safely. Many in the City of Philadelphia have been in disrepair for years and blink when they want and are not maintained.” According to the Philadelphia Police Department, there were 63 traffic fatalities in the first six months of 2022. Neilson maintains that this expansion of the automated traffic program would be the best protection for children making their way to school. “As public servants, it’s our duty to enact legislation that keeps people safe, healthy and improves their quality of life,” Neilson said. “The proof is the success of the current automated traffic cameras – expanding the program to protect children is the next logical step in making Philadelphia safe for pedestrians – especially our children. I call on all elected officials to protect our children that are going to and from school each day. Either fix it locally or we will fix it in Harrisburg.” Since the original automated traffic camera program, along Roosevelt Boulevard, violations have dropped 91%, Read more
HARRISBURG, April 26 -- State Rep. Ed Neilson introduced legislation passed by the House today that would establish the Constable William Davidson Reward Fund, which would provide rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals who commit criminal homicide against a law enforcement officer. “There was a 36% increase in law enforcement homicides from the previous year,” Neilson said. “This legislation will serve as a stern warning to anyone who wants to engage in violence against the men and women who protect us daily.” Constable William Davidson was the first law enforcement officer to be killed at a criminal’s hands in Pennsylvania, when he went to serve a warrant and was ambushed by a second man who had intentions of killing the man named on the warrant. Davidson was killed when he encountered the second man, who was subsequently found not guilty by reason of insanity. Neilson said this fund will serve to honor Davidson’s memory and the memory of all law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty. The bill (H.B. 1123) will now move to the Senate for consideration. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Programs (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Counties. Use : To support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence, needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals. Funds : Varies by county. Application Deadline : April 25, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs/Life Unites Us: Life Unites Us Community Award Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations. Use : To promote knowledge about substance use disorder (SUD) and reduce the stigma associated with addiction by sharing stories from individuals and family members living in recovery and broadcasting a message of hope throughout the state. Funds : Awards range between $5,000 and $15,000. Application Deadline : April 13, 2022 More Information : Click on https://lifeunitesus.com/grant . Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program (Funding Source: Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Fund) Read more
A look back at 2021 Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Support for Student Mental Health Needs Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations, school districts, and other school entities. Use : To propose programming and other services to address youth mental health needs that have become apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds : Grants up to $150,000. Application Deadline : March 28, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022 Resource Center for Prevention Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Any institution of higher education, nonprofit agency, or for-profit organization. Use : To support Pennsylvania’s Resource Center for Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Programs and Practices (Resource Center). Funds : One award of $945,000. Application Deadline : April 4, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission: State Wildlife Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Any agency, organization, or entity desiring to participate in the planning or Read more
Pa. state Rep. Ed Neilson encourages anyone, but especially those living in Philadelphia, to come out to the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. He says that people from all across the world come to watch the migratory birds travel through Pa. He thinks it's a great way to see nature up close and personal. Read more
HARRISBURG, Pa. (February 1) – Excitement for the spring trout fishing season kicks into high gear today as the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is pleased to make its 2022 adult trout stocking schedule available using the FishBoatPA mobile app and website ( www.fishandboat.com ). "The release of our trout stocking schedule is always a welcome reminder that spring is just around the corner," said Brian Wisner, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Hatcheries. "This schedule is our roadmap for stocking millions of trout into hundreds of waterways across the state before and during the trout season, which is no small task. Anglers can review the schedule to learn which local waters will be ready for some great fishing in just a few weeks. So, buy your fishing license early, get your gear ready, and start planning your opening day adventure and fishing trips throughout the season." The trout stocking schedule is searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers, and the species of trout that will be stocked. In 2022, Pennsylvania will return to a single, statewide Opening Day of Trout Season on the first Saturday in April, which in 2022 will occur on Saturday, April 2. A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will take place on Saturday, March 26. Under this change, which will result in a longer regular season Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Clean Energy Workforce Development Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania local workforce development board. Use : To assist the department with the creation of programs designed to engage and support businesses in the clean energy sector. Funds : Grants up to $500,000. Application Deadline : March 14, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Program (Funding Source: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofits. Use : To enhance security and protect from hate crimes. Funds : Grants awards from $5,000 to $150,000. Application Deadline : March 2, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.pccd.pa.gov/schoolsafety/Pages/Non-Profit-Security-Grant-Fund.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Direct Victim Service Organizations Grant Program (Funding Source: Monetary Penalty Endowments Trust Fund) Who May Apply : Direct victim service organizations. Use : To support residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who have been child victims of sexual Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Violence Intervention & Prevention Technical Assistance Project (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Institutions of higher education (public and/or not-for-profit only), nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations. Use : To support the design, launch, and management of a new Statewide Community of Practice technical assistance, training, and capacity-building initiative. Funds : Grants up to $750,000 over a two-year project period. Application Deadline : March 10, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development: Statewide Local Share Account (Funding Source: State Gaming Fund) Who May Apply : Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, and non-profits (if they partner with any of the previous entities) . Use : To support projects that improve the quality of life of individuals in the commonwealth. Funds : Grant awards between $25,000 and $1,000,000. Application Deadline : March 15, 2022 More Information : Click on https://dced.pa.gov/programs/local-share-account-lsa-statewide/ . Pennsylvania Read more
Funds are available for economic development, neighborhood revitalization, community improvement and other public interests projects. Funding is provided by a portion of the City's slot machine operation fees. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Victims Rights Law Enforcement Video Project (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who Can Apply : Any entity that can provide this service. Use : To develop a 5-minute video that can be presented during the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) training. Funds : Up to $25,000. Application Deadline : October 26 More Information : Click on https://www.pccdegrants.pa.gov/Egrants/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Section 902 Recycling Implementation Grant ( Funding Source: Recycling Fund) Who May Apply : Counties, cities, boroughs, incorporated towns, townships, home rule municipalities, councils of governments, consortiums or similar entities established by two or more municipalities. Use : To fund costs associated with developing and implementing a recycling program. Funds : 90% funding of approved recycling program costs, up to $350,000. Financially distressed communities may receive up to 100% funding of approved costs, not to exceed $350,000. Application Deadline : October 29 (this program has re-opened for applications). More Information : Click on Read more
The 2022 Open Enrollment Period for Pennsylvanians seeking health insurance coverage through Pennie is now open (as of Monday, Nov. 1) and will remain open through Jan. 15, 2022 . Pennie connects customers with financial aid and helps them shop for, compare and purchase health insurance. Nearly everyone qualifies for savings because of the American Rescue Plan. Pennie was created through legislation in 2019, moving Pennsylvania from the federal-based exchange to a state-based marketplace, which helped residents save hundreds – and, in some cases, thousands – of dollars on health insurance. Customers may see additional savings when enrolling in a 2022 Pennie plan because of the American Rescue Plan, according to state Rep. Tony DeLuca , Democratic Chairman of the House Insurance Committee. If you have questions, Pennie has answers via its FAQ page . Visit Pennie.com or call 1-844-844-8040 for more information. While open enrollment continues through Jan. 15, 2022, the last day to enroll for coverage starting Jan. 1 is Dec. 15, 2021 . Visit the Pennsylvania Insurance Department website for more information on how to get health insurance. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Labor & Industry: Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grants (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit agencies (community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, etc.) or small businesses meeting certain criteria (see program guidelines). Uses : To provide digital literacy classes emphasizing career development skills, including digital fundamentals, digital job seeking, digital citizenship, and digital information. Funds : Grants of up to $45,000 each. Application Deadline : December 21 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: State Clean Diesel Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding and State Mitigation Trust - Volkswagen Emissions Settlement) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania Businesses, Incorporated Nonprofits, State, Local, or Tribal Government Agencies, Air Quality or Transportation Organizations, Metropolitan or Rural/Regional Transportation Planning Organizations, and Federal Government Agencies. Uses : Diesel emission reduction projects, including, but not limited to: verified exhaust controls; engine upgrades and certified remanufacture systems; verified idle reduction technologies; certified engine Read more
As winter approaches and we prepare to spend even more time indoors, utility bills are only going to get more expensive. Additionally, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn have made it difficult for many to keep up with home energy bills. No Pennsylvanian should ever have to worry that their heat will be shut off during the coldest and darkest months of the year. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) that provides assistance for home heating bills so Pennsylvanians can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for both renters and homeowners. LIHEAP helps some of the commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens — children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families — make ends meet. Anyone who may need help, or anyone who has loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this program, is encouraged to apply for LIHEAP today. APPLY FOR LIHEAP LIHEAP FACTS How do I apply for LIHEAP? Depending on preference, different options are available to apply for LIHEAP: Apply online: Pennsylvanians can apply at www.compass.state.pa.us . Paper applications: Call the LIHEAP Helpline at 1-866-857-7095 to request a paper application. Paper applications can also be downloaded from the DHS LIHEAP web page . County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients Read more
With winter just around the corner, PA House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton wants to let you know that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now accepting applications for 2021-22. The program can provide a one-time cash grant – which does not have to be repaid – ranging from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Crisis grants are also available for emergency situations like broken heating equipment, lack of fuel, imminent shut-off of services, and similar situations. You can find more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply here . If you need help applying or having questions about LIHEAP, please contact McClinton's office: (215) 748-6712 . Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities (replaces Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant) (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governments with a FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan are eligible to apply to PEMA as sub-applicants. Individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations are not eligible to apply for funds directly; however, an eligible local government entity may apply for funding on behalf of individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations. PEMA will be the statewide applicant to FEMA on behalf of eligible sub-applicants. Use : Pre-disaster mitigation activities to reduce risk from future hazard events, while also reducing reliance on federal funding in future disasters. A federal disaster declaration is not required. Funds : Federal cost-share is 75 percent. Application Deadline : Letters of Interest (required step) must be sent to PEMA by 5pm October 15, 2021. Completed applications to PEMA are due 5pm November 19, 2021. More Information : Click on https://www.pema.pa.gov/Grants/BRIC/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Flood Mitigation Assistance (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governments may apply to PEMA as sub-applicants. PEMA will be the statewide Read more
Read my Summer 2021 Newsletter now! Read more
HARRISBURG, June 30 – State Reps. Ed Neilson, Mary Jo Daley, Eddie Day Pashinski and Joe Ciresi announced the introduction of a resolution urging Congress to establish a National Infrastructure Bank to repair, enhance and revolutionize the country’s infrastructure while creating 25 million living-wage jobs. "Throughout my entire professional career, I have been deeply rooted in the labor sector," Neilson, D-Phila., said. "I know the value of those jobs to the people who work in them, and I know how vital those jobs are to our economy and the well-being of our communities. Right now, our commonwealth's infrastructure is in crisis. A National Infrastructure Bank would allow us to support various industries , create jobs and address the issue of our aging and deteriorating infrastructure." The NIB would be a separate institution from the Federal Budget, set up as a government-sponsored lending, deposit-money bank, and capitalized with existing treasuries held by the public sector – not new tax dollars. According to the Coalition for a National Infrastructure Bank, this process of using government-backed private capital to finance these most-needed projects has been successfully used to restore our country’s economic stability four times throughout the U.S. history. Legislation – H.R. 3339 – has been introduced in Congress to create this NIB but has not yet been voted on. In Pennsylvania, H.R. 113 – with Read more
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