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Solomon, Rabb applaud House passage of semi primaries legislation

(Sep 30, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – This week, state Reps. Jared Solomon and Chris Rabb applaud the House of Representatives for advancing House Bill 280, which would allow for an open primary election system in Pennsylvania, by a 115-88 vote. The bill would allow unaffiliated voters to participate in the primary. At least 40 states have some form of semi-open primaries. According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, there are more than 1.5 million Pennsylvanians not affiliated with either of the two major political parties. “1.5 million voters have no voice or vote in the primary system in PA,” Solomon said. “For the first time ever we had the full House vote to bring independents into civic life in Pennsylvania.” Rabb said that no Pennsylvanian should be treated as a second-class citizen or have their constitutional right to vote undermined by state law. “Ensuring a full and equal electorate is a just way to strengthen our democracy,” Rabb said. “With this bill, independent voters can express their preference in local, state, and federal elections and make a real impact on how their communities function. I encourage the Senate to give this sizable portion of our electorate a real voice in primary elections.” H.B. 280 will now head to the Senate for consideration. More information on the bill is available at: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb280 . Read more

 

Rabb introduces legislation to reduce stolen, lost firearms from federally licensed dealers

(Sep 29, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – This week, state Rep. Chris Rabb introduced House Bill 2808, seeking to reduce the number of firearms stolen or lost from federally licensed dealers. The bill, referred to the House Judiciary Committee, would require the Pennsylvania State Police or their designees to conduct annual inspections of federally licensed firearms dealers and would codify a duty to report lost or stolen firearms or ammunition. Two programs would also be established via H.B. 2808: one to provide grants to dealers to modernize their operations and another to fund PSP-led recruitment, training and oversight of designees who verify that dealers properly store and secure firearms sales records. “With over 3,000 federally licensed firearms dealers across the state, we need to identify which are complicit in the flow of illegal firearms, while providing ample support for the good-faith dealers seeking modernization,” Rabb said. “By empowering law enforcement and their designees to inspect gun dealers, without infringing on Pennsylvanians’ Second Amendment rights, we’re making our streets safer for everyone.” State Reps. Jen Mazzocco (D-Allegheny) and Lindsay Powell (D-Allegheny), two co-sponsors of the bill, echoed the need for sensible illegal firearm legislation. “With H.B. 2808, Pennsylvania can keep licensed firearms dealers running efficiently while finding real solutions to the Read more

 

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

(Sep 23, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipality, council of governments, business/non-profit, economic development organization, public transportation agency, port or rail/freight entity 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: Project costs must be above $100,000 and no award shall exceed $3,000,000 Application Deadline: October 30, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Agriculture: Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program Who May Apply: A person operating under a grant of inspection that meets the definition of ''very small establishment'' in 9 CFR 381.65(g)(1)(i) Use: To support the development and expansion of current or future very small meat and poultry processing operations in this Commonwealth by offering reimbursement grants to cover the cost associated with obtaining a grant of inspection from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), opening a new very small meat and poultry processing operation, expanding the capacity of a Read more

 

Rabb introduces legislation to uphold religious neutrality in schools

(Sep 16, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Sept. 16 – Today, state Rep. Chris Rabb introduced H.B. 2776, also known as the Promoting Liberty & Upholding Rights of All Learners (PLURAL) Act. The bill would establish clear standards to uphold religious neutrality in public schools and define appropriate boundaries for religious activity in educational settings, making clear that instruction remains academically free from endorsement or denigration of any belief system. The legislation would also reinforce that violations of protections constitute unlawful discrimination under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and would provide a pathway for enforcement and accountability. “With students across Pennsylvania navigating increasingly complex social and cultural environments, we need to do our part to keep public schools as spaces of inclusivity and respect,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “Moreover, learning environments should be grounded in constitutional protections, protecting the rights of students regardless of their faith, beliefs, or nonbelief. This bill will establish clear guidance for the commonwealth’s education system reflecting our shared commitment to equity.” Co-sponsor Rep. Tarah Probst, D-Monroe/Pike, said that she strongly supports the PLURAL Act “because our public schools should be welcoming and inclusive spaces for every student and family.” “When taxpayer dollars fund our schools, those Read more

 

Rabb secures $750,000 for Sedgwick Theatre renovations

(Sep 15, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 15 – Today, state Rep. Chris Rabb announced that $750,000 in funding from the state Department of Community & Economic Development’s Local Share Account will go toward an elevator renovation project at the Sedgwick Theater. The LSA funding will cover a majority of the project, which would install two new elevators at the historic theater originally opened in 1928 at 7137 Germantown Ave. Funding for this and other LSA projects in Pennsylvania is provided by the distribution of gaming revenues by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The project will support a front passenger elevator that will connect the basement, first and second floors of the theater for patrons, artists and attendees, as well as community groups and residents that rent the space for gatherings. Renovations will also include a rear service elevator to facilitate the movement of chairs, risers, props and other items across all three floors. “It’s been exciting to see the plans made at the Sedgwick to better facilitate live performances and increase accessibility for patrons,” Rabb said. “This theater has been in the lives of Philadelphians for generations, and I’m proud to secure funding that will keep this treasure of the district thriving as a creative environment.” More information about LSA programs is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/local-share-account-lsa-statewide/ . Read more

 

Rabb introduces legislation to establish Equal Opportunity Audit program

(Sep 14, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 14 – This past week, state Rep. Chris Rabb introduced legislation (H.B. 2767) that would establish an Equal Opportunity Audit program for contractors, grant recipients, and beneficiaries of tax incentives in Pennsylvania. The proposed audit program would strengthen accountability and transparency for these entities through several requirements, including the enforcement of nondiscrimination policies and public disclosure of merit criteria for hiring and contracting decisions. Sanctions for noncompliance may include suspension of contracts, recovery of grant funds, denial of tax incentives, or temporary disbarment. The bill has been referred to the PA House Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations Committee. "With billions of dollars in public resources awarded by the commonwealth each year, it is imperative that entities demonstrate a genuine commitment to equal opportunity," Rabb said. "Currently, there is no system to evaluate their devotion to these principles, and the Equal Opportunity Audit program would provide that framework. We need to identify what a level playing field looks like, so that we can invest in the means to define it." Alvin B. Tillery Jr., professor of political science and founding director of the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy at Northwestern University, developed a model that helped inform the bill. He said Rabb "has crafted a measure that is Read more

 

Grant Memo: Community Development, Fire & EMS, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(Sep 10, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2026 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026 PACTT – PA Academic, Career and Technical Training Who May Apply: All existing residential facilities, community-based providers, and juvenile probation departments that are current PACTT Affiliates in good standing and are not on provisional status Use: To advance academic and career/technical training among adjudicated youth receiving services in either residential facilities or from community-based providers or from County Juvenile Probation Departments that are PACTT affiliates Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Economic Development, Nonprofit Security, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 26, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Fruit Grower Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant Program Who May Apply: Specialty crop growers who experienced a loss of at least 30% of expected production due to freezing temperatures between April 1, 2026 and April 21, 2026 Use: Grants will be awarded on a per-acre basis to help growers recover from lost crops Funds: $10 million in funding is available Application Deadline: September 21, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Agriculture: Pennsylvania Agriculture Innovation Grant Program Who May Apply: A person who grows an agricultural commodity and who has anticipated sales greater than $2,000 per year, a person who processes an agricultural commodity and has anticipated sales greater than $10,000 per year, a person who provides technical assistance or services to farmers for conservation, engineering, veterinary care, animal disease management, farm management, agricultural commodity production, nutrient management or similar services, or a person or cooperative association that utilizes agricultural commodities to create products or energy Use: Grants will reimburse expenses for project planning, on-site project implementation, and larger grants for projects that have a regional impact. Funds: $10 million in funding is available Application Deadline: September 23, 2026 More information: PDA Website Read more

 

Solomon and Rabb introduce legislation enhancing penalties for campaign finance violations

(Aug 21, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

There should be no out, no ‘cost of doing business’ for distorting the right of Pennsylvanians to choose their elected officials. I look forward to working with Rep. Solomon to ensure there is financial transparency in our election process, and to make clear that bad actors will not be tolerated in our political discourse. Read more

 

Grant memo: Creative Industries, School Safety, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(Aug 17, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Pennsylvania Creative Industries (formally Council on the Arts): Spotlight Program Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations with an annual average arts revenue of $10,000 to less than $100,000 and a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania Use: To support smaller creative arts organizations that deliver services, products, or programs Funds: Grant awards shall not exceed $5,000 Application Deadline: September 14, 2026 More information: PCI Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety & Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: School Districts, Intermediate Units, Area Career and Technical Schools, Charter Schools, Regional Charter Schools, and Cyber Charter Schools Use: To provide grants to eligible school entities to support physical security enhancements and/or mental health initiatives Funds: A total of $138,779,000 in state funding is being announced to support this initiative. Funding is based on the formula included in 24 P.S. §13-1314.3-B, which stipulates school districts are to receive a $100,000 base amount for their grant, and an additional amount based on their 2024-25 Adjusted Average Daily Membership (AADM). All other eligible school entities (i.e., intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, regional charter schools, and cyber charter schools) are to receive $70,000 Read more

 

Main Street, Rail Freight, Workforce Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 11, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters (MSM) Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Funds: Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website Department of Transportation: Rail Freight Grant Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, or user of rail freight infrastructure Use: Capital maintenance of freight or intermodal rail infrastructure and capital construction of freight or intermodal rail infrastructure Application Deadline: August 28, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Motorized Trails and Recreation Program (formerly known as the All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile Read more

 

Nonprofit Security, Law Enforcement Regionalization, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 31, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Funds Who May Apply: Nonprofit organization based in Pennsylvania that serves primarily individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single hate crime incidents identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Use: Security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility including but not limited to safety and security planning, purchase of safety and security equipment, safety and security training, purchase of security-related technology, and specialty-trained canines, among other projects Funds: $10 million is available for projects. Application Deadline: September 10, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: NCA Member Child Advocacy Centers Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to all CACs listed in the Appendix Use: Funding to support compliance with NCA standards, to improve the work of the CAC and to apply for or achieve accreditation/reaccreditation, or for equipment necessary to support NCA standards of accrediation Funds: A total of approximately $2.067 million in state Act 28 of 2014 funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund forty-two (42) non-competitive, one-year grants with budgets allocated accordingly based on level of NCA membership Read more

 

Rabb applauds legislation amending second-degree murder sentencing

(Jul 24, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“I’m pleased that the General Assembly has fulfilled its constitutional obligation to pass a sentencing framework that reflects individual culpability and aligns our laws with the basic principles of justice,” Rabb said. “Following the Supreme Court’s decree, we’re ending a one-size-fits-all punishment that treats people who never intended to kill the same as those who did. I’d like to thank all the advocates, organizers, researchers and Pennsylvanians impacted directly by this injustice; as they spoke up and refused to accept a system not rooted in fairness.” Read more

 

Grant Memo: Public School Facility Improvements, Multimodal Projects, Community Improvement, and Additional Grant Opportunities for Your District

(Jul 21, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Public School Facility Improvement Grant Who May Apply: School entities, defined as a school district or an area career and technical school. Use: Facility improvement projects, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, plumbing systems, window repair/replacement, health and safety upgrades, and accessibility projects. Funds: $200 million in total funding is available. Grant requests shall not exceed $5 million per eligible improvement project. School entities may submit more than one application, but no school entity shall receive more than 20% of the total funding available. Application Deadline: A 10-day application window will open on July 27, 2026, and close on August 7, 2026. There will not be an additional funding round in fiscal year 2026-27. More information: CFA Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2027-2028 Rights and Services Act (RASA/Victims of Juvenile Offenders (VOJO) Solicitation Who May Apply: Counties Use: To support responsibilities assigned to prosecution and juvenile probation under the Crime Victims Act, the Juvenile Act, and Pennsylvania’s Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure. Funds: A total of $10,440,724 in federal and state funds is available in year 1. PCCD expects to fund approximately ninety-eight grants. Application Read more

 

RSVP for the 9th Annual Grown Folks Fall Festival!

(Jul 20, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Come out to this annual community gathering! Read more

 

Rabb announces $500K investment for critical upgrades at Sedgwick Theater

(Jul 16, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

PHILADELPHIA, July 16 – Today, state Rep. Chris Rabb announced that $500,000 from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will go toward critical upgrades at the Sedgwick Theater. Funding will be used to support new construction and renovations at the historic theater, which originally opened in 1928 at 7137 Germantown Ave. Upgrades include creating a secondary means of egress, or exit in case of emergency, as well as a new HVAC, new dressing rooms for performers, two performance spaces, rehearsal space, office space, a costume shop, and storage. The theater is now occupied by the Quintessence Theatre Group, which is dedicated to bringing works of classic drama and literature to the contemporary stage. Funding for RACP comes from the commonwealth’s Office of the Budget. “With this funding, we’ll be able to preserve both our storied history and fantastic present when it comes to the arts,” Rabb said. “The Sedgwick has been home to some of Philadelphia’s greatest artistic accomplishments, from the early revolution of film to the ambitious stage plays of today. I’m grateful that the commonwealth is looking out for this true treasure of the district, giving the theater the means to create a safe environment for patrons and a more accessible space for performers.” Read more

 

Rabb applauds affordability, education initiatives in 2026-27 state budget

(Jul 15, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, July 15 – Today, state Rep. Chris Rabb applauds the passage of the 2026-27 Pennsylvania state budget, including investments in affordability and stronger schools for all students. The 2026-27 budget prioritizes everyday Pennsylvanians through initiatives like the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, addressing rising energy costs, supporting reliable infrastructure and protecting consumers. The budget also requires large data centers to publicly report their energy and water usage, helping communities plan for future infrastructure needs. “Through all our discussions in Harrisburg, I’m glad affordability stayed top of mind, particularly when it comes to data center transparency,” Rabb said. “We need to hold these projects accountable for the environmental impact they create, and I’m pleased my colleagues felt similarly.” The budget also invests in education, including an increase of $157 million for the School District of Philadelphia, as well as a $565 million increase to help rectify historic funding discrepancies statewide. “Along with my colleagues in the House, I prioritized education funding in this budget because our families depend on it,” Rabb said. “Our schools are not just places of learning, but places to find oneself and become the great leaders of tomorrow. I thank my friends in the House for continuing to stand up for our students.” Read more

 

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

(Jul 14, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

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

 

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

(Jul 08, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

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

 

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

(Jun 29, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

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

 

Solomon, Rabb applaud House passage of semi primaries legislation
Sep 30, 2026

Rabb introduces legislation to reduce stolen, lost firearms from federally licensed dealers
Sep 29, 2026

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Community Development and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Sep 23, 2026

Rabb introduces legislation to uphold religious neutrality in schools
Sep 16, 2026

Rabb secures $750,000 for Sedgwick Theatre renovations
Sep 15, 2026

Rabb introduces legislation to establish Equal Opportunity Audit program
Sep 14, 2026

Grant Memo: Community Development, Fire & EMS, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Sep 10, 2026

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Economic Development, Nonprofit Security, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2026

Solomon and Rabb introduce legislation enhancing penalties for campaign finance violations
Aug 21, 2026

Grant memo: Creative Industries, School Safety, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Aug 17, 2026

Main Street, Rail Freight, Workforce Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 11, 2026

Nonprofit Security, Law Enforcement Regionalization, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 31, 2026

Rabb applauds legislation amending second-degree murder sentencing
Jul 24, 2026

Grant Memo: Public School Facility Improvements, Multimodal Projects, Community Improvement, and Additional Grant Opportunities for Your District
Jul 21, 2026

RSVP for the 9th Annual Grown Folks Fall Festival!
Jul 20, 2026

Rabb announces $500K investment for critical upgrades at Sedgwick Theater
Jul 16, 2026

Rabb applauds affordability, education initiatives in 2026-27 state budget
Jul 15, 2026

Grant Memo: Public Interest, Transportation, Community Development and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Jul 14, 2026

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

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