HARRISBURG, Oct. 20 – Fo r the first time in the Pennsylvania House's 344-year history, leaders of federally recognized Tribal Nations with ancestral ties to Pennsylvania were welcomed into the House chamber this week at the invitation of state Rep. Chris Rabb. Rabb brought the leaders to Harrisburg for recognition in the House chamber during Monday's House session and to meet with lawmakers from across the commonwealth. "This is a historic moment for the Pennsylvania House. For the first time in our legislative body's 344-year history, dating back to the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly of 1682, we are welcoming leaders of federally recognized Tribal Nations with ancestral ties to Pennsylvania into our legislative chamber, on lands never ceded by the Indigenous Nations who have called this region home for centuries," Rabb said. "Our Commonwealth's history is rooted in relationships between Indigenous Nations and colonial leaders dating back to the 1600s. Today, we have an opportunity to honor that history by building relationships grounded in respect, sovereignty and meaningful consultation. 'Nothing about us, without us' must guide how we approach legislation affecting Indigenous communities." Guests included: • Michael McLane, president of Delaware Nation • Dr. Katelyn Lucas, historic preservation officer for Delaware Nation • Chief Brad KillsCrow, chief of the Delaware Tribe Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) + Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Combined Grant Program Who May Apply: Community-based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status (VIP or BOOST), municipality, county, or district attorney’s office (VIP only), institute of higher education (VIP only), school district or career and technical center (BOOST only), library (BOOST only). Use: VIP + BOOST funds can be used to support a wide range of eligible activities designed to reduce and respond to community violence Funds: Approximately $58 million in state funding is available, with no less than $11.5 million designated for BOOST funding. Application Deadline: December 10, 2026 More information: PCCD website PennDOT: Green Light-Go Program Who May Apply: Municipalities and planning organizations. Use: To improve existing traffic control signals, such as LED replacement, traffic signal retiming, and studies, among other projects. Funds: Up to $40 million is available and projects require a 20% match. Application Deadline: Pre-application scoping forms will be accepted until January 4, 2027. PennDOT will provide comments by February 26, 2027. The full application window will be between March 1, 2027, and March 31, 2027. More information: PennDOT website Pennsylvania Creative Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Labor and Industry: Future Works Who May Apply: Local Workforce Development Boards Use: To strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce and economic competitiveness by supporting workforce development strategies that help new or expanding businesses build a skilled workforce, address talent needs, and establish a foundation for long-term success Funds: $2,000,000 is available in funds and the Department of Labor and Industry expects to award four grants of up to $500,000. Application Deadline: December 9, 2026 More information: L&I Website Labor and Industry: Veteran Employment Program Who May Apply: Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, education and post-secondary organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities who can serve veterans and spouses. Use: To enhance Pennsylvania’s capacity to support veterans as they transition into meaningful civilian careers Funds: $200,000 is available and the Department of Labor and Industry expects to award one grant Application Deadline: November 10, 2026 More information: L&I Website Labor and Industry: Veteran Employment Program – Delaware County Who May Apply: Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
Come out to this annual community gathering! Read more
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
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
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