HARRISBURG, May 6 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today took a major step to protect child safety from the emerging threat of artificial intelligence by unanimously passing legislation to modernize the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster. House Bill 2474 would require all mandated reporters, not just school personnel, to quickly report sexually explicit deepfake images of minors to law enforcement. The bill would ensure that authorities can immediately act to protect children and prevent further harm. According to Rivera, two incidents in Lancaster and Bucks counties -- both involving students using artificial intelligence to spread sexually explicit materials of their classmates -- prompted her and co-sponsor state Rep. Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, to introduce the bill. In 2023 in Lancaster County, two private school students used AI to create sexually explicit deepfake images of 48 schoolmates and 12 other students. In 2025 in Bucks County, two public middle school students created sexually explicit deepfake images depicting 12 fellow female students, which were then shared among other students in the district. In both cases, the dissemination of the pornographic AI deepfake images went unreported to law enforcement, resulting in more child sexual abuse material being shared and more victims being targeted. “This bill would eliminate delays in Read more
HARRISBURG, May 4 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee today voted unanimously to approve legislation that would modernize the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, to reflect the emerging threat of artificial intelligence to child safety, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster. House Bill 2474 would require schools and the more than 70 entities under mandated reporting law to quickly report sexually explicit deepfake images of minors to law enforcement. The bill would ensure that authorities can immediately act to protect kids and prevent further harm. According to Rivera, two incidents in Lancaster and Bucks counties – both of which concerned students using artificial intelligence to spread sexually explicit materials of their classmates – spurred her and co-sponsor, state Rep. Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, to introduce the bill. In 2023 in Lancaster County, two private school students used AI to make sexually explicit deepfake images of 48 schoolmates and 12 other students. In 2025 in Bucks County, two public middle school students created sexually explicit deepfake images depicting 12 fellow female students, which was then shared among other students in the district. In both cases, the dissemination of the pornographic AI deepfake images went unreported to law enforcement, which resulted in more child sexual abuse material being shared and more victims targeted. “This necessary Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener Plus Act 167 Plans Who May Apply: Counties Use: To prepare and adopt a watershed stormwater management plan. Funds: Grant awards will be at least $30,000 and not more than $50,000. Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act Grants Who May Apply: Municipalities, municipal authorities, and appropriate incorporated nonprofit organizations Use: The design, construction and/or rehabilitation of treatment facilities on ABS Legacy AMD discharge sites, but grants may also be awarded for ABS bond forfeited land reclamation projects. Application Deadline: June 22, 2026 More information: DEP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Read more
LANCASTER, April 15 –Advoz: Mediation & Restorative Services and the Touchstone Foundation were awarded $500,616 in grant funding to help expand their youth programs aimed at reducing student conflict and improving student mental health, respectively, state Rep. Nikki Rivera announced today. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) 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: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, and PA Preferred Organic Marketing Grant Program Who May Apply: Grants may be awarded to PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, or PA Preferred Organic licensees Use: Offsetting the cost of designing or redesigning product labels to include the PA Preferred logo, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes logo or PA Preferred Organic logo or Enhancing farmers’ market displays with the PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes or PA Preferred Organic logos Funds: Up to $500,000 is available in funding, with no grant to exceed $10,000 Application Deadline: Read more
HARRISBURG, April 13 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, will host a record-clearing information session to help justice-involved residents better understand Pennsylvania’s expungement, pardon, and record-sealing laws from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 at Lancaster Public Library, 151 N. Queen St. “Minor criminal convictions from years past have kept many people from getting jobs, pursuing an education or finding housing, creating a permanent underclass in Pennsylvania,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Our information session will help break this cycle by educating people on the steps they can take to clear their records and start fresh.” The representatives cited a 2020 Brennan Center study that analyzed the long-term negative impact of convictions on average wages, which ranged from a 16.0% reduction in wages for a misdemeanor conviction, to 21.7% for a felony conviction without imprisonment to 51.7% loss in wages for imprisonment. Overall, the study found that $55.2 billion per year annually is lost in earnings by formerly imprisoned Americans. “It’s not just the individuals who are impacted by lost wages and reduced opportunities, but their families and communities,” the representatives said. “We hope that by helping justice-involved residents clear their records, we can reduce the impact of criminal convictions on society and help uplift Read more
March 31, 2026 Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Business in Our Sites Who May Apply: Municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities, private developers (construction loans only) Use: The acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 More information: CFA Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Please note, the NAP is broken down into 5 programs (The Neighborhood Assistance Program, the Special Program Priorities, the Charitable Food Program, the Neighborhood Partnership Program, and the Enterprise Zone Program.) Please visit the DCED website for specifics on each program. Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: The goals of the Programs are to promote community participation and collaborations among the residents, nonprofits and businesses while producing outcomes by assisting a distressed area or the low-income population in a neighborhood. Eligible neighborhood nonprofits apply for tax credits based on pending contributions from for-profit companies. Funds: The total available NAP tax credit amount is $72 million. Application Deadline: May 29, 2026 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Read more
LANCASTER, March 23 – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will hold an in-person public hearing about UGI-Utilities, Inc.-Gas Division’s proposed rate increase at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. March 30 in the Manheim Township Public Library Morgan Center, 595 Granite Run Drive. Rivera will offer comments at the 6 p.m. hearing. Rivera said the hearings are being held in response to UGI’s planned substantial rate increase in operating revenues by 8.5%, or approximately $99.368 million. Under the proposal, the average monthly bill for a residential customer using 68.7 hundred cubic feet of natural gas would increase 8.7%, from $113.64 to $123.55 per month. In September 2025 , the PUC approved a 8.9%, or $69.5 million UGI rate increase--$40.9 million less than the 14.1%, or $110.4 million that the company originally requested. The monthly customer charge rose by 6.7%, or to $110.51 from $103.57. The rate hike took effect Oct. 28, 2025. According to UGI, the requested increase would allow the company to receive a fair return on proposed investments, including PUC-approved infrastructure replacement programs; enhanced information technology systems; recovery of operating expenses associated with providing gas distribution service; extension of its Weather Normalization Adjustment pilot; and incorporation of weather calculation into its rate design. On Feb. 19, the PUC formally suspended the proposed rate Read more
LANCASTER, March 18 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today highlighted new “It’s On Us PA” funding awarded to combat sexual violence and support survivors on college campuses in their districts. Millersville University in Smith-Wade-El’s district received $40,000 and Franklin and Marshall College in Rivera’s district received $21,795. “Sexual violence is a human rights abuse , a form of discrimination, and a manifestation of unequal power,” Smith-Wade-El and Rivera said. “The ‘It’s On Us’ program plays a critical role in making Pennsylvania a more equal commonwealth by raising awareness among students about consent as a basic human right and providing healing support to survivors. This money helps to ensure that the ‘It’s On Us’ program will continue to help make our higher educational learning environments safe spaces for everyone.” The Shapiro administration awarded more than $1.7 million in this round of funding to 43 institutions statewide. Since 2023, nearly $5 million has been invested in “It’s On Us PA” initiatives focused on education, prevention, and survivor support. The “It’s On Us PA” program builds on a national initiative launched to raise awareness about sexual assault, promote consent education, and encourage bystander intervention. The state-level campaign brings together Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS PennDOT: Automated School Bus Enforcement Grant Program Who May Apply: School entities, independent school bus contractors, and municipal governments Use: To cover costs associated with the issuance of CDL licenses to operate school buses within the Commonwealth or to increase school bus safety, education, and training Funds: The total amount of funding available is $1.2 million. Grants can be awarded up to $100,000 per applicant Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate engagement in market research, product development or promotion of agricultural products grown, raised or produced in the Commonwealth Use: To provide matching funds to nonprofit organizations engaged in market research, development or promotion of agricultural products Funds: Up to $381,810.50 is available for grants under the Program Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Environmental Protection: Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grant Program Who May Apply: Municipalities Use: To develop and implement recycling programs Funds: Grants are available up to $250,000. Application Read more
LANCASTER, March 3 – Building on their commitment to expanding opportunity for justice--involved residents, state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced two upcoming community events to connect Lancaster County residents with fair-chance employers and provide guidance on record-clearing processes. The first event, a Community Job Event , will take place Tuesday, March 24, at the Lancaster Public Library. The job fair will bring together local employers and support organizations committed to second-chance hiring, creating a welcoming space for individuals seeking employment despite prior court involvement. In addition to job opportunities, attendees will be able to connect with community partners offering resources to support long-term career success. Date: Tuesday, March 24 Time: 2 to 6 p.m. Location: Lancaster Public Library, 151 N. Queen St. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” Smith-Wade-El said. “By connecting people to employers who recognize the value of second chances, we can help strengthen families and our community.” Rivera emphasized the importance of accessibility and awareness: “This event demonstrates our shared commitment to breaking down barriers and expanding economic opportunities for all residents of Lancaster. We want to ensure that justice-involved Read more
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RSVP my office at 717-295-3157 or email RepRivera@pahouse.net to register with your name, address, phone number, email address & whehter you will be bringing shredding, e-cycling and/or items to donate. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding Round 1 (Southeastern Region) Who May Apply: Contractors installing a publicly available community charger Use: To plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain charging stations across Pennsylvania. Subsequent rounds for other regions will be announced at later dates. Funds: Applicants may apply for up to 80 percent federal cost share of the eligible costs, with a minimum required match of 20 percent from non-federal sources. The maximum award size per selected Project is $1 million Application Deadline: August 21, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence & Delinquency Prevention Programs Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to local units of government (counties, municipalities), nonprofit organizations, private providers offering services to system-involved youth, and institutions of higher education. Use: To strengthen community-based strategies that prevent youth violence, delinquency, and other problem behaviors, expand diversion and deflection opportunities, and support successful reentry in accordance with Balanced and Restorative Justice guiding principles. Funds: A total of $5 million in state VDPP funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund a minimum of 20 grants with budgets not to exceed Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrain Vehicle/Snowmobile Grants Who May Apply: County and municipal governments, non-profits, for-profits Use: Planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance of ATV or snowmobile trails and facilities, purchase of equipment, and educational programs related to the use of ATVs or snowmobiles Funds: Grants will range between $25,000 and $1,000,000 Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 More information: DCNR Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and non-profit organizations. For-profit Read more
LANCASTER, Feb. 10 –State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced that their districts will receive over $1.2 million in state funding to make critical bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements in the City of Lancaster and in Manheim Township. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Automated Red-Light Enforcement (ARLE) program. Established in 2010, ARLE funds improvements at signalized intersections and is primarily supported by fines from red-light violations at 38 intersections currently operational in the commonwealth. The program is designed to reduce congestion, enhance mobility, and improve safety at high-traffic intersections. In Smith-Wade-El’s district, the City of Lancaster will receive $974,544 to improve bicycle safety by installing a bi-directional/two-way separated bike lane on the south and east side on the roadway from South Queen Street to East King Street. “I am very excited to see the City of Lancaster receive this significant investment in bicycle safety,” said Smith-Wade-El. “As someone who learned ride a bike at the old age of 29, I love the freedom and the whole new way of seeing the city that I experience when I’m riding a bike. This investment in our city will make Lancaster a healthier place to live thanks to more people engaging in this heart-healthy activity instead of driving a car, which increases air pollution and traffic Read more
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1560 Lititz PikeSuite 2Lancaster, PA 17601-6523
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