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Curry, Smith-Wade-El recognize growing youth homelessness crisis with resolution

(1 day ago) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

“We’re seeing more and more young people pushed into homelessness through circumstances far beyond their control,” Curry said. “When you’re a child, your safety and stability depend on others and when that support isn’t there, options quickly disappear." Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $4.7 million to support community projects in Lancaster County

(1 day ago) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Dec. 16 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced the approval of over $4.7 million from the Neighborhood Assistance Program to help low-income people and communities and improve distressed areas in Lancaster County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95 percent on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. “Thanks to NAP’s tax credits, our local businesses are investing in projects that will empower residents and energize our communities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “These public-private partnerships will go a long way to helping to address persistent socio-economic problems like the lack of affordable housing, food insecurity, workforce development, blight and public safety in Lancaster.” “NAP’s tax credits are a game changer for Lancaster County’s businesses and communities,” Rivera said. “They will help build up our communities, which in turn will drive our local economy. I am grateful to the Shapiro administration for its financial support of Lancaster County, and its faith in our future. I will continue to advocate for more dollars to be allocated for Lancaster-based projects.” The following programs received Charitable Food Program funding: $1,864,200 to Blessings of Hope to support its Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Dec 12, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia. Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia. Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum request/award of $500,000. Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 More information: DCED 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 Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $1.2M in state grants for community services

(Dec 11, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Dec. 11 -- State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced $1,227,352 in state grants was awarded to support crime victims, young children, justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders, and firearm suicide prevention in Lancaster County. “This smart use of state funding will go far into providing lifelines to our residents, from helping to prevent firearm suicides to giving non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems another chance at life,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I will continue to advocate strongly in Harrisburg for targeted state investments in our people.” The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency : $150,000 to Lancaster General Hospital to implement a firearm suicide prevention initiative in Lancaster County. $50,000 to Lancaster General Hospital to help maintain compliance with the National Child Alliance standards for child abuse support: multi-disciplinary investigative team, forensic interview, victim support and advocacy, medical evaluation, case review and coordination, and child safety and protection. $95,000 to support county Intermediate Punishment Treatment Programs that treat non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems. $543,901 to reimburse Lancaster County for costs incurred by counties for adult probation and parole services. $388,451 to Lancaster County Commissioners for crime victim and witness Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 04, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Who May Apply: Any nonprofit organization designated under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the organization must primarily serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidence identified by the FBI in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication (race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, or gender identity). Use: For security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth. Funds: A total of $10 million in state funding is available for this round. Grants may range from $5,000 to $150,000 with match funding required above a request of $25,001 based on the size of the grant request. Application Deadline: January 12, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Who May Apply: Counties that provide adult probation staff and may be used for costs incurred by the county for adult probation and parole services, but only to the extent that the staff and program meet the qualifications and standards established by the Commission. Use: To provide funding from the Commonwealth for costs incurred by the county for adult probation and parole supervision. Read more

 

Thanksgiving Week Office Hours; My Day of Action for the Unhoused

(Nov 21, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Nov. 21 Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera to rally for Lancaster Transit Rescheduled to Dec. 9

(Nov 20, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Nov. 20 –State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, together with Transit for All PA, will hold their rescheduled rally for increased bus services in Lancaster from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the Queen Street Station at 225 N. Queen St. According to Smith-Wade-El and Rivera, the South Central Transit Authority will hit its fiscal cliff in January 2027, which will lead to service cuts and fare increases due to state funding shortfalls. “Our South Central Transit Authority, and all transit systems in PA, are at risk due to the state budget failing to fully address the crisis they are facing,” Smith-Wade-El said. “At our rally, local and regional elected officials, labor leaders, transit riders, advocates, and more will come together to demand a dedicated and expanded state funding stream to ensure that Lancastrians have the transit system they need and deserve.” “We're not going to accept the gradual decline of our transit systems in Lancaster,” Rivera said. “Our economy and our quality of life depends on Lancaster having a strong and stable transit system. We are coming together to fight for this essential service on which we all depend.” The rally will feature 8 to 10 people speaking about the importance of public transit in the region. Residents can sign up to attend the rally online at https://www.mobilize.us/ppt/event/862791/ . Read more

 

State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El has Day of Action for the Unhoused

(Nov 18, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – A longtime ally of the unhoused in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El spent Tuesday at the state Capitol advocating for his legislation to decriminalize homelessness in Pennsylvania and raise awareness of the growing prevalence of homeless students in the commonwealth. “Since my days working with the unhoused in Lancaster, I have acted out of a belief that housing is a human right,” Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, said. “The most effective remedy for homelessness is a home, not fines or incarceration that only dehumanize our fellow Pennsylvanians. Make no mistake, the criminalization of the homeless aims to make the prison-industrial complex—which has long profited off the vulnerability of poor Black and Brown people—richer. “If the U.S. Supreme Court will not do its job, if the Trump administration defunds homelessness programs instead of doing its job, then it is up to the Pennsylvania General Assembly to do ours. We will not send our neighbors to prison; we will bring them home. “The current attacks on the homeless by the U.S. Supreme Court and the Trump administration threaten the very ideals of equality on which our nation was founded. An attack on the rights of the homeless is ultimately an attack on our rights to justice and liberty for all. “At a time of skyrocketing housing and rental prices, stagnant wages and rising inflation, most Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Nov 14, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other eligible specialty crops stakeholders. Use: To assist with the growth, certification of seed and marketing of eligible specialty crops. Funds: $460,000 is available for funding Application Deadline: December 19, 2025 More information: PDA Website Department of Agriculture: Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations and other eligible specialty crops stakeholders. Use: To enhance the competitiveness of eligible specialty crops. Funds: Approximately $1,000,000 is available for funding Application Deadline: December 19, 2025 More information: PDA 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. Read more

 

Curry, Smith-Wade-El to Rally for Homeless Youth at Capitol

(Nov 14, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

State Reps. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, and Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will hold two events on Nov. 18 in the Capitol Media Center at the state Capitol Complex in Harrisburg to raise awareness about youth homelessness in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El praises bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education

(Nov 12, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 –As a fervent advocate for access to high-quality education for everyone and support for the vulnerable, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, is highlighting historic investments in Pennsylvania’s school districts and support for the food insecure as reasons for his support of this year’s budget, which was signed by the governor today. Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 state budget increases total funding for K-12 education by more than $700 million. Smith-Wade-El said he was extremely pleased to see that the budget is allocating $600 million to ensure that all of Pennsylvania’s students and schools have access to the resources and opportunities needed for academic success. There will also be $178 million in school district savings statewide – reflecting reforms in cyber-charter school funding that will better reflect the actual cost of teaching kids. “Access to a high-quality education is the foundation for our social health and economic success today and in the future,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This budget’s record investments in public education will help level the playing field and open up doors to academic and professional success for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable kids.” Locally, the budget increases funding for Lancaster County school districts, including over $8.2 million in increased funding and cost savings for school districts in the 49th Legislative District: Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera to rally for Lancaster Transit Nov. 12

(Nov 06, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Nov. 6 –State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, together with Transit for All PA, will hold a rally for increased bus services in Lancaster from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the Queen Street Station at 225 N. Queen St. According to Smith-Wade-El and Rivera, the South Central Transit Authority will hit its fiscal cliff in January 2027, which will lead to service cuts and fare increases due to state funding shortfalls. “Our South Central Transit Authority, and all transit systems in PA, are at risk because Lancaster’s transit system does not have guaranteed funding in the state budget,” Smith-Wade-El said. “At our rally, local and regional elected officials, labor leaders, transit riders, advocates, and more will come together to demand a dedicated and expanded state funding stream to ensure that Lancastrians have the transit system they need and deserve.” “We're not going to accept the gradual decline of our transit systems in Lancaster,” Rivera said. “Our economy and our quality of life depends on Lancaster having a strong and stable transit system. We are coming together to fight for this essential service on which we all depend.” The rally will feature 8 to 10 people speaking about the importance of public transit in the region. Residents can sign up to attend the rally online at https://www.mobilize.us/ppt/event/862791/ . Read more

 

LIHEAP Delayed until Dec. 3, SNAP & WIC ending in November

(Oct 31, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Oct. 31 Read more

 

Celebrating Our Black Veterans

(Oct 30, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Celebrating Black Veterans Read more

 

Free Car Seat Check and Touch-a-Truck Event

(Oct 30, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

I will co-host, along with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health and Safe Kids Lancaster, a free Car Seat Check and Touch-a-Truck event featuring Lancaster Fire Department firefighters from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, at Lancaster Township Fire, 1275 Millersville Pike, Lancaster. Call the office of Smith-Wade-El at 717-283-4218 or email RepSmithWadeEl@pahouse.net to RSVP to the event. Read more

 

Pennsylvanians are hurting because of the federal shutdown

(Oct 30, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Some GOP lawmakers have claimed they don’t know much about the impact of the federal shutdown on Pennsylvania or about how the changes to SNAP and Medicaid have affected their constituents. Well, as state representatives for the 49th and 96th legislative districts in Lancaster, let us share what we’ve heard from our constituents at a Medicaid and SNAP Town Hall this week about the hardships they are experiencing and the terror they are feeling if the federal shutdown continues much longer. (It should be noted that all Lancaster-area state lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats alike, were invited to this important discussion with residents but only state Sen. James Malone joined.) Our constituents told us that they’re not just worried about where their next meal is coming from when SNAP benefits end in early November, but they also don’t know what they are going to do when the supportive services associated with the program dry up, from transportation services, which gets them to their jobs, to extra clothing, to child care (extended through December, but no one knows what will happen in January). We heard about the transportation deserts in some areas of the county that make it impossible to get to work or a community food pantry, about the language barriers that make it difficult for people to fill out paperwork or to understand critical changes to these essential programs. One constituent who doesn’t have his GED told us he does Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to host Black veterans event Nov. 11

(Oct 29, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Oct. 29 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will host “Celebrating Black Veterans: Bound by Courage, Lifted by Legacy: Honoring Our Black Veterans Who Paved the Way” from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Stevens Greenland Cemetery, 1300 S. Duke St. in Lancaster. “As a proud Black Lancastrian, I am honored to lead this event recognizing our city’s often overlooked Black veterans who fought to protect American freedom and promote American ideals throughout the world, while facing discrimination in the service and at home,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This event will provide an opportunity to give our Black veterans their proper due, as true heroes of our great republic.” Program schedule: Introduction by Smith-Wade-El Chaplain’s Invocation J.P. McCaskey High School Choir National Guard presents colors/J.P. McCaskey High School Band Leroy Hopkins’s brief history of Lancaster’s Black veterans Honorees to be recognized: Alvin Gantz, Casey Jones, Toria Butcher, Celest Leslie McCaskey student essay Roll call of names of those buried in cemetery Taps played while colors lowered Lunch To register or inquire about the event, contact Smith-Wade-El’s office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to co-host free car seat check Nov. 8

(Oct 29, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Oct. 29 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will co-host with Penn Medicine General Health and Safe Kids Lancaster in anticipation of holiday travels a free car seat check and Touch a Truck event with Lancaster Fire Department firefighters from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at Lancaster Township Fire, 1275 Millersville Pike. Read more

 

Resolution raising awareness of youth homelessness referred out of committee

(Oct 29, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 –A House resolution raising awareness of youth homelessness in Pennsylvania, introduced by state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Rep. Gina H. Curry, D-Phila., was referred out of the House Children & Youth Committee today, 25-1. House Resolution 337 would designate Nov. 17 through Nov. 21, 2025, as “Pennsylvania Education for Youth Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week,” and Nov. 21, 2025, as “Red Shirt Day” in Pennsylvania. According to Smith-Wade-El and Curry, the population of homeless youth has exploded in the past 10 years from just over 19,000 students in Pennsylvania schools to exceed 50,000 today. Much of this increase is due to limited resources available to youth, including lack of access to support services, difficulty obtaining identification and family instability. As many shelters will not accept a child under 18 years of age without the presence of a parent or guardian, there is an urgent need for additional resources to help homeless students attend school and succeed, the representatives said. “We’ve introduced this resolution to raise awareness of the growing number of homeless youth in PA and the lack of resources that are targeted toward their needs,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The federal budget cuts to critical programs serving homeless youth and their families, and the ongoing federal budget impasse that is stifling funding for essential programs like SNAP, Read more

 

Resolution raising awareness of youth homelessness referred out of committee

(Oct 29, 2025) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 –A House resolution raising awareness of youth homelessness in Pennsylvania, introduced by state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Rep. Regina H. Curry, D-Phila., was referred out of the House Children & Youth Committee today, 25-1. House Resolution 337 would designate Nov. 17 through Nov. 21, 2025, as “Pennsylvania Education for Youth Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week,” and Nov. 21, 2025, as “Red Shirt Day” in Pennsylvania. According to Smith-Wade-El and Curry, the population of homeless youth has exploded in the past 10 years from just over 19,000 students in Pennsylvania schools to exceed 50,000 today. Much of this increase is due to limited resources available to youth, including lack of access to support services, difficulty obtaining identification and family instability. As many shelters will not accept a child under 18 years of age without the presence of a parent or guardian, there is an urgent need for additional resources to help homeless students attend school and succeed, the representatives said. “We’ve introduced this resolution to raise awareness of the growing number of homeless youth in PA and the lack of resources that are targeted toward their needs,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The federal budget cuts to critical programs serving homeless youth and their families, and the ongoing federal budget impasse that is stifling funding for essential programs Read more

 

Curry, Smith-Wade-El recognize growing youth homelessness crisis with resolution
1 day ago

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $4.7 million to support community projects in Lancaster County
1 day ago

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Dec 12, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $1.2M in state grants for community services
Dec 11, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 04, 2025

Thanksgiving Week Office Hours; My Day of Action for the Unhoused
Nov 21, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera to rally for Lancaster Transit Rescheduled to Dec. 9
Nov 20, 2025

State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El has Day of Action for the Unhoused
Nov 18, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Nov 14, 2025

Curry, Smith-Wade-El to Rally for Homeless Youth at Capitol
Nov 14, 2025

Smith-Wade-El praises bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education
Nov 12, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera to rally for Lancaster Transit Nov. 12
Nov 06, 2025

LIHEAP Delayed until Dec. 3, SNAP & WIC ending in November
Oct 31, 2025

Celebrating Our Black Veterans
Oct 30, 2025

Free Car Seat Check and Touch-a-Truck Event
Oct 30, 2025

Pennsylvanians are hurting because of the federal shutdown
Oct 30, 2025

Smith-Wade-El to host Black veterans event Nov. 11
Oct 29, 2025

Smith-Wade-El to co-host free car seat check Nov. 8
Oct 29, 2025

Resolution raising awareness of youth homelessness referred out of committee
Oct 29, 2025

Resolution raising awareness of youth homelessness referred out of committee
Oct 29, 2025