Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El | News Center

News Center

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

(Sep 18, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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

 

Smith-Wade-El announces more than $3.1 million for community projects

(Sep 15, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, today announced that more than $3.1 million in state grants has been awarded for important projects and equipment purchases in the 49th Legislative District. “I am proud to have helped secure this funding for critical community projects that will keep Lancasterians healthier, put roofs over their heads, and increase their educational opportunities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Our municipalities and authorities rely on state dollars to make vital local projects like these happen. I’m thrilled to see these worthwhile projects benefit from this valuable state assistance.” Grant recipients and projects are: $1 million for Lafayette Fire Co. to purchase a ladder truck. $800,000 for Union Community Care to renovate the first floor of the Lancaster Southeast Health Center. $750,000 for Chestnut Housing Corp. and Dinah’s Hill Apartments LLC to construct affordable apartments. $250,000 for Lancaster Public Library to acquire and renovate a property for its Book ReSort program. $190,000 for Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology to purchase equipment for the Stevens Home Building Program. $94,064 for Lancaster City/Tenfold to purchase a passenger van. $29,000 for Lancaster Township to support local law enforcement. The grants awarded today come from Local Share Account funds, which are approved and distributed by the state’s Commonwealth Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces $67K in museum funding

(Sep 11, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Sept. 11 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, today announced that $67,000 in Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Cultural and Historical Support Grants were awarded to two Lancaster County institutions that preserve history and promote understanding of the county’s rich cultural tapestry. “At a time when the Trump administration is trying to whitewash American history, the Rock Ford Foundation and LancasterHistory.org are bravely preserving and sharing evidence-based history about Black, Latinx, AANHPI and LGBTQIA communities’ contributions to Lancaster’s rich cultural, economic and social landscape,” Smith-Wade-El said. “These grants will help counteract the federal government’s assault on who is and what it means to be an American.” The following organizations received grants: $47,000 Lancaster History.org $20,000 Rock Ford Foundation The PHMC grants provide state funding for the operational costs needed to maintain and preserve local heritage. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to host Senior Health Fair Sept. 22

(Sep 11, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Sept. 11 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will host his annual free Senior Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Bright Side Opportunities Center, 515 Hershey Ave. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera to hold grant workshop for small business and nonprofits Sept. 2

(Aug 26, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Aug. 26 – Strong advocates for bringing state funding home, state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, will hold a workshop to help local small businesses and nonprofits unlock state grant opportunities from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the Conference Center at IU-13, 1020 New Holland Ave., Lancaster. At the workshop, representatives from local organizations and state agencies as well as fundraising professionals will speak about available funding opportunities, grant writing tips and relationship building strategies to help organizations submit successful applications. “This workshop’s goal is to give local organizations the tools to craft successful state grant applications,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We hope this workshop will help bring home our taxpayer dollars to support organizations and initiatives strengthening our community.” Rivera agreed, adding, “As a former high school Spanish teacher, I know that using the right grammar and vocabulary is essential to being understood. This workshop will help applicants speak the language of grant writing so reviewers can instantly recognize the value of local projects and organizations.” The representatives will be present to answer questions about state services and agencies. Read more

 

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

(Aug 20, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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

 

Smith-Wade-El praises more than $945K in state investments in safer intersections

(Aug 04, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Aug. 4 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today that Green Light-Go grants totaling $945,186 were awarded to the city of Lancaster and the borough of Millersville to support traffic signal modernization. The city of Lancaster received $494,466 to modernize two signalized intersections in Lancaster—North Broad Street and East Chestnut Street, and North Broad Street and East Walnut Street. A separate award of $494,466 was provided for two additional signalized intersections in Lancaster, which are in state Rep. Nikki Rivera’s district. The borough of Millersville received $450,720 for traffic signal equipment upgrades across six intersections: Millersville Road / Manor Avenue / Millersville Pike Blue Rock Road / Manor Avenue / George Street / Shertzer Lane Millersville Road / Barbara Street / Oak Knoll Circle George Street & Frederick Street Manor Avenue / Herrs Market Driveway / Turkey Hill Driveway Manor Avenue & Leaman Avenue “These investments in transportation safety will create safer intersections, support better traffic flow and improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in our district,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This strategic use of state funding will help Lancaster and Millersville residents get around their communities more easily, whether it’s behind the wheel, on a bike or on foot.” The Greenlight-Go Program is a competitive state grant program designed Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera note passage of sentencing reform legislation

(Jul 24, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, July 24 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, praised the actions of the PA House of Representatives in passing legislation that would end mandatory life-without-parole sentences in cases of second-degree felony murder in Pennsylvania. In 2024, Derek Lee, a Black man serving life without parole for second-degree murder, challenged the constitutionality of his sentence before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He argued that since he did not kill or intend to kill anyone in a 2014 Pittsburgh robbery , his sentence is disproportionate and cruel under both the Pennsylvania and U.S. constitutions. This March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Commonwealth v. Lee found that automatically imposing life without parole for all second-degree murder convictions violates the state constitution’s protections against cruel punishment because it does not consider individual responsibility or level of culpability. Currently only five states — Pennsylvania, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Carolina — require mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole for second-degree felony murder convictions. The bill passed by the House (H.B. 1042) would require the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to deliver guidelines to judges while still ensuring judges can examine the facts of each case. It also would allow certain incarcerated people who served more than 30 years of their sentence before Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El community redevelopment bill signed into law

(Jul 21, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, July 21 – Legislation to authorize the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to transfer the former Witmer Infirmary property in Millersville, Lancaster County, to a nonprofit group was signed into law Monday by Gov. Josh Shapiro, the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced. House Bill 2559, now Act 40 of 2026, will enable Student Lodging, Inc. to demolish the vacant Witmer Infirmary property and convert the site into a surface parking lot to serve students and the broader Millersville community, supporting the planned mixed-use development on the adjacent property. The legislation would also authorize other vacant state-owned properties to be returned to productive use while preserving protections for host communities: a former nursing home on Girard Avenue in Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Housing Authority. a parcel adjacent to I-99 in Centre County to Ferris Land Development. the Peace Church in Cumberland County to Friends of Peace Church. portions of the former Danville State Hospital to the Borough of Danville. part of the former Eastern Pa. Psychiatric Institute on Henry Avenue in Philadelphia to Gaudenzia Foundation. “The transfer of these state properties to nonprofit organizations and other community partners will bring many benefits to our local communities, including historic preservation, community revitalization and blight reduction,” Smith-Wade-El Read more

 

Pa. House Consumer Protection Committee receives testimony on safe water systems for Pennsylvanians

(Jul 21, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

PHILADELPHIA, July 21 – On Monday, the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee held a public hearing examining the management of public water systems and prevention of waterborne illness, like Legionnaires’ disease. Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., chairman of the committee, called the hearing to collect the expertise of leaders in the health and science behind epidemiology, public water systems, and prevention of disease to ensure the safety of Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces $6M in state funding to support educational opportunities, create jobs, increase affordable housing

(Jul 17, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, July 17 – New funding of $6 million from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will go to schools, affordable housing initiatives and business development in the 49th Legislative District, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today. “These state investments will deliver wide-ranging and long-term benefits for our communities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “From increasing access to quality education at Thaddeus Stevens to creating affordable housing options and local business growth opportunities at the Crossings at Penn Ridge, this funding will help strengthen our workforce, support economic development and improve quality of life. I will continue advocating for state investments that address our communities’ needs and support their long-term goals.” The funding includes: $4 million for Thaddeus Stevens Foundation to renovate the Lancaster Almshouse to include extensive mechanical upgrades, ADA compliance, and outfitting the building to expand classrooms, lab space, and the Workforce Development Center. $2 million for Crossings at Penn Ridge LLC to develop commercial buildings, mixed-use buildings, and multi-family dwelling units in Millersville. RACP funds design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that have a regional impact and generate Read more

 

Public Interest, Transportation, Community Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 15, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera urge Lancaster residents to get vaccinated against measles, stay informed with new dashboard

(Jul 15, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, July 15 – As Lancaster County experiences the largest measles outbreak in Pennsylvania in 2026, state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, are encouraging residents to get vaccinated against the disease and to stay informed about outbreaks through the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s new measles online dashboard. “We urge residents to protect themselves against the measles outbreak by getting vaccinated if they are unvaccinated and by staying informed about outbreaks using the Department of Health’s new online dashboard,” Smith-Wade-El and Rivera said in a joint statement. “We are grateful to the Department of Health for expanding public access to information and increasing transparency about measles cases in Pennsylvania.” Since the beginning of the year, Pennsylvania has reported 105 cases of measles. More than half of those cases — 63 — have been reported in Lancaster County. The new online dashboard provides up-to-date information on measles outbreaks across Pennsylvania, including case details by county, age and hospitalizations. The dashboard is updated every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon with the latest available data. The Department of Health currently provides school vaccination data at the county and state levels. In August, school-level vaccination information will be available online, giving families additional information to guide personal Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El applauds historic investments in education, pioneering affordable housing initiatives in 2026-27 state budget

(Jul 12, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, July 12 -- State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, celebrated the passage today of a 2026-27 state budget that he said will help achieve equity in Pennsylvania through historic investments in education and housing. Read more

 

Equality Caucus applauds unanimous passage of bill decriminalizing HIV

(Jul 12, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, LGBTQ Equality Caucus

“We are grateful that Senate Bill 45 is headed to the governor’s desk. This legislation brings Pennsylvania law into closer alignment with current science, reduces stigma, and creates a legal framework that can continue to evolve alongside future advances in HIV research and care.” Read more

 

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

(Jul 09, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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

 

Redevelopment, Transportation, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 12, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) Who May Apply: Private non-profit agency or unit of local government Use: To build on the work that has been completed to date and advance statewide training and technical assistance around the JJSES framework with a strong focus on continuous quality improvement and fundamental fairness Funds: A total of $450,000 in federal Title II Formula Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $450,000 over the 12- month project period. Matching funds are not a requirement of this funding opportunity, but a sustainability plan must be included as part of the application submitted. Application Deadline: July 13, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Who May Apply: State, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $740,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus calls for swift, transparent conclusion in Quakertown investigation

(Jun 12, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

QUAKERTOWN, June 12 – Leaders of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, including state Reps. Napoleon Nelson, Darisha Parker, Justin Fleming and Ismail Smith-Wade-El, released the following statement calling on Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan to expedite the investigation into the actions of Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree: “Video footage and eyewitness accounts describing a physical confrontation between the police chief and student protesters have raised significant questions that warrant a swift and transparent investigation. “It is difficult to ignore the concerns raised by members of the community while questions regarding law enforcement conduct remain under review. Public confidence in our justice system depends on all parties being held to the same standard of accountability. “The public deserves a prompt and impartial resolution to this matter, not nearly four months of uncertainty. Continued delays in the investigation of Police Chief McElree only prolong unanswered questions for those involved and for the broader community. “We therefore call upon District Attorney Khan and his office to expedite the investigation into Chief McElree and any officers involved and to announce their findings and charging decisions as soon as practicable. Transparency and timely action are essential to maintaining public trust in the integrity of the justice system. “Our Read more

 

Transportation, Development, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 03, 2026) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

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 Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Who May Apply: Pennsylvania residents whose total household income is below 400 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Level. Use: This program provides a rebate to Pennsylvanians who purchase or lease alternative fuel vehicles. Funds: Rebates vary depending on type of vehicle purchased. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first come, first served basis as long as funds remain available. Please note applications must be received within six months of the date of the vehicle purchase. More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: WIIN 2107: Voluntary School and Childcare Lead testing and Reduction Grant Who May Apply: Childcare facilities and schools located in Pennsylvania with Read more

 

Grant Memo: Community Development, Fire & EMS, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Sep 18, 2026

Smith-Wade-El announces more than $3.1 million for community projects
Sep 15, 2026

Smith-Wade-El announces $67K in museum funding
Sep 11, 2026

Smith-Wade-El to host Senior Health Fair Sept. 22
Sep 11, 2026

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera to hold grant workshop for small business and nonprofits Sept. 2
Aug 26, 2026

Grant memo: Creative Industries, School Safety, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Aug 20, 2026

Smith-Wade-El praises more than $945K in state investments in safer intersections
Aug 04, 2026

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera note passage of sentencing reform legislation
Jul 24, 2026

Smith-Wade-El community redevelopment bill signed into law
Jul 21, 2026

Pa. House Consumer Protection Committee receives testimony on safe water systems for Pennsylvanians
Jul 21, 2026

Smith-Wade-El announces $6M in state funding to support educational opportunities, create jobs, increase affordable housing
Jul 17, 2026

Public Interest, Transportation, Community Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 15, 2026

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera urge Lancaster residents to get vaccinated against measles, stay informed with new dashboard
Jul 15, 2026

Smith-Wade-El applauds historic investments in education, pioneering affordable housing initiatives in 2026-27 state budget
Jul 12, 2026

Equality Caucus applauds unanimous passage of bill decriminalizing HIV
Jul 12, 2026

Grant Memo: Agriculture, CTE, Tourism, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Jul 09, 2026

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

Redevelopment, Transportation, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 12, 2026

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus calls for swift, transparent conclusion in Quakertown investigation
Jun 12, 2026

Transportation, Development, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 03, 2026