News Center

REVIEW: Get a Sneak Peak at Gov. Shapiro's Budget Proposal

(Feb 02, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

February is Black History Month. This month we honor the history, achievements, and legacies of Black Americans. February is a time to focus on education recognize the tremendous impact the Black community has had on Pennsylvania and American History – and continues to have every day. Read more

 

Gov Grants Jan 30

(Jan 30, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Available Gpvt. Grants Jan. 30 Read more

 

Lives changed by Tec Centro in Lancaster

(Jan 29, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

The Central PA Delegation along with the Latino Caucus were hosted by Tec Centro to discuss workforce education efforts happening in their Central PA locations. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s Inaugural “Second Chance” Pardon Clinic A Success

(Jan 22, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, Jan. 22 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, hosted his first pardon and expungement clinic last Thursday in Lancaster with over 50 attendees counseled by eight volunteers on the pardon and expungement processes. In addition to Smith-Wade-El’s district staff, volunteers came from the following local agencies: Zion Community Services, Lancaster Bar Association, YWCA, and MidPenn Legal Services. “Too many people are being held back in life by past mistakes,” Smith-Wade-El said. “My goal for the pardon clinic is to help people learn how to navigate the pardon and expungement processes so they can get the fresh start they deserve -- opening doors to better job opportunities, housing, and overall peace of mind.” The clinic featured: Personalized advice from seasoned legal experts on the details of the pardon and expungement process. Engaging and informative sessions about eligibility criteria, required documentation, and the step-by-step process. Private one-on-one conversations with consultants. One-on-one support in preparing and submitting a pardon or expungement application. A resource fair featuring health, mental health, food, and clothing resources. Lunch and parking were provided to registrants. “This event wouldn’t have been possible without the Read more

 

Government Grants, Jan. 9

(Jan 09, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Govt Grants, Jan. 9 Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El: $116,000 awarded to Sacred Green Infrastructure Program

(Jan 05, 2024) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – A grant of $116,000 from Pennsylvania’s Growing Greener Program was awarded to Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake today, state Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El announced. The funds will help produce designs and perform construction for the Sacred Green Infrastructure Program. Smith-Wade-El said the investment was great news. “When we think environmental infrastructure and planning in Pennsylvania, we have to think about environmental justice as well as the availability of funds for projects across the state,” he said. “My part is to help match funds with projects according to state budgeting, and I’m proud of all of the people who helped my office make this application come to fruition. “Congratulations to Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake for their unrelenting work keeping our part of the world cleaner for all.” Growing Greener remains the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania's history to address Pennsylvania's critical environmental concerns of the 21st century. Signed into law on Dec.15, 1999, and reauthorized thereafter, legislation has increased the funding for the Growing Greener program and extended it. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El helped secure $3.36 million in state grants

(Dec 19, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that he helped secure $3,360,383 in state grants for the 49th District. “I am very proud to have helped to secure $3,360,383 in state grants to assist with projects to improve our infrastructure and water quality and support the arts in our communities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This is a great example of our tax dollars being brough back into the community to improve quality of life—from improving the quality of the water we drink to expanding opportunities to utilize our creativity.” Funds distributed through the Small Water and Sewer program provide for small water, sewer, and storm system water infrastructure projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $105.6 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the PA Small Water and Sewer Program. $149,715 for the Low and High Service Pumping Station-DCED Water-DPW for equipment upgrades at the pump station located at 150 Pitney Road, Lancaster. Funds distributed through the H20 PA Program provide for single-year or multi-year grants to municipalities or municipal authorities to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm water projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $205.4 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program. $3,132,000 for Phase 2 transmission line installation for the replacement Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to host Pardon and Expungement Clinic Jan. 18

(Dec 18, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

"Rewrite Your Story," Pardon and Expungement Clinic, Jan 18. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application, Dec. 4

(Dec 04, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Grants, Dec. 4 Read more

 

Special Education Awareness

(Dec 02, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

On December 2nd, we came together to celebrate National Special Education Day, a day that holds deep significance in recognizing the efforts and milestones in providing equal access to education for all. At the School District of Lancaster, our incredible teachers and staff go above and beyond every day, creating dynamic and positive learning spaces for all students. They tirelessly dedicate themselves to helping learners unlock their potential, thrive, and shine! We were honored to have Rep. Ismail-Smith-Wade-El stop by Carter & McCrae to learn more about the incredible work being done. His visit reflects a shared commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration in the realm of special education.Rep. Ismail-Smith-Wade-El's proactive interest in our Special Education program is a testament to the positive impact it's making in the lives of students. It's moments like these that remind us of the importance of collaboration and advocacy in ensuring every student has the chance to thrive.Let us celebrate the progress made, acknowledge the challenges ahead, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every child receives the education they deserve. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to authorize sending of electronic transmissions passes House

(Nov 15, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El’s H.B. 1477 passed the House yesterday. The bill would amend the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to enable municipalities to make certain transmittals and submissions, including proposed comprehensive plans/land use ordinances and amendments to such, through electronic means. “This bill would codify what is already current practice—emailing plans and land ordinances—in order to eliminate the confusion about whether such transmissions are permissible,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “The bill is in response to a request for clarification from planners and consultants within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. I believe this bill, when passed, will help cut the red tape and streamline processes in DCED.” This bill was introduced as H.B. 1592 in the 2021-22 session. Inquiries about this legislation can be directed to Smith-Wade-El’s office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application (Nov. 14)

(Nov 14, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

State Grant Programs Open For Application (Nov. 14) Read more

 

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation

(Nov 13, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Nov.13 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, Elizabeth Fiedler, Rich Krajewski and Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris, all D-Phila., held a news conference today to highlight their legislation, House Bill 1769, that would seal some records in certain cases such as no-fault evictions. “We all deserve a safe, warm place to call home, but for millions of renters across the commonwealth, one mistake or emergency can lead to an eviction,” Smith-Wade-El said. “After evictions, households can struggle for months to find housing, which can break up families, risk employment, and lead to homelessness. This legislation would help give Pennsylvania’s renters a fair chance at finding housing by establishing procedures for limited access to eviction records. This legislation is a commonsense step that would make it easier for working-class Pennsylvanians to access housing.” According to the legislators, as soon as an eviction is filed, it becomes a permanent mark on someone’s background, making harder to find housing. The record remains even if the case was withdrawn, the tenant endured domestic violence, or the court found in favor of the tenant. Evictions disrupt workforce development for large swaths of communities and strain existing social support systems throughout the state. These records can put vulnerable people in difficult and dangerous situations, putting survivors of domestic violence Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El secures $872K to replace lead service lines in City of Lancaster

(Oct 18, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, secured $872,340 in grant and loan funding from Pennvest to replace 27 lead service lines in the City of Lancaster’s Jewels neighborhood. “Thanks to this money, 27 homes in the Jewels neighborhood will now have lead-free drinking water,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We’ve got to do everything we can to replace lead pipes as lead exposure is a public health hazard, causing developmental effects in fetuses, infants, and young children. This money will also ensure that the water delivery infrastructure is safe and performs reliably.” According to Smith-Wade-El, these line replacements will be prioritized by the city's selection model and user fees are not expected to increase because of the replacement project. Inquiries about this grant can be directed to Smith-Wade-El office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein introduce legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

(Oct 17, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia, today outlined their new legislation, House Bill 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. The lawmakers were joined by representatives from CASA, Church World Services, Lancaster City Council, IU13 Lancaster-Lebanon Refugee Center and Nationalities Service Center–Philadelphia at a Capitol news conference to discuss the bill. “Immigrants have made Pennsylvania the powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Yet, despite foreign-born workers comprising over 8% of our state’s workforce and paying $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes, they are scapegoated and bear the brunt of punitive policies that drive them from our state. We’re the ones who lose out the most—at the expense of losing skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers, and community leaders. “Our bill would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians that would support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth,” he said. “Immigration is what makes Pennsylvania strong,” Hohenstein said. “Our collective ability to come together from all different backgrounds and perspectives for the betterment of the commonwealth is truly wonderful. That’s why it’s particularly unfortunate that so often our immigrant communities face the brunt Read more

 

Legislators, PA Coalition for Trans Youth, TAKE, NEPA Stands Up rally for safe and equal schools

(Oct 17, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – State Reps. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila.; Nancy Guenst, D-Montgomery; Paul Takac, D-Centre; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; the PA Coalition for Trans Youth; Transgender Advocates Knowledgeable Empowering; NEPA Stands Up and allies held a rally for safe and equal schools on the state Capitol steps in Harrisburg on Tuesday. Speakers highlighted a package of bills that would protect students from gender-based discrimination, bullying and harassment, and provide inclusive accommodations and curriculum. The package includes: Legislation introduced by Guenst that would create a statewide policy for all public schools to prohibit student discrimination and harassment based on actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression through anti-discrimination and harassment prevention and early intervention policies to create a supportive and equal opportunity learning environment. “Our children deserve to step into their learning environments across the commonwealth feeling safe and respected. No child should be made to feel less than their peers due to the real or perceived distinction of belonging to classes that do not currently hold statewide protections,” Guenst said. “This legislation would bridge the gaps currently being filled by individual school districts through policies that cover a wide spectrum; Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El brings home over $1.1M to update HVAC systems for 169 affordable housing units

(Oct 16, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Oct. 16 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, brought home $1,138,851 in PA Housing Finance Agency funds from the new Housing Options Program to update the Lancaster Housing Authority Farnum Street East’s HVAC systems. The building at 33 East Farnum Street in Lancaster has 169 units, an office space, and a community room on the first floor. This development provides housing for the elderly and individuals living with disabilities. The funding will be used to update the aging HVAC systems to modern energy efficient heat pumps. “Our community has a critical need to add new affordable housing, and to protect our existing housing stock. As we brace for a cold winter, we cannot rest until all our neighbors have a safe, warm, accessible place to lay their heads,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This $1.1 million grant to improve the HVAC systems for an affordable housing development will dramatically improve the living conditions for our elderly and individuals living with disabilities. We often say, ‘housing is a human right.’ I’m grateful to the Lancaster City Housing Authority and PFHA for helping us put our money where our mouth is.” Smith-Wade-El said these PHFA funds are classified as Housing Options Program grants and can be utilized to repair existing housing units or to construct new housing units. Additionally, they are intended to fund housing that has not Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El rallies for tenants’ rights in Steelton

(Oct 11, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Smith-Wade-El began his morning in Steelton to join state Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, and other House Democratic members from central Pennsylvania to advocate for legislation that would improve the plight of tenants in Pennsylvania today. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus installs new officers

(Oct 06, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus announced its new officers after a reorganizational meeting this week. The following members were installed as officers: Chairman, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D–Montgomery Vice Chair, state Rep. Darisha Parker, D–Phila. Secretary, state Rep. Ismail Smith Wade-El, D–Lancaster Treasurer, state Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin Outgoing chair state Rep. Donna Bullock, D–Phila., passes the baton to Nelson. Bullock will continue to focus on issues facing Pennsylvania’s children and youth; she chairs the PA House Children & Youth Committee. “We are grateful for Representative Bullock’s leadership, and I look forward to building on the momentum we have to achieve real results for minority communities throughout this Commonwealth,” Nelson said. “I am humbled by this honor.” Bullock guided many PLBC initiatives, including the annual Crystal Bird Faucet Awards, honoring women within state government and Speaker K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action, where business owners, public officials and organizations gather to discuss, learn, and network legislative bills, community concerns and visit the Capitol Complex. “Chairing the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience,” Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application (10/03/2023)

(Oct 04, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) Initiative Who May Apply: Any private non-profit agency, any private for-profit agency, public agency, or unit of local government. Applicants must: Have experience in implementing statewide initiatives in collaboration with state agencies. Demonstrate a long-term commitment to the JJSES implementation process. Agree to work collaboratively with the Pennsylvania Council of Chief Juvenile Probation Officers, the Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission, and PCCD to support county JJSES efforts and the coordination and planning of training opportunities. Use: This project is meant to be statewide and not specific to local service areas. Funds for the proposed project may be used to support any of the following: Training, technical assistance, and materials on evidence-based practices; Conferences, regional forums, etc. related directly to JJSES; strategic plan development; data collection and analysis; victim accountability strategies; reducing racial and ethnic disparities strategies; and more. Funds: Federal Title II Formula Grant funds are being announced to support this initiative over a two-year project period. PCCD expects to fund one grant. Matching funds are not a requirement of this funding opportunity, but a sustainability plan must be included as part of the Read more

 

REVIEW: Get a Sneak Peak at Gov. Shapiro's Budget Proposal
Feb 02, 2024

Gov Grants Jan 30
Jan 30, 2024

Lives changed by Tec Centro in Lancaster
Jan 29, 2024

Smith-Wade-El’s Inaugural “Second Chance” Pardon Clinic A Success
Jan 22, 2024

Government Grants, Jan. 9
Jan 09, 2024

Smith-Wade-El: $116,000 awarded to Sacred Green Infrastructure Program
Jan 05, 2024

Smith-Wade-El helped secure $3.36 million in state grants
Dec 19, 2023

Smith-Wade-El to host Pardon and Expungement Clinic Jan. 18
Dec 18, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application, Dec. 4
Dec 04, 2023

Special Education Awareness
Dec 02, 2023

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to authorize sending of electronic transmissions passes House
Nov 15, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application (Nov. 14)
Nov 14, 2023

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation
Nov 13, 2023

Smith-Wade-El secures $872K to replace lead service lines in City of Lancaster
Oct 18, 2023

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein introduce legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians
Oct 17, 2023

Legislators, PA Coalition for Trans Youth, TAKE, NEPA Stands Up rally for safe and equal schools
Oct 17, 2023

Smith-Wade-El brings home over $1.1M to update HVAC systems for 169 affordable housing units
Oct 16, 2023

Smith-Wade-El rallies for tenants’ rights in Steelton
Oct 11, 2023

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus installs new officers
Oct 06, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application (10/03/2023)
Oct 04, 2023