News Center

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 The record remains even if the case was withdrawn, the tenant endured domestic violence, or the court found in favor of the tenant.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

 

Smith-Wade-El to host free child car seat clinic Sept. 23

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

LANCASTER, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will be hosting a free child car seat clinic from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 23 at the Lancaster Township Fire Department-South Station, 125 Fairview Ave., Lancaster, 17603. “Many parents are unsure of whether their child car seat is the right size for their child, if their child is buckled in correctly, or if the seat is installed correctly, so I wanted to offer this free clinic where certified child passenger technicians will be available to check residents’ car seats and answer any of their questions,” Smith-Wade-El said. “My child car safety clinic will help give parents peace of mind when they are driving with their children in the car.” The car seat clinic offers fun for the whole family with: free children’s books provided by the Lancaster Education Foundation and the YWCA. free Kona Ice provided by School District of Lancaster. free car seats provided by Safe Kids Lancaster County. free fire truck tours. Smith-Wade-El has partnered with Safe Kids Lancaster County, Penn Medicine Lancaster Health and Lancaster Township Fire Department. Anyone interested in attending is asked to contact Smith-Wade-El’s office at 717-283-4218 or email RepSmithWadeEl@pahouse.net . Read more

 

Testifiers detail need for Community Development Financial Institutions in PA

(Sep 08, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

The House Majority Policy Committee convened a hearing Friday afternoon to discuss the need for Community Development Financial Institutions and support for workforce development in certain Pennsylvania communities. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El: $53K in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetables in area schools

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

LANCASTER, Aug. 18 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that $53,136 in state funding has been awarded to two Lancaster elementary schools to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. They are: Burrowes Elementary School $21,384 Carter & MacRae Elementary School $31,752 Through the program, the schools will receive reimbursement for the cost of making free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students during the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal in one or more areas of the school during the school day. “This funding will help our schools provide healthy snack alternatives to our students during the day, helping to make healthy eating a habit,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This funding will help give our community’s school children the tools to make healthy choices for themselves. Students will learn that not only are fruits and vegetables the smart choice, but also the tastiest.” The goal of FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. Additionally, the program promotes nutrition education, resulting in healthier school environments for learners. To be eligible, schools must participate Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El: $53K in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetables in area schools

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

LANCASTER, Aug. 18 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that $53,136 in state funding has been awarded to two Lancaster elementary schools to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. They are: Burrowes Elementary School $21,384 Carter & MacRae Elementary School $31,752 Through the program, the schools will receive reimbursement for the cost of making free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students during the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal in one or more areas of the school during the school day. “This funding will help our schools provide healthy snack alternatives to our students during the day, helping to make healthy eating a habit,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This funding will help give our community’s school children the tools to make healthy choices for themselves. Students will learn that not only are fruits and vegetables the smart choice, but also the tastiest.” The goal of FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. Additionally, the program promotes nutrition education, resulting in healthier school environments for learners. To be eligible, schools must participate Read more

 

Summer 2023 NL

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

Summer 2023 NL Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to hold free community shred event Aug. 12

(Jul 24, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, July 24 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will host a free shredding event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. The event will take place at the Elizabeth R. Martin School, 2000 Wabank Road. Residents may bring up to three bankers boxes of documents containing personal information. Electronics and trash will not be accepted at this event. “My FREE Community Shredding Event is a great opportunity for residents to declutter their homes and safely dispose of personal information in an environmentally friendly way,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I cannot stress enough that this shredding event is one of best ways to ensure that your confidential and sensitive documents are properly disposed of and your information is not used without your knowledge. I encourage everyone in the 49th District to take advantage of this free event to protect their privacy.” Pre-registration is required. Residents can either email their name and address to RepSmithWadeEl@pahouse.net or call Smith-Wade-El’s district office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s resolution to study the impact of housing and health quality adopted by House

(Jun 27, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, June 27 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that his resolution, H.R. 66, that directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the impact of housing on health in Pennsylvania passed the House on Monday. “We have a housing crisis in Pennsylvania,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only is there not enough affordable housing, but most housing dates from before 1978 and exposes residents to lead contamination, poor ventilation, ill-constructed waste systems, and other unsafe and toxic conditions. “Bad housing is having a devastating impact on people’s health and on our health services,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We’ve got to use our resources to find a remedy for a literally toxic situation by studying the health care costs associated with substandard housing and building affordable housing connected to local health care and social service systems.” According to Smith-Wade-El, studies have shown that substandard housing is a contributing factor to negative health outcomes and can perpetuate economic struggle and housing insecurity for some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. The LBFC will reach out to relevant stakeholders to gain insight on the impact housing has on residents’ health and provide recommendations for housing solutions. “Everyone deserves a safe and healthy home,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only Read more

 

Raise the Wage Virtual Town Hall: June 22, 2023

(Jun 20, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Watch live here. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El issues statement on Pittsburgh synogogue shooting trial verdict

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

LANCASTER, June 16 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, released a statement on the guilty verdict issued against the shooter in the Pittsburgh synogogue shooting in 2018. “ With the news that the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter has been found guilty on all charges, our office wishes to extend our solidarity to the Jewish communities of Allegheny County, Lancaster County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the entire United States. “Our thoughts and prayers as an office, and more importantly, my will and vote as a legislator are with those who summoned the will to testify in this trial. “For years, our Jewish friends and neighbors have been sounding the alarm about the ever-increasing rise of antisemitic hatred, the growing threat of Christian nationalism to American democracy, and the cultural hegemony that dominates and oppresses vulnerable minority communities. “The arc of the moral universe does not bend toward justice on its own. It takes the bravery of those who have acted in defense of human rights in a world that would harm them for it. “While hate may begin in the margins, in the shadows, it grows and multiplies in broad daylight thanks to the passive acceptance of the majority. Finally, hate reaches its monstrous apotheosis as an irreversible force, sweeping away millions in its wake. The time is now to stop the rising tide of antisemitism Read more

 

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22

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

Raise the Wage Virtual Town Hall Read more

 

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

Smith-Wade-El to host free child car seat clinic Sept. 23
Sep 15, 2023

Testifiers detail need for Community Development Financial Institutions in PA
Sep 08, 2023

Smith-Wade-El: $53K in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetables in area schools
Aug 18, 2023

Smith-Wade-El: $53K in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetables in area schools
Aug 18, 2023

Summer 2023 NL
Aug 15, 2023

Smith-Wade-El to hold free community shred event Aug. 12
Jul 24, 2023

Smith-Wade-El’s resolution to study the impact of housing and health quality adopted by House
Jun 27, 2023

Raise the Wage Virtual Town Hall: June 22, 2023
Jun 20, 2023

Smith-Wade-El issues statement on Pittsburgh synogogue shooting trial verdict
Jun 16, 2023

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22
Jun 14, 2023