HARRISBURG, Feb. 17 – State Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that he secured $115,000 in state grants for community organizations in the 49 th District and is inviting residents of the district to his District Office Open House on March 3 to learn more about the services his office provides. “ Our community organizations lift up the lives of so many in our district,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As state representative for Lancaster City, Lancaster Township, and Millersville, I am committed not just to legislating on behalf of our community, but to doing my part to encourage and support these organizations by bringing home the resources they need to give our neighbors the help they deserve.” The following groups received grants: Community Action Partnerships $20,000 to support the Crispus Attucks Community Center’s youth and community-serving programs was awarded by the PA Department of Human Services. City of Lancaster $20,000 to construct and establish the Beaver Street Pocket Park was awarded by PA Department of Community and Economic Development. City of Lancaster Bureau of Fire $15,000 to support fire services was awarded by the PA Office of State Fire Commissioner. Lancaster Township Fire Department $15,000 to support fire services was awarded by the PA Office of State Fire Commissioner. Blue Rock Read more
The funding system in Pennsylvania is broken, but this is not a “can we fix it?” question. We have the tools, and we have the political will to pass real solutions. Are our colleagues in the GOP ready to join us? Read more
In honor of National Gun Violence Survivors Week, I urge everyone to open their minds and their hearts to how we can stop this epidemic and save lives. Read more
"It is my hope that at the conclusion of this tour we will have a clear idea on how best to heal the divides in Harrisburg, what a fair set of House rules should include, and a plan to finally get survivors of childhood sexual assault the justice and truth that they so desperately deserve.” Read more
Rozzi said he hopes the members of Speaker’s Workgroup join him on the tour and that by the end of it, “we will have a clear idea on how best to heal the divides in Harrisburg." Read more
“Today’s Commonwealth Court ruling is a victory for democracy." Read more
The workgroup will organize on Tuesday, January 17th, and will meet regularly until a path forward is reached. Read more
History will not judge us based on how many Democratic Party wins or Republican Party wins we achieve, but we will be judged based on what we did for the children of this Commonwealth. Read more
There is an epidemic of sexual abuse against children in this Commonwealth, throughout this nation, and throughout the world. I came to Harrisburg with one purpose: to see that survivors of childhood sexual assault in Pennsylvania receive the justice that they deserve. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 4 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem took the oath of office in Harrisburg Tuesday, commencing her first term as state representative for her Delaware County district. After last year’s reapportionment process, the 159th Legislative District consists of the City of Chester, Lower Chichester and Upper Chichester townships and Eddystone, Trainer, Parkside and Marcus Hook boroughs. “It’s a great honor that the residents of the 159 th District gave me the opportunity to be their advocate in our state legislature,” Kazeem said. “I look forward to bringing up the topics that our commonwealth needs to seriously discuss and enact change that will improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.” Kazeem said that some of her top legislative priorities for this session include reducing gun violence, strengthening education equity, criminal justice reform and raising the minimum wage. She expects to receive her committee assignments later this month. Kazeem is one of 26 new Democratic members sworn in and one of eight Democratic freshwomen. This class of freshmen legislators is the largest and most diverse group in over a decade. Photos from the swearing-in ceremony are available on Kazeem’s website: https://www.pahouse.com/Kazeem/PhotoGallery?g=5437 . Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, today was elected by his peers as Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. After taking the oath of office in the state Capitol this afternoon to commence his sixth term, Rozzi was then elected speaker by a vote of 115 to 85. “I’m proud to say that I’ve served the residents of the 126th Legislative District for the last decade, and I’m humbled to now serve every Pennsylvanian,” Rozzi said. “As speaker, my goal is to remain nonpartisan in order to deliver a sense of unity within the legislature. It’s past time that we work together and restore trust in the people’s House.” Rozzi pledged to caucus with neither Democrats nor Republicans. He affirmed that while at the rostrum, typical politics and the division they subsequently create will have no place in the House chamber. “Sometimes Republicans will win, and sometimes Democrats will win, and that is fine, so long as the beneficiaries are the people of this commonwealth,” he said. Rozzi, most notably known for his work protecting children through abolishing Pennsylvania’s criminal statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse , said that his top priority as speaker is to put people over politics and eradicate instances of hyper partisanship. Photos of Rozzi at today’s swearing-in are available on his website: Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. John Galloway took the oath of office in the state Capitol today to begin his term representing the 140st Legislative District, which comprises part of Middletown Township, Falls Township, Morrisville Borough and Tullytown Borough. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 session of the Pennsylvania House. Galloway said some of his priorities will be fully-funded education for all, economic development and job creation, high quality affordable healthcare, and environmental protections. “The greatest honor of my life has been serving the 140 th District,” Galloway said. “I am determined to keep fighting the good fight for Pennsylvania’s working families so that they live in safe neighborhoods, their kids go to good schools and they have well-paying, family sustaining jobs.” Galloway’s office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to RepJohnGalloway.com . Galloway’s office is located at 8610 New Falls Road , Levittown, PA 19054. Galloway has held the seat since 2006. The Honorable John McNally, Judge, Court of Common Pleas, Dauphin County administered the oath of office. Galloway is joined by 26 Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Tina Davis took the oath of office in the state Capitol today to begin her term representing the 141st Legislative District, which comprises Bristol Township and Bristol Borough. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Davis said some of her priorities will be economic development and opportunity; job creation; pay equity; property tax reform; and programs assisting families, seniors and veterans. “I’m excited to be in a position to advocate for legislation to build safe, strong and healthy communities, a thriving workforce and top-notch affordable health care for all in Bristol Township and Bristol Borough,” Davis said. “I will advance a strong legislative approach to economic development, law enforcement and social services to ensure that these communities reach their full potential and are a magnet to residents and businesses. “As I have successfully done in the past, I will make it a priority to bring in grant money to support projects to improve life and expand business in our community.” Davis’ office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and Property Tax/Rent Rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to RepTinaDavis.com . Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Ismail “Izzy” Smith-Wade-El took the oath of office today in the state Capitol to begin his first term representing the 49 th Legislative District, which comprises part of the city of Lancaster, Lancaster Township and Millersville Borough. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 session of the Pennsylvania House. Smith-Wade-El is also scheduled to be installed as treasurer of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus during its installation of officers at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4. The installation will be streamed live on the PLBC website or on the PLBC’s Facebook page. Smith-Wade-El said some of his priorities in his first term are affordable housing, justice and public safety; high-quality affordable healthcare for all; LGBTQ rights; cannabis decriminalization; high-quality education for children regardless of Zip code; workers’ rights; climate action; returning power to local government, and reproductive rights and health care. “I am honored to represent the 49 th District in the PA House of Representatives,” Smith-Wade-El said. ‘I am looking forward to drawing on my depth of skills and experiences acquired as an activist and president of the Lancaster City Council to improve our residents’ quality of life, make our communities safer and stronger, and increase economic opportunities for all.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin her sixth term representing the 148 th Legislative District, which comprises Whitemarsh Township, Lower Merion Township and Narberth Borough. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 legislative session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Daley said some of her priorities will be improving health care for women and children, ensuring high quality health care is available to all, protecting the environment and implementing sustainable energy policies. “I am proud the residents of the 148 th District have chosen me to again to represent their interests in Harrisburg,” Daley said. “Every day, I am fighting to ensure our residents live in strong, safe communities, are supported by an expansive and durable social net and top-notch affordable health care and can send their children to high performing public schools. I believe that my work in the 148 th will help bring improved quality of life for all.” Daley said her office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and Property Tax/Rent Rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to RepMJDaley.com . Daley’s office is located at 312 Old Lancaster Road , Read more
LEVITTOWN, Dec. 22 – State Rep. Tina Davis, D-Bucks, announced today that Bucks County Technical High School has been awarded the maximum grant of $50,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the purchase of new equipment to help train students in skills required for high-demand occupations . “This money will help Bucks County Technical High School in its mission to provide our young people with the educational opportunities necessary to develop the in-demand skills required for high-paying jobs,” Davis said. “As I have said before, the development of a highly trained workforce in Bucks County is a magnet for companies. This state grant is a wise investment in our economic future.” Under PDE’s program, Bucks County Technical High School has received the maximum grant of $50,000. This grant must be matched dollar-for-dollar from local sources. The development of career and technical centers and high schools has been a priority for the Wolf Administration in its goal of developing a world-class 21 st century workforce. In the past eight years, the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 49.5 percent, and the number of credentials earned by students enrolled in CTE programs has grown by 32.6 percent. There are more than 80 CTCs in Pennsylvania that offer a combination of classes and hands-on learning Read more
ROYERSFORD, Dec. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that the Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center has been awarded the maximum grant of $50,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the purchase of new equipment to help train students in skills required for high-demand occupations . “I know from my years in business and in the legislature, the foundation to a thriving economy is a highly trained workforce,” Ciresi said. “This state grant will help ensure that our young people at the Western Montgomery CTC are getting the in-demand skills that will make them sought after hires in today’s highly competitive economic climate. I applaud the state’s investment in the development of Montgomery County’s workforce.” Under PDE’s program, the Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center has received the maximum grant of $50,000. This grant must be matched dollar-for-dollar from local sources. Ciresi applauded the Wolf administration for making the development of career and technical centers and high schools a priority in its goal of developing a world-class 21 st century workforce. In the past eight years, the number of career and technical education students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 49.5% and the number of credentials earned by students enrolled in CTE programs has grown by 32.6%. There are more than Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 19— State Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, announced that $173,419 in grants have been awarded to Montgomery County Jewish organizations under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The following Montgomery County organizations will receive grants: $25,000 to Congregation Beth Am Israel. $40,000 to Kaiserman Jewish Community Center. $108,419 to Kohelet Yeshiva. “The rise of antisemitism in American society is a threat to us all” Daley said. “Attacks on Jewish Americans are an attack on one of the foundations of American society -- freedom of religion. Though I hate the fact that these grants are necessary, I am glad that this money is available so the Jewish residents of Montgomery County can go to school, gather for community activities and worship in safety.” Funding can be used for safety and security planning, safety and security equipment and technology, training, building upgrades, vulnerability and threat assessments, and other security enhancements. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program was established in 2019 after the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh that claimed the lives of 11 worshippers . The program supports grants for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that Read more
LANCASTER, Dec. 16 -- Rep.-elect Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced $4.4 million in grants have been awarded to Lancaster organizations by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The grants will be used to improve community safety, support local law enforcement in transparency and accountability efforts, and help vulnerable populations and religious communities to protect themselves as the community pushes back against hate and white nationalism. The first set of grants come from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Established in 2019 after the attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh that claimed the lives of 11 worshippers, the program supports grants for security enhancements to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication, such as race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity. The following Lancaster organizations received these grants: $50,000 to Bright Side Opportunities Corporation. $97,000 to the Church World Service Lancaster. $97,000 to the Islamic Community Center of Lancaster. $25,000 to the Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition. $6,296 to Lancaster Pride. $10,000 to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lancaster. “What unifies the recipients of these Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 15 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that he helped secure nearly $5.7 million in public safety grants for Montgomery County awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “Nothing is more important to me than making sure our residents are safe in their homes and on the streets of Montgomery County,” Ciresi said. “I am very glad I was able to help bring these state funds in to strengthen our local police departments, reduce gun violence, and support vulnerable, at-risk members of our communities. This money will make our communities safer, our families stronger, and provide a second chance to those who need it.” The following grants were awarded. Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program: $130,000 to Lower Pottsgrove Township for retention bonuses and purchasing and installing stationary License Plate Readers. $403,761 to Pottstown Borough to replace pole cameras, and upgrade servers for the camera, record management, and other internal operating systems. These improvements are expected to help with investigations, deter crime, and help the Pottstown Police Department continue operating and providing necessary services. $44,507 to West Pottsgrove Township to upgrade their Records Management System, acquire a TREK assist police patrol bike and related equipment and Read more
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