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Legislative updates from Harrisburg!

(1 day ago) Rep. Nikki Rivera

March 31, 2026 Read more

 

Community and Economic Development, Transportation Safety, Fresh Food and Additional Grant Opportunities

(1 day ago) Rep. Nikki Rivera

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Business in Our Sites Who May Apply: Municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities, private developers (construction loans only) Use: The acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 More information: CFA Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Please note, the NAP is broken down into 5 programs (The Neighborhood Assistance Program, the Special Program Priorities, the Charitable Food Program, the Neighborhood Partnership Program, and the Enterprise Zone Program.) Please visit the DCED website for specifics on each program. Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations Use: The goals of the Programs are to promote community participation and collaborations among the residents, nonprofits and businesses while producing outcomes by assisting a distressed area or the low-income population in a neighborhood. Eligible neighborhood nonprofits apply for tax credits based on pending contributions from for-profit companies. Funds: The total available NAP tax credit amount is $72 million. Application Deadline: May 29, 2026 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Read more

 

Rivera encourages residents to attend PUC hearing on UGI’s proposed rate increase

(Mar 23, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

LANCASTER, March 23 – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will hold an in-person public hearing about UGI-Utilities, Inc.-Gas Division’s proposed rate increase at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. March 30 in the Manheim Township Public Library Morgan Center, 595 Granite Run Drive. Rivera will offer comments at the 6 p.m. hearing. Rivera said the hearings are being held in response to UGI’s planned substantial rate increase in operating revenues by 8.5%, or approximately $99.368 million. Under the proposal, the average monthly bill for a residential customer using 68.7 hundred cubic feet of natural gas would increase 8.7%, from $113.64 to $123.55 per month. In September 2025 , the PUC approved a 8.9%, or $69.5 million UGI rate increase--$40.9 million less than the 14.1%, or $110.4 million that the company originally requested. The monthly customer charge rose by 6.7%, or to $110.51 from $103.57. The rate hike took effect Oct. 28, 2025. According to UGI, the requested increase would allow the company to receive a fair return on proposed investments, including PUC-approved infrastructure replacement programs; enhanced information technology systems; recovery of operating expenses associated with providing gas distribution service; extension of its Weather Normalization Adjustment pilot; and incorporation of weather calculation into its rate design. On Feb. 19, the PUC formally suspended the proposed rate Read more

 

Lancaster County legislators announce state funding to combat sexual violence on college campuses

(Mar 18, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

LANCASTER, March 18 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today highlighted new “It’s On Us PA” funding awarded to combat sexual violence and support survivors on college campuses in their districts. Millersville University in Smith-Wade-El’s district received $40,000 and Franklin and Marshall College in Rivera’s district received $21,795. “Sexual violence is a human rights abuse , a form of discrimination, and a manifestation of unequal power,” Smith-Wade-El and Rivera said. “The ‘It’s On Us’ program plays a critical role in making Pennsylvania a more equal commonwealth by raising awareness among students about consent as a basic human right and providing healing support to survivors. This money helps to ensure that the ‘It’s On Us’ program will continue to help make our higher educational learning environments safe spaces for everyone.” The Shapiro administration awarded more than $1.7 million in this round of funding to 43 institutions statewide. Since 2023, nearly $5 million has been invested in “It’s On Us PA” initiatives focused on education, prevention, and survivor support. The “It’s On Us PA” program builds on a national initiative launched to raise awareness about sexual assault, promote consent education, and encourage bystander intervention. The state-level campaign brings together Read more

 

Grant Memo: School Bus Safety, Recreation Facilities, Recycling, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 04, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS PennDOT: Automated School Bus Enforcement Grant Program Who May Apply: School entities, independent school bus contractors, and municipal governments Use: To cover costs associated with the issuance of CDL licenses to operate school buses within the Commonwealth or to increase school bus safety, education, and training Funds: The total amount of funding available is $1.2 million. Grants can be awarded up to $100,000 per applicant Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate engagement in market research, product development or promotion of agricultural products grown, raised or produced in the Commonwealth Use: To provide matching funds to nonprofit organizations engaged in market research, development or promotion of agricultural products Funds: Up to $381,810.50 is available for grants under the Program Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Environmental Protection: Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grant Program Who May Apply: Municipalities Use: To develop and implement recycling programs Funds: Grants are available up to $250,000. Application Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce job fair, record-clearing session

(Mar 03, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

LANCASTER, March 3 – Building on their commitment to expanding opportunity for justice--involved residents, state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced two upcoming community events to connect Lancaster County residents with fair-chance employers and provide guidance on record-clearing processes. The first event, a Community Job Event , will take place Tuesday, March 24, at the Lancaster Public Library. The job fair will bring together local employers and support organizations committed to second-chance hiring, creating a welcoming space for individuals seeking employment despite prior court involvement. In addition to job opportunities, attendees will be able to connect with community partners offering resources to support long-term career success. Date: Tuesday, March 24 Time: 2 to 6 p.m. Location: Lancaster Public Library, 151 N. Queen St. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” Smith-Wade-El said. “By connecting people to employers who recognize the value of second chances, we can help strengthen families and our community.” Rivera emphasized the importance of accessibility and awareness: “This event demonstrates our shared commitment to breaking down barriers and expanding economic opportunities for all residents of Lancaster. We want to ensure that justice-involved Read more

 

Government Programs

(Mar 03, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Government Programs Read more

 

My Shredding and E-Cycling Event March 14

(Feb 24, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

RSVP my office at 717-295-3157 or email RepRivera@pahouse.net to register with your name, address, phone number, email address & whehter you will be bringing shredding, e-cycling and/or items to donate. Read more

 

Violence Prevention, Recreation Facilities, Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 24, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Funding Round 1 (Southeastern Region) Who May Apply: Contractors installing a publicly available community charger Use: To plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain charging stations across Pennsylvania. Subsequent rounds for other regions will be announced at later dates. Funds: Applicants may apply for up to 80 percent federal cost share of the eligible costs, with a minimum required match of 20 percent from non-federal sources. The maximum award size per selected Project is $1 million Application Deadline: August 21, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence & Delinquency Prevention Programs Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to local units of government (counties, municipalities), nonprofit organizations, private providers offering services to system-involved youth, and institutions of higher education. Use: To strengthen community-based strategies that prevent youth violence, delinquency, and other problem behaviors, expand diversion and deflection opportunities, and support successful reentry in accordance with Balanced and Restorative Justice guiding principles. Funds: A total of $5 million in state VDPP funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund a minimum of 20 grants with budgets not to exceed Read more

 

Grant Memo: Transportation, Parks, Pedestrian Safety, School Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 11, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrain Vehicle/Snowmobile Grants Who May Apply: County and municipal governments, non-profits, for-profits Use: Planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance of ATV or snowmobile trails and facilities, purchase of equipment, and educational programs related to the use of ATVs or snowmobiles Funds: Grants will range between $25,000 and $1,000,000 Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 More information: DCNR 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 More information: DCED Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and non-profit organizations. For-profit Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce $1.2 million in state funds for bicycle and pedestrian improvements

(Feb 10, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

LANCASTER, Feb. 10 –State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced that their districts will receive over $1.2 million in state funding to make critical bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements in the City of Lancaster and in Manheim Township. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Automated Red-Light Enforcement (ARLE) program. Established in 2010, ARLE funds improvements at signalized intersections and is primarily supported by fines from red-light violations at 38 intersections currently operational in the commonwealth. The program is designed to reduce congestion, enhance mobility, and improve safety at high-traffic intersections. In Smith-Wade-El’s district, the City of Lancaster will receive $974,544 to improve bicycle safety by installing a bi-directional/two-way separated bike lane on the south and east side on the roadway from South Queen Street to East King Street. “I am very excited to see the City of Lancaster receive this significant investment in bicycle safety,” said Smith-Wade-El. “As someone who learned ride a bike at the old age of 29, I love the freedom and the whole new way of seeing the city that I experience when I’m riding a bike. This investment in our city will make Lancaster a healthier place to live thanks to more people engaging in this heart-healthy activity instead of driving a car, which increases air pollution and traffic Read more

 

Scholarships

(Feb 09, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Feb. 9, 2026 Read more

 

Call to Action: Help Our Trans Kids

(Feb 09, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Feb. 9, 2026 Read more

 

My Take on Gov. Shapiro's 2026-2027 Budget Proposal

(Feb 05, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

Feb. 5, 2026 Read more

 

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 03, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Baseline Water Quality Data Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are those that will use accepted scientific principles and practices for water sample collection and analysis to document existing groundwater quality conditions on private water supplies. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Flood Mitigation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible projects are to assist with flood Read more

 

Khan and colleagues introduce resolution demanding accountability in DHS and ICE enforcement

(Jan 25, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

State Rep. Tarik Khan, D–Philadelphia, joined by colleagues in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, today introduced a resolution urging Congress to withhold additional federal appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until meaningful accountability and safety reforms are enacted.The resolution comes in the wake of the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis in January 2026, just weeks after another U.S. citizen, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed during federal immigration enforcement operations in the same city. Read more

 

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 22, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) Who May Apply: County or Municipal Government, Higher Educational Institution, Other Educational Institution, Non-profit with 501(c)3 IRS Status and Non-profit with PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations Status. Use: Park rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, land acquisition and conservation, trail projects, river conservation and development, and community and watershed forestry. Funds: The total grant awards vary based on state and federal funding sources, with the program awarding approximately $50 million for projects each year. Individual grant amounts also vary, with typical awards ranging from $50,000 - $500,000. Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: DCNR Website Liquor Control Board: Alcohol Education Grant Program Who May Apply: School districts and institutions of higher education (including technical, trade, and post-secondary establishments), community organizations, municipal police departments, municipal officials/representatives, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Use: To fund programs that discourage and reduce underage and dangerous drinking and promote a message of responsible alcohol consumption by those of legal drinking age. Funds: The grant cycle is for two years, from July 2026 through June Read more

 

Rivera: $650K in state funding for pedestrian safety improvements in Lancaster

(Jan 22, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

LANCASTER, Jan. 22 – Pedestrians will enjoy increased safety thanks to $650,000 in pedestrian safety improvements approved by the Commonwealth Finance Authority, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today. “This funding to Frankin & Marshall College will help improve the pedestrian safety of college students and residents alike on Harrisburg Avenue,” Rivera said. “This is a smart allocation of state funding that will improve the quality of life here in Lancaster. I was proud to be able to use my position as state representative to advocate for the approval of this project with the CFA and the Shapiro administration.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund, administered by the CFA, provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development. Photo: Rivera pictured with Franklin & Marshall President Andrew Rich on Harrisburg Avenue. Read more

 

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 09, 2026) Rep. Nikki Rivera

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Funding (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 More information: PennDOT website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Public School Facility Improvement Grant Who May Apply: School entities, defined as a school district or an area career and technical school. Use: Facility improvement projects, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, plumbing systems, window repair/replacement, health and safety upgrades, and accessibility projects. Funds: $100 million in total funding is available. Grant requests shall not exceed $5 million per eligible improvement project. School entities may submit more than one application, but no school entity shall receive more than 20% of the total funding available. Application Deadline: March 13, 2026 More information: CFA Website Department of Military and Read more

 

Rivera: Nearly $874K secured for Lancaster City, Manheim Township traffic signal improvements

(Dec 30, 2025) Rep. Nikki Rivera

LANCASTER, Dec. 30 – Safer and more efficient traffic flow is coming to the 96th Legislative District thanks to nearly $874,000 in grant funding from PennDOT, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today. According to Rivera, the funding -- awarded through the Green Light-Go Program -- will support traffic flow and safety improvements in the city of Lancaster and Manheim Township. The funding includes: • City of Lancaster: $91,476 to study and remove unwarranted traffic-control signals. • City of Lancaster: $732,095 to modernize multiple intersections. • Manheim Township: $50,000 to install LED traffic signal modules at multiple locations. “These critical investments will help motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians get where they’re going more quickly and safely,” Rivera said. “This funding will increase the efficiency and reliability of our traffic signal systems, making travel on our streets safer for everyone. I want to thank PennDOT and our local partners for helping to bring this funding home.” Green Light-Go is a reimbursement-based grant program that requires applicants to provide a 20% local match. Grants may be used for operational improvements, such as installing light-emitting diode technology, retiming traffic signals, developing special-event traffic plans, monitoring signal performance, and upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. Read more

 

Legislative updates from Harrisburg!
1 day ago

Community and Economic Development, Transportation Safety, Fresh Food and Additional Grant Opportunities
1 day ago

Rivera encourages residents to attend PUC hearing on UGI’s proposed rate increase
Mar 23, 2026

Lancaster County legislators announce state funding to combat sexual violence on college campuses
Mar 18, 2026

Grant Memo: School Bus Safety, Recreation Facilities, Recycling, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 04, 2026

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce job fair, record-clearing session
Mar 03, 2026

Government Programs
Mar 03, 2026

My Shredding and E-Cycling Event March 14
Feb 24, 2026

Violence Prevention, Recreation Facilities, Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 24, 2026

Grant Memo: Transportation, Parks, Pedestrian Safety, School Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 11, 2026

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce $1.2 million in state funds for bicycle and pedestrian improvements
Feb 10, 2026

Scholarships
Feb 09, 2026

Call to Action: Help Our Trans Kids
Feb 09, 2026

My Take on Gov. Shapiro's 2026-2027 Budget Proposal
Feb 05, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 03, 2026

Khan and colleagues introduce resolution demanding accountability in DHS and ICE enforcement
Jan 25, 2026

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 22, 2026

Rivera: $650K in state funding for pedestrian safety improvements in Lancaster
Jan 22, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 09, 2026

Rivera: Nearly $874K secured for Lancaster City, Manheim Township traffic signal improvements
Dec 30, 2025