Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rep. Darisha Parker | News Center

Upcoming events and Harrisburg Recap inside

(Jun 16, 2025)

96 @media only screen and (min-width:660px){.u-row{width:640px!important}.u-row .u-col{vertical-align:top}.u-row .u-col-50{width:320px!important}.u-row .u-col-100{width:640px!important}}@media (max-width:660px){.u-row-container{max-width:100%!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important}.u-row .u-col{min-width:320px!important;max-width:100%!important;display:block!important}.u-row{width:100%!important}.u-col{width:100%!important}.u-col>div{margin:0 auto}}body{margin:0;padding:0}table,td,tr{vertical-align:top;border-collapse:collapse}p{margin:0}.ie-container table,.mso-container table{table-layout:fixed}*{line-height:inherit}a[x-apple-data-detectors=true]{color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important}table,td{color:#000}#u_body a{color:#00e;text-decoration:underline} Mark your calendars for events later this month! I voted YES to give over 1 million Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 11, 2025)

Don't miss your chance to apply for grant opportunities throughout PA Read more

 

State Rep. Darisha Parker reacts to 3-alarm fire at SEPTA Midvale Depot

(Jun 05, 2025)

State Rep. Darisha Parker released the following statement after a fire spread throughout dozens of decommissioned buses caught fire at SEPTA’s Midvale Depot near Roberts Yard. “Many of my neighbors woke up this morning to black smoke and helicopters circling our neighborhood due to the 3-alarm fire at SEPTA’s Midvale Depot in my district,” Parker said. “Midvale Depot is SEPTA’s largest facility, used for maintenance and storage of decommissioned buses, making this a huge loss for SEPTA. “I want to highlight and thank the quick response of our brave first responders who showed up to battle the fire. Because of their dedication and quick response, no injuries have been reported, and all SEPTA services remain unimpacted. “My office is available if anyone has questions or would like updates on the blaze as firefighters continue to work tirelessly to put out the flames.” Read more

 

Miss my Telephone Town Hall? Catch the discussion right here.

(May 30, 2025)

Get the facts on your Medicaid questions and listen to what your friends and neighbors are talking about! Read more

 

Juveniles, Parents, and the Community A Resource Guide

(May 28, 2025)

After-school Programs, Childcare Assistance, Schools, Employment, Summer Camps & more resources Read more

 

My office is closed tomorrow - May 20 - for the Primary Election - Make sure you vote!

(May 19, 2025)

96 @media only screen and (min-width:660px){.u-row{width:640px!important}.u-row .u-col{vertical-align:top}.u-row .u-col-50{width:320px!important}.u-row .u-col-100{width:640px!important}}@media (max-width:660px){.u-row-container{max-width:100%!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important}.u-row .u-col{min-width:320px!important;max-width:100%!important;display:block!important}.u-row{width:100%!important}.u-col{width:100%!important}.u-col>div{margin:0 auto}}body{margin:0;padding:0}table,td,tr{vertical-align:top;border-collapse:collapse}p{margin:0}.ie-container table,.mso-container table{table-layout:fixed}*{line-height:inherit}a[x-apple-data-detectors=true]{color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important}table,td{color:#000}#u_body a{color:#00e;text-decoration:underline} Thank you, First Lady Shapiro It was such an honor to visit Kensington Health Sciences Academy with Office of the First Lady of Pennsylvania Lori Shapiro & the student advocates for Menstrual equity doing the groundwork for the cause! What a great way to celebrate #MenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth ! Thank you all for your support on this journey but we're not done Read more

 

Parker: It is Time for Action!

(May 15, 2025)

PA Legislative Black Caucus Vice Chair Darisha Parker calls her colleagues to action as she commemorates the legacy of Speaker K. Leroy Irvis. The annual K. Leroy Irvis Days of Action event brings legislators and advocates together to discuss issues impacting the Black community and make their voices heard on matters of social justice. Read more

 

Primary Election is May 20 - Important Info. Inside

(May 14, 2025)

96 @media only screen and (min-width:660px){.u-row{width:640px!important}.u-row .u-col{vertical-align:top}.u-row .u-col-50{width:320px!important}.u-row .u-col-100{width:640px!important}}@media (max-width:660px){.u-row-container{max-width:100%!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important}.u-row .u-col{min-width:320px!important;max-width:100%!important;display:block!important}.u-row{width:100%!important}.u-col{width:100%!important}.u-col>div{margin:0 auto}}body{margin:0;padding:0}table,td,tr{vertical-align:top;border-collapse:collapse}p{margin:0}.ie-container table,.mso-container table{table-layout:fixed}*{line-height:inherit}a[x-apple-data-detectors=true]{color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important}table,td{color:#000}#u_body a{color:#00e;text-decoration:underline} Historic movement on Adult Use Cannabis legislation PA House Democrats passed historic legislation this week to legalize Adult Use Cannabis in the commonwealth! It will invest in our communities and make it easier to keep youth from using cannabis. I urge the state Senate to pass this bill so PA can catch up with our neighboring states. Contact your state Senator today to Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(May 07, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Sports Marketing and Tourism Grant Who May Apply: A municipality, a local authority, a nonprofit organization, or a legal entity that meets all of the following criteria: • the applicant participates or plans to participate in a competitive selection process; • the site selection process is conducted by a Site Selection Organization not located in this Commonwealth; • The applicant is seeking to secure a single year or multiyear commitment from a site selection organization to conduct high quality, amateur and professional sporting or esports events at one or more locations in this Commonwealth. Use: To attract high-quality, amateur, and professional sporting and e-sports events to this Commonwealth with the goal of advancing and promoting year-round tourism, economic impact, and quality of life through sport. Application Deadline: June 6, 2025 More information: DCED Website Historical & Museum Commission: Historical and Archival Records Care Grant Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations that have been incorporated for at least two years. Use: To enhance the preservation and accessibility of valuable historical records across the Commonwealth Funds: Grants will be awarded up to $5,000. Application Deadline: August 1, 2025 More information: PHMC Website PROGRAMS OPEN Read more

 

Parker on Flood Risk for PA Communities

(Apr 30, 2025)

Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker participated in a House Majority Policy Committee hearing on flood risk & mitigation, listening to local officials and experts on the issues that they are facing. Parker says that we need action to protect communities from future flooding as “historic events” become far too common due to the influence of climate change. Read more

 

Upcoming Neighborhood Events

(Apr 14, 2025)

Take a look inside for important information from Harrisburg and see upcoming neighborhood events! Read more

 

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 01, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE Program) Who May Apply: Local governments, planning organizations, or Commonwealth agencies. Use: Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, roadway safety, mobility, and capacity upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, local technical assistance program projects, and traffic signal improvements. Funds: PennDOT anticipates $32 million available with the intent of funding worthwhile projects that can be completed at a relatively low cost. Application Deadline: A pre-application scoping form is required to be submitted by April 30, 2025. Feedback will be provided by May 31, 2025. The application period will be open from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. More information: PennDOT Website Department of Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA Digital Connectivity Technology Program Who May Apply: Public-facing institutions, to include but not limited to, libraries, schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions located in areas where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband adoption and use. Use: The acquisition of digital connectivity technology that facilitates broadband internet access and promotes digital literacy and skills training. These devices will be Read more

 

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 19, 2025)

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart Technical Assistance Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any community-based organization, non-profit, for-profit, or educational institution. The applicant must successfully demonstrate their history in providing technical assistance in child sexual abuse prevention programming. Use: To establish a collaboration with the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network (CMSN) at Pennsylvania State University (PSU), including CMSN Affiliate Dr. Kate Guastaferro from New York University (NYU), to provide additional support to the 15 awarded Project Safe and Smart grantees, ensuring the successful implementation of their projects. Funds: A total of $150,000 in state Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one (1) grant over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: April 18, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Technical Assistance Initiative Who May Apply: Non-profit orgnaizations Use: To continue support of CJABs through the CJAB Specialists who serve as a resource to counties in assisting with CJAB projects. Funds: A combination of federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and state funds is being Read more

 

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 12, 2025)

Learn more about the multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more

 

We need hard conversations, even if they make people uncomfortable

(Mar 11, 2025)

By: State Rep. Darisha Parker Vice Chair of Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Recently, I was honored to stand in solidarity with students, teachers represented by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Service Employees International Union, Teamsters from the Commonwealth of School Administration and their dedicated President, Dr. Robin Cooper, for a Day of Action to protect Philadelphia students and their constitutional right to a free and efficient education. I’m disheartened by the injustices looming over our children’s future. I’m overwhelmed from seeing the strides and progress we have made struck down with the vindictive stroke of pen, but at the same time, it’s reassuring to see people across the country standing up to make their voices heard. The Day of Action, facilitated by the American Federation of Teachers, was a national movement where leaders all over the country stood up and made our point clear: We won’t step down, there’s too much at stake for apathy and inaction. These movements show our strength and resilience, but the most profound effect of collective action is igniting a spark that motivates spectators to stand with us. Many people are walking on eggshells because of the uncertainty we face as a country and while it’s imperative to be informed and engaged with the political sphere, we have to act strategically. If you haven’t already, register to vote. Remember that Read more

 

Pa. House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee holds public meeting on reducing food waste and insecurity

(Mar 06, 2025)

PHILADELPHIA, March 6 – The Pennsylvania House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee convened a critical informational meeting at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative today to address the interconnected issues of food waste and food insecurity. Representatives from state agencies, private businesses and nonprofit organizations gathered to discuss ongoing efforts to make Pennsylvania’s food systems more efficient and ensure that surplus food reaches those in need. “As we heard today, food insecurity and waste hurt our residents, our economy and our environment,” said House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chair Eddie Day Pashinski. “In a country and commonwealth abundant with high-quality, nutritious food, it is unconscionable that so much is wasted. Thankfully, organizations, private businesses and our state government are all stepping up to take on these interconnected issues. “By encouraging increased efficiency and innovation to reduce food waste and keep our PA families fed, we are also supporting our farmers and producers. I thank all our speakers for sharing their expertise with the committee, and I look forward to working together to ensure edible food ends up on Pennsylvanians’ plates and not our landfills.” According to Feeding Pennsylvania, one in eight Pennsylvanians – including one in six children – faces hunger. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Read more

 

Elected officials, union leaders join national day of action against proposed federal education cuts

(Mar 05, 2025)

One day after the U.S. Senate confirmed former wrestling executive Linda McMahon to head the U.S. Department of Education, Philadelphia activists rallied against the Trump administration's proposed cuts in federal education funding. Read more

 

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 04, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 More information: DCED 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 Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 13, 2025)

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrian Vehicle and Snowmobile Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations Use: All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile projects include the planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction, and development of educational programs related to ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities. Funds: Funding comes from the ATV Management Restricted Account and the Snowmobile Restricted Account as authorized by Act 97 of 2016. There is no match requirement for this funding; however, applications that provide match funding will be given additional consideration. Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 More information: DCNR Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Medical & MH Pilots for CSA Victims Who May Apply: Any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: The goal of this specific solicitation is to support the development and implementation of innovative pilot projects that enhance or expand medical and mental health services for Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 29, 2025)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. Application Deadline: April 2, 2025 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 Read more

 

Upcoming events and Harrisburg Recap inside
Jun 16, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 11, 2025

State Rep. Darisha Parker reacts to 3-alarm fire at SEPTA Midvale Depot
Jun 05, 2025

Miss my Telephone Town Hall? Catch the discussion right here.
May 30, 2025

Juveniles, Parents, and the Community A Resource Guide
May 28, 2025

My office is closed tomorrow - May 20 - for the Primary Election - Make sure you vote!
May 19, 2025

Parker: It is Time for Action!
May 15, 2025

Primary Election is May 20 - Important Info. Inside
May 14, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
May 07, 2025

Parker on Flood Risk for PA Communities
Apr 30, 2025

Upcoming Neighborhood Events
Apr 14, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 01, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 19, 2025

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 12, 2025

We need hard conversations, even if they make people uncomfortable
Mar 11, 2025

Pa. House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee holds public meeting on reducing food waste and insecurity
Mar 06, 2025

Elected officials, union leaders join national day of action against proposed federal education cuts
Mar 05, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 04, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 13, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 29, 2025