Featured News

Krajewski announces birth certificate application changes for minors with DOH

Krajewski, Frankel plan to introduce legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis, prioritizing public health, community repair

(Dec 02, 2024)

“We’ve heard from public health experts. We’ve heard from criminal justice and social equity advocates. We’ve learned directly from states across the country how to get this done safely and efficiently, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in public revenue,” said Krajewski. “It’s time to move forward in Pennsylvania before we fall further behind.” Read more

 

Krajewski applauds $3 million in RACP funding for local projects

(Nov 08, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 8 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., applauded the recent award of $3 million in state grant funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program for three community redevelopment projects in the district. “I am thrilled with the news that three nonprofit organizations in our community will receive $3 million in state grant funding for their various redevelopment projects,” Krajewski said. “The renovations to Clark Park, the Monell Center and Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology will go toward giving our community more exciting places to grow, learn, innovate, work and build a brighter future.” Projects receiving funding include: $500,000 to the Friends of Clark Park for the Clark Park Vision and Design Framework project, which will go toward traffic calming measures, a new crosswalk, updates to highly used playgrounds and infrastructure upgrades. $500,000 to Monell Chemical Senses Center for the Monell Center Taste and Smell Research II project, which will assist with renovation of the second floors of the Monell Center. $2 million to the Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology for the Wistar Institute Center for Advanced Therapeutics project, which will help the center to convert 12,000 square feet of vacant administrative space into wet labs for biological matter analysis. “For more than Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Oct 29, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Economic Development Organizations, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities, For-Profit organizations. Use: Mixed-use site development, conversion projects, rehabilitation projects, a combination of the three afore-mentioned projects. Funds: $10 million in PA Sites funding has been allocated for this program. There is no limit on the amount of grant funding that may be awarded to an applicant. Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Support Services (RSS) Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, providing RSS and demonstrate the capacity to provide RSS to individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent substance use disorder (SUD). Use: Expand or enhance RSS to individuals in recover from OUD and other concurrent SUD. Funds: Approximately six grants totaling $1,500,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic Read more

 

Krajewski welcomes over $700,000 in Local Share Account funding for legislative district

(Oct 24, 2024)

State Rep. Rick Krajewski announced that $784,291 in state funding was awarded to support three organizations in his legislative district. “Investing in our community is one of the most important opportunities we have to set our community on a path to success,” Krajewski said. “These dollars will go directly toward providing young people with state-of-the-art STEM education, making critically needed accessibility improvements at the Woodlands, and supporting designs for a brand-new recreation area and public pool on the Schuylkill.” The organizations awarded funding are: Coded by Innovation Studio $184,291 Schematic Design for the West Philadelphia Waterfront $250,000 Woodland Avenue Restoration, Beautification and Safety Project $350,000 The Woodland Avenue Restoration Project will complement the city of Philadelphia's ongoing Complete Streets project at the same location, which will include constructing a crosswalk. “I’m proud to have secured funds for much-needed accessibility renovations at the Woodlands to support our neighbors in wheelchairs or who use strollers,” said Krajewski. “In partnership with city leaders, we’re making the Woodlands one of the safest, most accessible and transit-connected beautiful public spaces in the city.” The Statewide Local Share Account funding comes from the Read more

 

Krajewski welcomes $600K in state funding to promote educational opportunities

(Oct 11, 2024)

Today, state Rep. Rick Krajewski announced that two organizations in his legislative district were awarded a combined $600,000 in state funding. Lincoln University received $500,000 to make technological upgrades and update their Philadelphia facility, The School of Adult and Continuing Education. SACE provides educational opportunities to adult learners who wish to continue their learning journey, before or after earning their bachelor's degree. “Learning is a lifelong journey which should be easily accessible and affordable,” Krajewski said. “I’m proud that historic institutions like Lincoln University choose to bring their reputation for excellence to our community and I will always work to support them however I can.” This grant is from the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program, which is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established by Section 604 of the Social Security Act, as added by Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It is administered by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The second grant of $100,000 was awarded to Workshop U, a postsecondary program for students aged 18-25 that helps students make life-design plans and bring the plan to life through mentorship, internships and training. This grant is from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. “Our young adults need tools to help Read more

 

PLBC and voting advocates celebrate PA State Department guidance on voting in jails

(Oct 09, 2024)

Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and statewide voting rights advocates came together today to celebrate and spread awareness of the Department of State’s first-ever official guidance to counties on voting practices in jails. Most Pennsylvanians who are being held pre-trial or are incarcerated for a misdemeanor are eligible to vote, but many jails do not have official procedures. Read more

 

Children & Youth Committee hosts informational meeting on protecting public benefits for foster youth

(Oct 08, 2024)

The PA House Children & Youth Committee held an informational meeting today to discuss legislation (H.B. 2617) recently introduced by state Reps. Rick Krajewski and Sheryl Delozier. By requiring counties to screen for and conserve foster youth benefits in a savings account for when a foster youth exits care, the bill would ensure that foster youths receive the public benefits to which they are legally entitled, such as Social Security, disability and veterans’ benefits. Under existing state regulations, and despite efforts for reform in Philadelphia , county foster care agencies regularly intercept and spend tens of thousands in benefits intended for foster youth. “Orphaned and disabled foster youth are some of the most vulnerable children in the state and have extremely limited resources. Just like other foster youth, children who receive public benefits should not be charged for their own care,” said Krajewski . “This legislation will give our counties the go-ahead they need to fully advocate for the youth in their care and provide many children life-altering financial support when they age out of the system.” “The children in the foster care system deserve for their government to do everything they can to help them,” said Delozier . “The testimony we heard at our informational meeting will help us craft a bill to make sure the youth in our foster system get the benefits Read more

 

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

(Sep 17, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program Who May Apply: All fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads Use: Eligible projects include but are not limited to facility renovations, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention. Funds: Awards may range from $2,500 to $20,000 for fire/rescue companies and $2,500 to $15,000 for EMS companies. Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 More information: OSFC Website Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, in providing SUD prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery support services, drop-in center services or relevant services and shall have the capacity to provide SUD drop-in center services to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent SUD. Use: DDAP will provide funds from the Opioid Settlement to drop-in centers or other human service organizations looking to expand their community-driven harm reduction support services to increase overdose prevention and linkage to SUD treatment and recovery support services. The goal is to provide hope, support, and resources to assist those on their road to recovery Funds: DDAP expects to award approximately 14 grants totaling $1,875,000 each. Application Read more

 

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 11, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Funds: $20 million was allocated for this program in the 2024/25 budget. Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Program Who May Apply: Community-based organizations (i.e., active, registered 501(c)(3)s), institutions of higher education, municipalities, counties, and district attorneys. Use: Reducing community violence through, among other things, increasing access to support services and behavioral health, providing health services and intervention strategies, providing mentoring and other intervention models, and fostering and promoting communication between schools, the community, and law enforcement. Read more

 

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

(Sep 04, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more

 

Pa. Legislative Black Caucus, Centre County officials examine voting from jail

(Aug 28, 2024)

BELLEFONTE, Aug. 28 – State lawmakers and Centre County officials today toured the Centre County Correctional Facility together and discussed the importance of voting access, as it pertains to people who are incarcerated. Discussion centered on facility policies allowing individuals to vote from jail and how the duty to vote, justice and democracy are related. “I speak on behalf of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus when I say that we are impressed with the level of voting access that the CCCF provides,” said state Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny , who is a member of the PLBC and hosted the meeting. “When we look at the issue of voting from jail, we’re also talking about the dignity and power it can provide for the voter." “It’s imperative that incarcerated people know that their voice is not only wanted at the polls but is needed. Denying the right to vote to individuals in jail strips them of their humanity and silences voices that need to be heard in a democracy." “In 2018, Centre County Correctional Facility staff, the Commissioners, and a community volunteer began the process of exploring what voting would look like in our facility,” said Warden Glenn Irwin, Centre County Correctional Facility . “We know how important voting is, so we work to stay compliant with current PA election laws and regulations while ensuring all of our eligible returning citizens can Read more

 

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

(Aug 26, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment and Training Who May Apply: Eligibility of these funds is open to 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: To support the training of medical and mental healthcare providers who treat children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $200,000 in Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately four projects with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: October 4, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street Read more

 

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

(Aug 20, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more

 

Rep. Krajewski Summer 2024 Newsletter

(Aug 12, 2024)

Check out my latest newsletter! Read more

 

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

(Jul 31, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program Who May Apply : Applicant must be a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth designated as a 501(c)(3) and principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication under the Uniform Crime Reporting program. Use : Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, safety and security planning, purchase of safety and security equipment, purchase of security related technology (metal detectors, protective lighting, deadbolts, etc.), safety and security training, upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security, and more. Funds : $10 million has been appropriated by the General Assembly to the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. Applicant requests must be between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : August 27, 2024 More information : PCCD Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums and official county historical societies. Use: Funds are intended to strengthen the museum community and provide operating support to museums and historical societies. Funds: Nearly $2 million in funds are available. Application Deadline: August Read more

 

Abney, PLBC hear Allegheny County Jail officials over voting access

(Jul 31, 2024)

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30. HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail. The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power. "Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.” Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive. "The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens Read more

 

Philly’s Landlord-Tenant Officer will cease operations following pressure from state lawmakers, city council and mayor

(Jul 31, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, July 31 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today lauded the action to cease Landlord-Tenant Officer operations in the city and have the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office process eviction-related actions moving forward. For more than a year the delegation has called for serious reforms to Philadelphia’s eviction process, escalating in earnest following a series of shootings that occurred during evictions carried out by Philadelphia’s landlord-tenant officers last year. In response to those calls and the creation of basic liability insurance requirements by city council, Philadelphia’s municipal court announced Tuesday that the Landlord-Tenant Officer, Marisa Shuter, will cease operations. “This shift is an important first step toward a safer eviction process,” said House Philadelphia Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas. “Eviction agents must be able to meet the training and insurance requirements implemented by our city council and mayor, an important part of ensuring accountability and public safety. The reckless and dangerous for-profit eviction system of the past must never return.” In March the House passed legislation ( H.B. 287 ) introduced by Reps. Rick Krajewski, Roni Green and Cephas to overhaul Philadelphia’s eviction system by creating an oversight board, involving behavioral health professionals and banning surprise evictions in which Read more

 

Krajewski, stakeholders celebrate Right to Counsel funding in budget

(Jul 17, 2024)

HARRISBURG, July 17 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., city officials and stakeholders held a news conference today in the Philadelphia City Council Chambers to discuss $2.5 million in new funding in the 2024-25 state budget for the creation of a statewide Right to Counsel program, which will fund legal assistance for low-income tenants. During his February budget address, Gov. Josh Shapiro called for the creation of a statewide Right to Counsel program, modeled off of the successful program in Philadelphia. Shortly after, Krajewski, along with state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., introduced corresponding legislation. “I am so incredibly proud of the work that stakeholders, advocates and legislators in the General Assembly did to secure the $2.5 million in funding necessary to launch a statewide Right to Counsel program,” Krajewski said. “This $2.5 million downpayment is just the first step. To win a true statewide Right to Counsel for all working families, we need to spend 10 times more. As we celebrate this historic win, we must keep fighting for this program’s expansion to serve every eligible tenant.” The Pennsylvania Right to Counsel Program will direct funds toward the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, which will distribute dollars to legal aid organizations across the state for work on tenant representation and advocacy. A report Read more

 

Krajewski, stakeholders celebrate Right to Counsel funding in budget

(Jul 17, 2024)

HARRISBURG, July 17 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., city officials and stakeholders held a news conference today in the Philadelphia City Council Chambers to discuss $2.5 million in new funding in the 2024-25 state budget for the creation of a statewide Right to Counsel program, which will fund legal assistance for low-income tenants. During his February budget address, Gov. Josh Shapiro called for the creation of a statewide Right to Counsel program, modeled off of the successful program in Philadelphia. Shortly after, Krajewski, along with state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., introduced corresponding legislation. “I am so incredibly proud of the work that stakeholders, advocates and legislators in the General Assembly did to secure the $2.5 million in funding necessary to launch a statewide Right to Counsel program,” Krajewski said. “This $2.5 million downpayment is just the first step. To win a true statewide Right to Counsel for all working families, we need to spend 10 times more. As we celebrate this historic win, we must keep fighting for this program’s expansion to serve every eligible tenant.” The Pennsylvania Right to Counsel Program will direct funds toward the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, which will distribute dollars to legal aid organizations across the state for work on tenant representation and advocacy. Read more

 

Krajewski: Tenant Right to Counsel is a historic win for Pennsylvania families

(Jul 12, 2024)

HARRISBURG, July 12 – Following passage of the state budget Thursday, state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., said he is encouraged by the $2.5 million allocation in the budget to start a statewide Right to Council Program in Pennsylvania. “Every day, in every county in our commonwealth, low-income tenants are evicted from their homes simply because they can’t afford legal representation. Those evictions create immense trauma and financial hardship for thousands of families that was entirely preventable,” Krajewski said. “Seeing the success of Philadelphia’s own Right to Counsel Program, we approved $2.5 million in this year’s budget toward a statewide program that will provide free legal representation to low-income tenants.” In his February budget address, Gov. Josh Shapiro called for the expansion of Philadelphia’s Right to Counsel Program. Soon after, Krajewski and fellow state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Elizabeth Fiedler introduced corresponding legislation . “Right to Counsel Programs already exists in 17 cities, four states and one county. Everywhere it has been implemented, it keeps families in their homes while saving tax dollars for our communities,” Krajewski said. “This is a historic moment in the fight for housing rights in Pennsylvania,” he said. “However, this is just a first step. I look forward Read more

 

Krajewski, Frankel plan to introduce legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis, prioritizing public health, community repair
Dec 02, 2024

Krajewski applauds $3 million in RACP funding for local projects
Nov 08, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Oct 29, 2024

Krajewski welcomes over $700,000 in Local Share Account funding for legislative district
Oct 24, 2024

Krajewski welcomes $600K in state funding to promote educational opportunities
Oct 11, 2024

PLBC and voting advocates celebrate PA State Department guidance on voting in jails
Oct 09, 2024

Children & Youth Committee hosts informational meeting on protecting public benefits for foster youth
Oct 08, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 17, 2024

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 11, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 04, 2024

Pa. Legislative Black Caucus, Centre County officials examine voting from jail
Aug 28, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 20, 2024

Rep. Krajewski Summer 2024 Newsletter
Aug 12, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 31, 2024

Abney, PLBC hear Allegheny County Jail officials over voting access
Jul 31, 2024

Philly’s Landlord-Tenant Officer will cease operations following pressure from state lawmakers, city council and mayor
Jul 31, 2024

Krajewski, stakeholders celebrate Right to Counsel funding in budget
Jul 17, 2024

Krajewski, stakeholders celebrate Right to Counsel funding in budget
Jul 17, 2024

Krajewski: Tenant Right to Counsel is a historic win for Pennsylvania families
Jul 12, 2024