State Rep. Nelson continues statewide tour in Lewisburg, calls for action on banking investments
Rep. Napoleon Nelson October 14, 2026 | 4:35 PM
LEWISBURG, Oct. 14 – As part of his ongoing tour of rural communities across Pennsylvania, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, today toured downtown Lewisburg with Mayor Kendy Alvarez to discuss how small-town communities would benefit from the creation of a state-level Community Reinvestment Act.
In Harrisburg, Nelson has introduced legislation, H.B. 2822, which would preserve equitable banking opportunities for rural and underserved communities across Pennsylvania. The bill comes following proposed cuts to similar measures at the federal level, which would lower the amount that banks need to invest in the community they serve.
“About a quarter of all Pennsylvanians live in rural communities, and places like Lewisburg are the backbones that hold up these regions,” said Nelson. “These towns throughout our rural counties deserve strong financial partners right at home, and it’s important that we continue these investments so places like Lewisburg can continue to thrive or create new opportunities for development.”
The tour began at Culture Coffee, where Nelson and Alvarez met with small business owners and members of the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership and CommUnity Zone. The tour then continued downtown to several local stores and organizations, including Mondragon Book Store, Open Discourse Coalition, Ali & Daughters, Lewisburg Pharmacy and Donald Heiter Community Center.
“In Lewisburg, our downtown businesses and community organizations make this place feel like home,” said Alvarez. “Investments from local funding partners help a Market Street shop expand, a nonprofit keep serving our neighbors, and a young entrepreneur take a chance on staying here. When we invest in them, we invest in the future of our borough.
Nelson’s tour of Lewisburg marks his third stop in touring rural communities across Pennsylvania in support of H.B. 2822, following visits to Meadville and Williamsport.