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Smith-Wade-El to hold free community shred event Aug. 12

(Jul 24, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, July 24 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will host a free shredding event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. The event will take place at the Elizabeth R. Martin School, 2000 Wabank Road. Residents may bring up to three bankers boxes of documents containing personal information. Electronics and trash will not be accepted at this event. “My FREE Community Shredding Event is a great opportunity for residents to declutter their homes and safely dispose of personal information in an environmentally friendly way,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I cannot stress enough that this shredding event is one of best ways to ensure that your confidential and sensitive documents are properly disposed of and your information is not used without your knowledge. I encourage everyone in the 49th District to take advantage of this free event to protect their privacy.” Pre-registration is required. Residents can either email their name and address to RepSmithWadeEl@pahouse.net or call Smith-Wade-El’s district office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s resolution to study the impact of housing and health quality adopted by House

(Jun 27, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, June 27 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that his resolution, H.R. 66, that directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the impact of housing on health in Pennsylvania passed the House on Monday. “We have a housing crisis in Pennsylvania,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only is there not enough affordable housing, but most housing dates from before 1978 and exposes residents to lead contamination, poor ventilation, ill-constructed waste systems, and other unsafe and toxic conditions. “Bad housing is having a devastating impact on people’s health and on our health services,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We’ve got to use our resources to find a remedy for a literally toxic situation by studying the health care costs associated with substandard housing and building affordable housing connected to local health care and social service systems.” According to Smith-Wade-El, studies have shown that substandard housing is a contributing factor to negative health outcomes and can perpetuate economic struggle and housing insecurity for some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. The LBFC will reach out to relevant stakeholders to gain insight on the impact housing has on residents’ health and provide recommendations for housing solutions. “Everyone deserves a safe and healthy home,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only Read more

 

Raise the Wage Virtual Town Hall: June 22, 2023

(Jun 20, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Watch live here. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El issues statement on Pittsburgh synogogue shooting trial verdict

(Jun 16, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, June 16 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, released a statement on the guilty verdict issued against the shooter in the Pittsburgh synogogue shooting in 2018. “ With the news that the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter has been found guilty on all charges, our office wishes to extend our solidarity to the Jewish communities of Allegheny County, Lancaster County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the entire United States. “Our thoughts and prayers as an office, and more importantly, my will and vote as a legislator are with those who summoned the will to testify in this trial. “For years, our Jewish friends and neighbors have been sounding the alarm about the ever-increasing rise of antisemitic hatred, the growing threat of Christian nationalism to American democracy, and the cultural hegemony that dominates and oppresses vulnerable minority communities. “The arc of the moral universe does not bend toward justice on its own. It takes the bravery of those who have acted in defense of human rights in a world that would harm them for it. “While hate may begin in the margins, in the shadows, it grows and multiplies in broad daylight thanks to the passive acceptance of the majority. Finally, hate reaches its monstrous apotheosis as an irreversible force, sweeping away millions in its wake. The time is now to stop the rising tide of antisemitism Read more

 

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22

(Jun 14, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Raise the Wage Virtual Town Hall Read more

 

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22

(Jun 14, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, June 14 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and state Sen. Art Haywood, D-Montgomery/Phila. will hold a virtual town hall from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 22. Following their successful “Raise the Wage” rally in Lancaster in June, the legislators are holding the virtual town hall to further raise awareness of efforts to increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania, focusing on Haywood’s “ Raise the Wage ” legislation, S.B. 772. “I am looking forward to teaming up with my colleague, state Senator Art Haywood, to raise awareness about legislative efforts to raise the minimum wage, especially his Raise the Wage bill,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Raising the minimum wage would help reverse decades of pay inequality and narrow the racial pay gap for workers of color. Raising the minimum wage also benefits our economy as working families will be able to spend more, injecting revenue into Pennsylvania’s economy, and strengthening our overall financial health.” "Raising the minimum wage is a form of respect for the dignity of hardworking people,” Haywood said. "Right now, the minimum wage doesn’t justly compensate our people for the work they do and doesn’t allow them to live a decent life. Our working people deserve a living wage, which allows them to have a roof over their heads and food on the table. My legislation would establish a $15-per-hour minimum wage for Read more

 

Lancaster receives $1.25M in PHARE grants

(Jun 09, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, June 9 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El announced today that $1,250,000 in PHARE grants has been awarded to eight Lancaster organizations that provide affordable housing and services to the unhoused. “Housing is one of the most critical needs in our community – everyone deserves a safe, affordable home. These PHARE grants are going to help improve the lives of some of Lancaster’s most vulnerable residents,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As your state representative, I am proud of the deserving, hardworking people and organizations in the 49th District, and grateful for the support the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency provides. Our office works hard to bring state and federal funds back to the people of Lancaster City, Lancaster Township and Millersville, and we don’t intend to stop any time soon.” The following organizations received grant money: United Disabilities Services Foundation received $100,000 to renovate 33 units for low-income residents across six apartment buildings in Lancaster County prioritizing accessible features for independent living and safety. The Lancaster City Housing Authority received $100,000 to support critical electrical and HVAC updates to their 169-unit building on Farnum Street. BASE, Building and Supporting Entrepreneurship of Southeast Lancaster Inc., received $100,000 to support phase three of its Home Ownership Made Equal initiative. Community Basics Inc. Read more

 

Lancaster organizations awarded nearly $125,000 in historical preservation grants

(Jun 08, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, June 8 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El helped to secure $124,827 in state grants for two Lancaster organizations. The award money comes from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission’s Keystone Historic Preservation grant program. The grant awardees are: The city of Lancaster received a $25,000 grant to create a small area plan to develop the closed historic prison at 625 E. King St. and its surrounding area. The plan would include potential land uses, historic resource analysis, scale of future development, transportation improvements and more. The YWCA Lancaster YForward Historic Porch Restoration Project was awarded a $99,827 grant to remove the 1973, non-historic, masonry fire stair tower from the North Lime Street elevation so the Colonial Revival style porch can be restored to its historical, full length configuration. ““I am very proud to have helped secure these state grants to preserve the city’s history for its current and future residents,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Preservation projects like these enhance the distinctiveness of the city’s diverse neighborhoods and repurpose historic buildings and sites in creative ways to meet evolving community needs.” All grants require a 50/50 cash match and were awarded through a competitive selection process. Keystone Historic Preservation grants Read more

 

Legislation to expand Property Tax/Rent Rebate limits passes House

(Jun 05, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

“In the district I represent, which features a growing number of seniors and people with disabilities who deserve support, delivering this legislation is welcome news,” said Smith-Wade-El, a first-year legislator from Lancaster County. “Once we get this through the Senate and signed into law, an expanded PT/RR will help stabilize our neighborhoods and keep seniors and our neighbors with disabilities in their homes.” Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to host Senior Health & Safety Fair June 2

(May 24, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, May 24 – State Rep. Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will host a free Senior Health & Safety Fair beginning at noon Friday, June 2 at Bright Side Opportunities Center, 515 Hershey Ave., Lancaster, PA 17602. Presenters will include Brian Roche from WGAL, Dr. Jesse Main and Dr. Ada Emuwa, and David Jones. “My Senior Health & Safety Fair is an opportunity for our seniors to get information to help them stay healthy and safe and offer them the opportunity to connect with each other over good food, music and dancing,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Our seniors have given so much to our community, and this is my chance to give back to them.” The schedule of the day’s events is as follows: Noon Arrival Remarks by Smith-Wade-El. 12 15 p.m. Common Senior Scams Presentation by Brian Roche from WGAL. 1:00 p.m. Lunch & Live Music by Rick Griswold. 1:30 p.m. Soulful Line Dancing with Cindy Felder. 1:50 p.m. Normal Aging vs. Memory Loss with Dr. Jesse Main and Dr. Ada Emuwa. 2:20 p.m. Seniors and Home Safety with David Jones. Vendor tables will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Lunch and dessert will be free for attendees. Read more

 

Finance Committee approves Property Tax/Rent Rebate expansion legislation

(May 23, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Taking the first significant step toward increasing income limits for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for the first time in 16-plus years, the Finance Committee passed legislation Tuesday to do just that. Read more

 

PA lawmakers form Progressive Caucus

(May 23, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

Focusing on prioritizing people over profit, fighting social inequality Read more

 

Luis Munoz Marin Senior Center awarded $26,374 state grant

(May 17, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, May 17 – The Luis Munoz Marin Senior Center will receive a $26,374 state grant, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El announced today. The center was one of 48 senior centers in the commonwealth that was awarded a 2022-23 Senior Community Center grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. The grant money can be used to update and modernize facilities, provide health and entertainment programs, upgrade technology, or enhance nutrition services. “For years, the Luis Munoz Marin Senior Center has offered our diverse and multi-lingual senior community a place to connect with others, to learn, to enjoy a hot meal, to receive wellness and mental health services, and more,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This grant money is richly deserved and will help Luis Munoz Marin Senior Center enhance its services to continue helping our seniors thrive and live independently.” The Luis Munoz Marin Senior Center is the largest social services center in Lancaster and the only one that cooks hot food on-site instead of using pre-packaged meals prepared at a different location. Annually, the center provides more than 32,000 hot meals – both breakfast and lunch – for seniors and other individuals in the community who otherwise would not have eaten that day. Named after the Puerto Rican poet, journalist and politician who became the first democratically elected governor of Puerto Rico, the Luis Muñoz Marin Senior Center provides Read more

 

Policy roundtable explores link between historical preservation and economic development

(May 09, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

The House Majority Policy Committee convened a roundtable discussion in Montgomery County Tuesday morning to explore how historical preservation can increase tourism and drive economic development. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El celebrates House passage of the PA Fairness Act

(May 03, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, May 3 – State Rep. Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, praised yesterday’s passage in the House of the PA Fairness Act, which would outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “I’m honored to be a co-prime sponsor of this important legislation—The PA Fairness Act,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This moment is 22 years and hundreds of elections in the making as Democrats have repeatedly tried to pass legislation that would make Pennsylvania a more equitable place to live and work for our LGBTQ+ community. During this time, many LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians have found themselves to be second-class citizens, at best, in the commonwealth—worried if they would lose housing or a job or their lives because of who they love or who they are. “Pennsylvania for too long has lagged behind other states in outlawing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. That must stop. Thanks to the Democratic majority in the House, we have been able to pass this historic legislation. We’ve got to keep fighting so this legislation passes the Senate. The Fairness Act gets Pennsylvania closer to a place where everyone's rights are protected, where citizens would be wrapped in freedom, equality, fairness and justice which is love spoken out loud. I look forward to that day when the Act is signed into law, and Read more

 

Fairness Act passes PA House

(May 02, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, May 2 – Today, the Fairness Act (H.B. 300) passed out of the Pennsylvania House and is headed to the Senate for a future vote. Below is a quote that can be attributed to the co-prime sponsors of this bill: Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila; Jessica Benham, Dan Frankel and La’Tasha D. Mayes, all D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery. “Today is a historic day, as we take a critical step to make Pennsylvania fairer. The Fairness Act is as simple as it is substantive. H.B. 300 would protect LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians from facing discrimination and allow all individuals in the commonwealth to file complaints with the PA Human Relations Commission. “Now, we call on the Senate to quickly consider and pass this legislation and send it to Governor Shapiro’s desk.” Read more

 

PA LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus holds rally for Fairness Act

(Apr 26, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, April 26 – Today, the PA House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, chaired by state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., and Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, held a rally on the PA Capitol steps in Harrisburg promoting the Fairness Act (H.B. 300), anti-discrimination legislation currently moving through the state House. House Bill 300 would prohibit discrimination in PA based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. On Monday, the bill was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee and is headed for an eventual vote by the full House. Today’s rally saw a huge turnout of legislators, advocates and the public. Kenyatta and Benham were joined by the other co-prime sponsors of H.B. 300, state Reps. Dan Frankel and Latasha D. Mayes, both D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery; to speak on their bill. “Pennsylvania is better when it’s fairer. Passing the Fairness Act is the right thing to do for our families, our commonwealth and for our economy. This legislation was first introduced 22 years ago -- leaving committee once before -- and never receiving a full vote,” Kenyatta said. “It’s time for that to change. Pennsylvanians are good and decent people. They know every single one of us should be treated with dignity and respect. We have a chance to deliver on that basic principle and we will.” “The Fairness Act is as Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El nominee The Artivist Corp. wins 2023 Community Pride Award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful  

(Apr 24, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

LANCASTER, April 24 – Local organization The Artivist Corp. was honored during its Earth Day cleanup event “One Love, One Earth” on April 22 with the 2023 Community Pride Award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, according to state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, who nominated the group for the award. Smith-Wade-El pointed to the organization’s BlockRite program when nominating it for the award, given annually by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to recognize outstanding environmental stewardship. BlockRite participants clean up neighborhoods around the city, mentoring youth in the process by fostering artistic expression and emotional literacy – leading, founder Dominique Jordan said he hopes, to interest in civic engagement. “I am so proud to have residents, like Dominque Jordan, who see the potential that Lancaster and its youth have and actively work to make the city an even better place,” said Smith-Wade-El. “This group educates their community on environmental issues that affect our planet and promotes conservation and sustainability. It is vital that other organizations follow in The Artivist Corp.’s footsteps to a cleaner and brighter future.” Sir Dominique Jordan, the Prolific One as a rapper and artist, founded The Artivist Corp. in 2022. A lifelong resident of Lancaster city, he’s the single father of two young boys. The group revolves around giving young people the guidance and abilities Read more

 

‘Fairness Act’ reported out of House Judiciary Committee

(Apr 24, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, April 24 – Today, The Fairness Act (H.B. 300) was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee 12-9 and will now head to the House floor for a vote. Prime sponsors of the bill, state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila; Jessica Benham, Dan Frankel and Latasha D. Mayes, all D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery; issued the following statement following the Judiciary Committee vote. “The Fairness Act has been in the works for years and never received fair consideration. With today’s vote in the Judiciary Committee, we took a huge step toward making Pennsylvania fairer for our LGBTQ+ residents. “As H.B. 300 heads to the house floor for a vote, we are ready to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians. “Most Pennsylvanians believe what we believe; Pennsylvania is better when it’s fairer. We hope our colleagues in the House can see eye to eye with us and most Pennsylvanians, so they can meet this monumental moment for our commonwealth and pass H.B 300 out of the House and to the Senate.” Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces state funding for girls’ STEM class at JP McCaskey

(Apr 24, 2023) Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El

HARRISBURG, April 24 – The Pennsylvania Department of Education awarded JP McCaskey High School a $30,000 grant to outfit a girls’ IDEA Innovation Lab in its building, said state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, who helped secure the funding. The lab will have workstations and tables equipped with computers, microscopes, scientific instruments and programming tools. Additionally, the lab will have a range of hands-on activities and experiments designed to help girls learn through exploration. IDEA stands for Imagine, Design, Engineer and Accomplish. Women make up only 28% of the workforce in jobs specific to science, technology, engineering and math. “Historically, STEM fields have been male-dominated,” said Karen Wynn, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment at School District of Lancaster. “By creating an exciting and innovative space, we hope to further encourage our high school girls to engage in STEM activities, which will lead to increased gender diversity in these fields and bring new perspectives and ideas to the workforce.” “This grant is a wonderfully targeted and wise investment into the futures of Lancaster girls,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “My sincere congratulations are in order for JP McCaskey and the staff who applied for the funding, as well as to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, who realized the wisdom of investing here, and in this way.” Beginning Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to hold free community shred event Aug. 12
Jul 24, 2023

Smith-Wade-El’s resolution to study the impact of housing and health quality adopted by House
Jun 27, 2023

Raise the Wage Virtual Town Hall: June 22, 2023
Jun 20, 2023

Smith-Wade-El issues statement on Pittsburgh synogogue shooting trial verdict
Jun 16, 2023

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22
Jun 14, 2023

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22
Jun 14, 2023

Lancaster receives $1.25M in PHARE grants
Jun 09, 2023

Lancaster organizations awarded nearly $125,000 in historical preservation grants
Jun 08, 2023

Legislation to expand Property Tax/Rent Rebate limits passes House
Jun 05, 2023

Smith-Wade-El to host Senior Health & Safety Fair June 2
May 24, 2023

Finance Committee approves Property Tax/Rent Rebate expansion legislation
May 23, 2023

PA lawmakers form Progressive Caucus
May 23, 2023

Luis Munoz Marin Senior Center awarded $26,374 state grant
May 17, 2023

Policy roundtable explores link between historical preservation and economic development
May 09, 2023

Smith-Wade-El celebrates House passage of the PA Fairness Act
May 03, 2023

Fairness Act passes PA House
May 02, 2023

PA LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus holds rally for Fairness Act
Apr 26, 2023

Smith-Wade-El nominee The Artivist Corp. wins 2023 Community Pride Award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful  
Apr 24, 2023

‘Fairness Act’ reported out of House Judiciary Committee
Apr 24, 2023

Smith-Wade-El announces state funding for girls’ STEM class at JP McCaskey
Apr 24, 2023