In our state and our nation, there are individuals who wish to do harm to others based on ethnic, religious, or political differences. Pennsylvania experienced a terrible tragedy in 2018, when an antisemitic attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh resulted in the death of 11 innocent victims. Because of that horrific event, our state established the Non-Profit Security Grant Fund, which helps non-profit organizations undertake security enhancements meant to increase the safety and security of their facilities.
 
Under Pennsylvania’s non-profit security grant program, organizations must match at least 33% of the grant amount to receive a grant of between $25,001 and $75,000. For smaller non-profits with less revenue, this can be an insurmountable barrier to overcome. Safety and security should not be predicated on an organization’s ability to pay. That is why I am introducing legislation to remove the 33% match for grants in the $25,001 and $75,000 range if a non-profit’s annual revenue is less than $250,000.
 
By lowering barriers and expanding access to security enhancements, we can send a message to the world that, in the state of Pennsylvania, you do not have to gather, worship, or live in fear because of your beliefs.
 
Unfortunately, attacks have only continued, a fact highlighted by an attempted church shooting in my district in 2024, when a man armed with a loaded gun entered Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in Allegheny County and attempted to shoot individuals inside. Thankfully, no one inside the church was injured. It is impossible to predict the next attack, but it is well within our power to give organizations the ability to protect themselves. I hope you will join me in protecting Pennsylvanians from senseless violence.