Smith-Wade-El, Bullock hold news conference on youth homelessness

(1 day ago)

HARRISBURG, March 27 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, was joined by state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., and community stakeholders in a Capitol news conference yesterday to call for an increase in the 2024-2025 budget to address the upcoming shortfall in supports for homeless youth in Pennsylvania. “Today, there are over 40,000 students without housing in our state, struggling to go to school and learn despite not having a home of their own,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Though our school districts have been able to provide some needed support thanks to the American Rescue Plan for Homeless Children and Youth, they will no longer be able to do so when this aid runs out January 31st, 2025. With evictions still on the rise since the COVID pandemic and affordable housing at a minimum, we should be doing everything we can to provide support to this vulnerable population, but right now there are no plans to make up for this shortfall in the proposed 2024-2025 budget. “I am calling on the state to step up and ensure that these vulnerable members of our society get the supports they need to feel safe and secure so they can succeed in school in the 2024-2025 state budget,” Smith-Wade-El said. “If we do not do this, I promise you that Pennsylvania will be plagued for years to come from the effects of our abandonment of these kids.” “Housing insecurity knows no boundaries. It spans rural townships and cities and Read more

 

Bullock, Shusterman, O’Mara Equal Pay Law approved by PA House Labor & Industry Committee

(1 day ago)

HARRISBURG, March 27 – A bill ( H.B. 98 ) introduced by state Reps. Donna Bullock, Melissa Shusterman and Jenn O’Mara, known as the Equal Pay Law, which would expand protections against wage discrimination, was approved by the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee today. This legislation would prohibit employers from discriminating and paying workers less because of their gender, race or ethnicity. It would also add protections for retaliation and increase monetary penalties from $50-$200 to $2,500-$5,000 in cases where employers discharge or discriminate against an employee for filing a complaint. “It’s well known that women and people of color, and especially women of color, have been insufficiently paid in the workplace. This is despite doing the same tasks, performing the same jobs, and sometimes doing them much better than our counterparts,” said Bullock, D-Phila. “Enough is enough. The time for economic justice is now. We must move forward and ensure all Pennsylvania workers receive equal pay for equal work and eradicate wage disparity once and for all.” "We could add a staggering $482 billion to the U.S. economy by ensuring equal pay for equal work. We're talking billions in lost wages for women that they could spend on basic necessities, like food and clothing for their families,” said Shusterman, D-Chester. “Simply by Read more

 

Bullock badge visibility bill passes PA House

(Mar 20, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 20 – A bill ( H.B. 1399 ) introduced by state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., that would require law enforcement to have their badge, with all pertinent identifiable information, visible at all times passed the Pennsylvania House by vote of 201-0 today. “This is a really simple bill that would go a long way toward building police and community relations and ensuring that there is day-to-day law enforcement accountability,” Bullock said. “There is no reason to be out in the community with a badge covered or partially obstructed by tape or bands. Pennsylvanians deserve to know, and be able to identify, the officers tasked with keeping communities safe.” The legislation was prompted by on-the-ground reports of badges being covered during protests after the tragic killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, said Bullock. The bill now heads to the PA Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Bullock, Young natural hair braider bill passes PA House

(Mar 18, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 18 – A bill ( H.B. 1820 ) introduced by state Reps. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., and Regina Young, D-Delaware/Phila., that would create a license exemption for natural hair braiding passed the PA House unanimously today. The legislation would exempt hair braiders from having to obtain a cosmetology license to practice braiding. “Natural hair braiding has been commonplace in the African American community for centuries,” Bullock said. “The techniques have been passed from generation to generation and are learned from early childhood and do not require formal training to do. Natural hair braiding does not involve any chemical treatments, applying heat, cutting or coloring of hair.” More than 33 states have exempted hair braiders from licensing laws, recognizing that natural hair braiding is a safe, cultural practice that is distinct from hairdressing and barbering. Last year, a Commonwealth Court determined that the state’s licensing requirements for natural hair braiding were unreasonable. “Natural hair braiding doesn’t require formal training and continues to be a technique used often within the African American community,” Young said. “This legislation recognizes natural hair braiding as a safe and natural cultural practice that should not require license to practice. Natural hair braiding requires Read more

 

Same Job? Same Pay. It's that simple.

(Mar 09, 2024)

Tuesday, March 12 is Women’s Equal Pay Day – it’s how far into 2024 a woman has to work to earn the same money a man did by the end of 2023 when they both started counting on New Year’s Day 2023. Read more

 

What is community solar, and why do lawmakers want to bring it to Pennsylvania?

(Feb 26, 2024)

“Community solar allows urban consumers to be able to partake in this green energy,” Bullock said. Read more

 

Pa. House Housing & Community Development Committee approves Bullock, Cephas homeowner-protections legislation

(Feb 20, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 20 – During a voting meeting today, the Pennsylvania House Housing & Community Development Committee approved legislation, H.B. 657 , co-sponsored by state Reps. Donna Bullock and Morgan Cephas, which would provide consumer protection against unfair realty agreements for homeowners in the commonwealth by establishing prohibitions and requirements for these agreements. “All too often, I hear the horror stories of unscrupulous realty companies preying on unsuspecting homeowners and vulnerable neighborhoods by trapping them in questionable realty agreement contracts and then suing them should they try to cancel the agreement,” Bullock said. “It’s our hope with this legislation that we can ensure that homeowners are no longer subjected to these unsavory and underhanded practices.” Unlawful agreements that include certain forbidden content would be deemed unenforceable and in violation of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, should this legislation become law. “Companies seeking to swindle home equity from Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable homeowners must be stopped,” Cephas said. “Pennsylvanians deserve protections from such unsavory realty companies, and should they fall victim to such companies then they deserve to have the damages recovered.” The legislation will now go to the full House, where Read more

 

Winter NL 2023

(Feb 16, 2024)

Check out my Winter 2023 NL! Read more

 

Money from speed camera violations along Roosevelt Boulevard to help calm traffic across city

(Feb 09, 2024)

"It can be really confusing for new drivers, folks not used to our city, cyclists and tourists coming to visit the art museum," says State Representative Donna Bullock. Read more

 

Children & Youth Committee Newsletter Fall 2023

(Dec 28, 2023)

Read the Children & Youth Committee Fall Newsletter Here! Read more

 

State Rep. Donna Bullock welcomes funding for community projects

(Dec 22, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 22 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., today announced that more than $500,000 in statewide Local Share Account Program grants have been approved for projects throughout the community. “This grant funding is about enhancing our community in a variety of ways and is a great use of tax dollars for residents,” Bullock said. “One of the highlights of this job is bringing state resources and funding back to the community. I’m excited to see how the 19th and Montgomery Street Environmental Remediation and ‘A Home for Returning Citizens’ projects turn out.” Projects receiving funding include: $220,280 for Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia for the 19th and Montgomery Street Environmental Remediation project , which includes the removal and disposal of contaminated soil, backfilling the site, site stabilization, soil sampling, analysis, and the creation of a combined cleanup plan. The project will ensure that the site is safe and complies with PADEP Act 2 residential statewide health standards, as well as site-specific standards, and will also prepare the site for eventual development of needed safe and affordable housing in the future. $303,699 for The Urban League of Philadelphia for the A Home for Returning Citizens project , which will provide a nine-unit multifamily property located at 1843 N. 17th St. as a safe and affordable housing option for Read more

 

Bullock applauds over $350k in arts recovery grants for community nonprofits

(Dec 19, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., applauded the more than $350,000 in Pennsylvania Arts and Culture Recovery Program grants awarded today to nonprofit organizations throughout her legislative district and surrounding neighborhoods. “I’m thrilled to see the more than $350,000 in grant funding that will be coming to our district,” Bullock said. “This funding will help arts and culture organizations continue to operate and thrive in our community. Art is how we express ourselves and our experiences and is a key part of the fabric of any community.” Funds distributed through the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations located in the commonwealth. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $15 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program. The nonprofits receiving funding include: Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture: $23,434. Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra Inc.: $11,418. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Inc.: $95,000. Jeanne Ruddy and Dancers Inc.: $16,292. Philadelphia Museum of Art: $95,000. Piffaro, the Renaissance Band: $16,989. The Barnes Foundation: $95,000. The city of Philadelphia received 394 arts grants totaling $5,546,750. Read more

 

PA Senate passes HB666, allows Philadelphia Housing Authority to negotiate performance-based contracts

(Dec 14, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – A bill ( H.B. 666 ) sponsored by state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania Senate Wednesday by vote of 43-7. This legislation would remove the requirement in the Housing Authorities Law that executive members of the Philadelphia Housing Authority be “at will” employees, enabling the PHA board to negotiate performance-based contracts and compensation arrangements. “This bill will bring the Philadelphia Housing Authority back into alignment with the other 89 public housing authorities in Pennsylvania,” Bullock said. “Once this legislation is in place, Philadelphia will be able to better retain talent, be competitive with other major cities and keep our public housing authority on its current upward trajectory.” The provisions requiring PHA executive members to be “at will” employees were primarily established in 2011 in response to governance issues with the city housing authority under a prior city administration and previous PHA board. The board was dissolved and the PHA was put in the hands of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under an administrative receivership until 2013. In the years since, the PHA and its board have operated to a high standard and earned back the trust of stakeholders, Bullock said. “I look forward to Gov. Josh Shapiro signing this legislation Read more

 

State lawmakers highlight bills to end youth homelessness

(Nov 15, 2023)

"Housing insecurity should not be a barrier to a quality education," Rep. Donna Bullock said. "One of the most troubling consequences in youth homelessness, however, remains the number of children forced to live on the streets because of the difficulty experienced by their parents or guardians.” Read more

 

House Children & Youth Committee approves Bullock resolution to bring awareness to youth experiencing homelessness in PA

(Nov 15, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – A resolution ( H.R. 255 ) introduced by state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., designating Nov. 13 through Nov. 17, 2023, as “Pennsylvania Education for Youth Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week” and Nov. 15, 2023, as “Red Shirt Day” was approved by the Pennsylvania House Children and Youth Committee on Tuesday. The resolution would show statewide solidarity with children experiencing homelessness and encourage Pennsylvanians to wear red on Wednesday, Nov. 15 for “Red Shirt Day.” “Today, as many as 40,000 Pennsylvania students are without adequate housing,” Bullock, chair of the Pennsylvania House Children and Youth Committee, said. “Housing insecurity presents a unique set of educational challenges for children and youth experiencing homelessness, and we must encourage schools, communities and individuals throughout the commonwealth to plan for and support assistance programs for youths experiencing homelessness as they look to complete their education.” Read more

 

Bullock natural hair braider bill approved by PA House Professional Licensure Committee

(Nov 15, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – A bill ( H.B. 1820 ) introduced by state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., that would create a license exemption for natural hair braiding passed the PA House Professional Licensure Committee today. The legislation would exempt hair braiders from having to obtain a cosmetology license to practice braiding. “Natural hair braiding has been commonplace in the African American community for centuries,” Bullock said. “The techniques have been passed from generation to generation and are learned from early childhood and do not require formal training to do. Natural hair braiding does not involve any chemical treatments, applying heat, cutting or coloring of hair.” More than 33 states have exempted hair braiders from licensing laws, recognizing that natural hair braiding is a safe, cultural practice that is distinct from hairdressing and barbering. “Natural hair braiding doesn’t require formal training and continues to be a technique used often within the African American community,” said state Rep. Regina Young, D-Delaware/Phila., a co-prime sponsor of the legislation. “This legislation recognizes natural hair braiding as a safe and natural cultural practice that should not require license to practice. Natural hair braiding requires simply this: a comb, a brush and a head full of hair to work with.” Read more

 

Truancy: A reflection of the state of education in Pennsylvania

(Nov 15, 2023)

The Pennsylvania House Democrats have drafted and passed significant, bipartisan legislation that would give our students hope and show them that we are not only fighting for their education — but their futures as well. Read more

 

Bullock Fighting for Better, Safer Public Schools

(Oct 31, 2023)

As Chair of the PA House Children and Youth Committee, Rep. Donna Bullock knows that quality education plays a key role in the development of tomorrow’s leaders. She and her colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus are fighting to expand the teaching pool, reduce class sizes, and clean up toxic school buildings. Read more

 

PLBC honors former chair Bullock

(Oct 19, 2023)

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus www.pahouse.com/PLBC PLBC honors former chair Bullock HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today honored its former chair – state Rep. Donna Bullock, D–Phila. Bullock stepped down as chair earlier this month to focus on her work chairing the House Children and Youth Committee. Bullock guided many PLBC initiatives, including the annual Crystal Bird Fauset Awards, honoring women within state government and Speaker K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action, where business owners, public officials and organizations gather to discuss, learn, and network legislative bills, community concerns and visit the Capitol Complex. “I would like to thank my colleagues for putting their trust and faith in me when they elected me to serve as chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. I worked hard every day to ensure that their trust was well founded,” Bullock said. “Every moment was an honor and a pleasure. And it was endlessly fulfilling to be able to advocate for the people, places and spaces that make up Black Pennsylvania. “As I take on new challenges and opportunities, I will continue to advocate every day and in every way for the Read more

 

PLBC, PLLC say criminal justice system failed Irizarry family; encouraged by charges being refiled

(Sep 26, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Sept. 26 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and Pennsylvania Latino Caucus said they are disappointed to learn that a Philadelphia judge on Tuesday dismissed all charges against former police officer Mark Dial for his involvement in the shooting death of Eddie Irizarry last month but are encouraged to see that charges have been re-filed by the District Attorney’s office. “Yet again, another crime victim, another child, another sibling, another human being let down by our criminal justice system. It is our duty to stand together and demand justice for the family of Eddie Irizarry; they deserve nothing less,” said state Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus. “We are deeply disappointed by this decision. Dial, a former police officer, fired his gun six times at close range. The fact that all charges were dropped is enraging. We demand accountability and transparency in this process. This is not a closed case,” said state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., who represents the district where the killing occurred. “We keep talking about the wrongful use of deadly force by the police, and this is an unfortunate example of that. We are on the victim’s family’s side; we are on the side of justice.” “Make no mistake, we are not surprised by this failure to deliver justice to the Irizarry family. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Bullock hold news conference on youth homelessness
1 day ago

Bullock, Shusterman, O’Mara Equal Pay Law approved by PA House Labor & Industry Committee
1 day ago

Bullock badge visibility bill passes PA House
Mar 20, 2024

Bullock, Young natural hair braider bill passes PA House
Mar 18, 2024

Same Job? Same Pay. It's that simple.
Mar 09, 2024

What is community solar, and why do lawmakers want to bring it to Pennsylvania?
Feb 26, 2024

Pa. House Housing & Community Development Committee approves Bullock, Cephas homeowner-protections legislation
Feb 20, 2024

Winter NL 2023
Feb 16, 2024

Money from speed camera violations along Roosevelt Boulevard to help calm traffic across city
Feb 09, 2024

Children & Youth Committee Newsletter Fall 2023
Dec 28, 2023

State Rep. Donna Bullock welcomes funding for community projects
Dec 22, 2023

Bullock applauds over $350k in arts recovery grants for community nonprofits
Dec 19, 2023

PA Senate passes HB666, allows Philadelphia Housing Authority to negotiate performance-based contracts
Dec 14, 2023

State lawmakers highlight bills to end youth homelessness
Nov 15, 2023

House Children & Youth Committee approves Bullock resolution to bring awareness to youth experiencing homelessness in PA
Nov 15, 2023

Bullock natural hair braider bill approved by PA House Professional Licensure Committee
Nov 15, 2023

Truancy: A reflection of the state of education in Pennsylvania
Nov 15, 2023

Bullock Fighting for Better, Safer Public Schools
Oct 31, 2023

PLBC honors former chair Bullock
Oct 19, 2023

PLBC, PLLC say criminal justice system failed Irizarry family; encouraged by charges being refiled
Sep 26, 2023