News Center

Kinsey bill honoring first African American Speaker of Pa. House heads to Senate

(Apr 09, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, April 9 – Yesterday, legislation ( H.B. 651 ) introduced by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., to honor a former House speaker passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. This legislation would designate the South Lawn of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex as the “Irvis Equality Circle” in honor of the late K. Leroy Irvis, who served as the first African American speaker of the Pennsylvania House and also as the first African American Speaker of any state legislature in the United States. The Pennsylvania Capitol Complex’s South Lawn sits right outside of the “Irvis Office Building.” “Speaker Irvis broke down barriers that made it possible for future African Americans to be a part of this prestigious body and to represent their communities,” Kinsey said. “It’s important that we honor our commonwealth’s greatest history makers, and it would only make sense to name the South Lawn, right outside the Irvis Office Building, in Speaker Irvis’ name.” This bill is headed to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Compensation for victims of voter intimidation pushed by Pa. state legislator

(Apr 08, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

Article about Rep. Kinsey's voter intimidation legislation. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 02, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE Program) Who May Apply: Local governments, planning organizations, or Commonwealth agencies. Use: Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, roadway safety, mobility, and capacity upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, local technical assistance program projects, and traffic signal improvements. Funds: PennDOT anticipates $32 million available with the intent of funding worthwhile projects that can be completed at a relatively low cost. Application Deadline: A pre-application scoping form is required to be submitted by April 30, 2024. Feedback will be provided by May 31, 2024. The application period will be open from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. More information: PennDOT Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: Funds for the proposed program must be used to support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence and may be used for needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals Funds: Funding is contingent upon the availability of funds in the FY 2024-25 budget. Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Read more

 

Kinsey applauds $1.8 million for local transportation improvements

(Mar 26, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

PHILADELPHIA, March 26 – Today, state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., announced that state funding worth $1.8 million was awarded to the city of Philadelphia for streetscape improvements along Germantown Avenue, including for Mt. Airy pedestrian lighting and crossings. Kinsey, who represents Pennsylvania’s 201 st Legislative District, where Germantown Avenue is located, stressed the importance of project funding. “I’m proud to see significant state funding awarded to address this part of Germantown Avenue, where we see a lot of traffic and movement,” Kinsey said. “This funding should go a long way to provide needed improvements that will keep pedestrians and drivers safe at the Mt. Airy crossing.” The funding comes from The Multimodal Transportation Fund administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Read more

 

Kinsey voter intimidation penalties bill approved by Judiciary Committee

(Mar 26, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, March 26 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee approved legislation ( H.B. 461 ) introduced by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., that would provide enhanced penalties for individuals who intimidate others at a polling place. Pennsylvania law makes polling place intimidation a criminal offense that can lead to a misdemeanor or felony conviction, depending on the circumstances. In addition to requiring a higher burden of proof and a burdensome amount of time and money, a criminal conviction may not lead to the restoration of justice for the person whose right to vote has been violated. Kinsey’s bill would allow a person aggrieved by an individual convicted of polling place intimidation to bring civil action and recover punitive damages, reasonable attorney fees, and other legal costs. “Voting is a fundamental right all Americans have, and when folks go to a polling place to make their voice heard, they deserve to do so in peace without being harassed,” Kinsey said. “This legislation would bring justice to those who try to intimidate, harass, or bother others at the polls.” This legislation now moves to the full House for future consideration. Read more

 

Kinsey Rallies to Retain Regional Rail

(Mar 18, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

PA House Human Services Committee Chairman Rep. Stephen Kinsey joined advocates and stakeholders at the state Capitol to call attention to the vital role that public transportation, especially SEPTA, plays in the lives of Pennsylvanians. SEPTA anticipates a budget shortfall in the coming year and regional rail lines like Chestnut Hill West could see cuts to service. Kinsey says now more than ever we should be looking to expand public transit, not eliminate it. Read more

 

Kinsey Fights for Disability Program Funding

(Mar 06, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

House Majority Human Services Chair Rep. Stephen Kinsey questions Secretary Val Arkoosh about fixing wage shortfalls within the Office of Developmental Programs. ODP is responsible for the oversight of intellectual and developmental disability services in Pennsylvania. Kinsey says poor pay and staffing shortages within the department have left many Pennsylvanians without the support they need. Read more

 

2023 Recap Newsletter

(Jan 31, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

A recap of Rep. Kinsey's 2023 Read more

 

Kinsey, Cooper ‘dual enrollment’ bill ceremoniously signed

(Jan 30, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – On Monday, state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and Jill Cooper, R-Westmoreland, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro at the state Capitol for a ceremonial bill-signing of their legislation, H.B. 1258, which was officially signed into law on Dec. 14 as Act 52 of 2023. The bill improves the funding mechanism for dual enrollment programs by removing the requirement that students enrolled in such programs be removed from the school’s average daily membership count. Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit while still in high school. In the funding mechanism for public schools prior to this bill’s passage, schools would lose out on funding if a student chooses to take a college level course – even if they remain physically at the school. The signing of this bill ensures this will no longer happen. “ School districts should not lose out on funding because their students enroll in one of these courses that propels their academic career while still at the high school,” Kinsey said. “Governor Shapiro has ensured to us that he is committed to providing Pennsylvania students with pathways to advance their education. We thank him for taking the necessary action to make this important bill an official law.” “Programs like these excite students and parents, and schools shouldn’t Read more

 

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District

(Jan 26, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. The 2023 funding round provided over $52 million in awards. Application Deadline: April 3, 2024 More information: DCNR Website Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA PA Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program Who May Apply: Units of local government and community anchor institutions ( as defined in Act 96 of 2021 ). Use: Funding is to be used for community projects that construct, acquire, or improve facilities (shared office space, recreation centers, schools, libraries, etc.) Read more

 

Kinsey to retire from legislature at end of 2023-24 session

(Jan 23, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – Today, state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., announced that the current legislative term will be his last. Kinsey has served as state representative for the 201st Legislative District since 2013. “Being able to serve the people of the 201st Legislative District in northwest Philadelphia has been the honor of my life,” Kinsey said. “In addition to the work I’ve done to help constituents in our community, I am proud to have helped push important legislation in Harrisburg to address some of Pennsylvania’s most important issues such as gun violence, intellectual disabilities, mental health, education and health care.” Kinsey, who has an MBA in health administration, said that he will decide on a career path in this field once he leaves office. He stated his desire is to help provide quality health care to Pennsylvanians who need it the most. During his tenure, Kinsey served as chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, and currently serves as co-chair of the House Bipartisan Caucus and majority chairman of the House Human Services Committee. Kinsey continues to serve the people of his legislative district, and his office remains open to provide state-related services to constituents, until Nov. 30, when the 2023-24 legislative session ends. Read more

 

Kinsey touts millions in state funding for northwest Philadelphia

(Dec 22, 2023) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 22 – This week, a state grant worth $4,184,188 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s H2O PA Program was awarded to the Philadelphia Water Department for sewer line improvement along the 21st Street storm sewer. This program provides grants to projects whose intent is assisting with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer and storm water projects. State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., represents Pennsylvania’s 201 st Legislative District where 21 st Street storm sewer is located. He emphasized how much this funding can help Philadelphia prepare for and deal with inclement weather disasters such as floods and storms. “In past years, we’ve seen flooding that has greatly impacted Philadelphia, and we haven’t had the infrastructure to properly prepare for and address the damage this weather does to our community,” Kinsey said. “This funding is a huge win, as improvement to the 21 st Street storm sewer will be very helpful during floods and inclement weather in getting dirty water out of our streets while keeping everyone clean and safe. I’m excited to see the state invest so much money to address this crucial issue, and I was proud to be part of helping to secure it for our community!” This funding from the CFA is in addition to the $109,783 from its Financing Arts and Culture Recovery Grants Program that was awarded in Read more

 

House Human Services Committe 2023-2024 Newsletter

(Dec 21, 2023) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

A recap of legislation introduced and voted on by the House Human Services Committee. Read more

 

Kinsey brings more than $100,000 in state funding to northwest Phila.

(Dec 19, 2023) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., has announced that a total of $109,783 in state funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Arts and Culture Recovery Grants Program has been awarded to multiple organizations in his legislative district in northwest Philadelphia. The organizations awarded include: Commonwealth Youthchoirs Inc. - $36,695. Historic Germantown Preserved - $21,208. Mamadele Foundation - $10,000. PRISM Quartet Incorporated - $16,895. Wyck Association - $13,125. Yes And Collaborative Arts - $11,680. “These organizations do a tremendous job of representing the unique culture of northwest Philadelphia and providing opportunities to the folks living in our community,” Kinsey said. “I was proud to help bring these state dollars back to our community, and I look forward to seeing how each organization uses them!” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth. Unique among state agencies in structure and scope, the CFA consists of seven board members: four legislative appointees and the secretaries of DCED, the Office of the Budget and Read more

 

Bipartisan bill to foster dual enrollment in PA heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk

(Dec 13, 2023) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, Dec. 13 – Today, legislation (H.B. 1258) introduced by state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila.; and Jill Cooper, R-Westmoreland, passed the PA House on concurrence. The bill now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk. The bill would improve the funding mechanism for dual enrollment programs by removing the requirement that students enrolled in such programs be removed from the school’s average daily membership count. Under the current funding mechanism for public schools, schools lose out if a child chooses to take a college level course – even if the student remains physically at the school. “Education is a tool that is meant to empower our students and give them greater opportunities to succeed in life. Dual enrollment programs provide high school students an opportunity to take college-level courses and earn college credits,” Kinsey said. “School districts should not lose out on funding because their students enroll in one of these courses that propels their academic career while still at the high school.” “This change incentivizes school districts to have dual enrollment programs, and I am happy that Harrisburg will be fostering innovation in our schools. In the end, this expands opportunities available to our young people,” Cooper said. “Representative Kinsey is an experienced legislator, and it was an honor to work with him on this.” Read more

 

Grants available as of Tuesday, Dec. 12

(Dec 12, 2023) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the Budget: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) Who May Apply: Applicants must have been previously itemized in a Capital Budget Project Itemization Act. Use: Applicants can use funds for the purposes prescribed in the Capital Budget Project Itemization Act. Funds: Varied. Application Deadline: January 12, 2024 More information: OB website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street railway police, airport authority police, and county park police. Use: Funding is explicitly to support Act 120 training and recruitment activities for law enforcement officers that will take place between Oct. 19, 2023 and June 30, 2025. Funds: $14 million in federal COVID Relief (ARPA) is available. PCCD anticipates this funding being able to support approximately 2,000 new fulltime officers statewide. Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all funding is committed, at which point the application period will close. More information: PCCD Website Department of Aging: Senior Community Center Grants Who May Apply: Pennsylvania Senior Community Centers with an existing, contractual relationship with an Area Agency on Aging. Use: To help Pennsylvania’s Senior Community Centers increase Read more

 

Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker names "intergovernmental roundtable"

(Dec 11, 2023) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

Rep. Kinsey was appointed to serve on Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker's intergovernmental transition team. This team will help Parker address issues in Philadelphia before she takes office in January of 2024. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application, Dec. 4

(Dec 05, 2023) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Aging: Senior Community Center Grants Who May Apply: Pennsylvania Senior Community Centers with an existing, contractual relationship with an Area Agency on Aging. Use: To help Pennsylvania’s Senior Community Centers increase participation and programming Funds: Up to $2 million in grant funding is available. Grants vary depending on staff levels. Application Deadline: December 15, 2023 More information: Aging Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Who May Apply: Community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) designation, institutions of higher education, municipalities, district attorneys, and counties, Use: Effective local intervening and preventive measures to stop gun and group violence that is occurring across the state in both the short- and long-term Funds: $40 million in state funding is available for two tracks: VIP Grants: Applicants can request up to 50% of their operating budget up to $950,00 total. Coordinated Community Violence Intervention Strategies Projects (CCVI): Applicants can request up to $3 million in total funding over a 36-month period (funding match required). PCCD anticipates approving only 2-3 CCVI projects. Application Deadline: January 18, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Read more

 

McClinton’s Pardon-Reform Measure Gains Support from House Committee

(Nov 13, 2023) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

Harrisburg, Nov. 13 – State House Speaker Joanna McClinton’s legislation to reform Pennsylvania’s pardon process advanced one-step closer to consideration in the state House Monday when it was approved by the House Judiciary Committee. McClinton’s bill, H.B. 1410 , would amend the state Constitution to create greater opportunities for incarcerated Pennsylvanians to receive a pardon or have their sentences commuted by changing the unanimous vote requirement of the Pardon Board to a three-out-of-five votes requirement, which would save taxpayer resources by reducing the burden on the state’s correctional institutions while contributing to overall reform of the criminal justice system. Having served as a public defender for nearly a decade, McClinton said she saw people get entangled in the criminal justice system as a result of systemic inequality, chronic disinvestment, undiagnosed or untreated mental health issues, and general lack of opportunity in their communities. These conditions, coupled with a shift to a “tough on crime” approach to justice in the 1990s, left many people incarcerated for long sentences and has overburdened the correctional system with older Pennsylvanians who pose little risk to their communities. “It is time to move past the short-sighted policies of the ‘tough on crime’ era, which many agree did little to make Pennsylvania safer, and Read more

 

Shapiro Administration Continues Statewide Engagement Tour In Philadelphia Focused On Drug, Alcohol Treatment & Prevention Efforts

(Nov 08, 2023) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

Rep. Kinsey joined PA Dept. of Drug & Alcohol Programs Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones as she brought DDAP's statewide stakeholder engagement tour to northwest Philadelphia. Read more

 

Kinsey bill honoring first African American Speaker of Pa. House heads to Senate
Apr 09, 2024

Compensation for victims of voter intimidation pushed by Pa. state legislator
Apr 08, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 02, 2024

Kinsey applauds $1.8 million for local transportation improvements
Mar 26, 2024

Kinsey voter intimidation penalties bill approved by Judiciary Committee
Mar 26, 2024

Kinsey Rallies to Retain Regional Rail
Mar 18, 2024

Kinsey Fights for Disability Program Funding
Mar 06, 2024

2023 Recap Newsletter
Jan 31, 2024

Kinsey, Cooper ‘dual enrollment’ bill ceremoniously signed
Jan 30, 2024

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District
Jan 26, 2024

Kinsey to retire from legislature at end of 2023-24 session
Jan 23, 2024

Kinsey touts millions in state funding for northwest Philadelphia
Dec 22, 2023

House Human Services Committe 2023-2024 Newsletter
Dec 21, 2023

Kinsey brings more than $100,000 in state funding to northwest Phila.
Dec 19, 2023

Bipartisan bill to foster dual enrollment in PA heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk
Dec 13, 2023

Grants available as of Tuesday, Dec. 12
Dec 12, 2023

Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker names "intergovernmental roundtable"
Dec 11, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application, Dec. 4
Dec 05, 2023

McClinton’s Pardon-Reform Measure Gains Support from House Committee
Nov 13, 2023

Shapiro Administration Continues Statewide Engagement Tour In Philadelphia Focused On Drug, Alcohol Treatment & Prevention Efforts
Nov 08, 2023