State Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., today released a statement applauding the Philadelphia Police Department’s recent success and swift action against the use of off-road vehicles citywide. Read more
“I would like to empower the Philadelphia Police Department and other police departments around the state to crack down on illegal bike culture,” said hearing co-host Rep. Amen Brown, who represents portions of Philadelphia. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: DEI in the Building and Construction Trades Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Organizations that serve as sponsors or intermediaries of Registered Apprenticeship and/or Pre-Apprenticeship in the building and construction trades. Use : To develop diverse talent pipelines and reach underrepresented populations within the building and construction trades. Funds : $1 million in total program funding. Application Deadline : April 26, 2023 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT): Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Program (Funding Source: State, Federal, & Private Funding) Who May Apply : Private companies. Use : To develop innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : April 30, 2023 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/ProjectAndPrograms/p3forpa/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Youth Reentry Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Read more
No officer should have to patrol alone. The proposed legislation will ensure that this, along with the provision of additional resources, is prioritized. Protecting those who protect us is a must, not an option. Read more
The safety of the men & women officers who protect us is imperative. As elected officials, it's our job to make sure they have protections to keep them safe and to keep another life from being senselessly lost. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 28 – After Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald was slain in the line of duty, state Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., will introduce a package of bills that seeks to protect police officers from violence while they perform their duty to protect and serve throughout the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “Officer Fitzgerald was bravely serving his community by patrolling a high crime area when he was gunned down with no clear motive,” Brown said. “We cannot sit idly by and watch those who put on the badge and uniform to protect us, placing themselves between us and danger, die at the hands of those who would do them harm.” Brown said that the responsibility lies with elected officials to make sure police officers are operating in the safest ways possible. There are four bills in Brown’s proposed package: The first bill would require that officers be accompanied by a partner whenever working in a critical crime area, as defined by the attorney general. It would ensure officers are better protected from those who would do them harm. The second bill would require that all officers wear at minimum non-expired level IIIA body armor while on duty to better protect them from firearms. The third bill would create a grant program to provide funding to municipalities to install audible gunshot detection technology in areas with high rates of firearm violence. The fourth bill Read more
We must end prohibitive co-pays for incarcerated people. Read more
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Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency/Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training Innovative Solicitation (Funding Source: Justice Reinvestment Fund) Who May Apply : Existing PACTT Affiliates. Use : To improve services for delinquent youth receiving academic and career/technical training services. Funds : Awards up to $75,000 for 24-month projects. Application Deadline : December 23, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Pumpout Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities. Use : To fund the construction, renovation, and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations to service pleasure boats. Funds : Reimburse up to 75% of the installation cost of pumpout and dump stations. Application Deadline : December 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/PumpoutGrantProgram.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022-23 School Safety and Security Training and Technical Assistance Program (Funding Source: FY 2022 School Safety and Security Grant Program Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education (not-for profit), and for-profit organizations. Use : To Read more
After another violent weekend in which 39 people were shot, state Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., is calling upon Gov. Tom Wolf to deploy the Pennsylvania National Guard to provide much needed support in Philadelphia in addressing this gun violence crisis. Brown said the focus needs to be on patrolling hot spot areas such as the Kensington neighborhood, college campuses, SEPTA stations or any neighborhood that has seen an uptick in violent crime. “I am calling on Governor Wolf to declare a state of emergency in Philadelphia, as he did in October 2020 after the Walter Wallace shooting, and immediately deploy the Pennsylvania National Guard to the streets of Philadelphia,” Brown said. “Our city officials are not going to stop the epidemic of gun violence. We have tried constitutional executive orders, launching gun buyback programs, and marches and rallies. While those efforts are appreciated, we need more. Constituents want more to feel safe. In order to address this gun violence, we need long-term efforts and a commitment to immediate action – with the latter not being prioritized by many city officials.” Brown said he recognizes that this call for action may not appeal to everyone, but based on feedback from the community he serves, they are demanding protection, because public safety must be a priority. "We have become a place where we routinely have 100 or 150 rounds fired in shootings - sometimes from automatic Read more
State Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., is once again calling on Philadelphia city officials to act on the violence in the city in the wake of three SWAT officers being shot while serving a warrant. “We have reached a point of critical mass where lawlessness and lack of accountability are destroying our city,” Brown said. “Where is City Council? Where is Mayor Kenney? We keep hearing that ‘enough is enough’ and that we need to stop the violence – but no immediate solutions are being offered.” Brown has previously called on city officials to call for a state of emergency in Philadelphia, but now said it’s imperative that this happens immediately. “Something has to be done,” Brown added. “It’s not sustainable for the city to continue in chaos, and as elected officials, it’s our job to enact laws that protect the people of Philadelphia.” Read more
In a heartfelt opening statement to the Select Committee on Law and Order, Pa. state Rep Amen Brown says he’s qualified and willing to make the difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions necessary to keep Philadelphians safe from gun violence. On the hearing itself, Brown added that the committee gained valuable insight into areas where the Philadelphia District Attorney breached the core obligations of his office. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 28 -- State Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., said that he is exhausted, fed up, and saddened by yet another senseless shooting, this time at Roxborough High School, where five students were shot after a football scrimmage. Fourteen-year-old Nicholas Elizalde was killed in the shooting at Roxborough High and four teenagers were injured. “We need to realize what is actually happening here,” Brown said. “Every elected official has offered condolences to victims, something that happens every time one of these tragedies happens, but where are the real solutions that can be implemented now to have an impact that won’t take years? “While certain gun restrictions can have benefits, we cannot just focus on that. Most of the weapons used in these shootings are illegal weapons such as ghost guns and straw purchases,” Brown continued. Brown is adamant that holding people accountable and removing these illegal weapons from the streets is the way to start to mend the wounds caused by the gun violence epidemic. "We keep saying enough is enough, but we must put some real action behind those words,” Brown said. “Our communities deserve to feel safe; our youth deserve to live past the age of 18, and families deserve to not have to lose loved ones to senseless violence.” Brown has introduced legislation that would require identification to enter gun shows and is responsible for negotiating a historic Read more
State Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., said he applauds Gov. Tom Wolf’s new Marijuana Pardon Project. Under this project, people with minor non-violent marijuana convictions can apply for a pardon – entirely free and online. There is no limit for age of the conviction, and people with other convictions are not eligible. For eligibility, the conviction must have taken place in Pennsylvania and is for individuals who are charged with Possession of Marijuana or Marijuana, Small Amount Personal Use. “This is a step in the right direction in removing the stigma surrounding marijuana,” Brown said. “It’s not fair to people who have committed non-violent offenses and are still facing the repercussions from the possession of marijuana - including missed opportunities for employment, housing, education and more. I applaud this much needed effort and it’s a step in the right direction for the possible legalization of marijuana in the commonwealth.” Earlier this year, Brown held a policy hearing about the legalization of marijuana and has introduced legislation to legalize recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 30. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: ?Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : An individual, partnership, association, firm, corporation, cooperatives or any other legal entity. Use : To support projects that grow agricultural infrastructure in urban food deserts to improve access to fresh, local food and provide opportunities for hands-on learning, community-building, and for people to become social entrepreneurs. Community gardens are eligible projects. Funds : $2,500 micro grants or up to $50,000 for collaboration grants. Application Deadline : September 16, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Funding/Farmbill/Pages/Urban-Ag-Grant.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: ?Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : An individual, partnership, association, firm, corporation or any other legal entity. Use : To support the development and expansion of current or future very small meat and poultry processing operations. Funds : Grants are limited to no more than $100,000 per applicant. Application Deadline : September 26, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Funding/Farmbill/Pages/Very-Small-Meat-Processor-Grant.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: ?Agriculture and Youth Grant Program Read more
Pa. state Rep. Amen Brown joined colleagues and professional NASCAR drivers in a go kart race to promote STEM education. Brown believes events like this show children in his district that there are many more options for them than just basketball and football. Read more
State Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., said that a new stadium built by the Sixers organization would be a chance for significant economic revival and transformational change for the City of Philadelphia. Brown said that the new building, designated for construction at 10th/11th and Market streets, would be a huge investment into the future of Philadelphia, but that the plans cannot impede on the lives of community members or other business owners in the area. "This is a great step in the right direction for the long-term goal to underscore Philly as a true gateway city,” Brown said. “The potential impact, if executed thoughtfully, will ripple for generations to come. "The opportunity to bring this level of vibrancy and passion to Market East will not only enhance public safety but will reinvent how the community plugs into opportunity. Community partnership is currency for both POC and stakeholders like the Sixers.” The Sixers’ $1.3 billion proposed arena will be privately funded and is not requesting city or state subsidies. “Though privately funded, I believe leadership from both the state and the city should do all that they can to create the right public-private partnership,” Brown said. “This is an opportunity where the right collaboration and creative thinking could yield the greatest results for the people of Philadelphia. Let’s get this right.” Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Office of the Budget: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) (Funding Source: General Obligation Debt) Who May Apply : Entities that have a project itemized in a Capital Budget Itemization Act from the past 10 years. List of eligible projects can be found here: Itemized Project Eligible for Funding . Use : The acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects that have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs. Funds : Projects must have a $1 million minimum project cost and a 50% match (state funds cannot be used as match). Application Deadline : August 19, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.budget.pa.gov/Programs/RACP/Pages/Main%20Page.aspx . UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES: DDAP Pregnancy Support Services Grant: July 29, 2022 (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Any entity that is able to serve pregnant or postpartum women in recovery from SUD. - To provide support services to pregnant women and postpartum women in recovery from Substance Use Disorder Read more
State Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., has called for a dramatic increase in uniformed police presence at all high-speed SEPTA stations, in addition to the creation of specialized anti-crime units, following the shooting of a 19-year-old at the 15th Street Station on the Market-Frankford Subway/Elevated Line, which resulted in chaos as police chased suspects through the City Hall courtyard. Brown is calling on SEPTA’s acting chief of police, Charles Lawson, to implement increased security measures, with priority given to rapid transit, including the subway, elevated, and light-weight rail trolleys. “All SEPTA buses should be equipped with silent panic buttons where bus operators can alert police to their location via GPS in real time,” Brown said. Brown said there have been several violent attacks on SEPTA in recent months, including multiple stabbings and a woman sexually assaulted in a train car full of riders. “Some people have no choice but to ride on SEPTA,” Brown said. “People are scared to ride; there needs to be police protection offered for riders and SEPTA employees. The conditions on the train are horrible, from trash to drug paraphernalia and consumption, to incredibly violent and senseless attacks. Public transportation is needed in large cities, and it’s beyond time to make it safe to ride again.” According to Brown, although fewer people are riding, violent Read more
After statements made by Mayor Jim Kenney regarding the shooting at the Welcome America festival, state Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., is demanding that the mayor step down because of dereliction of duty. “As someone who made the decision to run for office and be elected by the people, it is his responsibility to do all he can to address the issues plaguing our communities.” Brown said. In an interview after the shooting at the Welcome America festival, Kenney stated that he “can’t wait until he’s not mayor anymore.” Brown said that if the mayor feels that way, he should step down immediately. “Philadelphia is in a state of chaos and lawlessness,” Brown said. “Not everyone has the luxury or privilege to just pick up and leave and go enjoy some stuff. His statement was beyond tone deaf and a slap in the face to the families and communities that have been impacted by gun violence. And, if Mayor Kenney doesn’t want to do his job and lead this city, then he should resign and let someone take the lead that actually cares about what’s happening to our people and wants to see and be a part of change.” Brown maintained that no matter how little time Kenney has left in his term, he should remain dedicated until the end of it. “We need a leader who cares about us, not one who is checked out and lacking empathy.” Brown said. “He Read more
HARRISBURG, June 27 -- State Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., has called for all attendees to present valid government-issued identification to enter gun shows in Pennsylvania. Brown has proposed this change in the wake of recent mass shootings and the proliferation of unregulated “ghost guns,” such as the one used in the mass shooting on South Street on June 4. The proposal also comes in response to the nonstop gun violence happening in Philadelphia that has been ravaging communities. “I have attended these gun shows, and all the components are available to leave and assemble an unregistered firearm,” Brown stated after attending last week’s gun show in Allentown. “Contrary to what vendors of ghosts gun kits at guns shows say, these are not adult Legos. These ghost guns have a deadly impact on our community, and something needs to be done.” According to Brown, unlike normal handguns, ghost gun kits are unregistered, and can be sold to anyone without any ID. Purchasers assemble the parts themselves. Brown has introduced legislation that would require all attendees at Pennsylvania gun shows to provide ID prior to entry and to require show operators to maintain records of attendees for at least five years. Under Brown’s bill, the records would be made available for review to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, as well as to any country prosecutor or municipal police department upon request of the Read more
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