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

 

PLBC Chairwoman Donna Bullock Remarks on Somber Anniversary

(Sep 15, 2023)

The members of the PLBC reflect on one of the darkest days in our country's history as a time to honor the strength and struggles of Black Pennsylvanians yesterday and today. Read more

 

Bullock, local law enforcement distributes free gun locks

(Aug 10, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 10 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., partnered with 22nd Police District Capt. Michael Goodson, Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal and the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network to distribute free gun locks Wednesday evening. Bullock, Goodson and Bilal walked the 1600 block of North 29th Street and the surrounding blocks giving out 100 free gun locks to residents, encouraging gun owners to be responsible when storing their firearms. “One life lost is one too many and we lose too many people to guns in this city almost daily,” Bullock said. “Whether intentional or accidental, shootings take lives and upend worlds, leaving victims with trauma and long and painful roads to recovery. It’s long past due for the state legislature to come together to pass and sign into law meaningful gun safety legislation. Our need for immediate and substantive action is why we were out Wednesday night passing out gun locks. We cannot afford to do nothing and wait while Senate Republicans sit on their hands.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises more than $3.6 million in grant funding for education

(Aug 04, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 4 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their satisfaction after the Shapiro administration announced that $13.5 million in federal grant funding has been awarded to 26 school entities to support expectant and parenting learners. Pennsylvania’s Education Leading to Employment and Career Training Program is a federally funded program that works with intermediate units, school districts and charter schools to coordinate the continuity of educational services for people under 22 who are expecting or parenting a child and provides community resources to allow them to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. The School District of Philadelphia was awarded more than $3.62 million. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the group is pleased to see the inclusion of The Philadelphia School district in this program as it will help boost ongoing efforts to provide educational assistance to expectant and parenting youth. “ELECT is an outstanding program that helps schools keep this segment of the student population in school without disruptions. This is crucial in a student’s efforts to obtain a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate and secure post-graduation employment, education, or training. “If we want more financially independent adults, more empowered parents, we need to start by helping our young Read more

 

Children & Youth Committee Newsletter Summer 2023

(Aug 04, 2023)

Recapping Children & Youth Committee happenings from the early 2023 Legislative Session Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation expresses support for Brewerytown community shattered by grief

(Jul 28, 2023)

State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., who represents the Brewerytown community reflected on the tragedy and conveyed support for the family in their time of pain. “We should not be losing our children to unfortunate accidents like this,” Bullock said. “These terrible tragedies underscore the need to safely store and lock your firearms. A loss like this weighs heavily on the soul of our community. My heart is with the family and those who stopped to help during this very difficult time.” Read more

 

PLBC calls for equal pay for Black women

(Jul 27, 2023)

HARRISBURG, July 27 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus is calling for an end to the wage gap for Black women on this Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., chair of the PLBC, said Black women make 67 cents on the dollar compared to their white male counterparts. Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is recognized each year on a date corresponding with the amount of time it takes Black women working full-time, year-round to catch up with a white man’s salary from the previous year, on average. “As of today, we are just now catching up with what white men made last year,” Bullock said. “We have closed the gap some from last year, but make no mistake, this is still far, far from equal. Black women, regardless of experience, education or location, continue to be paid unequally for their work and suffer the brunt of the effects of structural and institutional racism and sexism. “The wage gap is the result of a workplace culture entrenched in racism and sexism, and it will persist until we’ve successfully rectified that toxic culture which imposes obstacles for Black women to consistently overcome. Today and every day, the fight for equal pay continues. It doesn’t just go away when the sun comes up tomorrow. We’re ready and won’t stand for it any longer.” Read more

 

PLBC releases statement on PA budget passage

(Jul 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, July 6 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus released the following statement on the passage of the Pennsylvania state budget. “In the search for perfection, it can be human nature to sometimes lose sight of good. This budget is far from perfect, and it falls short in some areas that are of high priority for Black communities across Pennsylvania,” state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, said. “However, we believe that there are some areas where it measures up, too. “This bill will invest significant money in the recently minted Whole Home Repair Program, in solving the Black maternal health crisis, in uplifting historically disadvantaged small businesses, in sickle cell research, in the Pennsylvania Prison Society, in establishing the Indigent Defense Advisory Committee and in overall violence intervention and prevention programs. “As well, we will continue to work with Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration to revisit the budget to supplement it with additional funding for proven and effective gun violence intervention and prevention programs that didn’t make it into the budget. “We believe that to address institutional inequalities, we must intentionally invest in equitable solutions, and this budget is a start toward that goal.” Read more

 

Bullock releases statement on PA budget passage

(Jul 05, 2023)

HARRISBURG, July 5 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., majority chair of the Pennsylvania House Children and Youth Committee, released the following statement on the passage of Pennsylvania’s 2023-24 General Fund budget. “I am glad that we were able to pass a budget that puts an emphasis on supporting the state’s young people. In my role as majority chair of the Pennsylvania House Children and Youth Committee, I fought for investments in our children and youth,” Bullock said. “It’s my desire to see young people and families thrive in Pennsylvania. “Not only did we increase funding for public schools in general and increase funding for the Philadelphia School District by 7.6%, we also were able to expand access to and the affordability of childcare by increasing the state’s childcare tax credit. We also continued investments in maternal and child health, free school breakfast programs, and early intervention services. “The budget is not perfect, they never are, but it does make significant investments in the state’s most important resource: people. Budgets are statements of values and House Democrats showed that we value education and working people and that we want to build a state that is safe, with good jobs and boundless opportunity.” Read more

 

Environmental Resources and Energy committee approves environmental justice legislation

(Jul 03, 2023)

Environmental racism is a longstanding issue in the commonwealth,” Bullock said. “Facilities that pollute the environment have been built in burdened communities without their consent because they lacked the influence to stop it." Read more

 

PLBC releases statement on Supreme Court affirmative action ruling

(Jun 29, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 29 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus said today they are disappointed with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the cases of Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College , which found Harvard and UNC’s admissions process unconstitutional, dismantling affirmative action and ending the consideration of race in the application process. Affirmative action in higher education was put in place in the 1960s, allowing admissions departments to consider race as a factor during admissions to enfranchise historically and systemically disadvantaged populations. Affirmative action's significance extended beyond the boundaries of higher education and had become a useful tool to remedy the racial and socioeconomic disparities that hinder access to quality education, economic opportunities and social mobility. It was an imperfect and partial solution that did help Black and brown students receive admission to institutions they were more than qualified for but otherwise would not have had access to due to racial discrimination and feigned blindness to Black talent. “This is an incredibly disappointing day for higher education in America. This continued rolling back of rights and norms and standards by the U.S. Supreme Court is a distressing trend. I will fight to make sure our children in Pennsylvania have the same rights and Read more

 

Bullock Working to Ensure Equity in Pa. #Cannabis Industry

(Jun 27, 2023)

As Chair of the Pa. Legislative Black Caucus, state Rep. Donna Bullock knows the damage outdated cannabis laws have done to communities of color. That’s why she is standing with her colleagues and advocates to forward legislation that would ensure an inclusive environment in Pennsylvania’s budding cannabis industry. Read more

 

PA House passes WIC online eligibility legislation

(Jun 22, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 22 – A bill ( H.B.665 ) sponsored by state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., that would clarify that eligibility documentation may be submitted online to Women, Infants and Children prior to an eligibility meeting passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a vote of 176-27. This legislation would give applicants to WIC the option to submit documentation electronically to a local WIC program agency prior to their eligibility appointment. “The goal should be to make the process as accessible as possible for every person that needs access to this important nutrition program,” Bullock said. “Pennsylvania's families deserve a modernized, accessible system that works for them and not against them.” The bill will go to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Pennsylvania eyes WIC modernization

(Jun 20, 2023)

“As the system is now, we are failing to maximize the benefits that WIC can provide for our single parents and struggling families,” Bullock said. “This legislation will help to modernize and update the process from top to bottom and get the people who need assistance the assistance they need.” Read more

 

State Government Committee approves resolution on Juneteenth

(Jun 20, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 20 – The Pennsylvania House State Government Committee held a voting meeting Tuesday, where it reported H.R. 152 out of committee and to the House chamber. This resolution would recognize June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth in Pennsylvania. The first Juneteenth was June 19, 1865, when the last of the enslaved people located in Galveston, Texas, were informed of the Emancipation Proclamation. “Juneteenth is a beautiful day and a celebration of self-improvement, of African culture and respect for all cultures. The holiday’s meteoric rise in recent years goes to show just how important it is to people throughout the country and how important it is to continue to help spread this important tradition,” state Rep. Donna Bullock said. “This day of pride is incredibly significant to many Pennsylvanians, and as such, it deserves to be recognized in the commonwealth.” Read more

 

PA House passes WIC modernization legislation

(Jun 12, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 12 – A bill ( H.B.664 ) sponsored by state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., that would establish a Women, Infants and Children State Advisory Board passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today by a vote of 155-48. This legislation would establish the WIC State Advisory Board within the Pennsylvania Department of Health and task the board with advising the department on ways to increase WIC enrollment and utilization, improve service quality and outreach, and enhance technology used for the program. “We need to ensure that we’re taking full advantage of the federal funding we receive for WIC in the commonwealth,” Bullock said. “As the system is now, we are failing to maximize the benefits that WIC can provide for our single parents and struggling families. This legislation will help to modernize and update the process from top to bottom and get the people who need assistance the assistance they need.” The bill will go to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Environmental Resources and Energy committee approves environmental justice legislation

(Jun 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 6 – A bill sponsored by state reps. Donna Bullock, Malcolm Kenyatta and Chris Rabb, all D-Phila., that would require an environmental impact statement be produced before the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issues a permit for the building of certain facilities in environmental justice areas passed the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today. “Environmental racism is a longstanding issue in the commonwealth. Facilities that pollute the environment have been built in burdened communities without their consent because they lacked the influence to stop it. Enough is enough,” Bullock said. “By empowering the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to deny a permit application if the environmental impacts are found to be too harmful and requiring DEP to consider public testimony, we are putting the power in the hands of the community.” “Incinerators, landfills, sewage plants — there’s a long history of environmentally harmful facilities like these being built in Pennsylvania’s most marginalized communities, polluting the environment, poisoning the water and lowering property values, disproportionately impacting Black and brown households whose homes are often their own financial asset,” Rabb said. “It’s time to substantially combat environmental racism. A clean environment is a constitutional right that is Read more

 

Bill aims to curb Pa. litter problem with hefty fines, community service for offenders

(May 25, 2023)

“Some of these offending companies treat fines for illegally dumping trash as the cost of doing business. We cannot allow that to continue to be the case,” Bullock said in a statement. “More than just being an eyesore, illegal dumping does long term damage to the environment and health of community ecosystems and costs taxpayers money with the strain it puts on municipalities.” Read more

 

Bill increasing maximum fines for illegal trash dumping passes House

(May 24, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 24 – A bill sponsored by state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., that would increase the maximum fines for illegally dumping trash in the commonwealth passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a vote of 122-79. The legislation would increase the maximum fine for a first offense of misdemeanor of the third degree to $2,000; second and subsequent offenses of misdemeanor of the third degree to $5,000; a first offense of misdemeanor of the second degree to $10,000; and $20,000 for second and subsequent offenses of misdemeanor of the second degree, as well as potential imprisonment. “Some of these offending companies treat fines for illegally dumping trash as the cost of doing business. We cannot allow that to continue to be the case,” Bullock said. “More than just being an eyesore, illegal dumping does long term damage to the environment and health of community ecosystems and costs taxpayers money with the strain it puts on municipalities.” Cleaner blocks are safer blocks, Bullock said. According to a 2015 report from The World Bank, removing garbage from streets has a positive impact on communities and leads to lower rates of crime. A 2022 WHYY article reported that a group of community organizations were working together to enact positive change in Philadelphia by cleaning up communities. The bill will go to the Read more

 

PLBC celebrates 50 years as a formal caucus with K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action

(May 23, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 23 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus held its second annual K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action today in honor of the first Black speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and to celebrate its 50th year as a formal legislative caucus. “Today is a joyous day. It is a reminder of the hard work this caucus has done over the last 50 years and the hard work still left to do,” State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, said. “We honored our past by remembering the life and legacy of former Speaker K. Leroy Irvis, and we invested in our future by presenting scholarships to the bright and promising young men and women who earned them with their scholarly prowess.” Following a 10 a.m. news event on the front steps of the Speaker K. Leroy Irvis building, Black Pennsylvanians — youth, community leaders, small business owners, clergy and advocacy organizations — gathered for a series of panels on the state of Black Pennsylvania, labor, cannabis and voter disenfranchisement. As part of the day of action, the PLBC congratulated the following recipients of the 2023 PLBC James Roebuck Scholarship: Mamadou Bah, Upper Merion High School; Kayla Banks, Cheltenham High School; Jayant Bullet, Cumberland Valley High School; Makalya Coleman, George Washington Carver High School; Ellyssa Elliot, Reading High School; Read more

 

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

PLBC Chairwoman Donna Bullock Remarks on Somber Anniversary
Sep 15, 2023

Bullock, local law enforcement distributes free gun locks
Aug 10, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation praises more than $3.6 million in grant funding for education
Aug 04, 2023

Children & Youth Committee Newsletter Summer 2023
Aug 04, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation expresses support for Brewerytown community shattered by grief
Jul 28, 2023

PLBC calls for equal pay for Black women
Jul 27, 2023

PLBC releases statement on PA budget passage
Jul 06, 2023

Bullock releases statement on PA budget passage
Jul 05, 2023

Environmental Resources and Energy committee approves environmental justice legislation
Jul 03, 2023

PLBC releases statement on Supreme Court affirmative action ruling
Jun 29, 2023

Bullock Working to Ensure Equity in Pa. #Cannabis Industry
Jun 27, 2023

PA House passes WIC online eligibility legislation
Jun 22, 2023

Pennsylvania eyes WIC modernization
Jun 20, 2023

State Government Committee approves resolution on Juneteenth
Jun 20, 2023

PA House passes WIC modernization legislation
Jun 12, 2023

Environmental Resources and Energy committee approves environmental justice legislation
Jun 06, 2023

Bill aims to curb Pa. litter problem with hefty fines, community service for offenders
May 25, 2023

Bill increasing maximum fines for illegal trash dumping passes House
May 24, 2023

PLBC celebrates 50 years as a formal caucus with K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action
May 23, 2023