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Cephas applauds withdrawal of liquor license expansion application at local establishment

Shusterman to introduce bill to crack down on 3D printed guns

(Dec 18, 2024)

“Staying a step ahead of technology is always a challenge, but we are losing that battle every day that we don’t have regulations on the 3D printing of firearms,” Cephas said. “Not only are they dangerous because they are untraceable “ghost guns,” which the House voted to outlaw last year, but they are also undetectable by standard security measures. Law enforcement officials need these tools to be able to protect our communities across the state from deadly firearms ending up in the wrong hands. I support Rep. Shusterman’s legislation to treat 3D-printed guns as any other firearm under our current laws and renew support for my correlated legislation that would make these guns illegal to create, sell and possess.” Read more

 

Arts, Historic Preservation, Business Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 18, 2024)

Here are the latest grant opportunities that are open for applications. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 17, 2024)

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Community and Economic Development: Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Community-based non-profit organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience, educational institutions, and non-profit economic development organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience. Use: Creation or support of a Business Assistance Service Center for the purpose of serving small, historically disadvantaged businesses. Funds: $20 million in funding was appropriated in the 2024/25 state budget. Application Deadline: January 22, 2025 More information: DCED Website Council on the Arts: Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs (EAOAP) Who May Apply: Non-profit agencies with a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an annual average arts revenue over $200,000. Use: Entry track is the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) point of entry for organizations or programs to the AOAP. Applicants must apply in Entry track until recommended for AOAP, which is based on panel review and assessment totals Funds: Grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded. Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 More information: Arts Website Council on the Arts: Arts Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 12, 2024)

Here are the latest grant opportunities that are open for applications. Read more

 

Cephas applauds withdrawal of liquor license expansion application at local establishment

(Dec 05, 2024)

“I’ve been fighting to end nuisance Stop and Gos in West Philadelphia for years, so I’m pleased to see that ongoing advocacy from neighbors in the area resulted in their desired outcome due to concerns about potential impacts of a license expansion. This grassroots-level work by our community goes hand-in-hand with the recent recommendations of the Legislative Stop and Go Task Force, which I fully support and look forward to implementing in the upcoming legislative session. “The applicant has submitted a new application to transfer the liquor license to a different location in another area of the city. I remain hopeful that this transfer will place the license in a part of the city where it better aligns with the desires of the local community.” Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 04, 2024)

Broadband Development Authority: Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Who May Apply: Cooperative organizations, non-profit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utility companies, public utility districts, municipalities or units of local government, internet service providers registered through the FCC Use: Deploying and/or upgrading broadband network facilities, data collection, broadband mapping and broadband planning Funds: $1,161,778,242 in federal funding pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 is available. Application Deadline: January 21, 2025 More information: PBDA Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia. Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia. Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum Read more

 

OBGYNs, maternal health experts, moms celebrate Fiedler’s postpartum depression legislation at Pennsylvania Hospital

(Nov 20, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 20 -- A coalition of doctors, care providers and moms gathered at Pennsylvania Hospital today to celebrate the passage of the Postpartum Depression Education Act and to urge continued progress on maternal health legislation. They were joined by bill’s sponsors, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Gina Curry, D-Delaware, and Lisa Borowski, D-Delaware. The Postpartum Depression Education Act (Act 102 of 2024) directs the PA Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign around perinatal and postpartum depression. The department is tasked with developing a fact sheet on PPD symptoms and maintaining a list of counselors to be made available in doctors’ offices. “Since working on the issue of postpartum depression, I’ve heard so many moms say they struggled to put a name on their feelings, leaving them isolated during hard times. This law is designed to permeate the culture of silence around maternal mental health conditions, reduce stigma, and help support mothers,” Fiedler said. “This law is a major step toward charting a new path for moms and babies in Pennsylvania.” "Postpartum depression is a serious and often overlooked disorder, especially when undiagnosed," said Curry, co-chair of the House Black Maternal Health Caucus. "This law is a vital step in supporting families by addressing perinatal mental health challenges and ensuring that mothers, Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Nov 20, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Non-profit Security Grant Who May Apply: Non-profit organizations Use: Target hardening and physical security enhancements for sites that may be a target for a terrorist or extremist attack. Funds: $210 million in FEMA dollars has been made available nationally. PEMA will serve as the grantee and subgrant funds to recipients in Pennsylvania. Application Deadline: December 16, 2024 More information: PA Grants website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Developing Satellite Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) Who May Apply: A NCA accredited CAC who, in conjunction and partnership with another county MDIT, seeks to develop a satellite CAC location within that county. Use: Supporting the development of satellite location(s) in counties in the Commonwealth that may not have enough child abuse cases to sustain an independent CAC Funds: A total of approximately $1,200,000 in state Endowment Act funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 4 grants. Maximum awards of $300,000 are available for the three-year project period. Application Deadline: December 2, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion matching Grant Program Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations that Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Nov 15, 2024)

Learn more about the multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation releases statement on SEPTA proposals

(Nov 12, 2024)

The Philadelphia House Delegation today released the following statement in reaction to this morning’s announcement from SEPTA regarding major fare increases and service cuts proposed to begin on Jan. 1. The following statement can be attributed to Philadelphia House Delegation Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.“This morning's announcement from SEPTA is not a surprise and lays squarely at the feet of Senate Republicans,” Cephas said. “The House approved funding for mass transit three times over the last session, with no real action and vague concepts of ideas from the Senate in return. Our delegation is hopeful that 2025 will bring a more productive collaboration on a responsible solution that will serve the daily needs of nearly one million daily SEPTA riders and the increased tourism expected for our region in 2026. In the short term, Philadelphians who are already struggling through difficult finances will brace for another impact to their wallets and time.”The current legislative term ends on Nov. 30, after which any legislation not signed into law will need to be reintroduced and restart the legislative process in the new term, which begins on Jan. 7. Read more

 

Cephas announces redevelopment grant awarded

(Nov 01, 2024)

Pa. state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today announced a $750,000 grant was awarded by Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to the Cobbs Creek Foundation to help with its Cobbs Creek stream restoration project. Read more

 

Cephas, Dream.org applaud new law to better protect incarcerated pregnant juveniles

(Oct 30, 2024)

“No one should be deprived of compassionate care or respect or be forced to risk the health of their child, even when they are a child themselves under the law. Prenatal, pregnancy and post-natal protections and support for incarcerated people in Pennsylvania is a matter of compassion and common decency," Cephas said. Read more

 

Shapiro signs Cephas bill to strengthen doula services in Pa.

(Oct 30, 2024)

“Research has shown that doula support leads to improved birth outcomes, including reduced rates of cesarean sections, shorter labor durations and higher rates of breastfeeding initiation. By providing continuous support throughout pregnancy and the important first year following birth, doulas contribute to safer and more positive experiences for families," Cephas said. "Lack of coverage for doula services in Medicaid leads to a vast disparity in care for women who are already statistically at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, with Black birthing people at the highest risk of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This new law will give these parents a proven network of support needed to produce better mental and physical health outcomes during their birthing journey. " Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Oct 29, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Economic Development Organizations, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities, For-Profit organizations. Use: Mixed-use site development, conversion projects, rehabilitation projects, a combination of the three afore-mentioned projects. Funds: $10 million in PA Sites funding has been allocated for this program. There is no limit on the amount of grant funding that may be awarded to an applicant. Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Support Services (RSS) Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, providing RSS and demonstrate the capacity to provide RSS to individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent substance use disorder (SUD). Use: Expand or enhance RSS to individuals in recover from OUD and other concurrent SUD. Funds: Approximately six grants totaling $1,500,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic Read more

 

These 7 Philly schools just got millions in state money for these projects

(Oct 23, 2024)

Seven Philadelphia schools are getting building upgrades thanks to a $175 million state program that helps districts across Pennsylvania fix up facilities.The money will replace windows and doors, remove asbestos and lead paint, put on new roofs, renovate bathrooms, and more; it will be matched by district funds. Read more

 

Cephas announces community development grants for West Philadelphia

(Oct 22, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. announced today that she has secured funding for local projects through grants from the Statewide Local Share Account totaling more than $1.57 million. Grants were awarded to the PIDC Funding Corp. to facilitate projects for the Overbrook Community Development Corp., Umoja Inc. and the Cobbs Creek Restoration and Community Foundation.Project details are as follows:Overbrook Community Development Corp. was awarded $48,353 to install holiday decorative light fixtures along Haverford Avenue in West Philadelphia as part of the Haverford Avenue Beautification and Light Project. LSA funds will be used for construction costs, administrative costs, and the purchase and installation of equipment. Umoja, Inc. was awarded $550,000 for the construction of a space to host a “MakersLab and Entrepreneurial Hub” at the Umoja Inc. facility in West Philadelphia. LSA funds will be used for renovations and site preparation for a significant portion of the current Umoja facility to create space for this hub for creators and entrepreneurs. $977,000 was awarded to The Cobbs Creek Restoration and Community Foundation for restoring and maintaining the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course.Cephas praised the Commonwealth Financing Authority for seeing the value in these community development projects. “This funding is a real investment in the people and neighborhoods of West Philadelphia. Improved street lighting brightens not only our sidewalks... Read more

 

Cephas announces grants to renovate Overbrook High School

(Oct 22, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. today announced that the School District of Philadelphia has been awarded two grants from the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program totaling $8.65 million to support renovation projects at Overbrook High School. The projects will renovate the auditorium and replace the roof at the historic 98-year-old building. •$5 million was awarded for roof replacement, HVAC, energy savings, plus health and safety upgrades in the school auditorium, including complete asbestos and lead paint abatement, and removing moldy walls and ceilings.•$3.65 million was awarded for the roof replacement project for the entire school, due to ongoing leak issues that have escalated air quality and mold concerns. The School District of Philadelphia will provide $10.75 million in matching funds to cover the total cost of both projects. “At nearly 100 years old, Overbrook High School is one of the oldest and most iconic school buildings in Philadelphia but riddled with environmental concerns following years of disrepair. With its easily distinguishable architecture and beauty, these renovation projects will keep this star of our community shining for future generations,” said Cephas.“This is part of our commitment to remediating toxic school buildings across the state. I’m thankful that the Shapiro administration understood the dire need of these restorations so that we can keep Overbrook High healthy, safe and clean for our students,... Read more

 

Funding the Innovators in Improved Birthing Outcomes

(Oct 17, 2024)

Co-Chairs of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Gina H. Curry presented checks for state funding to several organizations for their work in reducing maternal mortality and improving birthing outcomes in the Philadelphia region. This state funding totals nearly $800,000 for three organizations that are coming up with innovative ideas to provide comprehensive physical and mental health care and support to birthing people and babies. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates one-year anniversary of advocacy, action and impact

(Oct 17, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – Members of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus today celebrated the one-year anniversary of its formation with a virtual celebration and live broadcast with stakeholders to discuss the impact of the group’s advocacy and action over the past year. The caucus was formed on Oct. 17, 2023, with state Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, and La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, serving as co-chairs. Building on the momentum of legislative victories and the increasing need for attention to maternal mortality and morbidity issues, particularly affecting Black families, Cephas said the caucus set out to address the disturbing trends of Black maternal mortality and morbidity in Pennsylvania through strategic, intersectional legislation and policy; by creating a collaborative, representative and action-oriented legislative and policy space for Pennsylvania legislators, advocates and stakeholders; and introducing and advancing the PA MOMNIBUS – a legislative package making critical investments and policy changes to improve maternal health outcomes in the state. “I am so grateful to be part of such a dynamic and transformative group of legislators and advocates working toward the important goal of improving maternal health outcomes for Black mothers and their babies in Pennsylvania,” Cephas said. “In this past year and budget season we’ve been able to Read more

 

Lawmakers present checks, provide update on maternal healthcare efforts

(Oct 16, 2024)

“One of the core missions of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus and Women’s Health Caucus is to ensure that the funding that is needed on the ground for organizations to do the important work of ensuring better maternal health outcomes for mothers and their babies is there for them,” Cephas said. “We worked hard to get $25 million dedicated to maternal health in this year’s state budget and $5 million in state funding dedicated to a Maternal Health Fund to provide needed dollars to organizations coming up with innovative ideas." Read more

 

Shusterman to introduce bill to crack down on 3D printed guns
Dec 18, 2024

Arts, Historic Preservation, Business Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 18, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 17, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 12, 2024

Cephas applauds withdrawal of liquor license expansion application at local establishment
Dec 05, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 04, 2024

OBGYNs, maternal health experts, moms celebrate Fiedler’s postpartum depression legislation at Pennsylvania Hospital
Nov 20, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Nov 20, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Nov 15, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation releases statement on SEPTA proposals
Nov 12, 2024

Cephas announces redevelopment grant awarded
Nov 01, 2024

Cephas, Dream.org applaud new law to better protect incarcerated pregnant juveniles
Oct 30, 2024

Shapiro signs Cephas bill to strengthen doula services in Pa.
Oct 30, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Oct 29, 2024

These 7 Philly schools just got millions in state money for these projects
Oct 23, 2024

Cephas announces community development grants for West Philadelphia
Oct 22, 2024

Cephas announces grants to renovate Overbrook High School
Oct 22, 2024

Funding the Innovators in Improved Birthing Outcomes
Oct 17, 2024

Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates one-year anniversary of advocacy, action and impact
Oct 17, 2024

Lawmakers present checks, provide update on maternal healthcare efforts
Oct 16, 2024