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Philadelphia House Delegation praises expanded state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to Mayor Parker’s budget proposal

(Mar 14, 2024)

“I am overjoyed to see the mayor’s attitude of action shine through in her first budget proposal to City Council. Her One Philly Budget would invest over $2 billion across five years to make Philadelphia ‘safer, cleaner, and greener, with access to economic opportunity for all,’ including an immediate infusion of $143 million in this upcoming fiscal year.“The mayor’s commitment to transparency and honest dialogue in this process will ensure that the voices of all Philadelphians are heard through community budget briefings and town halls. Our delegation looks forward to working with the mayor and city council with resources, programs and funding needed to uplift all communities across our great city. Read more

 

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

(Mar 14, 2024)

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Public School Facility Improvement Grant Who May Apply: School entities, defined as a school district or an area career and technical school. Use: Facility improvement projects, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, plumbing systems, window repair/replacement, health and safety upgrades, and accessibility projects. Funds: $100 million in total funding is available. Grant requests shall not exceed $5 million per eligible improvement project. School entities may submit more than one application, but no school entity shall receive more than 20% of the total funding available. Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 More information: CFA Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: STOP Violence Against Women Grant Program Who May Apply: County governments and non-profit victim service agencies are eligible to apply. Faith-based organizations may be eligible to apply under certain circumstances. Use: Funds may be used to support cross-system, collaborative efforts to respond to victims of violence against women crimes. This includes, but is not limited to, personnel and benefit costs associated with specialized units in law enforcement or core direct victim services, supplies and operating expenses related to the STOP project, equipment necessary for implementation, and training or professional development. Funds: A total of $12 Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation offers remarks on recent shootings

(Mar 07, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 7 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation expressed their concerns for their communities and sympathy for the victims and families affected by four separate shootings in the city on or near SEPTA buses over the course of four days from March 3-6. Many of the victims in these shootings were youth, including a student from Imhotep Charter High School, 1 7-year-old Dayemen Taylor , who was killed Monday, March 4 at Ogontz bus stop; and eight students from Northeast High School who were shot yesterday, March 6 near a SEPTA bus station at Rising Sun and Cottman avenues. “My heart aches in light of news of several youth-involved shootings across the city of Philadelphia over the last few days,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas. “My deepest condolences go out to the families and communities enduring unimaginable loss. Each young life taken represents a future unfulfilled, a potential that will never be realized. We must come together, not only to grieve, but to take immediate, collective action against the epidemic of gun violence tearing at the fabric of our city. Together, we can and must build a safer, more hopeful future for all our children.” State Rep. Anthony Bellmon issued the following remarks on the shooting that occurred yesterday on Rising Sun and Cottman avenues, which is in his legislative district, and the need to invest in Read more

 

Pennsylvania's Black Maternal Health Caucus; Fighting for Futures

(Mar 07, 2024)

In a 2022 March of Dimes report, Pennsylvania had 6 counties classified as maternity care deserts. 14 counties had moderate access to maternity care. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, House Philadelphia Delegation, LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus release statement on Pennsylvania State Police traffic stop and arrest

(Mar 05, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, March 5 – Leaders of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and Philadelphia House Delegation today issued a statement in response to the traffic stop and subsequent arrest of Philadelphia’s head of LGBT affairs and her husband by a state trooper Saturday. According to news reports, Celena Morrison, the executive director of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs, recorded a portion of the arrest of her husband, Darius McLean, on the Vine Street Expressway. State Reps. Napoleon Nelson, chair of the PLBC, Malcolm Kenyatta, co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, and Morgan Cephas, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, said they have been in contact with state and local authorities surrounding the incident. “The video of the traffic stop of Celena Morrison and Darius McLean was deeply troubling,” stated Kenyatta, D-Phila. “We need a full, thorough, and expedient investigation into every aspect of this stop.” “My sympathies go out to the family dealing with the trauma of this incident, and I stand in solidarity with the communities that have experienced their own traumas as a result,” Nelson, D-Montgomery, said. “The investigation that we are expecting will help us determine accountability measures needed and identify necessary policy changes that we can craft at the state level that will enhance community safety at home. Those changes may come in the Read more

 

Kenyatta introduces legislation to study impact of ‘benefits cliff’

(Feb 29, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 29 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., has introduced legislation to study the public assistance benefits cliff, which refers to a situation when public benefit programs phase out quickly for families as household earnings increase. This legislation would direct the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and issue a report on the impact of benefits cliffs in Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, roughly 12 percent of all Pennsylvanians live in poverty, with eight percent living in extreme poverty. “In many instances, Pennsylvanians living in poverty become constrained to a life of poverty due to the ‘cliff effect,’ which perpetuates the poverty cycle, rather than incentivizing individuals to become self-sufficient,” Kenyatta said. “This study should give us a better idea of just how much the benefits cliff affects Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable families, and how we can ensure these families get the most out of important public benefit programs.” Kenyatta is joined by state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Roni Green, both D-Phila., and La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, in introducing this bill. Cephas explained how benefits cliffs impact marginalized communities. “Not only are Black women paid less than white or male counterparts, opportunities to escape this cycle of poverty are fewer – leading to the public assistance Read more

 

Cephas Working for Improved Maternal Nutrition & Health

(Feb 23, 2024)

As Co-Chair of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus, PA state Rep. Morgan Cephas knows that proper nutrition is a key component in the larger effort to lower maternal mortality rates in the commonwealth. In a recent budget hearing Cephas questions Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding about his agency’s efforts to expand their Farmers Market Nutrition Program, as well as improving the redemption of WIC dollars, to better serve expecting birthing people. 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

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises expanded state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit

(Feb 15, 2024)

“Families shouldn’t have to choose between going to work and having quality care for a loved one, or have to work just to pay for care,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas. “We fought and won for working families prioritizing this significant increase in the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. I’m elated to know that so many families across Philadelphia will greatly benefit from this increase.” Read more

 

In a united front, state reps highlight new Pennsylvania budget priorities

(Feb 08, 2024)

"We understand that our budget serves as a moral compass, reflecting our society's priorities, and given the current state of Philadelphia, these discussions are crucial to our collective success as a city," Cephas said. Read more

 

Philly Dems say boost for SEPTA just one of highlights for city in Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Feb 08, 2024)

Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia), chairperson of the Philadelphia House Delegation said that the proposed $161 million increase in state funding to SEPTA, which would bring the state funding total to $1 billion, should be a “priority of everyone” in the state Legislature. She noted the city is slated to welcome the FIFA World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, and the America 250 Celebration in 2026. Read more

 

PBMHC applauds Shapiro’s proposals for investments in maternal health care

(Feb 07, 2024)

“We applaud the governor for working with us to address this crisis so we may ensure all Pennsylvanians have access to equitable health care of the highest quality.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by Shapiro Budget Proposal

(Feb 07, 2024)

Today, leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation said that they are pleased with the direction of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Among the many positives, the delegation is excited about the proposed investment in SEPTA and mass transit, as well as equitable education funding for the School District of Philadelphia. Read more

 

Cephas to hold senior heart health event Feb. 10

(Feb 05, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., is inviting the senior residents of her legislative district to a special event she’s co-hosting with Main Line Health to promote senior heart health during American Heart Month, held each February. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Calvary Baptist Church, 6122 Haverford Ave. “I encourage all of my senior constituents to join us for this heartwarming gathering, where they can expect engaging conversations about maintaining their heart health, receive valuable health information, enjoy a delicious meal and have the opportunity to connect with fellow seniors,” Cephas said. “This event is all about promoting healthy lifestyles for our wisest neighbors.” Cephas said the gathering is just one of many issue-based Senior Chat and Chew events she holds throughout the year. More information about the event and a variety of state-related programs and services available to district residents is available by calling her office at 215-879-6625. Read more

 

Winter 2024 Newsletter

(Feb 02, 2024)

Winter 2024 Newsletter Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by public transit funding proposal

(Jan 29, 2024)

Today, leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation said that they are encouraged by the announcement by Gov. Josh Shapiro that he will include a major investment in public transportation in his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Shapiro said that he will include a proposal to increase of the state’s share of public transit funding by 1.75%, which would be an investment of nearly $300 million into transit companies across the state. Read more

 

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus recognizes Maternal Health Awareness Day

(Jan 23, 2024)

“In observance of Maternal Health Awareness Day, we will continue our work to address Black maternal morbidity and mortality in Pennsylvania by reducing barriers and increasing access to quality and equitable care across the state,” Cephas said. “To do so, we will work to pass the PA MOMNIBUS, which will aim to decrease racial disparities in health care and address the social determinants of health. Through House Resolution 278, we begin our work to address the maternal health care crisis in Pennsylvania.” Read more

 

House Judiciary approves Cephas/Kenyatta bill to end ‘ghost guns’

(Jan 17, 2024)

Today, the PA House Judiciary Committee approved a measure sponsored by state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., aimed at ending the proliferation of “ghost guns” in Pennsylvania Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation commends appointment of Pedro Rosario, first ever Latino deputy police commissioner in the city

(Jan 12, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 12 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their satisfaction for the appointment of Pedro Rosario, a 29-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department who will serve as deputy commissioner of the department’s Kensington Initiative. “Winds of change keep blowing in Philadelphia and we cannot be more excited about the outcome,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, chairwoman of the delegation. “Mayor Cherelle Parker started strong. She is not only vowing to fight the overdose crisis and the drug market in Kensington; Parker is taking the bull by the horns. The designation of Rosario to work on specific duties in Kensington is a bold action that has our wholehearted support,” she added. Rep. Jose Giral, who represents the180 th Legislative District in the Kensington area, is confident that Rosario will be an effective commissioner, based on Rosario’s expertise and solid credentials. Giral witnessed his work firsthand while Rosario was assigned to the 24 th Police District. “I have known Pedro Rosario for a long time. I met him while I was a member of the Police Advisory Commission and this conferred me the opportunity to work hand in hand with him and the 24 th Police District,” Giral said. “Rosario is boots on the ground from day one because he knows exactly all the particulars of the issues impacting our Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates state grants to reduce emissions from high-polluting trucks

(Jan 10, 2024)

Every Pennsylvanian has the right to be protected from the environmental and health harms caused by pollution, especially people in historically marginalized neighborhoods who have suffered under years of environmental injustice and where air quality is a significant health concern. I am delighted to see the state investing in cleaner energy and directing money where it is needed so that the city can build cleaner infrastructure and we all can breathe cleaner air. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to Mayor Parker’s budget proposal
Mar 14, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 14, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation offers remarks on recent shootings
Mar 07, 2024

Pennsylvania's Black Maternal Health Caucus; Fighting for Futures
Mar 07, 2024

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, House Philadelphia Delegation, LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus release statement on Pennsylvania State Police traffic stop and arrest
Mar 05, 2024

Kenyatta introduces legislation to study impact of ‘benefits cliff’
Feb 29, 2024

Cephas Working for Improved Maternal Nutrition & Health
Feb 23, 2024

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

Philadelphia House Delegation praises expanded state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit
Feb 15, 2024

In a united front, state reps highlight new Pennsylvania budget priorities
Feb 08, 2024

Philly Dems say boost for SEPTA just one of highlights for city in Shapiro’s budget proposal
Feb 08, 2024

PBMHC applauds Shapiro’s proposals for investments in maternal health care
Feb 07, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by Shapiro Budget Proposal
Feb 07, 2024

Cephas to hold senior heart health event Feb. 10
Feb 05, 2024

Winter 2024 Newsletter
Feb 02, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by public transit funding proposal
Jan 29, 2024

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus recognizes Maternal Health Awareness Day
Jan 23, 2024

House Judiciary approves Cephas/Kenyatta bill to end ‘ghost guns’
Jan 17, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation commends appointment of Pedro Rosario, first ever Latino deputy police commissioner in the city
Jan 12, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates state grants to reduce emissions from high-polluting trucks
Jan 10, 2024