State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., offered the following statement following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s address for the 2025-26 proposed state budget. “Budgets are a moral document, and the governor’s proposal wisely and effectively addresses the needs of our Philadelphia communities, as well as neighborhoods across rural, suburban and urban Pennsylvania. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 9 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Danilo Burgos to re-establish the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative passed the PA House today. House Bill 764 would restore the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, which originally operated from 2004 to 2010. The program would once again provide grants for the construction, rehabilitation or expansion of grocery stores, farmers markers and other healthy food retail establishments in low- to moderate-income areas in need. “Restarting this program would allow us to help people who continue to suffer from hunger and malnourishment, as well as improve the quality of fresh produce available to people and promote local agricultural products throughout Pennsylvania,” Burgos said. “Food deserts continue to be serious problem in urban and rural areas alike. This program is proven to help with food insecurity, and it is time to restore it.” State Reps. Morgan Cephas, Nathan Davidson and Greg Scott joined Burgos in authoring the bill and advocating for its passage. Cephas, D-Phila., who serves as the Chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation, said, “I’m very supportive of re-establishing the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative which was a successful lifeline for so many communities in Philadelphia. Rampant health issues including malnutrition and obesity can be linked to a lack of access to fresh foods and Read more
Here are the latest grant opportunities that are open for applications. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 28 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., joined Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city officials on Wednesday to honor actor and musician Will Smith in a street renaming ceremony in West Philadelphia. Smith is an Overbrook High School graduate and credits his upbringing in West Philadelphia as integral to becoming a successful celebrity and businessman. Cephas, herself a native of West Philadelphia, presented Smith with a PA House citation in honor of his career and his impact on the city and urban culture. “Will Smith’s impact goes beyond entertainment. He’s used his platform to uplift and inspire – beyond West Philadelphia where he was born and raised – shaping culture and opening doors for future generations of artists,” Cephas said. Philadelphia renamed the 2000 block of 59th Street, where it intersects with Lancaster Avenue, as “Will Smith Way.” The 192nd Legislative District comprises communities in West Philadelphia which are north and west of Market Street, including Overbrook, Overbrook Park, Wynnefield, Carroll Park and more. Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., made the following statement in support of today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the Biden administration regulations on “ghost guns:”“I’m encouraged by the high court’s decision today,” Cephas said.“The regulations established by the Biden administration in 2022 have shown dramatic results in the reduction of ‘ghost guns’ being found at crime scenes. Not just in Philadelphia, but across the nation we’ve seen fewer untraceable weapons and weapon parts being associated in violent crimes.“I’m glad the court recognized that these regulations are working, but we still have a problem with untraceable and easily obtainable gun kits in our communities. Here in Pennsylvania, I’ve introduced legislation to crack down on the purchase of these firearms in multiple sessions. Last year, the House approved my bill, but it was never considered by Senate GOP leaders. I’m reintroducing legislation this year to ban ‘ghost guns’ and prohibit undetectable firearms, and I’m hopeful the General Assembly will make it a priority given the results we’ve seen from the Biden policies coupled with public support. We can strengthen federal law with commonsense regulations, end access to these deadly weapons, and ultimately save the lives of innocent Pennsylvanians.”The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 to leave in place the 2022 regulations to combat gun violence, which included directives to crack down on the sale and purchase of gun kits, and mandating... Read more
Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart Technical Assistance Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any community-based organization, non-profit, for-profit, or educational institution. The applicant must successfully demonstrate their history in providing technical assistance in child sexual abuse prevention programming. Use: To establish a collaboration with the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network (CMSN) at Pennsylvania State University (PSU), including CMSN Affiliate Dr. Kate Guastaferro from New York University (NYU), to provide additional support to the 15 awarded Project Safe and Smart grantees, ensuring the successful implementation of their projects. Funds: A total of $150,000 in state Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one (1) grant over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: April 18, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Technical Assistance Initiative Who May Apply: Non-profit orgnaizations Use: To continue support of CJABs through the CJAB Specialists who serve as a resource to counties in assisting with CJAB projects. Funds: A combination of federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and state funds is being Read more
As part of their Brunch and Learn series of virtual meetings, the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus today held a celebration in recognition of the legacy of Black midwives on Black Midwifery Day. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to state, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $785,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund four to six grants with budgets not to exceed $185,000 over the 15-month project period. Application Deadline: April 10, 2025 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., issued the following statement on the recent cancellation of federal funding for the nonprofit Overbrook Environmental Education Center by the Department of Government Efficiency. Read more
“With the continued uncertainty in Washington, it’s more important than ever for us to ensure our state’s economy is strong,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “Today's hearing was a great opportunity to hear from the voices of our communities – to give them a seat at the table to discuss their needs for an economically strong Pennsylvania. From SEPTA, to our teachers, health care workers and more. We heard loud and clear that we must find ways to ensure economic protections and relief for hardworking Philadelphians, as well as our small businesses and the public services that keep our economy moving.” Read more
“The planning has already begun for the international events scheduled for Philadelphia during the next two years and it continues to adapt as it learns from hosting other premier events,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, who represents portions of West Philadelphia. “Philadelphia will host the sesquicentennial of the U.S. Navy and Marines, MLB All-Star games, NCAA men’s basketball tournament games, FIFA World Cup games and America’s 250th birthday during the next two years. Beyond these signature events, infrastructure across Pennsylvania needs continued investment in order for the commonwealth to thrive.” Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 More information: DCED Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., announced today that a $750,000 grant has been awarded to Cobbs Creek Community and Restoration Foundation to improve roadway safety on the Cardington Road access tunnel leading into the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course in West Philadelphia. Read more
Learn more about the multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more
Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrian Vehicle and Snowmobile Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations Use: All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile projects include the planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction, and development of educational programs related to ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities. Funds: Funding comes from the ATV Management Restricted Account and the Snowmobile Restricted Account as authorized by Act 97 of 2016. There is no match requirement for this funding; however, applications that provide match funding will be given additional consideration. Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 More information: DCNR Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Medical & MH Pilots for CSA Victims Who May Apply: Any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: The goal of this specific solicitation is to support the development and implementation of innovative pilot projects that enhance or expand medical and mental health services for Read more
Dear Neighbor,It was an honor to be sworn in for my fifth term inthe state House of Representatives in January. The grandeur of the day is always inspiring to begin our work for the people of Pennsylvania. I appreciate the trust that my neighbors have put in me to represent the concerns of our communities and fight to improve their quality of life. Read more
Shortly after Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his third budget address to a joint session of the #PAHouse and Senate, Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas expressed her support for many of the priorities laid out by the Governor. Cephas specifically cited expanded education funding, investments in housing infrastructure and transportation improvements as positives for the City of Philadelphia and the commonwealth. Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Philadelphia, announced today that she has been assigned to serve as the majority chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Housing Finance in the House Commerce Committee. The appointment was made by committee Chairman Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre. Read more
Cephas said she and the delegation have hit the ground running in this session to address their collective priorities for Philadelphia. “The collective experience in this slate of leaders is a consummate representation of our city, which will inform our approach of the issues facing each and every neighborhood in Philadelphia,” said Cephas. “The priorities of our delegation in this new legislative session will be fully assessed and addressed by this group. From transit funding to affordable housing, to public safety and ensuring a living wage, this delegation is ready to put in the work to deliver real relief and opportunity for all Philadelphians.” Read more
Know your rights and how the actions being taken by the federal government could affect you, your family, or your neighbors. Contact these local organizations or our federal legislators if you need more information or guidance about the actions in DC and how they're affecting our communities. Read more
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