News Center

Cephas Working to Ensure Basic Needs are Met

(Mar 22, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

Pa. state Rep. Morgan Cephas and her colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee met with Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding to discuss how his department can use its portion of the budget to best serve the people of Pennsylvania. Cephas points out that with federal COVID assistance running out, many seniors and other food-insecure Pennsylvanians could see a significant loss in necessary benefits. She says making critical investments in the agencies and organizations that keep people fed is more important now than ever. Read more

 

The Philly region has a lot more power in Harrisburg now that Dems control the House. Here’s why.

(Mar 22, 2023) Philadelphia Inquirer

Rep. Morgan Cephas, the Philadelphia delegation chair, hopes the number of House Democrats from the region should make it possible to make “big transformations” for the city. “This puts us in a position to deliver,” Cephas added. “We’re all laser-focused on our agenda to help move the needle.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation appraises impact of Shapiro budget plan on city

(Mar 17, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

As we head into budget negotiations, we want to make sure that all Philadelphians are aware that this is an equitable proposal that will benefit our city. You can count on the delegation to bring adequate funds to the city; to invest in the most pressing issues affecting us as community. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises Shapiro’s budget priorities

(Mar 09, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, March 9 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their endorsement of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s first budget proposal, which he provided during an address to the General Assembly. The delegation said the spending proposal, that will cover the fiscal year 2023-24, displays a solid approach to the most critical issues facing the commonwealth. “We are greatly satisfied in being assured by the governor that our core priorities as a delegation are included in his plan and that the voices of our city are being heard,” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas. “Improving educational outcomes by investing in K-12 funding and school buildings and reducing gun violence through the Neighborhood Infrastructure Initiative are among the most crucial needs of Philadelphia. We are confident that this budget will allow us to work on more efficient ways to eradicate the inequities and deficiencies in our city,” Cephas continued. State Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice chair of the delegation, emphasized the fact that the governor’s budget has innovation and development as two of its key words. “Shapiro’s budget pitch is for the benefit of every Pennsylvanian,” he said. “We are excited to see a 50% increase for the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program, which connects colleges and universities, the Industrial Resource Center and Read more

 

New hope for Philly Dems and wary GOP optimism: Shapiro’s budget a rare sign of unity in Harrisburg

(Mar 08, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG — Gov. Josh Shapiro openly aimed for bipartisan appeal when he unveiled his first state budget Tuesday. At least initially, he got the response he wanted. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates the election of McClinton as new House Speaker

(Feb 28, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, Feb. 28 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their satisfaction for the election of Majority Leader Joanna McClinton as the new speaker of the House, a role previously held this session by state Rep. Mark Rozzi. “We are overwhelmed with joy; McClinton has started a new chapter in history. What a way to wrap up the festivities in honor of Black History Month! McClinton is an unwavering force who works with passion and integrity for the people of Pennsylvania,” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas. “We know we will reach new heights under her brilliant leadership. We are confident that she will help us address the most critical issues affecting our people. The Philadelphia House Delegation is honored to see that one of us is now holding the gavel in the House. We are ready to fight along with her on behalf of all underserved communities of the state,” Cephas continued. “As a woman I also want to emphasize that McClinton continues being an inspiration to all women of the nation struggling to break barriers and stereotypes. This is a resounding reminder that it is possible to win, regardless the color of your skin or background, it is possible to succeed against all odds.” Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice-chair of the Delegation, trusts that McClinton’s work will help advance a transformational agenda in key sectors. Read more

 

Cephas welcomes food service funding for Philadelphia schools

(Feb 23, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, Feb. 23 – State Rep. Morgan B. Cephas, D-Phila., announced that grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education has been awarded to improve food safety and provide students at local schools with nutritious meals. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds court ruling for fair school funding

(Feb 09, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 9 – The Philadelphia House Delegation applauded the ruling in PA Commonwealth Court that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional. The ruling is a result of the 2014 case William Penn School District v. PA Department of Education, which was filed on behalf of parents, school districts, and statewide organizations arguing that the commonwealth’s funding of K-12 public education is inadequate and violates the Pennsylvania Constitution. The petitioners argued that because the bulk of public education funding comes from local property taxes, school districts in areas with low incomes and property values have been underfunded compared to school districts in areas with high incomes and property values. Leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation -- Chairwoman Morgan Cephas, Vice Chairman Danilo Burgos and Secretary Malcolm Kenyatta -- issued the following statements about the historic ruling. “Philadelphia schools have been the victims of underfunding for decades and it shows in the conditions they’re in today,” Cephas said. “This ruling is historic and should set us on the right track to get schools in Philadelphia and across the commonwealth the funding they need.” “For far too long, PA schools in low-income areas have been massively underfunded, and it has hurt the children attending these schools and the community as a whole,” Read more

 

House Democratic Members of Speaker's Workgroup Issue Statement on Efforts to End House Gridlock

(Jan 25, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, Jan. 25 – State Reps. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., and Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, issued the following statement on the progress of the Speaker’s Workgroup to Move Pennsylvania Forward, who are tasked with finding a bipartisan agreement to end gridlock in the House: "This bipartisan workgroup is committed to prioritizing seeking justice for child sexual abuse survivors and drafting appropriate operating rules for the Special Session and regular session. “The workgroup members have met frequently with serious and honest conversations, but we have not yet agreed to, and should not agree to, anything until we have public input. That's why we look forward to the Speaker's upcoming statewide listening sessions .” The first listening session will take place today, Jan. 25, at 6 p.m. in the Simmons Auditorium at the Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business in Pittsburgh. Read more

 

Winter 2023 Newslettter

(Jan 20, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

Winter 2023 Newsletter Read more

 

Cephas to join forces with Speaker Rozzi as part of a special workgroup aimed at moving Pennsylvania forward

(Jan 13, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

Harrisburg, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today released the following statement after the announcement made by House Speaker Mark Rozzi that she has been selected to team up with a special workgroup that will work hand-in-hand with Rozzi to find bipartisan agreement to end the gridlock in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives: “I’m truly honored to be part of this special group. I will be teaming up with my colleagues to work in a bipartisan manner for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians across the state. “Our main priority must be to provide justice to survivors of childhood sexual abuse; we cannot keep delaying fairness to the victims in the name of partisan politics. I look forward to working with the Speaker and my colleagues from both sides of the isle to reach a resolution that honors the struggles victims have suffered for years.” The following members of the House have been selected for the Speaker’s Workgroup to Move Pennsylvania Forward: Rep. Paul Schemel, R-Franklin Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-Allegheny/Washington Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh Rep. Valorie Gaydos, R-Allegheny Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery The workgroup will organize on Tuesday, Jan. 17, and will meet regularly until a path forward is reached. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation salutes Mayor Kenney’s critical priorities for the city as his mandate comes to an end this year

(Jan 11, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 11 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their endorsement for Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s core priorities in his final year as mayor. The delegation also highlighted their concerns and hopes for the city. “The plan introduced today by Mayor Kenney gave us optimism. I’m pleased to see that reducing gun violence and strengthening public safety are an important part of this agenda. I also laud the commitment to diversity, to improving access to quality education and to expanding affordable housing” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas. “These goals might not be entirely achieved by the end of the year, but we are going in the right direction, there’s a strong approach from the administration to address the major issues affecting our city”, Cephas said. The mayor’s goals are explained in a report titled “Equity and Opportunity for All: Moving Philadelphia Forward.” In it, Kenney revealed four critical focus areas of the administration in an effort to guarantee Philadelphia’s immediate and long-term future success. The mayor promised to reinforce his commitment to enhancing public safety, improve quality of life and build thriving neighborhoods. His other goal will be investing in Philadelphia’s youth. Driving inclusive growth and economic opportunity while building a thriving Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation announces $7 million awarded to the city to improve traffic safety

(Jan 04, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 4 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced that $7 million in grants has been awarded to the city. The funds, distributed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, are aimed to improve safety at signalized intersections by providing automated enforcement at locations where data shows red-light running has been a concern. The funds will be used for the following four programs: Citywide Intersection Modifications, Modern Roundabouts, Bike Network Curb Separation and Citywide Traffic Calming. “These state grants are a wise investment and essential to improving traffic safety in the city. This money will make our communities safer for drivers and pedestrians alike by preventing fatalities and improving the flow of traffic. It is always rewarding to see that our critical priorities are getting addressed, and that our voices are being heard,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation. “We adamantly support these programs; and we must foster equity and inclusion in order to help improve the safety and quality of life in underserved communities of color. This is only part of our ongoing and integral effort to uplift traditionally disenfranchised and ignored areas of Philly. “Another aspect that we need to highlight is that the Automated Red-Light Enforcement funding is generated by Philadelphia red-light violations. Read more

 

Cephas secures $500,000 safety grant for Overbrook High School following shooting

(Dec 27, 2022) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

Harrisburg, Dec. 27 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today announced that she helped secure $500,000 in state funding, awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, for Overbrook High School. $500,000 to Overbrook High School is allocated to help the school to make security upgrades and improve safety and communications technology. “In light of recent shootings impacting schools in our area, it is critical we focus on the safety of our students. I’m glad that we were able to work together to identify and prioritize school safety needs for Overbook and that we were able to bring these much-needed funds down from the state to clear the way for improved safety in and around the school.” Cephas said. “There is no one answer to the gun violence threatening the lives of our youth, but collaboration amongst stakeholders is one sure way to help get resources to the places they are needed the most. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation unveils three new subcommittees

(Dec 21, 2022) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 21 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced the launch of a new subcommittee structure aimed to amplify the efforts and mission of the delegation in three specific areas of work. The delegation now includes as part of its components The Philadelphia House Delegation Labor Subcommittee, the Philadelphia House Delegation Policy Subcommittee and the Philadelphia House Delegation Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee. Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas explains that the organization is experiencing a crucial reform that will translate to a boost across a broad spectrum of focus areas of their work. “We are all very excited and looking forward to the agendas of these subcommittees. It has never been more urgent to fulfill our mission as a delegation, as the voice of Philadelphia in the House,” Cephas said. “I must highlight that these groups are strategically led by an impeccable team of lawmakers who have made great strides in each of these territories.” Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler and Rep.-elect Roni Green have been designated chair and vice chair, respectively, of the Philadelphia House Delegation Labor Subcommittee. This group will evaluate legislation related to unions, the right to form a union, worker power, union membership and other matters relating to organized labor in the commonwealth. Fiedler has been a champion for labor Read more

 

Summer 2021 Newsletter

(Dec 16, 2022) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

This year is unlike any year before. We are steadily recovering from a public health crisis and an economic crisis stemming from the pandemic. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation welcomes $54 million awarded to the city for bolstering law enforcement and services

(Dec 14, 2022) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 14 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced that $54,293,730 has been awarded to the city in grants. The funds, approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, are destined to enhance law enforcement, gun violence investigation and prosecution, services offered to victims of crime and more. The grants are: Criminal Justice Advisory Committee Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds - Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program Philadelphia City Treasurer, PPD Local Law Enforcement Support Grant, $ 25 million. Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds - Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution Grant Program Philadelphia City Treasurer, Phila. DAO Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution, $20 million. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, SEPTA ZeroEyes Technology Pilot Project, $4,993,639. State Funds - Women’s Reentry Services Initiative Maternity Care Coalition, MOMobile Rapid Engagement, $82,352. Prevention Point Philadelphia Inc., Trauma-Informed Wholistic Reentry Program for Women, $99,998. Why Not Prosper Inc., The Why Not Prosper Women's Reentry Program, $100,000. Children's Advocacy Center Advisory Committee State Children's Advocacy Center Funds Philadelphia Children's Alliance, PCA Program Maintenance and Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises the release of Brittney Griner from Russian prison

(Dec 08, 2022) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 8 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, Chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, today released the following statement on the announcement that American basketball player Brittney Griner has been freed from a Russian prison. “The Philadelphia House Delegation is proud to join in welcoming Brittney Griner home from nine months of illegal and unjust detention in Russia. “The use of innocent people as political pawns by authoritarian governments is abjectly wrong and goes against everything we believe in as Americans. “I applaud President Biden and his administration for their diligent work on Brittney Griner’s behalf. We look forward to the approximately 50 other Americans, including Paul Whelan and others who are being unjustly detained overseas, to be released so they can come home to their loving families once and for all.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation expresses condolences after passing of Milton Street

(Nov 28, 2022) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 28 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today released the following statement regarding the passing of former state Sen. Milton Street. “We are deeply saddened by the death of Senator Milton Street, brother of former Philadelphia Mayor John Street and uncle to current state Sen. Sharif Street. Street always showcased an unwavering passion to serve our community, leaving behind a trail of countless contributions to our city. “Leadership and kindness were two of the main traits of former Sen. Street, who also was a tireless activist for the underprivileged. “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, colleagues and friends. May his legacy be an inspiration for future generations.” Read more

 

Philadelphia Delegation joined forces with Philabundance for day of service and solidarity

(Nov 23, 2022) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 23 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, and a group of delegation members joined Philabundance Tuesday morning for a day of service and solidarity. The lawmakers helped pack boxes that will be provided to families for Thanksgiving. Cephas said their work at the food bank reaffirmed the commitment of the delegation to ensuring that unserved and underserved families in the city have access to food to celebrate the upcoming holidays. “Our delegation firmly believes that working together makes us stronger, and that aside from advancing important legislation in Harrisburg, it is crucial for us to work alongside residents and local organizations to support our community. “Philabundance has been doing amazing work in our community, and that is why we did not hesitate to join them today when Loree Jones, CEO of Philabundance, extended the invitation. Our delegation will continue partnering with institutions that can help us secure the welfare of our city,” Cephas said. Loree Jones said that the team at Philabundance is grateful to have the support of incredible donors and volunteers. "With over 550,000 people struggling to put food on their table we are working harder than ever to be able to do our part to meet the need.” “To have the support of our legislators will help us not only relieve hunger today but - as we Read more

 

Cephas Working to Ensure Basic Needs are Met
Mar 22, 2023

The Philly region has a lot more power in Harrisburg now that Dems control the House. Here’s why.
Mar 22, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation appraises impact of Shapiro budget plan on city
Mar 17, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation praises Shapiro’s budget priorities
Mar 09, 2023

New hope for Philly Dems and wary GOP optimism: Shapiro’s budget a rare sign of unity in Harrisburg
Mar 08, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates the election of McClinton as new House Speaker
Feb 28, 2023

Cephas welcomes food service funding for Philadelphia schools
Feb 23, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds court ruling for fair school funding
Feb 09, 2023

House Democratic Members of Speaker's Workgroup Issue Statement on Efforts to End House Gridlock
Jan 25, 2023

Winter 2023 Newslettter
Jan 20, 2023

Cephas to join forces with Speaker Rozzi as part of a special workgroup aimed at moving Pennsylvania forward
Jan 13, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation salutes Mayor Kenney’s critical priorities for the city as his mandate comes to an end this year
Jan 11, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation announces $7 million awarded to the city to improve traffic safety
Jan 04, 2023

Cephas secures $500,000 safety grant for Overbrook High School following shooting
Dec 27, 2022

Philadelphia House Delegation unveils three new subcommittees
Dec 21, 2022

Summer 2021 Newsletter
Dec 16, 2022

Philadelphia House Delegation welcomes $54 million awarded to the city for bolstering law enforcement and services
Dec 14, 2022

Philadelphia House Delegation praises the release of Brittney Griner from Russian prison
Dec 08, 2022

Philadelphia House Delegation expresses condolences after passing of Milton Street
Nov 28, 2022

Philadelphia Delegation joined forces with Philabundance for day of service and solidarity
Nov 23, 2022