“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
State Rep. Morgan Cephas announced she is closing her district office starting Wednesday, Nov. 18 until further notice following the city’s most recent guidelines announced i n response to the record number of reported COVID-19 cases. "The health and well-being of my neighbors is my top priority right now, especially as we see a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases across the city and state," said Cephas, D-Phila. "Closing my office to foot traffic is not ideal but is what's needed to help flatten the curve, stop the spread, prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed and, ultimately, save lives." Cephas said her office will still be open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. by appointment only for document drop-off and pick-up. She added that her office staff will still be assisting constituents with state-related matters by: Phone: (215) 879-6625. Email: RepCephas@pahouse.net . Social media: facebook.com/RepCephas and @RepCephas . Read more
In response to rising COVID-19 cases in Philadelphia, the City and Department of Public Health have announced changes to restrictions on businesses, events and gatherings, and other activities to help flatten the epidemic curve, prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed, and reduce the number of COVID-19 deaths. Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., will soon introduce legislation that would require police departments across the commonwealth to establish Behavioral Health Crisis Response Units that could respond to emergency calls in lieu of or as a complement to law enforcement when the nature of the call is related to a behavioral health issue. Read more
In their ongoing efforts to eliminate obstacles and create higher education opportunities to those who need them most, state Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., and Jason Ortitay, R-Allegheny/Washington, today introduced legislation to “ban-the-box” on applications for public colleges and universities. “How do we expect those who paid their debt to society to move forward and better themselves if we allow their criminal past to dictate their future? This reality is especially true in our Black and brown communities,” Cephas said. “Banning the box adds to my fight for real criminal justice reform. It would encourage not discourage formerly incarcerated individuals from wanting to go to college, earn a degree, and enter the workforce with the skills they need to land a good-paying job to support themselves and their family, while significantly decreasing their chances of recidivism.” During a virtual news conference, Cephas and Ortitay discussed their bipartisan effort (H.B. 2952) that would prevent public colleges or universities in Pennsylvania from inquiring about a student's criminal history, with the exception of certain criminal offenses, on the initial applications or at any other time during the admissions process. Under their legislation, after a student has been accepted, the university may make such inquiries for the purpose of offering supportive counseling and services, Read more
With Philadelphia's homicide rate already surpassing the numbers from 2019, state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Donna Bullock are fighting to provide critical support for gun violence prevention. "Too many lives are being cut short because of this public health crisis, especially our young people," said Cephas, D-Phila. "We have a responsibility as legislators to connect our communities with the tools and resources they need to help stop the bloodshed. Part of that is expanding upon prevention ideas that have worked in strengthening neighborhood safety." Cephas said their bill ( H.B. 2717 ) would create a competitive grant program, known as the Violence Intervention Program, for municipalities that have been disproportionally impacted by gun violence. VIP grants would be awarded to eligible applicants from a fund of $30 million for three years and be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to support, expand and replicate proven and effective community-based violence reduction initiatives. "Balloons and candles should signify a joyous occasion, but in my neighborhood, they are symbols of remembrance for the lives lost to gun violence," said Bullock, D-Phila. "As a mother of two young boys, I won't sit back and accept these constant shootings as the Read more
Check out my latest update for information about how COVID-19 cancelled legislative session and to ensure your mail-in ballot is counted. Read more
With a clear understanding of the importance of being counted, state Rep. Morgan Cephas is ramping up her efforts to improve Philadelphia's response rate to the 2020 Census. "With Philadelphia's response rate hovering just above 55%, we must act now to sound the alarm to our neighbors about not only filling out the census but making sure they understand why being counted is so critical to the 192nd Legislative District and the city of Philadelphia," explained Cephas, D-Phila. "This is about securing federal funds and investing in our priorities, like education, health care and assistance programs, while ensuring our neighborhoods are represented fairly in Harrisburg and Washington." Cephas teamed up with state Sen. Vincent Hughes and city Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. along with Philly Counts and the U.S. Census Bureau this past Saturday at Overbrook Plaza to assist people in completing the 2020 Census. "We must work together on all levels of government to capitalize on this opportunity to strengthen our communities, move our neighborhoods forward and put people first because this chance won't come for another 10 years," said Cephas. Cephas added this event would not have been possible without: Absalom Jones Foundation: donated masks to distribute. SHARE Food Program and Overbrook West Neighbors, Hestonville Civic Association: handed out 250 boxes food. Shred Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 28 – Days after a Kentucky grand jury’s failure to indict one of the three police officers involved in the shooting death of Breonna Taylor on charges related to her killing, state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, along with PLBC members, said the decision is a grim reminder of how Black lives — more specifically Black women’s lives — are devalued. However, in the spirit of the esteemed PLBC’s core mission of dismantling systemic racism across the commonwealth, the caucus of legislators collectively vowed to use this pain to fuel their ongoing fight for racial justice and meaningful police reform. Kinsey, D-Phila., a father of four Black daughters, expressed that he is especially saddened. He also dissipated the attempts to vilify her memory by reflecting on Breonna’s life and her dedication to public service as a first responder on the frontlines of this pandemic. “I am a father of four Black daughters and my heart is breaking for Breonna and her family as she reflects my own girls. I see their brilliance, their strengths, and their vulnerabilities. It pains me to know that Black girls and women are denied protection and the privilege of being viewed as whole,” the chairman said. “I want to buck that narrative: Breonna was a caring young woman who had a bright future. She effortlessly juggled enjoying life and a Read more
With Philadelphia reporting a low response rate, state Rep. Morgan Cephas is hosting another free event to help her neighbors complete the 2020 Census ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 22 outside her district office at 5921 Lancaster Ave in Philadelphia. "This opportunity only comes once every 10 years and time is running out for people to make sure they are counted," said Cephas, D-Phila. "At last check, Philadelphia's census response rate was around 55%, which is well less than Pennsylvania's rate of approximately 68%. I'm holding these free, accessible events to not only help my constituents fill out the form but educate them on what's at stake for every person that does not participate." Cephas applauded the more than 80 individuals who came out to Carroll Park to be counted this past Saturday for a similar census event she put together with state Sen. Vincent Hughes and Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. "When everyone is counted, we all benefit," Cephas explained. "I am proud to team up with community leaders on the federal, state and local levels to make sure Pennsylvanians don't miss out on our fair share of federal dollars to invest in schools, roads, health care, food security and assistance programs that so many families Read more
State Reps. Morgan Cephas, Tina Davis and Mike Jones introduced bipartisan legislation today aimed at restoring dignity for incarcerated women across the commonwealth. “Everyone has rights, and this legislation is meant to strengthen the safety precautions and supports that the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections already has for incarcerated individuals by making sure these policies stay in place for years to come,” said Cephas, D-Phila. “While we continue the conversation and action around criminal justice reform, we must remember our women and girls within the system. Many of our incarcerated individuals are mothers or expectant mothers who are the primary providers for their family. Restoring their dignity means ensuring they have the resources they need to take care of themselves, rehabilitate and get back to their loved ones. This bipartisan effort to protect lives is one we all should agree on.” The legislation ( H.B. 2875 ) would: Update current restraint laws to better document restraint use and protect the mental and physical wellbeing of pregnant women and their children. Prohibit restrictive housing for pregnant or postpartum women and detainees. Require all correctional institution employees who have contact with pregnant, incarcerated individuals to undergo comprehensive, professional training related to pregnancy, post-partum, and trauma-informed care. Create an Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas discussed her fight to pass Safe At Home legislation to protect homeowners, renters and small mom and pop landlords on CBS 21's Face the State. Read more
As House Democrats fight to pass their Safe at Home legislation to help protect homeowners, renters and small "mom and pop" landlords, court officials in Philadelphia have put a hold on residential evictions in the city until Sept. 23. Read more
State Reps. Morgan Cephas and Mary Jo Daley announced today that a $23,518 grant is going to help Saint Joseph's University reduce underage and reckless drinking. "Just like in our efforts to shut down stop-and-gos, curbing underage and reckless drinking can save lives and rid our neighborhoods of the violence that can come with it," said Cephas, D-Phila. "I will keep fighting to secure critical resources like this, which invest in educating our young people about the real-life risks of abusing alcohol and the need to set a responsible example for this generation and generations to come." The state funding is part of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's 2020-22 Alcohol Education Grant Program and, according to Cephas, will go toward a number of prevention initiatives, including: Social norms campaign. EVERFI AlcoholEdu. e-CHUG. e-TIPS University. PLCB conference. Safety App. "While it's inevitable that young adults in college test newly discovered freedoms, there are ways to do it safely, and programs like these at St. Joseph's help educate students to be more responsible in their actions," said Daley, D-Montgomery, who added that Plymouth Township Police Department and the CTC Wellness Foundation in Conshohocken each received $40,000 in PLCB grants Read more
In her ongoing efforts to ensure everyone in her communities is counted, state Rep. Morgan Cephas on Tuesday helped local residents complete the 2020 Census ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline. "It's not just about showing people how to fill out the form but also educating them about what's at stake if they don't," said Cephas, D-Phila. "Census data is used to decide how billions in federal dollars are spent each year and, for every person who isn't counted, Pennsylvania stands to lose about $2,000 per person, per year. These are critical funds to invest in improving schools, roads, health care, food security and other assistance programs and services that so many of our most vulnerable neighbors rely on to live." According to Cephas, individuals came out to her West Philadelphia office to fill out their census form and get their questions answered, as well as receive free masks, hand sanitizer and important information about state-related programs. "This opportunity only comes once every 10 years and participation is paramount," explained Cephas. "At last check, the census response rate for our section of Philadelphia was just over 45%, which is extremely low. We must do better to ensure the 192nd Legislative District doesn't miss out on its fair share of resources that our communities need and deserve Read more
The House Democratic Housing Working Group announced a package of bills to protect people across Pennsylvania as the state’s moratorium on evictions and foreclosures expires Read more
As Pennsylvania gears up to head to the polls, state Rep. Morgan Cephas hosted a virtual town hall Tuesday to connect her neighbors with information they needed to prepare for the upcoming general election. "Whether voting by mail or in person, I am encouraging everyone to devise their voting plan now to ensure they can cast their ballot safely and securely without worry," said Cephas, D-Phila. "We must come together and overcome attempts of voter suppression and reinforce how critical casting a ballot is in November to shaping the future of our city, state and country." As part of her Making Your Voice Count series, Cephas teamed up with Philadelphia City Commissioner Omar Sabir along with Philadelphia Local BMC 7048 to discuss mail-in voting, the critical role the United State Postal Service is playing and ways to get more young people involved in the election process. The U.S. Census Bureau also participated to remind individuals about the importance of taking part in the 2020 Census. "There is certainly more than one way to make your voice heard and that includes being counted," Cephas explained. "Right now, Philadelphia's response rate to the 2020 Census is hovering just over 50%, which is lower than Pennsylvania's overall rate of around 67%. It's crucial we increase this number to help ensure our communities don't miss out on our fair share of federal funding." Read more
The Police Reform Working Group, a collection of local and state elected officials and advocates, issued the following statement in response to a Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee hearing on law enforcement interactions with the community:“We appreciate the House Republican Policy Committee shining a light on how law enforcement interacts with communities around the state. This is a necessary discussion that is long overdue and it’s encouraging to hear presenters today acknowledge that police reform is necessary. Read more
Ahead of the upcoming school year, state Rep. Morgan Cephas announced today $98,009 in grant funding is going to help West Philadelphia Achievement Charter Elementary School improve educational services for its students during the COVID-19 pandemic. "As the new school year approaches, the priority must be to ensure our young people have a safe learning environment," said Cephas, D-Phila. "This funding goes toward our ongoing efforts to provide schools with the tools they need to adapt to these unprecedented times and overcome educational challenges brought on by the coronavirus." According to Cephas, the state resources are part of Governor's Emergency Education Relief Funds aimed at helping education agencies, including school districts throughout the state, that are designated for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of GEER Funds. Under ESSA, states develop plans to designate schools for support based on student groups in key areas, including academic achievement, graduation rate and regular attendance. Student groups include race, economically disadvantaged, English language learners and students with disabilities. Grants were calculated based on elements of the federal Read more
Check out my latest update for information about Access Centers that will be available for students during digital learning, voting by mail and how much more time you have to respond to the 2020 Census. Read more
Check out my latest update to read about how you can help us address the housing crisis, COVID-19 relief that's available for small businesses and much more. Read more
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