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Cephas excited for proposed investments in Shapiro budget

Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

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

(Oct 30, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

“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) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

“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) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

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) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

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) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

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) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

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) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

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) Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus

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) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

“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

 

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

(Oct 16, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

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

 

Cephas Presents Checks to Maternal Health Innovators

(Oct 16, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus Co-chair Rep. Morgan Cephas announces American Rescue Plan funding for Philly Joy Bank and BirthBridge Philly. The grants were awarded through a newly established Maternal Health Innovation Awards program. Cephas recognizes the need for organizations like these who are working to lower the alarmingly high maternal morbidity rates in Black and brown communities. Read more

 

Dignity for incarcerated women extended to juveniles

(Oct 09, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today said she is pleased to see legislation ( H.B. 1509 ) moving in the General Assembly that would build on current law to protect pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women to have it apply to incarcerated pregnant juveniles. Cephas was the sponsor of a new law (H.B. 900, now Act 47 of 2023) that created important protections for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, including restricting shackling and solitary confinement; providing trauma informed care training of corrections officers interacting with pregnant and postpartum women; and providing up to three days of post-delivery bonding time between a mother and newborn child, among other protections. She said the law was unintentionally silent on juveniles involved in the criminal justice system and is glad to see the provision clearly spelled out in H.B. 1509, as amended by the Senate. “For years, my colleagues and I have been fighting to get better prenatal, pregnancy and post-natal protections and support for incarcerated people in Pennsylvania as a matter of compassion and common decency,” Cephas said. “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.” Cephas is co-chair of the bicameral Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus and former co-chair and current Read more

 

Cephas introduces bill to increase pedestrian safety

(Oct 07, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. will soon introduce legislation that would create a statewide Hit-and-Run Advisory Alert system, to be known as “Jay Alerts.” The bill aims to reduce hit-and-run accidents and enhance the swift identification and apprehension of drivers who flee the scene of accidents resulting in serious bodily injury or death. Cephas said the inspiration for the legislation is a young constituent of hers who lost her life in 2016 in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia. “Jayanna Powell was only eight years old when she was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident while walking home from school. We named Jay Alerts in her honor, as this notification system could have led to a quicker capture of the driver who had a friend take his car to a body shop in an attempt to hide the nature of the damage. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds the work of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

Delegation Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said the delegation has been anxiously awaiting this report as its members deal with these complaints regularly. “Stop-and-gos have been a scourge on the quality-of-life in our city for years, spoiling commercial corridors and ruining residential neighborhoods. I’m thankful for the earnestly invested time and effort of this task force to tackling this problem and for their statewide vision in their report. I look forward to turning these recommendations into tangible legislation and working with all stakeholders to once and for all eliminate these nuisances from our communities.” Read more

 

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates progress on legislation

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 -- #MOMNIBUS update! Two of our MOMNIBUS bills were approved in the PA Senate Health and Human Services Committee today, putting them in position to be considered by the full Senate as early as next week! We’re so close to getting these important measures across the finish line! House Bill 1608 , introduced by PA Black Maternal Health Caucus co-chair Morgan Cephas , would extend Medicaid coverage to doula services while also creating a Doula Advisory Board. Under the bill, Medicaid would reimburse certified doulas for providing childbirth education and support services, including physical and emotional support, during pregnancy, labor and delivery and up to one year postpartum. House Bill 2127 , introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler , PA Black Maternal Health Caucus co-chair Gina H. Curry and state Rep. Lisa Borowski , would empower the Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign about the symptoms and effects of postpartum depression and DOH to centralize access to organizations that provide counseling for PPD on their website and on fact sheets available in doctor’s offices. The bills now go to the full Senate for consideration. Read more

 

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

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS 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 Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: November 5, 2024 More information: PennDOT website Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Who May Apply: Volunteer and career fire, EMS, and rescue companies in counties where unconventional gas well drilling is permitted and counties that directly border permitted counties and respond to related emergencies. Use: Funds may be used for certification, equipment, and Read more

 

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

(Sep 17, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program Who May Apply: All fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads Use: Eligible projects include but are not limited to facility renovations, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention. Funds: Awards may range from $2,500 to $20,000 for fire/rescue companies and $2,500 to $15,000 for EMS companies. Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 More information: OSFC Website Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, in providing SUD prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery support services, drop-in center services or relevant services and shall have the capacity to provide SUD drop-in center services to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent SUD. Use: DDAP will provide funds from the Opioid Settlement to drop-in centers or other human service organizations looking to expand their community-driven harm reduction support services to increase overdose prevention and linkage to SUD treatment and recovery support services. The goal is to provide hope, support, and resources to assist those on their road to recovery Funds: DDAP expects to award approximately 14 grants totaling $1,875,000 each. Application Read more

 

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

(Sep 11, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Funds: $20 million was allocated for this program in the 2024/25 budget. Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Program Who May Apply: Community-based organizations (i.e., active, registered 501(c)(3)s), institutions of higher education, municipalities, counties, and district attorneys. Use: Reducing community violence through, among other things, increasing access to support services and behavioral health, providing health services and intervention strategies, providing mentoring and other intervention models, and fostering and promoting communication between schools, the community, and law enforcement. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation announces school facilities improvement grants to clean up toxic schools

(Sep 09, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

Delegation Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. said the grants are long overdue to remediate Philadelphia’s aging school building infrastructure. “Toxic schools have been a crisis in our city for more than a generation. Our delegation has fought to make these funds available as part of our efforts to improve the education experience for our public school students, so we are very excited to finally see it come to fruition, thanks to the Shapiro administration and the advocacy of House Democrats,” Cephas said. “The School District of Philadelphia has some of the oldest school buildings in the state, many of which are over 100 years old and absent of modern services, materials, and resources. This is a down payment on providing an up-to-date, healthy and clean environment for all students, teachers and staff in our schools.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for additional state funding for public transit following SEPTA’s announced plan for fare adjustments

(Sep 05, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today called on state lawmakers to work in earnest this fall to shore up public transit systems across the state, especially in Philadelphia where SEPTA is facing a $240 million annual budget deficit and is planning to increase fares. SEPTA officials today announced a plan to increase fares on Dec. 1 and is planning a public hearing on the proposal for Oct. 16. “Today’s decision proves two facts: SEPTA is doing everything they can to prevent a true fare increase, and the PA Senate has to stop holding funding for transit systems hostage to political games,” said Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “We know this decision by SEPTA wasn’t made lightly. The Senate’s reckless refusal to accept the importance of public transit during this year’s budget negotiations is going to impact so many working people. “We’re ready to work with the Senate and all stakeholders to support not just SEPTA riders, but people in every county in Pennsylvania who count on transit to get to work, to school, to shop, to the doctor and more. It must be addressed now, before it is too late,” she said. In March, the delegation played an integral part in passing legislation that would provide recurring funds for public transportation in Pennsylvania. The measure would have significantly increased the transfer of revenue Read more

 

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

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 16, 2024

Cephas Presents Checks to Maternal Health Innovators
Oct 16, 2024

Dignity for incarcerated women extended to juveniles
Oct 09, 2024

Cephas introduces bill to increase pedestrian safety
Oct 07, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds the work of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force
Oct 02, 2024

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates progress on legislation
Oct 01, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 01, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 17, 2024

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 11, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation announces school facilities improvement grants to clean up toxic schools
Sep 09, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for additional state funding for public transit following SEPTA’s announced plan for fare adjustments
Sep 05, 2024