Pennsylvania House Labor & Industry votes on paid leave legislation

(Jun 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 6 – During a voting meeting Tuesday, the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee reported two pieces of legislation, HB181 and SB226 , out of committee and to the House floor. The House bill would establish the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program and the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund in Pennsylvania. The bill also would establish the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Advisory Board to provide a public education campaign and assist the Department of Labor and Industry with the implementation of the act. “Paid leave means a stronger Pennsylvania. Forcing people to make the impossible choice between work and family is not only harmful to Pennsylvanians, but it also hurts our state economy,” said Rep. Jason Dawkins, chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. “Passing this legislation and establishing a paid family and medical leave program is beneficial to families and the economy because people with peace of mind are better able to focus on the task at hand, both at home and at work.” The Senate bill would amend the Fire and Panic Act to allow Department of Human Services licensed family child-care homes until Sept. 6 or the expiration of their current license to comply with the Fire and Panic Act. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House Labor & Industry votes on worker focused legislation

(May 23, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 23 – During a voting meeting Tuesday, the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee reported two pieces of legislation, HB967 and HR60 , out of committee and to the House floor. The bill would increase protections for hotel employees by requiring hotel employers provide devices which serve as “panic buttons” for employees working alone servicing guestrooms. “The hotel and hospitality industry experiences some of the highest rates of workplace sexual assault and harassment. Due to the isolated nature of the work, certain guests feel empowered to take advantage of the unequal power imbalance and act in crude and criminal ways,” Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., majority chair of the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee, said. “And we have duty to those hospitality workers to take this issue head on and legislate the protections they need and deserve. Hospitality workers should be able to feel secure and protected in their working environment.” The resolution would designate June 5 through June 9, 2023, as “Union Organizing Week” to honor the workers who fought for their right to organize and bargain collectively at the workplace. “We are fighting for the working people of Pennsylvania in this committee,” Dawkins said. “And we will continue to celebrate working people while I’m majority Read more

 

Critics call for greater accountability in aftermath of allegations that Franklin Towne fixed its lottery

(May 09, 2023)

“As taxpayers, we should not be funding schools that engage in such practices,” Dawkins said in a statement. “If found guilty, they should face severe penalties. We must hold our schools accountable for providing equal opportunities for all students.” Read more

 

Dawkins releases statement on Franklin Towne Charter school lottery fixing

(May 08, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, May 8 – State Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., said he is deeply concerned following reports that Franklin Towne Charter High School in Bridesburg had manipulated its lottery to deny acceptance to students based on ZIP code or history of academic or behavioral issues. “This is unacceptable. This discriminatory act is a violation of Pennsylvania law and denies children their right to a fair education,” Dawkins said. “As taxpayers, we should not be funding schools that engage in such practices.” The school is currently being investigated after a top administrator at the school alleged that the lottery was fixed. “If found guilty, they should face severe penalties. We must hold our schools accountable for providing equal opportunities for all students” he said. “It’s unacceptable that Franklin Towne Charter High School may have discriminated against students based on their ZIP codes during their admission lottery.” The Philadelphia Inquirer obtained data showing that 17 ZIP codes with 110 combined applicants had none selected, while 205 students were chosen from ZIP codes that had 702 total applicants. Dawkins said this raises serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of the lottery process. “Furthermore, reports of the school board's alleged favoritism towards former CEO Joe Venditti and the mistreatment of Read more

 

On a needle’s edge

(May 08, 2023)

Safe injections sites — otherwise known as supervised injection facilities or overdose prevention sites — are a hot-button issue that produce strong opinions and reactions. That is just the nature of trying to tackle a complex and complicated issue that doesn’t have an easy answer. What’s not an answer is outright banning them, as lawmakers in the Pennsylvania Senate are proposing to do with SB165 . We should debate the efficacy, the positives and the negatives. An outright no helps no one. Let’s first talk about what safe injections sites do. The sites allow people struggling with addiction to use their drugs under the supervision of medical professionals. The drugs are not provided, nor are they purchased on location. Medical professionals that assist use it as an opportunity to expose users to recovery options they may not have had or known about. Supervised injections have been practiced in Europe, Australia and Canada for some time now. New York opened two sites in Manhattan in 2021. Here in Philadelphia, as we work to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic, the idea has picked up steam. Proponents of safe injection sites highlight the benefits, which include reducing the number of overdose deaths, providing access to healthcare and support services to people with substance use disorders — who are often some of society’s most vulnerable populations — and reducing the spread of diseases like Read more

 

Fiedler, Pisciottano Right to Organize legislation passes House

(May 03, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 3 – Today, H.B. 950 , introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, which would enshrine Pennsylvania workers’ right to organize in the state constitution passed the Pennsylvania House and now heads to the PA Senate for consideration. Currently, the Pennsylvania Constitution does not guarantee workers the right to organize and collectively bargain. This legislation proposes to amend Article I of the Pennsylvania Constitution to enshrine these rights for all workers in Pennsylvania. Additionally, the bill would prohibit any other laws that interfere with or diminish collective bargaining rights. Fiedler said that the passage of H.B. 950 by the House is a step in the right direction for Pennsylvania workers and expressed gratitude to her House colleagues who voted for the bill. “Workers fuel our economy. They are the mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles of our commonwealth. Workers deserve to be treated with respect and that’s exactly the goal of this legislation,” Fiedler said. “I am grateful to all my colleagues in the House who voted for the bill, and I now call on the Senate to show their support for Pennsylvania’s workers and move this amendment forward.” Pisciottano said it’s important everything possible be done to protect and support workers’ right to organize. Read more

 

Pa. House passes bills strengthening worker protections

(May 03, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 3 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed five pieces of legislation this week that will strengthen worker protections and make the state a safer place to work. “It is time we put working families first. These bills we passed — with bipartisan support, I might add — are a step in that direction,” said House Labor and Industry Committee Majority Chairman Jason Dawkins, D-Phila. “For far too long, the Labor and Industry Committee was concerned with corporate interests and putting employers over employees. And for as long as I am chair of this committee, legislation that benefits workers and invests in good jobs and working families will be a priority.” The Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee reported all five bills out of committee before they were approved by the full House. The legislation is as follows below: H.B. 299 ; which would create the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act to establish workplace safety standards for public sector employees that are consistent with federal OSHA requirements. H.B. 413 ; which would increase specifications for classifying employees as independent contractors in the construction industry. H.B. 760 ; which would allow workers' compensation claimants to receive benefits via direct deposit. H.B. 930 ; which would ensure that Read more

 

Pa. House panel approves bills to expand worker protections

(Apr 25, 2023)

At the meeting’s start, Mr. Dawkins said the committee will give priority to bills that safeguard the rights, health and safety of workers. He said enacting a $15-an-hour minimum hourly wage is part of that agenda. Read more

 

Workforce Development, Infrastructure, and Housing Funding Opportunities

(Apr 13, 2023)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: DEI in the Building and Construction Trades Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Organizations that serve as sponsors or intermediaries of Registered Apprenticeship and/or Pre-Apprenticeship in the building and construction trades. Use : To develop diverse talent pipelines and reach underrepresented populations within the building and construction trades. Funds : $1 million in total program funding. Application Deadline : April 26, 2023 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT): Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Program (Funding Source: State, Federal, & Private Funding) Who May Apply : Private companies. Use : To develop innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : April 30, 2023 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/ProjectAndPrograms/p3forpa/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Youth Reentry Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Read more

 

Dawkins named Labor and Industry Committee chairman

(Mar 10, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 10 – State Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., said he is honored and grateful to accept the position of chair of the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee. With the chairmanship comes responsibility for setting the committee’s schedule and choosing what legislation the committee will consider. “As chairman, I am ready to get busy doing the people’s business,” Dawkins said. “We will fight for workers’ rights and consider legislation that ensures the workers of Pennsylvania get the compensation, benefits and protections they are entitled to and deserve.” The Labor and Industry Committee’s role is to review legislation that tackles issues such as the state’s minimum wage, unemployment benefits and compensation, construction codes and workplace health and safety. The committee oversees the Department of Labor and Industry, State Civil Service Commission, Labor Relations Board, Unemployment Compensation Appeals Board of Review, Industrial Board, Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board and the Office for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired. Democratic members of the Labor and Industry Committee are Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.; David Delloso, D-Delaware; Kyle Donahue, D-Lackawanna; Roni Green, D-Phila.; Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna; Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny; Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh; Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware; Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny; Mark Rozzi, D-Berks; and Regina Read more

 

Dawkins applauds $500K grant for Frankford Community Development Corp.

(Dec 20, 2022)

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 20 – State Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., applauded today Gov. Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s decision to award $500,000 through the Keystone Communities Program to the Frankford Community Development Corporation for site preparation activities at 5113-17, 5119 and 5129-35 Frankford Ave. Grant funds through the Keystone Communities Program are designed to foster relationships between the public and private sectors that work to support local initiatives that grow and support neighborhoods and communities. “The Frankford Community Development Corporation is a great partner to the residents of the district,” Dawkins said. “These mixed-use developments will go a long way toward promoting and improving quality of life in the district. I’m glad to see the state investing in our community in this way.” Read more

 

Dawkins Expresses Concern and Disappointment over Krasner Impeachment

(Nov 18, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Jason Dawkins points out that DA Larry Krasner was twice elected by the people of Philadelphia to serve as their District Attorney and says these efforts go against the will and votes of the people he represents. Read more

 

Philadelphia Commissioners find over 3,400 flawed mail/absentee ballots

(Nov 07, 2022)

This weekend, the Philadelphia Commissioners announced that they’ve found over 3,400 mail-in and absentee ballots that are either missing the secrecy envelope, missing a signature, missing a date, or have a potentially incorrect date on the return envelope. The commissioners have provided a list of voters who returned ballots that may not be able to be counted for the above reasons. You can view the list at the links below: No signature No date Potentially incorrect date Not enclosed in a secrecy envelope The city commissioners strongly advise that if you see your name on one of these lists, you request a replacement ballot at the County Board of Elections office in City Hall Room 140 on Monday, November 7th from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; or on Election Day from 7:30 am – 7:30 pm to avoid the potential rejection of their ballot. Voters unable to travel to the Board’s office due to a disability may authorize a designated agent to pick up a replacement ballot and/or return a completed ballot using the Designated Agent Form . For the full press release from the city commissioners, click here . Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, and you can find your polling place here . Read more

 

Dawkins announces additional $1.5 million in funding for local project

(Nov 01, 2022)

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., announced today that an additional $1.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant funds will be going to Frankford Community Development Corporation for Frankford Transportation Center - Transit Oriented Development. This project will be a mixed-use development located at 5129-35 Frankford Ave., 5119 Frankford Ave. and 5113-17 Frankford Ave., and will consist of a supermarket, a municipal health center and mixed income housing. “I am pleased to see the state continue to invest money into our community and to assist the amazing people at the Frankford CDC with their ongoing work on this project,” Dawkins said. “I believe they have an immense positive impact on the area.” SEPTA has also expressed interest in being included in future Transit Oriented Development. The funds will go toward construction. Read more

 

Dawkins condemns GOP for hypocrisy in Philly DA probe

(Oct 27, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – State Rep. Jason Dawkins, chairman of the House Democratic Philadelphia Delegation, responded to the House Republican Caucus’ announcement that they intend to draft and run legislation to impeach Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. House Republicans announced their intent for impeachment during a news conference in the Capitol Complex on Wednesday. “This week’s news conference confirms the Republican obsession with District Attorney Larry Krasner,” Dawkins said. “I find it interesting that the Select Committee report, which was just released Monday, didn’t mention or recommend impeachment. But here we are, a few days later, hearing the Republican majority leader announce articles of impeachment without the participation of the Select Committee’s chairman from Chester and Lancaster counties. “We also heard that the Select Committee chairman was ‘blindsided’ by his party’s decision to move with impeachment. What is happening in the Republican caucus? The filing of articles of impeachment against the Philadelphia district attorney are nothing short of a wasteful sham, used to disenfranchise Philadelphia voters and spend taxpayer money that could be better used anywhere else. Appropriately timed less than two weeks before an election, it is political gamesmanship and frivolous, and played out at the expense of Philadelphians, whose will as voters has been Read more

 

Dawkins secures $500,000 for Frankford Affordable Living

(Oct 27, 2022)

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 27 – State Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., today announced that his community has been awarded $500,000 in state grant funding for reconstruction of 4363 Frankford Ave. in the city. “This is the kind of improvement we need to continue to breathe life into the community,” Dawkins said. “I will continue to do my part to bring the necessary resources and funds to support Philadelphia and Philadelphians.” The building at 4363 Frankford Ave. is an abandoned three-story brick structure, which will be redeveloped with new doors, windows, wall flooring, HVAC systems, insulation, security and roofing. Read more

 

Dawkins comments on dismissal of charges against former Philly police officer in 2017 killing of David Jones

(Oct 12, 2022)

Such a ruling by the judiciary undermines constituents’ faith in our system of government and results in them holding the perception that their votes are those of second-class citizens and will make no difference. Perceptions of this nature are dangerous as they undermine our democratic system, creating an endless cycle of hopelessness and fear of the authorities. Fear eliminates the belief that justice is blind and elicits a view that lady justice herself is willing to turn a blind eye to the plight of those seeking justice in particular zip codes. Read more

 

Have a Fire Safety Plan!

(Oct 06, 2022)

Fire Prevention Week + Fighting Hunger in Phila. Read more

 

Dawkins discusses GOP hypocrisy in Krasner impeachment probe

(Sep 26, 2022)

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 26 – Chairman Jason Dawkins of the Philadelphia Delegation of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives issued the following statement after meeting with Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner today in Center City. “Today’s meeting was about something the Republican Majority that has controlled state government for decades never did – get the facts and have an honest conversation,” Dawkins said. “Instead, the GOP has gone back to the same tired playbook - stirring fear in their base about the state’s largest city and biggest economic driver – combined with their newest obsession of overturning a free and fair election when the results don’t go their way. “If the Republican majority is so concerned with crime in Philadelphia, then why do they oppose funding for our children and why do they deny the city’s elected officials the right to write their own gun safety laws like banning assault weapons? “We’ll welcome them when they are ready to work toward real solutions that don’t involve using the victims of gun violence as political pawns.” According to Dawkins, the hyper partisan, so-called House Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order that is “investigating” Krasner is scheduled to meet in Philadelphia later this week. Read more

 

Dawkins applauds grants for Pre-K Counts and Head Start

(Aug 02, 2022)

State Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., applauded Gov. Tom Wolf today for maintaining his promise to invest in education in the commonwealth by awarding more than $384 million to Pre-K and Head Start Programs in Pennsylvania. The money allotted to these programs will deliver funding to two child learning centers in Dawkins’ legislative district. Amazing Kidz Academy LLC received $800,000 and Heavenly Daycare and Learning Center Inc. was awarded $200,000 to help more children receive quality education. The funding was made available through the PA Department of Education’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning and will open up 2,960 additional Pre-K Counts slots and provide Head Start with funding to cover the costs of operation. Dawkins said the funding for these programs will go a long way to help reduce quality-of-life issues that plague Philadelphia and the entire commonwealth. " Reducing gun violence, poverty and addiction in our communities begins with a good education before children even get into school, so I'm happy to see this funding for our local Pre-K schools and the opening of additional slots for Head Start through the School District of Philadelphia. The importance of early education is clear, and I appreciate Governor Wolf's administration investing in our children and families," Dawkins said. The funding will assist 37,213 children in accessing affordable Read more

 

Pennsylvania House Labor & Industry votes on paid leave legislation
Jun 06, 2023

Pennsylvania House Labor & Industry votes on worker focused legislation
May 23, 2023

Critics call for greater accountability in aftermath of allegations that Franklin Towne fixed its lottery
May 09, 2023

Dawkins releases statement on Franklin Towne Charter school lottery fixing
May 08, 2023

On a needle’s edge
May 08, 2023

Fiedler, Pisciottano Right to Organize legislation passes House
May 03, 2023

Pa. House passes bills strengthening worker protections
May 03, 2023

Pa. House panel approves bills to expand worker protections
Apr 25, 2023

Workforce Development, Infrastructure, and Housing Funding Opportunities
Apr 13, 2023

Dawkins named Labor and Industry Committee chairman
Mar 10, 2023

Dawkins applauds $500K grant for Frankford Community Development Corp.
Dec 20, 2022

Dawkins Expresses Concern and Disappointment over Krasner Impeachment
Nov 18, 2022

Philadelphia Commissioners find over 3,400 flawed mail/absentee ballots
Nov 07, 2022

Dawkins announces additional $1.5 million in funding for local project
Nov 01, 2022

Dawkins condemns GOP for hypocrisy in Philly DA probe
Oct 27, 2022

Dawkins secures $500,000 for Frankford Affordable Living
Oct 27, 2022

Dawkins comments on dismissal of charges against former Philly police officer in 2017 killing of David Jones
Oct 12, 2022

Have a Fire Safety Plan!
Oct 06, 2022

Dawkins discusses GOP hypocrisy in Krasner impeachment probe
Sep 26, 2022

Dawkins applauds grants for Pre-K Counts and Head Start
Aug 02, 2022