Bellmon and Solomon welcome funding to enhance safety along Castor Ave.

(Mar 26, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Reps. Anthony Bellmon and Jared Solomon, D-Phila., both reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing safety and economic growth along the Northeast business corridors by securing $1.3 million for the Castor Avenue Streetscape Project. The project will address major safety concerns along almost 2 miles of Castor Avenue from north of Oxford Circle to Cottman Avenue. The affected segment was included in the City of Philadelphia’s High Injury Network in the 2020 Vision Zero Action Plan. “The revitalization of the northeast business corridors has been an important priority of mine since I was elected,” Solomon said. “The implemented safety measures for the Castor Avenue Streetscape Project will not only decrease the number of accidents along one of our busiest corridors, but also provide an opportunity for small businesses to capitalize on increased foot traffic.” From 2018-22 there were 197 crashes along Castor Avenue, five of which were fatalities. “This $1.3 million investment in one of northeast Philadelphia’s most used business corridors will go a long way to making Castor Avenue a place where businesses can continue to thrive and both motorists and pedestrians alike can be safer,” Bellmon said. “I look forward to working with community members and local businesses on plans to improve the corridor to ensure this investment will benefit the entire community.“ Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation offers remarks on recent shootings

(Mar 07, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 7 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation expressed their concerns for their communities and sympathy for the victims and families affected by four separate shootings in the city on or near SEPTA buses over the course of four days from March 3-6. Many of the victims in these shootings were youth, including a student from Imhotep Charter High School, 1 7-year-old Dayemen Taylor , who was killed Monday, March 4 at Ogontz bus stop; and eight students from Northeast High School who were shot yesterday, March 6 near a SEPTA bus station at Rising Sun and Cottman avenues. “My heart aches in light of news of several youth-involved shootings across the city of Philadelphia over the last few days,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas. “My deepest condolences go out to the families and communities enduring unimaginable loss. Each young life taken represents a future unfulfilled, a potential that will never be realized. We must come together, not only to grieve, but to take immediate, collective action against the epidemic of gun violence tearing at the fabric of our city. Together, we can and must build a safer, more hopeful future for all our children.” State Rep. Anthony Bellmon issued the following remarks on the shooting that occurred yesterday on Rising Sun and Cottman avenues, which is in his legislative district, and the need to invest in Read more

 

Davis pushes proposed $100 million in funding to combat an ‘epidemic of gun violence’ in Pa.

(Feb 27, 2024)

Reps. Bellmon and Frankel spoke at a press conference with Lt. Governor Davis pushing for state budget funding to address gun violence. Read more

 

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Joins Gun Safety Advocates, Family Members of Gun Violence Victims to Call for Investment in State Office of Gun Violence Prevention

(Feb 27, 2024)

Reps. Bellmon and Frankel joined Lt. Governor Austin Davis and gun violence prevention advocates to call for investment in a state office of Gun Violence Prevention. Read more

 

Pa. lawmakers extend emergency declaration to keep fixing where I-95 collapsed

(Feb 27, 2024)

News story about Rep. Bellmon's concurrent resolution extending the emergency declaration to keep fixing the overpass in Northeast Philadelphia that collapsed in June 2023. Read more

 

Bellmon appointed to Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force

(Feb 23, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 23 – State Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., has been appointed to the Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force. Stop-and-Go establishments are convenience stores or delis that also sell beer and liquor. People who purchase the alcohol can consume it right outside of the establishment. This Task Force is comprised of members of the state House and Senate, an appointee of the governor and an ex-officio member of the PLCB, that is tasked with addressing issues around stop-and-go establishments in Philadelphia. “Stop-and-go stores have contributed to many problems in neighborhoods across Philadelphia, which is why we must provide better oversight for them,” Bellmon said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on this task force to address this issue and work to improve the quality of life of all Pennsylvanians.” Read more

 

I-95 disaster emergency proclamation extended until May

(Feb 07, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 7 – A concurrent resolution of the House and Senate, which extends the disaster emergency proclamation for the I-95 overpass in Philadelphia that collapsed in June 2023 until May 29 took effect today. The disaster declaration allows the state to continue to access emergency funding and follow streamlined rules for repair work. “Interstate 95 is a critical highway for not only Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, but the entire Northeast United States,” said Rep. Anthony Bellmon, who authored the most recent extension (H.R. 279). “It is important that we cut as much red tape as possible to let PennDOT finish the job of rebuilding the highway so it is safe to travel on for years to come.” Bellmon’s measure is the latest of several resolutions used to extend the governor’s original proclamation. The first extension was contained in S.R. 136, introduced by state Sen. Jimmy Dillion, D-Phila., which extended the proclamation until Nov. 1, 2023. That was followed by another extension (H.R. 197), offered by state Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., which extended the proclamation until the end of February 2024. The Senate adopted Bellmon’s resolution on Monday after the House approved it in December. Read more

 

Winter 2024 Newsletter

(Jan 31, 2024)

Recapping the summer and fall of 2023. Read more

 

PA House passes Isaacson bill to enhance protection for judges and judicial officers

(Dec 14, 2023)

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday passed state Rep. Mary Isaacson’s legislation to enhance protection for federal judges and judicial officers. This bill would prohibit disclosing the personally identifiable information of federal judges, judicial officers and their families when there is intent to cause harm or interrupt the person from carrying out their duties. “Threats and attempted violence against impartial judges not only cause harm to them but it damages our justice system and the foundations of our democracy,” Isaacson said. “We have seen varied threats against our democratic institutions too many times in recent years and we must protect judges to ensure that they can continue to uphold their duties both impartially and independently.” With this legislation, it would also be graded as a third-degree misdemeanor. "The justice system serves as a pillar of American Democracy. Threats and acts of violence against the judiciary branch affect each and everyone of us," state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, who helped author the bill, said. “As the number of threats against the judiciary continue to rise, we must ensure judges are protected from retaliation so that they can properly serve justice in our commonwealth." The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

House passes H.R. 279 to extend emergency disaster proclamation for I-95

(Dec 12, 2023)

Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 279 , authored by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., to further extend the emergency disaster proclamation for I-95 and allow work to rebuild the overpass that collapsed due to fire to continue. “The I-95 bridge collapse has had a major effect on Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the entire northeast United States,” Bellmon said. “We must extend the governor’s emergency declaration to ensure the bridge gets the proper reconstruction it needs so that we don’t witness another catastrophe happen to it, and so travelers can be safe driving on it.” Last June, a tanker truck carrying gasoline lost control as it attempted to exit the highway. It caught fire after the crash causing the north and southbound lanes of I-95 to require reconstruction for an undetermined amount of time. Gov. Josh Shapiro declared a disaster emergency proclamation on June 12, the day after the accident. The first extension was contained in S.R. 136, introduced by state Sen Jimmy Dillion, which extended the proclamation until Nov. 1. That was followed by another extension by offered by state Rep. Pat Gallagher, H.R. 197. The disaster declaration allows the state to continue to access emergency funding and follow streamlined rules for repair work. “I am thankful for my House and Senate colleagues for making the reconstruction of I-95 a priority this legislative session.” Said Read more

 

Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker names "intergovernmental roundtable"

(Dec 11, 2023)

Rep. Bellmon was appointed to serve on Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker's intergovernmental transition team. This team will help Parker address issues in Philadelphia before she takes office in January of 2024. Read more

 

Beautifying the Lawncrest grove and monuments

(Nov 09, 2023)

Rep. Bellmon and his office joined in cleaning up the Lawncrest grove and monuments in his legislative district. Read more

 

Safety, Housing, Environmental, and Redevelopment Funding Opportunities

(Sep 12, 2023)

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: COVID Mitigation for Counties Who May Apply : This funding is available to 66 Pennsylvania counties. Each county’s Criminal Justice Advisory Board will be responsible for coordinating the application for their county and local confinement facilities, as funding is limited to that purpose. Use : Per the requirements of the CDC’s award, this grant has 15 allowable activities which are designed to detect, diagnose, trace, and monitor SARS–CoV–2 and COVID–19 infections, and mitigate the spread of COVID–19 in confinement facilities. These activities include hiring personnel related to testing/mitigation efforts, purchasing laboratory equipment used for COVID-19 testing, purchasing supplies, test kits, and other tools related to rapid identification of COVID-19, contracting with testing agencies, purchasing software and technology to track COVID-19, and other related activities. Funds : A total of $9,624,626 is available to 66 counties. Application Deadline : September 19, 2023 More information : PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Medical Marijuana Act Enforcement Who May Apply : Eligibility for these funds is open to municipalities and regional police departments proposing to implement projects and programs Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application (09/05/2023)

(Sep 05, 2023)

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Regional Policing Assistance Program Who May Apply: Applicants for the Regional Policing Assistance Program may be any municipality – a city, borough, township, home-rule municipality, or county. Applicants may also be a public or quasi-public body, or its representative, duly authorized to act on behalf of one or more municipalities. All applications must be accompanied by fully executed Articles of Agreement or an Intergovernmental Agreement that establishes a Regional Police Department. Use: Funding will support efforts in establishing or expanding regional police departments that would improve the following: uniformity and consistency of enforcement across municipalities; recruitment; distribution and deployment of police personnel; training and personnel efficiency; career enhancement opportunities; enhanced professionalism; and reduction of costs. Funds: A total of approximately $1,000,000 in federal funds is being announced to support this initiative. Applicants may apply for up to $150,000 for the formation of a new regional police department or up to $50,000 for the expansion of an existing regional police department by adding a chartered municipality(ies). Application Deadline: September 6, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Legal Standing Video Read more

 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

(Aug 22, 2023)

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development: Keystone Communities Program Who May Apply : Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofit organizations to include economic development organizations, housing corporations, etc., community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use : Multiple uses, including: Planning grants (address a particular need or circumstance within a community, undertake a study relevant to an identified need, or study the results of implementing a specific activity) Implementation grants (assist designated KC program communities in implementing critical components of their approved Five-Year Strategy) Façade grants (to stimulate private investment in properties, foster an attractive environment, and preserve the architectural heritage of properties and communities. The grant funds may be used for primary street-facing, exterior building improvements in a defined target area of a downtown or neighborhood such as storefront signs, exterior façade painting, design assistance, etc.) Development grants (available to fund a variety of physical improvements, see program guidelines for full list) Public improvement grants (available to assist communities in a variety of development projects to help Read more

 

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill passes House

(Jul 07, 2023)

HARRISBURG, July 7 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1448 ) introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, passed the House and is headed to the Senate for consideration. The bill would r equire public schools to provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. The instruction would include topics such as skills of conflict resolution; respect for different cultures, races, and beliefs; effectively managing emotions; and how to resolve differences peacefully. The bill also would require the instruction to be age-appropriate and incorporated into an appropriate area of study. The Department of Education would compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools could use to provide this instruction to students. Bellmon said that teaching conflict resolution in schools can help reduce violence. “In areas across the commonwealth, such as Philadelphia, we’re seeing far too many young lives taken by gun violence,” Bellmon said. “It’s imperative that our children know that conflicts can be resolved in a non-violent way, and that’s why I introduced this bill that can help prevent unnecessary violence and even save lives.” McClinton echoed Bellmon’s sentiment. “Everyone has a role in keeping our communities healthy and safe, and by equipping our youngest Read more

 

Infrastructure, Housing, Transportation, and Safety Funding Opportunities

(Jul 05, 2023)

Below are several grant programs that are currently open for applications. PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program Who May Apply: Museums that are in Pennsylvania with annual operating budgets exceeding $100,000 (excluding capital and in-kind services) and at least one full-time professional staff person and that are not supported by other state agency funding programs and official County Historical Societies designated as the official historical society for the county. Use: The goal of this program is to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museums and allow applicants to determine how to use funds for operating expenses. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, salaries, benefits, insurance, food service, travel, professional development, marketing, and equipment. Funds: Grant awards range from $2,500 to $65,000. Application Deadline: November 7, 2023 More information: PHMC Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) Program Who May Apply: Municipality, Economic Development Organization, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Agencies. For-profit businesses are not eligible to apply for the PA SITES Program. However, an eligible applicant may apply for a site owned and controlled by the Read more

 

Rep. Bellmon Letter to SEPTA

(Jun 30, 2023)

State Rep. Anthony Bellmon wrote a letter to SEPTA leadership urging them to make their CCT application process mobile and accessible to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Read more

 

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill approved by Education Committee

(Jun 28, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 28 – Today, H.B. 1448 introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, was voted out of the House Education Committee and is headed to the full House for future consideration. The bill would r equire public schools to provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. This instruction would include topics such as skills of conflict resolution; respect for different cultures, races, and beliefs; effectively managing emotions; and how to resolve differences peacefully. The bill also would require the instruction to be age appropriate and incorporated into an appropriate area of study. The Department of Education would compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools can use to provide this instruction to students. Bellmon said that teaching conflict resolution in schools can help reduce violence. “In areas across the commonwealth, such as Philadelphia, we’re seeing far too many young lives taken by gun violence,” Bellmon said. “It’s imperative that our children know that conflicts can be resolved in a non-violent way, and that’s why I introduced this bill that can help save lives.” This is Bellmon’s first bill to be voted out of a House standing committee. He is urging quick passage in the full House. Read more

 

Rep. Anthony Bellmon Spring 2023 Newsletter

(Jun 05, 2023)

Rep. Bellmon's first newsletter recapping his first several months as state Rep. for the 203rd Legislative District. Read more

 

Bellmon and Solomon welcome funding to enhance safety along Castor Ave.
Mar 26, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation offers remarks on recent shootings
Mar 07, 2024

Davis pushes proposed $100 million in funding to combat an ‘epidemic of gun violence’ in Pa.
Feb 27, 2024

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Joins Gun Safety Advocates, Family Members of Gun Violence Victims to Call for Investment in State Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Feb 27, 2024

Pa. lawmakers extend emergency declaration to keep fixing where I-95 collapsed
Feb 27, 2024

Bellmon appointed to Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force
Feb 23, 2024

I-95 disaster emergency proclamation extended until May
Feb 07, 2024

Winter 2024 Newsletter
Jan 31, 2024

PA House passes Isaacson bill to enhance protection for judges and judicial officers
Dec 14, 2023

House passes H.R. 279 to extend emergency disaster proclamation for I-95
Dec 12, 2023

Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker names "intergovernmental roundtable"
Dec 11, 2023

Beautifying the Lawncrest grove and monuments
Nov 09, 2023

Safety, Housing, Environmental, and Redevelopment Funding Opportunities
Sep 12, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application (09/05/2023)
Sep 05, 2023

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Aug 22, 2023

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill passes House
Jul 07, 2023

Infrastructure, Housing, Transportation, and Safety Funding Opportunities
Jul 05, 2023

Rep. Bellmon Letter to SEPTA
Jun 30, 2023

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill approved by Education Committee
Jun 28, 2023

Rep. Anthony Bellmon Spring 2023 Newsletter
Jun 05, 2023