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Philadelphia House Delegation praises expanded state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit

Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

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Ghost guns: Fueling real horror in PA communities

(Mar 04, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

“It’s infuriating to know, as I mentioned during the judiciary committee hearing on HB 777, how quickly I could use my cellphone to purchase a ghost gun without any meaningful checks,” said meeting host Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who represents portions of Philadelphia. “We are talking about untraceable firearms that can be assembled with ease. They are completely untraceable, and they are legal to purchase without any age requirement or background checks, and they are contributing to gun violence in all communities throughout Pennsylvania – and the nation.” Read more

 

Kenyatta introduces legislation to study impact of ‘benefits cliff’

(Feb 29, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Feb. 29 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., has introduced legislation to study the public assistance benefits cliff, which refers to a situation when public benefit programs phase out quickly for families as household earnings increase. This legislation would direct the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and issue a report on the impact of benefits cliffs in Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, roughly 12 percent of all Pennsylvanians live in poverty, with eight percent living in extreme poverty. “In many instances, Pennsylvanians living in poverty become constrained to a life of poverty due to the ‘cliff effect,’ which perpetuates the poverty cycle, rather than incentivizing individuals to become self-sufficient,” Kenyatta said. “This study should give us a better idea of just how much the benefits cliff affects Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable families, and how we can ensure these families get the most out of important public benefit programs.” Kenyatta is joined by state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Roni Green, both D-Phila., and La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, in introducing this bill. Cephas explained how benefits cliffs impact marginalized communities. “Not only are Black women paid less than white or male counterparts, opportunities to escape this cycle of poverty are fewer – leading to the public assistance Read more

 

Miss my latest Telephone Town Hall? Check out the discussion here!

(Feb 23, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Find out what our friends & neighbors had to say about the issues that matter to our community. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises expanded state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit

(Feb 15, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

“The Child and Dependent Tax Credit enhancement is not only about fiscal policy and numbers – it’s lifechanging support for families, empowering them to succeed in fulfilling careers without the financial burdens,” said state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila. “It stands as a testament to Democrats’ commitment to empowering families, ensuring that every child's potential is nurtured, and every family's journey is marked by opportunity and shared success." Read more

 

In a united front, state reps highlight new Pennsylvania budget priorities

(Feb 08, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

With major increases in funding for education and SEPTA, without any tax hikes, members of the Philadelphia House delegation laid out the major aspirations of Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Read more

 

Philly Dems say boost for SEPTA just one of highlights for city in Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Feb 08, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) credited Shapiro for his investments in multiple areas, but emphasized the proposed investments into violence prevention. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by Shapiro Budget Proposal

(Feb 07, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Today, leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation said that they are pleased with the direction of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Among the many positives, the delegation is excited about the proposed investment in SEPTA and mass transit, as well as equitable education funding for the School District of Philadelphia. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District

(Jan 23, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. The 2023 funding round provided over $52 million in awards. Application Deadline: April 3, 2024 More information: DCNR Website Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA PA Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program Who May Apply: Units of local government and community anchor institutions ( as defined in Act 96 of 2021 ). Use: Funding is to be used for community projects that construct, acquire, or improve facilities (shared office space, recreation centers, schools, libraries, etc.) Read more

 

House Judiciary approves Cephas/Kenyatta bill to end ‘ghost guns’

(Jan 17, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Today, the PA House Judiciary Committee approved a measure sponsored by state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., aimed at ending the proliferation of “ghost guns” in Pennsylvania Read more

 

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  

(Jan 12, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ): What You Need to Know: There are major changes to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) form. The new FAFSA form is now available. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The 2024–25 FAFSA form will expand eligibility for federal student aid. What You Can Do Now : Watch the “2024–25 FAFSA FAQs” playlist to better for a look at what has changed on the new form. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an estimate of what your aid could be once the FAFSA is completed. If you did not submit a 2023–24 FAFSA form, make sure to create your StudentAid.gov account —and remember your username and password so you can access and submit the 2024–25 FAFSA form when it’s available. Find out if your parent(s) or spouse will need to be contributors (contribute their info on your FAFSA form). If your parent(s) or spouse will need to contribute to your form, make sure each contributor creates their own StudentAid.gov account . Watch our “Preparing for the FAFSA Form” to better understand what information and documents you’ll need to complete the FAFSA form. 2024–25 FAFSA ® Deadlines : Read more

 

PA House Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications

(Jan 11, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Applications are now being accepted for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program . The Program – administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities – is for graduating high school seniors who reside in the Commonwealth of PA. TFEC awards two four-year scholarships to high school seniors each year. The award consists of the value of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for each of four years. Students must maintain eligibility criteria in all four years to receive the ongoing award. Please consider sharing this opportunity with those who may be eligible. Eligibility Criteria: Graduating High School Senior Legal Residency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Attendance at a PA College, university, or career school as a full-time student Academic achievement (minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA) Commitment to community and leadership qualities Extracurricular activities Financial need *Children of Legislators and their staff are NOT eligible Details on how to apply and submit required documents are available online at www.tfec.org or by clicking here . The deadline to submit all materials is April 15, 2024. Read more

 

2023 Fall Newsletter

(Jan 10, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Check out my Fall 2023 Newsletter! Read more

 

Kenyatta introduces bill package recognizing Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania

(Jan 05, 2024) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – On the eve of the third anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, raid on the U.S. Capitol Building by domestic terrorists, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., introduced a legislative package that would recognize Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania. “Everyone should remember January 6 as a day that shook our nation and democracy to its core,” Kenyatta said. “We must remember – not forget – what happen that day, why it happened, and the individuals who fed into the lies that led to this dark day in American history.” Kenyatta’s legislative package includes three bills: H.R. 287: This would amend the Legal Holiday Law to establish Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania. H.B. 1946: This legislation would amend the Banking Code to establish Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in our state. H.B. 1945: This is a resolution urging Congress to declare Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day for Education, Remembrance and Vigilance. Kenyatta said this legislation would also serve as a reminder of what happens when elected officials feed into claims and opinions rather than facts, and how their actions influence those around them and in their respective communities. “We had 60-plus – 60-plus – House members sign a letter to throw out Pennsylvania votes. We had top officials Read more

 

Legislation geared toward proper use of state grant funding passes state House, heads to state Senate

(Nov 14, 2023) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., today announced that his legislation, House Bill 842, which would prevent the misuse of state grants or loans, was passed by the state House. Also known as the Clawback Act, H.B. 842 would require all new state grant and loan programs to include language to address the misuse of funding when entities fail to meet program guidelines and metrics. “Our state’s grant programs are essential tools designed to support the needs of our residents,” Kenyatta said. “These programs do so much good, but it’s imperative that we enact legislation to address the potential misuse of state grants in order to protect taxpayers’ money.” State Rep. Jenifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, who also is a prime sponsor of this legislation, echoed Kenyatta’s remarks. “Ensuring accountability in grant and loan programs isn't just about financial prudence; it's a commitment to safeguarding taxpayer trust in the system that serves our communities, “O’Mara said. “When taxes veer from their intended purpose, the very foundation of a functional system begins to crumble.” Another co-prime sponsor, state Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, noted the importance of the bill. "If you apply for and receive state funding for a project, then you should adhere to the stipulations that come with the funding," Madden said. "Misuse of grant Read more

 

Bill geared toward investigating, reporting, identifying hate crimes passes House

(Oct 31, 2023) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Oct. 31 – On Tuesday, a House bill co-sponsored by state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., that would strengthen law enforcement’s ability to investigate and identity hate crimes, passed the state House. Specifically, H.B.1024 , which is part of a larger anti-hate crime bill package, would provide training geared toward accurately investigating, identifying and reporting crimes of ethnic intimidation to police departments across the state. “I’m disgusted to have to report that in 2023 hates crimes and discrimination are on the rise, especially antisemitism and Islamophobia. The worst part of all this? Experts say the actual number of hate crimes is much larger than what we’re seeing on paper,” Kenyatta said. “That’s a major problem that calls for an immediate response, which is why I supported this legislation. It’s my hope we’re able to move the remaining bills in this bill package through the state House in the near future. These numbers should be trending down – not up.” According to data obtained by the Pennsylvania State Police, the commonwealth saw a sharp increase in hate crimes in 2021. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security noted in a 2020 threat assessment that white supremacist extremists remain the “most persistent and lethal threat to the homeland.” In response to this assessment Read more

 

Kenyatta, Solomon bill proposing April 2 primary election date passes House

(Oct 05, 2023) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., today announced the passage of H.B. 1634 , which would change the presidential primary date in Pennsylvania to the first Tuesday in April. “I’m grateful my colleagues noticed the importance of this bill and the potential impact it could have on the commonwealth,” Kenyatta said. “Pennsylvania currently is one of the last states to vote in the primary. While this bill doesn’t contain the same date as the Senate proposal — it is a way forward that advances our shared goal of an earlier primary in presidential years. I urge the Senate to give it thoughtful consideration and a quick vote.” State Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., a co-prime sponsor of H.B. 1634, echoed Kenyatta’s remarks. “With this legislation passing out of the House, we are one step closer to Pennsylvania becoming a heavyweight in the political arena,” Solomon said. “And as someone whose faith is incredibly important to me and my family, I'm grateful that I will no longer have to choose between my civic duty and my religious obligations.” Historically, Pennsylvania’s presidential primary election takes place during Passover, which hasn’t been convenient for some residents who participate in the Passover holiday, Kenyatta said. If signed into law, H.B.1634 would rectify this issue for all future presidential Read more

 

Legislation to move Pennsylvania's primary election day passes House committee

(Oct 03, 2023) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

"Jewish Pennsylvanians shouldn't have to choose between celebrating Passover and going to the polls. We don’t want to have any tension between our religious beliefs and our civic duty,” Solomon said. “My legislation to move up Pennsylvania’s primary election would solve this issue while at the same time giving Pennsylvania more of a say in all future presidential races so that we are in the mix with other early states." Read more

 

Pennsylvania primary: State House committee advances one bill to change the date, rejects another

(Oct 03, 2023) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Kenyatta added that moving the primary from its current April 23 date to April 2 positions Pennsylvania to be part of a regional group of states holding primaries on that date, including Arkansas, Delaware, Mississippi, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. He acknowledged concerns about how changing the date would affect county elections officials and the logistics involved in making a change with just over seven months before the primary. Read more

 

Kenyatta, Solomon’s election legislation voted out of State Govt. Committee

(Oct 03, 2023) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

The legislators maintain that moving up the primary date would give Pennsylvania increased political weight commensurate with the state’s size and importance in deciding elections. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises tentative agreement between Unite Here Local 634 and the Philadelphia School District

(Sep 29, 2023) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 29 – Following a tense conflict concerning the Philadelphia School District and city school workers, Unite Here Local 634 announced today that the union reached a preliminary contract agreement Thursday night that would benefit its nearly 2,000 members. The tentative four-year contract, that includes raises, a $500 signing bonus and basic equipment like walkie-talkies, was arranged two days before the current collective bargaining agreement expires Saturday. Philadelphia House Delegation Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, who participated in a rally held earlier this month by the school workers, said this is great news not only for the union but for the whole community as parents and students are also key in the conflict. “We are pleased to learn this tentative agreement would guarantee raises during the contract period. This is not just an exclusive victory of the union, or the school district, it is also a win for the entire community,” Cephas said. “The demands of the student climate staff and food service workers are elementary. They need livable wages to offset expenses. Our delegation will continue advancing legislation that would protect worker’s rights as well as promoting and supporting every single resource that would help us amplify the voices of all workers of the commonwealth.” Members of Unite Here Local 634 who earn about $15.50 Read more

 

Ghost guns: Fueling real horror in PA communities
Mar 04, 2024

Kenyatta introduces legislation to study impact of ‘benefits cliff’
Feb 29, 2024

Miss my latest Telephone Town Hall? Check out the discussion here!
Feb 23, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation praises expanded state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit
Feb 15, 2024

In a united front, state reps highlight new Pennsylvania budget priorities
Feb 08, 2024

Philly Dems say boost for SEPTA just one of highlights for city in Shapiro’s budget proposal
Feb 08, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by Shapiro Budget Proposal
Feb 07, 2024

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District
Jan 23, 2024

House Judiciary approves Cephas/Kenyatta bill to end ‘ghost guns’
Jan 17, 2024

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  
Jan 12, 2024

PA House Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications
Jan 11, 2024

2023 Fall Newsletter
Jan 10, 2024

Kenyatta introduces bill package recognizing Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania
Jan 05, 2024

Legislation geared toward proper use of state grant funding passes state House, heads to state Senate
Nov 14, 2023

Bill geared toward investigating, reporting, identifying hate crimes passes House
Oct 31, 2023

Kenyatta, Solomon bill proposing April 2 primary election date passes House
Oct 05, 2023

Legislation to move Pennsylvania's primary election day passes House committee
Oct 03, 2023

Pennsylvania primary: State House committee advances one bill to change the date, rejects another
Oct 03, 2023

Kenyatta, Solomon’s election legislation voted out of State Govt. Committee
Oct 03, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation praises tentative agreement between Unite Here Local 634 and the Philadelphia School District
Sep 29, 2023