News Center

Miss my Tele-Town Hall with the Philadelphia Dept. of Health? Listen to the discussion here.

(Jan 08, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Hear what your friends and neighbors had to say about the issues affecting our community. Read more

 

My Year in Review

(Jan 07, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Check out my legislative record for 2020 Read more

 

Kenyatta Sworn In for 2nd Term, Lays Out Priorities

(Jan 05, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Pa. state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta officially began his second term in office after being sworn in for the 2021-22 legislative session. He explains how he will continue fighting to put hardworking families first. Read more

 

House Democrats fight to increase transparency and accountability, make sure the people come first

(Jan 04, 2021) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 4 – A group of 10 House Democrats announced the introduction of changes to the Operating Rules of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to reduce the impact of partisan politics, make sure ideas with broad public support get a fair hearing, and restore the people’s faith in government after the damage done by extremists in Washington, D.C., and Harrisburg. The People Before Politics plan was crafted with this central idea: lawmakers work for the people, not the other way around. It focuses on openness, transparency and citizen control of the legislative process. The People Before Politics plan includes the following proposals: Amendment 1 – The Voice of the People, sponsored by Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila. This amendment would make sure each House member has an opportunity to speak at a designated time during the first full session day of the week on any topic, similar to how the U.S. House of Representatives allows members to speak. This change would end the requirement of “unanimous consent” so often abused by extremists to silence members and prevent legislative topics bottled up in committee from being heard by the people. Amendment 2 – Let the People See, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware . This amendment would restore the rule requiring a full 24 hours before final passage of any bill, including all bills amended in the House chamber or in committee, or sent over from the state Read more

 

State Grant Programs Now Open for Applications

(Dec 21, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

STATE GRANT PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Program (Source of Funding: Veterans’ Trust Fund) Who May Apply : 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a mission of serving veterans, 501(c)(19) veteran service organizations, and county directors of veterans affairs. Use : Up to $150,000 in grant funding is available for new, innovative or expanded programs or services operated by the county directors of veterans’ affairs or the Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs. The areas of emphasis for applicants in this category are veterans’ outreach and veterans’ court programs. Up to $650,000 in grant funding is available to veteran service organizations and non-profit organizations with a mission of serving Pennsylvania veterans. Funding priorities for applicants in this category are homelessness, behavioral health initiatives and veterans’ courts. Funds : A total of $800,000 will be awarded statewide. Application Deadline : January 27, 2021 at 2 p.m. More Information : Click on https://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Pages/Programs%20and%20Services/Veterans%27%20Trust%20Fund/VeteransTrustFundGrantProgram.aspx . UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES: DEP Driving PA Forward Onroad Rebate Program – Trucks and Buses: Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta urges Congress to provide direct cash payments in upcoming COVID-19 relief package

(Dec 17, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., is urging Congress to include a second round of $1,200 in direct payments to all Americans in the next COVID-19-related stimulus package, in a House resolution he is poised to introduce. As the federal government lags in finalizing a bipartisan coronavirus aid deal and the federal unemployment compensation ends Saturday, Dec. 26, Kenyatta stressed that the need for the direct cash payments is dire, especially as Pennsylvanians have yet to receive their unemployment compensation benefits and remain unemployed at a staggering 7.3 percent, as of October. Further highlighting the heightened economic struggle that Pennsylvanians and Americans continue to grapple with, Kenyatta also raised that the moratorium on utility shutoffs ended in November and that nationwide evictions will resume in January after the CDC’s evictions ban ends Thursday, Dec. 31. “It’s been roughly 290 days since Americans received the $1,200 stimulus payments. That’s just $4.14 a day for people to barely survive in the wake of this pandemic,” Kenyatta said. “As Pennsylvanians and Americans alike continue to be adversely impacted by this public health and economic crisis, Congress must do the right thing and issue a second round of direct cash payments to every resident across this nation. Lives depend on it.” Read more

 

COVID Testing & Treatment: A Resource Guide for Uninsured Philadelphians

(Dec 16, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

COVID-19 treatment, testing and other resources for uninsured Philadelphia residents. Read more

 

Kenyatta blasts 2021-22 budget as a failure to Pennsylvanians in crisis

(Nov 23, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Nov. 30 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta lambasted the completed fiscal-year budget that passed the full House Friday evening, calling it an absolute failure because it completely squanders the one-time $1.33 billion in CARES Act funding by using it for recurring state government expenses, instead of to help Pennsylvanians in crisis. “In the wake of fatal pandemic that has claimed the lives of nearly 10,000 Pennsylvanians and decimated our economy, the majority party in the legislature misused vital funding from the CARES Act that was intended by Congress to reduce the burdens that resulted from COVID-19’s impact to pad holes in our budget,” said Kenyatta, D-Phila. “This budget is a disgrace, as it prioritizes state government over the needs of people across our commonwealth.” This type of budgeting, Kenyatta said, is unpragmatic for several reasons because it frivolously uses one-time funding for recurring costs. “What happens next year when there are no billions of dollars in federal funding to haphazardly use to satisfy these debts?” he posed. “This limited funding was the only window of opportunity to target critical areas that were most impacted during this public health and economic crisis, such as child care, healthcare providers and first responders, veterans, one of our state’s largest workforce -- the restaurant industry, rent and mortgage relief, and small businesses. Now we’re Read more

 

Kenyatta calls for statewide mask requirement in new bill as COVID-19 cases surge

(Nov 19, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – Charging that more must be done in the wake of surging COVID-19 cases, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta has introduced legislation that would implement one of the most effective strategies at reducing its spread—a statewide mask requirement in all public spaces to be enforced by non-law enforcement entities. “Countless medical reports and public health experts have pointed to the effectiveness of masks—properly covering the nose and mouth—to both the wearer and people in the wearer’s proximity,” said Kenyatta, D-Phila. “Nearly 10,000 Pennsylvanians, including our most vulnerable neighbors, have succumbed to this deadly virus so far. Being a good neighbor by wearing a mask is by far the best act of benevolence we can all take to keep our communities safe.” Reiterating his call for action, Kenyatta highlighted those most at risk such as the essential workers and caregivers risking their health and safety to ensure no community lacks vital necessities, the small business owners and local economies suffering from the impact of this virus, and the families struggling with the mounting pressure of financial insecurities as the reality of a utility shut-off, eviction or food scarcity during the upcoming winter months. “We can’t adequately protect lives and work towards a sound revival of our economy without first getting control of this virus through better, more intentional Read more

 

Philadelphia lawmakers again select Dawkins to lead their House delegation in 2021-22 legislative session

(Nov 13, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, Rep. Jason Dawkins, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 -- State Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., will again serve as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus’ 25-member Philadelphia County Delegation for the 2021-22 legislative session. Democratic lawmakers of the delegation selected Dawkins during leadership elections on Thursday. Dawkins said delegation members also re-selected Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta as vice chairman and Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler as treasurer and secretary. “I am honored by my colleagues’ trust in my ideas and abilities and look forward to continuing my role in helping to move Philadelphia and our agenda forward,” Dawkins said. “By working together toward our shared goals, we can make certain that Philadelphia remains an economic powerhouse for Pennsylvania while ensuring equality and justice for all people in our economy, in our society and in our response to crisis, from police reform to getting guns off our streets and ensuring justice, equality and science in our pandemic response.” In the current legislative session Dawkins and the House Philadelphia Delegation laid out an agenda that focuses on investing in schools and educational opportunity, reforming a criminal justice system that continues to be rife with injustice, affordable and accessible health care for all, strengthening commercial corridors in the city, reducing gun violence and investing in clean energy sources that would produce thousands of jobs, while addressing climate Read more

 

Cephas, Kenyatta and Innamorato hold hearing to discuss plan to help low-income tenants facing eviction amid COVID-19

(Oct 09, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – In their ongoing efforts to keep people in their homes, state Reps. Morgan Cephas, Malcolm Kenyatta and Sara Innamorato held a public hearing today to discuss legal aid for tenants facing eviction amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The three brought members of the House Democratic Policy Committee and experts together to discuss legislation they are introducing to provide legal representation to low-income tenants facing an eviction hearing. "A study from the Center for American Progress shows nearly 90% of landlords and property managers across the country have access to legal representation compared to just 10% of tenants. And in most eviction cases, tenants without representation lose," said Cephas, D-Phila. "This ultimately comes down to fairness and the need to prevent our most vulnerable neighbors from being tossed out on the street. Our plan aims to connect them with the quality protection they need to help keep a roof over their head, especially during this health crisis." “The CDC’s moratorium will only stave off evictions until the end of the year, but the threat of a large-scale housing crisis still looms, so we must act now,” said Kenyatta, D-Phila. “During these uncertain and incredibly stressful times in which medical experts are urging everyone to stay at home, Pennsylvanians should be able to take solace in having a home of their own to retreat to. Read more

 

10/9/20 – Legal Aid for Tenants Facing Eviction – Virtual

(Oct 09, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Materials from a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing held virtually and co-chaired by State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, Sara Innamorato and Morgan Cephas. Read more

 

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC POLICY COMMITTEE HEARING Topic: Legal Aid for Tenants Facing Eviction

(Oct 08, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

AGENDA 10:00 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks 10:10 a.m. Panel One: Patrick Cicero Executive Director, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network John Pollock Coordinator, National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel Sam Chenkin Founder, Reclaim The Sector 10:30 a.m. Questions & Answers 10:50 a.m. Panel Two: Bob Damewood Staff Attorney, Regional Housing Legal Services Kevin Quisenberry Legislative Director, Community Justice Project Rasheedah Phillips Managing Attorney of Housing Policy, Community Legal Services, Inc. A. Michael Snyder Chancellor, Philadelphia Bar Association Catherine Carr Civil Gideon and Access to Justice Task Force Co-Chair, Philadelphia Bar Association 11:30 a.m. Questions & Answers 11:50 a.m. Closing Remarks Read more

 

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC POLICY COMMITTEE HEARING Topic: Legal Aid for Tenants Facing Eviction

(Oct 08, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

AGENDA 10:00 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks 10:10 a.m. Panel One: Patrick Cicero Executive Director, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network John Pollock Coordinator, National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel Sam Chenkin Founder, Reclaim The Sector 10:30 a.m. Questions & Answers 10:50 a.m. Panel Two: Bob Damewood Staff Attorney, Regional Housing Legal Services Kevin Quisenberry Legislative Director, Community Justice Project Rasheedah Phillips Managing Attorney of Housing Policy, Community Legal Services, Inc. A. Michael Snyder Chancellor, Philadelphia Bar Association Catherine Carr Civil Gideon and Access to Justice Task Force Co-Chair, Philadelphia Bar Association 11:30 a.m. Questions & Answers 11:50 a.m. Closing Remarks Read more

 

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC POLICY COMMITTEE HEARING Topic: Legal Aid for Tenants Facing Eviction

(Oct 08, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

AGENDA 10:00 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks 10:10 a.m. Panel One: Patrick Cicero Executive Director, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network John Pollock Coordinator, National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel Sam Chenkin Founder, Reclaim The Sector 10:30 a.m. Questions & Answers 10:50 a.m. Panel Two: Bob Damewood Staff Attorney, Regional Housing Legal Services Kevin Quisenberry Legislative Director, Community Justice Project Rasheedah Phillips Managing Attorney of Housing Policy, Community Legal Services, Inc. A. Michael Snyder Chancellor, Philadelphia Bar Association Catherine Carr Civil Gideon and Access to Justice Task Force Co-Chair, Philadelphia Bar Association 11:30 a.m. Questions & Answers 11:50 a.m. Closing Remarks Read more

 

State lawmakers representing Philadelphia welcome lawsuit against commonwealth, legislature for restricting gun-safety measures

(Oct 07, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 7 – State House lawmakers representing the House Philadelphia Delegation and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today pledged their full weight behind major legal action being taken against the commonwealth for preventing local governments from enacting their own gun-safety laws. The lawsuit filed by the city and private law firms on behalf of Pennsylvanians who have been impacted by gun violence was announced at a news conference in Philadelphia today. Philadelphia Delegation Chairman Jason Dawkins and PLBC Chairman Stephen Kinsey said it was long past time for the many people who have been impacted by gun violence to receive true acknowledgement and justice for their pain. They said the delegations they lead have worked for years to enact sensible gun-safety measures in the state but have been hampered by a Republican majority legislature determined to give no one in the state the ability to reduce gun violence and save lives. “Philadelphia and municipalities across the state took action tragedy after tragedy on behalf of the residents they serve when the state would not, only to be met with callous laws specifically designed to prevent them from doing so,” Dawkins said. “I am equally tired of the hallow promises to help reduce gun violence being made by the Republican majority following each tragedy. They hold the power to move the commonsense gun safety legislation we put forward. Yet, they continue to deny Read more

 

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold virtual hearing Friday on legal aid for tenants facing eviction

(Oct 06, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Oct. 6 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on legal aid for tenants facing evictions. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9. The media and public can watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . Requested by state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila; Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.; and Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny; the hearing will collect testimony from policy experts as they work on legislation to provide legal aid for tenants. Testifiers and legislators will speak remotely. Testifiers will include: Patrick Cicero , executive director, Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network. John Pollock , staff attorney, Public Justice Center. Sam Chenkin , founder, Reclaim The Sector. Rasheedah Phillips , managing attorney of housing policy, Community Legal Services Inc. Bob Damewood , staff attorney, Regional Housing Legal Services. Kevin Quisenberry , legislative director, Community Justice Project. A. Michael Snyder , chancellor, Philadelphia Bar Association. Catherine Carr , civil gideon and access to justice task force co-chair, Philadelphia Bar Association. Following the hearing, testimonies and full hearing video will be posted at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more

 

Boyle, Kenyatta to introduce legislation to ensure democracy isn't compromised in the November election

(Sep 28, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Just weeks before the general election, state Reps. Kevin Boyle and Malcolm Kenyatta are introducing legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania's election laws and help ensure democracy isn't compromised in November. "It's no secret that this president will go to great lengths to ensure victory, no matter what the American people want," said House State Government Committee Democratic Chairman Boyle, D-Phila./Montgomery. "With Pennsylvania being a key battleground state, we have a responsibility in the state legislature to close unnecessary loopholes and make sure everyone's vote counts." Boyle said today their proposal would crackdown on so-called faithless electors by amending Pennsylvania's Election Code to require presidential electors to vote for the presidential and vice-presidential candidates who received the highest number of votes in the commonwealth during the general election. Under this plan, which is similar to Colorado and Oklahoma's law, faithless electors who vote against the candidates they vowed to support, would: Face a misdemeanor punishable by fine. Have their vote invalidated. Be replaced. “Faithless electors disregard the will of the people and ultimately tarnish the integrity of our democracy,” Kenyatta Read more

 

Today’s House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing Postponed to October 9

(Sep 23, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Sept. 23 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced that the House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on legal aid for tenants facing evictions that was scheduled for 9 a.m. today has been moved to Friday, Oct. 9 due to the House being called into session on short notice. Requested by state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila, Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., and Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, the hearing will still be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building in Harrisburg on Oct. 9. The media and public are urged to watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . Read more

 

Kenyatta announces $215.6K in grants to combat homelessness

(Sep 14, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Sept. 14 – As the threat of a housing crisis stemming from the pandemic looms, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila, today announced that state grants totaling $215,600 have been awarded to two local organizations in his 181 st District to combat homelessness. Kenyatta, who is a member of the newly established Democratic Housing Working Group, said the grants will help Drueding Rental Assistance and Prevention Program ($115,600) provide rental and financial assistance to young parent-headed households, and Serenity Court- Medical Respite for Homeless ($100,000) to expand capacity of its current recovery facility which accommodates medically fragile people experiencing homelessness who are recovering from major illnesses, surgery, or COVID-19. “I’ve been tirelessly working to address the ongoing issue of homelessness through eliminating poverty, prior to the pandemic. Now, I am actively trying to keep more people from losing their homes in the wake of this economic crisis caused by the pandemic,” Kenyatta said. “Combatting homelessness—no matter the cause-- takes a concerted effort among elected officials and advocacy organizations. I am thrilled to see these grants help carry our efforts of ensuring residents can have a place to call home.” Kenyatta said the grants were distributed by The Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services, which received a grant award of nearly $1.5 million Read more

 

Miss my Tele-Town Hall with the Philadelphia Dept. of Health? Listen to the discussion here.
Jan 08, 2021

My Year in Review
Jan 07, 2021

Kenyatta Sworn In for 2nd Term, Lays Out Priorities
Jan 05, 2021

House Democrats fight to increase transparency and accountability, make sure the people come first
Jan 04, 2021

State Grant Programs Now Open for Applications
Dec 21, 2020

Rep. Kenyatta urges Congress to provide direct cash payments in upcoming COVID-19 relief package
Dec 17, 2020

COVID Testing & Treatment: A Resource Guide for Uninsured Philadelphians
Dec 16, 2020

Kenyatta blasts 2021-22 budget as a failure to Pennsylvanians in crisis
Nov 23, 2020

Kenyatta calls for statewide mask requirement in new bill as COVID-19 cases surge
Nov 19, 2020

Philadelphia lawmakers again select Dawkins to lead their House delegation in 2021-22 legislative session
Nov 13, 2020

Cephas, Kenyatta and Innamorato hold hearing to discuss plan to help low-income tenants facing eviction amid COVID-19
Oct 09, 2020

10/9/20 – Legal Aid for Tenants Facing Eviction – Virtual
Oct 09, 2020

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC POLICY COMMITTEE HEARING Topic: Legal Aid for Tenants Facing Eviction
Oct 08, 2020

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC POLICY COMMITTEE HEARING Topic: Legal Aid for Tenants Facing Eviction
Oct 08, 2020

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC POLICY COMMITTEE HEARING Topic: Legal Aid for Tenants Facing Eviction
Oct 08, 2020

State lawmakers representing Philadelphia welcome lawsuit against commonwealth, legislature for restricting gun-safety measures
Oct 07, 2020

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold virtual hearing Friday on legal aid for tenants facing eviction
Oct 06, 2020

Boyle, Kenyatta to introduce legislation to ensure democracy isn't compromised in the November election
Sep 28, 2020

Today’s House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing Postponed to October 9
Sep 23, 2020

Kenyatta announces $215.6K in grants to combat homelessness
Sep 14, 2020