News Center

Rep. Kenyatta issues statement on shooting of security guard at Rite Aid in North Philadelphia 

(Feb 04, 2022) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 4 – A security guard was shot at a Rite Aid in North Philadelphia on Tuesday. State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., issued a statement on this shooting that took place in his legislative district. “I am deeply saddened and outraged about this shooting,” Kenyatta said. “This is another tragic example of why we must declare a state of emergency on gun violence in Philadelphia.” “We must put the safety of our constituents first. It is past time that we implement my 3-point gun violence plan,” which includes: Declaring a state of emergency. Pass stalled gun safety legislation. Address root causes of violence/invest in youth. The security guard who was shot was transported to Temple University Hospital and is in stable condition. Police are still looking to identify the shooter. Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta honoring ‘Living Legends of the 181st District’ for Black History Month

(Jan 31, 2022) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 31 – Meek Mill, Henry Nicholas, Constance Clayton, Dawn Staley, Mel Wells: State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., is honoring them and others as “Living Legends of the 181 st ” District,” by publishing a social media graphic each day of Black History Month about each “legend.” The 28 honorees -- decided upon by Kenyatta, his staff and a few advisers -- were born in or are current or past residents of the district that Kenyatta represents and have greatly impacted or made notable contributions in the areas of education, sports, entertainment, the arts, science, business, politics, community and more. “With COVID preventing me from personally hosting a public event to honor some of the greats from our community, we saw this as a socially distant way to celebrate Black History Month and acknowledge some of the people who have made a difference,” Kenyatta said. “History-making figures aren’t always the people we see in books, on coins or on plaques commemorating our ancestors. So many are living, breathing, dynamic people upon whom we can still look upon and honor in life.” The project kicks off Tuesday, Feb. 1, with a graphic on the Cecil B. Moore Freedom Fighters, a group who fought racial injustice in Philadelphia and worked with the late attorney, councilman and activist Cecil B. Moore to integrate Girard College. Visitors to Read more

 

Kenyatta issues statement on fire in Fairmount

(Jan 05, 2022) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., issued a statement on the fire that took place in the Fairmount Neighborhood of Philadelphia this morning that left at least 13 dead and two injured. “I’m having a hard time finding the words to express my deep sorrow for the heartbreaking loss of at least 13 lives, including 7 children, in this morning’s fire in Philadelphia,” Kenyatta said. “That this tragedy, in the Fairmount section of the city, occurred so close to home weighs heavily on my heart, as we mourn those lost and are hopeful for those being treated in the hospital.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta announces more than $3 million in redevelopment funding for North Philadelphia

(Dec 06, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Dec. 6 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., today announced $3.4 million in state grants to North Philadelphia for redevelopment projects. Two grants were awarded in Kenyatta’s 181 st Legislative District. One was to Sharswood 1 LLC for $2.125 million to construct a grocery store and a shopping center. The other was to Temple University for $1.3 million to create a new center for anti-racism and for upgrades to the Africology/African American Studies department. “I am very pleased to see this grant money being used for two areas that are crucial to our community,” Kenyatta said. “The addition of a supermarket to this section of North Philadelphia is a huge benefit to constituents and other businesses and retailers in the area.” He continued, “Racism remains a threat to our country and our society. So, the funds made available to build Temple University’s Anti-Racism Center and upgrade its Africology/African American Studies Department is a valuable investment in the future of Temple University and its impact on the larger community.” The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta calls for state of emergency on gun violence, passage of stalled gun safety bills

(Dec 02, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 2 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., and others held a news conference today, outside of the Leon Sullivan Trust Building on North Broad Street, calling for the declaration of a state of emergency on gun violence in Philadelphia and encouraging the passage of gun safety bills that have been stalled in the Pennsylvania legislature. “I am calling for a state of emergency declaration to combat the gun violence epidemic in our city,” Kenyatta said. “Too many members of our community have lost their lives and many others live in fear of losing theirs. This is why it is crucial that we pass meaningful legislation in the PA legislature that will keep our community safe and prevent further needless deaths.” Philadelphia has had over 500 homicides in 2021. Present with Kenyatta at this event were Felicia Pendleton, NOMO; Wysenia Williams, Richard Allen Residents Council; Shaun Elliott, president and CEO, Greater Philadelphia YMCA; and Scott Charles, Temple University Hospital. Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta responds to shooting of Temple University student

(Nov 29, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

“The loss of life suffered by Samuel is another example of the tragic toll that ongoing gun violence is taking on our communities, families and institutions. Samuel was a student who deserved to be safe in his surrounding community, just as were all the people who have lost their lives to gun violence this year.” Read more

 

LIHEAP: Expanded Home-Heating Assistance is Available to PA Renters, Homeowners

(Nov 03, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

As winter approaches and we prepare to spend even more time indoors, utility bills are only going to get more expensive. Additionally, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn have made it difficult for many to keep up with home energy bills. No Pennsylvanian should ever have to worry that their heat will be shut off during the coldest and darkest months of the year. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) that provides assistance for home heating bills so Pennsylvanians can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for both renters and homeowners. LIHEAP helps some of the commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens — children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families — make ends meet. Anyone who may need help, or anyone who has loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this program, is encouraged to apply for LIHEAP today. APPLY FOR LIHEAP LIHEAP FACTS How do I apply for LIHEAP? Depending on preference, different options are available to apply for LIHEAP: Apply online: Pennsylvanians can apply at www.compass.state.pa.us . Paper applications: Call the LIHEAP Helpline at 1-866-857-7095 to request a paper application. Paper applications can also be downloaded from the DHS LIHEAP web page . County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta introduces bill to increase benefits for families in need

(Oct 26, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Oct. 26 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., with State Sen. Katie Muth, D-Berks/Chester/Montgomery, yesterday officially introduced legislation that would provide a historic update to the 25-year-old Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Kenyatta’s House Bill 2012 and the companion Senate Bill 918 introduced by Muth would boost TANF benefits to up to 50% of the federal poverty level, up from 22%. Kenyatta noted, “Over the last 24 years, prices have gone up for every basic necessity, including food and housing, and the TANF program has not been given more money to help needy families be able to afford these necessities.” “Our state government has $ 7.5 billion saved, and some of my colleagues are burying their head in the sand when we could be spending this money on programs like TANF to help the citizens of the commonwealth who need it the most,” he said. Muth pointed out, “TANF benefits have not been increased in over 30 years and nationally, TANF benefits have fallen substantially in value and do far less to help families escape crippling poverty. In Pennsylvania, the majority of families receive around $403 per month for a family of three -- that is not nearly enough money for a family to survive on. We must do more to provide meaningful assistance that creates financial stability for TANF families and opportunities for their children.” The legislators were joined by members Read more

 

Reps. Kenyatta, Cephas introduce legislation to ban Pennsylvania from imposing undue regulations on women’s reproductive health

(Oct 07, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Morgan Cephas, both D-Phila., are introducing legislation to prohibit PA from imposing undue regulations on women’s reproductive health. This legislation would protect the health care women get and their access to safe abortions. It also would prevent women from being denied the right to an abortion. “Abortion is health care, and health care is a human right,” Kenyatta said. “Abortion care should be able to be accessed without any barriers, and we should put that into law.” Cephas said, “Women’s reproductive health issues are a major problem in our country, with extreme laws or proposals across the nation to restrict reproductive healthcare. Women of color suffer from it the most.” Executive Director of Planned Parenthood of PA, Signe Espinoza, joined the lawmakers at a news conference yesterday at the state Capitol to discuss the importance of having this protection in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Victim, advocates urge lawmakers to decriminalize HIV during hearing

(Oct 06, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Oct. 6 -- Pennsylvania has laws on the books that criminalize or control behaviors through HIV-specific statues and regulations. During a hearing today, PA House Democrats heard testimony from a victim of these laws and those advocating for change. “HIV is not a crime but there are outdated laws that make it a crime in Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia. “We cannot have people losing lives and livelihoods because of this.” The victim who spoke at the hearing was Julie Graham, a resident of Cumberland County, who described the impact of these laws on her life after she was charged with four crimes, including two felonies, based on allegations by a man she had dated who claimed she didn’t disclose her HIV status. Due to these allegations, she faced personal and professional consequences that forever impacted the trajectory of her life. “I support and applaud your courage and advocacy to testify here today,” said Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Philadelphia, who was the Co-Chair of the Policy Committee and host for the hearing today. “Being HIV positive is not a crime and we must do better in supporting those in Pennsylvania who are living with HIV.” PA House Democratic Policy Committee Chair, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, was also in attendance and added: “HIV decriminalization is important to the entire Democratic Caucus and I am grateful to the testifiers who came today to speak on Read more

 

Hearing: Decriminalizing HIV

(Oct 05, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Pennsylvania is one of 22 states that have laws that criminalize or control behaviors through HIV-specific statutes and regulations. This has serious consequences for Pennsylvanians that Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta will explore as he hosts a hearing about decriminalizing HIV in Pennsylvania. The hearing will be held October 6 at 9:30 a.m. in 414 Main Capitol in Harrisburg. The media and public are invited in-person or to watch online here. Media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net. The agenda and written testimony can be found here. Read more

 

Kenyatta, Rabb introduce bill to limit military equipment going to local law enforcement

(Sep 28, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Sept. 28 – State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Chris Rabb, both D-Phila., on Monday introduced legislation (H.B. 1923) that would limit local law enforcement’s ability to procure military-grade weapons and equipment. Kenyatta said his bill would prohibit local law enforcement’s access to certain military-grade weapons and equipment they have been able to access under the National Defense Authorization Act of 1997. The Department of Defense has been providing military equipment to law enforcement agencies through the 1033 program, which transfers excess military equipment to U.S. police forces. Tear gas and rubber ammo are the types of items law enforcement agencies would be limited in acquiring from federal military surplus, and local police would be required to maintain a database and be approved by local authorities. “Law enforcement can protect and serve the communities in which they operate without military-grade weapons and equipment, which only increases tensions between communities and law enforcement and lead to distrust,” Kenyatta said. Rabb agreed. "Law enforcement agencies do not need military-grade weapons and equipment to achieve their primary responsibility, which is to keep safe the communities they take an oath to serve," Rabb said. "We have enabled our law enforcement agencies to become militarized and create war zones in our communities over the past several decades. “Our Read more

 

Now open for applications: Public defender, prosecutor, humanities, gun violence, and library funding opportunities

(Sep 08, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Public Defender Training Initiatives Grant (Funding Source: Federal Funds) Who May Apply : Any organization that can demonstrate a history of providing training and technical assistance to public defenders in Pennsylvania. The applicant agency must also demonstrate the ability to provide training at a statewide level. Use : To provide training and technical assistance to public defenders in Pennsylvania. Funds : $550,000 will be distributed in total. PCCD expects to fund one grant over the two-year project period. Application Deadline : September 28 More Information : Click on https://www.pccdegrants.pa.gov/Egrants/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Prosecutor Training Initiatives Grant (Funding Source: Federal Funds) Who May Apply : Any organization that can demonstrate a history of providing training and technical assistance to county prosecutors. The applicant agency must also demonstrate the ability to provide training at a statewide level and become certified by the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Board as an accredited CLE provider. Use : To provide training and technical assistance to prosecutors and law enforcement professionals on legal issues relevant to adults and juveniles. Funds : $870,000 will Read more

 

Kenyatta to unveil bill to modernize TANF at news conference Friday

(Aug 26, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 26 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., will hold a news conference unveiling a bill he will soon introduce that would modernize the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program by increasing the monthly benefit amount to bring families up to 50% of the federal poverty level and out of deep poverty. The news conference will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27 in Kenyatta’s North Philadelphia district at Germantown and Lehigh Avenues, 19133 . Activists from Philadelphia Community Legal Services will join Kenyatta in his calls for passage of the legislation. Kenyatta’s bill would require that TANF benefits undergo an annual cost-of-living increase to keep pace with inflation and would ensure benefits continue to be effective at providing financial stability to more than 68,500 Pennsylvania families and children receiving cash assistance -- something he said would be a serious life-improving measure for families and their children’s futures. Kenyatta pointed to a report released this week by the Meet The Need Campaign that found that in 1990, Pennsylvania’s benefit of $403 covered 43% of the federal poverty level, but in 2020 the same benefit covered a mere 22%. Furthermore, when accounting for inflation in this period, the TANF benefit has decreased in spending power by more than 50%. State Sen. Katie Muth has also introduced companion legislation to Kenyatta’s bill in the state Senate. Media Read more

 

New report urges changes to Pennsylvania’s 1990s-era TANF benefit

(Aug 24, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

A quarter-century after President Bill Clinton signed welfare reform into law, recipients and advocates say Pennsylvania’s interpretation of the law traps families in deep poverty.That could change in 2021. Democratic State Sen. Katie Muth and Democratic State Rep. Malcom Kenyatta have both released memorandums saying they plan to introduce legislation to update TANF “??in order to meet basic and essential needs” of recipients. Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta, Sen. Muth Aim to Modernize TANF Program on 25th Anniversary in New Bills

(Aug 24, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, August 20, 2021 – On the 25th anniversary of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) and state Sen. Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks) announced that they are seeking to introduce companion legislation that aims to modernize the TANF program by increasing the monthly benefit amount to bring families up to 50% of the federal poverty level and out of deep poverty. Read more

 

Kenyatta aims to modernize TANF program on 25th anniversary in new bill

(Aug 20, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Aug. 20 – On the 25th anniversary of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., announced that he will introduce legislation this fall that would modernize the TANF program by increasing the monthly benefit amount to bring families up to 50% of the federal poverty level and out of deep poverty. By requiring that the benefits undergo an annual cost-of-living increase to keep pace with inflation, Kenyatta’s bill would ensure benefits continue to be effective at providing financial stability to the roughly 68,500 Pennsylvania families and children receiving cash assistance -- something he said would be a serious life-improving measure for families and their children’s futures. “Eradicating poverty is the moral and economic issue of our generation. No one, especially Pennsylvania’s children, should live in deep poverty, which has long-term effects on their health and well-being for their entire lives,” Kenyatta said. “TANF has served as a lifeline for so many families and children in need for a quarter of a century. As the cost of living increases, the monthly payments from TANF are ineffective at fulfilling the needs of Pennsylvanians relying on it to survive. I urge my colleagues in joining me in ensuring this lifeline meets the moment.” Kenyatta pointed to a report released this week from The Meet Need Campaign that found that in 1990, Pennsylvania’s Read more

 

Kenyatta: Pa. is Better when It’s Fair

(Jul 19, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

Pa. state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta points out that Pa. has yet to pass comprehensive non-discrimination legislation. He says that every single Pennsylvanian should be treated fairly regardless of who they are or who they love and the Pa. Fairness Act would ensure those equal protections. Read more

 

Kenyatta seeks to commemorate Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pa.

(Jun 29, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, June 29 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., today announced that he will soon introduce legislation that would commemorate Jan. 6 -- the date of the deadly right-wing insurrection at the U.S. Capitol earlier this year -- as Democracy Observance Day for Education, Remembrance, and Vigilance, to be referred to as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania. January 6, 2021 was the day when a violent mob of domestic terrorists stormed the federal Capitol and forcibly entered the building, while Congress was meeting to officially tally the Electoral College votes of the 2020 general election, forcing lawmakers and their staff to barricade themselves in secure locations. Insurrectionists also assaulted law enforcement officers. Kenyatta said that this dark day is a day to never be forgotten in America and should serve as a reminder to all Pennsylvanians of how democracy was threatened, the blood spilled in pursuit of protecting it and what is required of citizens to preserve it. “These aggressors who pillaged offices and wreaked havoc upon the People’s House shook the foundation of our democratic republic, revealing how fragile democracy is. As Americans, we must be steadfast in protecting the soul of this nation in the face of conspiracy theories, lies and violence,” Kenyatta said. “My bill would also call for Pennsylvania to also use this day as a time of remembrance by uplifting those who risked their lives to defend Read more

 

Kenyatta calls latest GOP election bill ‘artisanal voter suppression’

(Jun 15, 2021) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, June 15 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., in a statement today, blasted ongoing efforts by the Pennsylvania GOP to undermine Pennsylvania’s elections with their latest elections bill, House Bill 1300, a 149-page bill that would alter voting deadlines, limit early voting, make mail-in ballot procedures more difficult and mandate IDs for all in-person voters. “You have the same people who have been stoking the raging fire that we’re currently seeing burn up the trust in the sanctity of our democratic process now wanting to come and act like they’re the firefighters,” Kenyatta said, following the Republican-dominated House State Government Committee’s approval of H.B.1300 along party lines. “House State Government Majority Chairman State Representative Seth Grove is drumming up support for his H.B. 1300 by posing it as legislation to increase protections of our state’s elections process. However, Grove is the torcher as it is he who led efforts to undermine those protections. It was Grove who organized the letter—endorsed by his Pennsylvania GOP peers—urging Congress to overturn Pennsylvania’s 2020 General Election results on Jan. 6. “It is Grove who was at the helm of the attempt to get subpoena power to seize those ballots. “It was Grove fronting his pack of rogue lawmaker colleagues here in Pennsylvania and in tandem with their GOP peers across our nation Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta issues statement on shooting of security guard at Rite Aid in North Philadelphia 
Feb 04, 2022

Rep. Kenyatta honoring ‘Living Legends of the 181st District’ for Black History Month
Jan 31, 2022

Kenyatta issues statement on fire in Fairmount
Jan 05, 2022

Rep. Kenyatta announces more than $3 million in redevelopment funding for North Philadelphia
Dec 06, 2021

Rep. Kenyatta calls for state of emergency on gun violence, passage of stalled gun safety bills
Dec 02, 2021

Rep. Kenyatta responds to shooting of Temple University student
Nov 29, 2021

LIHEAP: Expanded Home-Heating Assistance is Available to PA Renters, Homeowners
Nov 03, 2021

Rep. Kenyatta introduces bill to increase benefits for families in need
Oct 26, 2021

Reps. Kenyatta, Cephas introduce legislation to ban Pennsylvania from imposing undue regulations on women’s reproductive health
Oct 07, 2021

Victim, advocates urge lawmakers to decriminalize HIV during hearing
Oct 06, 2021

Hearing: Decriminalizing HIV
Oct 05, 2021

Kenyatta, Rabb introduce bill to limit military equipment going to local law enforcement
Sep 28, 2021

Now open for applications: Public defender, prosecutor, humanities, gun violence, and library funding opportunities
Sep 08, 2021

Kenyatta to unveil bill to modernize TANF at news conference Friday
Aug 26, 2021

New report urges changes to Pennsylvania’s 1990s-era TANF benefit
Aug 24, 2021

Rep. Kenyatta, Sen. Muth Aim to Modernize TANF Program on 25th Anniversary in New Bills
Aug 24, 2021

Kenyatta aims to modernize TANF program on 25th anniversary in new bill
Aug 20, 2021

Kenyatta: Pa. is Better when It’s Fair
Jul 19, 2021

Kenyatta seeks to commemorate Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pa.
Jun 29, 2021

Kenyatta calls latest GOP election bill ‘artisanal voter suppression’
Jun 15, 2021