Featured News

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

Home and community-based services, crisis intervention, and archival records care funding opportunities

(Jun 02, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Quality Improvement Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : An entity enrolled with the Department’s OLTL as a Medical Assistance provider type 59 and have a signed OLTL-HCBS Waiver Agreement and be actively rendering services to participants in the CHC or OBRA waiver programs or both as of the date of May 1, 2022. Use : To help HCBS providers implement projects to improve the quality of services provided to individuals in the CHC and the OBRA waiver programs. Funds : Up to $40,000 in funding. Application Deadline : December 31, 2022 or until funds are expended. More Information : Click on https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Long-Term-Care-Providers.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Work Force Support Grant (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Certified child care providers. Use : To support the work force of DHS certified child care providers. Funds : Amounts vary by award. Application Deadline : June 17, 2022. More Information : Click on https://www.pakeys.org/workforcesupportgrants/ . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022 Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Policy and Implementation Program Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta issues statement on recent shootings

(May 25, 2022)

HARRISBURG, May 25 – Following yesterday’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, state Rep. Kenyatta, D-Phila., today released a statement reminding Pennsylvanians that elected officials can take steps to make a difference. “In Harrisburg, we could pass meaningful gun reform, if we had enough elected leaders who actually gave a damn,” Kenyatta said. The shooting by an assailant with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle left 19 young children and two teachers dead. “Twenty-one lives lost and counting,” Kenyatta pointed out. “It all adds up to too many families who have had their lives shattered forever.” Kenyatta also underscored his own three-point plan to addressing gun violence in Pennsylvania: Declaring a state of emergency. Passing stalled gun safety legislation. Addressing root causes of violence and investing in the youth. Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta announces $3.75 million in state grants to his district

(Apr 25, 2022)

PHILADELPHIA, April 25 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., announced a total of $3.75 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants have been awarded to his Philadelphia legislative district. The institutions receiving grants include: North Philadelphia - R.W. Brown Boys & Girls Club - $750,000 The project consists of replacement of a complete roofing system, gutters and lines; for the replacement of HVAC units, pool RTU's and heat exchangers; replace existing HVAC RTU and the rental of crane lifting equipment; exterior facade restoration and painting; the demolition, removal and replacement of a commercial walk-in style fridge and freezer; cleaning, painting and restoration of indoor swimming pool; renovation of bathrooms and showers/locker rooms; demolition and replacement of all exterior building windows and glazing; removal and replacement of generators. Salvation Army Red Shield Family Residence Revitalization – Philadelphia - $1 million The project includes the following: remodeling the resident bathrooms, remodeling the front desk, remodeling the staff men's bathroom, installing a new playground, and replacing windows and safety bars. Additionally, it will include retiling floors, replacing ceiling tiles, applying a fresh layer of paint throughout the facility, replacing window drapes, replacing office furniture and replacing resident patio furniture. There will be Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta offers statement on latest shooting near Temple University 

(Apr 13, 2022)

PHILADELPHIA, April 13 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., issued a statement on the shooting that took place near Temple University’s campus yesterday. The shooting took place near Temple’s campus and a SEPTA train station around 11:30 a.m. Kenyatta said, “The more we continue to delay seriously addressing the gun violence epidemic in our city, the more people will continue to get shot and killed,” Kenyatta said. “I’m done talking with people about resolving this issue, it’s time to put action into addressing this epidemic.” Police say a 21-year-old man was shot eight times. Responding officers transported the victim to Temple University Hospital where he’s been listed in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing. Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta calls anti-transgender bill ‘pathetic’ 

(Apr 12, 2022)

HARRISBURG, April 12 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., today spoke in the PA House of Representatives against legislation (H.B. 972) that would force transgender athletes to compete in sports according to their biological sex. Kenyatta stated that one in five transgender children have attempted suicide in the last year. He said, “For a party that always brags about being so pro-life, they are awfully eager to support a bill that will likely lead to more death for trans kids,” Kenyatta said. Kenyatta also said, “Trans kids are not the problem, hateful adults are.” He ended his remarks in the House by calling H.B. 972 “pathetic.” The bill comes at a time of much discussion and controversy over bills that would discriminate against LGBTQ people across the country. Video from Kenyatta’s remarks can be found at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VQHu1SFzJM&list=PLjtqNtfs0bgWV5sfi05EqUSILVtdNkaLc&index=3 . Read more

 

Now open for applications: Transportation, recovery housing, and public health funding opportunities

(Apr 05, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: 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, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/projectAndPrograms/p3forpa/Pages/default.aspx . FEDERAL PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Substance Abuse and HIV Prevention Navigator Program for Racial Ethnic Minorities (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Public and private non-profit entities . Use : To provide training and education around the risks of substance use and HIV/AIDS, as well as the integration of a range of services for individuals with HIV/AIDS. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : May 2, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sp-22-002 . Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP)/Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED): Pennsylvania’s Recovery Housing Read more

 

Now open for applications: Substance use disorder awareness, fire and emergency medical services, overdose programmatic collaboration funding opportunities

(Mar 22, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Programs (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Counties. Use : To support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence, needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals. Funds : Varies by county. Application Deadline : April 25, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs/Life Unites Us: Life Unites Us Community Award Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations. Use : To promote knowledge about substance use disorder (SUD) and reduce the stigma associated with addiction by sharing stories from individuals and family members living in recovery and broadcasting a message of hope throughout the state. Funds : Awards range between $5,000 and $15,000. Application Deadline : April 13, 2022 More Information : Click on https://lifeunitesus.com/grant . Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program (Funding Source: Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Fund) Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta issues statement on several weekend shootings in his district

(Mar 21, 2022)

“I am sick and tired of continuously having to issue statements because someone was shot and killed; people in our communities are sick and tired of constantly living in fear that their life could be taken,” Kenyatta said. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Student mental health and wildlife funding opportunities

(Mar 08, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Support for Student Mental Health Needs Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations, school districts, and other school entities. Use : To propose programming and other services to address youth mental health needs that have become apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds : Grants up to $150,000. Application Deadline : March 28, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022 Resource Center for Prevention Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Any institution of higher education, nonprofit agency, or for-profit organization. Use : To support Pennsylvania’s Resource Center for Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Programs and Practices (Resource Center). Funds : One award of $945,000. Application Deadline : April 4, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission: State Wildlife Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Any agency, organization, or entity desiring to participate in the planning or Read more

 

Kenyatta Issues Statement on Russian Invasion of Ukraine

(Feb 24, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., issued a statement on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine as this despicable invasion by Vladimir Putin and Russian Federation forces causes unnecessary pain and destruction across the country,” Kenyatta said. “Pennsylvania has the second largest Ukrainian population in the United States, and I want them to know that they have my support. I have a thriving Ukrainian faith community in my district, and we have been in touch about how to support them during this time.” Kenyatta said that he has drafted a resolution to condemn Putin’s actions and is asking that it be passed swiftly to “show our solidarity for the people of Ukraine.” Read more

 

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

(Feb 04, 2022)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

“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)

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)

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)

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)

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

 

Home and community-based services, crisis intervention, and archival records care funding opportunities
Jun 02, 2022

Rep. Kenyatta issues statement on recent shootings
May 25, 2022

Rep. Kenyatta announces $3.75 million in state grants to his district
Apr 25, 2022

Rep. Kenyatta offers statement on latest shooting near Temple University 
Apr 13, 2022

Rep. Kenyatta calls anti-transgender bill ‘pathetic’ 
Apr 12, 2022

Now open for applications: Transportation, recovery housing, and public health funding opportunities
Apr 05, 2022

Now open for applications: Substance use disorder awareness, fire and emergency medical services, overdose programmatic collaboration funding opportunities
Mar 22, 2022

Rep. Kenyatta issues statement on several weekend shootings in his district
Mar 21, 2022

Now open for applications: Student mental health and wildlife funding opportunities
Mar 08, 2022

Kenyatta Issues Statement on Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 24, 2022

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