News Center

PA House adopts resolution marking “World Scleroderma Day”

(1 day ago) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, June 28 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives adopted a resolution ( H.R. 471 ) introduced by state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, designating June 29, 2024, as “World Scleroderma Day” in Pennsylvania. Scleroderma is a rare group of autoimmune diseases that negatively impacts thousands of Americans’ skin through the development of rough or tight patches, which may constrict the ability to move. It can also have negative consequences on the digestive system, heart, and lung functioning capabilities. “Scleroderma hits close to home for me after losing my daughter Lanessa to this rare disease four years ago,” Kinsey said. “World Scleroderma Day intends to educate and provide a platform raising awareness of this disease, its causes, symptoms, risk factors and treatment options. I greatly appreciate my colleagues for joining me to adopt this necessary resolution.” "This resolution represents a significant step toward raising awareness about scleroderma and supporting those affected by this debilitating disease,” Malagari said. “Prioritizing education and understanding greatly improves the lives of those living with scleroderma and helps pave the way for better treatment and support systems." Video of Kinsey speaking about World Scleroderma Day in 2023 can be viewed here: (13) Kinsey Recognizes Read more

 

Kinsey bill to update reporting requirements for DDAP passes House

(Jun 27, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, June 27 – Today, the Pennsylvania House unanimously passed legislation ( H.B. 2403 ) that would update the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs’ existing annual reporting requirements. The updates in this bill, introduced by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., would clarify that information must be shared with the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and the House Human Services Committee. It also would add to the list of information that must be reported on. Kinsey, who serves as chair of the House Human Services Committee, said the updates are needed in response to DDAP significantly increasing its coordination with many other state departments to focus on innovations to the drug treatment system, support for grassroots recovery organizations and emerging harm-reduction strategies with proven outcomes. “As DDAP expands its responsibilities and efforts to help combat the opioid epidemic in our state, it’s important that we update the requirements of how they annually report to us in the General Assembly,” Kinsey said. “This increased transparency and communication will facilitate meaningful input and contributions to policy discussions, increase awareness of DDAP’s efforts, and ultimately support their initiatives more effectively.” Kinsey’s bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Kinsey Supports Opioid Overdose Education Bill

(Jun 12, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

PA state Rep. Stephen Kinsey expresses his backing of legislation that would direct the PA Dept. of Health to increase public awareness of how to identify and respond to opioid overdoses. Kinsey also lauds the bill’s establishment of a Lifetime Recovery from Substance Use Grant Program to aid qualified recovery support groups across the commonwealth. Read more

 

Pashinski, Kinsey bill incentivizing healthy eating and stretching SNAP dollars passes PA House

(Jun 12, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Reps. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, and Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., today celebrated passage in the PA House of their legislation that would establish a statewide program to provide bonus benefits – called Food Bucks – to SNAP recipients purchasing qualifying fruits and vegetables. Read more

 

Kinsey bill to update reporting requirements for DDAP heads to full PA House

(Jun 12, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, June 12 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 2403 ) introduced by PA House Human Services Chair state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., was approved by the committee and advanced to the full House. House Bill 2403 would update the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs’ existing annual reporting requirements. Kinsey said the updates are needed in response to DDAP significantly increasing its coordination with many other state departments to focus on innovations to the drug treatment system, support for grassroots recovery organizations, and emerging harm-reduction strategies with proven outcomes. “With the opioid epidemic in our state, I commend DDAP for expanding its responsibilities and efforts to help combat this epidemic,” Kinsey said. “As DDAP takes on these additional responsibilities, it’s important that we update the requirements of how they annually report to us in the General Assembly. This increased transparency and communication will facilitate meaningful input and contributions to policy discussions, increase awareness of DDAP’s efforts, and ultimately support their initiatives more effectively.” This bill now heads to the full House for consideration. Read more

 

Pashinski, Kinsey bill advances that would stretch Pa. SNAP dollars

(Jun 04, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

Article from Scranton Times Leader about Rep. Pashinski & Kinsey's bill Read more

 

Pashinski, Kinsey legislation to stretch Pa. SNAP dollars advances

(Jun 03, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey, Philadelphia House Delegation

State Reps. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, and Stephen Kinsey, D-Philadelphia, applauded the advancement of their legislation that would establish a Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program out of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee earlier today with bipartisan support. Read more

 

Kinsey welcomes more than $132,000 in state funding for Center in the Park senior community center

(May 14, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

PHILADELPHIA, May 14 – Today, state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., announced that $132,250 in state funding is coming back to his district for Center in the Park improvements and renovations. Center In the Park is a nonprofit senior community center in Germantown. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s 2023-24 Senior Community Centers Grant program. The funding is appropriated by the General Assembly with proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery. “Throughout my tenure, I’ve been privileged to work with Center in the Park on multiple occasions, and every time, I’m blown away by what they do to help seniors living here in Northwest Philadelphia,” Kinsey said. “I was proud to advocate for these well-deserved state dollars, and I can’t wait to see how CIP uses them to continue offering excellent services and opportunities to seniors in our community.” CIP was founded in 1968 as a traditional senior center and overtime has evolved into a wellness center, providing seniors opportunities to engage their minds, bodies and spirits. Read more

 

Kinsey: state police body-worn camera use indicates need to pass my legislation setting policies for usage

(May 01, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, May 1 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., applauded the Pennsylvania State Police’s announcement that all troopers assigned to Troop K, which covers the southeastern counties of Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware, are now outfitted for body-worn cameras and their patrol vehicles have been equipped with mobile video recorders. “The key to positive police-community relations is transparency, which body cameras greatly help provide. Folks will get a real-time look at the policies and procedures officers must follow when making an arrest and would also see the full footage of specific police encounters, removing uncertainty of what happened and who is in the wrong,” Kinsey said. Kinsey has introduced a bill in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to direct law enforcement agencies using body-worn cameras to develop official policies governing when cameras are activated and disabled, accessing the recordings, retention of recordings and redaction of recordings. “As we begin to see the state police’s body-worn camera initiative take place across the commonwealth, it’s time for the legislature to move my legislation so that police departments using these cameras can set defined guidelines and policies for how they’re used.” Kinsey’s bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee and currently awaits a committee vote. According Read more

 

Hundreds volunteer to pick up trash, sweep, plant flowers in annual Philly Spring Cleanup

(Apr 25, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

Recapping a community cleanup in Northwest Philadelphia that Rep. Kinsey, local nonprofits and hundreds of volunteers partook in. Read more

 

Kinsey bill honoring first African American Speaker of Pa. House heads to Senate

(Apr 09, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, April 9 – Yesterday, legislation ( H.B. 651 ) introduced by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., to honor a former House speaker passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. This legislation would designate the South Lawn of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex as the “Irvis Equality Circle” in honor of the late K. Leroy Irvis, who served as the first African American speaker of the Pennsylvania House and also as the first African American Speaker of any state legislature in the United States. The Pennsylvania Capitol Complex’s South Lawn sits right outside of the “Irvis Office Building.” “Speaker Irvis broke down barriers that made it possible for future African Americans to be a part of this prestigious body and to represent their communities,” Kinsey said. “It’s important that we honor our commonwealth’s greatest history makers, and it would only make sense to name the South Lawn, right outside the Irvis Office Building, in Speaker Irvis’ name.” This bill is headed to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Compensation for victims of voter intimidation pushed by Pa. state legislator

(Apr 08, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

Article about Rep. Kinsey's voter intimidation legislation. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 02, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE Program) Who May Apply: Local governments, planning organizations, or Commonwealth agencies. Use: Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, roadway safety, mobility, and capacity upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, local technical assistance program projects, and traffic signal improvements. Funds: PennDOT anticipates $32 million available with the intent of funding worthwhile projects that can be completed at a relatively low cost. Application Deadline: A pre-application scoping form is required to be submitted by April 30, 2024. Feedback will be provided by May 31, 2024. The application period will be open from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. More information: PennDOT Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: Funds for the proposed program must be used to support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence and may be used for needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals Funds: Funding is contingent upon the availability of funds in the FY 2024-25 budget. Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Read more

 

Kinsey applauds $1.8 million for local transportation improvements

(Mar 26, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

PHILADELPHIA, March 26 – Today, state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., announced that state funding worth $1.8 million was awarded to the city of Philadelphia for streetscape improvements along Germantown Avenue, including for Mt. Airy pedestrian lighting and crossings. Kinsey, who represents Pennsylvania’s 201 st Legislative District, where Germantown Avenue is located, stressed the importance of project funding. “I’m proud to see significant state funding awarded to address this part of Germantown Avenue, where we see a lot of traffic and movement,” Kinsey said. “This funding should go a long way to provide needed improvements that will keep pedestrians and drivers safe at the Mt. Airy crossing.” The funding comes from The Multimodal Transportation Fund administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Read more

 

Kinsey voter intimidation penalties bill approved by Judiciary Committee

(Mar 26, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, March 26 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee approved legislation ( H.B. 461 ) introduced by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., that would provide enhanced penalties for individuals who intimidate others at a polling place. Pennsylvania law makes polling place intimidation a criminal offense that can lead to a misdemeanor or felony conviction, depending on the circumstances. In addition to requiring a higher burden of proof and a burdensome amount of time and money, a criminal conviction may not lead to the restoration of justice for the person whose right to vote has been violated. Kinsey’s bill would allow a person aggrieved by an individual convicted of polling place intimidation to bring civil action and recover punitive damages, reasonable attorney fees, and other legal costs. “Voting is a fundamental right all Americans have, and when folks go to a polling place to make their voice heard, they deserve to do so in peace without being harassed,” Kinsey said. “This legislation would bring justice to those who try to intimidate, harass, or bother others at the polls.” This legislation now moves to the full House for future consideration. Read more

 

Kinsey Rallies to Retain Regional Rail

(Mar 18, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

PA House Human Services Committee Chairman Rep. Stephen Kinsey joined advocates and stakeholders at the state Capitol to call attention to the vital role that public transportation, especially SEPTA, plays in the lives of Pennsylvanians. SEPTA anticipates a budget shortfall in the coming year and regional rail lines like Chestnut Hill West could see cuts to service. Kinsey says now more than ever we should be looking to expand public transit, not eliminate it. Read more

 

Kinsey Fights for Disability Program Funding

(Mar 06, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

House Majority Human Services Chair Rep. Stephen Kinsey questions Secretary Val Arkoosh about fixing wage shortfalls within the Office of Developmental Programs. ODP is responsible for the oversight of intellectual and developmental disability services in Pennsylvania. Kinsey says poor pay and staffing shortages within the department have left many Pennsylvanians without the support they need. Read more

 

2023 Recap Newsletter

(Jan 31, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

A recap of Rep. Kinsey's 2023 Read more

 

Kinsey, Cooper ‘dual enrollment’ bill ceremoniously signed

(Jan 30, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – On Monday, state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and Jill Cooper, R-Westmoreland, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro at the state Capitol for a ceremonial bill-signing of their legislation, H.B. 1258, which was officially signed into law on Dec. 14 as Act 52 of 2023. The bill improves the funding mechanism for dual enrollment programs by removing the requirement that students enrolled in such programs be removed from the school’s average daily membership count. Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit while still in high school. In the funding mechanism for public schools prior to this bill’s passage, schools would lose out on funding if a student chooses to take a college level course – even if they remain physically at the school. The signing of this bill ensures this will no longer happen. “ School districts should not lose out on funding because their students enroll in one of these courses that propels their academic career while still at the high school,” Kinsey said. “Governor Shapiro has ensured to us that he is committed to providing Pennsylvania students with pathways to advance their education. We thank him for taking the necessary action to make this important bill an official law.” “Programs like these excite students and parents, and schools shouldn’t Read more

 

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

(Jan 26, 2024) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

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

 

PA House adopts resolution marking “World Scleroderma Day”
1 day ago

Kinsey bill to update reporting requirements for DDAP passes House
Jun 27, 2024

Kinsey Supports Opioid Overdose Education Bill
Jun 12, 2024

Pashinski, Kinsey bill incentivizing healthy eating and stretching SNAP dollars passes PA House
Jun 12, 2024

Kinsey bill to update reporting requirements for DDAP heads to full PA House
Jun 12, 2024

Pashinski, Kinsey bill advances that would stretch Pa. SNAP dollars
Jun 04, 2024

Pashinski, Kinsey legislation to stretch Pa. SNAP dollars advances
Jun 03, 2024

Kinsey welcomes more than $132,000 in state funding for Center in the Park senior community center
May 14, 2024

Kinsey: state police body-worn camera use indicates need to pass my legislation setting policies for usage
May 01, 2024

Hundreds volunteer to pick up trash, sweep, plant flowers in annual Philly Spring Cleanup
Apr 25, 2024

Kinsey bill honoring first African American Speaker of Pa. House heads to Senate
Apr 09, 2024

Compensation for victims of voter intimidation pushed by Pa. state legislator
Apr 08, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 02, 2024

Kinsey applauds $1.8 million for local transportation improvements
Mar 26, 2024

Kinsey voter intimidation penalties bill approved by Judiciary Committee
Mar 26, 2024

Kinsey Rallies to Retain Regional Rail
Mar 18, 2024

Kinsey Fights for Disability Program Funding
Mar 06, 2024

2023 Recap Newsletter
Jan 31, 2024

Kinsey, Cooper ‘dual enrollment’ bill ceremoniously signed
Jan 30, 2024

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District
Jan 26, 2024