HARRISBURG, June 14 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1305 ) introduced by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and will head to the state Senate for future consideration. Kinsey said the bill would establish sustainable funding for Pennsylvania’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in line with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal. The lifeline was launched in July of 2022 and allows anyone in the U.S. to call, chat or text 988 to receive support and resources during a suicide, mental health or substance use crisis. The proposed legislation would be similar to how communities fund 911 by creating a monthly fee on all wireless devices to ensure these emergency services will not experience any funding gaps. “With the ongoing mental health crisis affecting Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth, it’s crucial we ensure such a critical resource in 988 is funded sustainably so they can be reliable to help folks suffering with their mental health,” Kinsey said. “Today, we took a step toward strengthening and solidifying this lifeline that can help so many. I now urge my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill to the governor’s desk so it can be signed into law.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 13 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Bipartisan Caucus hosted a news conference dubbed “Meet Me in the Middle” where they rolled out their agenda for this legislative term. This caucus was formed in 2021 by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and state Sen. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry, who served as a state representative at the time. It was formed as a platform to bring Democratic and Republican members together to listen to people, organizations and businesses across the Commonwealth and work collectively to address issues facing Pennsylvania. Currently, in the Pennsylvania House, Democrats hold a one-seat majority, making bipartisanship extremely important in getting bills passed. Co-chairs of this caucus include Kinsey and state Reps. Jill Cooper, R-Westmoreland; Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland; and Jamie Flick R-Lycoming/Union. They each gave their remarks on how this caucus can help cut through some of the partisanship in Harrisburg and move Pennsylvania forward. “I started this caucus with my former colleague as I saw how the political division boiling in Harrisburg was negatively affecting the lives of everyday Pennsylvanians,” Kinsey said. “We don’t have to agree on everything, but working together in a bipartisan fashion and listening to the people of our commonwealth is very important in moving Pennsylvania forward. I firmly believe Read more
HARRISBURG, June 8 – Yesterday, House Resolution 128 introduced by state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, urging Congress to end legal slavery was reported out of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee. While the 13 th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery, it left a loophole which allows for slavery/involuntary servitude as punishment for committing a crime. Kinsey’s resolution would urge the U.S. Congress to end this loophole. “Slavery is America’s greatest sin, and we can no longer allow it to continue any further in any shape or fashion,” Kinsey said. “The loophole in the 13th Amendment allows for America’s legacy of slavery and racism to continue- we must end it. No one should be forced to work involuntarily. Today’s committee vote for this resolution is a positive step towards fully abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude in our country.” “Slavery has no place in the world today. Yet here in the United States, through a loophole in the 13 th Amendment, we can still force labor on someone as punishment for a crime,” Kazeem said. “This is not what represents the America of today and it’s about time we finally got rid of slavery in our country. We hope our colleagues in the state House will join us in calling on our Congress in Washington to join us in this mission.” H.R. 128 Read more
HARRISBURG, June 7 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1305 ) introduced by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., was voted out of the PA House Human Services Committee. This bill would establish sustainable funding for Pennsylvania’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in line with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal. The lifeline was launched in July of 2022 and allows anyone in the U.S. to call, chat or text 988 to receive supports and resources during a suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis. Kinsey, who serves as chairman of the PA House Human Services Committee and a long-time mental health advocate, stressed the importance of ensuring the lifeline is sustainably funded. “The creation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was important to allow folks in the midst of a mental health crisis an outlet to get the help they need,” Kinsey said. “Now, it’s important that we properly fund this crucial lifeline so it can be a sustainable and reliable source of help. “As we see a growing need of mental health situations, this lifeline can be the difference of life and death for many Pennsylvanians who are dealing with the mental health crisis,” he continued. “As H.B. 1305 has passed out of the Human Services Committee and heads to the House Floor, I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of keeping 988 reliable for all Pennsylvanians who need it.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 6 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 580 ) introduced by state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, Danilo Burgos and Morgan Cephas, all D-Phila., to re-establish the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative was approved by the PA House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. The Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative was a program operated from 2004 to 2010 that provided grants and low-interest loans for the construction, rehabilitation or expansion of grocery stores, farmers markets and other healthy food retail establishments in low- to moderate-income areas in need and other underserved communities. “Health is the most important aspect of our lives. To live a healthy life, it’s crucial that all people have access to healthy, fresh and nutritious food,” Kinsey said. “Restarting the Fresh Food Financing Initiative would help provide more accessible healthy food options to communities that desperately need it.” “This bill would boost local agricultural products while helping families in need to get access to fresh produce,” Burgos said. “This program is a healthy approach to fight food insecurity and obesity. No one in our state should be deprived of having a balanced alimentation, not under our watch.” “Pennsylvania agriculture contributes $132.5 billion to our state economy annually and supports 593,6000 jobs. It is beyond upsetting to Read more
HARRISBURG, May 23 – Today, the PA House Human Services Committee voted two bills out of committee to address mental health initiatives and funding for programs as well as funding for kinship care legal assistance. The first bill ( H.B. 849 ), introduced by state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, would take recommendations from the Behavioral Health Commission on Adult Mental Health on how to appropriate $100 million in one-time ARPA funds. As part of the 2022-23 budget (through Act 54 of 2022), the General Assembly established the Behavioral Health Commission on Adult Mental Health, a 24-person commission tasked with providing recommendations to the General Assembly on how to appropriate $100 million in one-time ARPA funding to address adult behavioral health needs in Pennsylvania. The commission, composed of experts in the behavioral health field, advocates, providers, and legislators, met over the course of four weeks for a total of 17 hours to create a set of recommendations they believe would be the first step towards true change for all Pennsylvanians. H.B. 849 would take the following recommendations from the commission and turn them into actionable legislation, as well as expand these efforts to address the needs of struggling youth: $37 million towards workforce development. $23.5 million to improve the criminal justice system and public safety systems. $39 million to expand access and service delivery. $500,000 to evaluate the Read more
State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., last night hosted a press conference and community peace walk in conjunction with the local police chaplains, at Belfield Recreation Center as part of the “Third Thursday Initiative” to address gun violence in northwest Philadelphia. This was the first Third Thursday event of 2023. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 3 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., hosted a news conference Tuesday in the Capitol Rotunda advocating for greater pay for Pennsylvania child care workers, who make an average of only $12.43 per hour. Kinsey, who has been a long-time advocate for child care workers said Pennsylvania must do better by them. “Child care workers provide such a crucial service to our state socially and economically, yet they’re paid in Pennsylvania’s bottom 2% of employees. That is embarrassing,” Kinsey said. “We must do better by our child care workers, and it begins with paying them a deserving wage. I have advocated for child care workers since before I was an elected official, and I stand committed in my advocacy for them to be paid and treated with the respect they deserve.” Kinsey was joined by many child care workers from First Up, including Director Tyrone Scott. First Up member Rosanna Matos told Kinsey that she would bring a bus full of child care workers to Harrisburg for the event, and she did. Legislative colleagues also joined Kinsey including state Reps. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, and Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin; and state Sens. Tim Kearney, D-Delaware, and Judy Schwank, D-Berks. Video from the event may be viewed here and photos may be seen here . Read more
HARRISBURG, April 13 – Pennsylvania House Human Services Committee Chair Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., issued the following statement today applauding the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs for announcing $4 million in grant funding for the establishment of nine regional recovery hubs across the commonwealth. “I am very pleased to see this state funding go toward helping address addiction. This is a very pervasive issue across the commonwealth and having recovery hubs in multiple regions from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and everywhere in between should be very beneficial in helping Pennsylvanians struggling with addiction receive a quality recovery. “I applaud DDAP’s efforts, and as chairman of the House Human Services Committee, I look to build on what they’re doing to address addiction across the commonwealth and provide Pennsylvanians necessary resources for recovery.” People can view the list organizations awarded the funding and the various regions they’ll serve, plus more information about the funding here: Shapiro Administration Awards $4 Million for Regional Recovery Hubs Across Pennsylvania (pa.gov) . Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: DEI in the Building and Construction Trades Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Organizations that serve as sponsors or intermediaries of Registered Apprenticeship and/or Pre-Apprenticeship in the building and construction trades. Use : To develop diverse talent pipelines and reach underrepresented populations within the building and construction trades. Funds : $1 million in total program funding. Application Deadline : April 26, 2023 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . 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, 2023 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/ProjectAndPrograms/p3forpa/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Youth Reentry Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Read more
As Chair of the House Human Services Committee, Pa. state Rep. Stephen Kinsey questions Pa. Human Services acting Sec. Valerie Arkoosh about her department’s plans to better serve people across the Commonwealth. Kinsey focused on the Medicaid system, mental health resources in schools, and support for seniors and people living with intellectual disabilities. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 22 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., helped to facilitate a town hall meeting Tuesday night about public safety with14 th Police District Captain Tanisha Richardson at First Presbyterian Church. Kinsey and Richardson were joined by state Sen. Sharif Street, D-Phila., Councilmembers Cindy Bass and Anthony Philips, the offices of Sen. Art Haywood, D-Phila./Montgomery, and state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila.; along with more than 65 northwest Philadelphia community members. Richardson became captain of the 14 th Police District earlier this year, making last night’s townhall meeting her first as captain. During this meeting, community members shared their concerns, with many offering to work with the new captain. They also got to hear Richardson’s plan to address public safety issues, including gun violence, neighborhood police patrolling and vandalism. Kinsey stressed the importance of everyone working together to make the northwest community safer. “The northwest is a proud community, and for us to make it safer, we must all work together,” Kinsey said. “I was pleased to see multiple members of our community offer to work with Captain Richardson to address safety concerns.” Kinsey said that he looks forward to working with Richardson and the men and women of the 14 th Police District. “Captain Richardson’s vision for public Read more
HARRISBURG, March 9 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., has been appointed as the new chairman of the Pennsylvania House Human Services Committee. The committee reviews bills pertaining to social service issues in Pennsylvania and oversees the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Office of Developmental Programs, and the Office of Long Term Living under the Department of Human Services, as well as the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and the Office of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and the Bureau of Community Program Licensure and Certification under the Department of Health. Kinsey said he brings “real life’ experience as chairman of the committee, having started his career as a direct support professional fresh out of college. Kinsey has worked for agencies such as Woodhaven Center, SPIN, JEVS, KenCrest and Horizon House, providing supports and services in a variety of positions working with people with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. “Across the commonwealth, many Pennsylvanians are struggling with issues that this committee can play a role in addressing and solving,” Kinsey said. “I’m proud to have been appointed as majority chairman of the Human Services Committee, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to deliver necessary help and services for the people of Pennsylvania.” Read more
Pa. state Rep. Stephen Kinsey explains the importance of attracting AND RETAINING quality teachers to educate the future leaders of our Commonwealth and country. He says legislation like the Beginner Educator Support Training Program (BEST) makes an investment in new teachers and will slow the teacher turnover rate that is currently plaguing our schools. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., today hosted documented original Tuskegee Airmen for a Black History Month conversation at Cliveden of the National Trust in Philadelphia. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first group of African American military aviators, who fought during World War II. Despite facing rigid racial barriers and constant segregation, these airmen were among the most accomplished and effective pilots of the entire war. Upwards of 900 pilots who graduated from Tuskegee Airfield flew 1,578 missions and 15,533 sorties, destroying 261 enemy aircraft and earning themselves more than 850 medals, collectively. In World War I, African Americans were prohibited from serving as military pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces. On March 22, 1941, U.S. Army Air Corps 99 Pursuit Squadron was activated to become the first African American fighter squadron. The members of the 99 Pursuit Squadron were the first to be known as Tuskegee Airmen because they received their initial flight training at a segregated air base in Tuskegee, Ala. This event centered around a conversation about the Tuskegee Airmen’s experiences of serving their country, while facing racism, segregation and inequality. “The Tuskegee Airmen embody bravery and heroism. They chose to serve their country at a time, when they were not seen as equal simply due to the color of their skin,” Kinsey said. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 8 – On Tuesday, a PA Commonwealth Court judge ruled that the current PA school funding system is unconstitutional. The ruling was the result of a 2014 case by William Penn School District against the PA Department of Education, which was filed on behalf of parents, school districts and statewide organizations arguing that the commonwealth’s funding of K-12 public education is inadequate and violates the Pennsylvania Constitution. The petitioners argued school districts in areas with low incomes and property values have been underfunded compared to school districts in areas with high incomes and property values. State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., is one of many PA House Democrats that has fought for PA public schools to be fairly and equitably funded. “Education is the building block to our children’s futures, and for far too long, PA school districts in low-income areas have been woefully underfunded,” Kinsey said. “Most of these school districts are in cities like Philadelphia that have high rates of poverty. The inequitable education funding their school districts have received over the years is a factor in continuing the cycle of poverty in these communities as it limits upward mobility for those living there. Every child deserves a quality education, and this court ruling is a massive step toward making that a reality for all Pennsylvania children.” Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Regional Recovery Hubs Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organization or governmental entity. Use : To support a Recovery-Oriented-System of Care (ROSC) by establishing a Recovery Hub and Spoke model. Funds : Nine grants up to $500,000 each will be awarded.. Application Deadline : February 24, 2023 More Information : https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2023-01%20Regional%20Recovery%20Hubs_2023.01.11_FINAL.pdf . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Category 1 Funds (Funding Source: SAEDR Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations may partner with governmental entities, including school districts, provided the nonprofit organization is the applicant. Use : To provide research-based or evidence-based approaches to prevention, intervention, treatment, training, and education services to reduce substance use or to provide resources to assist families in accessing the services needed to reduce substance use behavior, as well as strategies aimed at combating opioid/heroin overdoses. Funds : Grants up to $150,000 over a two-year project period. Application Deadline : February 24, 2023 More Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 19 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., announced that a $135,000 grant has been awarded to Northwest Victim Services from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for violence intervention and prevention. The funding NVS has been awarded will be used to provide holistic outreach, support, resources and counseling to survivors of gun violence and to engage them in targeted and culturally specific ways. “Gun violence has been a major problem in the city of Philadelphia over the past few years, especially here in the northwest,” Kinsey said. “Far too many lives have been senselessly taken, and it’s really ravaged our community. This funding is extremely important, and I believe that Northwest Victim Services will use every dollar they’ve been awarded in an effort to keep our community safe.” Kinsey noted that he has done work with NVS during the past 15 years to keep communities in northwest Philadelphia safe. Kinsey also noted that the Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia was awarded $1.9 million. The Boys and Girls Club is not located in Kinsey’s legislative district, but it is in very close in proximity, and he said it serves northwest Philadelphia in its entirety and benefits many of his constituents. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 20 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., joined multiple northwest Philadelphia elected officials, police, local nonprofit organizations and constituents on Sunday afternoon to host a ‘Winter Wonderland’ Holiday Fair at the Castle Event Center in Germantown that was attended by more than 800 people. Kinsey joined legislative colleagues, state Rep.-elect Anthony Bellmon, Councilmember-elect Anthony Phillips and former state Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, all D-Phila. State Sens. Sharif Street and Art Haywood, both D-Phila., also supported this community event. The legislators were joined by Police Captains Frazer and Massey of the 14 th and 35 th Police District respectively, as well as multiple local nonprofit organizations that served as hosts, including Monday Morning Mom, 7 G’s, Action for Justice Collective, Men Who Care of Germantown and We R Smart 2, Anchors of Hope CDC, and the 59 th Ward. “As we’re in the midst of the madness of the holiday season, it was truly special to see more than 800 of people come to this community event,” Kinsey said. “Many of us recognize that there are families struggling to put food on their tables and do not have the means to provide a holiday present to their children. We also wanted to make sure that folks were aware of all of the state-related services that my office provides. We are here to help as well as provide a fun and enjoyable event Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency/Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training Innovative Solicitation (Funding Source: Justice Reinvestment Fund) Who May Apply : Existing PACTT Affiliates. Use : To improve services for delinquent youth receiving academic and career/technical training services. Funds : Awards up to $75,000 for 24-month projects. Application Deadline : December 23, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Pumpout Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities. Use : To fund the construction, renovation, and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations to service pleasure boats. Funds : Reimburse up to 75% of the installation cost of pumpout and dump stations. Application Deadline : December 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/PumpoutGrantProgram.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022-23 School Safety and Security Training and Technical Assistance Program Read more
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