State Rep. Stephen Kinsey calls on President Biden to ensure Americans with the greatest need can access a basic necessity of modern life: high speed internet

(Jun 17, 2021)

For the past 15 months of the pandemic, broadband has become a lifeline for Pennsylvania’s disadvantaged and disenfranchised—low-income families, communities of color, and people with disabilities. Read more

 

Kinsey reflects on one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, reminds lawmakers to continue to fight for justice

(May 26, 2021)

HARRISBURG, May 26 – A day after the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., released the following statement: “Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the needless and horrific public execution of George Floyd by a police officer. Our nation and the world watched those heart wrenching 8 minutes and 49 seconds of a man, a father, a brother revert to basic childhood innocence and fearfully cry out for his deceased mother as he gasped for air due to being slowly asphyxiated to death by a knee to the neck. It was those cries that spurred countless global protests across the globe. “I also want to set the record straight that Mr. Floyd was not a martyr or a hero. He did not sacrifice his life for justice or anything grand, and that is perfectly fine. Like many of us, he was just a person existing in this world. This is what makes his murder more traumatic, especially to those of us who look like him. “This one-year anniversary was time of reflection on George Floyd’s life and our continued strides toward justice. We expressed sorrow in those unjustly taken from us, we spoke their names, but we also had glimmers of triumph. We once again relished in that feeling of finally being visible and respected when Mr. Floyd’s murderer was finally held accountable. “To those on the right side of this fight for justice, especially my fellow lawmakers who have a sworn duty to Read more

 

PLBC outlines legislative agenda for systemic equity

(May 05, 2021)

HARRISBURG, May 5 – State House members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and supporters today outlined their legislative agenda for systemic equity at a Capitol news conference. Members spoke about bills that would resolve bias, create diversity and provide inclusion, bridging the racial divide and inequities in legislation, state government agencies and health care. “This agenda is a road map for changing the way we deliver services, distribute resources and otherwise do business in the Commonwealth in all matters so that everyone, regardless of the color of their skin, gender, or Zip code, will have the same access and the same expectation as residents of Pennsylvania,” said PLBC Chair and state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. “The inequities in health care, housing and employment that were exacerbated by the pandemic are not new. They are systemic and often rooted in generations of racism. To address these systemic inequities, we have to remove stigmas, address implicit bias, and invest in systemic equity in ways that provide fair and equitable access to wealth, health, safety and more. We cannot continue doing things as we’ve done in the past and expect the outcome to be different. I have said that before, it still holds true and will continue to be true until we make substantial changes. We won’t relent until we see these changes.” “I truly appreciate the leadership of PLCB Chairwoman Bullock to keep us Read more

 

Kinsey, Kim and Dawkins call for ban on chokeholds following Chauvin conviction

(Apr 21, 2021)

HARRISBURG, April 21 -- Following the unanimous guilty verdict for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., today announced legislation that he has introduced that seeks to outlaw the use of the standard chokehold in making an arrest, including the same chokehold used to kill George Floyd. House Bill 870, a bill Kinsey co-introduced with state Reps. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, and Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., would also ban police using any action that inhibits breath or the flow of blood to the brain due to physical position. “While we collectively revel in this moment that justice was served for Mr. Floyd, we must recognize that this is but a small victory in the grand scope of protecting communities of color from police violence and meaningfully reforming our system,” Kinsey said. “Yesterday, a jury unanimously decided that chokeholds are acts of murder, and this decision should compel us to examine policies of our own law enforcement agencies across the commonwealth.” Kim echoed Kinsey’s sentiments that while the verdict is a step in the right direction, it’s not enough. “This guilty verdict is long-awaited justice for many,” Kim said. “But it is certainly not enough. These are the first steps toward true justice for all. We must act now and work to ban archaic practices that put citizens’ lives at risk. Chokeholds should be a uniformly forbidden practice across Read more

 

Kinsey highlights grant award to local mentorship program

(Mar 15, 2021)

State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., said a local organization that focuses on helping fathers embrace a responsible and comprehensive plan of action for their lives is the recipient of a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Read more

 

Breaking down information barriers key to supporting communities of color through COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine efforts

(Mar 11, 2021)

HARRISBURG, March 11 – Trust and inclusive policies are key in getting COVID-19 vaccines distributed to communities of color and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee heard from multiple researchers, doctors and advocates on how to execute those strategies. Read more

 

Arts funding and PEMA Nonprofit Security grant programs now open for applications

(Mar 10, 2021)

STATE GRANT PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Council on the Arts: Creative Communities (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Lead applicant must be a unit of government, nonprofit 501(c)3 or 501(c)6) organization. Required partnership of at least two organizations, one of which will serve as the lead applicant. Please note: Creative Communities projects are currently underway in the following counties: Crawford, Indiana, Lancaster, Lehigh, Mercer, and Philadelphia. Counties without existing projects will receive priority. Use : To provide multi-year funding to community-driven, arts-based projects that serve as catalysts for livability, economic development, and community connectedness. Funds : Up to $25,000 per year for up to four years. Application Deadline : March 19 More Information : Click on 2021_PCA_Creative_Communities_Letter_of_Interest.pdf (pa.gov) . Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Nonprofit Security Grant Program (Funding Source: F ederal Funding ) Who May Apply : 501(c)3 nonprofits, including religious institutions. Must be at a high risk of a terrorist attack based on the following: (1) Substantiation of prior threats or attacks (from within or outside the U.S.) by a terrorist organization, network, or cell against the applicant based on their ideology, beliefs, or mission; (2) Symbolic value of the site(s) as a highly recognized Read more

 

COVID-19 impact on communities of color focus of public hearing Thursday

(Mar 09, 2021)

HARRISBURG, March 9 – State Reps. Donna Bullock and Stephen Kinsey will host a joint hearing of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and House Democratic Policy Committee this week to explore how communities of color have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus responds to DHS equity report

(Feb 16, 2021)

The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus recently commended the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services on its first Equity Report, according to PLBC chairwoman, State Rep. Donna Bullock (D-195th Dist.). Read more

 

PLBC responds to DHS equity report

(Jan 25, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 25 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus this week commended the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services on its first Equity Report, according to PLBC chairwoman, state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. “The report hits many points that we on the PLBC fight for every day,” Bullock said. “As Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller pointed out, this cannot be a momentary, singular conversation because we watched George Floyd be murdered before our eyes without cause. This needs to be addressed every day, for every person of color, in both the workplace and our living communities.” “Every year I ask questions about racial equity at our appropriations hearings,” Bullock said. “I want to know, encourage and even urge our departments to provide diversity training, include employees of color in all aspects of managerial levels and decision-making, and ensure a healthy work environment for all at the highest levels of government. Our government agencies should, at the very least, ensure that they are representative of the people of our commonwealth for whom they serve.” The report provides information on efforts that DHS is undertaking on diversity, equity and inclusion so they may be a partner in correcting systemic racism within their own offices. While the report covers many areas within the department and where it will provide this training, it is a starting point for efforts moving forward. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Now Open for Applications

(Dec 21, 2020)

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

 

State lawmakers forge a new path for Pa. politics, form bipartisan caucus

(Dec 05, 2020)

State lawmakers forge a new path for Pa. politics, form bipartisan caucus Read more

 

Democratic and Republican lawmakers unify to form bipartisan legislative caucus

(Dec 03, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 3 – Democratic state Rep. Stephen Kinsey and Republican state Rep. Greg Rothman have joined forces to form a first-of-its-kind bipartisan caucus for the upcoming 2021-22 legislative session. The newly formed legislative body – which has a growing number of lawmakers pledging membership from both sides of the political aisle – is meant to serve as a medium for Democrats and Republicans to come together through open dialogue with the goal of enacting meaningful policy that centers helping the people of Pennsylvania. “Our caucus aims to buck this undercurrent of centering party matters in legislative matters, which sometimes deters members on both sides of the aisle from collaborating with each other. As lawmakers, working toward a better and more equitable commonwealth for all should be our top priority, and legislating with a focus on party is a direct detriment to this goal,” said Kinsey, D-Phila. “Representative Rothman is a dependable ally, and I am honored to call him my friend. He has never let partisanship impede the goal of doing what’s right for the people of this commonwealth. He possesses the drive needed to spearhead and make this caucus successful. I look forward to what we can accomplish together.” Reciprocating those sentiments, Rothman, R-Cumberland, said that he too has found friendship in Kinsey, and called for civility among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. “Democracy Read more

 

Kinsey congratulates Bullock for being elected to chair Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

(Nov 13, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Rep. Stephen Kinsey congratulated his successor state Rep. Donna Bullock for being elected to head the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus for the 2021-22 legislative session. Bullock, who currently serves as vice chair of the PLBC and will be the third woman to chair the caucus in its 47-year history, was elected by returning and new members of the 27-member bicameral caucus during caucus-wide leadership elections on Tuesday. PLBC members also elected Rep. Summer Lee, D-Allegheny, as vice chair, while Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, will retain her role as secretary, and Rep.-Elect Manny Guzman, D-Berks, will serve as treasurer. “Representative Bullock has been an outstanding vice chair of the PLBC, and I’m thrilled to see manifestations of her dedication in ensuring communities of color are uplifted and recognized in the legislative fabric of our commonwealth,” said Kinsey, D-Phila. “I also want to congratulate other members for being elected to serve in their respective leadership roles. Each of these members has been championing equality and justice as activists and now as lawmakers. It’s solid track records like these that continue to propel the mission of this esteemed caucus forward.” In the current legislative session, Kinsey and the PLBC unveiled a platform that focused on investing in schools and educational opportunity, reforming a criminal Read more

 

Kinsey, PLBC congratulate McClinton on historic leap for women in Pa. legislature

(Nov 13, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., is congratulating state Rep. Joanna McClinton for winning the role of House Democratic Leader for the 2021-22 legislative session. McClinton was elected to lead the Democrats in the next term during the caucus’ leadership elections held on Thursday. She becomes the first woman and woman of color to be elected floor leader in the Pennsylvania House. “Representative McClinton has been breaking barriers for women and women of color throughout her life,” Kinsey said. “She was the first African-American woman to be elected to serve the 191 st Legislative District in Philadelphia County when she won her special election in 2015. From that time on she has worked hard and with purpose to win the respect of her peers and to help move the Democratic agenda of people first to the forefront of public policy. “I not only congratulate my good friend for this well-deserved recognition of her talents and ability to bring people together on behalf of the people we serve, but I also congratulate the Pennsylvania House institution as a whole for ushering in a new era of leadership where women and girls, and especially women and girls of color, can rise to the top and assume roles once reserved for men only. “I look forward to working with Leader-elect McClinton and the entire House Democratic Leadership team in helping to enact an Read more

 

The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus congratulates Biden and Harris on historic win

(Nov 09, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 9 – Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila, along with PLBC members, issued this statement congratulating President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris: “I am thrilled to soon call Joe Biden and Kamala Harris president and vice president. Their presence in the White House will restore intelligence and dignity to these esteemed offices, and a sense of pride in the American people. It is refreshing to see concrete, well-crafted strategies to move our nation forward, and I look forward to seeing manifestations of this progress,” Kinsey said on behalf of the PLBC. “Breaking through the monotony of 231 years and 48 white men vice presidents, our nation elected its first woman and woman of color vice president, making this victory nothing short of historic. I am especially in awe that a HBCU graduate and a fellow member of a Divine 9 will soon serve as America’s vice president. Reveling in this moment means so much to me as a father of Black daughters, with Vice president- elect Harris shattering a glass ceiling, ultimately becoming a beacon of inspiration for every girl of color who can now walk through this world with the confidence in knowing that their big dreams can also become reality. “We can’t celebrate this victory in, as President-elect Biden said, ‘the battle for the soul of this nation,’ without first acknowledging the warriors of this Read more

 

PLBC, Philadelphia House Delegation, and Police Reform Working Group members demand justice after Black man is killed by police

(Oct 27, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, along with its members and members of the Pennsylvania Police Reform Working Group and the Philadelphia House Delegation, are demanding justice for West Philadelphia resident Walter Wallace Jr., a 27-year-old Black man, who was killed by police on Monday afternoon in the Cobbs Creek section of the city. Members of these respective legislative bodies also called on the legislature to expeditiously pass the multiple pieces of police reform legislation languishing without action, some of which address procedures on non-lethal de-escalation methods and would instill policies for safer police interactions with residents experiencing mental health crises. “A mother watched her son, suffering from mental illness, be met with a barrage of bullets before her eyes, and a neighborhood saw the same. A mother and father lost their son, and children have lost their father--generations of one family and an entire community are now forced to bear that trauma for the rest of their lives,” said Kinsey, D-Phila. “Indeed, it’s trauma that we are all forced to bear as we have yet to receive justice for the countless other Black lives killed with impunity at the hands of police. Furthermore, during a time when seeking mental health resources is strongly encouraged, this tragedy reveals that living with mental illness while Black, however, and crying for help is Read more

 

Stephen Kinsey: How video gambling companies profit off communities of color

(Oct 23, 2020)

We need to stand against these types of policies that prey on communities or color and force on us additional social issues that negatively impact our economic opportunities. Read more

 

Stephen Kinsey: How video gambling companies profit off communities of color

(Oct 23, 2020)

We need to stand against these types of policies that prey on communities or color and force on us additional social issues that negatively impact our economic opportunities. Read more

 

How video gambling companies profit off communities of color

(Oct 09, 2020)

As community activists and public officials call for a change in how resources are provided to communities of color throughout the Commonwealth, some members of the state legislature are still looking into policies that exploit low-income and minority neighborhoods. The most recent example is the fast-tracking of legislation that would create thousands of mini casinos and slots parlors on every street corner in cities across the state. This is simply a proliferation of gambling that historically targets poor and largely minority communities. My colleagues and I on both sides of the political aisle are working hard to address policies that rethink how we fund and operate policing in our communities and how we can better reinvest public tax dollars back into programs that lift up minority neighborhoods. This includes investments in public education, economic development and health care. But, as the General Assembly finally begins to address the systemic issues and inequities that plague communities of color, some in the legislature are pushing for expanded gambling that will have major consequences in our neighborhoods. Even as the eyes of the world have been opened to the injustices and inequities facing people of color, a coalition of out-of-sate video gambling companies are looking to expand their predatory practices and bring tens of thousands of video gambling devices into bars, restaurants and grocery stores. These machines Read more

 

State Rep. Stephen Kinsey calls on President Biden to ensure Americans with the greatest need can access a basic necessity of modern life: high speed internet
Jun 17, 2021

Kinsey reflects on one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, reminds lawmakers to continue to fight for justice
May 26, 2021

PLBC outlines legislative agenda for systemic equity
May 05, 2021

Kinsey, Kim and Dawkins call for ban on chokeholds following Chauvin conviction
Apr 21, 2021

Kinsey highlights grant award to local mentorship program
Mar 15, 2021

Breaking down information barriers key to supporting communities of color through COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine efforts
Mar 11, 2021

Arts funding and PEMA Nonprofit Security grant programs now open for applications
Mar 10, 2021

COVID-19 impact on communities of color focus of public hearing Thursday
Mar 09, 2021

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus responds to DHS equity report
Feb 16, 2021

PLBC responds to DHS equity report
Jan 25, 2021

State Grant Programs Now Open for Applications
Dec 21, 2020

State lawmakers forge a new path for Pa. politics, form bipartisan caucus
Dec 05, 2020

Democratic and Republican lawmakers unify to form bipartisan legislative caucus
Dec 03, 2020

Kinsey congratulates Bullock for being elected to chair Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
Nov 13, 2020

Kinsey, PLBC congratulate McClinton on historic leap for women in Pa. legislature
Nov 13, 2020

The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus congratulates Biden and Harris on historic win
Nov 09, 2020

PLBC, Philadelphia House Delegation, and Police Reform Working Group members demand justice after Black man is killed by police
Oct 27, 2020

Stephen Kinsey: How video gambling companies profit off communities of color
Oct 23, 2020

Stephen Kinsey: How video gambling companies profit off communities of color
Oct 23, 2020

How video gambling companies profit off communities of color
Oct 09, 2020