Major state grants announced just in time for holidays Read more
Bill would expand federal legislation, protect PA families Read more
Tax credits provide boost when funding sorely needed due to COVID Read more
Funding to help with major renovation project at library Read more
Proposed bill believed to be first of its kind in legislature’s history Read more
Chat about legislative priorities, our office’s operations, and resources during COVID-19 for families, businesses, nonprofits and communities. Read more
On the heels of the U.S. House passing the CROWN Act, state Reps. Joanna McClinton and Summer Lee along with state Sen. Vincent Hughes are renewing their fight to enact similar legislation to outlaw discrimination based on hairstyles in Pennsylvania. During a virtual news conference today, McClinton, Lee and Hughes joined ABA Consulting Founder and CEO Adjoa B. Asamoah to highlight bills they've introduced ( H.B. 2725 and S.B. 964 ) to amend the Pa. Human Relations Act and clarify the term "race" to include traits such as hair texture and protective hairstyles. "This is just another way Black and Brown people are being victimized for embracing their ethnic roots and going against what society has deemed normal," said House Democratic Caucus Chair McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "Braids and afros should never rob someone of well-deserving opportunities. However, we've seen it happen to too many of our brothers and sisters in the workplace, sports and school, including at a Texas high school, where a senior was required to cut his dreadlocks to walk at graduation. I refuse to sit back and let this form of racism stand in Pennsylvania." “For far too long, Black women have been penalized for simply existing as themselves. True social justice isn’t just about badly needed police reforms, it’s about confronting systemic racism across our Read more
The House Democratic Housing Working Group announced a package of bills to protect people across Pennsylvania as the state’s moratorium on evictions and foreclosures expires Read more
The Police Reform Working Group, a collection of local and state elected officials and advocates, issued the following statement in response to a Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee hearing on law enforcement interactions with the community:“We appreciate the House Republican Policy Committee shining a light on how law enforcement interacts with communities around the state. This is a necessary discussion that is long overdue and it’s encouraging to hear presenters today acknowledge that police reform is necessary. Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 26 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Summer Lee and Sara Innamorato announced plans to introduce legislation to help keep people in their homes during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Citing concerns over Monday’s expiration of the foreclosure and eviction moratorium, the lawmakers emphasized urgent action to prevent mass evictions and foreclosures across the state. The legislation would provide Pennsylvania’s governor express powers to place a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures in the commonwealth or specific counties during a disaster emergency. “Everyone deserves a place to call home. This legislation will help keep our communities intact, and make sure our neighbors have more time to apply for financial relief programs, plan for the short- and long-term, and save money. The impact of being pushed out of your home can be traumatic, especially for children, and we need to do everything possible to prevent it from happening, especially during a pandemic.” said Fiedler, D-Phila. “The legislature must act now to prevent the man-made disaster that will unfold if the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures is lifted,” Lee, D-Allegheny, said. “Failure to do so will create a humanitarian crisis among the very people who have already been victimized by this crisis, who are asked daily to put their and their families’ health on the line for the rest of Read more
Read Rep. Summer Lee's 2020 Summer Newsletter Read more
Grants to help local communities fund projects Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 7 – House Democrats representing the city of Pittsburgh announced Friday the disbursement of $409,000 in education funding to the Pittsburgh School District. Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation members who represent the city of Pittsburgh include state Reps. Dan Deasy, Dan Frankel, Ed Gainey, Sara Innamorato, Summer Lee, Dan Miller, Adam Ravenstahl, Harry Readshaw and Jake Wheatley. “This is substantial funding for the Pittsburgh School District,” said state Rep. Dan Miller, chairman of the delegation. “The allotted funding will go toward well-needed resources, and it will ensure students in the district have a better chance of achieving academic success.” The grants may be used to purchase computer equipment, such as laptops, tablets and internet hot spots, or used toward providing instructional materials, such as paper lessons and coursework. Schools with the highest percentages of students lacking access to resources were given priority in receiving these grants. The Continuity in Education and Equity Grants are designed to help provide access and inclusion for all learners by bridging the gap for students who are currently limited in their ability to participate in continuity of education. Read more
Grants can help nonprofits, businesses weather coronavirus crisis Read more
In response to the Pennsylvania Senate passing H.Bs. 1841 and 1910, state Reps. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., House Democratic whip, Joanna McClinton, D-Phila., House Democratic chair, Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., Philadelphia Delegation chairman, Dan Miller, D-Allegheny, Allegheny Delegation chairman, Dan Williams, D-Chester, Summer Lee, D-Allegheny, and Chris Rabb, D-Phila., released the following statement:“In Harrisburg, the legislative process can often be slow and grinding. However, in times of crisis, slow and grinding is unacceptable. The passage of these two police reform bills in only a month’s time reflects the fact that when people take to the streets and demand action from their elected officials, we as a General Assembly are capable of working deliberatively and quickly. Read more
Bills would increase training, expand background checks for police Read more
Lawmakers say unanimous, bipartisan vote today is just the start and more must be done Read more
Citing the disproportionate damage being done to minority communities in Pennsylvania by excessive use of force, state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., House Democratic Whip, will soon be introducing the Ending Immunity for Excessive Use of Force Act that would eliminate blanket qualified immunity for the use of unjustified or excessive force that results in serious bodily injury or death. Read more
Historic disruption of legislature causes speaker to call for special session as lawmakers vow to keep pressure on Read more
Rep Lee issues call to action as members disrupt voting session Read more
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