News Center

Kenyatta to introduce legislation halting student loan repayments in response to COVID-19

(Mar 13, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 13 – With Pennsylvanians impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak , state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., is currently drafting legislation that would defer student loan repayments to PHEAA for up to 60 days. “ With all the workplace closures happening in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, many commonwealth residents are grappling to pay their necessary bills because of the sudden loss of income,” Kenyatta said. “Borrowers, especially, are unable to make payments on their student loans.” Kenyatta, who represents the 181 st Legislative District, said Pennsylvania bears the second highest average debt per student at $35,759 per student. A total of $53.7 billion collectively looms over the state’s borrowers. “We’re in the midst of an incredibly stressful time and the legislation I’m drafting aims to provide some financial relief during this pandemic,” he said. Read more

 

Burns secures $250,000 grant for Westmont Hilltop High School

(Mar 12, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Money will help fund recreational opportunities, save taxpayer dollars Read more

 

Conklin: $115,000 in funding awarded to Jewish center at Penn State

(Mar 12, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 12 – Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life at Pennsylvania State University has been awarded a $115,852 state grant to use toward a variety of security and safety enhancements, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funds were awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency at its quarterly commission meeting through its Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program following the passage of Act 83 of 2019 . The act directs the agency to administer grants to nonprofit organizations that have been or are likely to be targets for hate crimes. Priority consideration for funding was given to organizations that indicated they – or their membership – were victims of a hate crime or had a credible hate-crime threat, Conklin added. “These community centers must remain safe spaces for students and the community to gather and connect with others, and I’m pleased that PCCD is providing Hillel the vital support to keep their center safe and secure,” said Conklin. PCCD is the state’s lead agency for criminal justice policy issues, providing support services to law enforcement agencies, victims of crime and communities. More information on PCCD can be found at the following site: www.pccd.pa.gov . Read more

 

Neilson continues fight for state grants to keep local community safe

(Mar 11, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 11 – State Rep. Ed Neilson announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded $52,890 in grants to two nonprofit organizations in his district that serve populations who are often targeted by hate crimes. These grant dollars are the first awarded by the commission as part of a new grant program it is administering, after legislation to create the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program was signed into law last year “Any program that increases safety measures for our most vulnerable neighbors – like people who are often targeted because of their religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability – is one I’m proud to support,” Neilson said. “I’m grateful that Federation Housing Inc. and Congregation Ahavas Torah Rhawnhurst Torah Center have received this funding, especially considering the many organizations that applied, and I know that they will put this funding to use to keep the people they serve safe.” Federation Housing Inc., which provides affordable housing to low- and moderate-income seniors, was awarded a $27,890 grant, and Congregation Ahavas Torah Rhawnhurst Torah Center, a synagogue in Northeast Philadelphia, was awarded a $25,000 grant. The grants awarded to the two organizations were among 805 total applications submitted for grant funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program. Of those 805 Read more

 

Isaacson announces $73K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people often targeted by hate crimes

(Mar 11, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 11 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded a $73,150 grant to a nonprofit organization in her district that serves populations who are often targeted by hate crimes. The grant, awarded to Friends of B’Nai Abraham, won in the first round of grants awarded by the commission as part of the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, which was created through legislation signed into law last year. “I am committed to working toward a world where people are not victims of hate crimes due to their race, religion, ethnicity or because of who they love,” Isaacson said. “But, while we’re working to make our communities more accepting, we must also protect the most vulnerable among us. I’m so glad that this grant has been awarded to Friends of Historic B’Nai Abraham to help them make their community safer.” B’nai Abraham is a nonprofit that strives to continue the traditions of their founders who followed the Orthodox understanding of Jewish rituals and Jewish life. Their warm and welcoming community is dedicated to reaching out — to inviting Jews of all backgrounds to gather with them for study, prayer and friendship. The grant application submitted by the Friends of Historic B’Nai Abraham was one of 805 total applications submitted for grant funding through the Nonprofit Read more

 

Rabb announces $49K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people who are often targets of hate crimes

(Mar 11, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 11 – State Rep. Chris Rabb announced today that Germantown Jewish Centre has received a $49,810 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to improve the safety and security of its facilities. “All people – people of all faiths, ethnicities, genders, races, sexual orientations and abilities – should be safe from violence wherever they gather,” Rabb said. “Our diversity is what makes our communities stronger and more interesting. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of work to be done toward fostering appreciation for people who are different from ourselves, and while that work is in progress, this grant award will help the people of Germantown Jewish Centre to ensure their safety and security when they gather for fellowship or other activities.” The grant award Rabb announced today is one of 113 approved for nonprofit organizations around the state in the first round of grants ever awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency through its Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, which was created after H.B. 859 was signed into law last year. The law established the new grant fund program, and directs the commission to administer grants to Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that principally serve people, groups or institutions that are included within a single bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as Read more

 

Costa-Frankel: Nonprofit security grant program announces more than $500k for local orgs

(Mar 11, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

This program was the joint effort of Senator Costa and Rep. Frankel following meetings with community and faith leaders following the tragic violence in Squirrel Hill in October of 2018. Read more

 

Burns honors Cambria County man with memorial bridge

(Mar 10, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Carrolltown man was killed in Vietnam Read more

 

PA HOUSE DEMOCRATS SUPPORT LANDMARK VOTING, CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND ETHICS REFORMS

(Mar 09, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 9 - Members of the House Democratic Caucus are urging passage of legislation designed to strengthen democracy by improving access to voting, reducing the power of big-money corporate special interests, and ensuring lawmakers put the people’s interests first in Pennsylvania. “Nothing breaks down the people’s trust in their government and their elected officials like seeing deep pocket donors get what they want while regular working families are left with nothing but the bill to pay,” House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny, said. “It’s time Pennsylvania took a leading role when it comes to honest elections, getting more people to the polls and making sure your voice counts more than special interest dollars.” Dermody noted the Citizens United decision first opened the floodgates of hidden money into U.S. elections 10 years ago, and a combination of partisan gerrymandering, attacks on voting rights and foreign influence on elections has silenced the voice of the people – while the federal government has stood by and watched it happen. “It’s important to remember that the assault on democracy didn’t start with Trump -- it started in the states,” said Daniel Squadron, co-founder and executive director of Future Now. “By expanding access to voting, reducing the power of corporate money in elections and strengthening ethics and oversight, the For the People Read more

 

Rabb announces $10K in cultural and historical grants for Chestnut Hill Conservancy and Historical Society and Cliveden

(Mar 06, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 6 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., announced today that more than $10,000 in cultural and historical grants through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission have been awarded to Chestnut Hill Conservancy and Historical Society and Cliveden for general operating support. “Our history grounds us, it informs us of how we got where we are,” Rabb said. “Funding that helps the organizations and institutions that preserve our history is truly invaluable. I’m so pleased to see Chestnut Hill Conservancy and Historical Society and Cliveden receive these state dollars.” A grant for $5,655 was awarded to Chestnut Hill Conservancy and Historical Society and a grant for $4,481 was awarded to Cliveden. To be considered for a grant award, an eligible museum must have had an annual operating budget exceeding $100,000, excluding capital and in-kind services, and at least one full-time professional staff person. The grants Rabb announced are among 153 awards totaling $2 million that were approved on Wednesday, to eligible museums and official county historical societies from 58 Pennsylvania counties. Learn more about the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission by visiting its website, https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx . ### Read more

 

Isaacson announces 13 grants totaling more than $340K awarded to historic and cultural sites, museums in her district

(Mar 06, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 6 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., announced that 13 cultural or historic sites or museums in her district have received a total $340,881 in grant awards from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. “Philadelphia is a city rich with history and culture, and a lot of that history started here in the 175th,” Isaacson said. “As such, many residents, visitors and tourists flock to our district to learn about the history of our country. It’s wonderful to see such worthwhile organizations, museums and centers that seek to educate the public and keep a record of our history being recognized with grant funding from the state.” The organizations that received grants, and the awards they received, are as follows: • African American Museum in Philadelphia, $27,929. • American Philosophical Society, $40,000. • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust, $7,190. • Carpenters’ Company of City and County of Philadelphia, $5,275. • Christ Church Preservation Trust, $7,576. • Historic Philadelphia Inc., $40,000. • Independence Seaport Museum, $40,000. • Museum of the American Revolution, $40,000. • National Constitution Center, $40,000. • National Liberty Museum, $27,504. • Philadelphia Fire Department Historical Read more

 

Davidson, Kirkland, O'Mara announce grant for Delaware County Historical Society

(Mar 05, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Delaware County state Reps. Margo Davidson, Jennifer O’Mara and Brian Kirkland today announced a grant has been approved for the Delaware County Historical Society for $4,000 through the Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program. Read more

 

State lawmakers announce grants totaling more than $40K for Berks County museum, history center

(Mar 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Berks County lawmakers Reps. Tom Caltagirone and Mark Rozzi and Sen. Judy Schwank announced today that a grant of $33,842 has been approved for the Foundation for the Reading Public Museum and a grant of $7,922 has been approved for the Berks History Center through the Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program. Read more

 

Frankel: Local historical orgs to receive state grants

(Mar 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Local grants to support operations of historical organizations Read more

 

Burns announces grant for Cambria County Historical Society

(Mar 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Grant another example of Burns’ ongoing effort to secure funding for community Read more

 

Isaacson introduces legislation to increase penalties for animal ear cropping not done by licensed veterinarians

(Mar 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 4 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., has introduced legislation that would change the penalty for animal ear cropping by anyone other than a licensed veterinarian from a summary offense to a third-degree misdemeanor. “I’m an animal lover,” Isaacson said. “Our pets cannot defend themselves. They look to us to act in their best interest, to care for them in ways that they cannot care for themselves. Ear cropping, which is believed to have originated in ancient Rome to prevent ear injuries to dogs raised for hunting, working or fighting, continues to be done today, mostly on puppies that will become show dogs or as a way to reduce ear infections in some dogs. “The law requires that this procedure be done by a licensed veterinarian,” Isaacson added. “But some people don’t follow the law. My legislation would show those who want to skirt the law that this abuse of animals is unacceptable, and that they will be punished appropriately.” In addition to increasing the penalty for the first offense, subsequent offenses would constitute a second-degree misdemeanor. Isaacson said there are a lot of dog owners and dog lovers in her district, one of whom came forward to tell her that they know this issue is relevant in the community, and that something ought to be done about it. “I’m grateful to the people who live in my district, Read more

 

Isaacson announces $3.1 million in safety grants for schools and behavioral health programs in her district

(Mar 02, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 2 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson announced today that more than $3.1 million in state grants has been awarded to schools and behavioral health centers in her district to develop and implement safety measures, including research-based violence prevention programs, security planning and security-related technology. “The safety of our children is a priority,” Isaacson said. “Ensuring that our children are safe at school where learning should be their only worry is our responsibility. This funding will provide for the most current technology and planning tools to make our schools and our neighborhoods safer for children.” The following grants under the School Safety Grant and Community Violence Prevention/Reduction Grant programs have been awarded: Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, $238,540 for a school-based behavioral health project. City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services, $285,851 for Network of Neighbors Responding to Violence. Philadelphia School District, $2,607,347 for research-based violence prevention programs that address risk factors to reduce incidents of problem behaviors among students, including bullying; security-related technology; trauma-informed approaches to education, etc. These grants are among $60 million in safety grants awarded to schools and organizations across Read more

 

Delloso encourages residents to attend new voting system demonstrations

(Feb 27, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. David Delloso, D-Delaware, is encouraging Delaware County residents to attend demonstrations of the region’s new voting system held at various public locations through the end of March. Read more

 

Conklin: $80,000 in school safety grants awarded to two local school districts

(Feb 27, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 27 – The Bald Eagle Area and State College Area school districts are recipients of grants designed to promote and support a variety of school safety initiatives, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said a $35,000 grant was awarded to the Bald Eagle Area School District, with $45,000 awarded to the State College Area School District from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee. The funds can be used to hire school personnel, including counselors, social workers, and school resource officers, to purchase security-related technology, or to support safety-related training. “Making sure our students are safe and secure in school and focused on learning is paramount,” Conklin said. “This funding will help districts with the tools they need to keep students and staff safe and provides them with flexibility to use the funds as needed, including additional personnel, technology and training.” The grants are provided through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee. This committee is the result of Act 44 of 2018 , and is responsible for establishing the standards schools must meet when performing school safety and security assessments. More information regarding the committee and the grant program can be found at the following link: Read more

 

School safety grants awarded around Montgomery County

(Feb 26, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 – Montgomery County state representatives today announced school safety and security grants awarded to school districts throughout the county. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee awarded a total of $53.7 million in school safety grants. Montgomery County awards are as follows: Abington School District: $455,550 Agora Cyber Charter School: $143,226 Cheltenham Township School District: $45,000 Colonial School District: $45,000 Hatboro-Horsham School District: $45,000 Jenkintown School District: $30,000 Lower Merion School District: $45,000 Lower Moreland Township School District: $40,000 Methacton School District: $221,370 Norristown Area School District: $467,756 North Montco Technical Career Center: $150,000 North Penn School District: $45,000 Perkiomen Valley School District: $45,000 Pottsgrove School District: $40,000 Pottstown School District: $490,000 Souderton Area School District: $460,437 Springfield Township School District: $40,000 Spring-Ford Area School District: $45,000 Upper Dublin School District: $45,000 Upper Merion Area School District: $45,000 Upper Moreland School District: $40,000 Upper Perkiomen School District: $40,000 Western Montgomery Career & Technology Center: $72,994 Wissahickon School District: $45,000 Below are reactions from Democratic state Read more

 

Kenyatta to introduce legislation halting student loan repayments in response to COVID-19
Mar 13, 2020

Burns secures $250,000 grant for Westmont Hilltop High School
Mar 12, 2020

Conklin: $115,000 in funding awarded to Jewish center at Penn State
Mar 12, 2020

Neilson continues fight for state grants to keep local community safe
Mar 11, 2020

Isaacson announces $73K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people often targeted by hate crimes
Mar 11, 2020

Rabb announces $49K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people who are often targets of hate crimes
Mar 11, 2020

Costa-Frankel: Nonprofit security grant program announces more than $500k for local orgs
Mar 11, 2020

Burns honors Cambria County man with memorial bridge
Mar 10, 2020

PA HOUSE DEMOCRATS SUPPORT LANDMARK VOTING, CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND ETHICS REFORMS
Mar 09, 2020

Rabb announces $10K in cultural and historical grants for Chestnut Hill Conservancy and Historical Society and Cliveden
Mar 06, 2020

Isaacson announces 13 grants totaling more than $340K awarded to historic and cultural sites, museums in her district
Mar 06, 2020

Davidson, Kirkland, O'Mara announce grant for Delaware County Historical Society
Mar 05, 2020

State lawmakers announce grants totaling more than $40K for Berks County museum, history center
Mar 04, 2020

Frankel: Local historical orgs to receive state grants
Mar 04, 2020

Burns announces grant for Cambria County Historical Society
Mar 04, 2020

Isaacson introduces legislation to increase penalties for animal ear cropping not done by licensed veterinarians
Mar 04, 2020

Isaacson announces $3.1 million in safety grants for schools and behavioral health programs in her district
Mar 02, 2020

Delloso encourages residents to attend new voting system demonstrations
Feb 27, 2020

Conklin: $80,000 in school safety grants awarded to two local school districts
Feb 27, 2020

School safety grants awarded around Montgomery County
Feb 26, 2020