Today, state Rep. Rick Krajewski announced that two organizations in his legislative district were awarded a combined $600,000 in state funding. Lincoln University received $500,000 to make technological upgrades and update their Philadelphia facility, The School of Adult and Continuing Education. SACE provides educational opportunities to adult learners who wish to continue their learning journey, before or after earning their bachelor's degree. “Learning is a lifelong journey which should be easily accessible and affordable,” Krajewski said. “I’m proud that historic institutions like Lincoln University choose to bring their reputation for excellence to our community and I will always work to support them however I can.” This grant is from the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program, which is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established by Section 604 of the Social Security Act, as added by Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It is administered by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The second grant of $100,000 was awarded to Workshop U, a postsecondary program for students aged 18-25 that helps students make life-design plans and bring the plan to life through mentorship, internships and training. This grant is from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. “Our young adults need tools to help Read more

State Rep. Darisha parker, today announced that Happy Hallow Recreation Center was awarded a $1 million grant to upgrade their facilities. “Philadelphia’s recreation centers provide a safe alternative for youth to participate in structured programs instead of wandering the streets,” Parker said. “This investment will go a long way to help foster community connections and give our youth hope.” The funding will help Happy Hollow become a digital access hub for residents who cannot access broadband internet as well as a heating and cooling center for residents in need. “This is such an important tool for the fight against gun violence,” Parker said. Happy Hollow Rec. Center is the oldest recreation center in Philadelphia and has served as a starting place for professional players in the National Basketball Association. The Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established by Section 604 of the Social Security Act, as added by Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) administers the Facilities Program in accordance with U.S. Treasury guidelines and Act 96 of 2021. Read more

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today said she is pleased to see legislation ( H.B. 1509 ) moving in the General Assembly that would build on current law to protect pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women to have it apply to incarcerated pregnant juveniles. Cephas was the sponsor of a new law (H.B. 900, now Act 47 of 2023) that created important protections for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, including restricting shackling and solitary confinement; providing trauma informed care training of corrections officers interacting with pregnant and postpartum women; and providing up to three days of post-delivery bonding time between a mother and newborn child, among other protections. She said the law was unintentionally silent on juveniles involved in the criminal justice system and is glad to see the provision clearly spelled out in H.B. 1509, as amended by the Senate. “For years, my colleagues and I have been fighting to get better prenatal, pregnancy and post-natal protections and support for incarcerated people in Pennsylvania as a matter of compassion and common decency,” Cephas said. “No one should be deprived of compassionate care or respect or be forced to risk the health of their child, even when they are a child themselves under the law.” Cephas is co-chair of the bicameral Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus and former co-chair and current Read more

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – Today, legislation authored by state Reps. Mary Isaacson and Anthony Bellmon, both D-Phila., to enhance protections for federal judges, judicial officers and their families, passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly. House Bill 1700 would prohibit disclosing the personally identifiable information of federal judges, judicial officers and their families when there is intent to cause harm or interrupt the person from carrying out their duties. “Judges and judicial officers serve a crucial role as arbiters of a fair and balanced justice system,” Isaacson said. “In recent years, we have seen core pillars of our democracy attacked, which causes irreputable harm to our democracy and society. This legislation will serve to provide additional protections so judges can uphold their duty without threats of violence or intimidation.” "The justice system serves as a pillar of American Democracy. Threats and acts of violence against the judicial branch affect each and every one of us," Bellmon said. “As the number of threats against the judiciary continues to rise, we must ensure judges are protected from retaliation so that they can properly serve justice in our commonwealth." The bill passed the PA House unanimously in December and passed the state Senate unanimously today. It now heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk for his signature to become state law. Read more

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. will soon introduce legislation that would create a statewide Hit-and-Run Advisory Alert system, to be known as “Jay Alerts.” The bill aims to reduce hit-and-run accidents and enhance the swift identification and apprehension of drivers who flee the scene of accidents resulting in serious bodily injury or death. Cephas said the inspiration for the legislation is a young constituent of hers who lost her life in 2016 in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia. “Jayanna Powell was only eight years old when she was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident while walking home from school. We named Jay Alerts in her honor, as this notification system could have led to a quicker capture of the driver who had a friend take his car to a body shop in an attempt to hide the nature of the damage. Read more

The Philadelphia House Delegation today applauded the efforts of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force as they released their final report and recommendations. The task force was charged with suggesting remedies to quality-of-life issues in communities surrounding nuisance establishments. The group studied existing laws, toured impacted neighborhoods and establishments, and held public hearings to receive testimony to inform their work. Read more

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., held a news conference to highlight their legislation, H.B. 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Generations of immigrants answered Pennsylvania’s welcoming call of opportunity and freedom, making our commonwealth into the powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Right now, Pennsylvania is betraying its own values by scapegoating immigrant communities with punitive policies that are driving them out of the state although foreign-born workers comprise over 8% of our state’s workforce and pay $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes. As our population ages and many residents leave our state for other opportunities, we need skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers and community leaders to make sure that Pennsylvania continues to grow and thrive economically, culturally and socially. “Pennsylvania needs an Office of New Pennsylvanians to ensure that these new residents are able to flourish in the commonwealth,” Smith-Wade-El said. “They need to know we have their back.” “Pennsylvania is stronger when we welcome and celebrate immigration,” Hohenstein said. “Our collective ability to come together from all different backgrounds and perspectives for the betterment of the commonwealth is truly wonderful. Read more

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: November 5, 2024 More information: PennDOT website Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Who May Apply: Volunteer and career fire, EMS, and rescue companies in counties where unconventional gas well drilling is permitted and counties that directly border permitted counties and respond to related emergencies. Use: Funds may be used for certification, equipment, and Read more

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Today, state Rep. Keith S. Harris, D-Phila., was sworn in to serve as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 195th Legislative District, located in north Philadelphia and encompassing the neighborhoods of Stanton, Brewerytown, Girard and parts of Strawberry Mansion. Harris was elected to office when he won a special election on Sept. 17, and he now has officially taken office. “I am beyond humbled and grateful to my neighbors in the 195 th Legislative District for allowing me to represent them in Harrisburg. I will do everything in my power to earn their trust and ensure that their faith in me is well-founded,” Harris said. “Whether it is providing constituent services or passing legislation that addresses issues affecting our community and the state at large, I am ready to get to work.” Harris stated that his priorities include addressing criminal justice, mental health, education, workers’ rights and housing. Video from Harris’ swearing-in can be viewed here . Read more

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Today, state Rep. Andre D. Carroll, D-Phila., was sworn in to serve as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 201 st Legislative District, located in Northwest Philadelphia and encompassing the neighborhoods of Germantown, Logan and West Oak Lane. Carroll was elected to office when he won a special election on Sept. 17, and he now has officially taken office. “I am beyond blessed for this opportunity to serve as state representative for the community I grew up in,” Carroll said. “I’m ready to hit the ground running with providing my constituents state government-related services and addressing key issues affecting Northwest Philadelphia and many communities across Pennsylvania.” Carroll said that the key issues he looks to address include criminal justice, health care, education, environmental justice, workers’ rights and housing. “For far too long, communities like mine have been neglected and in return greatly affected by these issues,” Carroll said. “I personally have been affected by many of these issues and I am committed to working tirelessly so they can be resolved and Northwest Philadelphians, and all Pennsylvanians, can have a greater quality of life.” Video from Carroll’s swearing-in can be viewed here . More information about Carroll can be found in his biography . Read more