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Northeast Philadelphia state lawmakers reflect on one-year anniversary of devastating plane crash

(1 day ago) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – On the verge of the one-year anniversary of the Northeast Philadelphia Plane Crash that occurred on Jan. 31, 2025, state Reps. Sean Dougherty, Jared Solomon, Anthony Bellmon, Ed Neilson and Pat Gallagher, all D-Phila., offered the following statement. The crash occurred between Dougherty and Solomon’s districts. “Last year, our community here in Northeast Philadelphia witnessed an unimaginable tragedy when a plane crashed onto Cottman Avenue. Six individuals on board and one civilian on the ground lost their lives, and more were injured. “This crash ravaged our community and affected it for months. However, thanks to the tireless work and bravery of our Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, the Emergency Office Management Team, PGW team, and first responders, and the remarkable leadership of Mayor Cherelle Parker and Gov. Josh Shapiro, our community was able to recover. “We must also note the volunteer work of so many of our neighbors -- everyday Northeast Philadelphians who love this community. In Northeast Philly, we look out for and protect one another. It’s what makes our community so strong. “As we look back on the one-year mark of this tragedy, we are thankful for the successful recovery, and we look to continue building on that recovery to ensure Northeast Philly is the best community possible for all our neighbors.” Read more

 

Legislators, advocates celebrate opening of popular Solar for Schools Program; Urge Pa. schools to apply now for $25 million in grants

(Jan 29, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – The application period has opened for the second year of the popular Solar for Schools Grant Program, a bipartisan initiative passed into law in 2024. The program received another $25 million in the 2025-26 state budget, following the initial state investment of $25 million. An impressive bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers, along with solar organizations and advocates, applauded the renewed funding. The program comes as consumers and schools are struggling with rising costs: energy prices have outpaced inflation over the past six years and are currently the second highest cost for schools in Pennsylvania. “Schools are facing a massive energy affordability crisis, just like people are at home with their utility bills,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila, who sponsored the initial legislation. “Year one of the Solar for Schools Program was a huge success, and applications are now opening at a perfect time for year two of the program. As prices go up and the federal government continues to slash programs and funding to increase renewable energy supply in PA, our state government must step up to help produce more energy right here in PA. Solar for Schools shows that we have the bipartisan support, in both chambers, to achieve this.” School districts, charter schools, career and technical schools, community colleges, and intermediate units are eligible to apply now on the Department Read more

 

Rabb: Trump is attacking Black history and historical truth

(Jan 23, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“This is how authoritarianism operates. These measures reflect the escalating fascism that our current federal government continues to embrace: a regime that wields state power to suppress inconvenient truths, glorify oppressive narratives, and punish those who dare to insist on accuracy, accountability and dignity." Read more

 

Green announces over $3.3M in funding for transportation improvements

(Jan 23, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 21 – State Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila., announced that $3,302,763 has been awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to local transportation projects to improve public safety and quality of life in the 190th Legislative District.Three projects were awarded funding through state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund to support local transportation projects that encourage economic development and safe transit:•$2,100,000 to Fairmount Park Conservancy to complete a traffic calming and streetscape improvement project along East and West Memorial drives, South Concourse Drive, and Avenue of the Republic.•$1,129,310 to the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion to repair and improve the City Avenue Pedestrian Bridge.•$73,453 to North District Owner LLC to improve the parking lot at the North Philadelphia Train Station.“Protecting the folks using our streets and walkways is paramount to public safety in our communities, so I’m happy to announce funding for these projects,” said Green. “Traffic through East Fairmount Park is long overdue for attention, as well as improving parking accommodations at North Station. The City Ave. Pedestrian Bridge enhancements will assist with improved economic development and foot traffic along City Ave. Enhanced public safety impacts all of us, so this is good news for residents, visitors and commuters.” Funding for the Multimodal Transportation Fund is administered by the Commonwealth Financing... Read more

 

Young announces over $2.9M in state funding for local infrastructure projects

(Jan 21, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 21 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that $2.9 million has been awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to local transportation and sewer projects to improve public safety and quality of life in the 185th Legislative District. Read more

 

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 21, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) Who May Apply: County or Municipal Government, Higher Educational Institution, Other Educational Institution, Non-profit with 501(c)3 IRS Status and Non-profit with PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations Status. Use: Park rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, land acquisition and conservation, trail projects, river conservation and development, and community and watershed forestry. Funds: The total grant awards vary based on state and federal funding sources, with the program awarding approximately $50 million for projects each year. Individual grant amounts also vary, with typical awards ranging from $50,000 - $500,000. Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: DCNR Website Liquor Control Board: Alcohol Education Grant Program Who May Apply: School districts and institutions of higher education (including technical, trade, and post-secondary establishments), community organizations, municipal police departments, municipal officials/representatives, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Use: To fund programs that discourage and reduce underage and dangerous drinking and promote a message of responsible alcohol consumption by those of legal drinking age. Funds: The grant cycle is for two years, from July 2026 through June Read more

 

Philadelphia lawmakers tout funding for ACCT Philly

(Jan 15, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – State Reps. Joe Hohenstein, Jordan Harris, Morgan Cephas, and Jose Giral, all D-Phila., announced today that $200,000 in funding has been awarded to ACCT Philly to support its operations. ACCT Philly is Philadelphia’s largest animal care and control service provider, assisting nearly 18,000 animals and residents in need each year. Its mission is to provide shelter, care, and lifesaving services for homeless, abandoned, and abused animals, while also protecting the health, safety, and welfare of Philadelphia’s residents -- benefiting all city residents regardless of race or economic status. Giral, who represents the legislative district in which ACCT Philly is located, applauded the funding. “ACCT plays a vital role in providing compassionate animal care and rescue services across the Philadelphia region, and I am proud to see this funding support their critical mission,” he said. “The North Philadelphia animal shelter serves nearly 18,000 animals each year who have been homeless, abandoned, or abused, with a steadfast commitment to humane care and finding loving, permanent homes. Protecting and caring for these animals strengthens not only their wellbeing, but also the wellbeing of our communities.” Hohenstein, a member of ACCT’s board, also expressed his appreciation for the funding. “I am happy to be part of Read more

 

PA Senate and House Philadelphia Delegations Denounce ICE Violence, Reaffirm Support for Immigrant Communities, and Call for Action

(Jan 14, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

Following the murder of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, MN by an ICE agent, the shooting of two people by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Portland, OR, the death of Parady La after his detention at the federal center in Philadelphia all last week, and against the backdrop of a year of escalated violence, 18 state senators and state representatives serving legislative districts across Philadelphia have released the following statement: Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds more than $1.27M investment for transportation projects in the city

(Dec 23, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 23 – Today, the Philadelphia House Delegation announced that two projects in the city have been awarded $1,275,963 in funding through the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund.The following projects have received funding:•Center City District: $328,295 to rehabilitate transit shelters in preparation for Philadelphia250.•City of Philadelphia Department of Streets: $947,668 to acquire right-of-way to complete a gap in the Schuylkill River Trail.Delegation chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said that these investments come at a critical point in time for the city. “These projects are key to preparing Philadelphia for the influx of tourism and visitors in 2026, connecting communities and increasing pedestrian safety,” Cephas said. “Improvements to transit shelters will beautify and secure these areas for residents and guests using SEPTA, while enhancing the Schuylkill River Trail will allow for increased recreation and alternative commuting through our region. We’re thankful to the Shapiro administration for these investments in our city at a crucial time.”The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grant funding to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets and enhance communities. The projects support the safety and accessibility of Pennsylvania’s infrastructure. More information about the program and... Read more

 

Pa. House Unanimously Backs Trafficking Training for Hotels Ahead of 2026 Surge

(Dec 22, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania lawmakers unanimously approved legislation Wednesday that would require human trafficking awareness training for workers across the hospitality industry, a move supporters say is urgently needed as the state prepares for a wave of global events and increased travel.House Bill 1286, sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young, a Democrat representing Philadelphia and Delaware County, would mandate state-approved trafficking awareness training for employees at hotels, motels, short-term rentals, and online lodging and reservation platforms. The bill now advances to the state Senate.Young said the legislation reflects harsh realities on the ground, particularly in regions crisscrossed by major highways and transportation hubs. Read more

 

Human trafficking recognition training bill heads to Pa. Senate

(Dec 19, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

State House lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill that would require lodging operators to ensure workers undergo training meant to improve recognizing and reporting human trafficking. The vote comes just before the start of 2026, when several major events – including the FIFA World Cup, America250 and the NFL draft – promise to draw “record-breaking numbers of visitors” to the state, noted Zakary Pyzik, senior director of public affairs for the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. Bill sponsor Rep. Regina Young’s district includes the Philadelphia International Airport, in addition to an adjacent section of Delaware County. “This is bigger than 2026, but the time really is now,” said Young, a Democrat who introduced a similar proposal during the last legislative session as well. Young and Pyzik spoke during a press conference Wednesday along with state Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia) and Philadelphia City Councilwoman Nina Amad before the House took up the measure for third and final consideration. It now goes to the Senate, which reconvenes on Jan. 6. Read more

 

Young Announces $2.1 million in investments for community projects and infrastructure

(Dec 19, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, on Thursday announced more than $2.1 million in state funding for community projects and infrastructure improvements in the 185th Legislative District, awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Read more

 

Green announces funding for community improvement projects

(Dec 19, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila. announced that four projects in her district have been awarded a total of nearly $1.6 million in funding through the Local Share Account program from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Read more

 

Rabb welcomes $47,305 for pocket park at Carpenter Lane fire station

(Dec 18, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“Investing in green infrastructure is an investment in public health and neighborhood vitality,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “I was proud to advocate for this funding and help ensure that our community benefits from this new gathering space.” Read more

 

Cephas announces grants to enhance community spaces

(Dec 18, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., announced that three projects in her district have been awarded grants in Local Share Account funding totaling $1,493,000. Philadelphia was awarded $675,000 for renovation of an underutilized community recreation center at Granahan Playground. The renovated building will include a multi-use space, a kitchenette, updated restrooms, and office and storage space. Granahan Playground functions as a town square and a renovated community space will support the programming and activities at the park. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates grant for rec center improvements

(Dec 18, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – The Philadelphia House Delegation announced that $64,313 in Local Share Account funding was awarded to implement a recycling and trash program at 35 City-owned recreation centers within Philadelphia. Read more

 

PA House passes Young bill to increase human trafficking awareness training

(Dec 17, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – Today, state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware hosted a news conference to celebrate House passage of her bill that would mandate human trafficking awareness training for Pennsylvania workers in the hospitality industry, including online lodging and reservation companies.House Bill 1286 would amend Act 197 of 2012 to include training requirements approved through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for employees of public lodging establishments who have contact with guests or access to guest rooms, and for operators of short-term rentals. Read more

 

PA House urges Congress to lower health insurance costs

(Dec 17, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – Today, the Pennsylvania House passed a resolution introduced by State Rep. Anthony Bellmon (D-Phila.) urging Congress to take action to reduce health insurance costs for Pennsylvanians who purchase coverage through Pennie, the state’s ACA marketplace. When Congress passed the American Rescue Plan in 2021, it expanded tax credits that allowed many Pennsylvanians to purchase health insurance through Pennie, contributing to the marketplace’s record-breaking open enrollment in 2025. However, these credits expire on Dec. 31 and, as a result, health insurance costs for Pennie customers will, on average, double. “During the 2025 open enrollment period for Pennie, nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians—the most ever—purchased health insurance,” Bellmon said. “With these federal tax credits set to expire at the end of the year, these individuals could face real consequences, including having to choose between paying for housing, food, utilities, or health care. “Only Congress can stop the bleed and keep people covered by extending these credits. That’s why we must urge them to take action to lower health insurance costs for Pennsylvanians who purchase coverage through Pennie.” Read more

 

Rabb spotlights two bills to strengthen local journalism

(Dec 17, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Lawmaker, advocates call for legislative action to address news deserts, information gaps Read more

 

Krajewski co-op bill passes PA House 194-9

(Dec 16, 2025) Rep. Rick Krajewski

“This is commonsense, bipartisan legislation which will make it easier to start a worker cooperative,” Krajewski said. “Co-ops create safer and happier workplaces that build wealth for the workers and communities who utilize them. We should do what we can to support them.” Read more

 

Northeast Philadelphia state lawmakers reflect on one-year anniversary of devastating plane crash
1 day ago

Legislators, advocates celebrate opening of popular Solar for Schools Program; Urge Pa. schools to apply now for $25 million in grants
Jan 29, 2026

Rabb: Trump is attacking Black history and historical truth
Jan 23, 2026

Green announces over $3.3M in funding for transportation improvements
Jan 23, 2026

Young announces over $2.9M in state funding for local infrastructure projects
Jan 21, 2026

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 21, 2026

Philadelphia lawmakers tout funding for ACCT Philly
Jan 15, 2026

PA Senate and House Philadelphia Delegations Denounce ICE Violence, Reaffirm Support for Immigrant Communities, and Call for Action
Jan 14, 2026

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds more than $1.27M investment for transportation projects in the city
Dec 23, 2025

Pa. House Unanimously Backs Trafficking Training for Hotels Ahead of 2026 Surge
Dec 22, 2025

Human trafficking recognition training bill heads to Pa. Senate
Dec 19, 2025

Young Announces $2.1 million in investments for community projects and infrastructure
Dec 19, 2025

Green announces funding for community improvement projects
Dec 19, 2025

Rabb welcomes $47,305 for pocket park at Carpenter Lane fire station
Dec 18, 2025

Cephas announces grants to enhance community spaces
Dec 18, 2025

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates grant for rec center improvements
Dec 18, 2025

PA House passes Young bill to increase human trafficking awareness training
Dec 17, 2025

PA House urges Congress to lower health insurance costs
Dec 17, 2025

Rabb spotlights two bills to strengthen local journalism
Dec 17, 2025

Krajewski co-op bill passes PA House 194-9
Dec 16, 2025