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Philadelphia House Delegation releases statement on SEPTA proposals

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Krajewski, Frankel plan to introduce legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis, prioritizing public health, community repair

(22 hours ago) Rep. Rick Krajewski, Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, Dec. 2, 2024 – State Reps. Rick Krajewski and Dan Frankel announced Monday their co-sponsorship memo for landmark legislation to finally decriminalize cannabis in Pennsylvania , vowing to create a strong marketplace that centers public health, raises state revenue and supports individuals and communities harmed by the criminalization of cannabis. Krajewski, who led the House Health Subcommittee on Health Care, chaired five hearings to examine the successes and failures of cannabis programs in other states in the previous legislative session. “We’ve heard from public health experts. We’ve heard from criminal justice and social equity advocates. We’ve learned directly from states across the country how to get this done safely and efficiently, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in public revenue,” said Krajewski. “It’s time to move forward in Pennsylvania before we fall further behind.” Twenty-four other states – including nearly every state that shares a border in Pennsylvania – have already legalized recreational marijuana. Polls show that cannabis decriminalization is popular among Pennsylvanians across all political parties . Frankel, who is majority chair of the House Health Committee, said that the criminalization of cannabis has been disastrous for the commonwealth, particularly within communities of color. “We have a moral obligation to not Read more

 

Solar for Schools grant program now accepting applications

(22 hours ago) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 2 – A new state grant program designed to benefit Pennsylvania schools is now accepting applications until Jan 31, 2025. Solar for Schools , introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., will help school districts install solar panels on their roofs or grounds. Solar is a cheap energy source that can free up funds for schools that currently rely on fluctuating, market-rate energy. “While Solar for Schools will undoubtedly deliver tremendous savings to schools, I believe its positive impact will be even bigger,” Fiedler said. “The workers who install these solar panels will earn living wages that support their families. Kids in classrooms will get to see firsthand the careers of skilled trades workers and use the solar panels as an educational tool. And this is all while their school is contributing to a healthier environment for them to live in.” Some forward-thinking districts across Pennsylvania have already installed solar arrays and are reaping millions in savings . But not all schools have the necessary flexibility in their budgets to make such investments. In fact, the contrary is often true -- many PA school districts are recovering from decades of unconstitutional underfunding or face shrinking tax bases, expiring COVID-19 recovery funds and other financial challenges. Solar for Schools grants cover up to 50 % of the Read more

 

Neilson applauds Gov. Shapiro for redirecting federal funding to SEPTA

(Nov 22, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

House Transportation Committee Chair, state Rep. Ed Neilson made the following statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s redirection of $153 million in federal highway capital funds to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to allow for continued service, avoid immediate service cuts and delay more significant fare increases until July 1, 2025: “I want to thank Governor Shapiro for his leadership and support of Pennsylvania’s most complex and robust transit authority. SEPTA is a lifeline for people in Philadelphia and the outlying counties, providing almost 800,000 people daily with transportation that they might not otherwise have. “We have been sounding the alarm around public transit funding for months. On our statewide tour about the transportation needs of urban, suburban and rural Pennsylvania, we heard from countless experts who spoke of the dire consequences that would come without action from the General Assembly. “The PA House Democrats took that input seriously, passing bipartisan legislation to properly fund public transit in all 67 counties on three different occasions, which was never brought up for consideration in the Senate. “This isn’t just about buses; this is about jobs. This is about making sure that our businesses can still get their employees to work. Transit is an investment, not an expense. For every dollar invested in transit, we generate Read more

 

Trans Day of Remembrance 2024

(Nov 20, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

On this Day of Remembrance, reach out to a trans person in your life to let them that you see and respect them. If you don’t know a trans person, take some time to find out more about their community, so that ‘they/them’ can truly become ‘us.’ Read more

 

Immigration a driving force in Pa. economy, filling labor shortages

(Nov 13, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

“Immigrants are small business owners, healthcare workers, educators, and laborers,” said Rep. Danillo Burgos, who served as the hearing host. Burgos also serves as the chairman on the House Majority Policy Subcommittee on Progressive Policies and is the chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus. “They support industries essential to Pennsylvania’s economy while revitalizing neighborhoods and investing in our community’s future.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation releases statement on SEPTA proposals

(Nov 12, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

The Philadelphia House Delegation today released the following statement in reaction to this morning’s announcement from SEPTA regarding major fare increases and service cuts proposed to begin on Jan. 1. The following statement can be attributed to Philadelphia House Delegation Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.“This morning's announcement from SEPTA is not a surprise and lays squarely at the feet of Senate Republicans,” Cephas said. “The House approved funding for mass transit three times over the last session, with no real action and vague concepts of ideas from the Senate in return. Our delegation is hopeful that 2025 will bring a more productive collaboration on a responsible solution that will serve the daily needs of nearly one million daily SEPTA riders and the increased tourism expected for our region in 2026. In the short term, Philadelphians who are already struggling through difficult finances will brace for another impact to their wallets and time.”The current legislative term ends on Nov. 30, after which any legislation not signed into law will need to be reintroduced and restart the legislative process in the new term, which begins on Jan. 7. Read more

 

Cephas announces redevelopment grant awarded

(Nov 01, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Pa. state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today announced a $750,000 grant was awarded by Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to the Cobbs Creek Foundation to help with its Cobbs Creek stream restoration project. Read more

 

Young announces $15 million in redevelopment grants

(Nov 01, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that $15 million has been awarded to eight projects in the 185th Legislative District from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.Young praised the investments in the area for their widespread impact and potential.“Each of these projects will have an impact not only in South and Southwest Philadelphia, but across Southeastern Pennsylvania. These grants will facilitate increased tourism, recreation and job creation and continue to build our economy,” said Young.“I’m thankful for the vision of the Shapiro administration to invest in our region by helping with the redevelopment of these locally significant sites.” Read more

 

Cephas, Dream.org applaud new law to better protect incarcerated pregnant juveniles

(Oct 30, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

“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. Better prenatal, pregnancy and post-natal protections and support for incarcerated people in Pennsylvania is a matter of compassion and common decency,” Cephas said. Read more

 

Shapiro signs Cephas bill to strengthen doula services in Pa.

(Oct 30, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

“Research has shown that doula support leads to improved birth outcomes, including reduced rates of cesarean sections, shorter labor durations and higher rates of breastfeeding initiation. By providing continuous support throughout pregnancy and the important first year following birth, doulas contribute to safer and more positive experiences for families," Cephas said. "Lack of coverage for doula services in Medicaid leads to a vast disparity in care for women who are already statistically at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, with Black birthing people at the highest risk of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This new law will give these parents a proven network of support needed to produce better mental and physical health outcomes during their birthing journey. " Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Oct 29, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Economic Development Organizations, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Authorities, For-Profit organizations. Use: Mixed-use site development, conversion projects, rehabilitation projects, a combination of the three afore-mentioned projects. Funds: $10 million in PA Sites funding has been allocated for this program. There is no limit on the amount of grant funding that may be awarded to an applicant. Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Support Services (RSS) Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, providing RSS and demonstrate the capacity to provide RSS to individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent substance use disorder (SUD). Use: Expand or enhance RSS to individuals in recover from OUD and other concurrent SUD. Funds: Approximately six grants totaling $1,500,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic Read more

 

These 7 Philly schools just got millions in state money for these projects

(Oct 23, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Seven Philadelphia schools are getting building upgrades thanks to a $175 million state program that helps districts across Pennsylvania fix up facilities.The money will replace windows and doors, remove asbestos and lead paint, put on new roofs, renovate bathrooms, and more; it will be matched by district funds. Read more

 

Parker on Menstrual Products in Schools

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Darisha Parker

Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker joined fellow members of the Women’s Health Caucus in celebrating $3 million in funding to supply schools with menstrual products. Parker says that no young adult should have to miss school due to lack of access to proper products and is glad to get this done. Read more

 

Young announces over $2 million in community project funding

(Oct 22, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that eight grants from the Statewide Local Share Account were awarded to projects in the 185th Legislative District totaling $2,055,232. In Delaware County, the Colwyn Borough Police Dept. received $227,500 to improve environmental and egress issues in their facility, as well as technology upgrades to increase the department’s capacity to accurately investigate incidents of crime and serve and protect the community.In Southwest Philadelphia, the PIDC Financing Corp. was awarded seven separate grants for projects throughout the area, as follows:•$250,000 for the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary Inc. toward construction of a freshwater mussel hatchery at Bartram's Garden.•$250,000 for the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development to replace an electric substation located at the Navy Yard.•$250,000 for the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for electrical, mechanical and structural system repairs on the Navy Yard Lift Bridge, which was constructed in 1942.•$500,000 for Sharing Excess Food rescue redistribution and composting expansion effort.•$375,000 for the Caring People Alliance to replace the roof and all windows at the South Philadelphia Boys & Girls Club.•$69,644 for The Friends of FDR Park to buy a new vehicle and equipment for park maintenance.•$133,088 for the Inglis Foundation, for the installation of sidewalks and crosswalks along Mario Lanza Boulevard at the... Read more

 

Cephas announces community development grants for West Philadelphia

(Oct 22, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. announced today that she has secured funding for local projects through grants from the Statewide Local Share Account totaling more than $1.57 million. Grants were awarded to the PIDC Funding Corp. to facilitate projects for the Overbrook Community Development Corp., Umoja Inc. and the Cobbs Creek Restoration and Community Foundation.Project details are as follows:Overbrook Community Development Corp. was awarded $48,353 to install holiday decorative light fixtures along Haverford Avenue in West Philadelphia as part of the Haverford Avenue Beautification and Light Project. LSA funds will be used for construction costs, administrative costs, and the purchase and installation of equipment. Umoja, Inc. was awarded $550,000 for the construction of a space to host a “MakersLab and Entrepreneurial Hub” at the Umoja Inc. facility in West Philadelphia. LSA funds will be used for renovations and site preparation for a significant portion of the current Umoja facility to create space for this hub for creators and entrepreneurs. $977,000 was awarded to The Cobbs Creek Restoration and Community Foundation for restoring and maintaining the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course.Cephas praised the Commonwealth Financing Authority for seeing the value in these community development projects. “This funding is a real investment in the people and neighborhoods of West Philadelphia. Improved street lighting brightens not only our sidewalks... Read more

 

Cephas announces grants to renovate Overbrook High School

(Oct 22, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. today announced that the School District of Philadelphia has been awarded two grants from the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program totaling $8.65 million to support renovation projects at Overbrook High School. The projects will renovate the auditorium and replace the roof at the historic 98-year-old building. •$5 million was awarded for roof replacement, HVAC, energy savings, plus health and safety upgrades in the school auditorium, including complete asbestos and lead paint abatement, and removing moldy walls and ceilings.•$3.65 million was awarded for the roof replacement project for the entire school, due to ongoing leak issues that have escalated air quality and mold concerns. The School District of Philadelphia will provide $10.75 million in matching funds to cover the total cost of both projects. “At nearly 100 years old, Overbrook High School is one of the oldest and most iconic school buildings in Philadelphia but riddled with environmental concerns following years of disrepair. With its easily distinguishable architecture and beauty, these renovation projects will keep this star of our community shining for future generations,” said Cephas.“This is part of our commitment to remediating toxic school buildings across the state. I’m thankful that the Shapiro administration understood the dire need of these restorations so that we can keep Overbrook High healthy, safe and clean for our students,... Read more

 

Kenyatta’s statement regarding mass shooting in North Philadelphia

(Oct 21, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., release the following statement after a violent weekend in North Philadelphia’s Hartranft neighborhood: “Once again, what should have been a joyful community celebration in Hartranft ended in tragedy, and my heart is heavy. Too many lives in our city have been cut short by gun violence, leaving families and neighborhoods mourning. As someone who calls North Philly home, I’ve seen both the strength of our communities, and the deep pain violence leaves behind. While we’ve made progress, we can’t be satisfied. There’s still so much work to do to ensure safety for everyone. “We must care for each other. When conflict arises, we must meet it with empathy and understanding—not with violence. Too often, social media turns small disagreements into something much bigger. We are stronger than that, and violence cannot be the way we respond. “I’m thinking of those injured over the weekend and sending my deepest wishes for their recovery, both physically and emotionally. Now is the time for us to come together to focus on what unites us as a community so we can all live with the safety, peace and hope that we deserve.” Read more

 

Young announces broadband grant for Finnegan Rec Center

(Oct 18, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

As part of the commonwealth’s effort to increase access to internet resources in all communities, state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has awarded a $1 million grant to the Office of Innovation and Technology in the city of Philadelphia for technological infrastructure improvements to create a southwest digital access hub at the Finnegan Rec Center in Southwest Philadelphia. Read more

 

Young applauds natural hair braider bill becoming law

(Oct 16, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 16 - Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law Act 100 , introduced by state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware and former state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., creating a license exemption for natural hair braiding in the commonwealth. “Natural hair braiding has been commonplace in the African American community for centuries. The techniques have been passed from generation to generation and are learned from early childhood. It does not take formal training to do,” Young said. “This is a recognition of the distinct cultural richness of natural hair braiding and that all it takes a comb, a brush and a beautiful head full of hair — no license necessary.” The law exempts hair braiders from having to obtain a cosmetology license to practice braiding and brings Pennsylvania in line with the more than 30 other states that have exempted hair braiders from licensing laws. Read more

 

Krajewski welcomes $600K in state funding to promote educational opportunities

(Oct 11, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

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

 

Krajewski, Frankel plan to introduce legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis, prioritizing public health, community repair
22 hours ago

Solar for Schools grant program now accepting applications
22 hours ago

Neilson applauds Gov. Shapiro for redirecting federal funding to SEPTA
Nov 22, 2024

Trans Day of Remembrance 2024
Nov 20, 2024

Immigration a driving force in Pa. economy, filling labor shortages
Nov 13, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation releases statement on SEPTA proposals
Nov 12, 2024

Cephas announces redevelopment grant awarded
Nov 01, 2024

Young announces $15 million in redevelopment grants
Nov 01, 2024

Cephas, Dream.org applaud new law to better protect incarcerated pregnant juveniles
Oct 30, 2024

Shapiro signs Cephas bill to strengthen doula services in Pa.
Oct 30, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Oct 29, 2024

These 7 Philly schools just got millions in state money for these projects
Oct 23, 2024

Parker on Menstrual Products in Schools
Oct 23, 2024

Young announces over $2 million in community project funding
Oct 22, 2024

Cephas announces community development grants for West Philadelphia
Oct 22, 2024

Cephas announces grants to renovate Overbrook High School
Oct 22, 2024

Kenyatta’s statement regarding mass shooting in North Philadelphia
Oct 21, 2024

Young announces broadband grant for Finnegan Rec Center
Oct 18, 2024

Young applauds natural hair braider bill becoming law
Oct 16, 2024

Krajewski welcomes $600K in state funding to promote educational opportunities
Oct 11, 2024