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Brown demands mandatory ID requirement at gun shows to curb unregulated ghost gun sales

(Jun 27, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 27 -- State Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., has called for all attendees to present valid government-issued identification to enter gun shows in Pennsylvania. Brown has proposed this change in the wake of recent mass shootings and the proliferation of unregulated “ghost guns,” such as the one used in the mass shooting on South Street on June 4. The proposal also comes in response to the nonstop gun violence happening in Philadelphia that has been ravaging communities. “I have attended these gun shows, and all the components are available to leave and assemble an unregistered firearm,” Brown stated after attending last week’s gun show in Allentown. “Contrary to what vendors of ghosts gun kits at guns shows say, these are not adult Legos. These ghost guns have a deadly impact on our community, and something needs to be done.” According to Brown, unlike normal handguns, ghost gun kits are unregistered, and can be sold to anyone without any ID. Purchasers assemble the parts themselves. Brown has introduced legislation that would require all attendees at Pennsylvania gun shows to provide ID prior to entry and to require show operators to maintain records of attendees for at least five years. Under Brown’s bill, the records would be made available for review to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, as well as to any country prosecutor or municipal police department upon request of the Read more

 

State Rep. Amen Brown decries vandalism at Historic Shofuso House in Fairmount Park and calls for restoration of police district in Fairmount Park

(Jun 20, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

State Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., has called for Mayor Kenney to immediately work with Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw to restore the 90th and 92nd Police Districts in East and West Fairmount Park. According to Brown, these districts were eliminated as part of a package of severe budget cuts during the financial crisis of 2008 by then-Mayor Michael Nutter, which also included eliminating libraries and recreation centers. Brown said the time has come for these districts to be restored. "Fairmount Park had dedicated policing and security since the original Park Guard was created in 1868 and consolidated into the Philadelphia Police Department in 1972," Brown said. "These dedicated police patrolled the largest urban park in America and maintained it as an urban oasis for all Philadelphians until severe budget cuts forced the elimination of these Park Police Districts. “The time has come to restore them,” Brown said. Brown said that police were consolidated into neighboring high crime districts, including the 16th and 19th in West Philadelphia, and the 22nd, 23rd and 39th in North Philadelphia, which have no officers to spare for park patrols. This has left the park without any police. "With the elimination of the Park Police Districts, I am not surprised that even after they called to report a $2 million vandalism and burglary, there was no police response,” Brown said. Read more

 

Solomon legislation for PICA Renewal passed by PA House

(Jun 14, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 14 -- State Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., said he worked closely with state Rep. Martina White, R-Phila., and House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton to pass bipartisan legislation to renew the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority Act for Philadelphia. PICA was effective in stabilizing the economic health of Philadelphia, which led to balanced budgets for 25 years. “Economic conditions in Philadelphia affect the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Solomon said. “We must renew PICA in order to keep Philadelphia fiscally sound and, as a result, the entire commonwealth will benefit. Today we all worked together to ensure the financial health of Philadelphia.” “Philadelphia is an economic engine for our commonwealth, and by renewing the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, we can ensure that the city continues on the path of economic viability benefitting our residents and our state,” McClinton said. The bill passed the House on Monday and now moves to the PA Senate for its consideration. Read more

 

Solomon introduces legislation to establish framework for celebration of 250th birthday of PA

(Jun 13, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 13 -- State Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., along with state Rep. Wendi Thomas, R-Bucks, have introduced bipartisan legislation that would set up legacy infrastructure projects for all regions of the commonwealth in anticipation of the 250th birthday of the U.S. in 2026. “We on the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial -- America250PA -- want to both preserve the legacy of our heritage and invest in the commonwealth’s future by repairing, restoring and revitalizing historic state landmarks that do exactly that,” Solomon said. “This legislation would seek to provide the framework and identify valuable projects for all 67 counties in Pennsylvania to celebrate 250 years of excellence.” House Bill 1952 would establish a foundation for projects throughout the commonwealth such as monuments, trails and veteran memorials that need revitalization to both improve the state and commemorate our heritage. “Our 250th birthday celebration will be an important opportunity to show the world the many historic treasures of our Commonwealth as well as our commitment to investing in our future,” Thomas said. “Celebrating by completing these merit-worthy infrastructure projects will engage each region of our Commonwealth in an effort to chart a lasting legacy of our 250th celebration in all 67 counties.” Read more

 

State Rep. Jared Solomon introduces bill to address staff shortages in Philadelphia Police Department

(Jun 08, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 8 -- State Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., introduced legislation that would seek to address the lack of Philadelphia Police Department officers. In 2015, the Philadelphia Police Department had 6,600 sworn officers and 800 civilian personnel, but this year the department is operating with just 5,900 sworn officers and 600 civilian personnel, Solomon said. “Seniors are scared about being in their homes, parents do not feel comfortable having their kids walk to school, and neighbors are frightened to gather at our recreation centers. We must do better, and this is a step in the right direction,” Solomon said. This legislation would create the Retired Police Officer Program, which would allow retired officers to return to work. The requirements would include that the retired officers have exemplary records and be mandated to take a training course. “The reality is we need to be combating gun violence and address community safety on a local level and that starts with protecting our community,” Solomon said. Read more

 

Statement on behalf of PA House Philadelphia Delegation on mass shooting in Texas

(May 25, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

Let us be very clear: the senseless violence we have seen unfold in Texas and Buffalo is the direct result of years of inaction by the government when it comes to commonsense gun reform. While mass shootings are occurring at an extremely alarming rate, some of those in government continue to prevent any gun reform legislation from seeing the light of day. How many families need to be destroyed, how many children’s bodies do we have to step over to see gun reform happen? Representative Rob Kauffman, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, has flat-out stated that if he is in charge, the gun laws in Pennsylvania will never change. Our question for Representative Kauffman is: Why are we as Americans so afraid of having to submit to a background check? Does the right to own a gun trump the right for our children to live happy and safe lives? At what point do we say enough is enough? Read more

 

Parker: Health Equity Funding is Long Overdue

(May 16, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker joined legislative leaders and healthcare officials to announce state funding to address health equity, including $1 Million for the Black Doctors Consortium Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity in North Philadelphia. The pandemic laid bare the vast inequities in healthcare for Black and brown communities, which the Black Doctors Consortium worked hard to alleviate. Read more

 

Cephas welcomes return of The Overbrook Night Market along Lancaster Avenue

(May 13, 2022) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, May 13?– ? State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D- Phila ., ? joined partners at the return of The Overbrook Night Market in west Philadelphia. Close to ? 10,000 ?area residents and visitors enjoyed an evening of food, fun, family-friendly entertainment, and community resources including a line-up of 30 food truck vendors, a live segment of ? The Realest Podcast Ever , and ? a number of ?health and community resources from partners including Main Line Health, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), Philadelphia Commerce, Independence Blue Cross, Keystone First, Penn Medicine, AETNA and Xfinity. Some local businesses opened their doors to the crowd including many along both the Lancaster Avenue and the 63 rd ?Street business corridors. ? ? The event takes place at the edge of the Overbrook and Overbrook Farms communities, which sit in Cephas’ 192 nd Legislative District and returns to the area after a successful run in 2019 that was followed by two years of shutdowns and restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. With a focus on supporting community engagement, community and economic development and community health in Read more

 

House passes state Rep. Ed Neilson’s Constable William Davidson Reward Fund legislation

(Apr 26, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 26 -- State Rep. Ed Neilson introduced legislation passed by the House today that would establish the Constable William Davidson Reward Fund, which would provide rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals who commit criminal homicide against a law enforcement officer. “There was a 36% increase in law enforcement homicides from the previous year,” Neilson said. “This legislation will serve as a stern warning to anyone who wants to engage in violence against the men and women who protect us daily.” Constable William Davidson was the first law enforcement officer to be killed at a criminal’s hands in Pennsylvania, when he went to serve a warrant and was ambushed by a second man who had intentions of killing the man named on the warrant. Davidson was killed when he encountered the second man, who was subsequently found not guilty by reason of insanity. Neilson said this fund will serve to honor Davidson’s memory and the memory of all law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty. The bill (H.B. 1123) will now move to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

State Rep. Amen Brown applauds state funding for Arch Street Presbyterian Church

(Apr 26, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

State Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., lent his support for a $1 million grant awarded to Arch Street Presbyterian Church and applauds Gov. Tom Wolf for awarding this historical landmark with funding for much needed restoration. “Arch Street Presbyterian Church is a historic landmark – many important people throughout its history have prayed at this church, and I am proud to lend my support for the restoration of this institution that has done so many great things for Philadelphia,” Brown said. The funding will be used for needed renovation and repairs throughout the building including repairs on the dome that graces the top of the building. The funds were awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program , a commonwealth grant program overseen by the Office of the Budget to assist with regional cultural, economic, civic and historical projects that improve a community’s economic growth by creating jobs and opportunities. Read more

 

Isaacson announces nearly $6M in state funding for area improvements

(Apr 26, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 26 – State grant funding for $5.81 million will help build improvements throughout the river wards and historic Philadelphia, state Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Philadelphia, said today. The funding, through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will support critical expansion projects, provide opportunities for job creation and employment training, and community development and revitalization. “Congratulations to all of the projects awarded in the latest round of state funding,” Isaacson said. “The work these organizations put in to their projects reflects so highly on our community – it’s an honor and a privilege to announce their awards. “On behalf of the recipients, I thank Governor Tom Wolf and the administration for seeing the value and wisdom in investing here in our neighborhoods.” The six projects in her 175 th Legislative District are: $815,000 for restoring Pennsylvania's Birthplace: Carpenters' Hall Renovations and Phase 2 Upgrades, awarded to the Carpenters' Company of City and County of Philadelphia. It includes a new perimeter drainage system, new HVAC systems, new utility connections, replacement pavers and roof tiles, new lightning protection, new gutters and flashing, and comprehensive masonry and millwork repairs. Together, these improvements will extend the life expectancy of Carpenters' Hall for another century of service. Read more

 

Young secures $7 million for FDR Park, Navy Yard projects

(Apr 25, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that her district will receive $7 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants. “I’m ready to put your tax dollars back to work on redevelopment projects that matter deeply to you,” Young said. “I’m most excited about the improvements coming to FDR Park, and with this funding, we are sure to get a state-of-the-art welcome center and over 30 acres of majestic wetlands. In addition, Navy Yard and Philly Shipyard workers should see safety and training facility upgrades to help them feel protected on the job. These improvements will drastically improve many of our daily lives.” The program grants will be distributed to: Fairmount Park Conservancy for Phase II of the Welcome Center at FDR Park. This $2 million project will convert a historic stable and guardhouse into a public-facing welcome center. The 5,500-square-foot guardhouse will be renovated into shared co-working space for community organizations that deliver park programming; the 3,600-square-foot courtyard into a one-stop shop for park users with restrooms, a staffed information center, and equipment rentals; and the 4,000- square-foot stables restored into a cafe and 6,700-square-foot event space overlooking Pattison Lagoon. These include utilities, such as new water, wastewater, electric, and data lines. The City of Read more

 

Young announces $500,000 for Philadelphia International Airport

(Apr 25, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that the Philadelphia International Airport will receive $500,000 from the PA Department of Transportation for rehabilitation of baggage tug tunnels for safer, timely and streamlined baggage operations. “PHL is among the very best airports in the United States, and I’m working to keep it that way,” Young said. “Any way that we can help make sure everyone saves time at the airport means we are saving money as well. These upgrades will provide efficiencies to make sure everyone receives the correct baggage on time, giving employees and customers less headaches.” The project is part of $10 million awarded from the Aviation Transportation Assistance Program. Pennsylvania has 121 public-use aviation facilities including airports, heliports and seaplane bases, and these new investments will expand aviation-related operational and economic opportunities statewide. More information is available by contacting Young’s district office at 215-952-3376 or visit the PennDOT website : https://www.penndot.pa.gov/Doing-Business/Aviation/Pages/default.aspx . ### Read more

 

PHMC Cedar Campus receives state funding for renovations

(Apr 22, 2022) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, April 22 – State grant funding for $1.75 million will help improve the PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar in Philadelphia, state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., said today. The Public Health Management Corporation was awarded $1.75 million in state funding to create a new Public Health Campus and for renovating the former hospital. “Neighborhoods we can be proud of start with investments we can be proud of, and we are certainly happy that the administration came through for our community with this award,” Krajewski said. “When Philly and the state work together, amazing projects like this can come to life.” Specifically, this project funding will help fund major electrical and plumbing upgrades, new lighting and ceilings, wall coverings, landscaping, facade upgrades, and the creation of new office suites and conference rooms. The building also requires a new roof, windows and substantial mechanical improvements. Exterior improvements include new entryways, renovations to the parking lot and sidewalks, and ADA compliance work. The funding, through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, supports critical expansion projects, provide opportunities for job creation and employment training, and community development and revitalization. Read more

 

McClinton announces $4.5 million to make critical upgrades to Francis J. Myers Rec Center

(Apr 22, 2022) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

PHILADELPHIA, April 22 – Pennsylvania House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton announced today $4.5 million was approved to invest in much needed upgrades to the Francis J. Myers Recreation Center in southwest Philadelphia. The grant was awarded through the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and will be used to invest in: Environmental remediation to the site. Significant improvements to the roof, exterior masonry and building envelope. New windows and doors. Updated plumbing, mechanical systems, and electrical, including fire alarm and fire protection. Increased building accessibility, including an elevator. “The Francis J. Myers Rec Center is a critical hub that many of our neighbors, especially our young people, rely on in southwest Philly,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “As we face the challenges of gun violence and work to find effective solutions, it’s places like Myers Rec that play a vital role in our fight to protect our neighborhoods by providing our children with important activities, resources, and a safe space to frequent. I am so grateful for all that they do for our community and am excited for the upgrades that these dollars will make happen.” RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects Read more

 

Young announces almost $1M for safe pedestrian and bicycle paths

(Apr 22, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 22 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission will be receiving $990,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for Surface Transportation Block Grants. These funds are to be used to improve transportation alternatives and enhance mobility and public accessibility across the state. “As we work to improve FDR Park, we need to also make sure the surrounding area keeps up with these enhancements,” Young said. “This money is going to help our neighbors get from A to B in the most efficient way possible and provide much needed safety improvements and guidance to local schools.” The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission secured $540,000 to help the City of Philadelphia Streets Department improve pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Navy Yard by installing a shared-use side path along the western side of South Broad Street from FDR Park to the Navy Yard. In addition, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission has secured another $450,000 to help the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability, in partnership with the Streets Department, to provide a pedestrian and bicycle safety curriculum to local middle schools; develop a bicycle and pedestrian safety learning e-module for students; create conceptual design plans that create slow zones around schools; Read more

 

House Philadelphia Delegation congratulates city for infrastructure awards

(Apr 20, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 20 – The Pennsylvania House of Representative’s Philadelphia Delegation congratulated the City of Philadelphia on its receiving state funds to go ahead with several street and school projects and upgrades for ADA improvements and cyclists around the city. Gov. Tom Wolf and state Transportation Secretary Yassmin Gramian today announced the approval of funding for 64 projects to improve transportation alternatives and enhance mobility and public accessibility across the state, five of which are destinated for Philadelphia. The Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability and Streets Department will receive: $1 million for a streetscape, side path/trail and intersection safety upgrade project that completes a major gap in the Philadelphia and Circuit trail network. Upon completion, trail users will connect to the Pennypack Trail and the East Coast Greenway, safely allowing passage from Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods to the national East Coast Greenway (both completed portions and soon-to-be constructed portions). $1 million to replace painted pedestrian areas on Chestnut Street, with concrete pedestrian islands to elevate pedestrian safety along the corridor and expand the project area west to 63rd Street. $1 million for Logan Square sidewalk modernization at the Swann Memorial Fountain, including updating eight outdated ADA ramps and replacing approximately 18,000 square feet of Read more

 

Cephas announces Medicaid extension for postpartum care, highlights new money for maternal health initiatives

(Apr 18, 2022) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, April 18 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas joined state Sen. Tim Kearney and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead today at the Maternity Care Coalition in Philadelphia to highlight the implementation of Opt In PA, an initiative extending Medicaid support for postpartum individuals from 60 days to one year across the state. President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan Act included a provision that gives states an option to extend Medicaid coverage up to one year postpartum; the Pa. Department of Human Services made the decision to opt into this provision, extending that coverage from 60 days to one year. Implementation was effective April 1. “Constituents who use Medicaid should contact their providers to see how this impacts them and their care,” said Cephas, who co-chairs the General Assembly’s Women’s Health Caucus and serves on the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. Cephas also discussed a recently committed $25.6 million in American Rescue Plan funding for a new maternal and child health initiative in Pennsylvania called the COVID-19 Nurturing Maternal and Child Health Initiative. The initiative recognizes the impact the pandemic had on Pennsylvania communities and makes strategic investments to implement innovative and informed improvements into the public health continuum. NMCH will reach millions of more birthing parents and children through doula services, targeted services, healthy eating Read more

 

Krajewski, Fiedler call for funding parks, recreation centers in PA

(Apr 14, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 14 – State Reps. Rick Krajewski and Elizabeth Fiedler introduced the Pennsylvania Recreational Infrastructure Revitalization Act this week. The bill, which is in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives awaiting a vote, would allocate $500 million from American Rescue Plan funds to repair and invest in parks and recreational spaces throughout the state. Krajewski and Fiedler said that they believe that this funding is important to improve community safety and well-being. “The young people and community of West and Southwest Philadelphia deserve a park and recreation center where they can safely play, recreate, meet, learn and have fun,” Krajewski said. “With gun violence ravaging our communities, we need to invest in our public spaces to allow at-risk youth to enjoy community and leisure.” During the pandemic, the usage of parks and recreational spaces increased by 20%. Parks and recreation centers are valuable public resources that provide opportunities for children, youth and families to play and recreate. Research finds that well-designed and -maintained urban parks can reduce gun violence, improve safety, and keep residents healthier, while poorly designed and maintained parks lead to more crime, according to the bill’s co-sponsorship memo. “Parks are a valuable part of our communities. It gives people a place to be outside, exercise and socialize,” Fiedler said. “As the usage of parks Read more

 

Cephas, Tartaglione announce $25.6M in funding for maternal, child health

(Apr 14, 2022) Philadelphia County Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, April 14 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas and state Sen. Christine Tartaglione, along with fellow lawmakers and the Wolf administration, today announced $25.6 million in American Rescue Plan funding to be allocated for a new maternal and child health initiative in Pennsylvania. The funding announcement also coincides with Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17 . “With the promise in this funding, we are putting money into solving maternal mortality and working to address the social determinants of health that contribute to the crisis we are experiencing across Pennsylvania," Cephas said. “The administration’s opting Pennsylvania into extended Medicaid was a major move to start solving part of the crisis now, as well. That program began April 1, and the initiatives we’re announcing today are going to reach millions of more birthing parents and children through doula services, targeted services, healthy eating pilot programs and lead remediation.” “Our democratic counterparts in the US House and Senate sent Pennsylvania billions of dollars in the American Rescue Plan to reinvest to strengthen our commonwealth,” Tartaglione said. “We cannot let the historic opportunity afforded to us pass without making life-changing and crucially needed investments in historically disinvested communities. The allocation of this grant money will help Temple Woman’s and Infant’s Hospital finally open Read more

 

Brown demands mandatory ID requirement at gun shows to curb unregulated ghost gun sales
Jun 27, 2022

State Rep. Amen Brown decries vandalism at Historic Shofuso House in Fairmount Park and calls for restoration of police district in Fairmount Park
Jun 20, 2022

Solomon legislation for PICA Renewal passed by PA House
Jun 14, 2022

Solomon introduces legislation to establish framework for celebration of 250th birthday of PA
Jun 13, 2022

State Rep. Jared Solomon introduces bill to address staff shortages in Philadelphia Police Department
Jun 08, 2022

Statement on behalf of PA House Philadelphia Delegation on mass shooting in Texas
May 25, 2022

Parker: Health Equity Funding is Long Overdue
May 16, 2022

Cephas welcomes return of The Overbrook Night Market along Lancaster Avenue
May 13, 2022

House passes state Rep. Ed Neilson’s Constable William Davidson Reward Fund legislation
Apr 26, 2022

State Rep. Amen Brown applauds state funding for Arch Street Presbyterian Church
Apr 26, 2022

Isaacson announces nearly $6M in state funding for area improvements
Apr 26, 2022

Young secures $7 million for FDR Park, Navy Yard projects
Apr 25, 2022

Young announces $500,000 for Philadelphia International Airport
Apr 25, 2022

PHMC Cedar Campus receives state funding for renovations
Apr 22, 2022

McClinton announces $4.5 million to make critical upgrades to Francis J. Myers Rec Center
Apr 22, 2022

Young announces almost $1M for safe pedestrian and bicycle paths
Apr 22, 2022

House Philadelphia Delegation congratulates city for infrastructure awards
Apr 20, 2022

Cephas announces Medicaid extension for postpartum care, highlights new money for maternal health initiatives
Apr 18, 2022

Krajewski, Fiedler call for funding parks, recreation centers in PA
Apr 14, 2022

Cephas, Tartaglione announce $25.6M in funding for maternal, child health
Apr 14, 2022