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Philadelphia House Delegation releases statement on SEPTA proposals

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Kenyatta applauds Dr. Jason Wingard for making history as first Black Temple University president

(Jun 08, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 8 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., released the following statement applauding Dr. Jason Wingard on becoming 13 th president of Temple University and the university’s first Black president its 137-year history. Kenyatta also highlighted the importance of activism which led to this historic appointment. “As a proud Temple University alumnus, I applaud Dr. Jason Wingard on his appointment to become the thirteenth president of Temple University and making history as the first Black president in the university’s 137-year history. Dr. Wingard is impeccably qualified and possesses the ability to connect to Black and Brown students and residents of North Philadelphia. “While we applaud Dr. Wingard’s historic appointment, we must also acknowledge the journey of how we got to this point. Activism matters. “I was born and raised here in North Philadelphia, graduated from Temple University and now represent this community in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Through the years, I watched the university prosper at the expense of my neighbors. Since being elected, I constantly challenged Temple University’s mostly all-white leadership on the dire need for diversity among its ranks-- meaningful diversity that mirrors the surrounding communities acknowledges that reality that these predominantly Black neighborhoods have long suffered the effects of economic Read more

 

Krajewski, Kenyatta push back against false voting ‘integrity’ efforts, promote support for enhanced and expanded voting rights for all

(Jun 07, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 7 — State Reps. Rick Krajewski and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., pushed back against the false right-wing narrative regarding voting integrity efforts Monday, instead promoting the need to increase access to voting for all, and especially for those whose voting rights are under attack. “Over the past 18 months, as we have seen unprecedented movements and victories in the fight against police violence, the defeat of Donald Trump, Democratic control of the U.S. Senate and more; we have also seen a steep increase in attempts by the right-wing elite to disenfranchise the marginalized people who have benefited from these achievements,” Krajewski said during the Defending Democracy event he and Kenyatta led. “That is no coincidence. “Government should be by the people, for the people, but as the people have started shaking things up and dismantling the status quo, their rights to choose their elected officials through free and fair elections have come under attack through farcical efforts to question the integrity of our elections,” Krajewski continued. “We will not stand for this misleading misdirection and we wanted to bring this issue into the spotlight so we can examine the ways in which access to voting must be expanded and voting rights upheld.” “Voter suppression tactics have become as American as apple pie, with almost every generation of Black and brown Americans having to combat Read more

 

Rabb will introduce legislation to ban police use of control agents like tear gas, pepper balls, mace and rubber bullets

(Jun 03, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 3 – State Rep. Chris Rabb said he will introduce legislation to ban police from using crowd control agents like tear gas, pepper balls, mace and rubber bullets. “Debilitating weapons of war have no place being used against civilians,” Rabb said. “And crowd control agents like tear gas and rubber bullets are exactly that, weapons of war. But even some of those agents were banned for use in warfare by the 1925 Geneva Protocol, so there’s absolutely no reason they should be used on civilians in our communities in Pennsylvania.” Rabb said that until last year, during demonstrations by protestors after George Floyd was murdered by police in Minnesota, police in Philadelphia had not used tear gas in 35 years. His forthcoming legislation would ban the use of crowd control agents by law enforcement in Pennsylvania. As a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, I acknowledge this commonwealth exists on the tribal lands of the Erie, Haudenosaunee, Lenape, Munsee, Shawnee and Susquehannock. Read more

 

Policy Committee vets Fiedler, Krajewski’s administrative fix that would have major impacts on Pa. renters

(Jun 02, 2021) Policy Committee

HARRISBURG, June 2 – Today’s roundtable discussion hosted by state Rep. Rick Krajewski further cemented the need for action on how eviction records are handled in Pennsylvania. Krajewski was joined by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee to discuss how eviction proceedings impact tenants long-term and shared how their legislation would establish eviction expungement procedures. Fiedler explained: “I’m proud to hold his hearing to draw attention to a bill I have, with Rep. Krajewski, that would give people who have faced eviction through no fault of their own, the chance to have their record sealed and move on with their life. An eviction filing can lead to a domino effect of traumatic life-changing events that start with losing your home, and can include losing your community, your support system, your children’s school, your employment and more. We need to do everything we can as a society to prevent that from happening to adults, senior citizens, children and all families.” The committee heard testimony from Catherine Anderson, supervising attorney, eviction diversion program, Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Gale Schwartz, associate director, policy and strategic initiatives, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania; Anne Wright, chief technology officer, RentHelpPgh; Nicolás Pastore, former legislative intern, Read more

 

Protections for renters, eviction sealing focus of Wednesday virtual roundtable hosted by Krajewski, Fiedler

(May 28, 2021) Policy Committee

HARRISBURG, May 28 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., is working on legislation to help people with evictions on their record and the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People will explore how eviction sealing would impact landlords and tenants. The roundtable discussion will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 2. The media and public are invited to watch online at www.pahouse.com/policy or on the committee’s Facebook page--@PADemPolicy. Media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Subcommittee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee will join Krajewski for the roundtable discussion that will include how current law negatively impacts tenants and protects bad-acting landlords and how the proposed legislation would tackle that using a commonsense approach to ensure Pennsylvanians have access to safe housing. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation responds to Philly Weekly

(May 26, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, May 26 – State Rep. and Philadelphia Delegation Chairman Jason Dawkins today made the following statement on behalf of the delegation, addressing the abhorrent article published online this week. “In a recent post on the Philadelphia Weekly website, the Philly Weekly staff felt it was time to drive up clicks to their site by making a complete mockery of homicide rates in the city of Philadelphia by turning it into a guessing game ahead of the November general election. They asked their readers to guess how many murders there will be in Philadelphia on Nov. 2, General Election day, and are offering the winner a prize. A prize? This is abhorrent, childish and unconscionable. The tragic increase in shooting deaths throughout Philadelphia is serious and heartbreaking. Pointing out the real tragedy of homicides in Philadelphia and highlighting the disproportionate impact it has on poor communities and on communities of color would be a better way to bring attention to the problem and to discuss solutions. But it doesn’t look like solutions to this crisis are of concern to Philadelphia Weekly.” Members of the Philadelphia Delegation, Pennsylvania House of Representatives Chairman, Jason Dawkins Vice Chairman, Malcolm Kenyatta Secretary, Elizabeth Fiedler Kevin Boyle Amen Brown Donna Bullock Danilo Burgos Morgan B Cephas Angel Cruz Read more

 

House Democrats seek to prevent prison gerrymandering

(May 26, 2021) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

“It’s better for the purposes of drawing our legislative districts, which are population-based, to count these individuals in the communities they call home. It will result in better, more even representation for all Pennsylvanians.” Read more

 

State Rep. Isaacson, Sen. Saval announce $14K grant awarded to fight blight in Fishtown

(May 25, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, May 25 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson and Sen. Nikil Saval announced today that a $14,000 grant to fight blight in Fishtown has been awarded to the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District. “I am very excited to help bring this money home to the business district as well as Fishtown and Kensington neighbors to both address quality of living issues and make investments and improvements on a block-by-block basis,” Isaacson said. “Our public spaces are the hearts of our communities,” Saval said. “This grant is important for the health and vitality of the district and its residents, and I’m proud to join Representative Isaacson in offering support and congratulations!” The Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District requested the funds because, it noted in its application, the Fishtown District has suffered from blight, hindering its economic growth. The Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District said it would use grant funds to develop a comprehensive blight plan where one currently does not exist. “Blight, no matter what the scope, hinders the continued growth and vitality of the Fishtown/Kensington commercial corridor,” said Marc D. Collazzo, executive director of the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District. “We are gratified to receive this generous funding award to prepare an active and comprehensive plan to take blighted, vacant Read more

 

PA Rescue Plan, $1.7 billion investment in workers’ focus of House Democratic leaders’ rally in State College Wednesday

(May 11, 2021) Policy Committee

STATE COLLEGE, May 11 – The workers who have been hit hardest by the pandemic need support. The PA House Democratic leadership team is hosting a rally Wednesday to make the case for workers’ rights to a fair wage, hazard pay and paid family and sick leave and how the PA Rescue plan would do just that. The rally will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 12 at The Borough Building, 243 S. Allen St., State College . The media is encouraged to attend. The PA Rescue Plan includes more than $1.5 billion for job training, hazard pay, wage boosts for direct-care workers and job creation efforts to kickstart the economy in communities across the state. The PRP aims to ensure federal American Rescue Plan funding is invested for immediate impact and long-term success. Additional information about the plan is available at www.pahouse.com/parescueplan . Read more

 

Green collar jobs and clean energy investments focus of PA Rescue Plan hearing

(May 10, 2021) Policy Committee

PHILADELPHIA, May 10 – House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton today hosted a public hearing highlighting her caucus’s proposal to invest federal funding to help Pennsylvania recover, restore and reimagine, starting with investments in green collar jobs. The House Democratic Policy Committee hearing, held at the Community College of Philadelphia, focused on investments in clean energy and how the proposed $50 million investment would get Pennsylvanians back to work in jobs that pay livable wages. The committee heard testimony from: Dr. Donald Guy Generals, president, Community College of Philadelphia; Michael Neill, apprentice training director, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 98; Brian Myers, assistant apprentice training director, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 98; and Anna Shipp, executive director, Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners, Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia. “Green collar jobs are high-tech, high-wage and the fastest-growing career sector in any industry,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “By investing in the clean energy industry and supporting job training to get workers on the job, the PA Rescue Plan is creating a greener future in more ways than one.” State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, chairman of the Policy Committee added, “The last year doesn’t have to cripple our future. We can use federal dollars to help make Pennsylvania a leader in creating Read more

 

Powering Green Collar Jobs focus of Monday hearing with Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton

(May 06, 2021) Policy Committee

PHILADELPHIA, May 6 – The Community College of Philadelphia will serve as the backdrop for a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing hosted by Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton on The PA Rescue Plan: Powering Green Collar Jobs. The hearing will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, May 10 at the Community College of Philadelphia, P avilion Building,-- located at 1700 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia . Press and attendees should enter in front of the building on 17th St. The PA Rescue Plan aims to ensure federal American Rescue Plan funding is invested for immediate impact and long-term success. Additional information about the plan is available at www.pahouse.com/parescueplan . Read more

 

House advances Klunk, Cephas bill to protect workers from sexual harassment

(May 05, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, May 5 – To further protect workers from sexual harassment and retribution from exposing such behavior, the House today unanimously approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Reps. Kate Klunk, R-Hanover, and Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. Specifically, H.B. 938 would forbid employers from requiring employees and potential employees to sign nondisclosure agreements related to sexual harassment as a stipulation of employment. This would ensure workers who face sexual harassment in the workplace can exercise their voice to report such egregious offenses they may suffer at the hands of a co-worker or a superior. Employees and employers would still be able to voluntarily enter into such agreements. The bill also would clarify that nondisclosure agreements formed during the hiring process are to be considered involuntary, while those created during the settlement of a harassment case may be considered voluntary. “Far too often victims of workplace sexual harassment are dissuaded from coming forward with allegations because of nondisclosure agreements that essentially end investigations into these offenses before they even start,” Klunk said. “This leads to a culture that prevents justice from being served and aggressors being held accountable.” “Too many Pennsylvanians have had their sense of comfort and livelihoods ruined because they were victimized in the workplace and faced further abuse for speaking out. We Read more

 

McClinton applauds the first COVID-19 vaccine clinic in southwest Philly

(May 04, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is applauding the collaborative effort that brought the first COVID-19 vaccine clinic to southwest Philadelphia today. McClinton’s office joined the offices of state Sen. Anthony Williams and city Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson along with Congressman Dwight Evans and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon at the New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, where Rite Aid administered the Moderna vaccine to roughly 55 people, adding to the more than 1.2 million doses that have been given in Philadelphia. “The COVID-19 vaccine is key to helping us build real immunity, protect each other from the virus and get on the pathway to normalcy. Today’s clinic was the latest effort to ensure our communities of color have access to this critical opportunity,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “Our office is blessed to work with dedicated community partners and leaders who share our commitment to put the health of our neighbors first and make events like this possible.” Along with the vaccine, McClinton is also fighting to help her communities make it through the pandemic safely by pushing the House Democrats’ PA Rescue Plan that would ensure the more than $7 billion in federal funds allocated to the commonwealth through the American Rescue Plan gets to the people hardest hit by this health crisis. “Our initiative would invest in our local businesses, working families, schools Read more

 

VIDEO: McClinton Stresses the Importance of the COVID-19 Vaccine

(Apr 29, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

In her ongoing efforts to protect her communities during this health crisis, House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is stressing how important the COVID-19 vaccine is to building real immunity to the virus and moving Pennsylvania past this pandemic safely. Read more

 

Cephas seeks to establish Behavioral Health Crisis Response Units in Pa.

(Apr 26, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 26 – On the six-month anniversary of the tragic death of Walter Wallace, Jr, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. announced that she is working to introduce legislation that would require police departments across the commonwealth to establish Behavioral Health Crisis Response Units that could respond to emergency calls in lieu of or as a complement to law enforcement when the nature of the call is related to a behavioral health issue. Cephas’ first introduced the idea immediately following the police shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr., a 27-year-old West Philadelphia man, whose family had called 911 because he was experiencing a mental breakdown in October 2020. Responding officers fired 14 rounds at him, killing him, while he was standing in the street holding a knife. “Today, as we remember the life of our neighbor – a father, son, and friend – we must check in and ensure we continue the work,” said Cephas. “When someone calls 911 because their family member or neighbor is experiencing a mental health crisis, is battling addiction, or dealing with homelessness, they shouldn’t have to fear that the person they want to help will be killed by police. “Just a week after the verdict was announced in the police involved killing of George Floyd, we are hopeful that by making the right investments and demanding accountability, we can make our communities safer for all.” Cephas said her Read more

 

Op-Ed: Shelve the theatrics and address real issues affecting Pa. women and children

(Apr 23, 2021) Women’s Health Caucus

Improving women’s health care doesn’t require news conferences designed to parrot tired and untrue talking points. To make a positive difference for all women and children of Pennsylvania, let’s instead focus our energy and attention on evidence-based policies that address bona fide issues and move Pennsylvania forward. Read more

 

Cephas announces $325K state grant for roadway safety at the Cobbs Creek Golf Course

(Apr 21, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 21 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today announced that a $325,000 state grant has been awarded to the Cobbs Creek Foundation to improve roadway safety along two public roads leading to the Cobbs Creek Golf Course, located in her legislative district. The announcement comes days after Cephas announced a $3 million state grant from the Multimodal Transportation Fund awarded to Saint Joseph’s University for increased safety for students, commuters and residents on and near the campus. Cephas, who represents the 192 nd Legislative District in West Philadelphia, said the latest funding, which also comes from the Multimodal Transportation Fund, will be used for primary improvements to two tunnels for golf carts to access both sides of the course on Lansdowne Avenue and Cardington Road. Other improvements include a raised crosswalk with a traffic signal at the driveway entrances to the clubhouse, installing speed bumps, stormwater culverts with associated drainage and guiderails along Lansdowne Avenue and Cardington Road. “In just days, our community has received a total of $3.3 million in state funding — all of which will be used toward improvements in our community,” Cephas said. “Residents and visitors will soon be able to safely enjoy the recreations and accessibility of the Saint Joseph’s University and the Cobbs Creek Golf Course.” Read more

 

Young announces state funding for improvements at the Philadelphia International Airport

(Apr 21, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 21 – State Rep. Regina G. Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation has been awarded $500,000 in state funding to complete a variety of improvements to ensure timely baggage onloading and offloading at the Philadelphia International Airport, parts of which are located in her legislative district. Young, who represents the 185 th Legislative District, said that the funding, provided by the Multimodal Transportation Fund, will be used for structural improvements to the baggage tug tunnel that will include repairing cracks and spalls in the concrete, wall coating, leak mitigation and a new guide rail installation. Additionally, new signage will be installed, along with traffic control best practices. Upgrades will also be made to the drainage, ventilation, electrical, lighting and fire protection systems. “The Philadelphia International Airport is the area’s major hub for domestic and international travel, and it also one of the area’s largest employers for countless residents in our region,” Young said. “This grant funding will ensure that the airport operates efficiently and safely to accommodate this high volume of travelers and employees.” Read more

 

Rabb introduces package of bills to protect medical cannabis patients, dispensaries from eviction, discrimination

(Apr 20, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 20 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., has introduced a trio of bills designed to protect medical cannabis patients and dispensaries from eviction and workplace discrimination. “Medical cannabis is medicine, and we must ensure that people who are prescribed medicine don’t have that held against them by their landlords or by their employers, and we must ensure that the providers of that medicine will not be discriminated against by commercial landlords,” Rabb said. “My legislation serves to protect the providers of medical cannabis and their patients, and to help them live without fear.” Rabb’s three bills are: Employee Protections for Medical Cannabis Patients – Would provide protections for employees failing a drug test due to their use of medical cannabis as a qualified patient by forbidding employers from discharging, threatening, refusing to hire or otherwise discriminating against such employees, and allowing such employees to bring a civil action against their employer. Commercial Tenant Protections for Medical Cannabis Dispensaries – Would protect commercial tenants that legally sell or provide medical cannabis by amending the Medical Marijuana Act to prohibit landlords from evicting, threatening to evict, or otherwise discriminating against a commercial tenant for the lawful sale or possession of medical cannabis if the tenant is certified by the commonwealth. Tenant Read more

 

Pedestrian safety at St. Joseph’s enhanced by PennDOT funding, Daley and Cephas announce

(Apr 20, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

"We need to find a safer and more efficient way for our students, faculty and staff to cross City Avenue, and this project wouldn’t be possible without PennDOT’s partnership.” Read more

 

Kenyatta applauds Dr. Jason Wingard for making history as first Black Temple University president
Jun 08, 2021

Krajewski, Kenyatta push back against false voting ‘integrity’ efforts, promote support for enhanced and expanded voting rights for all
Jun 07, 2021

Rabb will introduce legislation to ban police use of control agents like tear gas, pepper balls, mace and rubber bullets
Jun 03, 2021

Policy Committee vets Fiedler, Krajewski’s administrative fix that would have major impacts on Pa. renters
Jun 02, 2021

Protections for renters, eviction sealing focus of Wednesday virtual roundtable hosted by Krajewski, Fiedler
May 28, 2021

Philadelphia House Delegation responds to Philly Weekly
May 26, 2021

House Democrats seek to prevent prison gerrymandering
May 26, 2021

State Rep. Isaacson, Sen. Saval announce $14K grant awarded to fight blight in Fishtown
May 25, 2021

PA Rescue Plan, $1.7 billion investment in workers’ focus of House Democratic leaders’ rally in State College Wednesday
May 11, 2021

Green collar jobs and clean energy investments focus of PA Rescue Plan hearing
May 10, 2021

Powering Green Collar Jobs focus of Monday hearing with Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton
May 06, 2021

House advances Klunk, Cephas bill to protect workers from sexual harassment
May 05, 2021

McClinton applauds the first COVID-19 vaccine clinic in southwest Philly
May 04, 2021

VIDEO: McClinton Stresses the Importance of the COVID-19 Vaccine
Apr 29, 2021

Cephas seeks to establish Behavioral Health Crisis Response Units in Pa.
Apr 26, 2021

Op-Ed: Shelve the theatrics and address real issues affecting Pa. women and children
Apr 23, 2021

Cephas announces $325K state grant for roadway safety at the Cobbs Creek Golf Course
Apr 21, 2021

Young announces state funding for improvements at the Philadelphia International Airport
Apr 21, 2021

Rabb introduces package of bills to protect medical cannabis patients, dispensaries from eviction, discrimination
Apr 20, 2021

Pedestrian safety at St. Joseph’s enhanced by PennDOT funding, Daley and Cephas announce
Apr 20, 2021