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Philadelphia House Delegation lauds passage of equitable school funding

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Madden, Kenyatta lead discussion on racism on high school and college campuses

(Mar 25, 2021) Policy Committee

HARRISBURG, March 25 -- Education and shattering social norms are key in combatting racism in high schools and colleges, as evidenced by testimony at today’s House Democratic Policy Committee hearing hosted by state Reps. Maureen Madden and Malcolm Kenyatta. The Monroe and Philadelphia County legislators led today’s discussion bringing together state officials, students and educators to brainstorm solutions that aim to help break cycles of systemic racism via policy development and implementation. “How do we start conversations that help people understand that freedom of speech should not be a free pass for racism? We all deserve to be respected and the blatant hate and disrespect for others is impacting lives. Hate has no place in our education system. Students go to school to learn, grow and often overcome any barriers the hand that life has dealt them. I’m grateful for this forum today to learn what’s happening in our education system and what lawmakers can do to overcome the racism in our schools,” Madden shared. “Terms like ‘diversity quota’ and ‘affirmative action applicant’ are just some of the covertly racist insults that disparage the merits of students and faculty of color in academia. Ultimately, these slights have devastating effects on the emotional and mental health of these students and faculty, thereby straining their likelihood to graduate and excel at these institutions,” Read more

 

Madden, Kenyatta to examine incidents of racism on high school and college campuses at Thursday’s public hearing

(Mar 23, 2021) Policy Committee

HARRISBURG, March 23 – Recent incidents of racism involving students at the high school and college levels will be discussed at a House Democratic Policy Committee virtual hearing hosted by state Reps. Maureen Madden and Malcolm Kenyatta. The hearing will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 25. To view the hearing, the media and public can tune in to www.pahouse.com/policycommittee or the committee’s Facebook page -- @PADemPolicy. Media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Madden and Kenyatta will be joined by committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro and Democratic Policy Committee members to hear from educators, state officials and advocates on how to curb racism with meaningful policy reforms. Additional hearing information will be available by clicking here . Read more

 

With no increase to Pa.’s minimum wage since 2009, Boyle reintroduces legislation to allow municipalities to raise their own minimum wage

(Mar 23, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 23 – In an effort to work around lawmakers’ failure to enact a statewide minimum wage increase for more than a decade, state Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-Phila./Montgomery, has reintroduced a bill that would give municipalities the ability to raise their own minimum wage. “No one should be working 40 hours or more a week and still be unable to pay their bills, feed their family or make ends meet,” Boyle said. “But our failure to act in the legislature has put too many people who have a family to support in this predicament. “The impact of the coronavirus has only made matters worse,” Boyle continued. “It’s time that we give the hardworking people in Pennsylvania – like minimum wage earners who work in the hospitality industry and health care who were so important we deemed them ‘essential’ during this global pandemic – the dignity that comes with earning a living wage, and we can do that by giving municipalities the power to do what’s best for the people who live in their locale.” The 2006 amendment to Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage Act prohibits individual municipalities from setting their own wages. Boyle said that prohibition is outdated and ignores the differences in the cost of living and other factors from one city or town to the next, and that’s why he has introduced this legislation to repeal that section of the 2006 act. “My legislation Read more

 

Rabb lauds Gov. Wolf’s solar energy announcement, calls for support for 100% renewable energy

(Mar 22, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 22 – State Rep. Chris Rabb on Monday lauded Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement of a major clean energy initiative that will produce nearly 50% of state government’s electricity through seven new solar energy arrays – the largest solar commitment by any government in the U.S. announced to date – and called for support to get Pennsylvania to 100% renewable energy by 2050. “I was thrilled to hear the news of this historic initiative by Governor Wolf to invest in renewable energy,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “Science has made it clear that climate change is real, it’s happening and the consequences to Earth and its inhabitants – our children, grandchildren and future generations – will be severe if we don’t take immediate measures to change course. “This action from Governor Wolf deserves applause, but the climate crisis that’s underway requires more from us,” Rabb continued. “Which is why I’ve previously introduced bipartisan legislation to transition Pennsylvania to 100% renewable energy by 2050 , and why I’m still asking for support for that goal.” Rabb said a transition to 100% renewable energy is what’s best for the environment and it would be a boon to the economy, creating family-sustaining, green-collar jobs by harnessing a newly skilled workforce and giving Pennsylvania’s academic institutions and other stakeholders the Read more

 

Cephas introduces legislation to combat maternal mortality, calls on state leaders to pursue provision in American Rescue Plan

(Mar 18, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 18 – Continuing her efforts to quell maternal morbidity, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., has recently introduced several bills that would make maternal health care in Pennsylvania more equitable across racial and socioeconomic lines. The bill introductions come in the wake of the U.S. House of Representatives passing the American Rescue Plan, which allows states to extend Medicaid to up to 1-year postpartum. Cephas, who serves as vice-chair of the PA Women’s Health Caucus and treasurer of the Women’s Caucus, has been at the forefront in the fight to combat maternal mortality across Pennsylvania, said health care is the most disparate it has ever been, with race-based and class-based implicit biases and discrimination that results in compounding the effects of iniquity felt by marginalized and underserved patients. “Women of color are still three times as likely to die giving birth than other women -- this is racism in medicine at play and it’s unacceptable,” Cephas said. “Access to quality and affordable care should never be based on skin color, income or Zip code, and my legislation would help abolish these discriminatory practices that result in highly fatal outcomes from our medical systems. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the administration to ensure that we take advantage of the opportunity presented to us so that Pennsylvania’s women have access to Read more

 

Cephas introduces legislation to combat maternal mortality, calls on state leaders to pursue provision in American Rescue Plan

(Mar 18, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 18 – Continuing her efforts to quell maternal morbidity, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., has recently introduced several bills that would make maternal health care in Pennsylvania more equitable across racial and socioeconomic lines. The bill introductions come in the wake of the U.S. House of Representatives passing the American Rescue Plan, which allows states to extend Medicaid to up to 1-year postpartum. Cephas, who serves as vice-chair of the PA Women’s Health Caucus and treasurer of the Women’s Caucus, has been at the forefront in the fight to combat maternal mortality across Pennsylvania, said health care is the most disparate it has ever been, with race-based and class-based implicit biases and discrimination that results in compounding the effects of iniquity felt by marginalized and underserved patients. “Women of color are still three times as likely to die giving birth than other women -- this is racism in medicine at play and it’s unacceptable,” Cephas said. “Access to quality and affordable care should never be based on skin color, income or Zip code, and my legislation would help abolish these discriminatory practices that result in highly fatal outcomes from our medical systems. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the administration to ensure that we take advantage of the opportunity presented to us so that Pennsylvania’s women have access to the care they need and Read more

 

L&I Announces $2.6 Million Available To Prepare Students For Good Jobs In The Post-Pandemic Economy

(Mar 17, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

"The schools-to-work program will create local career pathways in our communities throughout Pennsylvania," Rep. Jared Solomon said. "This law establishes a program that will provide incentives to schools and local businesses to collaborate in dynamic partnerships providing work-based learning opportunities, apprenticeships, and jobs for high school students during the school year, the summer and after graduation. In addition, the bill would encourage a dynamic relationship between schools and businesses to create curricula that bring real-life experiences into the classroom that prepare students for life after high school." Read more

 

Rabb reintroduces legislation to raise the minimum wage in Pa. and expand it to apply to vulnerable members of the workforce

(Mar 12, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

State Rep. Chris Rabb, along with Reps. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny; Manuel Guzman Jr., D-Berks; Carol Hill-Evans, D-York; Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny; Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny; Rick Krajewski, D-Phila.; Summer Lee, D-Allegheny; Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester; Joe Webster, D-Montgomery; and Napoleon J. Nelson, D-Montgomery, has introduced legislation to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour and expand it to apply to vulnerable members of the workforce. Read more

 

McClinton commends a $75,000 grant to invest in security enhancements at The Common Place

(Mar 11, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is applauding a $75,000 state grant awarded to help the nonprofit organization The Common Place enhance safety precautions at its facility that serves children and families in southwest Philadelphia. McClinton said the funding was made possible through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, and can be used for various security improvements, including: Safety and security planning. Security-related technology, such as metal detectors, protective lighting and surveillance equipment. Threat awareness and response training. “The Common Place is a critical resource that provides care and assistance to so many across southwest Philly,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “Investing in their safety is investing in the safety of our young people and the families who turn to the nonprofit for educational, social and spiritual support. I will continue working to secure funding for The Common Place and other local organizations like it that play crucial roles in moving our neighborhoods forward.” McClinton added the grant for The Common Place was part of just over $5 million announced yesterday by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to fund security enhancement projects for 130 churches, synagogues and other nonprofit organizations serving diverse communities across Pennsylvania. More information Read more

 

Breaking down information barriers key to supporting communities of color through COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine efforts

(Mar 11, 2021) Policy Committee

HARRISBURG, March 11 – Trust and inclusive policies are key in getting COVID-19 vaccines distributed to communities of color and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee heard from multiple researchers, doctors and advocates on how to execute those strategies. Read more

 

McClinton appoints Vera Jr. to SEPTA board

(Mar 04, 2021) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

In her new capacity as leader of Pennsylvania’s House Democratic Caucus, McClinton has named Philadelphia labor leader Esteban Vera Jr. to SEPTA’s governing board. He is the first Latino to serve on the board. Read more

 

Enduring racial inequity in Pa. requires systemic solutions, including reparations: Rep. Chris Rabb

(Mar 03, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

It is hard to look at our state as a commonwealth when what has been most common in our history is the exploitation and marginalization of Black people in all facets of life as fomented or condoned by our legislature, courts and state agencies.For these reasons, and because systemic problems require systemic solutions, the legislation I am introducing will focus solely on the culpability of Pennsylvania in systemic racism against its Black residents. The same government that created these enduring injustices must be the one responsible for solving the societal damage it caused. Read more

 

Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta joins Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows Cohort 7

(Mar 01, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 1 – Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., has been selected to participate in the seventh cohort of the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows program, an elite group of national, senior-level policy leaders who have the knowledge, skill, and desire to be effective, equity-minded education policymakers at the state level. The program is an initiative of The Hunt Institute, an education policy nonprofit founded in 2001 by former North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt. Kenyatta will join 29 other senior-level elected officials from across the country in Cohort 7, bringing the total number of Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows to 141, which includes former Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale (Cohort 2). Fellows represent all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and the program currently boasts six sitting governors: Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. "In order to ensure that our systems are supporting families, we have to strengthen our schools and classrooms to provide our children with a high-quality education,” Kenyatta said. “As I continue to fight on behalf of all working people, I look forward to learning from The Hunt Institute and engaging with this bipartisan group of policymakers from across the country." The program is named for renowned education governors Jim Hunt and Tom Kean. Read more

 

Krajewski introduces legislation to help struggling families stay in their homes

(Feb 22, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 22 – Holding fast to his belief that housing is a human right, state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., has introduced legislation to help struggling families stay in their homes. “Shelter is a necessity,” Krajewski said. “A person’s ability to keep a roof over their head, over their children’s heads, is tied directly to their ability to stay safe, to stay healthy. People who are struggling to make ends meet should not have to forfeit their home and with it their health and safety. And that’s why I’m introducing this legislation, so that homeowners have another option to stay in their homes, even in financially trying times.” The legislation, which Krajewski introduced with state Reps. Jared Solomon and Morgan Cephas, both D-Phila., would allow a mortgage modification to be finalized in advance of the payment of municipal liens assessed on a property. Current state law requires lien satisfaction before a mortgage modification can be finalized. Krajewski said the legislation would make it easier for financially struggling homeowners to modify their mortgage to help them get back on their feet. “In addition to it being the right thing to do,” Krajewski noted, “helping struggling families to stay in their homes helps the community as a whole. It keeps people who have a vested interest in their community’s well-being in the community.” Krajewski said the Pennsylvania Read more

 

McClinton names housing advocate to PHFA board

(Feb 19, 2021) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

“Helping people to buy homes and remain in homes is crucial to building stronger communities at any time, and even more during this pandemic,” McClinton said. “It’s the central mission of PHFA and I cannot think of a better person to move this work forward than Markita Morris-Louis.” Read more

 

Protecting the Delaware River Basin focus of House Democratic Policy Committee hearing Monday

(Feb 19, 2021) Policy Committee

HA RRISBURG, Feb. 19 -- At the request of state Rep. Mary Isaacson, the PA House Democratic Policy Committee will host a virtual hearing to discuss the Delaware River Basin and the value it brings beyond the region. The hearing will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22 and can be viewed at www.pahouse.com/policy or the committee’s Facebook page -- @PADemPolicy. The public and media are encouraged to tune in and can submit questions to policy@pahouse.net . Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, Isaacson and members of the Democratic Policy Committee will discuss the health of the Delaware River Basin, the resources and economic activity it generates, and state and federal efforts to improve water quality. Isaacson serves the 175th Legislative District representing the River Wards along the Delaware River from Old Richmond to Queen Village and has taken an active role in preserving and enhancing the economic and environmental vitality of the Delaware River Basin. Read more

 

Reps. Kenyatta and Burgos to host free COVID-19 testing in North Philadelphia

(Feb 17, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 17 – State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Danilo Burgos, both D-Phila, are teaming up to provide free COVID-19 testing in North Philadelphia, with the goal of offsetting the disparities in testing among Black and Latino communities in Philadelphia. The free testing will be provided in partnership with Latino Connection and funded by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, and will take place on Feb. 20 and March 6, both on a Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Norris Square Park, 2100 N. Howard St., 19122 . Spanish-speaking staff and volunteers will also be on-site. Kenyatta and Burgos pointed to a report that found that race and ethnicity data for COVID-19 cases are widely unaccounted for in Pennsylvania, especially in Philadelphia. The lag, they said, undercuts the severity of survivability outcomes of both groups. For Latinos, specifically, despite only making up 6% of the population in Pennsylvania, they disproportionately make up 11% of COVID-19 deaths when applying weighted population distributions, according to a study found on the Centers for Disease Control’s website. The lawmakers also said Blacks and Latinos not only remain severely underrepresented in data for cases — collected through testing — but also in the vaccine rollout. Kenyatta, who has put dismantling poverty and systemic racism at the forefront of his legislative agenda, said the pandemic has exacerbated Read more

 

Cephas participates in joint policy hearing on maternal mortality

(Feb 11, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

At the request of PA Women’s Health Caucus chairs Sen. Judy Schwank (D- Berks), Sen. Amanda Cappelletti (D- Delaware/Montgomery), Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D- Montgomery), and Rep. Morgan Cephas (D- Philadelphia), the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee joined the House Democratic Policy Committee held a virtual public hearing to discuss maternal health amidst COVID-19. “Since the beginning of this pandemic, I have been deeply concerned about both the physical and mental health of mothers and families experiencing childbirth and caring for babies in the shadow of COVID-19,” Schwank said. “We must ensure that mothers and babies are receiving the best care possible and are receiving the support and services they need to maintain a healthy life during and after this pandemic.” Cappelletti continued, “Women, particularly women of color, have been the most detrimentally impacted by this pandemic. Not only must they navigate health and safety for themselves, but they are often tasked as the primary caregivers and providers for their children and family. As we discuss all aspects of healthcare and the impact COVID-19 has had on women, we must ensure that women’s health and the health of their children are not left out of this conversation.” Dr. Richard Beigi, an OB-GYN practitioner and president of UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital, spoke about the many concerns that pregnant women have had about getting the COVID-19 Read more

 

Let’s work for – not against – women’s health in 2021-22

(Feb 11, 2021) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

In the Women’s Health Caucus, we listen to women. We know that whether Republican, Democrat, Independent or other; whether wealthy, poor or middle class; whether residing in the city, the suburbs or rural Pennsylvania; whether young or old; there are real issues affecting women’s free choice, financial well-being and life itself. Read more

 

Rabb joins Fund Our Facilities Coalition in calling for remedy to building concerns as schools reopen

(Feb 08, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., has joined his voice with the chorus of lawmakers, unions and advocacy groups calling for Philadelphia School Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. and Mayor Jim Kenney to devote themselves to remedying building concerns as soon as possible. “I support the reopening of our schools as soon as the School District of Philadelphia plan conforms with science, is based in reality and is informed by the substantive input of all stakeholders,” Rabb said. A letter from Fund Our Facilities Coalition, signed by 31 lawmakers and community leaders, cited the longstanding hazardous conditions in School District of Philadelphia buildings, which have caused devastating health issues, including cancer, asthma and other breathing issues before COVID-19 became an issue. “Philadelphia families deserve to have complete confidence that their lives will not be put at risk when they enter a Philadelphia public school building: that remains true as relates to lead and asbestos, and now in the face of a devastating pandemic, it is doubly true as relates to the deadly COVID-19,” the letter says. “… We call for the District and the city to devote themselves to transparency about decision making and to completely remedying building concerns before proceeding to reopen schools.” Rabb, a longtime advocate for fair funding for public schools so that every child in every school district Read more

 

Madden, Kenyatta lead discussion on racism on high school and college campuses
Mar 25, 2021

Madden, Kenyatta to examine incidents of racism on high school and college campuses at Thursday’s public hearing
Mar 23, 2021

With no increase to Pa.’s minimum wage since 2009, Boyle reintroduces legislation to allow municipalities to raise their own minimum wage
Mar 23, 2021

Rabb lauds Gov. Wolf’s solar energy announcement, calls for support for 100% renewable energy
Mar 22, 2021

Cephas introduces legislation to combat maternal mortality, calls on state leaders to pursue provision in American Rescue Plan
Mar 18, 2021

Cephas introduces legislation to combat maternal mortality, calls on state leaders to pursue provision in American Rescue Plan
Mar 18, 2021

L&I Announces $2.6 Million Available To Prepare Students For Good Jobs In The Post-Pandemic Economy
Mar 17, 2021

Rabb reintroduces legislation to raise the minimum wage in Pa. and expand it to apply to vulnerable members of the workforce
Mar 12, 2021

McClinton commends a $75,000 grant to invest in security enhancements at The Common Place
Mar 11, 2021

Breaking down information barriers key to supporting communities of color through COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine efforts
Mar 11, 2021

McClinton appoints Vera Jr. to SEPTA board
Mar 04, 2021

Enduring racial inequity in Pa. requires systemic solutions, including reparations: Rep. Chris Rabb
Mar 03, 2021

Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta joins Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows Cohort 7
Mar 01, 2021

Krajewski introduces legislation to help struggling families stay in their homes
Feb 22, 2021

McClinton names housing advocate to PHFA board
Feb 19, 2021

Protecting the Delaware River Basin focus of House Democratic Policy Committee hearing Monday
Feb 19, 2021

Reps. Kenyatta and Burgos to host free COVID-19 testing in North Philadelphia
Feb 17, 2021

Cephas participates in joint policy hearing on maternal mortality
Feb 11, 2021

Let’s work for – not against – women’s health in 2021-22
Feb 11, 2021

Rabb joins Fund Our Facilities Coalition in calling for remedy to building concerns as schools reopen
Feb 08, 2021