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Philadelphia House Delegation releases statement on SEPTA proposals

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State lawmakers, former UArts staff & students call for better oversight of higher education in PA

(Sep 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5 – In wake of the devastating closure of the University of the Arts, state legislators representing Philadelphia and faculty and students from the now-closed UArts met today for a news conference in front of the former UArts administrative building to discuss new higher education oversight measures to help hold colleges and universities accountable to the communities they serve. UArts suddenly and unexpectedly announced its closure on May 31 due to its precarious financial situation. This left more than 1,000 students without a school to attend, more than 300 staff members without a job, and placed the burden of uncertainty on both of their futures. State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., who represents the legislative district in the PA House where UArts was located, has spearheaded legislative efforts to enhance accountability and transparency in higher education institutions statewide. Included in this year’s state budget were provisions he worked on with state Rep. Bob Merski , D-Erie, requiring the Pennsylvania Board of Education to develop procedures by July 1, 2026, that will ensure orderly closures, teach-out plans, and preservation of student and administrative records when institutions close. Notably, institutions intending to cease operations will risk losing Commonwealth funding under these new regulations. "The sudden closure of UArts left thousands of our constituents in a state of Read more

 

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s announced fare increases

(Sep 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, released the following statement regarding proposed fare increases by SEPTA: “This is the exact scenario we wanted to avoid while we were negotiating the state budget. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania use public transit as a tool to survive. It connects them with important medical appointments, they rely on it to get their groceries, and many people rely on public transit to attend school or work. “SEPTA is not the only agency that will be affected by the budget shortfall in public transit funding; it will trickle down to all of them and have disastrous consequences for Pennsylvanians in both rural and urban communities, not to mention the damage it will do to our state’s economy. “If people do not have access to their only mode of travel and they cannot get to school or work, it sets the commonwealth up for a perilous future, where our constituents have trouble meeting their basic needs and obligations. “We’ve heard from many experts in the public transit sector during the Moving PA Forward by Investing in Roads, Bridges and Transit tour, and our tour will continue throughout the month. “My hope is that after listening to the experts on the significant impact public transit has on the entire state, we can come together and implement a solution for this funding crisis. Pennsylvanians deserve the freedom of movement, and some can only use that Read more

 

Phila. House Delegation Gun Reform & Gun Violence Reduction Legislation

(Sep 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Gun Reform & Gun Violence Reduction Legislation sponsored by Philadelphia House Delegation members Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for additional state funding for public transit following SEPTA’s announced plan for fare adjustments

(Sep 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today called on state lawmakers to work in earnest this fall to shore up public transit systems across the state, especially in Philadelphia where SEPTA is facing a $240 million annual budget deficit and is planning to increase fares. SEPTA officials today announced a plan to increase fares on Dec. 1 and is planning a public hearing on the proposal for Oct. 16. “Today’s decision proves two facts: SEPTA is doing everything they can to prevent a true fare increase, and the PA Senate has to stop holding funding for transit systems hostage to political games,” said Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “We know this decision by SEPTA wasn’t made lightly. The Senate’s reckless refusal to accept the importance of public transit during this year’s budget negotiations is going to impact so many working people. “We’re ready to work with the Senate and all stakeholders to support not just SEPTA riders, but people in every county in Pennsylvania who count on transit to get to work, to school, to shop, to the doctor and more. It must be addressed now, before it is too late,” she said. In March, the delegation played an integral part in passing legislation that would provide recurring funds for public transportation in Pennsylvania. The measure would have significantly increased the transfer of revenue Read more

 

City, state leaders convene in City Hall to applaud passage of Solar for Schools

(Sep 04, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 -- State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, and House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris, D-Phila., visited City Hall to celebrate the passage of the Solar for Schools Act . They were joined by lawmakers from both chambers of the state legislature, city councilmembers, and leaders in education, energy, and labor. Solar for Schools is a grant program designed to help school districts across Pennsylvania install solar panels on their grounds or roofs. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project -- while creating good-paying jobs, reducing environmental impact, and helping to keep costs low for taxpayers. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law on July 17. "I am excited to support the Solar for Schools grant program, a transformative initiative that not only promises to reduce energy costs but also fosters a sustainable future for our schools and communities,” said Harris . “This legislation will enable us to save significant funds -- money that can be reinvested into classrooms and educational resources. Thanks to Representative Fiedler’s dedication, we’re paving the way for a greener future for Pennsylvania’s students and communities." “The Solar for Schools grant program is good for students, taxpayers, Pennsylvania’s workforce and our environment. Not Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 04, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 26, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment and Training Who May Apply: Eligibility of these funds is open to any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: To support the training of medical and mental healthcare providers who treat children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $200,000 in Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately four projects with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: October 4, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street Read more

 

More than $1.4 million in state funding comes to Center City for Washington Square West

(Aug 22, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22 – Today, state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., announced that a state grant worth more than $1.4 million is coming to Center City for the rehabilitation of five streets in the Washington Square West Historic District. “The rehab of these streets will help make it easier for all of our neighbors and visitors to get around Washington Square West while preserving the historic infrastructure that characterizes the neighborhood and connects us to Philadelphia's past,” Waxman said. “This funding from the state is a much-needed investment for the Washington Square West neighborhood and Center City as a whole.” The streets that will be the recipients of this rehab include sections of Quince, Irving, Manning, Hutchinson and Bonaparte. The rehab of these streets will consist of granite block repointing/resetting, select areas of new granite block, resetting granite header and installing ADA ramps. It will be focused in two location clusters of the neighborhood. This funding comes from a more than $51 million total investment across Pennsylvania from the Multimodal Transportation Fund , which provides financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities. By improving transportation assets, this program seeks to enhance communities, pedestrian safety and transit Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 20, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more

 

Students, staff tour new elementary school facility in Philadelphia's Overbrook section

(Aug 19, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Friday was an exciting day for the students, faculty and staff of Lewis College Cassidy Academics Plus School in Philadelphia's Overbrook section.The school's brand-new facility opened for a tour just ten days before school starts.Action News also got a look inside the new facility."I like it cause it has a lot of color. The old Cassidy didn't have a lot of color. So, I think it brings more smiles, more energy," said 8th grader, Yasir.After a $62 million investment, the school will serve pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Spanning more than 87,000 square feet, it features brand-new classrooms with state-of-the-art technology, including WiFi and smartboards.Vibrant colors fill the hallways with words of affirmation like, "I am Worthy," displayed for all to see.There is also a sprawling outdoor play area with all brand-new equipment. Read more

 

A $62.1 million school rises in West Philadelphia: inside the new Cassidy Elementary

(Aug 19, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

It was show-and-tell day Friday for a brand new, $62.1 million Philadelphia School District building.Lewis C. Cassidy Academics Plus, on Parkside Avenue in Overbrook, will open to teachers on Tuesday and students on Aug. 26. It will serve students in prekindergarten through eighth grade.The three-story, brick-and-metal structure has two wings and plenty of bells and whistles not present in many of Philadelphia’s old school buildings: a maker space, an innovation lab, a library, a playground, a cafeteria with a full-service kitchen and outdoor seating, an art studio with a kiln, and more.The new Cassidy Elementary was a long time coming. Read more

 

Solomon proposes legislation to reduce noise, exhaust pollution in neighborhoods

(Aug 16, 2024) Rep. Jared G. Solomon

HARRISBURG, Aug. 16 – State Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., said today that he will soon introduce legislation that would ban the sale of muffler and exhaust pipe modifiers for vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles manufactured after 1978. Solomon said the legislation also would provide state agencies with clear guidance on excessive noise and exhaust pollution and help reduce its impact on communities and residents. The measure would also help local police enforce ordinances, he said. “People should be able to enjoy their homes by sitting outside during the evening or on a weekend,” Solomon said. “You cannot relax in your home or get the rest you need when the soundtrack of your neighborhood consists of drag racing through residential streets. “The noise and exhaust pollution caused by loud dirt bikes, cars and ATVs is increasingly becoming a nuisance in many communities,” he said. “People and pets can’t get their sleep, property values are impacted, and the costs of enforcement are rising for police departments and taxpayers.” Solomon said his legislation, which he dubbed the Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution – or SLEEP – Act, would require PennDOT to act against official inspection stations with multiple violations and proposes penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in prison for those violations. Read more

 

McClinton, Policy Committee emphasize need for workplace safety

(Aug 14, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

“Everyone deserves to be safe at work – that means free from physical harm as well as mental or psychological abuse,” said McClinton, who represents portions of Delaware County and Philadelphia. “While there are laws on the books to protect workers from environmental hazards, we need to do more to protect people from workplace psychological hazards like bullying and oppressive treatment that create toxic work environments and cause undue stress and anxiety for workers.” Read more

 

Cephas announces grant for Overbrook Park enhancements

(Aug 13, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., announced today that the Overbrook CDC has been awarded a $50,000 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the Overbrook Park Beautification Project. The funds are intended to replace fixtures such as benches, walkways and trash receptacle covers, and add new lighting to boost economic activity and help reduce crime in the community. Read more

 

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

(Aug 13, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more

 

Excessive levels of chromium, a toxin, were found along a now-closed part of Bartram’s Mile Trail, tests show

(Aug 01, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said during a virtual meeting Wednesday night that levels of hexavalent chromium, a known toxin, were found on four locations along or off Bartram’s Mile in Southwest Philadelphia, which has been closed since July 15 over concerns of possible contamination.However, officials from the DEP, state Department of Health and Philadelphia Water Department stressed that the public had not been at risk. The trail remains closed and the DEP will continue to monitor it and is working with the owner of the industrial property where the polluted, greenish runoff was first spotted by a trail user in April.The officials made a presentation during a town hall hosted by State Rep. Regina Young, a Democrat whose district includes the impacted area. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 31, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program Who May Apply : Applicant must be a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth designated as a 501(c)(3) and principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication under the Uniform Crime Reporting program. Use : Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, safety and security planning, purchase of safety and security equipment, purchase of security related technology (metal detectors, protective lighting, deadbolts, etc.), safety and security training, upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security, and more. Funds : $10 million has been appropriated by the General Assembly to the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. Applicant requests must be between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : August 27, 2024 More information : PCCD Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums and official county historical societies. Use: Funds are intended to strengthen the museum community and provide operating support to museums and historical societies. Funds: Nearly $2 million in funds are available. Application Deadline: August Read more

 

Resolve Philly panel discusses benefits of hiring re-entry workers

(Jul 31, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

The event, “Equal Opportunities: Fair Chance Hiring in Philadelphia,” brought together local employers and formerly incarcerated people who talked about their real-life experiences trying to gain employment following re-entry into society. Read more

 

Abney, PLBC hear Allegheny County Jail officials over voting access

(Jul 31, 2024) Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30. HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail. The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power. "Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.” Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive. "The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens Read more

 

Philly’s Landlord-Tenant Officer will cease operations following pressure from state lawmakers, city council and mayor

(Jul 31, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, July 31 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today lauded the action to cease Landlord-Tenant Officer operations in the city and have the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office process eviction-related actions moving forward. For more than a year the delegation has called for serious reforms to Philadelphia’s eviction process, escalating in earnest following a series of shootings that occurred during evictions carried out by Philadelphia’s landlord-tenant officers last year. In response to those calls and the creation of basic liability insurance requirements by city council, Philadelphia’s municipal court announced Tuesday that the Landlord-Tenant Officer, Marisa Shuter, will cease operations. “This shift is an important first step toward a safer eviction process,” said House Philadelphia Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas. “Eviction agents must be able to meet the training and insurance requirements implemented by our city council and mayor, an important part of ensuring accountability and public safety. The reckless and dangerous for-profit eviction system of the past must never return.” In March the House passed legislation ( H.B. 287 ) introduced by Reps. Rick Krajewski, Roni Green and Cephas to overhaul Philadelphia’s eviction system by creating an oversight board, involving behavioral health professionals and banning surprise evictions in which Read more

 

State lawmakers, former UArts staff & students call for better oversight of higher education in PA
Sep 05, 2024

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s announced fare increases
Sep 05, 2024

Phila. House Delegation Gun Reform & Gun Violence Reduction Legislation
Sep 05, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for additional state funding for public transit following SEPTA’s announced plan for fare adjustments
Sep 05, 2024

City, state leaders convene in City Hall to applaud passage of Solar for Schools
Sep 04, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 04, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2024

More than $1.4 million in state funding comes to Center City for Washington Square West
Aug 22, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 20, 2024

Students, staff tour new elementary school facility in Philadelphia's Overbrook section
Aug 19, 2024

A $62.1 million school rises in West Philadelphia: inside the new Cassidy Elementary
Aug 19, 2024

Solomon proposes legislation to reduce noise, exhaust pollution in neighborhoods
Aug 16, 2024

McClinton, Policy Committee emphasize need for workplace safety
Aug 14, 2024

Cephas announces grant for Overbrook Park enhancements
Aug 13, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Aug 13, 2024

Excessive levels of chromium, a toxin, were found along a now-closed part of Bartram’s Mile Trail, tests show
Aug 01, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 31, 2024

Resolve Philly panel discusses benefits of hiring re-entry workers
Jul 31, 2024

Abney, PLBC hear Allegheny County Jail officials over voting access
Jul 31, 2024

Philly’s Landlord-Tenant Officer will cease operations following pressure from state lawmakers, city council and mayor
Jul 31, 2024