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Philadelphia House Delegation releases statement on SEPTA proposals

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DAs in Delaware and Chester counties call on state Senate to act on ghost guns

(Apr 08, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

The Chester County District Attorney on Friday joined with his counterpart in Delaware County to applaud legislation that was adopted by the state House of Representatives banning the sale of so called “ghost guns” and their individual parts and making it a crime to do so. Read more

 

Philadelphia lawmakers, others call on state Senate to act on gun safety measures passed by House

(Apr 04, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, April 4 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today joined gun safety advocates to call on the state Senate to take up legislation ( H.B. 777 ) passed by the House last week that aims to eliminate the proliferation of “ghost guns” in Pennsylvania and crack down on those who buy or sell them, along with other gun reform bills passed by the House in this legislative session. The bill, sponsored by state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., would make selling or purchasing a firearm or firearm parts without serial numbers a felony. Cephas said these untraceable firearms are a main driver of crime, especially in Philadelphia. “Ghost guns are far too easily obtainable in Philadelphia, leading to day-to-day gun violence that has no end,” Cephas said. “For far too long, the Pennsylvania legislature has been singularly focused on what we do after crimes are committed with guns, rather than the unfettered access to these deadly, untraceable weapons. I am thankful that the House, under our new Democratic majority, moved this commonsense legislation to the Senate and now call on our state senators to give it the attention and consideration it deserves.” House Speaker Joanna McClinton noted the other gun safety bills sent over to the Senate in addition to H.B. 777, including legislation that would allow for the temporary removal of firearms from Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 02, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE Program) Who May Apply: Local governments, planning organizations, or Commonwealth agencies. Use: Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, roadway safety, mobility, and capacity upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, local technical assistance program projects, and traffic signal improvements. Funds: PennDOT anticipates $32 million available with the intent of funding worthwhile projects that can be completed at a relatively low cost. Application Deadline: A pre-application scoping form is required to be submitted by April 30, 2024. Feedback will be provided by May 31, 2024. The application period will be open from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. More information: PennDOT Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: Funds for the proposed program must be used to support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence and may be used for needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals Funds: Funding is contingent upon the availability of funds in the FY 2024-25 budget. Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Read more

 

House sends bill to crack down on ‘ghost guns’ to Senate

(Mar 27, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas, Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, March 27 – The PA House today passed legislation ( H.B. 777 ) that aims to eliminate the proliferation of “ghost guns” in Pennsylvania and crack down on those who buy or sell them. The bill, sponsored by state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., would impose felony charges on anyone who sells or purchases a firearm or firearm parts without serial numbers. Cephas said these untraceable firearms are a main driver of crime, especially in Philadelphia. “Ghost guns are far too easily obtainable in Philadelphia and in our neighboring municipalities, leading to day-to-day gun violence in our communities that has no end,” Cephas said. “For far too long, Pennsylvania has remined singularly focused on what we do after crimes are committed with guns, rather than the unfettered access to these deadly weapons. I am thankful that the House is now moving legislation to be proactive in preventing gun violence in our communities through commonsense reforms like making it harder to sell or buy ghost guns and untraceable firearm parts.” Cephas added that the state must act because municipal governments are prevented from doing so under state law. “The preemption of local action has been a significant barrier to reducing gun violence in Philadelphia and other municipalities who are desperate to end the scourge of gun Read more

 

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

(Mar 26, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: Funds for the proposed program must be used to support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence and may be used for needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals Funds: Funding is contingent upon the availability of funds in the FY 2024-25 budget. Application Deadline: May 1, 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 railway police, airport authority police, and county park police. Use: Funding is explicitly to support Act 120 training and recruitment activities for law enforcement officers that will take place between Oct. 19, 2023 and June 30, 2025. Funds: $14 million in Read more

 

Young announces $600,000 state grant for Philadelphia International Airport Terminals D and E exit lane enhancements

(Mar 26, 2024) Rep. Regina Young

PHILADELPHIA, March 26 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila., today announced that $600,000 in state grant funding has been secured for exit lane enhancements at Terminals D and E at the Philadelphia International Airport. The grant, which comes from the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets in the state. “The Philadelphia International Airport is a key transportation asset and economic engine for the Philadelphia region and for the state as a whole, and I am delighted to help bring state funding back to the airport through a variety of grant programs available,” Young said. Young has helped to secure more than $2.1 million in state funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund for the Philadelphia Airport since first taking office in 2021. “We’re extremely grateful to Representative Young as well as members of the Philadelphia and Southeast delegations in Harrisburg for securing additional grant funding for the Department of Aviation. This new funding will help us make sure PHL can deliver the best experience at each step of the passenger journey through the airport,” said Atif Saeed, CEO of Philadelphia International Airport. “Updating our facilities is especially important as passenger volume continues to increase post-pandemic and we prepare to host many Read more

 

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation

(Mar 25, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Elizabeth Fiedler, Rick Krajewski and Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris, all D-Phila., today introduced H.B. 1769 that would seal some records in certain cases such as no-fault evictions. “Millions of renters across the commonwealth are struggling to find housing because one mistake or emergency had led to an eviction on their records,” Smith-Wade-El said. “After these no-fault evictions, households often struggle -- sometimes for months -- to find housing, which can result in devastating consequences, including the breakup of families, the loss of employment, and even ending up homeless. This legislation would help give Pennsylvania renters a fair chance at finding housing by establishing procedures for limited access to eviction records. Our Fair Housing Access legislation is a commonsense step that would make it easier for working-class Pennsylvanians to access housing.” According to the legislators, as soon as an eviction is filed, it becomes a permanent mark on someone’s background, making harder to find housing. The record remains even if the case was withdrawn, the tenant endured domestic violence, or the court found in favor of the tenant. Smith-Wade-El said that evictions disrupt workforce development for large swaths of communities and strain existing social support systems throughout the state. These records can put vulnerable Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises approval of increase in public transit funding

(Mar 20, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation were an integral part of the state House of Representatives’ approval of a proposed increase in recurring funds for public transportation in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Rep. Ben Waxman, Sen. Nikil Saval, Friends of Rittenhouse Square Celebrate Lawn Restoration Project

(Mar 18, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Philadelphia, Sunday, March 17— Today State Senator Nikil Saval and State Representative Ben Waxman joined the Friends of Rittenhouse Square to update and celebrate the ongoing work on behalf of one of Philadelphia’s most beloved parks. “Rittenhouse Square is truly one of Pennsylvania's treasures and among the best parks in the nation,” said Representative Waxman. “I am incredibly pleased that the Friends of Rittenhouse Square have received this state funding to help finance their Lawn Restoration Project so that future visitors can enjoy this extraordinary public space for years to come.” “One of the oldest and most successful public spaces in the country, Rittenhouse Square is the heritage of every Philadelphian," said Senator Saval. “Its tall trees, bench-lined paths, and expansive lawns are instantly recognizable—iconic after 300 years of use, and welcoming to all. The Friends of Rittenhouse Square work tirelessly to safeguard the health and vitality of the park for all who love it and depend on it. I’m so proud to support their work.” The people and businesses that make up the Friends of Rittenhouse Square shoulder the bulk of the work that sustains Rittenhouse Square, ensuring the park and neighborhood remain vibrant through regular and seasonal maintenance and special projects to address the ever-changing needs of the park and surrounding community. “Our team works hard Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to Mayor Parker’s budget proposal

(Mar 14, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., issued the following statement today in response to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s first budget proposal and address today in City Council Chambers. Read more

 

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

(Mar 14, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Public School Facility Improvement Grant Who May Apply: School entities, defined as a school district or an area career and technical school. Use: Facility improvement projects, including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, plumbing systems, window repair/replacement, health and safety upgrades, and accessibility projects. Funds: $100 million in total funding is available. Grant requests shall not exceed $5 million per eligible improvement project. School entities may submit more than one application, but no school entity shall receive more than 20% of the total funding available. Application Deadline: May 31, 2024 More information: CFA Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: STOP Violence Against Women Grant Program Who May Apply: County governments and non-profit victim service agencies are eligible to apply. Faith-based organizations may be eligible to apply under certain circumstances. Use: Funds may be used to support cross-system, collaborative efforts to respond to victims of violence against women crimes. This includes, but is not limited to, personnel and benefit costs associated with specialized units in law enforcement or core direct victim services, supplies and operating expenses related to the STOP project, equipment necessary for implementation, and training or professional development. Funds: A total of $12 Read more

 

Central Cambria School District discusses ‘going solar’ during tour with Fiedler, labor leaders

(Mar 14, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

EBENSBURG, March 14 – Yesterday, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and labor leaders toured Central Cambria School District and spoke about potentially installing solar panels. Owning a solar array could save the district money on dramatically rising energy costs. Fiedler introduced state Solar for Schools legislation in May to help districts fund the construction and maintenance of solar panels. Visitors heard from district officials about their financial challenges and how solar projects have cost similar school districts hundreds of thousands of dollars. Dr. Jason Moore, superintendent of the Central Cambria School District, said owning a solar array would benefit the district financially, allowing them to eschew volatile market-price energy in favor of cheap renewables. “The work our teachers and staff do each day to support kids and families is only possible with adequate funding,” Moore said. “But in the last school year, our electric bills alone totaled over $540K, an amount that equates to roughly seven teachers’ salaries and benefits. I’d love to know our school can generate its own electricity and not have to worry about that number each month. With the help of Solar for Schools, we could!” Also on the tour were labor leaders, school board members and faith groups, including: Sarah Hammond, legislative director of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; Alexander Tomasko, Read more

 

Khan to roll out healthcare workforce legislative package

(Mar 14, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 14 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., today announced that he plans to introduce two bills to help address shortages of healthcare workers so that all Pennsylvanians can receive high-quality medical care. These bills would provide for the recruitment and retainment of nursing faculty members and health care preceptors. The first bill would establish the New Nursing Faculty Grant Program to provide grants of up to $10,000 per year for newly employed, full-time nursing faculty members. The second bill would establish the Pennsylvania Health Care Preceptor Deduction to incentivize qualified individuals to serve as preceptors for advanced practice nurses, physicians, physician assistants and registered nurses by providing a $1,000 tax deduction for doing do. “As a nurse practitioner, I know how important it is to keep our healthcare workforce supply strong,” Khan said. “Recruiting nursing faculty is often difficult, and healthcare preceptors are often hard to find. Our bill will help ensure critical support for both nursing faculty and healthcare professional preceptors.” The nursing faculty grant program is modeled after a Maryland program that was highly successful. The second bill would make Pennsylvania the sixth state to take action to incentivize medical professionals to enter preceptorships. Nearly 80,000 applicants across the nation were not Read more

 

Young presents $425,000 to Colwyn Borough to improve infrastructure

(Mar 13, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D- Phila./Delaware, today presented a check for $425,000 to Colwyn Borough for Walnut Street sanitary sewer improvements. Read more

 

Young presents $400,000 to Tinicum Twp. to improve infrastructure

(Mar 11, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Delaware/Phila., today presented a check for $400,000 to Tinicum Township leaders for the replacement of the Jansen Avenue water main.The funds were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority's H2O PA Program, Small Water and Sewer Program, a division of the Department of Community and Economic Development.“So much of our infrastructure in Southeastern PA is rapidly aging. When these systems fail, it causes major interruptions for residents and businesses, ultimately affecting our economy,” Young said. “These investments are crucial to maintaining water service for our communities, which is essential to public health and safety.” Read more

 

Main Street Matters

(Mar 08, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

It was a great morning touring Fishtown businesses with DCED Secretary Siger as part of Governor Shapiro’s Main Street Matters initiative! Our local small businesses are the pulse of each of our neighborhoods and Main Streets, and I am proud to stand behind Governor Shapiro and Secretary Siger in bringing home state resources to make certain they thrive. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation offers remarks on recent shootings

(Mar 07, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 7 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation expressed their concerns for their communities and sympathy for the victims and families affected by four separate shootings in the city on or near SEPTA buses over the course of four days from March 3-6. Many of the victims in these shootings were youth, including a student from Imhotep Charter High School, 1 7-year-old Dayemen Taylor , who was killed Monday, March 4 at Ogontz bus stop; and eight students from Northeast High School who were shot yesterday, March 6 near a SEPTA bus station at Rising Sun and Cottman avenues. “My heart aches in light of news of several youth-involved shootings across the city of Philadelphia over the last few days,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas. “My deepest condolences go out to the families and communities enduring unimaginable loss. Each young life taken represents a future unfulfilled, a potential that will never be realized. We must come together, not only to grieve, but to take immediate, collective action against the epidemic of gun violence tearing at the fabric of our city. Together, we can and must build a safer, more hopeful future for all our children.” State Rep. Anthony Bellmon issued the following remarks on the shooting that occurred yesterday on Rising Sun and Cottman avenues, which is in his legislative district, and the need to invest in Read more

 

Gallagher, Khan, Warren call for PA to update insurance laws around colorectal cancer screenings

(Mar 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, March 5 – Today, state Reps. Pat Galagher, Tarik Khan, both D-Phila., and Perry Warren, D-Bucks, hosted a news conference at the state Capitol announcing that they plan to introduce legislation that would update state insurance laws to expand coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths even though it is a very treatable form of cancer when caught early. When detected in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 90%. The legislators said their legislation would update Pennsylvania’s Insurance Company Law to reduce the age when colorectal cancer screenings are covered to 45 from 50. This legislation also prevents prior authorizations and advance notice for screening colonoscopies for individuals 45 and above. Current law requires health insurance coverage for routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50 based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008. Multiple other states have updated their law to reflect more recent American Cancer Society guidelines from 2018. The updated recommendations call for people to begin screening at age 45 rather than 50. Gallagher, who is a colorectal cancer survivor, said the legislation could result in more early detections and ultimately save lives. “As a survivor of colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the impact that early detection and proper care Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, House Philadelphia Delegation, LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus release statement on Pennsylvania State Police traffic stop and arrest

(Mar 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, March 5 – Leaders of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and Philadelphia House Delegation today issued a statement in response to the traffic stop and subsequent arrest of Philadelphia’s head of LGBT affairs and her husband by a state trooper Saturday. According to news reports, Celena Morrison, the executive director of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs, recorded a portion of the arrest of her husband, Darius McLean, on the Vine Street Expressway. State Reps. Napoleon Nelson, chair of the PLBC, Malcolm Kenyatta, co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, and Morgan Cephas, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, said they have been in contact with state and local authorities surrounding the incident. “The video of the traffic stop of Celena Morrison and Darius McLean was deeply troubling,” stated Kenyatta, D-Phila. “We need a full, thorough, and expedient investigation into every aspect of this stop.” “My sympathies go out to the family dealing with the trauma of this incident, and I stand in solidarity with the communities that have experienced their own traumas as a result,” Nelson, D-Montgomery, said. “The investigation that we are expecting will help us determine accountability measures needed and identify necessary policy changes that we can craft at the state level that will enhance community safety at home. Those changes may come in the Read more

 

Ghost guns: Fueling real horror in PA communities

(Mar 04, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

“It’s infuriating to know, as I mentioned during the judiciary committee hearing on HB 777, how quickly I could use my cellphone to purchase a ghost gun without any meaningful checks,” said meeting host Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who represents portions of Philadelphia. “We are talking about untraceable firearms that can be assembled with ease. They are completely untraceable, and they are legal to purchase without any age requirement or background checks, and they are contributing to gun violence in all communities throughout Pennsylvania – and the nation.” Read more

 

DAs in Delaware and Chester counties call on state Senate to act on ghost guns
Apr 08, 2024

Philadelphia lawmakers, others call on state Senate to act on gun safety measures passed by House
Apr 04, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 02, 2024

House sends bill to crack down on ‘ghost guns’ to Senate
Mar 27, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Mar 26, 2024

Young announces $600,000 state grant for Philadelphia International Airport Terminals D and E exit lane enhancements
Mar 26, 2024

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation
Mar 25, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation praises approval of increase in public transit funding
Mar 20, 2024

Rep. Ben Waxman, Sen. Nikil Saval, Friends of Rittenhouse Square Celebrate Lawn Restoration Project
Mar 18, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to Mayor Parker’s budget proposal
Mar 14, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 14, 2024

Central Cambria School District discusses ‘going solar’ during tour with Fiedler, labor leaders
Mar 14, 2024

Khan to roll out healthcare workforce legislative package
Mar 14, 2024

Young presents $425,000 to Colwyn Borough to improve infrastructure
Mar 13, 2024

Young presents $400,000 to Tinicum Twp. to improve infrastructure
Mar 11, 2024

Main Street Matters
Mar 08, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation offers remarks on recent shootings
Mar 07, 2024

Gallagher, Khan, Warren call for PA to update insurance laws around colorectal cancer screenings
Mar 05, 2024

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, House Philadelphia Delegation, LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus release statement on Pennsylvania State Police traffic stop and arrest
Mar 05, 2024

Ghost guns: Fueling real horror in PA communities
Mar 04, 2024