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Philadelphia House Delegation releases statement on SEPTA proposals

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House Judiciary approves Cephas/Kenyatta bill to end ‘ghost guns’

(Jan 17, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, the PA House Judiciary Committee approved a measure sponsored by state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., aimed at ending the proliferation of “ghost guns” in Pennsylvania Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation commends appointment of Pedro Rosario, first ever Latino deputy police commissioner in the city

(Jan 12, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 12 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their satisfaction for the appointment of Pedro Rosario, a 29-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department who will serve as deputy commissioner of the department’s Kensington Initiative. “Winds of change keep blowing in Philadelphia and we cannot be more excited about the outcome,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, chairwoman of the delegation. “Mayor Cherelle Parker started strong. She is not only vowing to fight the overdose crisis and the drug market in Kensington; Parker is taking the bull by the horns. The designation of Rosario to work on specific duties in Kensington is a bold action that has our wholehearted support,” she added. Rep. Jose Giral, who represents the180 th Legislative District in the Kensington area, is confident that Rosario will be an effective commissioner, based on Rosario’s expertise and solid credentials. Giral witnessed his work firsthand while Rosario was assigned to the 24 th Police District. “I have known Pedro Rosario for a long time. I met him while I was a member of the Police Advisory Commission and this conferred me the opportunity to work hand in hand with him and the 24 th Police District,” Giral said. “Rosario is boots on the ground from day one because he knows exactly all the particulars of the issues impacting our Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates state grants to reduce emissions from high-polluting trucks

(Jan 10, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas, Rep. Ed Neilson

According to state Rep. Morgan Cephas, who chairs the delegation, a $3.98 million grant was awarded to Sysco Leasing, LLC to replace 10 Class 8, short-haul, semi-tractors among its fleet with battery electric vehicles, or BEVs, and install 10 direct current fast charging plugs. SEPTA also was awarded $1.68 million to replace six freight and delivery trucks with BEV trucks and install supporting electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Grants were awarded under the state’s Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleet Pilot Grant Program. Read more

 

Khan leads a bipartisan group of state legislators to introduce infrastructure bill designed to help local governments update municipal facilities

(Jan 09, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., led a bipartisan group of state representatives in announcing plans today to introduce legislation calling for a grant program to assist municipalities with making essential renovations to municipal facilities. Khan was inspired by his retired civil engineer father, Zia Khan, a municipal employee who spent his life building and renovating municipal buildings in Philadelphia. “We have many well-loved buildings in our communities, like our libraries, rec centers, and police and fire stations. These buildings need some love back in return,” said Khan. “We believe our bipartisan bill is a win-win-win. A win for the community who get services in these buildings, a win for the workers who serve in these buildings, and a win for our labor community who will be repairing and renovating these buildings.” Named the "Public Facilities Infrastructure Grant Program," this program would provide municipalities with funding to help maintain, repair, renovate and reconstruct municipal buildings and facilities, public libraries, and recreational facilities. The bill has prevailing wage protections for workers and will require at least a 50% match for each grant application. State Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-Luzerne, who also is a co-prime sponsor of this legislation, said he feels strongly about the need to revitalize and Read more

 

Kenyatta introduces bill package recognizing Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania

(Jan 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – On the eve of the third anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, raid on the U.S. Capitol Building by domestic terrorists, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., introduced a legislative package that would recognize Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania. “Everyone should remember January 6 as a day that shook our nation and democracy to its core,” Kenyatta said. “We must remember – not forget – what happen that day, why it happened, and the individuals who fed into the lies that led to this dark day in American history.” Kenyatta’s legislative package includes three bills: H.R. 287: This would amend the Legal Holiday Law to establish Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania. H.B. 1946: This legislation would amend the Banking Code to establish Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in our state. H.B. 1945: This is a resolution urging Congress to declare Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day for Education, Remembrance and Vigilance. Kenyatta said this legislation would also serve as a reminder of what happens when elected officials feed into claims and opinions rather than facts, and how their actions influence those around them and in their respective communities. “We had 60-plus – 60-plus – House members sign a letter to throw out Pennsylvania votes. We had top officials Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation congratulates new city leaders

(Jan 03, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation expressed their excitement for the inauguration of Cherelle Parker as the first woman and 100th Philadelphian to serve as mayor of Philadelphia. Read more

 

McClinton, Cephas celebrate $225K in funding for ‘60th Street Spruce Up’

(Jan 02, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-191st Dist.) and Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas (D- are applauding $225,000 in state funds being awarded to Achieveability, a neighborhood revitalization organization that has served West Philadelphia for more than 40 years. Read more

 

McClinton, Cephas celebrate $225K in funding for ‘60th Street Spruce Up’

(Dec 26, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

State House Speaker Joanna McClinton and Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas are applauding $225,000 in state funds being awarded to Achieveability, a neighborhood revitalization organization that has served west Philadelphia for more than 40 years. Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates nearly $25,000 in neighborhood revitalization grants 

(Dec 22, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 22 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., today announced that $24,695 in funding from the Pennsylvania Local Share Account is coming to her district in South Philadelphia. This funding was awarded to East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District for safety updates to East Passyunk Avenue. The funds allocated to the East Passyunk Business Improvement District will be used to install cameras on the intersections of Juniper, Mifflin, Moore, Morris, Tasker, and Reed streets and East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. These upgrades will enhance the sense of safety for business and property owners, residents, and visitors, Fiedler said. “I’m proud to support the small business owners and employees who are at the heart of our economy,” Fiedler said. “At the same time that many shoppers focus on buying local this holiday season, it’s especially wonderful to bring back these state grant dollars to our district to support local businesses!” Rebecca O’Leary, the executive director of the East Passyunk Avenue BID, said, "East Passyunk’s businesses, residents and visitors deserve a safe and clean community. The EPABID is grateful to State Representative Fiedler and State Senator Saval for helping us secure grant money for the installation of public safety cameras at all major intersections along our commercial Read more

 

State lawmakers tout budget funding for school facilities

(Dec 21, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 20 – Today, House Appropriations Committee Majority Chairman Jordan Harris, D-Phila., hosted a news conference at South Philadelphia High School discussing school facilities funding in the 2023-24 state budget. The budget includes $175 million for school facility improvements. Pennsylvania has some of the oldest schools in the country. The average school building is around 70 years old and was built when lead pipes and asbestos were standard building materials. Discoveries of asbestos and other toxins have led to school closures across the Commonwealth, including seven Philadelphia schools in 2023 alone. In the same year, 100 schools statewide closed due to excessive heat. Harris stated that he believes this funding will help to address this issue that’s plagued Pennsylvania schools for a long time. “This funding is paramount to improving the health and safety of our educators, students and school staff, Harris said. “This major Democratic priority is a significant investment and critical step toward ensuring that receiving an education in Pennsylvania does not equate to sick or injured students, teachers, or staff. There is more work to do, and we intend to continue our work until every Pennsylvania school is a safe learning environment for our children.” Harris was joined by members of the Philadelphia House Delegation, including state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and members of the House Read more

 

State leaders tout $175 million to fix old school buildings during visit to South Philly HS

(Dec 21, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Five months ago, Pennsylvania lawmakers toured the school to underscore what they said was a desperate need for significant investment in school buildings across the state. On Wednesday, they came back to tout $175 million in new state money just for that purpose. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation sends condolences following Chopper 6 crash

(Dec 20, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, the Philadelphia House Delegation joins the Delaware Valley in mourning the loss of two longtime crew members at WPVI-TV 6abc in the early morning crash of Chopper 6 in remote southern New Jersey. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates infrastructure grants

(Dec 19, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, the Philadelphia House Delegation praised the Commonwealth Financing Authority announcement of over $30 million of investment into the city of Philadelphia. Read more

 

Fiedler welcomes more than $100,000 in state grants to south Phila.

(Dec 19, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., has announced that a total of $105,685 in state funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Arts and Culture Recovery Grants Program has been awarded to multiple organizations in her legislative district in south Philadelphia. Funds distributed through the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations located in the commonwealth. The organizations in Fiedler’s district that were awarded are: 1812 Productions Inc. - $30,000. Ars Nova Workshop Inc. - $19,091. KYL Dancers Inc. - $16,027. Team Sunshine Performance - $10,000. Theatre Exile - $30,567. “South Philadelphia has a vibrant arts and cultural scene that is a source of local pride,” Fiedler said. “I’m proud to see state funding brought back to these five organizations doing amazing work in our community.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth. Unique among state agencies in structure and scope, the CFA consists of seven board members: four legislative appointees and Read more

 

Gallagher helps bring state funding for local arts and cultural organization

(Dec 19, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., has announced a state grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Arts and Culture Recovery Grants Program worth $28,343 has been awarded to Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation in his district in Northeast Philadelphia. Funds distributed through the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations located in the commonwealth. “I’m always glad to help bring state dollars back to the district and to see deserving organizations being awarded them,” Gallagher said. “Glen Foerd is an organization that does great work here in Northeast Philadelphia, and this funding will help them to continue doing so for our community.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth. Unique among state agencies in structure and scope, the CFA consists of seven board members: four legislative appointees and the secretaries of DCED, the Office of the Budget and Department of Banking and Securities. Project approval requires five affirmative votes, four of which must come from legislative appointees. Grants are administered by Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates $175 million in school facilities funding

(Dec 14, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania legislature approved $175 million from the state budget in additional funding to help fix school buildings across the Commonwealth. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., who has been a long-time proponent of fixing school buildings, advocated for the funds. “Many school buildings are in huge need of repair and remediation. Getting this work done is critical to the health and safety of everyone in schools,” Fiedler said. “We have a long road ahead to make sure every school is a safe, healthy, modern learning environment. This additional funding is a step in the right direction to finally addressing this issue that has weighed on our Commonwealth for too long.” Pennsylvania has some of the oldest schools in the country. The average school building is around 70 years old and was built when lead pipes and asbestos were standard building materials. Discoveries of asbestos and other toxins have led to school closures across the Commonwealth, including seven Philadelphia schools in 2023 alone. In the same year, 100 schools statewide closed due to excessive heat. Read more

 

Cephas, Davis laud final passage of Dignity for Incarcerated Women legislation

(Dec 13, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas, Rep. Tina Davis

The bill creates important protections, including restricting shackling and solitary confinement; providing trauma informed care training of corrections officers interacting with pregnant and postpartum women; and providing up to three days of post-delivery bonding time between a mother and newborn child, among other protections. No one should be deprived of respect or be forced to risk their health or the health of their child. Read more

 

Green Protecting Children from Lead in Drinking Water

(Dec 12, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Pa. state Rep. Roni Green spoke on bipartisan legislation she introduced that would address lead contamination in drinking water in Pennsylvania schools. Green says this legislation would correct a long-standing problem in schools across the commonwealth. Read more

 

Senate advances Cephas bills out of committee

(Dec 11, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – Today, two bills introduced by Philadelphia House Delegation Chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., were approved by Senate committees and moved to the full Senate for consideration. Both bills passed the House earlier this year. These two bills include: House Bill 900 , known as the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act, was voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with unanimous support. The bill would create important protections for pregnancy and postpartum people who are incarcerated in Pennsylvania helping to restore dignity and codifying a number of current policies and practices that are already in place in the Department of Corrections and at the federal level . Along with Cephas, State Reps. Tina Davis, D-Bucks, and Mike Jones, R-York, and a series of stakeholders including Ardella’s House, Dream.org and the American Conservative Union, championed the bill. House Bill 1478 , which would amend the Public School Code allowing school districts to utilize a Public Health Dental Hygiene Practitioner to fulfill requirements of Section 1403 of the Public School Code relating to dental screenings and dental hygiene. This legislation would provide school districts more flexibility regarding fulfilling the requirements of Section 1403. This bill was approved by the Education Committee. “The health and well-being of Pennsylvanians is of the utmost Read more

 

Fiedler, Hanbidge celebrate signing of Pelvic Exam Consent bill

(Nov 27, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Nov. 27 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila., and Liz Hanbidge , D-Montgomery, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro for the ceremonial signing of H.B. 507 , which requires medical facilities in Pennsylvania to obtain consent before performing pelvic, prostate or rectal exams on anesthetized patients. The bill was officially signed into law on Nov. 21 by Shapiro as Act 31 of 2023. "Patients in Pennsylvania will finally have the right to make decisions about exams performed on their bodies while under anesthesia. This legislation ensures informed consent for invasive pelvic and rectal exams, at last giving patients the decision-making power that we all deserve about our own bodies,” Fiedler said. “I’m grateful to my colleague, Representative Hanbidge, for her work on this bill, and I thank Governor Shapiro for signing it into law.” “Performing a pelvic, rectal or prostate exam unknowingly on an anesthetized patient isn’t only invasive, but it’s also a breach of trust. Our legislation abolishes this archaic practice, thereby strengthening the trust that Pennsylvanians have in medical professionals, protecting bodily autonomy and highlighting the importance of consent,” Hanbidge said. “Patients expecting to go under anesthesia should never have to worry about being objectified for ‘learning purposes,’ and now thanks to my co-sponsor Representative Fiedler, Read more

 

House Judiciary approves Cephas/Kenyatta bill to end ‘ghost guns’
Jan 17, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation commends appointment of Pedro Rosario, first ever Latino deputy police commissioner in the city
Jan 12, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates state grants to reduce emissions from high-polluting trucks
Jan 10, 2024

Khan leads a bipartisan group of state legislators to introduce infrastructure bill designed to help local governments update municipal facilities
Jan 09, 2024

Kenyatta introduces bill package recognizing Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania
Jan 05, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation congratulates new city leaders
Jan 03, 2024

McClinton, Cephas celebrate $225K in funding for ‘60th Street Spruce Up’
Jan 02, 2024

McClinton, Cephas celebrate $225K in funding for ‘60th Street Spruce Up’
Dec 26, 2023

Fiedler celebrates nearly $25,000 in neighborhood revitalization grants 
Dec 22, 2023

State lawmakers tout budget funding for school facilities
Dec 21, 2023

State leaders tout $175 million to fix old school buildings during visit to South Philly HS
Dec 21, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation sends condolences following Chopper 6 crash
Dec 20, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates infrastructure grants
Dec 19, 2023

Fiedler welcomes more than $100,000 in state grants to south Phila.
Dec 19, 2023

Gallagher helps bring state funding for local arts and cultural organization
Dec 19, 2023

Fiedler celebrates $175 million in school facilities funding
Dec 14, 2023

Cephas, Davis laud final passage of Dignity for Incarcerated Women legislation
Dec 13, 2023

Green Protecting Children from Lead in Drinking Water
Dec 12, 2023

Senate advances Cephas bills out of committee
Dec 11, 2023

Fiedler, Hanbidge celebrate signing of Pelvic Exam Consent bill
Nov 27, 2023