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Philadelphia House Delegation lauds passage of equitable school funding

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Pennsylvania lawmakers want to crack down on catalytic converter thefts

(Jul 03, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

"One of the unfortunate things is it's very easy to steal one of these converters out from a car without even having to break into the car," the lawmaker said. "It's problems in parking lots and in individual communities and neighborhoods, right on the streets." Read more

 

Pa. House passes bill to counter catalytic converter thefts

(Jul 03, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Car owners should not have to foot the bill for someone stealing from them, and for many households, the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter is burdensome,” Isaacson said. “For many Pennsylvanians, their car is a part of their livelihood. This legislation provides several important deterrents to ensure that consumers in the commonwealth have the highest level of protection from theft. Read more

 

Giral Working Against Drug Abuse

(Jun 30, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PA state Rep. Jose Giral is working to create a statewide program to help local pharmacies to hold their own drug take back events to help people safely dispose of dangerous prescriptions drugs in their home. Part of the effort is to educate pharmacists in best practices and safety measures. This is part of Giral's efforts to reduce opioid abuse in his community and across PA. Read more

 

Cephas slams recent SCOTUS decisions

(Jun 30, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 30 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today expressed her disagreement with three U.S. Supreme Court decisions recently announced on affirmative action, LGBTQ rights and students loan forgiveness. Cephas condemns the rulings of the Supreme Court and described the decisions as an unfortunate series of obstacles thrown in the way of social justice and equality. “In light of yet another wrongful outcome from the Supreme Court, I raise my voice on behalf of the underrepresented communities that have been systematically harmed with these decisions”, Cephas said. Cephas explained that minorities, people of color and people of low-income backgrounds have been fighting relentlessly for fairness, but the Supreme Court has chosen to ignore decades of struggles. “It was a dark day yesterday when the Supreme Court ruled on affirmative action. The Supreme Court is banning race-conscious admissions, in the cases of Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College. The race component won’t be taken into consideration for college admissions,” Cephas continued. Today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis is a ruling that Cephas regards as a threat to the freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country, she said. “This decision simply grants a green light for Read more

 

House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus & Philadelphia House Delegation condemn Moms for Liberty event in Phila.

(Jun 29, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 29 – The Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and Philadelphia House Delegation are condemning the upcoming Moms for Liberty summit that’s scheduled to take place in center city Philadelphia today through July 2. Moms for Liberty is a right-wing hate group that advocates against school curriculum that mentions LGBTQ+ rights, race and ethnicity, critical race theory and discrimination. LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Co-Chairs Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, and Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., who also serves as Philadelphia House Delegation treasurer, each issued comments condemning this summit. “I’m extremely disappointed to see this summit take place in our city. Our city shouldn’t be a backdrop for hate,” Kenyatta said. “We can’t allow the type of rhetoric and ideology that far-right groups, like Moms for Liberty, promote prevent us from becoming a more fair and equal society.” “Hate has no home in Pennsylvania,” Benham said. “I believe most of our state’s residents find it embarrassing that Pennsylvania’s largest city will host one of the nation’s most hostile anti-LGBTQ+ groups during the month of Pride. Alongside my colleagues in the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, I am eager to continue fighting back against the hateful rhetoric and policies pushed by groups like Moms for Liberty.” Philadelphia House Delegation Read more

 

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill approved by Education Committee

(Jun 28, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 28 – Today, H.B. 1448 introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, was voted out of the House Education Committee and is headed to the full House for future consideration. The bill would r equire public schools to provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. This instruction would include topics such as skills of conflict resolution; respect for different cultures, races, and beliefs; effectively managing emotions; and how to resolve differences peacefully. The bill also would require the instruction to be age appropriate and incorporated into an appropriate area of study. The Department of Education would compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools can use to provide this instruction to students. Bellmon said that teaching conflict resolution in schools can help reduce violence. “In areas across the commonwealth, such as Philadelphia, we’re seeing far too many young lives taken by gun violence,” Bellmon said. “It’s imperative that our children know that conflicts can be resolved in a non-violent way, and that’s why I introduced this bill that can help save lives.” This is Bellmon’s first bill to be voted out of a House standing committee. He is urging quick passage in the full House. Read more

 

Kinsey bill to honor K. Leroy Irvis approved by House committee

(Jun 28, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 28 – Today, H.B. 651 , introduced by state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, was unanimously approved by the House State Government Committee and will head to the full House for future consideration. Kinsey’s bill would rename the South Lawn of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex as the “Irvis Equality Circle,” in honor of K. Leroy Irvis, who was the first Black speaker of the Pennsylvania House, and of any state legislature in the country’s history since Reconstruction. The Harrisburg community through the “Gathering at the Crossroads” commissioned a monument that now sits outside of the Irvis Office Building on the South Lawn in honor of the old 8 th Ward and the work that Speaker Irvis was able to do while serving in the legislature from 1958 to 1988. The South Lawn sits outside of the K. Leroy Irvis Building. It is bordered by Walnut Street and Commonwealth Avenue. “Speaker Irvis was an important trailblazer in our state’s history, and it’s only right that we continue to honor his legacy,” Kinsey said. “I’m glad to see this bill move out of committee. Now I hope to see my House colleagues vote to honor Speaker Irvis and everything he’s meant to our commonwealth.” “The “Irvis Equality Circle” will remind us that we must protect our fundamental right to vote with Read more

 

Boyle preventive care bill including mental health protections passes House

(Jun 26, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 26 – Today, H.B. 1050 , introduced by PA House Insurance Committee Chair Kevin Boyle, D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania House and is headed to the Senate for future consideration. This bill would require health insurers to cover preventive health care services including mental health treatment without cost-sharing. A similar federal law is part of the federal Affordable Care Act, which gives Americans access to no-cost preventive health care. But earlier this year, a judge in Texas struck down that part of the Affordable Care Act . If appeals are unsuccessful, millions of Pennsylvanians could lose access to potentially life-saving preventative health care such as cancer screenings, depression and anxiety screenings, multiple vaccines, and annual well-woman visits. Boyle’s legislation would protect Pennsylvanians regardless of what the federal courts do. “Regardless of what the federal courts decide, we must ensure all Pennsylvanians have access to life-saving preventive health care without having to pay a copay, coinsurance or deductible,” Boyle said. “I urge my Senate colleagues to do right by the millions of Pennsylvanians who need these crucial preventive care services and get this bill to Governor Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.” According to Boyle, over 80 advocacy groups support this bill because it protects preventive care services. Read more

 

Fiedler, PFT, Phila. councilmembers urge funding school facilities in 2023-24 budget

(Jun 23, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, June 23 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila., hosted a news conference at South Philadelphia High School Friday morning, calling on the Commonwealth to increase funding for school facilities improvements. Pennsylvania "has billions of dollars that should be invested in public infrastructure, job creation and education,” Fiedler said. The Commonwealth is currently sitting on $11 billion in reserve cash. “Governor Shapiro’s budget has proposed $100 million in school facilities funding, which is a great start,” Fiedler said. While Shapiro’s budget proposal did not indicate a method of distribution for these funds, Fiedler has co-sponsored H.B.1408, which provides a vehicle for distributing school facilities funds. Her bill updates PlanCon, a method of funds distribution that has not been utilized since 2016. “I am hopeful H.B. 1408 will get a House vote next week, and I’m committed to pursuing all avenues through which we may remediate and repair our schools across the Commonwealth,” she emphasized, who has spearheaded the issue in the House. Ana Tapia , Sunrise of Philadelphia’s South Philadelphia High School site director, spoke directly to her experience running the school’s after-school program. “Too often we hear on the news that budgets have increased for everything except for schools, after-school programming, and Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praise reopening of I-95

(Jun 23, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, June 23 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed satisfaction on the reopening of Interstate 95 today ahead of the originally scheduled two-week timeline. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas said that the group, which toured the site this morning, values the immediate response and leadership of Gov. Josh Shapiro and expeditious work of crews from the Philadelphia building trades. “Our tour this morning gave us an up-close look at the incredible work being done here,” Cephas said. “It's only by the hard work of our local trades, facilitated by coordination with state, city and federal officials, that we're able to get this major artery through our city re-opened so much earlier than anyone expected,” Cephas added. “Our city is in awe and gratitude of the speedy engineering and production of our Philadelphia building trades members and contractors.” Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton said that she celebrates the collective effort that made possible the reopening of six lanes of traffic that will keep the City of Brotherly Love up and running for locals and hundreds of visitors. “Philadelphia is a hub for everything from commerce to health care to recreation,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “So, today’s reopening of I-95 is great news for our neighbors, people who visit our Read more

 

Krajewski Kinship bill unanimously passes PA House

(Jun 22, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1058 ) introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., unanimously passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and will now head to the state Senate for consideration. House Bill 1058 would make child custody proceedings more inclusive of potential kinship care providers by requiring courts to solicit and consider the opinions of those who engaged with family finding and kinship care programs. While living with kin (relatives and close family friends) minimizes childhood trauma and increases wellbeing , f ewer than 42% of children receiving care in the state are placed in a kinship home. “This simple change in where a youth calls home can help a child resume attending school, reforge their community connections, and avoid being at-risk for violence. As we're hit by a gun violence crisis, it is essential that we do all we can to keep communities intact and minimize childhood trauma. ” Krajewski said. “We took an important step in moving this legislation out of the House. Now, I urge my Senate colleagues to do the same in their chamber so we can get it signed into law and ensure foster kids find homes with people who will be best for their growth and futures.” Read more

 

Kenyatta cybersecurity coordination bill approved by Commerce Committee

(Jun 22, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1139 ) introduced by state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., was approved in the Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee and now heads to the full House for future consideration. This legislation would create a centralized, integrated system of cybersecurity across all commonwealth agencies and branches with the establishment of the Cybersecurity Coordination Board. The board would gain the knowledge needed to strengthen cybersecurity by conducting audits and analyzing current federal, state and local protocols. “ Identifying and implementing a unified model cybersecurity policy will help to ensure our data systems can bear up under the threat of compromise. Once achieved, Pennsylvanians can take comfort knowing their most sensitive personal data is protected,” Kenyatta said. “I’m glad to see this bill that will protect Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth move to the full House. Now, I call on my House colleagues to move it along to the Senate.” Read more

 

Clean streets, thanks to WeLoveU

(Jun 22, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Solomon presented a citation to WeLoveU, adding his belief that cleaner neighborhoods are safer neighborhoods. Offering thanks to the volunteers were Joe Bell, vice president and market manager of Beasley Media Group, and Alex Post, WeLoveU’s director of global partnerships. Read more

 

Kinsey Fresh Food Financing Initiative bill passes House

(Jun 21, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 21 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 580 ) introduced by state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, Danilo Burgos and Morgan Cephas, all D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania House and will now head to the Senate for future consideration. This legislation would re-establish the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative , a program that operated from 2004 to 2010 and provided grants and low-interest loans for the construction, rehabilitation or expansion of grocery stores, farmers markets and other healthy food retail establishments in low- to moderate-income areas in need and other underserved communities. “Today, we in the Pennsylvania House affirmed our commitment to ensuring all communities in our state have access to healthy, nutritious and fresh food,” Kinsey said. “I’m glad to see us one step closer to bringing back the Fresh Food Financing Initiative- now, I urge my Senate colleagues to get this bill to the governor’s desk so it can be signed into law, and we can bring back this necessary initiative.” “I am proud to see that our efforts have paid off,” Burgos said. “We are now a step closer to providing more fresh food purchasing options to residents in underserved areas. Fresh food cannot be accepted as a privilege of a few. We are moving legislation forward for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians.” “We are determined to make the commonwealth a Read more

 

Hohenstein introduces local funding options for transportation

(Jun 20, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., today hosted a news conference on the Capitol steps to introduce his legislation that would provide local funding options for transportation . “As we have seen this past week, when a transportation crisis occurs, we lean on our public transit system,” Hohenstein said. “SEPTA has stepped up with increased services while I-95 is being repaired. Now we need to step up and give it funding flexibility and give Philadelphia and its surrounding counties the ability to fully support one of the largest people-moving transit systems in the country. Local funding options are essential to the survival of public transit, and public transit is essential for our economic growth.” "I am proud to stand with my colleagues to support increased funding for public transit,” said state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila. “Public transportation is a critical component to our economy as well as protecting our environment. The PA House Democratic Caucus is committed to fighting to make sure our transit systems have all the resources they need." “As SEPTA works to respond to the I-95 collapse with added service, equipment and staff to meet the needs of our city and its residents, I am asking council this week to approve a resolution supporting SEPTA and urging state lawmakers to increase their investment in public transportation and enable local Read more

 

Neilson introduces resolution to extend Gov. Shapiro’s emergency declaration

(Jun 16, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, has introduced House Resolution 154, which seeks to extend Gov. Josh Shapiro’s emergency proclamation for the safe and prompt rebuilding of Interstate 95, one of the busiest highways in Pennsylvania, carrying an average of 160,000 vehicles daily. Read more

 

Kinsey 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline bill passes House

(Jun 14, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 14 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1305 ) introduced by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and will head to the state Senate for future consideration. Kinsey said the bill would establish sustainable funding for Pennsylvania’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in line with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal. The lifeline was launched in July of 2022 and allows anyone in the U.S. to call, chat or text 988 to receive support and resources during a suicide, mental health or substance use crisis. The proposed legislation would be similar to how communities fund 911 by creating a monthly fee on all wireless devices to ensure these emergency services will not experience any funding gaps. “With the ongoing mental health crisis affecting Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth, it’s crucial we ensure such a critical resource in 988 is funded sustainably so they can be reliable to help folks suffering with their mental health,” Kinsey said. “Today, we took a step toward strengthening and solidifying this lifeline that can help so many. I now urge my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill to the governor’s desk so it can be signed into law.” Read more

 

State Reps. Fiedler, Schweyer, Merski, Hill-Evans and advocates urge PA Legislature to fund school facilities in 2023-24 state budget

(Jun 14, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., hosted a news conference in the state Capitol Rotunda Wednesday and called on legislators to fund school facilities in Pennsylvania. “We have a unique opportunity to finally invest in fixing toxic schools across Pennsylvania,” said Fiedler. “It’s long past time we prioritize the health of our students, teachers and school staff. We have some of the oldest schools in the nation right here in Pennsylvania, and many of them have unsafe conditions that are simply unacceptable. I am committed to investing state dollars to remediate and repair our schools.” Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, chair of the House Education Committee, reminded everyone that school buildings are learning environments. “The quality of a school building has a direct impact on a child's ability to learn,” he said. “This year's House budget begins to address our toxic schools, but there's much more work to be done. We can't delay any longer -- our children deserve better.” State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York County, commended the bipartisan support behind funding school facilities. “We are building bipartisan support for funding school facilities within this year’s budget,” she said. “The House sent a version of the budget to the Senate last week. Our proposal used Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal as a starting point Read more

 

Waxman celebrates House passage of his measure to reduce cell phone bills

(Jun 13, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 13 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., today celebrated the passage of his legislation that would reduce cell phone bills for families across the state. “ This is about providing financial relief to individuals and families across the entire state ,” Waxman said. “ We all rely on cell phones for communication, work, and staying connected to loved ones. They have become an essential part of our lives, and it’s only fair that we work to alleviate the excessive tax burdens placed on Pennsylvanians.” Waxman’s legislation would exempt cell phone service from the 6% sales and use tax, as well as the 5% gross receipts tax. This legislation follows Gov. Josh Shapiro’s state budget plan and would save Pennsylvania families an estimated $124 million per year. According to Waxman, Pennsylvania has the seventh highest combined rate of taxes and other government fees and surcharges on cell phone bills at 16.62%. At this time, 68% of American households do not have a landline and rely solely on cell phones for voice communication. Waxman said lower-income households and younger individuals are more likely to be wireless-only. Further, 15% of Americans use cellular data on their smartphones as their only method of accessing the internet, as these families do not have broadband internet service. For more information, those interested can contact Waxman’s Read more

 

House Bipartisan Caucus rolls out agenda at news conference

(Jun 13, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 13 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Bipartisan Caucus hosted a news conference dubbed “Meet Me in the Middle” where they rolled out their agenda for this legislative term. This caucus was formed in 2021 by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and state Sen. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry, who served as a state representative at the time. It was formed as a platform to bring Democratic and Republican members together to listen to people, organizations and businesses across the Commonwealth and work collectively to address issues facing Pennsylvania. Currently, in the Pennsylvania House, Democrats hold a one-seat majority, making bipartisanship extremely important in getting bills passed. Co-chairs of this caucus include Kinsey and state Reps. Jill Cooper, R-Westmoreland; Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland; and Jamie Flick R-Lycoming/Union. They each gave their remarks on how this caucus can help cut through some of the partisanship in Harrisburg and move Pennsylvania forward. “I started this caucus with my former colleague as I saw how the political division boiling in Harrisburg was negatively affecting the lives of everyday Pennsylvanians,” Kinsey said. “We don’t have to agree on everything, but working together in a bipartisan fashion and listening to the people of our commonwealth is very important in moving Pennsylvania forward. I firmly believe Read more

 

Pennsylvania lawmakers want to crack down on catalytic converter thefts
Jul 03, 2023

Pa. House passes bill to counter catalytic converter thefts
Jul 03, 2023

Giral Working Against Drug Abuse
Jun 30, 2023

Cephas slams recent SCOTUS decisions
Jun 30, 2023

House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus & Philadelphia House Delegation condemn Moms for Liberty event in Phila.
Jun 29, 2023

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill approved by Education Committee
Jun 28, 2023

Kinsey bill to honor K. Leroy Irvis approved by House committee
Jun 28, 2023

Boyle preventive care bill including mental health protections passes House
Jun 26, 2023

Fiedler, PFT, Phila. councilmembers urge funding school facilities in 2023-24 budget
Jun 23, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation praise reopening of I-95
Jun 23, 2023

Krajewski Kinship bill unanimously passes PA House
Jun 22, 2023

Kenyatta cybersecurity coordination bill approved by Commerce Committee
Jun 22, 2023

Clean streets, thanks to WeLoveU
Jun 22, 2023

Kinsey Fresh Food Financing Initiative bill passes House
Jun 21, 2023

Hohenstein introduces local funding options for transportation
Jun 20, 2023

Neilson introduces resolution to extend Gov. Shapiro’s emergency declaration
Jun 16, 2023

Kinsey 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline bill passes House
Jun 14, 2023

State Reps. Fiedler, Schweyer, Merski, Hill-Evans and advocates urge PA Legislature to fund school facilities in 2023-24 state budget
Jun 14, 2023

Waxman celebrates House passage of his measure to reduce cell phone bills
Jun 13, 2023

House Bipartisan Caucus rolls out agenda at news conference
Jun 13, 2023