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
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
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
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
HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., is celebrating significant achievements in the Pennsylvania state budget signed by the governor Thursday night, highlighting victories in both higher education accountability and nonprofit security funding. Waxman, alongside state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, spearheaded efforts to enhance accountability and transparency in higher education institutions statewide, a critical initiative spurred by the closure of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. The provisions integrated into the state budget require the Pennsylvania Board of Education to develop procedures by July 1, 2026, ensuring orderly closures, teach-out plans, and preservation of student and administrative records when institutions close. Notably, institutions intending to cease operations risk losing Commonwealth funding under these new regulations. Reflecting on this achievement, Waxman emphasized, “Our students deserve stability and transparency. These provisions are essential to safeguarding their educational paths and supporting our education workforce.” “I was so proud to work with Representative Bob Merski on this effort, and I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues in the General Assembly and Governor Shapiro who recognize the importance of these kinds of provisions in supporting our students, workers, and taxpayers,” Waxman stated. Simultaneously, Waxman also played a Read more
Suggestions form a running coach on how to stay cool during the summer Read more
As Artificial Intelligence continues to work its way into our daily lives, PA state Rep. Ben Waxman wants to make sure AI isn’t used to spread misinformation through campaign ads. Waxman says that’s why he voted to advance legislation introduced by his colleague, Rep. Tarik Khan, out of the House State Government Committee. This legislation would establish rules and penalties for fraudulent or deceptive use of AI in campaign materials. Read more
High-level University of the Arts administrators tried to halt the university’s abrupt June closure, but were stonewalled and frozen out, one said Monday at a state hearing on the sudden shutdown. Read more
“This has been a terrible time for the University of the Arts students, staff and alumni,” said Policy Committee hearing host state Rep. Ben Waxman, who represents portions of Philadelphia including the UArts campus in Center City. “They have been treated in such a way that is frankly unacceptable. The University of the Arts’ leadership has refused to provide information, even after throwing the lives of thousands of people into chaos because of their incompetence.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 13 – State Reps. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., and Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today that they will be introducing legislation to help prevent abrupt closures of higher education institutions in Pennsylvania. This announcement comes roughly one week after the sudden closure of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. This legislation would require colleges or universities to provide financial information yearly if they receive commonwealth funds or federal funds distributed by the commonwealth. The lawmakers believe that this proposal would ensure transparency for the commonwealth, students, and staff of higher education institutions and continued good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The University of the Arts is located in Waxman’s legislative district, covering center city Philadelphia. “When I heard about UArts’ closure, I immediately shared feelings of anger and disappointment with the students who won’t have the same school to attend and faculty who will be losing their jobs,” Waxman said. “I want to ensure no student or school faculty member in Pennsylvania has to go through what those at UArts are going through right now. By requiring these schools to regularly notify us of their financial information, we can create greater accountability and transparency across the board.” The lawmakers say that having this information from schools on a yearly Read more
PHILADELPHIA, May 31 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., issued the following statement today on the sudden announcement of the upcoming closure of the University of the Arts: “I am profoundly disappointed and frustrated by the University of the Arts loss of accreditation and upcoming closure. This esteemed arts school has been a cornerstone of creativity and culture in Center City Philadelphia for generations. Its loss is a significant setback and not only a devastating blow to our local community, but also a significant setback for the arts and education in our city at large. “I share the anger and sorrow of students, faculty, alumni and the wider community who are grappling with this loss. It is unacceptable that such a cornerstone of our cultural and educational landscape has shut its doors in such an abrupt and shocking manner. “I am committed to doing everything in my power to find answers as to decisions that led to this sudden closure. Additionally, my office will work tirelessly to provide resources, assistance and advocacy. We will ensure displaced students can continue their education and explore every avenue to ensure that faculty and staff receive the support they deserve during this difficult transition. “My thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this devastating and shocking news. Together, we must find ways to sustain and celebrate the creative spirit that this institution fostered for so many Read more
HARRISBURG, May 21 – Today, state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., was joined by multiple prison-reform advocates for a Capitol news conference to discuss State Correctional Institute Chester’s Scandinavian unit, also known as “Little Scandinavia.” Little Scandinavia is a pilot project modeled after prisons in Scandinavia, where the core values are safety, transparency and innovation, with a focus on normality and reintegration into the community upon release. The unit provides a quiet environment where residents live in single-person cells with a shared kitchen surrounded by outdoor green space and plants. Waxman spoke on the importance of permanently funding this unit so that it can become a fixture at state correctional facilities across Pennsylvania. “It's time for a shift in how we handle corrections in PA. Little Scandinavia isn't just a program, it's a new horizon in rehabilitation and human rights. This model focuses on transformative care, not just incarceration. In the next state budget, I will strongly advocate for us to include funding that would make the Scandinavian Unit a permanent fixture in our state’s corrections system.” Bryan Widenhouse, senior policy associate for Families Against Mandatory Minimums, stated his belief that Little Scandinavia can help lower the recidivism rate in Pennsylvania. "For decades I sat in prison and listened Read more
Amid continued calls for increased police accountability and transparency, the Pennsylvania State Police announced that it has issued body cameras to all troopers in Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 29 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today applauded the Pennsylvania State Police for following up on their promise to expand the use of body cameras to the officers in Troop K serving the Philadelphia region. During a public hearing with the House Appropriations Committee on the 2024-25 state budget in early March, State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris assured the committee that resources would be expedited to Southeastern PA for body camera recordings to be implemented on all officers. “Transparency is critical in officer-involved incidents. The cameras now worn by Troop K and used in their vehicles will assist in that transparency and create accountability in the unfortunate use of force,” said delegation chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “This is about protecting our communities and protecting officers, giving everyone a little more peace of mind when issues arise.” House Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris, D-Phila, recounted the pledge to expedite body cameras by PSP leadership during the committee’s public hearings on the state budget. “On March 4, 2024, the Appropriations Committee met with the Pennsylvania State Police for their budget hearing. This hearing immediately followed high-profile incidents with the PSP in our region; Commissioner Paris assured me and the committee that they would expedite resources to have Read more
HARRISBURG, April 12 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., is calling for the “Scandinavian Unit” at SCI Chester to be used permanently at correctional institutions across Pennsylvania. The Scandinavian Unit is modeled after prisons in Scandinavia, where the core values are safety, transparency, and innovation, with a focus on normality and reintegration into the community upon release. “It's time for a shift in how we handle corrections in PA. The Scandinavian Unit at SCI Chester isn't just a program, it's a new horizon in rehabilitation and human rights,” Waxman said. “This model focuses on transformative care, not just incarceration. In the next state budget, I will strongly advocate for us to include funding that would make the Scandinavian Unit a permanent fixture in our state’s corrections system.” This unit is the result of a multiyear partnership with the Norwegian Correctional Service, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, and the Danish Prison and Probation Service. In 2019, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections employees traveled to Norway, Sweden and Denmark to see for themselves how Scandinavian countries approach incarceration . The unit provides a quiet environment where residents live in single-person cells with a shared kitchen surrounded by outdoor green space and plants. Waxman has written a letter to the Pennsylvania Read more
Waxman said, “With the growth, expansion and volatility of these currencies, we need to ensure that consumers are protected and are reassured that their investment into a cryptocurrency will not disappear if a collapse occurs.” Read more
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
PA state Rep. Ben Waxman questions the Governor’s Budget Office about the overall financial health of the commonwealth. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 28 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., plans to introduce legislation to eliminate a felony penalty for people with HIV charged with prostitution. In Pennsylvania, prostitution is a misdemeanor unless the person has HIV. . In Pennsylvania, people living with HIV have been prosecuted under generally applicable laws for conduct that would not be a crime, or would be a less serious crime, but for their HIV status. For example, Pennsylvania is one of nine states that still subjects people living with HIV to harsher penalties if charged with prostitution. Prostitution is typically a misdemeanor offense; however, people living with HIV in Pennsylvania who are charged with prostitution can be charged with a felony. This would happen even if transmission would not be possible, because no physical contact occurred or the nature of contact is not a method of transmission. “HIV criminalization laws have not kept up with the four decades of progress in the fight against HIV, and do not reflect current scientific knowledge around HIV prevention, transmission, and treatment,” Waxman said. “The harsher criminalization of those living with HIV only stigmatizes those who have contracted this virus as well as the marginalized communities it disproportionately affects.” Waxman said the legislation could also help prevent Pennsylvania from costly legal trouble. On Dec. 1, 2023, the Read more
“Public transportation is a critical lifeline for residents in my district, it is the one thing that connects us as a community,” said Rep. Waxman, who requested and hosted the hearing. “What makes my district in Philadelphia unique is we have more residents that rely on public transit to get to work and their daily needs like doctor appointments, but we also have one of the most active districts for visitors traveling into our district through public transportation.” Read more
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