In April, the House Majority Policy Committee held a hearing on illegal ATV use in Philadelphia; the vehicles “have taken our city hostage,” said Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Philadelphia. “We have a serious problem facing our city, and we cannot allow it to continue.” Read more
The problem is that millions of people are denied access to this life saving drug as it is financially out of reach for the average senior citizen in America, costing $26,500 a year. For some seniors, that is a year’s worth of income. Read more
Imagine losing your cognitive ability while your body stays in healthy condition. Think about watching your family member’s cognitive ability decline and facing the burden and responsibility of caregiving. It begins by forgetting simple things but progresses into a rapid cognitive decline. This is the reality for the 6 million Americans who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. As a State Representative and member of the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, I understand the importance of ensuring access to preemptive medications in the fight against Alzheimer’s. The Biden administration has called for the United States to lead the fight against diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV, and I want to ensure the same urgency is given to those suffering from the impacts of Alzheimer’s. A new drug has offered hope to patients with this terrifying diagnosis, a drug called Leqembi which can slow down progression of the disease in early stages. Studies show that twice monthly infusions can slow the decline by 27%. It works by reducing the levels of brain amyloid, a plaque in the brain that causes cognitive decline. The problem is that millions of people are denied access to this life saving drug as it is financially out of reach for the average senior citizen in America, costing $26,500 a year. For some seniors, that is a year’s worth of income. The Food and Drug Administration has fast tracked approval for this medication but Read more
State Rep. Darisha Parker wants to see financial literacy taught in every curriculum. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker joined Auditor General Timothy DeFoor and students and faculty of Martin Luther King Jr. High School in North Philadelphia to discuss the importance for integrating financial literacy education programs into high school curriculum for Pennsylvania students. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker expresses her optimism that the newly formed Pa. House Black-Jewish Caucus will bring positive change in the Commonwealth. Parker says working together is the only way to fight the bigotry, antisemitism, and racism plaguing Pennsylvania. Read more
HARRISBURG, APRIL 26 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced that an important set of firearm safety bills was approved by the PA House Judiciary Committee today and is on its way to consideration by the full House. The package of legislation, which cleared its first key committee, is aimed at securing prompt reporting of theft or loss of firearms, keeping guns secure around children, regulating background checks, and repealing provisions relating to the sale or transfer of firearms, among other regulations. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that this is a remarkable day for the delegation as another hurdle in efforts to deflate gun violence has been cleared. “This victory is long overdue. We are finally moving gun violence bills out of the Judiciary Committee. We have relentlessly fought for these bills”, Cephas said. “In a republican majority there was no chance for any kind of gun reform, but the time has come, and we couldn’t be more optimistic about this process. State Rep. Darisha Parker indicated that the bill on Safe Storage (H.B. 731) would help to save lives. Parker proposed consolidating statutes for firearms and other dangerous articles, providing for locking device for firearms. "There is no reason that anyone should lose a loved one because of a mishandled firearm," Parker said. "My legislation would Read more
In a memorandum describing her emerging bill, state Representative Darisha Parker (D-Philadelphia) wrote that her policy would require social media network companies to establish and maintain effective and transparent complaint procedures for reporting hate speech content.” She further stated the legislation would make it clear that hate speech is unwelcome on social media in Pennsylvania. Read more
The growing problem of illegal ATVs and dirt bikes on city streets prompted Pa. state Rep. Daisha Parker to bring the House Majority Policy Committee to Philly to see the problem firsthand. Parker says she will continue her efforts, working with legislators and law enforcement, until this dangerous situation is controlled. Read more
“ATVs and dirt bikes have taken our city hostage,” said hearing host Rep. Darisha Parker, who represents portions of Philadelphia. “We have a serious problem facing our city, and we cannot allow it to continue. We convened this hearing to bring in experts to share the city of Philadelphia ordinance and to inform the public about illegal activity and how the public can report it. Based on today’s testimony, we now need to see what kind of role the state can play to curb this problem.” Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: DEI in the Building and Construction Trades Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Organizations that serve as sponsors or intermediaries of Registered Apprenticeship and/or Pre-Apprenticeship in the building and construction trades. Use : To develop diverse talent pipelines and reach underrepresented populations within the building and construction trades. Funds : $1 million in total program funding. Application Deadline : April 26, 2023 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT): Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Program (Funding Source: State, Federal, & Private Funding) Who May Apply : Private companies. Use : To develop innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : April 30, 2023 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/ProjectAndPrograms/p3forpa/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Youth Reentry Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 30 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced that the organization is aggressively working on key actions that will boost prevention efforts and regulate reckless gun access in the commonwealth as part of a strategic plan to put a halt on the gun violence crisis that is assaulting the city. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, who was not able to attend today’s news conference, explained earlier that the delegation was implementing a strategic plan to put a halt on the gun violence crisis that is assaulting the city. “Ending gun violence is a top priority for us. We're approaching this with a multi-pronged strategy, working closely with our state and city stakeholders. We cannot wait any longer to take action. Gun violence is preventable,” Cephas said. Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice chair of the delegation, explained that the institution has also formed a strong alliance with gun control advocacy groups in order to amplify efforts to combat gun violence. “Gun violence is not a responsibility that pertains to one person or one organization, this is a task for all of us,” Burgos said. “Public safety is everyone's responsibility. We are grateful to count on the powerful input of organizations like CeaseFire PA and Every Murder is Real, but also families of victims and survivors of gun violence who are incessantly raising awareness about this issue,” Burgos said. On Read more
Entering Women’s History Month this March has me pondering a lot of issues related to women, especially women of color, and where we are headed. In the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, I can tell you we are going in the right direction in terms of addressing important issues that impact the daily lives of women who have been historically underserved, underrepresented, misunderstood, ignored and generally not heard. We elected the first woman – a Black woman – to serve as speaker of the House. This role has always gone to white men with the exception of K. Leroy Irvis, a Black legislator from Pittsburgh, who served as speaker back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Speaker Joanna McClinton is accomplished, is the former Democratic leader in the House, is an attorney and represents the good folks of the 191st District in Philadelphia and parts of Delaware County. She brings experiences to this General Assembly that resonate with so many Pennsylvanians and is committed to making sure that everyone and every issue is heard during her tenure at the rostrum. Some of the issues that I know exist, and ones that were discussed during my time as chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus’ Subcommittee on Women and Girls of Color, include a backsliding of women’s reproductive rights, the need to raise the minimum wage, period poverty, and health care access and maternal mortality, to name a few. Women’s personal Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker spoke in support of Governor Shapiro's budget proposal, including increased investments in jobs, apprenticeship programs, and education. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., today was sworn into office representing the 198 th Legislative District. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-2024 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Parker said her priorities are quality of life issues like public safety, children’s health and education, as well as holding older adults as a priority. She will also continue to be an advocate for small business owners. “I remain honored and humbled to represent the people of the 198 th District,” Parker said. “Over the last 2 years, I have met with so many folks from the communities that make up the 198 th and every day I work and will continue to work to pursue legislation and other initiatives that will help the residents of my district. My office is always ready to help with all state government needs.” She said her office can assist with state-related services including home heating, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance, to name a few. More information is available by visiting her website www.RepDarisha.com . Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker took the oath of office for another term representing Pennsylvania's 198th Legislative District in Northwest Philadelphia. Parker plans to continue her push for better quality of life and to work on environmental issues. Read more
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency/Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training Innovative Solicitation (Funding Source: Justice Reinvestment Fund) Who May Apply : Existing PACTT Affiliates. Use : To improve services for delinquent youth receiving academic and career/technical training services. Funds : Awards up to $75,000 for 24-month projects. Application Deadline : December 23, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Pumpout Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities. Use : To fund the construction, renovation, and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations to service pleasure boats. Funds : Reimburse up to 75% of the installation cost of pumpout and dump stations. Application Deadline : December 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/PumpoutGrantProgram.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022-23 School Safety and Security Training and Technical Assistance Program (Funding Source: FY 2022 School Safety and Security Grant Program Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education (not-for profit), and for-profit organizations. Use : To Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker reminds you that the December 31st deadline to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is fast approaching. Rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2021 are available to many older and disabled adults living in Pa. To see if you qualify or for help applying, call Rep. Parker's district office at 215-849-6426. You can also get more information or apply online at www.mypath.pa.gov Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Pennsylvania Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnership (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania local workforce development boards. Use : To support the convening of Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnerships in lower moderate-income communities and guide the development and registration of healthcare apprenticeship programs, with emphasis on nursing occupations, through group sponsorships. Funds : Up to $260,000. Application Deadline : November 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Documents/Nurse-Pathway-IP/Nursing%20Pathway%20Apprenticeship%20IP%20NGA%20FINAL.pdf . Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Work Force Support Grant (WFSG) 2.0 (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Eligible DHS certified childcare providers. Use : To provide funding to eligible DHS certified childcare providers (providers) for staff retention and staff recruitment purposes. Funds : Variable depending on staff levels. Application Deadline : December 6, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.pakeys.org/workforcesupportgrants2/ . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022 Read more
With winter weather on our doorstep, Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker reminds you that the time to apply for heating assistance is now! Call her district office at 215-849-6426 for help with your application, or go to LIHEAP.com for more information. Read more
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