Black History Month recognized in Pennsylvania this February

(Jan 25, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 25 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus have sponsored a resolution recognizing February 2023 as Black History Month in the commonwealth, according to state Rep. Donna Bullock, chair of the PLBC. The Black History Month theme this year is “Black Resistance,” acknowledging that Black Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms and police killings. “From slave revolts to the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter, Black Americans have consistently fought for freedom, democracy and the very soul of this country,” said Bullock, D-Phila., who is a prime sponsor of the measure. “That fight meant resisting white supremacy, resisting police and racial violence, and resisting oppressive legislation and policy. During our 50th anniversary, the PLBC will continue our work to advance anti-racist and restorative legislation and equitable state investments that will improve the lives of Black Pennsylvanians.” Other prime sponsors of the bill are state Reps. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery; Darisha Parker, D-Phila., and Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “The resistance is a part of who we are everyday in this country,” said Parker, who serves as PLBC secretary. “Until we know there is equity, equality and justice in public and private policy, institutions and in the eyes of every American, Read more

 

PLBC statement on police incident in Lower Merion

(Jan 10, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 10 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus has released a statement on a police incident in Lower Merion Township. “A disturbing video showing Lower Merion police pulling over a Black female motorist has surfaced and is being investigated by the department. The police interaction with the woman is disturbing but unfortunately not rare. Pulled over in a customer parking lot, the driver is heard asking for a supervisor before exiting the car. The situation quickly escalates, and she is dragged from the car at gunpoint, tased, handcuffed on the ground with her shirt over her head and taken to a waiting police vehicle with her upper body exposed. “The PLBC has been working on legislation to curb police violence during traffic stops, such as reducing pretextual traffic stops and tracking racial profiling and related disparities. Black drivers are more likely to be asked to step out of the car, more likely to have their car searched, more likely to be given a citation or violation, more likely to be detained and, unfortunately, more likely to have a violent encounter with the police as seen in this video. “We have for years been calling for training and diversity in departments so the officers who patrol the streets look more like the residents who live there, shoring up better police community relations and a sense of protection by police rather than harassment. “We have for years been working to hold law enforcement Read more

 

PLBC installs officers for 2023-24 session

(Jan 05, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus this week officially installed officers to serve in the 2023-24 legislative session in a virtual ceremony that included guests Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, former PLBC members Pennsylvania Lt. Gov.-elect Austin Davis and U.S. Rep.-elect Summer Lee, and other dignitaries, PLBC members and former members. Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania Judge Lori Dumas administered the oath of office. The following members were installed as officers: Chairwoman, Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. Vice Chairman, Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery Secretary, Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila. Treasurer, Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster In her remarks as the returning chair of PLBC, Bullock recognized the 50 years since the organization was formed in the legislature. “This is a moment 50 years in the making,” she said. “We are sending folks to Congress, the lieutenant governor's office, all over this country to continue the good work that we do here in the General Assembly. Two years before the PLBC was formally formed, Black members met in secret. We are not meeting in the shadows anymore. We are doing the work. We are getting the job done. This year, with the largest and the most diverse PLBC membership in our commonwealth’s history, we represent Black, Latino and Asian communities across the commonwealth. While we center our policies on Black Pennsylvanians, we acknowledge Read more

 

Parker takes oath of office for second term

(Jan 03, 2023)

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

 

Parker Takes Oath for a New Term

(Jan 03, 2023)

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

 

State programs now open for applications

(Dec 07, 2022)

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

 

PTRR Deadline Reminder

(Dec 01, 2022)

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

 

PLBC installs officers for 2023-24 session

(Nov 17, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 17 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus this week installed officers to serve in the 2023-24 legislative session, according to Chairwoman Donna Bullock, D-Phila. “Officer selection is our first step in making sure the importance of our voices is heard in Harrisburg and across the commonwealth at what is a very critical time in Pennsylvania and this country,” Bullock said. “I feel confident that as a body we will have success in moving legislation that addresses the issues important to us, and we will work to that end with intention and purpose -- fighting for equity, inclusion and fairness.” The following members were installed as officers: Chairwoman, Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. Vice Chairman, Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery Secretary, Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila. Treasurer, Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster Established as an official caucus in 1973, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus was formed to empower Black legislators and to serve as an information and advocacy vehicle to advance the interests of Black, Latino and other Pennsylvanians of color. Many of the original members were afraid to meet in an open forum and had previously met in secret to establish a shared legislative agenda. Read more

 

GRANT MEMO: Workforce Support, Historic Preservation, and Criminal Justice Disparity Research Funding Opportunities For Your District

(Nov 14, 2022)

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

 

Parker Can Help with LIHEAP Applications

(Nov 03, 2022)

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

 

Parker announces another $6 million in state grants for the 198th

(Nov 01, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., announced an additional $6 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants for projects in the 198 th Legislative District. “Bringing state dollars back to the district and all that entails for residents here is very important to me in my work as a state legislator,” Parker said. “These projects have an impact on the district, the region and can even impact the state.” The funding is provided from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program which is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. The following projects have been awarded: $5 million - Leading the Way III, Associated Alumni of Central High School: For the creation of the Performing Arts Center and campus improvements to help provide dedicated classrooms, practice and performance spaces for students. $1 million - Weavers Way Germantown Development: To restore the building at 328 W. Chelten Ave., including a renovated facade with new storefront windows and an easy access vestibule; a new roof, plumbing, fire and mechanical systems; upgraded and efficient electric and lighting; and improved parking and landscaping. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Read more

 

Parker announces $11.7 million in state grants for the 198th District

(Oct 27, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – State grants totaling nearly $12 million will fund local projects in the 198 th Legislative District , according to state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila. “The importance of this kind of state support cannot be overstated,” Parker said. “These are large-scale projects that are important parts of our communities and our region, our culture and our daily lives. State government support is a critical part of their success and something that I take very seriously.” The funding is provided from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, or RACP, and is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. The following projects have been awarded: $1.25 million to 5616 North Broad Street Associates to stabilize the remaining building structure at 5616-20 N. Broad St. along the North Broad commercial corridor. The building will require a full structural renovation, roof system and other projects. $500,000 for the Allegheny West Foundation 22 nd Street Commercial and Community Development II Project for a new recreation center that will provide more space for programs, classrooms, a computer lab, multimedia room, recording studio, commercial kitchen, a new indoor half basketball court and space for middle school programs. Read more

 

GRANT MEMO: Nonprofit Security, Boating Facility, and Water/Sewer Funding Opportunities

(Oct 20, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: PA Industry Partnership Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, educational and post-secondary educational organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities. Use : To identify workforce, education & training, and economic development needs, coordinate regional teams to support industry needs, identify public and community resources to address industry identified needs and increase collaboration among businesses within a targeted industry sector. Funds : Up to $250,000 per partnership. Application Deadline : October 28, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program (Funding Source: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations. Use : To support security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth that is owned or operated by the nonprofit organization. Funds : Awards between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : October 31, 2022 More Information : Click on Read more

 

Women of the PA Black Caucus and Women’s Health Caucus demand the PA Human Relations Commission to investigate Philly Pregnancy Center, Norristown

(Oct 17, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today sent a letter to the Human Relations Commission along with House Members of the PA Legislative Black Caucus and the Women’s Health Caucus, where she serves as co-chair, requesting the institution to investigate a recent incident that occurred at the Philly Pregnancy Center. The letter states that a black pregnant patient from Delaware County was harassed and scolded by a staffer who was questioning the need of a doctor’s note to leave work. “While we have made great strides, there is still much work to be done and the incident that took place at the Philly Pregnancy Center Norristown location exemplifies the reasons we are not done yet,” Members highlight in the letter. “Pregnant and birthing people in Pennsylvania should have safe places to seek and receive equitable care no matter their ZIP code, race, ethnicity, gender or income level. As shown in the viral video, that is not always the case.” The correspondence also signed by state Reps. Mary Joe Daley, D-Montgomery, co-chair; Donna Bullock, D-Phila., chairwoman and Darisha Parker, D-Phila., chairwoman of the PLBC Subcommittee on Women & Girls of Color. It emphasized the need to hold providers accountable for their interactions with patients in order to guarantee a fairness in the services they offer. The caucus also highlighted in the letter that there is an imperative to protect and expand access to care, Read more

 

Parker: Make Your Plan to Vote TODAY

(Oct 17, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker encourages everyone to make their voice heard on Election Day, and to make a plan to vote today. Read more

 

What's at stake?

(Oct 04, 2022)

What's at stake? Every vote matters. Make sure you are registered to vote this November. Read more

 

Parker Celebrates Investment in Broad & Olney District

(Oct 03, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker joined colleagues to celebrate a $4,000,000 investment in cleanliness, safety, and economic development for Philadelphia's Broad & Olney District. Read more

 

Hearing explores growing need to support grandparents

(Sep 28, 2022)

“The ages of grandparents and the role of grandparents have changed, and I wanted to know how you get older adults to come forward to say they are raising their grandchildren and they need help,” said state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application

(Sep 26, 2022)

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Regional Policing Assistance Program Who May Apply: Applicants for the Regional Policing Assistance Program may be any municipality – a city, borough, township, home-rule municipality, or county. Applicants may also be a public or quasi-public body, or its representative, duly authorized to act on behalf of one or more municipalities. All applications must be accompanied by fully executed Articles of Agreement or an Intergovernmental Agreement that establishes a Regional Police Department. Use: Funding will support efforts in establishing or expanding regional police departments that would improve the following: uniformity and consistency of enforcement across municipalities; recruitment; distribution and deployment of police personnel; training and personnel efficiency; career enhancement opportunities; enhanced professionalism; and reduction of costs. Funds: A total of approximately $1,000,000 in federal funds is being announced to support this initiative. Applicants may apply for up to $150,000 for the formation of a new regional police department or up to $50,000 for the expansion of an existing regional police department by adding a chartered municipality(ies). Application Deadline: September 6, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Legal Read more

 

Parker: Enough!! Pay Us Our Worth!

(Sep 21, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker is calling on business owners and corporations to pay Black women equally for equal work. For every dollar a white man makes, Black women are paid 58 cents. With 30% of Black households headed by Black women, she says it's time to pay Black women their fair share so that they can support their families and uplift their communities. Read more