Historic bill to repudiate racially restricted deed covenants passes PA Senate

(Dec 14, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – The Pennsylvania Senate made history Wednesday by unanimously passing state Rep. Justin Fleming’s legislation ( H.B. 1289 ) that would help rectify the legacy of biased housing practices by making it easier for property owners to repudiate discriminatory deed covenants. “The progress of racial, ethnic, and religious minority groups has been stifled by restrictive deed covenants and practices like redlining, resulting in massive inequality in wealth and home ownership rates,” Fleming said. “My legislation would help rectify this historic wrong by making it easy and affordable to repudiate discriminatory language from these documents.” A covenant stipulates what existing or future owners can and cannot do to a property. Racially discriminatory real estate covenants were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1948 under the Shelley v. Kraemer decision, ruling that these covenants are unenforceable under the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution. In addition, the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibited deed covenants that discriminate against protected classes. Although these covenants are no longer enforceable, Fleming said this harmful and discriminatory language still exists in many property deeds. Fleming’s bill impacts all restrictive covenants for classes of individuals covered under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and would allow a property owner – should they Read more

 

Fleming presents $100K check to Central PA Food Bank to Support Its Mission

(Nov 28, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 28 – State Rep. Justin Fleming today presented a $100,000 check from the PA Department of Human Services to Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, to support its efforts to eliminate food insecurity in the region. “Despite the fact we live in the richest country in the world, thousands of Pennsylvanians don’t know where or when their next meal is coming from,” Fleming said. “This state grant money will support the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in its life-supporting mission ensuring everyone in our region has access to the food needed to lead a healthy, productive life. With the expiration of pandemic funding, our charitable organizations like the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank will be struggling to meet demand for the basic necessities of life like food. I strongly encourage residents to donate their time and money this holiday season so that their neighbors and their families don’t go hungry this winter.” Central Pennsylvania Food Bank CEO Joe Arthur thanked Fleming for the check, saying, “There is a huge demand for food from the charitable network right now, with many of our agency partners now serving more neighbors than they were at the height of the pandemic.” Arthur added, “Rep. Fleming’s strong leadership and this additional support from DHS helps us to advance our mission and continue to provide healthy meals for our neighbors in needs in Read more

 

Fleming Appointed to the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee

(Nov 13, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, has been appointed by House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila., to the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee. The committee oversees issues involving sports and athletic competitions sanctioned by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. The committee also receives an annual report from the PIAA with recommendations for the General Assembly. Fleming said he brings a unique perspective to the committee as a lettered high school athlete in baseball at Susquehanna Township High School. “Athletics offers kids opportunities to learn critical physical, emotional and intellectual skills that will serve them their whole lives,” Fleming said. “As a former student-athlete and the father of two children who participate in athletics, I have an interest in the committee’s issues and look forward to working with my colleagues, as well as the PIAA to ensure all student-athletes are competing safely and fairly.” The six-member committee consists of two members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, one appointed by the House minority leader, two appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate and one appointed by the Senate minority leader. Read more

 

Central Pennsylvania state representatives to hold Veterans Day breakfast Nov. 9

(Oct 24, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 24 – State Reps. Justin Fleming, D-Cumberland, David Madsen, D-Dauphin, and Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, will hold a Veterans Day Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at the AFSCME Conference Center, 150 S. 43rd St., Harrisburg. A delicious breakfast will be offered to veterans in recognition of their service. The state representatives and their staff will be available to help with state related issues and questions attendees might have. “We wanted to celebrate and honor those who sacrificed their time with their families and their personal comfort to put their lives at risk for our country and our freedoms,” a statement by the representatives said. “We encourage all area veterans to come and enjoy some delicious food, meet fellow servicemembers and learn about state services benefitting veterans.” Residents who are veterans and would like to attend can click on the link associated with their state representative below to RSVP: Rep. Justin Fleming: https://www.pahouse.com/fleming/Form/?id=1521 . Rep. Patty Kim: https://www.pahouse.com/Kim/Form/?id=1521 . Rep. David Madsen: https://www.pahouse.com/madsen/Form/?id=1521 . Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus installs new officers

(Oct 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus announced its new officers after a reorganizational meeting this week. The following members were installed as officers: Chairman, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D–Montgomery Vice Chair, state Rep. Darisha Parker, D–Phila. Secretary, state Rep. Ismail Smith Wade-El, D–Lancaster Treasurer, state Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin Outgoing chair state Rep. Donna Bullock, D–Phila., passes the baton to Nelson. Bullock will continue to focus on issues facing Pennsylvania’s children and youth; she chairs the PA House Children & Youth Committee. “We are grateful for Representative Bullock’s leadership, and I look forward to building on the momentum we have to achieve real results for minority communities throughout this Commonwealth,” Nelson said. “I am humbled by this honor.” Bullock guided many PLBC initiatives, including the annual Crystal Bird Faucet Awards, honoring women within state government and Speaker K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action, where business owners, public officials and organizations gather to discuss, learn, and network legislative bills, community concerns and visit the Capitol Complex. “Chairing the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience,” Read more

 

Fleming: $76,392 in federal funding to encourage healthy snacking in area schools

(Aug 16, 2023)

State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, today announced $64,564 in state funding has been awarded two area schools to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Read more

 

Madsen and Fleming to hold free community shred event Aug. 26

(Aug 15, 2023)

“I cannot stress enough how this shredding event is one of best ways to ensure that your confidential and sensitive documents are properly disposed of, and your information is not used without your knowledge,” Fleming said. “I hope that residents take advantage of this free service that protects their personal security in an environmentally safe way.” Read more

 

Summer 2023 NL

(Aug 15, 2023)

Summer 2023 NL Read more

 

Fleming applauds award of nearly $385K in state grants to improve traffic signals

(Aug 14, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 14 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, today announced $384,928 in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Green Light-Go program funds have been awarded to update signal equipment at Colonial Road (SR 3017), Colonial Park Mall Driveway/Colonial Road (SR 3017) and Crums Mill Road/Devonshire Road in the 105th District. “Thanks to these grants from PennDOT’s Green Light-Go program, our communities will be able to update signal equipment at key intersections to reduce congestion and increase traffic flow, ensuring that motorists travel quickly, efficiently and safely through our streets,” Fleming said. “These traffic signal updates will also help ensure pedestrians are safer as well. This funding is an example of how government is working to improve services and the quality of life for our residents.” Green Light-Go grants are provided as reimbursement to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. These projects will be funded through the appropriation for fiscal year 2023-24. Grant funding through the Green Light-Go program may be utilized for a range of operational improvements including, but not limited to, light-emitting diode technology installation, traffic signal retiming, developing special event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. For more information, residents may contact Read more

 

Harrisburg area Dems release statements on Broad Street Market fire

(Jul 10, 2023)

“The news of the fire at the Broad Street Market has sent waves of shock and sadness through Harrisburg,” Fleming said. “As a city resident for nearly 10 years I know we didn’t just lose a market, but a pillar of community life here. I am touched to see so many in our community reaching out with the desire to help the affected vendors during this difficult time. This is what community is all about, and it is a sign to me that Broad Street Market will rise again. We, your representatives, are firm in our resolve to help rebuild the damaged brick building quickly so that the vendors and their patrons can soon return to the restored Broad Street Market.” Read more

 

Fleming praises state budget’s historic investments in education, economic development and health care

(Jul 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, July 6 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, today issued the following statement regarding the state budget passed by the General Assembly: “Last night in a bipartisan vote, the House of Representatives passed the 2023-24 state budget, which now goes to Governor Shapiro's desk for approval. I have spoken to many residents in Lower Paxton, Penbrook, and Susquehanna Township about their priorities, and I'm pleased that this budget addresses some of those priorities. While there is more to be done, this budget makes historic investments in education, public safety, health care, community and economic development, and much more. “Additionally, House Bill 1100 was sent to the governor's desk. This bill would raise the income limits for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program from $35,000 to $45,000 and provide for larger rebates for eligible participants. The passage of this bill will bring relief for thousands of seniors across the Commonwealth. Fleming noted some of the critical investments included in the 2023-24 budget: Education $567 million increase for Basic Education Funding. $50 million increase for Special Education Funding. $46.5 million for universal school breakfast. $10 million to provide annual stipends to student teachers. Economic Development $23.5 million for workforce training and career & technical education. $6 million for apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. $20 Read more

 

Bill to repudiate racially restricted deed covenants passes PA House

(Jun 28, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 28 – A bill sponsored by Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, that would make it easier for property owners to repudiate discriminatory deed covenants passed the House today. A covenant stipulates what existing or future owners can and cannot do to the property. Racially discriminatory real estate covenants were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1948 under the Shelley v. Kraemer decision, ruling that these covenants are unenforceable under the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution. In addition, the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibited deed covenants that discriminate against protected classes. Although these covenants are no longer enforceable, Fleming said this harmful and discriminatory language still exists in many property deeds. Fleming’s bill ( H.B. 1289 ) impacts all restrictive covenants for classes of individuals covered under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and would allow a property owner to repudiate the covenant. Under the bill, a property owner or homeowner association could file a form with the county’s recorder of deeds office to repudiate a restrictive covenant at little or no cost. "The shameful legacy of restrictive covenants and practices like redlining have created massive inequality in wealth and home ownership rates among people of different races,” Fleming said. “This legislation would make it Read more

 

Kutz, Fleming Unveil Bipartisan Future Caucus

(May 23, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 23 – Reps. Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland) and Justin Fleming (D-Dauphin) unveiled the new Bipartisan Future Caucus during a press conference today at the state Capitol. The two legislators will serve as chairmen of the caucus. “Pennsylvania residents need future-focused legislators who are willing to reach across the aisle to have important conversations about divisive issues, and the Bipartisan Future Caucus is providing a forum for just that,” said Kutz. “I am excited to collaborate with Rep. Fleming and my colleagues to advance legislation that will benefit the Commonwealth for generations to come. The Future Caucus knows more unites than divides us and is ready to get to work.” “There is no doubt we have challenges before us. The cost of childcare, higher education and home ownership are all rising, and Pennsylvania voters have demanded we work in a bipartisan manner to address these issues,” said Fleming. “The Future Caucus hopes that, through collaboration and open dialogue, we can put aside the hyper-partisan rancor and imbue faith in government to current and future generations of Pennsylvanians.” The Future Caucus is comprised of a bipartisan group of legislators aged 45 and younger who are looking to foster a generational shift toward collaboration and bipartisanship. The caucus’ priorities for this legislative session include tackling issues with higher Read more

 

Fleming to host budget Town Hall June 10

(May 09, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 9 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, today announced an upcoming Town Hall focused on the Pa. budget. The Town Hall will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 10 at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, 3800 Vartan Way. “This is a great opportunity for my neighbors to ask me questions directly about the budget process and the Appropriations Committee hearings that recently came to a close,” Fleming said. “I’m looking forward to educating them, but also learning what their biggest concerns and challenges have been. This will allow me to better steer the budget discussions in Harrisburg to meet the needs of my communities. I’m ready to hear from you.” Those interested in attending the Town Hall should RSVP here . For more information, contact Fleming’s district office at (717) 230-1172. ### Read more

 

State Rep. Justin Fleming's Satellite Office Hours

(Apr 20, 2023)

Please email RepFleming@pahouse.com to schedule ahead of time if you need help getting prepared or to schedule a visit! Read more

 

Fleming introduces bill to expand Property Tax/Rent Rebates

(Apr 13, 2023)

HARRISBURG, April 13 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, today announced he has introduced legislation that would introduce a new multi-person household income limit for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. “The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is a wonderful program, but unfortunately many seniors on fixed incomes who have higher expenses due to being married or living in a multi-person household are not eligible for the program, leaving them behind,” Fleming said. “I’m working to ensure that seniors in our district and across Pennsylvania are provided with the assistance they need, no matter what type of household they are living in. I hope others will join me in supporting seniors.” House Bill 873 would impose a multi-person household income limit for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, separate from a single-person household income limit. The current income limit would remain for a single-person household, while the income limit for a multi-person household would be $55,000 for homeowners and $22,500 for renters. For more information, contact Fleming’s district office at (717) 230-1172. Read more

 

Fleming, Kutz unveil leadership of bipartisan Future Caucus

(Mar 27, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 27 – State Reps. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, and Thomas Kutz, R-Cumberland, today announced the establishment and their chairmanship of the new bipartisan Future Caucus. “Before my election to the General Assembly, I spent 12 years advocating for mental health and children where I worked with members of both parties to achieve legislative wins,” Fleming said. “We have many big challenges facing Pennsylvanians including lack of affordable housing, student loan debt and infrastructure investments and we need members of both parties to work together and find solutions. I’m excited about the opportunity to join with my colleagues to face these challenges in a bipartisan manner.” “Pennsylvanians need forward-thinking legislators who are willing to work across the aisle and focus on results that will benefit the Commonwealth for generations to come,” Kutz said. “I’m thrilled to chair this caucus with Rep. Justin Fleming. He shares the belief that we the need to work together to find common ground in state government. The formation of the Future Caucus is a critical step toward setting differences aside to tackle the tough issues head on. I’m eager to get to work.” The Future Caucus focuses on bringing together a bipartisan group of legislators aged 45 and younger to help foster a generational shift towards collaboration and bipartisanship. The Future Caucus is comprised of a Read more

 

Fleming applauds over $1.5 million in LSA grants

(Mar 16, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 16 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, today announced more than $1.5 million from the Commonwealth Financing Authority has been approved for Local Share Account grants in Dauphin County. “These improvements to our sewer and storm systems are crucial,” Fleming said. “We have been experiencing record breaking rainfalls leading to flooding in people’s basements and homes. It’s time to revisit these systems to ensure they can handle the additional load and newer climate patterns. I’m excited to see that not only will we be addressing these sewer infrastructure demands, but also making investments in our park system. As these parks and sewer systems begin to age and deteriorate, it’s up to us to reinvest and maintain them.” The CFA approved funding for three projects in Fleming’s legislative district: $1 million for Lower Paxton Township Authority’s Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Replacement/Rehabilitation project to replace and rehabilitate sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure. $271,107 for Penbrook Borough’s Sewer Cleaning and Televising project to address aging and deteriorating infrastructure. $246,605 for Susquehanna Township’s Parks and Recreation Park Master Plan to develop and rehabilitate five parks, including Margaret's Grove, Apple Creek, Shutt Mill, Donald B., and Plum Ally Parks. LSA funding is Read more

 

Fleming appointed to Pa. House Appropriations Committee

(Mar 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 6 – State Rep. Justin Fleming today announced that he has been appointed to serve on the PA House Appropriations Committee. The announcement comes the day before Gov. Josh Shapiro’s planned budget address for the 2023-24 fiscal year. “I’m extremely honored to be working on Pennsylvania’s state budget in my first term,” Fleming said. “This is one of the core functions of state government. It’s how we show our true values. I’m ready to put my experience at multiple levels of government to work to get the most out of our tax dollars. Whether that means additional resources for fairer education funding, support for working families, or providing better access to health care, I plan to make sure our departments have the funds they need to carry out their duties.” In accordance with House rules, the Appropriations Committee evaluates legislative proposals for fiscal implications prior to voting a bill out of committee. The committee also plays a pivotal role in forming recommendations for budget and fiscal-related matters and is integrally involved in the annual state budget process. In addition to the state budget, the committee also has jurisdiction over the offices of Auditor General and State Treasurer and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. Before starting his first term representing the 105th legislative district, Fleming spent Read more

 

Fleming Spring Newsletter 2023

(Mar 06, 2023)

Sworn-In for First TermIn January, I took the oath of office in the state Capitol to begin my firstterm representing the 105th Legislative District in Dauphin County. Theswearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 session of thePennsylvania House of Representatives. Read more

 

Historic bill to repudiate racially restricted deed covenants passes PA Senate
Dec 14, 2023

Fleming presents $100K check to Central PA Food Bank to Support Its Mission
Nov 28, 2023

Fleming Appointed to the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee
Nov 13, 2023

Central Pennsylvania state representatives to hold Veterans Day breakfast Nov. 9
Oct 24, 2023

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus installs new officers
Oct 06, 2023

Fleming: $76,392 in federal funding to encourage healthy snacking in area schools
Aug 16, 2023

Madsen and Fleming to hold free community shred event Aug. 26
Aug 15, 2023

Summer 2023 NL
Aug 15, 2023

Fleming applauds award of nearly $385K in state grants to improve traffic signals
Aug 14, 2023

Harrisburg area Dems release statements on Broad Street Market fire
Jul 10, 2023

Fleming praises state budget’s historic investments in education, economic development and health care
Jul 06, 2023

Bill to repudiate racially restricted deed covenants passes PA House
Jun 28, 2023

Kutz, Fleming Unveil Bipartisan Future Caucus
May 23, 2023

Fleming to host budget Town Hall June 10
May 09, 2023

State Rep. Justin Fleming's Satellite Office Hours
Apr 20, 2023

Fleming introduces bill to expand Property Tax/Rent Rebates
Apr 13, 2023

Fleming, Kutz unveil leadership of bipartisan Future Caucus
Mar 27, 2023

Fleming applauds over $1.5 million in LSA grants
Mar 16, 2023

Fleming appointed to Pa. House Appropriations Committee
Mar 06, 2023

Fleming Spring Newsletter 2023
Mar 06, 2023