HARRISBURG, Oct. 26 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Health will administratively introduce changes to the birth certificate process, as proposed in legislation he has introduced that would allow disadvantaged minors to access their birth certificates . “Disadvantaged Black youth are at highest risk of being victims of gun violence in our city,” Krajewski said. “I heard their stories of how the inability to access their birth certificates were holding them back from seeking opportunities to improve their lives, and I knew I needed to act. We introduced House Bill 1475 to remove one of many barriers preventing them from being able to better their lives, and I am grateful for the Department of Health’s partnership on this critical issue.” “This regulatory change is a huge win for my clients who are in foster care or transitioning out,” said Saumya Ayyagari, public health nurse home visitor for Philadelphia Nurse-Family Partnership. “Now they can claim their identity and take charge of their financial, educational and career goals.” “This is a transformational change that impacts young people in our state in a positive way,” said Kendra Van de Water, co-founder and executive director for YEAH Philly. “Not only can working-age youth now have the autonomy and access to get their own birth certificates, but now we’ve helped make Read more
Democratic House lawmakers introduced a bill to prevent police officers from using traffic stops as a pretext for searches. Read more
I'm hosting a free shredding event May 16. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 28 — State Reps. Rick Krajewski, Mark Rozzi, Danilo Burgos and Manuel Guzman have authored legislation that would make it easier for youth to access a copy of their birth certificate, which is especially important for youth experiencing homelessness or other challenges where a copy of their birth certificate is essential to getting a job or accessing programs or services. "We must support young people who deserve to have access to every opportunity they need to thrive,” said Krajewski, D-Phila. “Access to birth certificates helps our youth apply for a job, a passport, bank account, housing opportunities, a driver’s license, or to receive services from the government or community-based organizations. These programs and services are essential for youth becoming successful adults. I am proud to work alongside Representatives Rozzi, Burgos, and Guzman to introduce this bill." “Our legislation would disrupt what would likely become a cycle of poverty,” said Guzman, D-Berks. “The youth who need their birth certificate but don’t have access to a copy of it are often youth who are estranged from their family or lacking in a support system. Poverty is cyclical and those in poverty often face huge challenges to work their way out of poverty. Being able to access services and programs is crucial and having a birth certificate is essential to accessing many support programs.” “Sadly, some Read more
The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal will reopen on Saturday, April 24. Updated documents and guidance will be available today (Friday, April 23rd) by clicking here . This is a grant program established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, and is administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue , with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees. Eligible entities include: Live venue operators or promoters. Theatrical producers. Live performing arts organization operators. Museum operators. Motion picture theater operators (including owners). Talent representatives. Other requirements of note: Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020. Venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount. Read more
In a hearing of the Pa. House Health Committee, state Rep. Rick Krajewski questioned Dr. Sarah Gutman about how limiting access to abortions does little to lower the number of abortions. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Rick Krajewski expresses his concerns with proposed Republican legislation that could adversely affect the PA Dept of Environmental Protection’s ability to do its job. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, April 20 -- A coalition of local progressive elected officials issued the following statement on the unanimous guilty verdicts in the Derek Chauvin case, and called for systemic change through a new vision of public safety that ends the continual increasing of police budgets, instead investing in communities and public services that prevent violence in all forms. State Sen. Nikil Saval, City Councilmembers Helen Gym, Kendra Brooks and Jamie Gauthier, and State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rick Krajewski and Chris Rabb issued the following statement: “The violence that was done to George Floyd was simultaneously singular and universal. It was violence enacted on his body, and it was violence done to a family, to a community, to a nation, and to an entire world. The jury’s verdicts signify that the murder committed has been recognized as such by the State: a murder. “This is a reflection of ‘justice’ in accordance with our current systems. But these verdicts alone do not bring healing to a grieving family and to Black and Brown communities across our country. They do not right the fundamental injustice that George Floyd should be alive today. And they do not change the reality that throughout our city and country today, people feel unsafe in their own communities. People feel unsafe because housing is insecure, their families struggle paycheck to paycheck, and if violence happens, few structural supports Read more
HARRISBURG, April 8 — State Reps. Rick Krajewski and Mary Jo Daley have introduced legislation that would protect the privacy of insured dependents by allowing them to opt-in to privately receive confidential health information. “Imagine forgoing pursuit of potentially life-saving health care simply because you're worried that information you want kept private might get shared," said Daley, D-Montgomery. "That's a sad reality in Pennsylvania right now, and it's why Representative Krajewski and I are hopeful this bill to protect the medical information of insured dependents across the commonwealth receives the attention it deserves." Krajewski, D-Phila., said the need to protect insured dependents’ privacy was brought to his attention from a constituent who is a medical student and has seen firsthand the consequences of leaving dependents vulnerable. “This constituent had patients who chose to not seek sensitive care, like sexually transmitted infection or HIV testing and mental health treatment, for fear their insured parent or guardian would find out,” Krajewski said. “Health care is a human right, and any barrier to health care needs to be addressed and resolved so that no one is left unable to get the care they need. “I think this also has implications for people who are LGBTQ+, specifically trans people who may seek hormone replacement therapy that’s covered by insurance,” Read more
Pa. state Rep. Rick Krajewski put his support behind a bill that would establish safety protocols in order to allow essential caregivers to visit loved ones in long-term care facilities. He stressed the need to prioritize the workers in these facilities by providing sufficient wages, PPE, and staffing levels to keep them safe. Read more
PA State Rep Rick Krajewski shares his story. Read more
State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-188th District, said his constituency in West and Southwest Philadelphia has an estimated one in four children with asthma. Along with the lead and asbestos contamination that is endemic to the public-school buildings his district, the uncontrolled growth of mold has had an impact on the children who attend these schools.“Chronic asthma can be debilitating — even fatal. And it’s shameful that our children are facing lifelong health conditions because of a lack of funding for our school buildings. Capital projects on university campuses have clearly not been hampered by the pandemic,” Krajewski said. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 2 -- State Reps. Liz Fiedler and Rick Krajewski hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing Monday to highlight how an education budget focused on the people could best impact Pennsylvania students, especially the neediest populations. The committee heard testimony from a panel of pre-k advocates, including Shalonda Spencer, director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, Trying Together; Damaris Alvarado-Rodriguez, CEO of Children's Playhouse Early Learning Center; and De’Wayne Drummond, president, Mantua Civic Association Parent Engagement Specialist, Head Start at Philadelphia School District. The panel shared concerns regarding workforce retention, low pay and the need for additional funding so they can increase pay for workers. The panel also described the devastating mental and emotional toll COVID-19 has taken on them, and on childcare center workers and families. They called for renewed investment in the care and education of Pennsylvania’s youngest residents. “I am deeply invested in the equitable education of Pennsylvania’s children from birth on up. As a mother, it’s personal for me and as a legislator, it’s my mission to ensure our children have access to high-quality care and education,” Fiedler explained. “We must draw a line and refuse to let some children be viewed as less valuable than others by the General Assembly. That starts by valuing the labor of the Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 -- State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Rick Krajewski, both D-Phila., will host Monday’s House Democratic Policy Committee meeting on the state’s early childhood and k-12 education budget. The hearing will be held at 3 p.m. March 1. The public and media may tune in at www.pahouse.com/policy or the committee’s Facebook page --@PADemPolicy. Media inquiries may be submitted to policy@pahouse.net . Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro will join Fiedler, Krajewski and House Democratic colleagues for a look at how the education budget should take a fair and equitable approach that provides quality educational opportunities regardless of zip code. This hearing is part of the People’s Budget project which includes public hearings on environmental policy, education and infrastructure. The committee hopes to generate legislative policy that upholds Pennsylvania’s constitutional obligation to provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the commonwealth. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 22 – Holding fast to his belief that housing is a human right, state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., has introduced legislation to help struggling families stay in their homes. “Shelter is a necessity,” Krajewski said. “A person’s ability to keep a roof over their head, over their children’s heads, is tied directly to their ability to stay safe, to stay healthy. People who are struggling to make ends meet should not have to forfeit their home and with it their health and safety. And that’s why I’m introducing this legislation, so that homeowners have another option to stay in their homes, even in financially trying times.” The legislation, which Krajewski introduced with state Reps. Jared Solomon and Morgan Cephas, both D-Phila., would allow a mortgage modification to be finalized in advance of the payment of municipal liens assessed on a property. Current state law requires lien satisfaction before a mortgage modification can be finalized. Krajewski said the legislation would make it easier for financially struggling homeowners to modify their mortgage to help them get back on their feet. “In addition to it being the right thing to do,” Krajewski noted, “helping struggling families to stay in their homes helps the community as a whole. It keeps people who have a vested interest in their community’s well-being in the community.” Krajewski said the Pennsylvania Read more
STATE GRANT PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Hemp Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit agricultural product promotion and marketing organizations. Use : Projects aimed at increasing sales, export or consumer awareness of Pennsylvania hemp products. Eligible projects may include regional or national promotion. Funds : Reimbursement grants up to 50% of project costs. The minimum matching grant is $1,000. A total of $253,000 will be available statewide. Application Deadline : March 5 More Information : See the February 13, 2021, PA Bulletin at Pennsylvania Bulletin (pacodeandbulletin.gov) . Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Fund ing ) Who May Apply : State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders. Use : Projects that will increase visibility and competitiveness of the state’s horticultural specialty crops including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants and nursery crops. Funds : Requests may be made for a minimum of $20,000, provided the amount reasonably represents the cost of the Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, a role he hopes will allow him to promote equity and fairness in Pennsylvania’s justice system. “Shaping our justice system into one that is truly just – where antiquated, unfair and often inhumane practices are put into the rearview – is one of my core missions as a member of my community, as someone who has worked as a community organizer and now, in my role as a state representative,” Krajewski said. “I am honored to be chosen for this appointment, and I am focused and determined to use this opportunity to make progress in transforming the justice system from one that is carceral to one that promotes compassion and healing.” Krajewski , elected in 2020 to represent the 188 th Legislative District in Philadelphia, was recommended for the appointment to the commission by House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, who held the post before she became House Democratic leader. "The fact that Representative Krajewski shares my commitment and passion to enact substantial criminal justice reform makes him a natural fit to take my seat on the PA Commission on Sentencing," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "There's no doubt in my mind that he will continue moving our fight forward to establish a just and equitable justice system that works for everyone." Created in 1978 by the Read more
You're invited to join in my upcoming virtual town hall -- my first event as your state representative. You can RSVP to the event here , and that will get you the info you need to join in between 6 and 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4. I hope to see you there! Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 21 – State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Rick Krajewski, co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus’ Subcommittee on Voting and Democracy, today condemned Republican state Rep. Russ Diamond’s dangerous proposal that would amend the state constitution to divide the state’s highest courts into over 30 districts across the state. Kenyatta and Krajewski, both D-Phila., also slammed claims made by Diamond, R-Lebanon, to bolster his proposal that these changes would allow for more Black judges in the appellate court system. “So much blood has been spilled on American streets in the fight to safeguard our democracy. It’s a fight that continues today, but state Representative Russ Diamond’s proposal spits in the faces of these slain foot soldiers for justice, making their pursuits count for naught, and stands to undo their legacy by usurping power from the people and placing it in the palm of the one-party-controlled General Assembly to gerrymander judicial districts,” Kenyatta said. “Additionally, Representative Diamond padding support for his dangerous bill with feigned concern for diversifying our courts system is an absolute disgrace. “This bill doesn’t allow for more Black justices—that’s just a ruse. It would instead minimize Black voting power in Pennsylvania’s largest and predominately Black cities to elect only three justices statewide. This bill further Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 12 – State Rep. and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chairwoman Donna Bullock, D-Phila., this week appointed state Reps. Malcom Kenyatta and Rick Krajewski, both D-Phila., as co-chairmen of the PLBC subcommittee on voting and democracy. The committee will focus on voting rights, gerrymandering, and judicial gerrymandering. “During this very turbulent time in our country and even in our own state,” Bullock said, “we need to focus on fair, free and transparent elections. We just finished what was called one of the fairest and most efficient elections in our history yet there is rhetoric floating around our state legislature to discredit that. Let’s be clear, these recent events are modern day voter suppression efforts, and a violent attack on the votes of Black and other people of color. The establishment of this subcommittee to focus on voting and democracy is an important one and I believe that Representatives Kenyatta and Krajewski have the fortitude to keep these issues at the forefront and lead this important discussion as we move into the new legislative session.” Kenyatta also serves on of the State Government Committee and introduced legislation that would modernize the voting process by allowing more time to vote in person and with mail ballots. He was also one of the 538 Pennsylvania electors and delivered the motion to declare President-elect Joe Biden’s Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., was recently appointed to three standing Pennsylvania House committees, the Sentencing Commission and the Climate Caucus. Read more
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