HARRISBURG, Jan. 25 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus this week commended the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services on its first Equity Report, according to PLBC chairwoman, state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. “The report hits many points that we on the PLBC fight for every day,” Bullock said. “As Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller pointed out, this cannot be a momentary, singular conversation because we watched George Floyd be murdered before our eyes without cause. This needs to be addressed every day, for every person of color, in both the workplace and our living communities.” “Every year I ask questions about racial equity at our appropriations hearings,” Bullock said. “I want to know, encourage and even urge our departments to provide diversity training, include employees of color in all aspects of managerial levels and decision-making, and ensure a healthy work environment for all at the highest levels of government. Our government agencies should, at the very least, ensure that they are representative of the people of our commonwealth for whom they serve.” The report provides information on efforts that DHS is undertaking on diversity, equity and inclusion so they may be a partner in correcting systemic racism within their own offices. While the report covers many areas within the department and where it will provide this training, it is a starting point for efforts moving forward. Read more
Members of the Pa. Legislative Black Caucus, including Chairwoman Rep. Donna Bullock and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Budget Equity Rep. Napoleon Nelson sent a letter to Governor Wolf outlining what they hope to see in his 2021-22 budget proposal for the Black and underprivileged communities in the commonwealth. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 –State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, chairman of the caucus’ subcommittee on budget equity, and members of the PLBC sent a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf today to address budget inequities in Pennsylvania and urged him to take corrective measures in his upcoming budget address for the 2021-22 legislative session. “The Pennsylvania state budget is a valuable measure of our commonwealth’s priorities and can be our best tool for racial and structural equity. Unfortunately, the budget sometimes adversely, even if unintentionally,” impacts Pennsylvania’s Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities, according to the letter. “We want the governor to know we support initiatives he may take to address racial inequities in budget funding and priorities,” Bullock said. “But we also want him to understand that we expect a bold vision for the 2021-22 legislative session in order to correct those inequities and bring necessary changes to processes that continue to short-change our communities of color at a very disproportionate rate.” The letter goes on to say those inequities were even more evident during the pandemic and subsequent economic downturn that was a result of the pandemic. “If we’ve learned nothing in the last year of living in a global pandemic,” Bullock said, Read more
Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection has closed the public comment period regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s move to link the commonwealth to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. RGGI is a bipartisan, multi-state, market-based cap and trade program that aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and other air pollutants from power plants. Recently, I testified in support of RGGI during a series of virtual public hearings. More than 95% of those testifying supported Pennsylvania joining this program. It is clear that the people of the commonwealth are more than ready for action to reduce carbon emissions. By participating in RGGI, Pennsylvania can incentivize power companies to do better, to reduce their pollution, and to hopefully invest in cleaner and zero-carbon energy over time. RGGI has proven state after state to be successful in reducing power sector-driven air pollution and reducing asthma attacks and respiratory-related hospital visits. However, for generations, communities of color have been disproportionately affected by the siting of polluting sources like the now-shuttered oil refinery in southwest Philadelphia and the SEPTA natural gas power plant in Nicetown. Communities living near polluting industries - most often communities of color - endure more air pollution, higher asthma rates, and more environmental health harms than white communities. These communities are also often last to benefit from climate change efforts such as 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. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., applauded the Pennsylvania State Police on its new wide-ranging data collection program designed to capture demographic and other information related to traffic stops, but would like to see this initiative expanded to municipal departments across the commonwealth. “Last year, state Representative Rosemary Brown and I raised this issue on the handheld cell phone legislation,” Bullock said. “I’m very pleased to see PSP working on something like this and I hope to see this kind of initiative going further and being applied to all police departments across the commonwealth.” Researchers at the University of Cincinnati will analyze the data to identify potential patterns of racial/ethnic disparities in policing. Based on findings, recommendations may be made to change PSP policy or training in certain areas. Troopers statewide began documenting additional information during traffic stops on Jan. 1. They are collecting data on more than 30 fields, including driver and passenger age, gender, race and ethnicity, while also recording the duration of the stop, whether a vehicle search was conducted, and the results of that search. “This is a very good first step to ultimately stopping the inequities in traffic stops and hopefully will deter aggressive or even deadly mishaps in the future once the data is analyzed,” Bullock said. “If the data shows bias, we will need Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 12 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., this week was officially assigned to the following standing House committees: Appropriations, Consumer Affairs, Professional Licensure and Urban Affairs. These committee assignments are for the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “Being appointed to committees is always a signal for me that things are really in motion and we’re ready to get back into our work in Harrisburg,” Bullock said. “The work we do in our committees is vital to the entire legislative process and it’s where we weigh all the information on bills. Appropriations is vital to the budget process, but all of the committees have their merit and their importance. I’m looking forward to working with all of my colleagues this session.” In addition to her committee assignments, Bullock was recently elected as chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. Founded in 1973, the caucus was formed to serve as an information and advocacy vehicle to advance the interests of African-American, Latino, and other people of color in the commonwealth. Bullock said her office can help with a variety of state-related services. It is located at 2835 W. Girard Ave. but is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Residents can contact her office by phone at 215-684-3738 . More information is available by visiting Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus this week installed officers to serve in the 2021-22 legislative session, announced Chairwoman Donna Bullock, D-Phila. “We came together to install our officers and acknowledge the importance of our voices in Harrisburg and across the commonwealth in what has turned into a very concerning time for Pennsylvania and this country,” Bullock said. “The events of Wednesday in Washington and Tuesday in our own Senate chamber in Pennsylvania further highlighted the need for our leadership at a time like this in our history.” The following members were installed as officers: Chairwoman Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. Vice Chairwoman Rep. Summer Lee, D-Allegheny Secretary Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York Treasurer Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Carolyn Nichols administered the oath to each officer. In addition to officers, the following members were appointed by Bullock to lead subcommittees: Subcommittee on Health Equity and Justice – Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila. Subcommittee on Education – Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware Subcommittee on Budget Equity – Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery Subcommittee on Women and Girls of Color – Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila. Subcommittee on Gun Violence and Public Safety – Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila. Founded in 1973 by then-Majority Leader K. Leroy Irvis, Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., today was sworn in for her fourth term in office, representing the 195 th legislative district. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “As I begin my fourth term in office, I am reminded that while we have come a long way, there is much more work to do,” Bullock said. “I remain committed to the needs of the residents in the 195 th district but also to the greater concerns of Pennsylvanians as a whole, particularly those residents of color. I will continue to fight for what is right and fair for all of our neighborhoods and the good people who live there.” She was recently elected as chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. Founded in 1973 by then-Majority Leader K. Leroy Irvis, the caucus was formed to serve as an information and advocacy vehicle to advance the interests of African American, Latino, and other people of color in the commonwealth. Irvis, who eventually went on to be the first Black Speaker of the House, saw the need for the caucus because he felt that legislators representing minority districts needed to speak with a united voice regarding the issues and concerns of their constituents. Many of the original members of the first caucus were afraid to meet in an open forum. They met in secret for the first few meetings and Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 30 – State Rep. and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chairwoman Donna Bullock, D-Phila., and members of the Black Caucus sent a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf praising him for reallocating funds in hopes of its use for small business pandemic relief grants but also asking for continued vigilance for a fair and equitable allocation. Last week Wolf initiated a transfer of $145 million in funds from the Workers’ Compensation Security Fund to the General Fund so that they may be reallocated for pandemic-related small business grants. The General Assembly would have to vote on the reallocation when lawmakers return in January. “My colleagues and I applaud this move by the governor,” Bullock said. “As we head into the new year, this funding could provide small businesses across the commonwealth with funds they need to fight this virus and support their communities. Small businesses are the lifeblood of neighborhoods and nowhere is that more evident than in communities of color. Those businesses were behind the eight ball before the pandemic even occurred so this relief will be very needed for those business owners. We need to do everything we can to ensure their success as we all navigate COVID.” The letter states the PLBC believes state resources must be directed in an equitable, impactful, and accessible manner, especially targeting areas of significant need, and is creating the subcommittee on budget equity to Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 23 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., today announced that $6.6 million in state funding will go to organizations in the 195 th Legislative District to help with projects. “I was happy to help secure this funding for these organizations and their very worthwhile projects” Bullock said. “I want to thank the governor for recognizing how vital these projects are for these groups and how important the work these groups do is for the district and our residents.” The following projects received funding: $1.25 million for Brandywine, 3025 JFK Blvd. $350,000 for U.S. Racquets Association. $500,000 for Girard College. $1 million for Philadelphia Zoo. $1.75 million for Village Square on Haverford. $1.25 million for WURD Radio. $500,000 for Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. “I am also proud to have worked with our neighboring district to support two projects that also serve the residents in our district,” she added. “Those projects are the Philadelphia Housing Authority's Sharswood-Blumberg project and the Smith Memorial Playground. Two important projects that I am happy to see supported by the governor.” The grant money is part of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a commonwealth grant program that is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 7 - Two historical institutions in the 195 th legislative district have been awarded cultural and historical support grants totaling more than $45,000, according to state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. Eastern State Penitentiary Historical Site was awarded $40,000 and Girard College Foundation was awarded $5,178. The money is part of nearly $2 million in grants being awarded across Pennsylvania by the state’s historical and museum commission, going to 155 eligible museums and official county historical societies from 58 Pennsylvania counties. “Eastern State Penitentiary has played a significant role in prison reform,” Bullock said. “Considered the world's first true penitentiary, Eastern State Penitentiary closed in the 1960s and now serves as a museum and crucial player in today’s conversation about mass incarceration, prison overcrowding and prison reform. “Keeping the history of this institution alive is very important not only to entertain and educate people but also to inform policy,” she added. In addition to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission grant, they also received a $50,000 Marketing to Attract Tourists state grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development. Girard College is an independent college preparatory boarding school. Originally founded as a school for orphaned white males, the school admitted its first African American male Read more
Legislators ask for release of families, children in face of COVID pandemic, unsanitary conditions Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – A resolution introduced by state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., was adopted this week by the PA House and urges awareness about students experiencing homelessness. House Resolution 1086 declares the week of Nov. 16, 2020, as Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week and designates Nov. 20, 2020, as Red Shirt Day. The measure raises awareness of student homelessness and encourages students and their friends to seek help and support. Bullock said in the 2018-19 school year, more than 39,000 school children experienced homelessness in Pennsylvania, an increase of 8% over the last school year and nearly 30% higher than the year before. “Statistics like those are alarming and show the need for help and support,” Bullock said. “It is critical especially at a time like this when we are facing so many obstacles with Covid. If the numbers looked like that last year, there is no doubt they are even more dire now.” Bullock explained that there is a federal law, the McKinney-Vento Act, that requires school districts to accommodate students who are experiencing homelessness to keep at least one aspect of their lives stable. “This may mean providing accommodations for transportation from wherever the student is staying to providing additional services to ensure the student is able to keep up with their classmates,” she said. State Sen. Larry Farnese, D-Phila., introduced S.R. 408 in the Senate, Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Rep. Stephen Kinsey congratulated his successor state Rep. Donna Bullock for being elected to head the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus for the 2021-22 legislative session. Bullock, who currently serves as vice chair of the PLBC and will be the third woman to chair the caucus in its 47-year history, was elected by returning and new members of the 27-member bicameral caucus during caucus-wide leadership elections on Tuesday. PLBC members also elected Rep. Summer Lee, D-Allegheny, as vice chair, while Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, will retain her role as secretary, and Rep.-Elect Manny Guzman, D-Berks, will serve as treasurer. “Representative Bullock has been an outstanding vice chair of the PLBC, and I’m thrilled to see manifestations of her dedication in ensuring communities of color are uplifted and recognized in the legislative fabric of our commonwealth,” said Kinsey, D-Phila. “I also want to congratulate other members for being elected to serve in their respective leadership roles. Each of these members has been championing equality and justice as activists and now as lawmakers. It’s solid track records like these that continue to propel the mission of this esteemed caucus forward.” In the current legislative session, Kinsey and the PLBC unveiled a platform that focused on investing in schools and educational opportunity, reforming a criminal Read more
With Philadelphia's homicide rate already surpassing the numbers from 2019, state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Donna Bullock are fighting to provide critical support for gun violence prevention. "Too many lives are being cut short because of this public health crisis, especially our young people," said Cephas, D-Phila. "We have a responsibility as legislators to connect our communities with the tools and resources they need to help stop the bloodshed. Part of that is expanding upon prevention ideas that have worked in strengthening neighborhood safety." Cephas said their bill ( H.B. 2717 ) would create a competitive grant program, known as the Violence Intervention Program, for municipalities that have been disproportionally impacted by gun violence. VIP grants would be awarded to eligible applicants from a fund of $30 million for three years and be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to support, expand and replicate proven and effective community-based violence reduction initiatives. "Balloons and candles should signify a joyous occasion, but in my neighborhood, they are symbols of remembrance for the lives lost to gun violence," said Bullock, D-Phila. "As a mother of two young boys, I won't sit back and accept these constant shootings as the Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 7 – State House lawmakers representing the House Philadelphia Delegation and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today pledged their full weight behind major legal action being taken against the commonwealth for preventing local governments from enacting their own gun-safety laws. The lawsuit filed by the city and private law firms on behalf of Pennsylvanians who have been impacted by gun violence was announced at a news conference in Philadelphia today. Philadelphia Delegation Chairman Jason Dawkins and PLBC Chairman Stephen Kinsey said it was long past time for the many people who have been impacted by gun violence to receive true acknowledgement and justice for their pain. They said the delegations they lead have worked for years to enact sensible gun-safety measures in the state but have been hampered by a Republican majority legislature determined to give no one in the state the ability to reduce gun violence and save lives. “Philadelphia and municipalities across the state took action tragedy after tragedy on behalf of the residents they serve when the state would not, only to be met with callous laws specifically designed to prevent them from doing so,” Dawkins said. “I am equally tired of the hallow promises to help reduce gun violence being made by the Republican majority following each tragedy. They hold the power to move the commonsense gun safety legislation we put forward. Yet, they continue to deny Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 6 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., will be holding Pedal for Peace bike riding event in her district from 10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 10. Bullock said she hopes the event will promote public safety and community relations in the 195 th district and communities across Pennsylvania. The event is scheduled to start at 33rd Street and Diamond. Water will be provided. Bikes will not be provided; however, a local vendor attending the event will provide shared bikes at a discount on a first-come basis. “Wear a mask. Wear a helmet. Join us as we pedal for peace in our communities,” Bullock said. For more details or any questions about the event, contact Bullock’s district office by email at RepBullock@pahouse.net or by phone at 215-684-3738. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – Days before the annual kick-off of “Love Your Avenue Week,” state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., today announced that her resolution designating the week of Oct. 4-10, 2020, as “Love Your Avenue Week” in Pennsylvania —an effort to raise awareness about community revitalization — was unanimously adopted by the House. Throughout the year, Bullock said, communities across Pennsylvania host various initiatives, such as corridor clean ups, festivals, parades, and sidewalk sales to mark the occasion. “‘Love Your Avenue Week’ enforces a sense of pride among residents in their communities. It’s especially notable in the 195 th Legislative District, where we have a huge celebration along Girard Avenue,” Bullock said. “However, the pandemic has put a damper on many of these plans, ultimately coming as a blow to the strength of countless business corridors. The adoption of my resolution not only serves as an ongoing reminder as to how critical these central local businesses are, but also raises awareness to how dire community support is during these times.” Bullock pointed to the Pennsylvania Downtown Center as among the proponents for revitalization. PDC is the only statewide nonprofit dedicated solely to the revitalization of the commonwealth’s core communities. By providing outreach, technical assistance and educational services, the PDC assists communities in Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., announced her legislation to update the state’s Vehicle Code regarding “pedalcycles with electric assist” (e-bike) has been advanced from the Transportation Committee. Bullock said the legislation, House Bill 2646, would have the state code reflect industry standards being adopted across the country and clarify where e-bikes may be operated. Currently, the code has a very specific definition of e-bike that does not allow for the various classes of e-bikes currently being manufactured. “This bipartisan effort will ensure Pennsylvania’s regulation reflects technological advancement. It will help establish safe rules for owners to operate e-bikes on our roads and offer clarity in how this mean of transport is categorized in our Vehicle Code,” Bullock said. “Let’s move our state forward and keep up with industry and states across the country.” According to Bullock, who introduced the bill with Rep. Parke Wentling, R- Crawford/ Erie/Lawrence/Mercer, the legislation would define in statute the following classes: Class 1: the electric motor only provides assistance when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance once the e-bike reaches 20mph. Class 2: the electric motor can propel the e-bike regardless if the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance once the e-bike reaches Read more
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