HARRISBURG, March 9 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., has been appointed as the new chairman of the Pennsylvania House Human Services Committee. The committee reviews bills pertaining to social service issues in Pennsylvania and oversees the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Office of Developmental Programs, and the Office of Long Term Living under the Department of Human Services, as well as the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and the Office of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and the Bureau of Community Program Licensure and Certification under the Department of Health. Kinsey said he brings “real life’ experience as chairman of the committee, having started his career as a direct support professional fresh out of college. Kinsey has worked for agencies such as Woodhaven Center, SPIN, JEVS, KenCrest and Horizon House, providing supports and services in a variety of positions working with people with intellectual disabilities and mental illness. “Across the commonwealth, many Pennsylvanians are struggling with issues that this committee can play a role in addressing and solving,” Kinsey said. “I’m proud to have been appointed as majority chairman of the Human Services Committee, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to deliver necessary help and services for the people of Pennsylvania.” Read more
Pa. state Rep. Stephen Kinsey explains the importance of attracting AND RETAINING quality teachers to educate the future leaders of our Commonwealth and country. He says legislation like the Beginner Educator Support Training Program (BEST) makes an investment in new teachers and will slow the teacher turnover rate that is currently plaguing our schools. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., today hosted documented original Tuskegee Airmen for a Black History Month conversation at Cliveden of the National Trust in Philadelphia. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first group of African American military aviators, who fought during World War II. Despite facing rigid racial barriers and constant segregation, these airmen were among the most accomplished and effective pilots of the entire war. Upwards of 900 pilots who graduated from Tuskegee Airfield flew 1,578 missions and 15,533 sorties, destroying 261 enemy aircraft and earning themselves more than 850 medals, collectively. In World War I, African Americans were prohibited from serving as military pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces. On March 22, 1941, U.S. Army Air Corps 99 Pursuit Squadron was activated to become the first African American fighter squadron. The members of the 99 Pursuit Squadron were the first to be known as Tuskegee Airmen because they received their initial flight training at a segregated air base in Tuskegee, Ala. This event centered around a conversation about the Tuskegee Airmen’s experiences of serving their country, while facing racism, segregation and inequality. “The Tuskegee Airmen embody bravery and heroism. They chose to serve their country at a time, when they were not seen as equal simply due to the color of their skin,” Kinsey said. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 8 – On Tuesday, a PA Commonwealth Court judge ruled that the current PA school funding system is unconstitutional. The ruling was the result of a 2014 case by William Penn School District against the PA Department of Education, which was filed on behalf of parents, school districts and statewide organizations arguing that the commonwealth’s funding of K-12 public education is inadequate and violates the Pennsylvania Constitution. The petitioners argued school districts in areas with low incomes and property values have been underfunded compared to school districts in areas with high incomes and property values. State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., is one of many PA House Democrats that has fought for PA public schools to be fairly and equitably funded. “Education is the building block to our children’s futures, and for far too long, PA school districts in low-income areas have been woefully underfunded,” Kinsey said. “Most of these school districts are in cities like Philadelphia that have high rates of poverty. The inequitable education funding their school districts have received over the years is a factor in continuing the cycle of poverty in these communities as it limits upward mobility for those living there. Every child deserves a quality education, and this court ruling is a massive step toward making that a reality for all Pennsylvania children.” Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Regional Recovery Hubs Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organization or governmental entity. Use : To support a Recovery-Oriented-System of Care (ROSC) by establishing a Recovery Hub and Spoke model. Funds : Nine grants up to $500,000 each will be awarded.. Application Deadline : February 24, 2023 More Information : https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2023-01%20Regional%20Recovery%20Hubs_2023.01.11_FINAL.pdf . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Category 1 Funds (Funding Source: SAEDR Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations may partner with governmental entities, including school districts, provided the nonprofit organization is the applicant. Use : To provide research-based or evidence-based approaches to prevention, intervention, treatment, training, and education services to reduce substance use or to provide resources to assist families in accessing the services needed to reduce substance use behavior, as well as strategies aimed at combating opioid/heroin overdoses. Funds : Grants up to $150,000 over a two-year project period. Application Deadline : February 24, 2023 More Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 19 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., announced that a $135,000 grant has been awarded to Northwest Victim Services from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for violence intervention and prevention. The funding NVS has been awarded will be used to provide holistic outreach, support, resources and counseling to survivors of gun violence and to engage them in targeted and culturally specific ways. “Gun violence has been a major problem in the city of Philadelphia over the past few years, especially here in the northwest,” Kinsey said. “Far too many lives have been senselessly taken, and it’s really ravaged our community. This funding is extremely important, and I believe that Northwest Victim Services will use every dollar they’ve been awarded in an effort to keep our community safe.” Kinsey noted that he has done work with NVS during the past 15 years to keep communities in northwest Philadelphia safe. Kinsey also noted that the Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia was awarded $1.9 million. The Boys and Girls Club is not located in Kinsey’s legislative district, but it is in very close in proximity, and he said it serves northwest Philadelphia in its entirety and benefits many of his constituents. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 20 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., joined multiple northwest Philadelphia elected officials, police, local nonprofit organizations and constituents on Sunday afternoon to host a ‘Winter Wonderland’ Holiday Fair at the Castle Event Center in Germantown that was attended by more than 800 people. Kinsey joined legislative colleagues, state Rep.-elect Anthony Bellmon, Councilmember-elect Anthony Phillips and former state Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, all D-Phila. State Sens. Sharif Street and Art Haywood, both D-Phila., also supported this community event. The legislators were joined by Police Captains Frazer and Massey of the 14 th and 35 th Police District respectively, as well as multiple local nonprofit organizations that served as hosts, including Monday Morning Mom, 7 G’s, Action for Justice Collective, Men Who Care of Germantown and We R Smart 2, Anchors of Hope CDC, and the 59 th Ward. “As we’re in the midst of the madness of the holiday season, it was truly special to see more than 800 of people come to this community event,” Kinsey said. “Many of us recognize that there are families struggling to put food on their tables and do not have the means to provide a holiday present to their children. We also wanted to make sure that folks were aware of all of the state-related services that my office provides. We are here to help as well as provide a fun and enjoyable event Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: 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 Read more
Rep. Kinsey's 2022 yearly recap. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 21 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., announced today that $3 million in state grants will be coming to his legislative district in northwest Philadelphia for two local projects. One grant is worth $2.5 million and was awarded to Logan West Associates for the Logan Triangle Sitework project to transform the Logan Triangle. Specifically, the project will address sitework and related activities to prepare the site for further development. “Logan Triangle has been a neglected area of my district for a long time, and this money to transform it should bring great opportunities for the people of northwest Philadelphia,” Kinsey said. The other grant is worth $500,000 and was awarded to Mastery Charter School-Pickett Campus for renovations to the campus sports field. The goal after completion of the project is to open the field to the Germantown community. “It is great to see the sports field at Mastery Charter get renovations. This field is great for Mastery’s students, but also will be beneficial to the entire Germantown community and give people a place to be outside and active,” Kinsey said. The funding comes from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects Read more
In tribute to the descendants of 100 African American Patriots of the Civil War, Pa. state Rep. Stephen Kinsey spoke on the accomplishments of past Black leaders. Kinsey also pointed to the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Black Greek letter organizations for their continued engagement, education and activism to provide a better future for ALL Americans. 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
HARRISBURG, Nov. 3 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., has introduced legislation that could abolish slavery as a punishment for a crime. While the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery in part, it left behind a loophole that still allows for slavery as a punishment for a crime. Kinsey says this loophole has been exploited since its inception, facilitating the over-incarceration of Black people, and forcing incarcerated people to work for little or no pay. “We all know that the loophole in the Thirteenth Amendment causes mass incarceration, which disproportionately puts more Black Americans in prison, even for very minor offenses. In prison they are forced to do free labor, which continues America’s legacy of slavery and oppression towards Black Americans,” Kinsey said. “Slavery and involuntary servitude have no place in Pennsylvania, and it is time for our constitution to reflect that. I believe this legislation is one way to address the legacy of slavery and help us move in a direction towards equality and justice.” Kinsey’s bill ( HB2904 ) is a proposed constitutional amendment that would give Pennsylvanians the opportunity to prohibit slavery in all forms via the ballot. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – State Reps. Stephen Kinsey and Morgan Cephas, both D-Phila., have introduced legislation to authorize the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to administer county and regionally operated Crisis Call Centers and Behavioral Health Response Units to respond to calls regarding crises that arise due to mental health disorders, substance use disorders and homelessness. The legislators said over the years, police have become the default first responders for individuals who are suffering from mental health crises, experiencing homelessness or living with substance use disorders. This has often led to incidents that result in officers – who are not crisis specialists – killing or injuring a person who just needed help in a time of crisis. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, in 2021 alone there were 104 people killed by police responding to reports of a person “behaving erratically or having a mental health crisis.” “This legislation will allow for individuals with behavioral crisis training to address these issues with police assistance,” Kinsey said. “When someone is having a behavioral crisis of any kind, the response must be warranted by the action of the individual. This legislation would allow for the appropriate subjects to respond to behavioral crises and individuals having a crisis to get the help they need.” “This legislation would tackle this issue at its root. We Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., has announced that $3.75 million in state funding for multiple projects is coming to the 201 st Legislative District in northwest Philadelphia. “Each of these projects will provide something of value to our community,” Kinsey said. “I am glad to see these funds coming to the northwest, and I believe the most will be made out of them.” The awardees of the grants include: 5616 North Broad Street Associates LLC received $1.25 million to provide stabilization to the remaining building structure at 5616-20 N. Broad St. Nicetown Community Development Corp. received $750,000 to rebuild the Barrett Playground. Chestnut Hill Hospital received $1 million for modernization to its facility. Albert Einstein Healthcare Network received $750,000 to enhance its security and patient rooms. The funds are from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenue or other measures of economic activity. Read more
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
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 12 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., hosted new School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. for a visit to Martin Luther King High School, which is in Kinsey’s legislative district, on Tuesday. The visit started off with a tour of the school and concluded with a briefing that included Watlington, Kinsey, state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., students, school administrators, alumni and community organizations. At this briefing, Watlington answered questions from students about how he plans to help improve schools across Philadelphia like Martin Luther King High School. The group was escorted by Martin Luther King High School’s Junior ROTC members. “Education is the building block to a child’s future, and it is important for educational leaders to interact with our children and school faculties to see their needs so they can better be able to address them,” Kinsey said. “I appreciate Superintendent Watlington visiting Martin Luther King High School today, and I will continue to work with him, school administrators, parents and students to ensure our children receive the best education possible.” Martin Luther King High School Principal Keisha Wilkins offered the following statement on yesterday’s visit. “We are grateful and honored to have had both State Representative Kinsey and Superintendent Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., announced today his intention to introduce a package of legislation that would end felony disenfranchisement by allowing incarcerated felons to vote via absentee ballot. “The right to vote is a core pillar of our democracy. Every single day that an incarcerated individual is not able to exercise their right to vote is another day that Pennsylvania acknowledges and permits the continuation of Jim Crow-era laws,” Kinsey said. The first piece of planned legislation would remove the provision that denies an individual who has been incarcerated for a felony conviction within the last five years the ability to register to vote. It would also allow all registered voters confined to correctional facilities to apply for an absentee ballot. The second piece of legislation would update the definition of a qualified absentee elector to include those who cannot go to their polling place on Election Day due to serving their sentence. Pennsylvania is one of several states that fully restores the rights of all incarcerated individuals once released from confinement. The legislation would join Pennsylvania with Maine and Vermont as states that permit convicted felons to vote while incarcerated. Read more
Scoop USA’s article about our community peace walk and news conference from September 29, 2022. Read more
Pa. state Stephen Kinsey joined colleagues to celebrate a $4,000,000 investment in Philadelphia's Broad & Olney District. Read more
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