HARRISBURG, June 6 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 580 ) introduced by state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, Danilo Burgos and Morgan Cephas, all D-Phila., to re-establish the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative was approved by the PA House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. The Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative was a program operated from 2004 to 2010 that provided grants and low-interest loans for the construction, rehabilitation or expansion of grocery stores, farmers markets and other healthy food retail establishments in low- to moderate-income areas in need and other underserved communities. “Health is the most important aspect of our lives. To live a healthy life, it’s crucial that all people have access to healthy, fresh and nutritious food,” Kinsey said. “Restarting the Fresh Food Financing Initiative would help provide more accessible healthy food options to communities that desperately need it.” “This bill would boost local agricultural products while helping families in need to get access to fresh produce,” Burgos said. “This program is a healthy approach to fight food insecurity and obesity. No one in our state should be deprived of having a balanced alimentation, not under our watch.” “Pennsylvania agriculture contributes $132.5 billion to our state economy annually and supports 593,6000 jobs. It is beyond upsetting to Read more
PHILADELPHIA, May 9 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their condolences to the family grieving the loss of a loved one after one man opened fire at another while both men were canvassing for the city’s upcoming primary election. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas described the incident as a senseless loss and said that the shooting is also a sad reminder of the ongoing gun violence crisis impacting the city. “We don’t know yet what led up to this tragedy. Further details on this have not been released, but we do know that a family is mourning one of their own,” Cephas said. “We do know that someone lost their life due to gun violence in our city and it is heartbreaking. As of today, there have been 142 homicides in our city this year. This needs to stop,” Cephas added. Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice chair of the delegation, indicated that the institution urges the community to be part of a collective effort to spread awareness and combat gun violence. “My heart goes out to the victim’s family; I extend my condolences during this difficult time. As a community we must focus on prevention measures and bold regulations. Our delegation is determined to improve public safety and protect our families because our families deserve better, we need peace,” Burgos said. Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, delegation treasurer, shared thoughts of sympathy for the victim’s family. “I Read more
HARRISBURG, APRIL 26 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced that an important set of firearm safety bills was approved by the PA House Judiciary Committee today and is on its way to consideration by the full House. The package of legislation, which cleared its first key committee, is aimed at securing prompt reporting of theft or loss of firearms, keeping guns secure around children, regulating background checks, and repealing provisions relating to the sale or transfer of firearms, among other regulations. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that this is a remarkable day for the delegation as another hurdle in efforts to deflate gun violence has been cleared. “This victory is long overdue. We are finally moving gun violence bills out of the Judiciary Committee. We have relentlessly fought for these bills”, Cephas said. “In a republican majority there was no chance for any kind of gun reform, but the time has come, and we couldn’t be more optimistic about this process. State Rep. Darisha Parker indicated that the bill on Safe Storage (H.B. 731) would help to save lives. Parker proposed consolidating statutes for firearms and other dangerous articles, providing for locking device for firearms. "There is no reason that anyone should lose a loved one because of a mishandled firearm," Parker said. "My legislation would Read more
“As we heard today, esports can provide the spark needed by students to encourage academic and emotional development,” said Rep. Danilo Burgos, who represents portions of Philadelphia and is the chairman of the Policy Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People. “One of the most exciting aspects about esports, for me as a legislator and Latino, is its potential for an equitable solution to our strikingly low number of Black and Hispanic workers in STEM-related careers. Esports attract a diverse group of students, regardless of race or gender, and it has proven itself as a gateway into encouraging young people to pursue STEM education as well as STEM-related careers.” Read more
PHILADELPHIA, April 12 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced that the organization praises the election of JoAnne Epps as acting president of Temple University and that it remains closely monitoring the transformative efforts of the Special Committee of the Board. “We are pleased with the appointment of Epps as acting president. The board of trustees made this election by unanimous vote, and it is certainly a clever decision,” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas. “Epps has a proven track record of excellency, unparalleled leadership and expertise. We are looking forward to our collaboration. “We are celebrating this appointment, and we are taking action in favor of the university. Our goal is to help protect the stability of the institution.” On the same note, state Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein, delegation secretary, highlighted some of the qualities that makes Epps an exceptional choice. "JoAnne Epps has my full support as the new interim president of Temple University," Hohenstein said. "She's spent over half of her life there teaching and making a true difference in young individuals’ lives right here at Temple. We're grateful that she has chosen to put her retirement on hold while the university finds its feet." Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, delegation treasurer, pointed out that he has known JoAnn Read more
HARRISBURG, April 11 – State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Danilo Burgos, both D-Phila., Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, and Jamie Flick, R-Lycoming/Union, are introducing legislation to protect the right of marriage equality against further high court cases that could erode that right and to clean up the statute to be in line with the U.S Supreme Court case of Obergefell v. Hodges . Marriage was only recently extended to same-sex couples across the United States. While numerous states had previously recognized the right of same-sex couples to marry, it was the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges on June 26, 2015, that made it clear that marriage, and all its privileges and responsibilities, should be available to all. Despite the landmark ruling, and same-sex marriage being legal in Pennsylvania, the commonwealth, as well as many other states, retain outdated, unconstitutional and unnecessary sections of law that prohibit marriage equality. This legislation would update Pennsylvania’s current laws by repealing the section of law that only recognizes marriage as being between a man and woman. Kenyatta, who serves as co-chair of the Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, said it’s important for the statue of Pennsylvania’s law regarding marriage to reflect Obergefell v. Hodges. “As the first openly LGBTQ person to get married during their tenure in the General Assembly, I know how special it is, to not Read more
HARRISBURG, April 3 – State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, Donna Bullock and Danilo Burgos, all D-Phila., are introducing legislation to increase state oversight of Temple University to help address violence near the campus. In the last four years, the number of shootings within the Temple campus patrol area nearly tripled, going from 11 in 2018 to 26 in 2022. This year, 2023, there have already been multiple shootings, including one that killed Temple police officer Christopher Fitzgerald. In addition to this, Temple’s enrollment has declined 16.5% since 2017. Recently, Temple University President Jason Wingard resigned from his position, causing an upheaval in the school’s leadership. To combat the issues Temple faces, the lawmakers are introducing legislation to increase the number of state-appointed board members to the Temple University Board of Trustees by giving one more appointment to the governor, the president pro tempore of the Senate, and the speaker of the House of Representatives. The legislators said that more state-appointed board members on the Board of Trustees would ensure that the state has greater oversight over the important decisions before the board and can guarantee that state money is being used effectively. Kenyatta, a Temple alum, said that as a state-related university, Temple enjoys many benefits of state funding each year, and the school should receive more oversight from the state to ensure the safety of Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 30 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced that the organization is aggressively working on key actions that will boost prevention efforts and regulate reckless gun access in the commonwealth as part of a strategic plan to put a halt on the gun violence crisis that is assaulting the city. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, who was not able to attend today’s news conference, explained earlier that the delegation was implementing a strategic plan to put a halt on the gun violence crisis that is assaulting the city. “Ending gun violence is a top priority for us. We're approaching this with a multi-pronged strategy, working closely with our state and city stakeholders. We cannot wait any longer to take action. Gun violence is preventable,” Cephas said. Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice chair of the delegation, explained that the institution has also formed a strong alliance with gun control advocacy groups in order to amplify efforts to combat gun violence. “Gun violence is not a responsibility that pertains to one person or one organization, this is a task for all of us,” Burgos said. “Public safety is everyone's responsibility. We are grateful to count on the powerful input of organizations like CeaseFire PA and Every Murder is Real, but also families of victims and survivors of gun violence who are incessantly raising awareness about this issue,” Burgos said. On Read more
“We cannot continue to disregard the negative impact physician-only laws have had on a wide spectrum of people living throughout Pennsylvania, including people of color as well as people living in rural communities,” said Rep. Danilo Burgos, who is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People. Read more
“Rising prices for rent and construction costs continue to displace people,” said Rep. Danilo Burgos, who is the Policy Subcommittee chairman of Progressive Policies for Working People. “But this hearing helped illustrate that the housing crisis also has a negative impact on equity and environmental issues – forcing workers to commute great distances since acquiring housing near available jobs is not always possible.” Read more
HARRISBURG, March 27 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed its position on the challenges faced by the city following the Delaware River pollution incident occurred Friday when 81,000 gallons of acrylic latex polymer were spilled in the river by a chemical processing plant. “We are relieved to say that Philadelphia’s water remains safe to drink -- that it has not been impacted by the chemical spill caused as a result of equipment failure at a Trinseo PlC plant,” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas. “This opens a door to adjustments and an exhaustive reevaluation of our emergency plan when it comes to critical situations like the one we experienced this past weekend. “The Pennsylvania Constitution guarantees the right to pure water for all Pennsylvanians. While it appears we may have avoided an environmental catastrophe in this situation, our city and state must be prepared for potential disasters in the future,” Cephas said about the spill that happened Friday in Bucks County. Danilo Burgos, vice chair of the delegation, emphasized that as the city moves forward, the Philadelphia House Delegation will diligently collaborate with city officials to improve the emergency response to similar health threats. “We have been closely monitoring the situation and we know that that this incident has raised concerns with our residents. We want to make sure that they know that public Read more
Our Delegation is particularly excited about expanding the Property Tax and Rent Rebate to help 175,000 more seniors and disabled Pennsylvanians afford to stay in their homes. Read more
HARRISBURG, 9 de marzo – Los miembros de la Delegación de Filadelfia en la Cámara expresaron hoy su apoyo al primer plan presupuestario del Gobernador Josh Shapiro, que presentó durante un discurso ante la Asamblea General. La delegación dijo que la propuesta de gasto, que cubrirá el año fiscal 2023-24, muestra un enfoque sólido para los problemas más críticos que enfrenta el estado. "Estamos muy satisfechos de que el gobernador nos haya asegurado que nuestras prioridades principales como una delegación están incluidas en su plan y que las voces de nuestra ciudad están siendo escuchadas", dijo la presidenta de la delegación, la Rep. Estatal Morgan Cephas. "Mejorar los resultados educativos a través de la inversión en la financiación del K-12 y en los edificios escolares, y reducir la violencia armada a través de la Iniciativa de Infraestructura de Vecindarios son algunas de las necesidades más cruciales de Filadelfia. Confiamos en que este presupuesto nos permita trabajar de forma más eficiente para erradicar las desigualdades y deficiencias de nuestra ciudad", continuó Cephas. El Rep. Estatal Danilo Burgos, vicepresidente de la delegación, destacó el hecho de que el presupuesto del gobernador tiene la innovación y el desarrollo como dos de sus palabras clave. "El Read more
HARRISBURG, March 9 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their endorsement of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s first budget proposal, which he provided during an address to the General Assembly. The delegation said the spending proposal, that will cover the fiscal year 2023-24, displays a solid approach to the most critical issues facing the commonwealth. “We are greatly satisfied in being assured by the governor that our core priorities as a delegation are included in his plan and that the voices of our city are being heard,” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas. “Improving educational outcomes by investing in K-12 funding and school buildings and reducing gun violence through the Neighborhood Infrastructure Initiative are among the most crucial needs of Philadelphia. We are confident that this budget will allow us to work on more efficient ways to eradicate the inequities and deficiencies in our city,” Cephas continued. State Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice chair of the delegation, emphasized the fact that the governor’s budget has innovation and development as two of its key words. “Shapiro’s budget pitch is for the benefit of every Pennsylvanian,” he said. “We are excited to see a 50% increase for the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program, which connects colleges and universities, the Industrial Resource Center and Read more
Pa. state Rep. Danilo Burgos stood in solidarity with CASA, a local organization that advocates for and provides critical services to immigrant and working-class families. Currently 18 states including the District of Columbia have regulations and rules in place that allow undocumented citizens to legally drive an automobile. Pennsylvania is not one of them. This would allow community members who might already be integrated into their communities to drive to work, safely drop off and pick up their children from school, and travel to and from medical appointments. Latino legislative priorities are Pennsylvania priorities. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 7 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement to congratulate Speaker Joanna McClinton on her election as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives. “Joanna McClinton has been a champion for our Latino communities across our great commonwealth; as Speaker of the House, she will continue to uplift and expand Latino voices at the table. I’m proud to have a fighter on our side,” said the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus’s Chairman Rep. Danilo Burgos. “We are looking forward to a great collaboration ahead and remarkable achievements when it comes to curbing gun violence, improving health care, and providing affordable housing among other topics. McClinton’s speech embodies our mission, values, and commitment to our community. “Speaker McClinton has paved the way for future Speakers. Her work has already opened the door to diversity and to inclusion. This is a historic triumph,” Burgos said. McClinton has been a trailblazer, making history in 2018 when she was elected the first African American woman as House Democratic Caucus Chair. In 2020, she was the first woman elected as House Democratic Leader in the institution’s 244-year history. In December, she became the first woman to serve as Majority Leader in the Pennsylvania House. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 28 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their satisfaction for the election of Majority Leader Joanna McClinton as the new speaker of the House, a role previously held this session by state Rep. Mark Rozzi. “We are overwhelmed with joy; McClinton has started a new chapter in history. What a way to wrap up the festivities in honor of Black History Month! McClinton is an unwavering force who works with passion and integrity for the people of Pennsylvania,” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas. “We know we will reach new heights under her brilliant leadership. We are confident that she will help us address the most critical issues affecting our people. The Philadelphia House Delegation is honored to see that one of us is now holding the gavel in the House. We are ready to fight along with her on behalf of all underserved communities of the state,” Cephas continued. “As a woman I also want to emphasize that McClinton continues being an inspiration to all women of the nation struggling to break barriers and stereotypes. This is a resounding reminder that it is possible to win, regardless the color of your skin or background, it is possible to succeed against all odds.” Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice-chair of the Delegation, trusts that McClinton’s work will help advance a transformational agenda in key sectors. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 27 – State Reps. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., and Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Manny Guzman, both D-Berks, today showcased their pride for the tri-color flag of the Dominican Republic during a festive event held in the state Capitol Rotunda commemorating the 179th anniversary of Dominican independence. The lawmakers honored their roots with a two-part celebration that included a news conference and reception, and the participation of House Speaker Mark Rozzi and Majority Leader Joanna McClinton, among other legislators. “We want to emphasize that regardless of the holiday marked in our calendars, every time we get the chance to speak in the House chamber or take action, we are proudly representing our heritage and working in the best interest of our people,” Burgos said about the event that showcased a vibrant display of allusive ornaments, traditional dishes and souvenirs. “This joint effort pays tribute to our rich culture and contributions to Pennsylvania, a state that more than 99,000 Dominicans regard as their home. Our input to this country has transcended discrimination and prejudice. We have positioned ourselves across the most important spheres of the nation against all the odds and yet we keep thriving, we keep fighting, which is in our nature,” Guzman said. Cepeda-Freytiz highlighted the contributions of five small business owners from Berks County who were awarded with citations on behalf of all three Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 22 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., today announced a grant for $18,700 has been awarded to Deburgos Bilingual Magnet Middle School The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for new food service equipment for school cafeterias. Deburgos Bilingual Magnet Middle School will use the funding it received for indoor walk-in refrigeration. “It is important that schools are able to provide their students with fresh and healthy foods to consume. This funding awarded for indoor walk-in refrigeration at Deburgos Bilingual Magnet Middle School will do just that for the students,” Burgos said. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Danilo Burgos and the Philadelphia House Delegation stand in support of Temple University grad students in their protest of union-busting tactics. The Temple University Graduate Students Association is demanding fair wages, in response Temple has punished them by suspending funding assistance. Burgos says it is time for Temple University to step up and do what’s right. Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Danilo Burgos.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
635 W. Erie Ave.Philadelphia, PA 19140-4442
P*: (215) 223-1890
F*: (215) 223-1959
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
200 Irvis OfficeP.O. Box 202197Harrisburg, PA 17120-2197
P*: (717) 772-2004
F*: (717) 780-4784