Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker delivers the Pa. House prayer. She focuses on working in Christ's image and walking in his footsteps. She wants the Pa. House to come together to do good work for all Pennsylvanians. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 6 – State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., has introduced legislation to improve the Pennsylvania Instant Check System to purchase guns and raise the minimum age to purchase and possess a firearm to 21. The bills were introduced in response to the rising gun violence in Philadelphia and across the state, and the inaction on bills currently introduced in the PA House to combat gun violence. “All we can do is continue to introduce bills that will help to keep folks safe and that will curb the rising tide of gun violence in our communities,” Parker said. “I implore our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to consider these types of commonsense measures so that we can see a light at the end of the tunnel on gun violence near our homes and in our neighborhoods. It’s time to pass bills that will make a difference, not to turn a blind eye.” In Pennsylvania, every firearm sale that is carried out by a licensed seller must involve a request for a criminal history, juvenile delinquency history and mental health record check of the potential purchaser or transferee. The state police PICS searches numerous databases to determine whether or not the potential buyer is legally allowed to own a firearm. However, currently a licensed seller can transfer a firearm to someone without first conducting a proper background check if there is an electronic failure, scheduled computer downtime, or similar event beyond the control Read more
"The problems that plague Philly are everywhere. Gun violence is on the rise in Pittsburgh, Lancaster, Erie, Scranton, York, Reading, Allentown." Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Assessing Racial & Ethnic Disparities (R/ED) in PA’s Criminal Justice System (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Higher education institutions (public/not-for-profit), nonprofit organizations, and for-profit institutions (i.e., consulting firms). Use : To develop and implement a statewide research initiative to identify current R/ED levels using quantitative methods, understand potential drivers using qualitative methods, and make recommendations to chart a path forward. Funds : Up to $250,000. Application Deadline : July 12, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Victim Advocacy – School District of Philadelphia (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply: Organizations that provide direct services to crime victims and may be operated by a non-profit organization or public (governmental) agency, or a combination of such agencies or organizations. Use : To support students and their families who are victims of violence within the School District of Philadelphia. Funds : Up to $375,000 over three years. PCCD expects to fund one (1) applicant over a three-year project period. Application Deadline : Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Quality Improvement Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : An entity enrolled with the Department’s OLTL as a Medical Assistance provider type 59 and have a signed OLTL-HCBS Waiver Agreement and be actively rendering services to participants in the CHC or OBRA waiver programs or both as of the date of May 1, 2022. Use : To help HCBS providers implement projects to improve the quality of services provided to individuals in the CHC and the OBRA waiver programs. Funds : Up to $40,000 in funding. Application Deadline : December 31, 2022 or until funds are expended. More Information : Click on https://www.dhs.pa.gov/providers/Providers/Pages/Long-Term-Care-Providers.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Work Force Support Grant (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Certified child care providers. Use : To support the work force of DHS certified child care providers. Funds : Amounts vary by award. Application Deadline : June 17, 2022. More Information : Click on https://www.pakeys.org/workforcesupportgrants/ . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022 Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Policy and Implementation Program Read more
In the wake of Tuesday’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas, Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker is frustrated with the lack of action by the legislature when it comes to moving bills that would address the growing #GunViolence in Philadelphia and other communities across the Commonwealth. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker joined legislative leaders and healthcare officials to announce state funding to address health equity, including $1 Million for the Black Doctors Consortium Dr. Ala Stanford Center for Health Equity in North Philadelphia. The pandemic laid bare the vast inequities in healthcare for Black and brown communities, which the Black Doctors Consortium worked hard to alleviate. Read more
Today, Pennsylvania lawmakers held a hearing to ask the question: who is helping older Pennsylvanians bridge the digital divide and what are the consequences if we don’t?State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., hosted the hearing held by the Democratic Policy Committee, chaired by state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, and attended by other members of the state House at the Community College of Philadelphia -- Northwest Regional Center. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 25 – State grant awards totaling $1 million have been awarded to the Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise and DePaul Campus for improvement projects, according to state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila. “These projects are vital to these organizations as well as the community,” Parker said. “This is a perfect example of tax dollars coming back to the community to provide for economic revitalization. These organizations employ and educate community residents and provide economic stimulus to the region. It is important the state provides financial assistance to ensure their success.” The Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise will use $500,000 to construct a 6,000-square-foot innovation and manufacturing center. The proposed space will house wet labs, space for small-batch manufacturing, equipment to develop prototypes, office space, and training facilities for area residents. DePaul Campus and Independence Mission Schools will use $500,000 to preserve a former church and renovate it into a preschool facility on one level, and a multi-use assembly/recreation/gym space on the first floor. Improvements include interior ceiling and wall repairs, exterior pointing and masonry repairs, roof repairs, heating and mechanical repairs. The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, from which the grants were awarded, is a commonwealth grant program Read more
HARRISBURG, April 25 – State grant awards totaling $1 million have been awarded to the Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise and DePaul Campus for improvement projects, according to state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila. “These projects are vital to these organizations as well as the community,” Parker said. “This is a perfect example of tax dollars coming back to the community to provide for economic revitalization. These organizations employ and educate community residents and provide economic stimulus to the region. It is important the state provides financial assistance to ensure their success.” The Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise will use $500,000 to construct a 6,000-square-foot innovation and manufacturing center. The proposed space will house wet labs, space for small-batch manufacturing, equipment to develop prototypes, office space, and training facilities for area residents. DePaul Campus and Independence Mission Schools will use $500,000 to preserve a former church and renovate it into a preschool facility on one level, and a multi-use assembly/recreation/gym space on the first floor. Improvements include interior ceiling and wall repairs, exterior pointing and masonry repairs, roof repairs, heating and mechanical repairs. The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, from which the grants were awarded, is a commonwealth grant program overseen by the Office of the Budget to assist Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker welcomed Gov. Tom Wolf to James Logan Elementary School in her district. Parker knows that education is everything when it comes to the success of children and believes that every student deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their Zip code. She says that Level Up funding would give teachers and students the resources they need to succeed, providing children with opportunities they may not have had otherwise. Read more
“Every Pennsylvania student deserves access to a quality education that puts them on a path to success regardless of zip code,” said Rep. Parker. “This is an ongoing fight for fair education funding for the school districts that need it the most. Philadelphia has been terribly underfunded for too long. Governor, thank you for your foresight and your support of this funding. Thank you for helping us help our teachers be equipped in the classroom to help our students be successful, thriving individuals.” Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT): Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Program (Funding Source: State, Federal, & Private Funding) Who May Apply : Private companies. Use : To develop innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : April 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/projectAndPrograms/p3forpa/Pages/default.aspx . FEDERAL PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Substance Abuse and HIV Prevention Navigator Program for Racial Ethnic Minorities (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Public and private non-profit entities . Use : To provide training and education around the risks of substance use and HIV/AIDS, as well as the integration of a range of services for individuals with HIV/AIDS. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : May 2, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sp-22-002 . Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP)/Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED): Pennsylvania’s Recovery Housing Read more
HARRISBURG, March 22 – This week, state Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., introduced the Fair Criminal Record Screening Act that, if passed, would help current and potential employees by prohibiting the use of their past criminal records in certain situations. Roughly one in three adult Americans have a criminal record, as many as have college diplomas. Having a criminal record can make it difficult to obtain housing, job placements, or public benefits. “All too often otherwise qualified individuals are not considered for jobs because they have a past criminal offense,” Parker said. “Many of these offenses are unrelated to the job in question, are non-violent in nature, or occurred in adolescence. While both federal and state law offer some protections in this area, it is clear more needs to be done to give these job seekers, as well as those currently employed, a second chance by removing unfair roadblocks to economic stability. Not only is this good for job seekers, it is also good for employers who might overlook otherwise qualified individuals because of a mistake made years ago.” Parker said this bill would continue the trend that Pennsylvania has taken in recent years in the area of criminal justice reform. This bill would better protect individuals currently employed as well as those applying for open positions by: Prohibiting employers from inquiring about or using information related to a job applicant’s or current Read more
Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker and her district office are ready to serve you. She is working to put Pa. on a path to better schools, better jobs and better communities for all. If you are wondering if you qualify for property tax/rent rebates, unemployment compensation, or need help filling out PennDOT paperwork, call her district office at 215-849-6426. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 1 – Today, the House Democratic Policy Committee examined the impacts of cannabis criminalization in Pennsylvania, including the downstream effect of criminalization on families, diversity disparities in the medical cannabis industry itself, and what legislators should consider in legalizing adult-use cannabis. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Children’s Trust Fund (Funding Source: Children’s Trust Fund) Who Can Apply : Any organization located and operating in Pennsylvania that provides direct services and meets the criteria in the Request for Application is eligible to apply. Use : To promote primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention programs in community-based settings. Funds : Up to $50,000 per year for up to three years. There is a minimum local match requirement of 25 percent of the requested grant award for the first year and a minimum local match 50 percent of the requested grant award for the second and third grant years. Application Deadline : January 13 More Information : Click on http://www.emarketplace.state.pa.us/Solicitations.aspx?SID=RFA%2017-21 . Commonwealth Financing Authority: Business in Our Sites (Funding Source: Business in Our Sites Program Account – loan repayments) Who Can Apply : Municipalities, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities and private developers. Use : For the acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others. Funds must be used on previously utilized or undeveloped sites which demonstrate substantial likelihood of future use after the property is Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 6 – State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., today announced $3 million in state grants for redevelopment projects in the 198 th District. Philadelphia Youth Basketball will use $2.5 million to purchase and renovate an existing building into a world-class basketball and youth development-focused nonprofit community center. The renovations include structural work inside the building plus the construction of seven indoor basketball courts. I ndependence Mission Schools was awarded $500,000 for the DePaul Campus Expansion. The project will preserve a former church and renovate it into a preschool facility on one level, and a multi-use assembly/recreation/gym space on the first floor. Other improvements include interior renovations like repairs and upgrades. “The awarding of funds for these projects is so important to the district especially in this time of COVID and uncertainty,” Parker said. “These important projects bring invaluable programs to the children in the district, programs where they will learn and thrive and take what they learn with them throughout their lives. While they are growing in the district, they will have access to first class developmental programs.” The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Provider Stabilization (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who Can Apply : Substance use disorder treatment providers. Use : Stabilization payments to substance use disorder treatment providers to assist with pandemic-related expenses. Funds : Up to $10 million will be awarded statewide. Application Deadline : December 8 More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/DDAPFunding/Pages/Funding-Opportunities.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Veterans Employment Program (Funding Source s : General Fund & Reemployment Fund) Who Can Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, education and post-secondary organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities. There is a special emphasis on the following counties with the highest veteran unemployment rates: Beaver, Delaware, Fayette, Lackawanna, Clearfield, and Lycoming counties. Use : To implement a veterans employment program. Funds : Up to $200,000 each. $800,000 will be awarded statewide. Application Deadline : December 30 More Information : Click on Read more
I’ve been deep in contemplative thought since the reporting of a SEPTA train assault. I don’t even need to specify because you know the assault of which I speak. Read more
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