“Families shouldn’t have to choose between going to work and having quality care for a loved one, or have to work just to pay for care,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas. “We fought and won for working families prioritizing this significant increase in the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. I’m elated to know that so many families across Philadelphia will greatly benefit from this increase.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 19 – State Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., and Tina Davis, D-Bucks, applauded today’s House passage of their bill that would regulate how pregnant people are treated in Pennsylvania’s jails and prisons. The bill is now on its way to the Senate. The Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act, which passed unanimously, would improve visitation rights for incarcerated parents, ban shackling pregnant people and enhance restraint documentation, along with other provisions. “For years, my peers and I have been fighting to get prenatal, pregnancy and post-natal support to those incarcerated in the Commonwealth. The House passage of this act lifts my soul because it is an act of compassion,” Cephas said. “This legislation (H.B. 1419 ) would improve the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable constituents and their families. No one should be deprived of respect or be forced to risk their health or their health of their child -- and certainly not on our watch.” The lawmaker highlighted that the bill also would provide for free period and incontinence products for incarcerated individuals and would allow three days of post-delivery bonding time between mother and newborn child. “Policies need to be set on how pregnant women are treated in prison,” Davis said. “For far too long, incarcerated pregnant women have been subject to shackling, solitary confinement, full body searches by male guards and been Read more
Harrisburg, Sept. 8 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today announced that two projects in the 192 nd Legislative District will receive major grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The grants include: Jastech Development Services Inc., $150,000, Development of Overbrook NatureWorks Park. Work to include renovation of building; construction of pedestrian walkways and stormwater management measures; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, fencing, interpretive signage, lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. Neighborhood Gardens Trust, $200,000, Payment toward the acquisition of three to five community gardens in West Philadelphia for neighborhood open space protection. “I applaud this investment. The green spaces in our neighborhoods are as essential as the water or the electricity to our community. The recreation in green zones is a fundamental part of our lives and fundamental part of healthy communities,” Cephas said. “We need to protect and revitalize those spaces, which are the lungs of our city. These funds will enhance community access, secure preservation and provide safety resources, among other improvements.” Cephas added that 5 Loaves, 2 Fish, a Community Garden located at 55 th and Jefferson streets, preserved under the guidance of the organization Read more
If you are complaining about your tax dollars paying off someone else’s student loan debt, or proudly declaring that you worked hard to pay your own student loan debt, or if you were silent when billions of tax dollars paid off the debt of big corporations under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), have a seat. If you were fortunate enough to have family or someone who could save or even scrape together money for your higher education costs, by all means, count your blessings. You are not begrudged that good fortune. However, not everyone was or is in that same position. According to the Federal Reserve, the gender and racial wealth gap is significant. The median wealth of white families is 10 times that of Black families and more than 8 times that of Latinx families. A white man’s median net worth is 100 times higher than a Black woman’s. Yes, there is a cost to closing the gender-racial wealth gap. But the up-side is huge: Black women contributing to their communities through home ownership, purchasing goods and services, and on and on. So it stands to reason, Black women will benefit the most from President Joe Biden’s cancellation of student loan debt, which may explain some of this backlash. Historically, Black women have been left out of the higher education game, first by blatant discrimination and now by cost. This gender-racial wealth gap affects everyone. It affects entire communities. But at its core, Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 23 – In an effort to help Pennsylvania homeowners to get a fair appraisal of their properties, state Rep. Morgan Cephas said she plans to introduce legislation that would address discrimination in housing and ensure equity in the real estate appraisal process. “Current laws do not prevent home appraisers from discriminating against people of color, or other marginalized communities for that matter. With little regulation or oversight, appraisals can make or break the value of a home,” Cephas said. “My legislation would require real estate appraisers to complete training regarding bias and discrimination prior to receiving their certification or license or prior to renewing their certification or license.” Cephas’ legislation would also forbid a licensed or certified real estate appraiser from incorporating bias or discrimination into their appraisal of real estate. “It is important that we put training in place that make appraisers aware of the presence of bias or discrimination in housing and ensure that they are conducting themselves with equity and fairness,” Cephas said. “Every family deserves a fair shot at their dream home.” Bound by the federal Fair Housing Act, home appraisers are prohibited from discriminating against homeowners based on their race, religion, national origin, or gender. In addition, Title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today released the following statement in the wake of the recent shooting near a playground in West Philadelphia where five individuals were wounded. “This is a horrifying incident. Nearly 100 shots were fired. It is heart wrenching to know that at the time of this shooting, there were children and families gathered at the center. No child should have to be a witness to such a horrific incident and families should be able to enjoy activities in their communities in peace,” Cephas said. Cephas stood last Wednesday with Philadelphia leaders including District Attorney Larry Krasner, Mayor Jim Kenney, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr., other area elected, community members and more to host a press conference at Shepard Recreation Center in response to the shooting that took place Tuesday night. “We can’t live in fear, and we can’t continue to allow our children to live in a culture of violence. I will keep fighting to make sure that we do all we can to put a halt on this gun violence epidemic including allocating resources to communities who need it most,” she added. The shooting took place only one day after Cephas co-hosted a public policy hearing on safe and healthy spaces at the Kingsessing Recreation Center, just a few miles away from Shepard. Monday’s discussion included talk about Read more
As the City continues to respond to the gun violence epidemic, Mayor Jim Kenney announced that the City of Philadelphia will begin offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any member of the public who fires a gun causing injuries to others within 500 feet of a school, recreation center, or library in Philadelphia. Read more
Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Meg Snead, members of the Women’s Health Caucus, and representatives from community organizations today affirmed that Pennsylvanians should feel safe in accessing the full scope of reproductive, perinatal, and maternal health care available to them and that supports are in place to help mothers and birthing people access necessary reproductive and perinatal care. Read more
Ideas to support and grow local parks and other open spaces took center stage during a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing Monday afternoon in Philadelphia. Read more
District Office Grand Opening and new office location! I want to keep you informed about the work I’m doing in the Capitol and here at home to continue in our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and what we’re doingto protect your freedoms which, unfortunately, are under attack. Read more
The Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus, in conjunction with the House and Senate Democratic Policy Committees, held its third hearing on post-Roe Pennsylvania at Chatham University. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 8 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today commended the announcement made by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney of a 500,000 investment by the city to the Abortion Liberation Fund of Pennsylvania. Cephas, who is co-chair of the legislative Women’s Health Caucus, indicated that she is appreciative of the city’s effort because the funds heading to ALF-PA will help to remove barriers for people in need of abortion that cannot afford insurance or pay out-of-pocket for services. “These funds will expand the current capacity of the Abortion Liberation Fund of PA to address critical needs. As co-chair of the Women’s Health Caucus, this is a proud moment. It’s uplifting to know that our voices are being heard and that this issue is being prioritized in Philadelphia”, Cephas said. Cephas also reaffirmed her commitment to strengthen reproductive health care and maintain access to abortion and other reproductive services in the state of Pennsylvania. “Philly has taken a step forward, but much more is needed; we have to keep in mind not only residents of the commonwealth, but also people traveling from other states to Pennsylvania in search of care. I will continue championing for safety and sustained access to the procedure. I hope this investment could also serve as a call to action Read more
This victory in Kansas shows the power collective action has in defeating these minority-held, antifreedom policies. We hope this wakeup call will deter the Pennsylvania constitutional amendment from receiving a vote next session, and we can instead focus on legislation that would actually help our constituents like increasing the minimum wage, requiring paid family leave, and requiring insurance coverage for contraceptives. Read more
The House and Senate Democratic Policy Committees continued a series of hearings Tuesday to further discuss the impacts of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, and what the future of reproductive healthcare looks like in Pennsylvania. Read more
Harris traveled to Philadelphia Saturday to meet with more than three dozen state House and Senate Democrats, plus members of the state’s congressional delegation, to join the lawmakers in a call to action and to discuss the relentless effort of right-wing extremists to take away rights, starting with the right to abortion and reproductive health care. Read more
“We thank Governor Wolf for his leadership on behalf of women and families and birthing people across the commonwealth and his steadfast efforts to protect and preserve the right to bodily autonomy and the choice of if and when to have a child,” Cephas said. “It’s important to extend those protections to the health care providers who work to ensure this choice through an executive order.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 29 – In an effort to support Pennsylvania homeowners who struggle to make expensive property repairs, state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Jordan Harris, both D-Phila., plan to introduce legislation that would address the issue and reduce financial distress for many households. “The state must partner with and empower municipalities to create neighborhood infrastructure repair programs to support the people we serve,” Cephas said. “Our legislation would do that with an investment of state funding and a match in municipality funding.” According to the lawmakers, homeowners are often left responsible for alleyways, sidewalks and other community infrastructure that the public uses, and the repairs and maintenance to these pathways can be overwhelming. They said the legislation would allow applicants whose income falls below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines to have their repair projects fully funded. Those above the threshold could have their portion of the costs spread out over 15 years and applied to their tax bill without interest. “Since the public is using this infrastructure, we can help homeowners make these spaces safe, accessible and built better for future generations.” Read more
Despite today’s decision, here in Pennsylvania, we have to ensure that we maintain the right to legal and safe abortion access and that we continue fighting for women and families across the state for this option,” said WHC co-chair Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-192nd). “Limiting access to abortion healthcare will only exacerbate the maternal health care deserts that we’ve seen across our state and worsen the burden of the decisions that women and families need to make during this challenging time in their lives. 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
PHILADELPHIA, June 8 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., has been appointed to the Community College of Philadelphia’s Board of Trustees. “It is an honor to be appointed to the CCP Board of Trustees,” Cephas said. “Access to affordable college is crucial for all communities to move across the economic spectrum , and I will work to provide students in the city of Philadelphia access to an affordable education right here at home at CCP.” Cephas’ term will begin July 1. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, May 13?– ? State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D- Phila ., ? joined partners at the return of The Overbrook Night Market in west Philadelphia. Close to ? 10,000 ?area residents and visitors enjoyed an evening of food, fun, family-friendly entertainment, and community resources including a line-up of 30 food truck vendors, a live segment of ? The Realest Podcast Ever , and ? a number of ?health and community resources from partners including Main Line Health, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), Philadelphia Commerce, Independence Blue Cross, Keystone First, Penn Medicine, AETNA and Xfinity. Some local businesses opened their doors to the crowd including many along both the Lancaster Avenue and the 63 rd ?Street business corridors. ? ? The event takes place at the edge of the Overbrook and Overbrook Farms communities, which sit in Cephas’ 192 nd Legislative District and returns to the area after a successful run in 2019 that was followed by two years of shutdowns and restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. With a focus on supporting community engagement, community and economic development and community health in Read more
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