State Rep. Donna Bullock, chairwoman of the Pa. Legislative Black Caucus, leads the inaugural K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the election of Irvis as the first Black speaker of any state legislature in the U.S. and make heard the voices of legislators and advocates working to address systemic inequities across Pennsylvania. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 25 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today joined the Wolf administration and the nonprofit Voices Underground in celebrating the inaugural awarding of Journeying Toward Freedom grants through the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, according to PLBC Chair and state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. The inaugural awards will support Juneteenth celebrations across the commonwealth in 2022 for seven organizations. "The importance of the awarding of these grants cannot be understated,” Bullock said. “The history of Juneteenth has been only recently officially recognized, but its historic cultural significance had been long celebrated by Black communities in Pennsylvania. "In order to highlight – even amplify – the importance of this day and Black culture in Pennsylvania, it is critical that we support Juneteenth events statewide, invest in Black businesses and institutions, and target Black travelers in our ongoing tourism initiatives." Juneteenth celebrates the anniversary of the day in 1865 that news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Galveston, Texas, and enslaved African Americans became aware that they had been freed. In 2019, Gov. Tom Wolf declared June 19 of each year as Juneteenth National Freedom Day. Last year, President Joe Biden signed legislation recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The Journeying Toward Freedom grant program was established by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office in Read more
HARRISBURG, April 25 – State grant awards totaling more than $4.7 million have been awarded to projects in the 195 th Legislative District, according to state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. “These projects are vital to our community from an economic standpoint as well as a quality-of-life standpoint,” Bullock said. “Especially as we all hope to see COVID in the rearview mirror at some point, we need to be mindful of the financial hit these organizations and institutions have taken over the last two years. They are employers and educators, and it is imperative that we provide them with support where we can.” The following projects have been awarded: $250,000 to Girard College for campus improvements that include creating a science center at the high school and renovating the high school, middle school and elementary science rooms with new systems, ventilation, chemical storage areas, lighting, teaching walls, casework, chemistry hoods and computer network infrastructure. $1.5 million to Philadelphia Zoo for grasslands and a giraffe barn project. The zoo will convert the existing bird lake to a large outdoor habitat for giraffes, ostriches, and Ankole cattle and turn existing artificial wetlands into a scenic overlook, for close experiences with the giraffes. A new giraffe barn will be built and include a visitor viewing area, storage, and support spaces. $1.5 million for WURD Radio Read more
HARRISBURG, April 13 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, along with PLBC members Reps. Stephen Kinsey, Patty Kim and Manuel Guzman, introduced a resolution that would recognize April 2022 as National Minority Health Month in Pennsylvania. The resolution was spurred by National Minority Health Week, which was inspired by the creation of National Negro Health Week in 1915 by Booker T. Washington and the U.S. Public Health Service. The focus was to improve the overall health status of Black Americans and to encourage Black professionals to join the medical field. National Negro Health Week then grew into the National Negro Health Movement to educate the public about continuing health disparities year-round. The U.S. Public Health Service then published National Negro Health News to update on activities of the movement and publish reports on Black health in America. The theme for 2022 is Give Your Community a Boost, which supports the CDC’s recommendation of the Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot as a means to combat the global pandemic. “Minorities are significantly more at risk for both terminal and treatable illnesses,” Bullock said. “But because many do not have access to affordable health care or insurance, the life-saving power of early detection by a primary care physician is hardly ever obtainable. These health disparities were exposed during and because of the recent pandemic.” The Read more
HARRISBURG, March 31 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, today announced the awardees of the PLBC Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership Award during Women’s History Month. The award is named in honor of former state Rep. Crystal Bird Fauset, who was a Democrat elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1938 and represented Philadelphia’s 18th Legislative District. She was the first Black woman elected in any state legislature. “For too long, Black women and their accomplishments have been ignored,” Bullock said. “This award stands for all of the accomplishments that have been made, all of the accomplishments we are making, and all the accomplishments that are coming. I am so proud to honor each of these Black women with the PLBC Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership Award. In history, some of the greatest movements have been led by Black women -- from the Underground Railroad to the Black Lives Matter movement -- and too often the leadership had been minimized. Our honorees today carry on the great legacy of outstanding women who embody the spirit of Fauset and who have made significant contributions to Pennsylvania and the Black community as leaders and history makers.” The honorees are the House Democratic leader, state Rep. Joanna McClinton, first Black woman leader in the Pennsylvania General Assembly; Estelle Richman, former secretary of the Pennsylvania Department Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 30 – Monday morning, around 11 a.m. a car crash occurred at 30th St. and Girard Ave. The driver who caused the crash was allegedly under the influence, and this crash took the life of a three-year-old child. This crash took place in the legislative district of state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. Bullock issued the following statement on the accident. “My heart goes out to the mother and family of the three-year-old who lost their life in this senseless and tragic accident,” Bullock said. “This occurred a block away from my district office and over the years my staff and I have witnessed several accidents.” Bullock stressed the importance of not driving under the influence. “This tragedy is another reminder to a) not drink and drive and b) have additional traffic calming measures on the stretch of Girard Avenue between 29th and 33rd streets.” Read more
HARRISBURG, March 23 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, chair of the PLBC, this week announced that the James R. Roebuck Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus scholarship application period is now open. Ten individuals will be selected by the PLBC to receive scholarships worth $1,000 each, which will be awarded through the PLBC Foundation to Pennsylvania residents who meet the following criteria: Be a person of color. Be a graduating high school senior or current undergrad at a college or university. Plan to enroll/return to full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university for the entire upcoming academic year. Attend the scholarship awards presentation in Harrisburg. Complete the online application. Deadline to apply is April 30 and only the first 100 applicants will be processed. Go to https://www.pahouse.com/PLBC and under the scholarship tab, apply online or get more information. “The cost of higher education is climbing and is potentially out of reach for so many students,” said Bullock, D-Phila. “We want to help students who aspire to go to college achieve that goal any way we can. Students are selected based on their academic success, leadership, extracurricular activities, community participation and financial need. This is an important task as we are choosing our future leaders in business, education, medicine and our communities.” Last year the scholarship was renamed the James R. Read more
My Winter 2022 includes info on my work in Harrisburg Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – State Rep. and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chair Donna Bullock today announced that April Ashe is the new executive director of the PLBC. “We welcome April and look forward to her tenure with the Black caucus,” said Bullock, D-Phila. “She has worked with the Democratic Caucus for more than a decade and brings a wealth of knowledge and savvy to the position.” Ashe began her career with the House Democrats as an intern in 2009. She graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in integrated studies from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, with concentrations in political science and psychology. She is currently studying for her master’s degree in educational psychology at Purdue University Global. She has served as a legislative assistant to PLBC members, including former state Rep. Jake Wheatley, Jr., who is now chief of staff for Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. She has worked as a research analyst for the House Commerce, Finance, and Professional Licensure committees. A Harrisburg resident, she holds a monthly Self Care Saturday’s event in her community and is a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Harrisburg, teaching yoga and meditative practices to the youth. She partners with Healthy Harrisburg and speaks to youth groups and single-mother groups on the importance of self-care and emotional intelligence. She can be reached at (717) 772-6955 or through email at Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 6 – State Rep. and PA Legislative Black Caucus Chair Donna Bullock released a statement addressing the Jan. 5 Fairmount fire. “The devastating events of yesterday morning have hit home for everyone, particularly because of the tragic loss of life. While the investigation is not over yet, news accounts claim this is the deadliest fire in more than a century in the city. “This is a neighborhood in my legislative district where the people are caring and warm, are families with small children, and are older folks all who come together to make it a community. We are sending our condolences and prayers to everyone impacted and offering assistance where we are able. “But as we move forward, and as we find out definitive facts about this tragedy, it is imperative that we as legislators and community leaders do more to provide resources like affordable housing for families, support for a safe living environment and economic resources as necessary and when people need it the most.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 6 – A $750,000 state grant has been awarded to Girard College for campus improvements, according to state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. Girard will use the funding to create a Science Center at the high school. The Science Center project includes renovating the high school, middle school and elementary school science rooms with new systems, ventilation, chemical storage areas, lighting, teaching walls, casework, chemistry hoods and computer network infrastructure, helping to equip Girard students comparably to other independent schools. “Education is the path forward for our children,” Bullock said. “When we provide them with the proper resources and facilities, we open up a world of opportunity for them. These kinds of state government initiatives are essential, especially as we are staring at a world rattled from COVID but one that is destined to survive and even thrive beyond its aftermath.” 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 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 Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., today announced Commonwealth Financing Authority grants awarded for projects in the 195 th Legislative District. Neighborhood Gardens Trust was awarded $125,000 to expand the current Brewerytown Garden Preservation by purchasing two vacant lots, opening space by more than 1,000 square feet. Brandywine 3025 was awarded $545,690 for pedestrian improvements along JFK Boulevard between 30 th Street Station and Drexel University. They include a cross walk, curbing and streetscape elements. This project also relocates a high voltage aerial from Highline Bridge to the SEPTA rail yard. “These projects are always important to the district,” Bullock said. “But during this stressful time of COVID-19 and all the fallout from the global pandemic, it’s vital that we don’t get derailed when work needs to be done to preserve history, architecture and culture in our communities.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania's economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania's economic growth. Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today released a statement regarding the release of video of the Pennsylvania State Police shooting of Christian Hall. The Monroe County teen had been diagnosed with depression and was threatening to take his own life on a highway overpass. Recent release of the full version of video of the incident shows Hall had his hands in the air at the time of the shooting. Earlier this year the PLBC sent a letter to the Monroe County District Attorney’s office with a formal request to have the case forwarded to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office for a more objective investigation. “The refusal of the Monroe County DA’s office to refer the case, coupled with the release of the video that authorities previously blurred, is troubling and presents a real conflict. These are the cases that sow public doubt and create tension between law enforcement and residents. A truly objective lens on this would help to mend the fractures that seem evident and even disturbing in this case, both for the family and the public at large. "We unfortunately come back to cases like this again and again across the commonwealth and across the country. Instead of law enforcement recognizing the disconnect that exists with their handling of cases where race and mental illness are involved, they allow cases to be pushed through, then pushed aside at what seems like the benefit of Read more
As winter approaches and we prepare to spend even more time indoors, utility bills are only going to get more expensive. Additionally, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn have made it difficult for many to keep up with home energy bills. No Pennsylvanian should ever have to worry that their heat will be shut off during the coldest and darkest months of the year. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) that provides assistance for home heating bills so Pennsylvanians can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for both renters and homeowners. LIHEAP helps some of the commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens — children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families — make ends meet. Anyone who may need help, or anyone who has loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this program, is encouraged to apply for LIHEAP today. APPLY FOR LIHEAP LIHEAP FACTS How do I apply for LIHEAP? Depending on preference, different options are available to apply for LIHEAP: Apply online: Pennsylvanians can apply at www.compass.state.pa.us . Paper applications: Call the LIHEAP Helpline at 1-866-857-7095 to request a paper application. Paper applications can also be downloaded from the DHS LIHEAP web page . County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Labor & Industry: Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grants (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit agencies (community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, etc.) or small businesses meeting certain criteria (see program guidelines). Uses : To provide digital literacy classes emphasizing career development skills, including digital fundamentals, digital job seeking, digital citizenship, and digital information. Funds : Grants of up to $45,000 each. Application Deadline : December 21 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: State Clean Diesel Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding and State Mitigation Trust - Volkswagen Emissions Settlement) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania Businesses, Incorporated Nonprofits, State, Local, or Tribal Government Agencies, Air Quality or Transportation Organizations, Metropolitan or Rural/Regional Transportation Planning Organizations, and Federal Government Agencies. Uses : Diesel emission reduction projects, including, but not limited to: verified exhaust controls; engine upgrades and certified remanufacture systems; verified idle reduction technologies; certified engine Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 3 – State Reps. Donna Bullock and Stephen Kinsey, both D-Phila., have introduced a bill that would formally establish the Office of Health Equity in state statute to ensure that Pennsylvania’s current commitment to equitable health care for every resident continues. “Health care is a basic human right,” Bullock said. “This fundamental truth is acknowledged by the World Health Organization and embraced by scores of nations – developed and lower-income countries alike – that have built health systems devoted to providing equal access to quality health care for all citizens. In order to establish an ongoing commitment to the health of all Pennsylvanians, regardless of income, Zip code, etc., this is a necessary step to oversight and advocacy in health care.” According to the Pennsylvania Office of Health Equity, health equity means that every resident can live a healthy life regardless of race, sex, location, education or income level. The office works to ensure all Pennsylvanians receive the care they need, regardless of any of the social or economic factors listed above. “This last year has made abundantly clear that our health system discriminates against marginalized people and populations without access to care,” Kinsey said. “As this catastrophic episode in our history continues to claim the lives of the undervalued and underpaid, we can no longer ignore nor delay righting this Read more
According to the CDC, multiple studies have shown that transmission rates within school settings – when prevention strategies are in place – are typically lower than community transmission levels. Read more
Philadelphia, Aug. 17 – State Rep. Donna Bullock is convening a meeting of the House Democratic Policy Committee and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus to discuss the role of labor in police reforms. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 18 at Temple University, Fox Gittis Room, 1776 N. Broad St., Philadelphia . The Fox Gittis Room is located just off the Broad Street Lobby, Alumni Hall at the Liacouras Center. The media and public are encouraged to attend. Masks are required. Additional information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings is available at www.pahouse.com/policy . Read more
House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, Whip Jordan Harris, D-Phila, and Legislative Black Caucus Chair Donna Bullock, D-Phila., issued the following statement today after an elected official trolled social media for attention by comparing Black lawmakers to the insurrectionists who invaded the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 25 – Today the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus touted the $30 million included in the state budget which will go toward community violence prevention including fighting gun violence, according to state Rep. and PLBC Chair Donna Bullock, D-Phila. Earlier this year, Bullock along with state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Amen Brown, both D-Phila., introduced H.B. 696 which provided for a similar community violence grant program. State Sen. Art Haywood, D-Phila., introduced a companion bill in the Senate. “Gun violence is epidemic in scope but personal in nature,” Bullock said. “The families of loved ones who have lost their lives to gun violence have rallied with us and asked us as legislators to do something. This money is an investment to be used toward that next step in the work for which the PLBC has been laying the groundwork for years. This investment will finally help us move forward to begin investing in programs that we know will work and are led by people in our communities with boots on the ground.” “Countless Pennsylvanians are carrying the physical and mental trauma of gun violence, with many experiencing the devastating effects daily,” Cephas said. “The funding is available for our legislature to become intentional with quelling this public health crisis. As lawmakers, it is our moral obligation to protect residents across this state, and the budget must reflect that. Read more
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