News Center

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds court ruling for fair school funding

(Feb 09, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 9 – The Philadelphia House Delegation applauded the ruling in PA Commonwealth Court that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional. The ruling is a result of the 2014 case William Penn School District v. 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 that because the bulk of public education funding comes from local property taxes, 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. Leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation -- Chairwoman Morgan Cephas, Vice Chairman Danilo Burgos and Secretary Malcolm Kenyatta -- issued the following statements about the historic ruling. “Philadelphia schools have been the victims of underfunding for decades and it shows in the conditions they’re in today,” Cephas said. “This ruling is historic and should set us on the right track to get schools in Philadelphia and across the commonwealth the funding they need.” “For far too long, PA schools in low-income areas have been massively underfunded, and it has hurt the children attending these schools and the community as a whole,” Read more

 

Conservation, Substance Abuse Education, and Act 13 Funding Opportunities

(Feb 02, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

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

 

Burgos aplaude la orden ejecutiva de Shapiro que elimina el requisito de un título universitario para decenas de miles de trabajos en el gobierno estatal

(Jan 19, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

FILADELFIA, 19 de enero : el representante estatal Danilo Burgos, demócrata de Filadelfia, ofreció los siguientes comentarios agradeciendo al gobernador de Pensilvania, Josh Shapiro, por anunciar que, con efecto inmediato, el 92% de los puestos del gobierno estatal no requerirán un título universitario. “Quiero enviar mi agradecimiento al gobernador Shapiro por abrir oportunidades para que más residentes de Pensilvania trabajen en el gobierno estatal. Hay muchos residentes de Pensilvania que no tienen un título universitario, de estas personas, sé que hay muchos que están cualificados para ciertos trabajos en nuestro gobierno. “El título universitario tradicional de cuatro años es una herramienta valiosa para preparar a las personas para una carrera en el gobierno estatal, pero no es la única forma de prepararse para uno de estos trabajos. Estoy increíblemente complacido con la decisión del gobernador y espero que esto sea una buena manera de proporcionar empleos a los residentes de Pensilvania”. Read more

 

Burgos applauds Shapiro executive order removing college degree requirement for tens of thousands of state government jobs

(Jan 19, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 19 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., offered the following remarks today praising PA Governor Josh Shapiro for signing an executive order that removes the college degree requirement for 92% of state government jobs. The executive order takes effect immediately. “I want to send my thanks to Governor Shapiro for opening up opportunities for more Pennsylvanians to work in the state’s government. There are many Pennsylvanians who do not have a four-year college degree but, of these people, I know there are many who are qualified for certain jobs in our government. “The traditional four-year college degree is a valuable tool to prepare people for a career in state government, but it’s not the only way to prepare for one of these jobs. I am incredibly pleased with the governor’s decision, and I hope this is a good way to provide jobs to Pennsylvanians.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation salutes Mayor Kenney’s critical priorities for the city as his mandate comes to an end this year

(Jan 11, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 11 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their endorsement for Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s core priorities in his final year as mayor. The delegation also highlighted their concerns and hopes for the city. “The plan introduced today by Mayor Kenney gave us optimism. I’m pleased to see that reducing gun violence and strengthening public safety are an important part of this agenda. I also laud the commitment to diversity, to improving access to quality education and to expanding affordable housing” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas. “These goals might not be entirely achieved by the end of the year, but we are going in the right direction, there’s a strong approach from the administration to address the major issues affecting our city”, Cephas said. The mayor’s goals are explained in a report titled “Equity and Opportunity for All: Moving Philadelphia Forward.” In it, Kenney revealed four critical focus areas of the administration in an effort to guarantee Philadelphia’s immediate and long-term future success. The mayor promised to reinforce his commitment to enhancing public safety, improve quality of life and build thriving neighborhoods. His other goal will be investing in Philadelphia’s youth. Driving inclusive growth and economic opportunity while building a thriving Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation welcomes $54 million awarded to the city for bolstering law enforcement and services

(Dec 14, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 14 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced that $54,293,730 has been awarded to the city in grants. The funds, approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, are destined to enhance law enforcement, gun violence investigation and prosecution, services offered to victims of crime and more. The grants are: Criminal Justice Advisory Committee Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds - Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program Philadelphia City Treasurer, PPD Local Law Enforcement Support Grant, $ 25 million. Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds - Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution Grant Program Philadelphia City Treasurer, Phila. DAO Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution, $20 million. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, SEPTA ZeroEyes Technology Pilot Project, $4,993,639. State Funds - Women’s Reentry Services Initiative Maternity Care Coalition, MOMobile Rapid Engagement, $82,352. Prevention Point Philadelphia Inc., Trauma-Informed Wholistic Reentry Program for Women, $99,998. Why Not Prosper Inc., The Why Not Prosper Women's Reentry Program, $100,000. Children's Advocacy Center Advisory Committee State Children's Advocacy Center Funds Philadelphia Children's Alliance, PCA Program Maintenance and Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises the release of Brittney Griner from Russian prison

(Dec 08, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 8 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, Chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, today released the following statement on the announcement that American basketball player Brittney Griner has been freed from a Russian prison. “The Philadelphia House Delegation is proud to join in welcoming Brittney Griner home from nine months of illegal and unjust detention in Russia. “The use of innocent people as political pawns by authoritarian governments is abjectly wrong and goes against everything we believe in as Americans. “I applaud President Biden and his administration for their diligent work on Brittney Griner’s behalf. We look forward to the approximately 50 other Americans, including Paul Whelan and others who are being unjustly detained overseas, to be released so they can come home to their loving families once and for all.” Read more

 

Bizzarro welcomes new leaders to House Democratic Policy team

(Dec 08, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee, announced new vice chairs, as well as two new subcommittee chairs. Read more

 

State programs now open for applications

(Dec 05, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

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 (Funding Source: FY 2022 School Safety and Security Grant Program Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education (not-for profit), and for-profit organizations. Use : To Read more

 

Winter 2022 Newsletter!

(Nov 28, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

DEAR NEIGHBOR,I would like to extend my warmest welcome to allnew constituents that now are part of Philadelphia’s197th District after the redraw of the area’sboundaries earlier this year. Read more

 

Philadelphia Delegation joined forces with Philabundance for day of service and solidarity

(Nov 23, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 23 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, and a group of delegation members joined Philabundance Tuesday morning for a day of service and solidarity. The lawmakers helped pack boxes that will be provided to families for Thanksgiving. Cephas said their work at the food bank reaffirmed the commitment of the delegation to ensuring that unserved and underserved families in the city have access to food to celebrate the upcoming holidays. “Our delegation firmly believes that working together makes us stronger, and that aside from advancing important legislation in Harrisburg, it is crucial for us to work alongside residents and local organizations to support our community. “Philabundance has been doing amazing work in our community, and that is why we did not hesitate to join them today when Loree Jones, CEO of Philabundance, extended the invitation. Our delegation will continue partnering with institutions that can help us secure the welfare of our city,” Cephas said. Loree Jones said that the team at Philabundance is grateful to have the support of incredible donors and volunteers. "With over 550,000 people struggling to put food on their table we are working harder than ever to be able to do our part to meet the need.” “To have the support of our legislators will help us not only relieve hunger today but - as we Read more

 

Philadelphia Delegation announces new leadership team

(Nov 18, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, former co-chair of the Legislative Women’s Health Caucus, has been elected chairperson of the Philadelphia Delegation of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for a two-year term starting in the 2023-24 legislative session. The delegation also elected Rep. Danilo Burgos as vice-chair and Rep. Malcom Kenyatta as secretary/treasurer. Cephas said that she is looking forward to working with fellow members in the delegation to advance a strategic agenda for the city of Philadelphia. “I feel honored to step into this new role, to be able to lead such a hardworking team. I’m ready to embrace the challenges that this position will bring,” Cephas said. “I can assure all Philadelphians that in this pivotal moment, we are aware of the complex issues impacting our communities, and we are going to keep furthering commonsense policy that can generate lasting impact for our city.” She highlights priorities for the delegation to address include overwhelming gun violence rates, ongoing levels of high poverty, affordable housing, aging infrastructure, education funding, and access to care. Burgos said he feels proud to assume his position in the delegation because it will help him amplify his voice on behalf of underserved residents of the community. “This is really a meaningful moment in Read more

 

La Delegación de Filadelfia aplaude la respuesta coordinada de la ciudad ante la llegada del primer autobús de migrantes enviado desde Texas

(Nov 17, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

Filadelfia, 17 de Nov. – La representante estatal Morgan Cephas, presidenta de la Delegación Demócrata de la Cámara de Representantes de Filadelfia, junto con otros miembros, agradeció hoy a los funcionarios de la ciudad por la respuesta inmediata y el apoyo prestado a unos 30 inmigrantes enviados a Filadelfia desde Texas en un autobús que llegó a la estación de la calle 30 el miércoles en la mañana. La Delegación afirma que su principal preocupación y prioridad es el bienestar del grupo de migrantes y destacó que las palabras clave en el contexto de las migraciones son colaboración y solidaridad. "El aspecto más importante a tener en cuenta es hacer que este grupo de personas se sienta seguro. Todos tenemos derecho a sentirnos protegidos y respetados; estamos hablando de un derecho fundamental". La Delegación aplaudió a los funcionarios de la ciudad por la respuesta humana y destacó que, una vez más, Filadelfia ha demostrado por qué se le conoce como la "Ciudad del Amor Fraternal". "Estamos orgullosos de decir que Filadelfia es una de las pocas ciudades santuario del país. Los funcionarios de Texas no coordinaron nada al respecto con la ciudad, pero les abrimos las puertas y estamos dispuestos a ofrecerles refugio, atención médica y recursos esenciales." Read more

 

Philadelphia Delegation praises coordinated response of the city on the arrival of first migrant bus sent from Texas

(Nov 17, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 17 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, chair of the House Philadelphia Democratic Delegation, along with fellow members, today thanked city officials for the immediate response and support provided to an estimated 30 immigrants sent to Philadelphia from Texas on a bus that arrived outside the 30th Street Station Wednesday morning. The delegation said its top concern and priority is the welfare of the group of migrants and highlighted that the key words against the backdrop of migrations are collaboration and solidarity. “The most important aspect to take into consideration is to make this group of people feel safe. We all have the right to feel protected and respected; we are talking about a fundamental right.” The delegation applauded the city officials for the humane response and emphasized that once again Philadelphia has proved why it is referred to as the “City of Brotherly Love.’ “We are proud to say that Philadelphia is one of very few sanctuary cities in the country. The Texas officials did not even coordinate with the city, but we opened our doors to them, and we are ready to offer shelter, health care and essential resources.” The delegation also stressed that although Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has stated that he will continue sending buses to other cities, because he understands that the government keeps allowing illegal immigrants, this is far from that case. “The individuals we welcomed are not Read more

 

Burgos applauds $4.2 million in grant funding for local projects

(Oct 27, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 27 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., announced today that five Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants totaling $4.2 million were awarded for projects that will greatly benefit hard-working families in his district. The grants include: Expansion of Esperanza Health Center-North 5th Street location - $ 5,000. This project will allow EHC to increase access to primary medical care; expand the medication-assisted treatment group medical model for those suffering from opioid-use disorder and substance use disorder; improve our capacity to respond to COVID with testing, vaccinations, treatment, and education; and add new services that address the results of social determinants of health screenings that are done with every patient. Island Caribbean Feast Restaurant - $ 750,000. This project includes comprehensive upgrades to the Caribbean Feast restaurant. All systems will be upgraded, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, and the physical expansion of the kitchen to upgrade all cooking equipment and surfaces to support multi-user and multi-event capabilities. Enhanced food storage and end-to-end tracking will be included, and all point-of-sale and remote point-of-sale software will be replaced and integrated. Rev. Leon H Sullivan Impact Center - $5,000. The vacant annex will be renovated in this project, including structural Read more

 

Burgos comments on vote for interim report from select committee

(Oct 24, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, Oct. 24 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., today made the following statement after a select House committee on which he is a member issued its second interim report on its investigation of the work of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. “I take my role as a member of the select committee seriously and voted to send this interim report to the full House in order to continue to move the process and allow our colleagues to see the work of the committee to date,” Burgos said. “As Chairman Lawrence said when putting the report forward for a vote, it is a far-reaching investigation that remains ongoing. “There are no recommendations in this report. As we all know, gun violence in Philadelphia is real, and it needs to be addressed. But there are multiple players, multiple factors involved. All have a role. “While I appreciate that we at the state level are looking at this, we seem to be focusing on one person, not the multiple players and multiple factors involved in violent crime. I would ask that any recommendation put forward in the future is based on the examination of multiple players and multiple factors, including the role of gun laws and the root causes of crime. I look forward to the continuing work of the committee.” According to Burgos, the interim report from the House Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order discusses the work of the committee to date but does not call for Krasner to Read more

 

Burgos and Guzman call on President Biden to waive a federal law to allow essential fuel shipments to Puerto Rico

(Sep 29, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – State Reps. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila, and Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting to waive the maritime shipment restrictions stated in the Jones Act to help restore power in Puerto Rico. In the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, the island is struggling to get the necessary loads of fuel to move forward. The Jones Act requires that ships transporting goods between United States ports be made in America and owned by American companies. The lawmakers, who lead the Pennsylvania Latino Caucus, emphasized that this Act, also known as Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is narrowing the survival chances of victims of Fiona. “The Jones Act is one of the core factors limiting the recovery of the island against the backdrop of Hurricane Fiona. A clock is ticking for all the people impacted by this natural disaster,” Burgos said. “We urge President Biden to ease the burden for Puerto Ricans, regardless of political or statehood status, and manage this situation with the same urgency that would involve any of the 50 states in the country. This is a matter of survival and empathy.” Guzman explained that the island-wide power outrage has left an estimated 320,232 homes and business without power, relying on generators on a daily basis, which has worsened the living conditions of residents of the Caribbean Island. “As of today, according to LUMA Energy which operates Puerto Rico’s Read more

 

Burgos and Guzman: Joint letter to President Biden calling for immediate action to rescue Puerto Rico

(Sep 29, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

Thanks to your immediate federal response and subsequent aids of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security, Puerto Rico has been able to get on the path to recovery from the disastrous impact of Hurricane Fiona. However, much more needs to be done. Read more

 

Guzman and Burgos join efforts to aid people affected by Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic

(Sep 19, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, Sept. 19 – State Reps. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, and Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., today announced they are joining forces to help people affected by severe flooding and damages caused by Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The lawmakers, who lead the Pennsylvania Latino Caucus, thanked Governor Tom Wolf for deploying two members of PA Task Force 1 to Puerto Rico to support Hurricane Fiona response. They also urge Wolf to use the full force of his power to help the islands of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. “The flooding has already impacted the water system and many families are now homeless. Puerto Rico is still suffering from the lingering effects of Hurricane Maria and currently experiencing an island-wide black out,” Guzman said. Guzman and Burgos call on Gov. Wolf to use PEMA to immediately offer humanitarian assistance to these islands. Pennsylvania has the fourth largest population of Puerto Ricans outside the island. “A lot of people are suffering the effects of Hurricane Fiona. As a legislator I feel compelled to work diligently to provide resources and the necessary help to people impacted by this natural catastrophe. To help them is also to help the people that I represent in my district because they are concerned about the well-being of their relatives back home in the islands,” Guzman said. Burgos emphasized that it is crucial to receive the support of PEMA because it would Read more

 

The Environmental Education Grants program: Close to a million dollars in funding available

(Aug 24, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will host a live webinar in September to discuss the application process for its nearly $900,000 in available grant funding for environmental education projects. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds court ruling for fair school funding
Feb 09, 2023

Conservation, Substance Abuse Education, and Act 13 Funding Opportunities
Feb 02, 2023

Burgos aplaude la orden ejecutiva de Shapiro que elimina el requisito de un título universitario para decenas de miles de trabajos en el gobierno estatal
Jan 19, 2023

Burgos applauds Shapiro executive order removing college degree requirement for tens of thousands of state government jobs
Jan 19, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation salutes Mayor Kenney’s critical priorities for the city as his mandate comes to an end this year
Jan 11, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation welcomes $54 million awarded to the city for bolstering law enforcement and services
Dec 14, 2022

Philadelphia House Delegation praises the release of Brittney Griner from Russian prison
Dec 08, 2022

Bizzarro welcomes new leaders to House Democratic Policy team
Dec 08, 2022

State programs now open for applications
Dec 05, 2022

Winter 2022 Newsletter!
Nov 28, 2022

Philadelphia Delegation joined forces with Philabundance for day of service and solidarity
Nov 23, 2022

Philadelphia Delegation announces new leadership team
Nov 18, 2022

La Delegación de Filadelfia aplaude la respuesta coordinada de la ciudad ante la llegada del primer autobús de migrantes enviado desde Texas
Nov 17, 2022

Philadelphia Delegation praises coordinated response of the city on the arrival of first migrant bus sent from Texas
Nov 17, 2022

Burgos applauds $4.2 million in grant funding for local projects
Oct 27, 2022

Burgos comments on vote for interim report from select committee
Oct 24, 2022

Burgos and Guzman call on President Biden to waive a federal law to allow essential fuel shipments to Puerto Rico
Sep 29, 2022

Burgos and Guzman: Joint letter to President Biden calling for immediate action to rescue Puerto Rico
Sep 29, 2022

Guzman and Burgos join efforts to aid people affected by Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic
Sep 19, 2022

The Environmental Education Grants program: Close to a million dollars in funding available
Aug 24, 2022