State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., took her oath of office today in a ceremony at the state Capitol in Harrisburg to begin her fifth term serving the 192nd Legislative District in the state House of Representatives. The oath was administered by Pa. Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd. Following her swearing-in, Cephas nominated state Rep. Joanna McClinton for speaker of the House who was then re-elected to continue serving as the first woman speaker in the history of the House. Read more
I hope your summer is going well! 2024 has seen ourlegislative majority make meaningful progress for ourcommunities in the 192nd District and across Pennsylvania.Nowhere is that more evident than in the 2024-25 statebudget that I was proud to support. This newsletter will outlinesome of the highlights of that plan, including historic fundingfor public education in our city. Keep reading to learn moreabout events in the 192nd District that brought our communitytogether in the spring and summer, and how I’m working toimprove the quality of life for all our neighbors. I appreciateyou taking the time to learn more about the work I’m doing inHarrisburg and here at home for our communities. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Morgan Cephas was part of the team to cut the ribbon on the new Lewis C. Cassidy Academics Plus School in Overbrook. This new, state of the art school is a the first new elementary school built in the city after years of disinvestment and underfunding in the School District of Philadelphia. A healthy, safe, and colorful new school is a major investment in the students, teachers and staff of the Overbrook community for a brighter future. Cephas is hopeful that this will serve as a template for uplifting students across the state in districts with aging, toxic school buildings. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more
Friday was an exciting day for the students, faculty and staff of Lewis College Cassidy Academics Plus School in Philadelphia's Overbrook section.The school's brand-new facility opened for a tour just ten days before school starts.Action News also got a look inside the new facility."I like it cause it has a lot of color. The old Cassidy didn't have a lot of color. So, I think it brings more smiles, more energy," said 8th grader, Yasir.After a $62 million investment, the school will serve pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Spanning more than 87,000 square feet, it features brand-new classrooms with state-of-the-art technology, including WiFi and smartboards.Vibrant colors fill the hallways with words of affirmation like, "I am Worthy," displayed for all to see.There is also a sprawling outdoor play area with all brand-new equipment. Read more
It was show-and-tell day Friday for a brand new, $62.1 million Philadelphia School District building.Lewis C. Cassidy Academics Plus, on Parkside Avenue in Overbrook, will open to teachers on Tuesday and students on Aug. 26. It will serve students in prekindergarten through eighth grade.The three-story, brick-and-metal structure has two wings and plenty of bells and whistles not present in many of Philadelphia’s old school buildings: a maker space, an innovation lab, a library, a playground, a cafeteria with a full-service kitchen and outdoor seating, an art studio with a kiln, and more.The new Cassidy Elementary was a long time coming. Read more
Once one of Philadelphia’s most structurally deficient school buildings, the Lewis C. Cassidy Elementary School has been replaced with a brand-new facility. PA state Rep. Morgan Cephas was instrumental in securing funding for the project and helped cut the ribbon. Cephas also had the opportunity to interview Chelsea Mongue, the former student of Cassidy Elementary who brought statewide attention to the deplorable conditions in the old school building. Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., announced today that the Overbrook CDC has been awarded a $50,000 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the Overbrook Park Beautification Project. The funds are intended to replace fixtures such as benches, walkways and trash receptacle covers, and add new lighting to boost economic activity and help reduce crime in the community. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program Who May Apply : Applicant must be a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth designated as a 501(c)(3) and principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication under the Uniform Crime Reporting program. Use : Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, safety and security planning, purchase of safety and security equipment, purchase of security related technology (metal detectors, protective lighting, deadbolts, etc.), safety and security training, upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security, and more. Funds : $10 million has been appropriated by the General Assembly to the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. Applicant requests must be between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : August 27, 2024 More information : PCCD Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums and official county historical societies. Use: Funds are intended to strengthen the museum community and provide operating support to museums and historical societies. Funds: Nearly $2 million in funds are available. Application Deadline: August Read more
PHILADELPHIA, July 31 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today lauded the action to cease Landlord-Tenant Officer operations in the city and have the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office process eviction-related actions moving forward. For more than a year the delegation has called for serious reforms to Philadelphia’s eviction process, escalating in earnest following a series of shootings that occurred during evictions carried out by Philadelphia’s landlord-tenant officers last year. In response to those calls and the creation of basic liability insurance requirements by city council, Philadelphia’s municipal court announced Tuesday that the Landlord-Tenant Officer, Marisa Shuter, will cease operations. “This shift is an important first step toward a safer eviction process,” said House Philadelphia Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas. “Eviction agents must be able to meet the training and insurance requirements implemented by our city council and mayor, an important part of ensuring accountability and public safety. The reckless and dangerous for-profit eviction system of the past must never return.” In March the House passed legislation ( H.B. 287 ) introduced by Reps. Rick Krajewski, Roni Green and Cephas to overhaul Philadelphia’s eviction system by creating an oversight board, involving behavioral health professionals and banning surprise evictions in which Read more
“In Philadelphia, Right to Counsel has overwhelmingly helped Black women -- who disproportionately experience eviction -- get access to invaluable legal services. When you don’t know your rights and don’t have the funds available to afford legal counsel, the courts can often feel like a bulldozer,” said state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation. “By providing access to quality legal representation for free, our city has helped to level the playing field and ensured that people’s rights aren’t trampled over. Our delegation has been a leader in Harrisburg fighting for statewide eviction reforms and changing the way that Philadelphia handles evictions to reduce violence during the evictions process.” Read more
Chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation, Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., has been working to end nuisance establishments in her community her entire legislative career. “We have had success in limited and localized situations, but we need a citywide solution with state-level assistance that brings all parties to the table for a multipronged solution to these nuisance establishments that drain the quality of life in our neighborhoods.” Read more
“This budget reflects our priorities for the city of Philadelphia through historic fair, adequate and equitable funding for the School District of Philadelphia; addressing affordable housing and homeless assistance; investments in health care and maternal health, while infusing one-time funding to keep SEPTA moving,” said Cephas. Read more
"This tax incentive will go a long way in having more employers include financial assistance for child care in their strategic business plans, creating a more stable workforce in Pennsylvania while continuing to help families re-enter the job market,” Cephas said. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 2 – As Pennsylvania lawmakers work to finalize the state budget and tuition bills are hitting mailboxes for the fall semester, two state lawmakers are looking to provide needed financial relief to student borrowers. State Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, and Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., have introduced legislation ( H.B. 2476 ) that would exempt tuition reimbursement from the personal income tax, as well as codify that student loan forgiveness is not taxable income. According to the lawmakers, current and former college students in the U.S. have taken out approximately $1.75 trillion in student loans. Pennsylvania borrowers have an average of $39,375 in debt, making the state the third-highest average for student loan debt. The cost of both public and private four-year colleges has tripled since 1980, even when accounting for inflation, contributing to the need for students to take out more loans. “Pennsylvania is a state where borrowers struggle with student loans more than most,” O’Mara said. “It’s even more disheartening when they are handed a tax bill for what relief they do get from their employers in the form of tuition reimbursement. Students are constantly evaluating their career and financial paths to include ways to make college more affordable. When they find an employer who wants to help with those costs in exchange for getting a great employee, they shouldn’t be Read more
HARRISBURG, June 26 – On the heels of a new report detailing racial biases in the U.S. healthcare system, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today emphasized the need for her legislation that seeks to resolve the subconscious biases of healthcare providers in the state so they can improve patient care and adapt practices for the diverse communities they serve. A lengthy report released today by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine laid out the harms of structural racism in the U.S. healthcare system to minority populations and offered solutions to combatting the problem. Cephas’ legislation ( H.B. 2178 ) to address the biases of healthcare providers in Pennsylvania was introduced in April. Under Cephas’ bill, each person applying for a license or certification issued by a health-related board within the Department of State would be required to complete training regarding implicit bias and cultural competence. Such training would, at minimum, include an understanding of implicit bias and include practical techniques to reduce unconscious bias and improve cultural competence. “There is extensive evidence and research of implicit bias in our healthcare system, resulting in the unequal treatment of patients based on race, gender, weight, age, language spoken, income and insurance status, and most often leading to negative health outcomes for poor people and communities of Read more
As co-chair of the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus, state Rep. Morgan Cephas knows the important role paid family leave can play in pregnancy outcomes. She says the ability to provide and receive care without loss of jobs or income would go a long way in lowering PA’s high maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, June 21 – Nearly 10,000 people of all ages braved the heat to connect with their neighbors, support local businesses and have some family-friendly fun, according to state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., a coordinator of West Philadelphia’s annual street food festival held last night. “I am so grateful to the many community partners who make The Overbrook Night Market a great event year in and year out,” Cephas said. “Despite the heat, the people came out again this year to celebrate their neighborhood, have some fun and support local businesses, talented artists and our culture. I look forward to its continuing success.” Now in its fourth year, and co-hosted by Overbook West Neighbors Inc., the event featured 35+ food trucks and vendors, a family zone with kids’ activities and three DJs. There was a special appearance by Miss Philadelphia, Tynecia Wilson, and local leaders including City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore-Richardson, Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. and District Attorney Larry Krasner. Residents also had the opportunity to connect with resources and local businesses and organizations including PCOM, PECO and MainLine Health, along with Penn Medicine, Independence Blue Cross, Xfinity and Cobbs Creek Foundation. Cephas and her staff also were on hand to help people with state-related programs, services and issues. The mission of The Overbrook Night Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Labor and Industry: PAsmart Pathway Innovations to Registered Apprenticeships Grant Program Who May Apply: Organizations that serve as sponsors or intermediaries of new Registered Apprenticeships including businesses, community-based organizations, economic development organizations, industry associations, labor organizations, local education agencies, local workforce development boards, nonprofit organizations, post-secondary institutions, public libraries, and STEM ecosystems. Use: To support the creation and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs that offer earn-as-you-learn opportunities. Funds: $5,000,000 in funding is available. Application Deadline: July 12, 2024 More information: L&I Website Historical and Museum Commission: Historical and Archival Records Care Grant Who May Apply: Nonprofits and local government entities that have been in existence for two years prior to grant request submission. Use: To assist with preservation of historically valuable original documents. Funds: Single organizations can apply for up to $5,000. Projects with multiple organizations involved can apply for up to $5,000 for each organization (2 organizations can apply for $10,000, 3 organizations can apply for $15,000, etc.). Application Deadline: July 8, 2024 More information: PHMC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Act Read more
HARRISBURG, June 13 – State Reps. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., and Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today that they will be introducing legislation to help prevent abrupt closures of higher education institutions in Pennsylvania. This announcement comes roughly one week after the sudden closure of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. This legislation would require colleges or universities to provide financial information yearly if they receive commonwealth funds or federal funds distributed by the commonwealth. The lawmakers believe that this proposal would ensure transparency for the commonwealth, students, and staff of higher education institutions and continued good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The University of the Arts is located in Waxman’s legislative district, covering center city Philadelphia. “When I heard about UArts’ closure, I immediately shared feelings of anger and disappointment with the students who won’t have the same school to attend and faculty who will be losing their jobs,” Waxman said. “I want to ensure no student or school faculty member in Pennsylvania has to go through what those at UArts are going through right now. By requiring these schools to regularly notify us of their financial information, we can create greater accountability and transparency across the board.” The lawmakers say that having this information from schools on a yearly Read more
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