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Cephas announces grants to renovate Overbrook High School

Summer/ Fall 2023 Newsletter

(Sep 14, 2023)

Dear Neighbor,As we head into the final months ofthis year, I want to share with you somehighlights of my work over the past fewmonths. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation thanks Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw for her service and commitment to the residents of Philadelphia

(Sep 05, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their appreciation of the efforts of Police Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw who stepped into the role of the police commissioner during a critical chapter in the City of Philadelphia. “We thank Outlaw for her nearly four years of service, and we honor her as the city’s first Black woman to lead the Philadelphia Police Department,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, chair of the delegation. “Outlaw assumed the role while we were facing turbulent times that included the pandemic lockdowns and protests over the death of George Floyd, which sparked a national wave of civil unrest. We are talking about unprecedented times,” she said. Referring to the interim police commissioner, First Deputy Commissioner John M. Stanford Jr., Cephas pointed out that the delegation was looking forward to their collaboration during a time where reducing gun violence is a top priority as they head into the fall legislative session. Stanford has more than two decades of law enforcement experience and joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 2002. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with Stanford in this new terrain and value his expertise protecting public safety in our city. We are hopeful that we have found in Stanford another ally to combat the rising crime rates boosted by gun violence in Read more

 

Cephas laments 40 percent increase in severe maternal morbidity

(Aug 24, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 24 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas lamented that a report released today by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council shows an alarming 40% increase in severe maternal morbidity rates in the state. The PHC4 report indicates a rise in severe maternal morbidity among patients hospitalized in Pennsylvania for a delivery from 2016 through 2022. Severe maternal morbidity includes sudden outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant consequences to a woman’s health. “I am overly concerned about this report because it clearly states that we have not done enough to protect women’s health in Pennsylvania,” Cephas said. “We have tirelessly worked to advance legislation aimed at preventing maternal morbidity, but we must do more,” said Cephas, former chair of the Women’s Health Caucus who has championed this issue for years. Cephas, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, said that in order to improve maternal and pregnancy results it is necessary to emphasize prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. “Maternal morbidity can affect any woman regardless their ZIP Code, but I want to point out that not all women in the commonwealth have the means to access good, unbiased, maternal health care. According to the report, women insured by Medicaid and who live in areas with poverty rates over 25% are impacted the most,” she said, adding that Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises more than $1.5 million in grant funding for schools across Philadelphia

(Aug 15, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 15 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their satisfaction after the Shapiro administration announced that $1.5 million in federal grant funding has been awarded to 57 school across Philadelphia. The funds, awarded under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, will promote nutrition education and healthier school environments by helping schools to secure fresh produce for students. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the group is satisfied to see these grants coming to schools because nutrition and education go hand in hand. “As we know, nutrition has a great impact on a child’s learning ability. We need further nutrition education in our schools because not all children get this guidance or necessary intake of healthy food at home”, Cephas explained. “This grant is a perfect complement to the Free School Breakfast Program victory championed by Governor Josh Shapiro in the 2023-2024 budget,” Cephas added. “The spending plan includes a $46.5 million increase in funding to provide universal free breakfast to every public-school student and free lunch to students who are eligible for reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program. “This puts our schools in a remarkable path,” she said. Read more

 

Cephas praises end of contract with Real Alternatives

(Aug 07, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 7 – Following the announcement that the Shapiro administration is terminating state funding for the organization Real Alternatives, state Rep. Morgan Cephas today expressed satisfaction for the decision and indicated that it signifies a step forward in the fight to protect freedom to choose for all Pennsylvanians. Cephas, Chair of the House Philadelphia Delegation and former co-chair of the Legislative Women’s Health Caucus, said that the decision to cut ties with the program that partners with crisis pregnancy centers was needed. The legislator explained that Real Alternatives was just a pricey obstacle for taxpayers that did not provide the impartial reproductive health services that she and her colleagues have been advocating for in Pennsylvania. “This is a long-awaited triumph; our efforts have paid off,” Cephas said. “It is no secret that these crisis pregnancy centers operating under the guidance of Real Alternatives were part of a radical agenda to strengthen restrictions on abortion access at the expense of taxpayers. “A person must be free to decide what they want to do with their own body, but as soon as you walk in to one of these centers you realize that your particular situation or need might not fit the core mission of this organization: ‘to provide life-affirming pregnancy.’ This means that they already decided for their patients in advance. No feedback Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls out Sen. Devlin Robinson for disrespecting Pennsylvania firefighter

(Aug 04, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 4 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today said a recent incident where a firefighter was verbally disrespected is an outrageous act that demands more than a mere apology. State Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny, referred to Ken Pagurek, a first responder from Pennsylvania Task Force 1, as a “dick,” using the slur during a committee meeting on Tuesday. A video shows Robinson, who serves as the chair of the Labor and Industry Committee, leaning towards Sen. Doug Mastriano, making the disgraceful comment, presumably and wrongfully assuming that the microphone was off. The delegation noted that Mastriano seemed amused by the observation. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the group is outraged by the confrontation and the lack of empathy shown towards the hardworking men and women who risk their lives every single day protecting communities across our commonwealth. “We are not going to let these types of degrading remarks go unchecked because of your proximity and disregard for the City of Philadelphia,” said chairwoman Cephas. “This is not a joke; it just shows the type of leadership that we have in the Pennsylvania Senate. As senators they are supposed to represent all Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, neither Robinson nor Mastriano embody the moral values that their positions require. House Democrats support the Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation hails unprecedented Teamsters win

(Jul 25, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, July 25 – Following the announcement of a tentative, historic five-year contract involving United Parcel Service and the Teamsters union, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation praised the triumph and reaffirmed their commitment to keep fighting for fair pay and safe workplaces for every worker in Pennsylvania. The UPS and Teamsters covenant comes after a series of local and national rallies to support UPS workers as they fought for better wages and working conditions. Workers also warned of a possible massive strike. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the agreement is a colossal win for the more than 340,000 UPS Teamsters members nationwide. “Our delegation applauds these tentative agreements that include wage increases as well as safety and health protections, equal pay part-time rewards, and new trucks with air conditioning, among other provisions. This would certainly change the game for many other unions. The bar has been raised,” Cephas added. “Our group has been proudly walking and fighting along with the UPS workers for better pay and tangible benefits, but this is also a fight for fairness and respect. We are pleased to see that their struggles have been finally acknowledged,” she said. “We are celebrating this victory, but we also ratify our firm commitment to keep championing for all workers in the Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for bold changes in eviction process

(Jul 20, 2023)

HARRISBURG, July 20 – After the third eviction-related shooting since March in Philadelphia, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today said the organization is determined to help end the practice of private contractors performing eviction services in the city to avoid more violent incidents. “The imminent threat of being displaced from home can put anybody into a rage and despair mode. If you add to this scenario people without the proper training, carrying guns to handle evictions, the outcome can be fatal,” said Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, who is organizing upcoming hearings in August about the evictions with state Rep. Mike Sturla, chair of the PA House Housing & Community Development Committee. “Philadelphia’s landlord-tenant officer has temporarily stopped evictions, but this is a turning point: evictions must be handled by public officials and our delegation will be working to introduce legislation to regulate this process. We are ready to establish policies that would support critical demands in this system, like proper protocol and de-escalations practice to protect the safety and integrity of the tenants,” she added. State Rep. Rick Krajewski, who will be introducing a bill addressing the subject, explained that the mercenary mentality of private contractors working for the city's landlord-tenant officer serves no public good. Krajewski indicated that Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation pleased with increased funding on budget priorities

(Jul 07, 2023)

HARRISBURG, July 7 – As we close out this week with the passage of the 2023-24 state budget, the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed that the spending plan is far from ideal, but still delivers major support to disadvantaged families in Pennsylvania. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the delegation is pleased to see the inclusion of some of their top priorities for Philadelphia. “We certainly praise the nearly $1.7 billion (7.6% increase) for the School District of Philadelphia,” Cephas said. “We also voted to support $7.5 million to fund indigent defense for the first time in Pennsylvania history, ensuring public defenders have the resources they need to provide legal representation to defendants who cannot pay for it on their own, among other wins. We are moving the state in the right direction,” she added. State Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice-chair of the delegation, pointed out that the budget showcases the commitment of the House Democratic majority with Pennsylvanians, while managing to evade the unnecessary impasses of a bipartisan legislature. “Not a perfect budget; we wished it could have gone further in some areas and programs, but I am proud to say that we didn’t bargain our principles and that we prioritized our school system,” Burgos said. “I am appreciative of the investments in apprenticeships Read more

 

Cephas releases statement on enactment of Act 5 of 2023

(Jul 06, 2023)

"Pennsylvania families deserve our utmost attention and the finest health options available to preserve their health and the health of their babies." Read more

 

Infrastructure, Housing, Transportation, and Safety Funding Opportunities

(Jul 05, 2023)

Below are several grant programs that are currently open for applications. PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program Who May Apply: Museums that are in Pennsylvania with annual operating budgets exceeding $100,000 (excluding capital and in-kind services) and at least one full-time professional staff person and that are not supported by other state agency funding programs and official County Historical Societies designated as the official historical society for the county. Use: The goal of this program is to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museums and allow applicants to determine how to use funds for operating expenses. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, salaries, benefits, insurance, food service, travel, professional development, marketing, and equipment. Funds: Grant awards range from $2,500 to $65,000. Application Deadline: November 7, 2023 More information: PHMC Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) Program Who May Apply: Municipality, Economic Development Organization, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Agencies. For-profit businesses are not eligible to apply for the PA SITES Program. However, an eligible applicant may apply for a site owned and controlled by the Read more

 

Cephas slams recent SCOTUS decisions

(Jun 30, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 30 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today expressed her disagreement with three U.S. Supreme Court decisions recently announced on affirmative action, LGBTQ rights and students loan forgiveness. Cephas condemns the rulings of the Supreme Court and described the decisions as an unfortunate series of obstacles thrown in the way of social justice and equality. “In light of yet another wrongful outcome from the Supreme Court, I raise my voice on behalf of the underrepresented communities that have been systematically harmed with these decisions”, Cephas said. Cephas explained that minorities, people of color and people of low-income backgrounds have been fighting relentlessly for fairness, but the Supreme Court has chosen to ignore decades of struggles. “It was a dark day yesterday when the Supreme Court ruled on affirmative action. The Supreme Court is banning race-conscious admissions, in the cases of Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College. The race component won’t be taken into consideration for college admissions,” Cephas continued. Today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis is a ruling that Cephas regards as a threat to the freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country, she said. “This decision simply grants a green light for Read more

 

House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus & Philadelphia House Delegation condemn Moms for Liberty event in Phila.

(Jun 29, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 29 – The Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and Philadelphia House Delegation are condemning the upcoming Moms for Liberty summit that’s scheduled to take place in center city Philadelphia today through July 2. Moms for Liberty is a right-wing hate group that advocates against school curriculum that mentions LGBTQ+ rights, race and ethnicity, critical race theory and discrimination. LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Co-Chairs Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, and Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., who also serves as Philadelphia House Delegation treasurer, each issued comments condemning this summit. “I’m extremely disappointed to see this summit take place in our city. Our city shouldn’t be a backdrop for hate,” Kenyatta said. “We can’t allow the type of rhetoric and ideology that far-right groups, like Moms for Liberty, promote prevent us from becoming a more fair and equal society.” “Hate has no home in Pennsylvania,” Benham said. “I believe most of our state’s residents find it embarrassing that Pennsylvania’s largest city will host one of the nation’s most hostile anti-LGBTQ+ groups during the month of Pride. Alongside my colleagues in the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, I am eager to continue fighting back against the hateful rhetoric and policies pushed by groups like Moms for Liberty.” Philadelphia House Delegation Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praise reopening of I-95

(Jun 23, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, June 23 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed satisfaction on the reopening of Interstate 95 today ahead of the originally scheduled two-week timeline. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas said that the group, which toured the site this morning, values the immediate response and leadership of Gov. Josh Shapiro and expeditious work of crews from the Philadelphia building trades. “Our tour this morning gave us an up-close look at the incredible work being done here,” Cephas said. “It's only by the hard work of our local trades, facilitated by coordination with state, city and federal officials, that we're able to get this major artery through our city re-opened so much earlier than anyone expected,” Cephas added. “Our city is in awe and gratitude of the speedy engineering and production of our Philadelphia building trades members and contractors.” Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton said that she celebrates the collective effort that made possible the reopening of six lanes of traffic that will keep the City of Brotherly Love up and running for locals and hundreds of visitors. “Philadelphia is a hub for everything from commerce to health care to recreation,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “So, today’s reopening of I-95 is great news for our neighbors, people who visit our Read more

 

Legislation to better track maternal morbidity sent to Shapiro to become law

(Jun 22, 2023)

The Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus is applauding the unanimous House passage of legislation that would ensure proper data collection on maternal morbidity as lawmakers work to reduce the alarming number of pregnancy-related deaths in the state. The bill now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. Read more

 

Cephas and Daley taking Pa. reproductive rights conversation to White House

(Jun 15, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 15 – State Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., and Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, announced that they will be representing the commonwealth at today’s Legislative Convening on Reproductive Rights at the White House. They will be two of three Pennsylvania state representatives participating in the panel. Cephas and Daley will join 83 legislators from 41 states across the country to highlight state-level attacks on reproductive rights, as well as state efforts to protect and expand access to abortion care. Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton will also be in attendance. Cephas said the panel, which will be held ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, signifies a singular opportunity to talk about her extensive work on the subject and how the commonwealth stands in the face of other states. “I am excited to join colleagues to discuss legislation that we have advanced to secure reproductive rights in our state and the challenges we have faced along the way,” Cephas said. “We have been tirelessly working to keep abortion safe and legal for all Pennsylvanians against extremist attacks on reproductive rights and we will continue championing the state to provide resources, access, and funding to improve services. We are determined to protect patients and providers.” Daley, co-chair of the Pa. Women’s Health Caucus, expressed that it is her honor to join Read more

 

House Health Committee reports out key bill to improve Black maternal health

(Jun 14, 2023)

The first step in combating maternal morbidity and mortality is proper data collection. Accurate and regular tracking is essential for comprehensive research on this complex medical issue. We need to fully understand the outcomes of birthing people as we work to improve maternal care and maternal health outcomes. Read more

 

Cephas, Davis legislation protecting incarcerated women passes House

(Jun 13, 2023)

Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., and Tina Davis, D-Bucks, today celebrated the passage of legislation to protect pregnant or postpartum incarcerated women. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to I-95 Collapse Emergency

(Jun 11, 2023)

Chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. stated, “First off, we want to send appreciation to all of the first responders on the scene of this crisis. Our delegation will remain in contact with the attending agencies and be of assistance where possible. We encourage all Philadelphians and commuters to stay informed of the changing dynamics around I-95 and surrounding streets in the Northeast.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for thorough investigation on teen fatally shot by state trooper and prevention of more tragedies

(Jun 07, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, June 7 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today stated that the group is closely following the death of a teenager killed in the city Sunday by a state trooper during a drag race on I-95. The organization expressed concern about issues involved in this incident as they could develop into more tragedies. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas indicated that it is essential that the state police and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office collaborate hand-in-hand for transparent scrutiny. The delegation also hopes for accountability and answers to many of the critical questions surrounding the deadly shooting. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim, and we are looking forward to seeing all the facts that resulted in this death,” Cephas said. “As a delegation, we see two sides of this tragedy -- the first one is a family mourning in our city, the second is an unfortunate series of issues that are prompting us to take bold action and work fast on prevention. “It is alarming to see more and more illegal drag racings on city streets and interstates, car meetups and large unregulated gatherings all over the city. The aftermath of these scenarios is always the same: property damage, assault and participants throwing objects at the police. “As we head into the summer, we need to take control of these Read more

 

Summer/ Fall 2023 Newsletter
Sep 14, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation thanks Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw for her service and commitment to the residents of Philadelphia
Sep 05, 2023

Cephas laments 40 percent increase in severe maternal morbidity
Aug 24, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation praises more than $1.5 million in grant funding for schools across Philadelphia
Aug 15, 2023

Cephas praises end of contract with Real Alternatives
Aug 07, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation calls out Sen. Devlin Robinson for disrespecting Pennsylvania firefighter
Aug 04, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation hails unprecedented Teamsters win
Jul 25, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for bold changes in eviction process
Jul 20, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation pleased with increased funding on budget priorities
Jul 07, 2023

Cephas releases statement on enactment of Act 5 of 2023
Jul 06, 2023

Infrastructure, Housing, Transportation, and Safety Funding Opportunities
Jul 05, 2023

Cephas slams recent SCOTUS decisions
Jun 30, 2023

House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus & Philadelphia House Delegation condemn Moms for Liberty event in Phila.
Jun 29, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation praise reopening of I-95
Jun 23, 2023

Legislation to better track maternal morbidity sent to Shapiro to become law
Jun 22, 2023

Cephas and Daley taking Pa. reproductive rights conversation to White House
Jun 15, 2023

House Health Committee reports out key bill to improve Black maternal health
Jun 14, 2023

Cephas, Davis legislation protecting incarcerated women passes House
Jun 13, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to I-95 Collapse Emergency
Jun 11, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for thorough investigation on teen fatally shot by state trooper and prevention of more tragedies
Jun 07, 2023