“Families shouldn’t have to choose between going to work and having quality care for a loved one, or have to work just to pay for care,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas. “We fought and won for working families prioritizing this significant increase in the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. I’m elated to know that so many families across Philadelphia will greatly benefit from this increase.” Read more
District Office Grand Opening and new office location! I want to keep you informed about the work I’m doing in the Capitol and here at home to continue in our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and what we’re doingto protect your freedoms which, unfortunately, are under attack. Read more
The Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus, in conjunction with the House and Senate Democratic Policy Committees, held its third hearing on post-Roe Pennsylvania at Chatham University. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 8 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today commended the announcement made by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney of a 500,000 investment by the city to the Abortion Liberation Fund of Pennsylvania. Cephas, who is co-chair of the legislative Women’s Health Caucus, indicated that she is appreciative of the city’s effort because the funds heading to ALF-PA will help to remove barriers for people in need of abortion that cannot afford insurance or pay out-of-pocket for services. “These funds will expand the current capacity of the Abortion Liberation Fund of PA to address critical needs. As co-chair of the Women’s Health Caucus, this is a proud moment. It’s uplifting to know that our voices are being heard and that this issue is being prioritized in Philadelphia”, Cephas said. Cephas also reaffirmed her commitment to strengthen reproductive health care and maintain access to abortion and other reproductive services in the state of Pennsylvania. “Philly has taken a step forward, but much more is needed; we have to keep in mind not only residents of the commonwealth, but also people traveling from other states to Pennsylvania in search of care. I will continue championing for safety and sustained access to the procedure. I hope this investment could also serve as a call to action Read more
This victory in Kansas shows the power collective action has in defeating these minority-held, antifreedom policies. We hope this wakeup call will deter the Pennsylvania constitutional amendment from receiving a vote next session, and we can instead focus on legislation that would actually help our constituents like increasing the minimum wage, requiring paid family leave, and requiring insurance coverage for contraceptives. Read more
The House and Senate Democratic Policy Committees continued a series of hearings Tuesday to further discuss the impacts of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, and what the future of reproductive healthcare looks like in Pennsylvania. Read more
Harris traveled to Philadelphia Saturday to meet with more than three dozen state House and Senate Democrats, plus members of the state’s congressional delegation, to join the lawmakers in a call to action and to discuss the relentless effort of right-wing extremists to take away rights, starting with the right to abortion and reproductive health care. Read more
“We thank Governor Wolf for his leadership on behalf of women and families and birthing people across the commonwealth and his steadfast efforts to protect and preserve the right to bodily autonomy and the choice of if and when to have a child,” Cephas said. “It’s important to extend those protections to the health care providers who work to ensure this choice through an executive order.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 29 – In an effort to support Pennsylvania homeowners who struggle to make expensive property repairs, state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Jordan Harris, both D-Phila., plan to introduce legislation that would address the issue and reduce financial distress for many households. “The state must partner with and empower municipalities to create neighborhood infrastructure repair programs to support the people we serve,” Cephas said. “Our legislation would do that with an investment of state funding and a match in municipality funding.” According to the lawmakers, homeowners are often left responsible for alleyways, sidewalks and other community infrastructure that the public uses, and the repairs and maintenance to these pathways can be overwhelming. They said the legislation would allow applicants whose income falls below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines to have their repair projects fully funded. Those above the threshold could have their portion of the costs spread out over 15 years and applied to their tax bill without interest. “Since the public is using this infrastructure, we can help homeowners make these spaces safe, accessible and built better for future generations.” Read more
Despite today’s decision, here in Pennsylvania, we have to ensure that we maintain the right to legal and safe abortion access and that we continue fighting for women and families across the state for this option,” said WHC co-chair Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-192nd). “Limiting access to abortion healthcare will only exacerbate the maternal health care deserts that we’ve seen across our state and worsen the burden of the decisions that women and families need to make during this challenging time in their lives. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Assessing Racial & Ethnic Disparities (R/ED) in PA’s Criminal Justice System (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Higher education institutions (public/not-for-profit), nonprofit organizations, and for-profit institutions (i.e., consulting firms). Use : To develop and implement a statewide research initiative to identify current R/ED levels using quantitative methods, understand potential drivers using qualitative methods, and make recommendations to chart a path forward. Funds : Up to $250,000. Application Deadline : July 12, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Victim Advocacy – School District of Philadelphia (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply: Organizations that provide direct services to crime victims and may be operated by a non-profit organization or public (governmental) agency, or a combination of such agencies or organizations. Use : To support students and their families who are victims of violence within the School District of Philadelphia. Funds : Up to $375,000 over three years. PCCD expects to fund one (1) applicant over a three-year project period. Application Deadline : Read more
PHILADELPHIA, June 8 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., has been appointed to the Community College of Philadelphia’s Board of Trustees. “It is an honor to be appointed to the CCP Board of Trustees,” Cephas said. “Access to affordable college is crucial for all communities to move across the economic spectrum , and I will work to provide students in the city of Philadelphia access to an affordable education right here at home at CCP.” Cephas’ term will begin July 1. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, May 13?– ? State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D- Phila ., ? joined partners at the return of The Overbrook Night Market in west Philadelphia. Close to ? 10,000 ?area residents and visitors enjoyed an evening of food, fun, family-friendly entertainment, and community resources including a line-up of 30 food truck vendors, a live segment of ? The Realest Podcast Ever , and ? a number of ?health and community resources from partners including Main Line Health, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), Philadelphia Commerce, Independence Blue Cross, Keystone First, Penn Medicine, AETNA and Xfinity. Some local businesses opened their doors to the crowd including many along both the Lancaster Avenue and the 63 rd ?Street business corridors. ? ? The event takes place at the edge of the Overbrook and Overbrook Farms communities, which sit in Cephas’ 192 nd Legislative District and returns to the area after a successful run in 2019 that was followed by two years of shutdowns and restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. With a focus on supporting community engagement, community and economic development and community health in Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Loan Repayment Program (LRP) (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Eligible practitioners with the capacity to provide SUD treatment or SCA-funded case management services at approved practice site(s) and can demonstrate a minimum of two prior years of experience in the SUD field as well as a service commitment of two additional years. Use : To support the supply, distribution and retention of individuals delivering SUD treatment and SCA funded case management services. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : May 26, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2022-02%20LoanRepayment_applicationguidance.pdf . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Enhancing Services to Culturally Specific Populations Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : A nonprofit organization for which the primary purpose of the organization as a whole is to provide culturally specific services to one or more of the following racial and ethnic communities: 1) American Indians (including Alaska Natives, Eskimos, and Aleuts); 2) Asian Americans; 3) Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders; 4) Blacks; and 5) Hispanics. Use : To establish, expand, or Read more
PHILADELPHIA, April 18 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas joined state Sen. Tim Kearney and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead today at the Maternity Care Coalition in Philadelphia to highlight the implementation of Opt In PA, an initiative extending Medicaid support for postpartum individuals from 60 days to one year across the state. President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan Act included a provision that gives states an option to extend Medicaid coverage up to one year postpartum; the Pa. Department of Human Services made the decision to opt into this provision, extending that coverage from 60 days to one year. Implementation was effective April 1. “Constituents who use Medicaid should contact their providers to see how this impacts them and their care,” said Cephas, who co-chairs the General Assembly’s Women’s Health Caucus and serves on the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. Cephas also discussed a recently committed $25.6 million in American Rescue Plan funding for a new maternal and child health initiative in Pennsylvania called the COVID-19 Nurturing Maternal and Child Health Initiative. The initiative recognizes the impact the pandemic had on Pennsylvania communities and makes strategic investments to implement innovative and informed improvements into the public health continuum. NMCH will reach millions of more birthing parents and children through doula services, targeted services, healthy eating Read more
PHILADELPHIA, April 14 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas and state Sen. Christine Tartaglione, along with fellow lawmakers and the Wolf administration, today announced $25.6 million in American Rescue Plan funding to be allocated for a new maternal and child health initiative in Pennsylvania. The funding announcement also coincides with Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17 . “With the promise in this funding, we are putting money into solving maternal mortality and working to address the social determinants of health that contribute to the crisis we are experiencing across Pennsylvania," Cephas said. “The administration’s opting Pennsylvania into extended Medicaid was a major move to start solving part of the crisis now, as well. That program began April 1, and the initiatives we’re announcing today are going to reach millions of more birthing parents and children through doula services, targeted services, healthy eating pilot programs and lead remediation.” “Our democratic counterparts in the US House and Senate sent Pennsylvania billions of dollars in the American Rescue Plan to reinvest to strengthen our commonwealth,” Tartaglione said. “We cannot let the historic opportunity afforded to us pass without making life-changing and crucially needed investments in historically disinvested communities. The allocation of this grant money will help Temple Woman’s and Infant’s Hospital finally open Read more
HARRISBURG, April 1 – As of today, birthing parents enrolled in Medicaid in Pennsylvania are eligible for one year of postpartum care thanks to a promise made by good public policy, state Rep. Morgan Cephas said. President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan Act included a provision that gives states an option to extend Medicaid coverage up to one year postpartum; the Pa. Department of Human Services made the decision to opt into this provision, extending that coverage from 60 days to one year. The new option takes effect beginning today in Pennsylvania thanks to Gov. Tom Wolf and his administration opting the commonwealth into the initiative. The one year of care will be available to birthing parents over the next five years. “Constituents who use Medicaid should contact their providers to see how this impacts them and their care,” said Cephas, who chairs the General Assembly’s Women’s Health Caucus and serves on the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. “Medicaid opt-in sounds technical, but it means extra care for those who need it most. Many thanks to providers supporting birthing people and families, who understand that Medicaid opt-in can mean important changes in the lives of so many Pennsylvanians who need the care.” Cephas is an ardent fighter for health equity and improved maternal health care in Philadelphia and across the commonwealth. She has introduced a series of legislation (H.Bs. 1173-1176), which would also Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 15 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., was named to the Lankenau Medical Center President’s Advisory Council. Lankenau Medical Center President Phillip D. Robinson established Lankenau’s President’s Advisory Council in 2013. It is comprised of a select group of community leaders whose knowledge, experience and insights qualify them to provide advice, feedback and guidance regarding Lankenau’s commitment to patient care, education and research. “It is an honor to be included on the President’s Advisory Council,” Cephas said. “A large number of my constituents in Philadelphia travel across the county line seeking and receiving care at Lankenau. I look forward to serving to help Lankenau deliver the very best care for its patients and our community. Access to quality health care consistently ranks among the top asks for many Americans, and Lankenau recognizes this. I look forward to working with them.” Cephas is also a member of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and co-chairs the General Assembly’s Women’s Health Caucus. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 14 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas on Friday visited women’s re-entry homes Ardella’s House and Why Not Prosper with Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf. The visits highlighted programs designed to meet the unique maternal and family needs of women reentrants. “I believe we must be providing exclusive avenues of support where person-centered care and focus work best, and the fact is women face unique challenges while incarcerated and when re-entering society,” said Cephas, who is Co-Chair of the Women’s Health Caucus and a member of the PA Commission for Women. There are approximately 30 to 50 pregnancies a year within Pennsylvania’s state correctional facilities, while over half?of all women in U.S. prisons and 80 percent of women in jails are mothers. Most of them are also the?primary caretakers?of their children and incarceration leaves their children with a lapse in support. Knowing a parent’s absence can threaten the family structure makes the need for maternal and family support vital to incarcerated women and reentrants. Wolf also visited The Wardrobe in Philadelphia, a program that provides clothing for reentrants. “Coupled with housing and health care access, improving the attention people receive while struggling is one of the best ways we can improve outcomes for ourselves,” Cephas said. “Many thanks to First Lady Wolf for taking Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 28 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas joined Sens. Amanda Cappelletti and Carolyn Comitta, and Rep. Mary Jo Daley on Friday for a news conference at Phoenixville Hospital to discuss Opt In PA, a move from Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration to improve postpartum care by extending Medicaid support from 60 days to one year. “Medicaid opt-in sounds technical, but health care heroes like the ones at Phoenixville know that it means extra care for those who need it most,” Cephas said. “Many thanks to the providers there supporting birthing people and families, who understand that Medicaid opt-in can mean important changes in the lives of so many Pennsylvanians who need the care.” Cephas is an ardent fighter for improved maternal health care in Philadelphia and across the commonwealth. Cephas has introduced a series of legislation (H.Bs. 1173-1176), which would also extend Medicaid coverage to doula services while also creating a Doula Advisory Board; require implicit bias training for health care professionals; and categorize maternal morbidity as a reportable event for better tracking of the issue. The United States ranks amongst the highest in maternal mortality – a statistic that rings especially true for women of color. Those who are surrounded by a network of support before, during, and after pregnancy often report better mental and physical health outcomes. A part of the sad reality is that Read more
With the anticipation of inflation and the rising cost of goods and services, the time has never been more critical for the student loan crisis to be addressed by our colleagues in Washington. Read more
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