We continued our appropriations hearings with the Departments of Education, State, Conservation and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Environmental Protection, and the Attorney General's office! 

On Monday, I questioned Dr. Carrie Rowe, Secretary of the Pa. Department of Education about student stipends and why they weren’t fully funded, as well as the impact that could have on schools and teachers. It’s long overdue we invest in the people who inspire and educate our youth. Student stipends create a pipeline for student teachers to feel valued in their career, and we should fully fund these programs to encourage more folks to enter this field. 

Later on, I asked Dr. Carrie Rowe, Acting Secretary of the Pa. Department of Education about student outcomes and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on our elementary-aged students. These children were in their formative years for basic skills like reading, writing and math. The school districts across the state that are being inequitably funded are especially feeling the loss and need the additional investments for our youth.

On Tuesday, I questioned officials from the PA Department of State about how they advise health care professionals in their licensing to address health inequity as well as what they are doing to keep track of scammers posing as charities. 

I also asked Department of State Secretary Al Schmidt how they are helping the processes of getting medical professional licenses, which could address the health inequities around Black maternal health and what's being done to protect people from scams involving charitable donations. 

On Wednesday, I asked the Attorney General's office about private ownership of hospitals, after two hospitals went bankrupt in our area. People in our area can't get access to healthcare and people are dying because privately owned hospitals are going bankrupt. So when and how is this going to stop? 

Later in the day, I spoke with Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding about how food programs, like the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP), helps birthing moms with food insecurity before and after pregnancy.

On Thursday, I asked Department of Environmental Protection Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley about lead remediation and lead's effect on Black maternal health and what is being done to protect people from environmental disasters. 

Thank you for subscribing to my informational weekly e-blasts. Read on to learn more about upcoming events! Please be sure to share the information with your neighbors and friends to stay informed and sign up for our weekly E-blast at pahouse.com/Curry/emailsignup

In partnership and service,

Gina H. Curry

Black & Diverse Business Forum

The Fourth Annual Black & Diverse Business Forum, which I had the honor of hosting alongside Sen. Kearney, was an incredible success—bringing together minority business owners with the vital resources needed to secure capital, contracts, and certifications. Year after year, this forum proves to be a powerful force for economic empowerment, ensuring that Black and diverse entrepreneurs have access to the opportunities they rightfully deserve.

If you couldn’t attend, don’t miss out! Use the link below to access the invaluable information and resources shared. The work doesn’t stop here—let’s keep building, demanding equity, and driving real change in our business communities!

https://link.edgepilot.com/s/0365371f/voFTGHkyWkWMDKzOjDMUQA?u=https://www.senatorkearney.com/blackanddiversebusinessforum

Want to stay up to date on all my happenings in Harrisburg, the 164th Legislative District and beyond? Or do you want to get the latest info on our events and office hours? Make sure to follow me on all my social pages using the icons below! 

PLBC James R. Roebuck Scholarship

The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (PLBCF) is excited to announce that applications for the 2025-2026 James R. Roebuck Scholarship are now being accepted!

This prestigious scholarship was named after Mr. James R. Roebuck – former member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) and champion for education. Mr. Roebuck served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1985- 2020 and served as chair of both the House Education Committee and the PLBC.

Successful applicants will receive a $1,500 scholarship made possible by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation for educational purposes. Students are encouraged to use the scholarship award for tuition, fees, books, or school-related supplies and equipment.

To apply, please click on the flyer. The deadline is Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 5 p.m.

PA House of Representatives Scholarship

Applications are currently being accepted for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program. The Program – administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities – is for graduating high school seniors who reside in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. TFEC awards two four-year scholarships to high school seniors each year. The award consists of the value of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for each of four years. Students must maintain eligibility criteria in all four years to receive the ongoing award. Note: No public revenue funds the program.

Please consider sharing this opportunity with those who may be eligible.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Graduating high school senior
2. Legal Residency in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
3. Attendance at a PA college, university, or career school as a full-time student
4. Academic achievement (minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA)
5. Commitment to community and leadership qualities
6. Extracurricular activities
7. Financial need

For more information, click the link here. 

You can view a list of several grant programs that recently opened for applications, on my website.

If you need help applying for grants, please contact my office at (610) 259-7016 or email RepCurry@pahouse.net.

Our Youth Activity & Resource Fair is coming soon! This is a one-stop-shop for all sorts of after-school and summer programs! Parents can register through the link here! 

On Friday, March 14, the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus is hosting a brunch and learn in honor of Black Midwifery Day! Register through the link here. 

Residents of the 163rd and 164th Legislative Districts! Rep. Boyd and I are teaming up for a Shred Event on March 15 at Upper Darby High School from 9 a.m. to noon. Along with paper, we can also shred hard drives, laptops, and cell phones! Pre-register by calling 610-259-7016

Come meet me and state Sen. Tim Kearney and members of our staff as we will be available to help constituents apply for the Property Tax Rent Rebate program. We can also assist with other state government-related matters. Seniors over 65 call (610) 259-7016 to pre-register! 

If you need assistance with any state-related issue, you can reach out to my office.
 

Thank you for letting our team proudly serve you, your families, and the stakeholders in the 164th in East Lansdowne, Lansdowne, Milbourne, and Upper Darby. 

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates and events happening in Harrisburg and the 164th! 

Sincerely,

Pennsylvania State Capitol

25-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4907

District Office

1500 Garrett Rd.
Upper Darby, PA 19082
(610) 259-7016