HARRISBURG, Feb. 10 – The House Liquor Control Committee, chaired by state Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, today held a public hearing on H.B. 1413, which would address concerns surrounding stop-and-go establishments and strengthen the enforcement of Liquor Code violations. Stop-and-go establishments are businesses that hold restaurant or eating place liquor licenses but operate primarily as convenience stores or delis while failing to meet minimum licensing requirements. House Bill 1413, sponsored by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., would implement key recommendations from the bipartisan and bicameral Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force, on which Bellmon serves. Based on the task force’s October 2024 report, the legislation would strengthen the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s compliance program, streamline the citation process, increase penalties and fines, and update court review standards. "Over the years, these noncompliant businesses and the problems they attract have become increasingly difficult for both local and state officials to regulate effectively,” Bellmon said. “My legislation would give the PLCB and the State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement the tools needed for more effective enforcement of violations and better regulation of problem establishments, while also prioritizing public health and safety and protecting the rights of responsible licensees." Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – Today, the Pennsylvania House passed H.B. 1936, a bill that would require courts to account for the total time a child spends in secure detention when determining the duration of their sentence. The bill was introduced by state Reps. Anthony Bellmon and Andre D. Carroll, both Democrats from Philadelphia. Currently, in Pennsylvania, if a youth in the juvenile justice system waits for a bed to open at a treatment facility, the time spent waiting is not counted toward their sentence, even though the youth is already detained. “When I had the opportunity to tour a juvenile justice center, I saw that the state was wasting many young people’s time,” Bellmon said. “Advocates told me that waiting for a bed could take up to 18 months. This practice is cruel, unjust, and unacceptable. Our bill will fix this, providing real justice while keeping our communities safe.” “Our juvenile justice system should prioritize rehabilitation, not prolonged confinement that can cause further harm,” Carroll said. “Too many children are sitting in detention for weeks simply because treatment beds aren’t available -- separated from their families, schools, and communities without receiving the services they need. This legislation ensures courts consider the full impact of those delays and regularly review alternatives to secure detention. It’s a commonsense step Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – On the verge of the one-year anniversary of the Northeast Philadelphia Plane Crash that occurred on Jan. 31, 2025, state Reps. Sean Dougherty, Jared Solomon, Anthony Bellmon, Ed Neilson and Pat Gallagher, all D-Phila., offered the following statement. The crash occurred between Dougherty and Solomon’s districts. “Last year, our community here in Northeast Philadelphia witnessed an unimaginable tragedy when a plane crashed onto Cottman Avenue. Six individuals on board and one civilian on the ground lost their lives, and more were injured. “This crash ravaged our community and affected it for months. However, thanks to the tireless work and bravery of our Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, the Emergency Office Management Team, PGW team, and first responders, and the remarkable leadership of Mayor Cherelle Parker and Gov. Josh Shapiro, our community was able to recover. “We must also note the volunteer work of so many of our neighbors -- everyday Northeast Philadelphians who love this community. In Northeast Philly, we look out for and protect one another. It’s what makes our community so strong. “As we look back on the one-year mark of this tragedy, we are thankful for the successful recovery, and we look to continue building on that recovery to ensure Northeast Philly is the best community possible for all our neighbors.” Read more
Experts estimate President Trump’s actions have already cost 600,000 lives Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – Today, the Pennsylvania House passed a resolution introduced by State Rep. Anthony Bellmon (D-Phila.) urging Congress to take action to reduce health insurance costs for Pennsylvanians who purchase coverage through Pennie, the state’s ACA marketplace. When Congress passed the American Rescue Plan in 2021, it expanded tax credits that allowed many Pennsylvanians to purchase health insurance through Pennie, contributing to the marketplace’s record-breaking open enrollment in 2025. However, these credits expire on Dec. 31 and, as a result, health insurance costs for Pennie customers will, on average, double. “During the 2025 open enrollment period for Pennie, nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians—the most ever—purchased health insurance,” Bellmon said. “With these federal tax credits set to expire at the end of the year, these individuals could face real consequences, including having to choose between paying for housing, food, utilities, or health care. “Only Congress can stop the bleed and keep people covered by extending these credits. That’s why we must urge them to take action to lower health insurance costs for Pennsylvanians who purchase coverage through Pennie.” Read more
PA state Rep. Anthony Bellmon highlights state budget wins for Pennsylvanians. Bellmon says funding allocated for reducing violence, addressing food insecurity, and improving schools is fantastic news for the entire commonwealth. Read more
Rep. Bellmon details the importance of passing the state budget to help with progress in public safety in Philadelphia and communities across Pennsylvania. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol (SPEP) Implementation Who May Apply: Non-profit entities and institutions of higher education Use: To assess the quality of services provided to system-involved youth, support providers in creating and implementing quality improvement plans, and measure progress through follow-up evaluations. Funds: A total of $1,400,000 in state Violence and Delinquency Prevention Programs funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $1,400,000 over the 18-month project period. Application Deadline: October 14, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Law Enforcement and Youth R/ED Training Who May Apply: Any organization that can demonstrate the ability to provide training and technical assistance to members of law enforcement interacting with youth in their communities, including, but not limited to, police, probation, and school personnel. Use: To provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement entities across the Commonwealth to improve interactions with youth in their communities. Funds: A total of $250,000 in federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year Read more
As a Philadelphian and a member of the PA House Transportation Committee, Rep. Anthony Bellmon knows just how vital transit funding is to Northeast Philly and the entire commonwealth. Bellmon voted for legislation to adequately fund SEPTA and provide oversight and transparency requested by the state Senate. Bellmon is now calling on the PA Senate to finish the job of passing a budget and securing funding for mass transit. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, July 29 – On Monday, state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., presented state grant funding for the Sturgis Recreation Center. At the funding presentation, Olney Community Collaborative was awarded $219,000 and Sturgis Recreation Center Advisory Council was awarded $10,000. Each will use the funds to renovate and restore the outdoor basketball courts at the rec center. “Sturgis Rec is a cornerstone of the Olney Community, providing local youth a safe space to stay physically active and interact with peers,” Bellmon said. “I was proud to help secure this state funding that will not only upgrade the basketball courts, but that will give our youth and future generations a place to grow while creating lasting memories.” Bellmon was joined by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department Commissioner Susan Slawson and Philadelphia Councilman Anthony Phillips. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 8 - Today, the Pennsylvania House passed legislation ( H.B. 1668 ) introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., which would permit Philadelphia to establish a property tax abatement program for the retrofitting of fire sprinkler systems in residential high-rises. All residential high-rise buildings in Philadelphia built after 1991 must have fire sprinkler systems, and all commercial buildings must be retrofitted with sprinkler systems. However, this requirement does not exist for residential high-rise buildings that were built before 1991. “When there's a fire, sprinkler systems can save lives and protect property. Unfortunately, older residential high-rise buildings in Philadelphia aren't required to have these systems, putting thousands of residents at risk,” Bellmon said. “The safety of a building and its residents shouldn’t be determined by the year it was built, and for that reason, I am glad to see my bill pass the House.” It is estimated that over 26,000 Philadelphians live in residential buildings greater than six-stories high that are not equipped with fire sprinkler systems. The program would allow the city to establish the timelines and define which residential high-rise structures within the city are eligible for the abatement. House Bill 1668 now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more
Mass transit is a big deal for everyone in the state, not just Philly or Pittsburgh. That's why PA state Rep. Anthony Bellmon is Fighting for Mass Transit Funding. Bellmon says SEPTA and other transit systems across the commonwealth are in a funding crisis. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, June 20- Today, state Rep. Anthony Bellmon and Pennsylvania House Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris, both D-Phila., presented a check worth $125,000 in state funding to the organization Black Girls Love Math. BGLM was founded five years ago by Atiyah Harmon, who had spent two decades in the education system as a math teacher, principal and administrator. Harmon noticed that many Black girls in Philadelphia were struggling in school with mathematics and that these results stemmed from an increasing disinterest in the subject. To combat this issue, she started BGLM and committed their work to eradicating racial and gender inequity in mathematics. Her findings were backed up by a 2024 Vanderbilt University study, which found that 71% of Black girls expressed a negative math identity. Additionally, this study found that 86% of Black girls were unaware of the necessity of advanced math for their future aspirations. “When you couple the inequities that predominantly Black schools face with findings of massive disinterest and unawareness of the importance of such a crucial subject, it could spell a recipe for disaster for our youth,” Bellmon said. “We are very fortunate to have a dedicated, aspirational leader in our community in Ms. Harmon, who is constantly working to put an end to this cycle. Her organization is paving pathways to success for so many young Black girls in our community, and I Read more
PHILADELPHIA, June 12 – Today, state Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Phila., hosted a news conference at SEPTA’s Fox Chase Station in his legislative district to reinforce the need to properly fund SEPTA. He was joined by residents and people who work in his district to speak about the ways public transit helps them day to day. Dougherty was joined by a dozen individuals who voiced their support for SEPTA funding and detailed how important public transit is to them and the Commonwealth at large. “SEPTA is the lifeline of Philadelphia and the surrounding area as nearly 1 million people use their services every day,” Dougherty said. “It was impactful to hear from the incredible folks who joined me today to discuss how crucial SEPTA’s transportation services are to them. I will continue my work in Harrisburg to ensure we properly fund SEPTA and keep Southeast PA moving.” In addition to his constituents, Dougherty was joined by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., as well as individuals from the offices of state Reps. Jared Solomon and Joe Hohenstein, both D-Phila. In total, more than 50 people showed up this morning to show their support for SEPTA funding. Dougherty noted that dozens of others expressed well wishes while they were working or taking SEPTA transit to work. Read more
Rep. Bellmon's Spring 2025 Newsletter includes information on work his office is doing in the district, work Rep. Bellmon is doing at the State Capitol, and a flyer for his upcoming 2025 Senior Fair on May 3o. Read more
Bills proposed to protect children in the juvenile justice system, save taxpayer dollars Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 7 – Today, state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., hosted a news conference at the Philadelphia Protestant Home where he presented a check worth $84,350. Bellmon helped to secure the funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. It will be used to provide a new disability transport vehicle for the home. “For 135 years, the Philadelphia Protestant Home has provided excellent care and award-winning, amenity-rich living options for Philadelphia seniors,” Bellmon said. “I was very proud to help secure this funding that will make it easier to get residents out and around. Whether it’s to visit loved ones, shop, attend appointments or simply to get out and connect with the community, this is an added amenity that will continue the Protestant Home’s excellent service to its residents.” The Philadelphia Protestant Home , located in the Lawndale section of Philadelphia, is a home for seniors 62 and older that has provided care and amenities for its residents since 1890. Residents get to enjoy city living but also reside in what is described as a secure, nature-filled oasis. Bellmon was joined by the Protestant Home’s leadership team and residents today. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 More information: DCED Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 31, 2025 — State Reps. Anthony Bellmon, Jason Dawkins, Sean Dougherty, Pat Gallagher, Ed Neilson and Jared Solomon today issued the following statement on a plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia: "While we're still learning details regarding the horrific tragedy in Northeast Philadelphia, we're working with local and state officials to support our community. For everyone's safety and to ensure first responders have unimpeded access to the site, please avoid the area around Roosevelt Mall. "Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims, as well as the neighbors and businesses impacted by this disaster. We're extremely grateful for all the first responders working this emergency." Read more
Bellmon said he will continue the fight to increase public safety and security for all communities across the city. “Public safety is at the forefront of concerns of all Philadelphians. While incidents continue to drop, we still have a way to go to ensure that all families feel safe enough to sit out on their front stoop and not worry about what’s coming down the street. Our efforts to end gun violence, increase safety on the streets, and ensure real protections for all Philadelphians are paramount to lifting up our entire city.” Read more
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