Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

COVID-19 Helpful Resources

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead. Please note that this webpage will be updated as needed with additional information and resources. State Services and Resources The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/ For individuals : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals For families : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamilies For businesses : https://dced.pa.gov/resources COVID Support for PA Businesses : The following provides information and and links to federal, state, local and private resources. https://www.pahouse.com/News/?id=113388 **Self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers: Apply here for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits .** https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities Information from the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry on the federal CARES Act: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/CARES-Act/Pages/default.aspx The following link provides you with Read more

News Center

Kenyatta to introduce legislation halting student loan repayments in response to COVID-19

(Mar 13, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 13 – With Pennsylvanians impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak , state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., is currently drafting legislation that would defer student loan repayments to PHEAA for up to 60 days. “ With all the workplace closures happening in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, many commonwealth residents are grappling to pay their necessary bills because of the sudden loss of income,” Kenyatta said. “Borrowers, especially, are unable to make payments on their student loans.” Kenyatta, who represents the 181 st Legislative District, said Pennsylvania bears the second highest average debt per student at $35,759 per student. A total of $53.7 billion collectively looms over the state’s borrowers. “We’re in the midst of an incredibly stressful time and the legislation I’m drafting aims to provide some financial relief during this pandemic,” he said. Read more

Reps. Rozzi, Bullock cancel ‘Homeless Youth’ rally out of concern for COVID-19 pandemic

(Mar 12, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Reps. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, and Donna Bullock, D-Philadelphia, have canceled their rally and press conference scheduled for Monday. The purpose of the rally and press conference was to raise awareness and call for action to help Pennsylvania’s rising number of homeless youth. “Representative Rozzi and I decided to cancel Monday’s event out of an overabundance of caution,” Bullock said. “Individuals from around the region and state were expected to travel to Harrisburg to attend the event. We hope to reschedule this event when the risk of spreading this contagious virus has been lowered.” Bullock and Rozzi are directing all residents to monitor the Pennsylvania Department of Health for the latest updates. Rozzi added: “This event was to focus attention on the growing crisis of youth homelessness in our hometowns all across the state. Now, more than ever -- with schools, churches and public places closing their doors – homeless youth are at risk. Many have no access to meet basic needs like food, shelter and health care, and they depend on these institutions to provide services.” “Our offices are asking all residents, when you stock up on needed items at the store, like nonperishable goods or hygiene and cleaning supplies, to please remember the less fortunate people that are struggling in all of our communities,” Rozzi said. Bullock Read more

Burns secures $250,000 grant for Westmont Hilltop High School

(Mar 12, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Money will help fund recreational opportunities, save taxpayer dollars Read more

Driscoll announces $30K in grants from PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded to two nonprofit organizations

(Mar 12, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 12 – State Rep. Michael Driscoll announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded grants to two nonprofit organizations in his district to fund safety and security measures. “The safety of all people in my district is a top priority,” Driscoll said. “People should be safe where they worship and gather for fellowship. These grant awards will help in that effort.” Philadelphia True Vine Church Community of the Christian and Missionary Alliance was awarded a $7,500 grant and The Muslim Society of Delaware Valley was awarded a $23,000 grant. The grants were awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency during its first round of grant awards in a new program, the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, which was created after legislation establishing the fund was signed into law last year. Grants awarded from the program are to be used by nonprofit organizations that serve people or groups often targeted by hate crimes because of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability and gender. The awards can be used for any safety or security improvement the nonprofit organization wants to put in place, including training and planning, the purchase of technology or equipment, or the improvement of the nonprofit’s facilities. The commission received more than 800 applications for grant funding and approved 113 of those Read more

Conklin: $115,000 in funding awarded to Jewish center at Penn State

(Mar 12, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 12 – Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life at Pennsylvania State University has been awarded a $115,852 state grant to use toward a variety of security and safety enhancements, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funds were awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency at its quarterly commission meeting through its Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program following the passage of Act 83 of 2019 . The act directs the agency to administer grants to nonprofit organizations that have been or are likely to be targets for hate crimes. Priority consideration for funding was given to organizations that indicated they – or their membership – were victims of a hate crime or had a credible hate-crime threat, Conklin added. “These community centers must remain safe spaces for students and the community to gather and connect with others, and I’m pleased that PCCD is providing Hillel the vital support to keep their center safe and secure,” said Conklin. PCCD is the state’s lead agency for criminal justice policy issues, providing support services to law enforcement agencies, victims of crime and communities. More information on PCCD can be found at the following site: www.pccd.pa.gov . Read more

State lawmakers announce $250K grant for Delaware County District Attorney's Office

(Mar 11, 2020) Rep. Margo Davidson

State Reps. Rep. Margo Davidson, Leanne Krueger, David Delloso, Brian Kirkland, Jennifer O’Mara and Mike Zabel from Delaware County announced today the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office has been approved for a $250,000 Local Law Enforcement Grant through the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Read more