HARRISBURG, Sept. 28 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Reps. Rick Krajewski and Sheryl Delozier that would end the practice of intercepting public benefits intended for foster youth .? ? The bill (H.B. 151) would prevent Pennsylvania agencies from intercepting the Social Security benefits foster youth receive, such as survivor benefits, and instead require those?benefits to be conserved in a savings account for when a foster youth exits care. The federal Office of Administration for Children and Families in December demanded that states no longer intercept benefits, and 10 states have already worked to prohibit it. “What makes up a fraction of our state’s spending could make?a huge difference?in the lives of foster youth, who often face high rates of homelessness, addiction and depression,” said Krajewski, D-Phila., the lead sponsor of the bill.?“This is about fairness and the protection of our kids. Just as other foster children do not pay for their own costs of care or other county services, children who receive public benefits shouldn’t either. We must?do what’s right for the future of these children.”?? “These are funds?that?for many could?mean the difference between homelessness and stable housing, between?needing to work multiple jobs and having time?to attend?college, between?lacking healthcare and?receiving?necessary Read more

"Each one of us have been touched by cancer, be it personally or through family members or colleagues," Philadelphia Delegation Chairwoman Morgan Cephas said. “We all know the transformative care offered at Fox Chase, which is a bright light throughout the state. Unfortunately, we must also talk about what is happening to healthcare at the federal level, including the elimination of research funding, rising costs for patients and the looming rollback of Medicaid dollars." Read more

HARRISBURG, Sept. 16 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that four projects in her legislative district have been awarded state funding for a total of $1,071,224. The funds were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Local Share Account, which distributes money for eligible community and economic development projects from state gaming revenues. Read more

HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila., announced today that seven projects in her legislative district were awarded funds totaling more than $3 million through Pennsylvania's Local Share Account program. Read more

HARRISBURG, Sept. 16 – State Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., today announced that $1,263,295 in state funding through the Local Share Account program has been awarded for two recreation projects in his district that he supported. The funding includes: $500,000 for building improvements to Jardel Recreation Center. $763,295 for renovations to the Lawncrest Clubhouse pool house. “Jardel Recreation Center and the Lawncrest Clubhouse are important gathering places in our neighborhoods, especially for young people who come together to play, stay active and build friendships,” Bellmon said. “I was proud to advocate for this funding and help bring more than $1.2 million back to our community to improve facilities that our families use and depend on.” Bellmon said the latest funding for Lawncrest represents another piece of a larger investment in the recreation complex and surrounding community. “Lawncrest Recreation Center is undergoing a major transformation, and this $763,295 is another important piece of that larger investment in the neighborhood,” Bellmon said. “From the new recreation center to the new pool and now improvements to the clubhouse, we are continuing to invest in a place that generations of Lawncrest families have called their own. I’m proud to continue working to bring state resources home to support that Read more

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 16 – State Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Phila., offered praise to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts for his recent $600,000 investment to provide a cooling system for Northeast High School. “This investment to provide air conditioners in Northeast High School will allow our students to learn in a more comfortable environment. This will lead to greater success in the classroom,” Dougherty said. “It goes without saying that the City of Philadelphia has a special connection with our sports teams, especially our Birds. We are the most passionate and loyal sports city in the nation. It is always wonderful to see our players showing their appreciation by giving back to the community. “Not many athletes embody this commitment of giving back better than Jalen Hurts. Since arriving here in Philadelphia, he has delivered both on and off the field. From Super Bowls to AC’s, we’re very grateful. “The work Mr. Hurts does through his foundation provides life-changing investments for the kids in our great city. “I express my profound gratitude to him for this crucial investment in Northeast High School and everything he has done across Philadelphia.” More about Hurts’ investment can be read at https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/eagles-qb-jalen-hurts-invests-in-cooling-system-for-northeast-high-school/4463305/ . Read more

Keeping commerce and trade open 24/7 comes with its challenges and obstacles, including preserving domestic security as well as navigating waterways through challenging weather. The Pilots’ Association for the Bay & River Delaware are on call at all hours to ensure the safe navigation of commercial vessels along the Delaware, Schuylkill and Salem rivers as well as Delaware Bay. Read more

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 12 – Today, state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, presented a check for a $1 million grant from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to Bartram’s Garden for several projects on their campus. The grant will support the construction of the Ecosystems Education Center at Bartram's Garden, reconfiguration of the main driveway to Bartram's Garden and the Bartram's Mile Trail to include a pedestrian sidewalk and designated bike lane for safe multi-modal traffic, and restoration of the pedestrian bridge connecting Bartram’s Village. Read more

New law will help combat human trafficking in PA by requiring training for hospitality workers Read more