“This is how authoritarianism operates. These measures reflect the escalating fascism that our current federal government continues to embrace: a regime that wields state power to suppress inconvenient truths, glorify oppressive narratives, and punish those who dare to insist on accuracy, accountability and dignity." Read more

HARRISBURG, Jan. 21 – State Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila., announced that $3,302,763 has been awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to local transportation projects to improve public safety and quality of life in the 190th Legislative District.Three projects were awarded funding through state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund to support local transportation projects that encourage economic development and safe transit:•$2,100,000 to Fairmount Park Conservancy to complete a traffic calming and streetscape improvement project along East and West Memorial drives, South Concourse Drive, and Avenue of the Republic.•$1,129,310 to the City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion to repair and improve the City Avenue Pedestrian Bridge.•$73,453 to North District Owner LLC to improve the parking lot at the North Philadelphia Train Station.“Protecting the folks using our streets and walkways is paramount to public safety in our communities, so I’m happy to announce funding for these projects,” said Green. “Traffic through East Fairmount Park is long overdue for attention, as well as improving parking accommodations at North Station. The City Ave. Pedestrian Bridge enhancements will assist with improved economic development and foot traffic along City Ave. Enhanced public safety impacts all of us, so this is good news for residents, visitors and commuters.” Funding for the Multimodal Transportation Fund is administered by the Commonwealth Financing... Read more

HARRISBURG, Jan. 21 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that $2.9 million has been awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to local transportation and sewer projects to improve public safety and quality of life in the 185th Legislative District. Read more

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) Who May Apply: County or Municipal Government, Higher Educational Institution, Other Educational Institution, Non-profit with 501(c)3 IRS Status and Non-profit with PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations Status. Use: Park rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, land acquisition and conservation, trail projects, river conservation and development, and community and watershed forestry. Funds: The total grant awards vary based on state and federal funding sources, with the program awarding approximately $50 million for projects each year. Individual grant amounts also vary, with typical awards ranging from $50,000 - $500,000. Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: DCNR Website Liquor Control Board: Alcohol Education Grant Program Who May Apply: School districts and institutions of higher education (including technical, trade, and post-secondary establishments), community organizations, municipal police departments, municipal officials/representatives, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Use: To fund programs that discourage and reduce underage and dangerous drinking and promote a message of responsible alcohol consumption by those of legal drinking age. Funds: The grant cycle is for two years, from July 2026 through June Read more

HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – State Reps. Joe Hohenstein, Jordan Harris, Morgan Cephas, and Jose Giral, all D-Phila., announced today that $200,000 in funding has been awarded to ACCT Philly to support its operations. ACCT Philly is Philadelphia’s largest animal care and control service provider, assisting nearly 18,000 animals and residents in need each year. Its mission is to provide shelter, care, and lifesaving services for homeless, abandoned, and abused animals, while also protecting the health, safety, and welfare of Philadelphia’s residents -- benefiting all city residents regardless of race or economic status. Giral, who represents the legislative district in which ACCT Philly is located, applauded the funding. “ACCT plays a vital role in providing compassionate animal care and rescue services across the Philadelphia region, and I am proud to see this funding support their critical mission,” he said. “The North Philadelphia animal shelter serves nearly 18,000 animals each year who have been homeless, abandoned, or abused, with a steadfast commitment to humane care and finding loving, permanent homes. Protecting and caring for these animals strengthens not only their wellbeing, but also the wellbeing of our communities.” Hohenstein, a member of ACCT’s board, also expressed his appreciation for the funding. “I am happy to be part of Read more

Following the murder of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, MN by an ICE agent, the shooting of two people by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Portland, OR, the death of Parady La after his detention at the federal center in Philadelphia all last week, and against the backdrop of a year of escalated violence, 18 state senators and state representatives serving legislative districts across Philadelphia have released the following statement: Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 23 – Today, the Philadelphia House Delegation announced that two projects in the city have been awarded $1,275,963 in funding through the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund.The following projects have received funding:•Center City District: $328,295 to rehabilitate transit shelters in preparation for Philadelphia250.•City of Philadelphia Department of Streets: $947,668 to acquire right-of-way to complete a gap in the Schuylkill River Trail.Delegation chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said that these investments come at a critical point in time for the city. “These projects are key to preparing Philadelphia for the influx of tourism and visitors in 2026, connecting communities and increasing pedestrian safety,” Cephas said. “Improvements to transit shelters will beautify and secure these areas for residents and guests using SEPTA, while enhancing the Schuylkill River Trail will allow for increased recreation and alternative commuting through our region. We’re thankful to the Shapiro administration for these investments in our city at a crucial time.”The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grant funding to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets and enhance communities. The projects support the safety and accessibility of Pennsylvania’s infrastructure. More information about the program and... Read more

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania lawmakers unanimously approved legislation Wednesday that would require human trafficking awareness training for workers across the hospitality industry, a move supporters say is urgently needed as the state prepares for a wave of global events and increased travel.House Bill 1286, sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young, a Democrat representing Philadelphia and Delaware County, would mandate state-approved trafficking awareness training for employees at hotels, motels, short-term rentals, and online lodging and reservation platforms. The bill now advances to the state Senate.Young said the legislation reflects harsh realities on the ground, particularly in regions crisscrossed by major highways and transportation hubs. Read more

State House lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill that would require lodging operators to ensure workers undergo training meant to improve recognizing and reporting human trafficking. The vote comes just before the start of 2026, when several major events – including the FIFA World Cup, America250 and the NFL draft – promise to draw “record-breaking numbers of visitors” to the state, noted Zakary Pyzik, senior director of public affairs for the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. Bill sponsor Rep. Regina Young’s district includes the Philadelphia International Airport, in addition to an adjacent section of Delaware County. “This is bigger than 2026, but the time really is now,” said Young, a Democrat who introduced a similar proposal during the last legislative session as well. Young and Pyzik spoke during a press conference Wednesday along with state Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia) and Philadelphia City Councilwoman Nina Amad before the House took up the measure for third and final consideration. It now goes to the Senate, which reconvenes on Jan. 6. Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, on Thursday announced more than $2.1 million in state funding for community projects and infrastructure improvements in the 185th Legislative District, awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Read more