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Cephas asks utilities to delay billing consumers during government shutdown

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Burgos applauds PECO for withdrawing proposed rate hikes

(Apr 16, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

In the wake of PECO’s decision to retract proposed rate hikes, state Rep. Danilo Burgos thanked Gov. Josh Shapiro, fellow legislators, and Pennsylvanians for speaking up and out. Read more

 

Fiedler reacts to PECO rate case withdrawal, calls out utility price gouging

(Apr 16, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, April 16 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee, issued the following response to PECO’s rate case withdrawal Thursday: “People in my district are already struggling. They’re working multiple jobs, canceling doctors’ appointments, and putting groceries back on the shelf instead of in their cart. It’s painful to think about the choices that Pennsylvanians would face if their bills shot up by another $30 a month, but that was almost their reality. “I am relieved to hear the news that PECO customers will avoid another unnecessary rate hike. The withdrawal of the proposed rate increase will save 1.7 million ratepayers a total of $510 million on their utility bills. PECO’s requested hike would have increased some household bills by up to $34 a month. “This reversal makes evident that a rate hike was never necessary to maintain safe and reliable service. It shows us that utility companies are making extraordinary profits already, at a cost to working people and families. “PECO’s CEO made more than $15 million last year. Meanwhile, utility bills are up 10 to 20 percent. The war in Iran, reckless tariffs, and big tech have worsened the affordability crisis. Pennsylvanians are making impossibly painful choices just to pay their bills and stay afloat. They deserve to thrive – not just survive. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds withdraw of PECO rate hike proposal

(Apr 16, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 16 – Today, the Philadelphia House Delegation thanked Gov. Josh Shapiro, legislators, and PA residents for speaking out against PECO’s proposed rate hike. Shapiro announced today that PECO will withdraw its recently proposed rate increase that would have added over $34 per month for customers beginning in 2027. Due to the engagement of Pennsylvanians and PECO’s acknowledgement that many families are facing affordability issues, PECO withdrew its request and prevented an unreasonable rate hike for 1.7 million Pennsylvanians. After PECO initially announced its intention to pursue the increase, Philadelphia House Delegation members created a petition opposing the rate hike, which received a resounding response from the public that the proposal should not be approved. “I appreciate every single one of you who took the time to sign our petition and speak up about this issue,” Delegation Chair state Rep. Morgan Cephas said. “Our neighbors are fighting economic battles on so many fronts nowadays, and unnecessary increases to electricity and natural gas bills could very well have been a breaking point for families across Philadelphia. Due to your voice and your engagement, we’ve told PECO that we will not be taken advantage of.” PA House Energy Committee Chair state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler also thanked everyone who voiced their disapproval of PECO’s proposal. “The loud and unified response from Read more

 

Pa. House passes bill protecting construction contractors from being held liable for negligence of others

(Apr 15, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 15 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation ( H.B. 1541 ) introduced by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., that would protect construction contractors from being held liable for the negligence of others. Hohenstein said many construction contractors are forced to accept liability for another party’s negligence when entering into construction contracts under current law. His legislation would void any provision in new construction contracts in which a party is indemnified, or excused from being held liable, for damages resulting from that party's negligence. “Being held liable for the negligence of others is unfair to contractors and can also enforce a negative reputation on the contractor’s business,” Hohenstein said. “My legislation would help protect Pennsylvania construction contractors from being forced to accept liability for someone else’s negligence. This will promote fairness, better work production, and better business for contractors.” The bill now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Lawmakers, advocates call on Pa. to follow federal directive and stop intercepting benefits from foster youth

(Apr 13, 2026) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, April 13 – Following new federal directives, advocates gathered from across the state to demand the passage of H.B. 151, bipartisan legislation that would end the practice intercepting benefits intended for foster youth and conserve benefits in a savings account for when a foster youth exits care . "This is about fairness, and following federal law,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, the lead sponsor of the bill. “What makes up a fraction of the state’s spending could make a huge difference in the lives of foster youth, who face high rates of homelessness, addiction and depression. 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. Instead of fighting over paperwork and bureaucracy, let’s fight for the future of these children.” This December, the Office of Administration for Children and Families demanded that states no longer intercept foster youth's social security. Ten states across the country have barred the interception of these benefits so far. “These are funds that for many that 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 treatment. These youth are not asking for handouts, they’re asking for what’s already Read more

 

State officials invest $2.3 million to revive fountain area in West Philadelphia

(Apr 13, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

State and local officials on Friday announced a $2.3 million investment to restore and reimagine the historic John Welsh Memorial Fountain and its surrounding landscape in West Fairmount Park, a long-dormant site just across from the Please Touch Museum.The funding, awarded through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development Multimodal Transportation Fund, will support major improvements to pedestrian and cyclist access at the site, addressing longstanding safety concerns while advancing plans to bring the fountain back into use. Read more

 

Gallagher issues statement on Wednesday plane crash in Torresdale

(Apr 02, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, April 2 – State Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., issued the following statement regarding the plane crash that occurred in the Torresdale neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia late yesterday afternoon: “I want to thank our firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel and all first responders for their swift and coordinated response in Torresdale yesterday afternoon. Their professionalism and quick action helped secure the scene and prevent what could have been a far more serious situation. “Preliminary information indicates that injuries and property damage appear to be minor, and we are relieved that no more severe outcomes have been reported at this time. Our office remains in close contact with emergency officials and will continue to monitor developments as more details become available. “We are keeping those involved in our thoughts and are grateful for the dedication and service of the men and women who responded so effectively.” More about this crash can be read here . Read more

 

Cephas & Dougherty announce extension of Senior Ride Program with Uber

(Mar 31, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, March 31 – State Reps. Morgan Cephas and Sean Dougherty, both D-Phila., announced today that Uber has extended its Senior Ride Program for West Philadelphia in partnership with ACHIEVEability and is expanding the program to serve Northeast Philadelphia in partnership with KleinLife.Cephas initiated a pilot program with Uber for free rides during SEPTA service cuts in the summer of 2025 to ensure that area seniors who rely on public transportation would be able to reach their doctor appointments, do their grocery shopping, pick up medication, or meet other critical needs.That pilot program was highly successful, facilitating over 1,000 total rides while empowering older adults with confidence and independence by effectively utilizing smartphone technology. Read more

 

Senator Anthony H. Williams, Alongside Representative Morgan Cephas, Introduces Legislation to Combat Hit-and-Run Incidents in Philadelphia

(Mar 30, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

Philadelphia, PA – March 27, 2026 – Senator Anthony Williams (SD-8) and Rep. Morgan Cephas (HD-192) recently introduced legislation that would require the City of Philadelphia to establish a pilot program to address hit-and-run accidents. The bill would provide for a registry of licensed vehicle repair shops and require notifications to be made to help more quickly identify individuals who have fled the scene of a crime. Read more

 

Rabb: Let’s finish the job on felony murder reform

(Mar 26, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Justice reform lawmaker eager to build legal framework following state Supreme Court ruling Read more

 

Kinkead, Green unveil bill tying legislator COLA to minimum wage increases

(Mar 24, 2026) Rep. Roni Green, Rep. Emily Kinkead

Automatic, annual minimum wage bump at same rate of lawmaker pay raises Read more

 

‘You can vote no’: From a first grader to public officials, dozens tell Philly’s school board to reject 18 planned school closings

(Mar 17, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Morgan Cephas (D., Phila.) cast doubt on the district’s current blueprint.“I’m here to express deep concern about a facilities plan that took years to create, when you’re giving families weeks to digest,” Cephas said. “Which is not equity, and not what we fight for. Read more

 

‘More than a school to us. It’s our home’: Philadelphia students and advocates speak out against closures at town hall

(Mar 17, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

Pennsylvania state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-West Philadelphia, said that while the Facilities Master Plan took years to develop, the district is giving families and school staff just weeks to understand a decision that will determine their future.Cephas said the school closures will have an effect not just this year but for generations to come.“We have been blindsided by this process being rushed in a way that is a shock to our system, a shock to Philadelphia, a shock to our families,” Cephas said. Read more

 

Dems to Pa. GOP lawmakers: Raise revenue or show how to cut budget proposal

(Mar 16, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

Shapiro has sought legislation enacting legal marijuana, skills game regulation, a minimum wage increase and closing a tax loophole that allows out-of-state corporations to avoid higher payments in each of his four budget proposals, said Rep. Regina Young, D-Delaware/Philadelphia.Young asked Reber how much collective revenue the four initiatives would generate if they were in place. Reber’s answer: $3 billion.“So, if we would have enacted these proposals when the governor first called for them, we would have profited $3 billion to date?” Young asked, an unmistakable nod to opponents who bemoan the lack of new revenue streams.“That’s correct,” Reber replied. Read more

 

Weeks of budget hearings end in Harrisburg with little agreement

(Mar 16, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

Democrats counter that Shapiro keeps proposing new revenue streams such as taxing skill games, legalizing cannabis and closing the Delaware loophole that allows big businesses to avoid paying state corporate taxes by establishing holding companies in Delaware.“How different would our budget picture look today if the legislature had enacted these proposals when the governor first called for them?” said Rep. Regina Young (D-Delaware/Philadelphia), an appropriations committee member.Zachary Reber, secretary of the governor’s budget office, estimates the state would have pulled in an additional $3 billion.Lawmakers could previously ignore new revenue streams because they didn’t need extra cash, but much of the budget goes toward schools and human services. Read more

 

President Fry makes the case for Temple during Harrisburg visit

(Mar 16, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

The 2026 House Appropriations Committee hearing for state-related institutions came just six weeks after Temple unveiled its strategic plan, Forward with Purpose, which will serve as the university’s compass over the next decade. The initiatives that will support one of the plan’s key priorities, Place-based Impact, garnered attention throughout the hearing, first when Rep. Regina Young brought forth the topic of public safety. “It’s important that we are creating spaces where the families of students can feel comfortable,” said Young, who represents the 185th District located in Delaware and Philadelphia counties. “With the rise of so many concerns around student safety on campuses, can you tell us some of the efforts you’re doing to ensure that students are safe on your campus?” In response, President Fry mentioned the work pursued since 21CP Solutions completed its audit of Temple’s Department of Public Safety, citing that 98% of the recommendations are complete or ongoing with the final two to be finished later this year. He also referenced the recently completed independent staffing study for the Department of Public Safety and the plans to hire 29 patrol officers, one detective, six sergeants and one lieutenant over the next five years. But he made it clear that the university’s strategy goes beyond that. Read more

 

Mayor Parker highlights $9 million investment aimed at restoring Cobbs Creek wetlands

(Mar 11, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

Overlooking the driving range and golf course at Cobbs Creek, state Rep. Morgan Cephas recalled when the area across Lansdowne Avenue was known for illegal activity. New city investment, she said, will help restore nature to the creek bed.Mayor Cherelle Parker and other officials announced Monday that more than $9 million in city funds will be used to restore 25 acres of floodplains and wetlands along a three-mile stretch of Cobbs Creek. The project will include planting more than 49,000 trees and other native vegetation to help return the area to a more natural state.Cephas, who represents the neighborhood in the Pennsylvania House, spoke about the land’s troubled past and the long-standing lack of investment. She thanked Parker, state Sen. Vincent Hughes and Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. for their work. Efforts to revitalize the area date back to former Mayor Michael Nutter’s administration. Read more

 

Rally at City Hall pushes for increased SEPTA funding

(Mar 09, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Morgan Cephas said investing in mass transit is essential to statewide economic success.“One of our top priorities is mass transit,” she said. “We understand early and often that when we invest, we win.” Read more

 

SEPTA riders rally at City Hall to preserve free-ride programs in new budget

(Mar 09, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

Supporters of two SEPTA programs that offer free rides rallied at Philadelphia City Hall on Friday. Their concern is that the new city budget will cut funding for the programs.SEPTA has issued 68,000 Zero Fare cards to qualifying riders, though not all of them are used, according to the agency’s Andrew Busch. More than 20,000 Philadelphians currently benefit from the program, and about 13,000 city workers enjoy free rides via the Key Advantage program. Read more

 

Cephas calls for continued funding of mass transit programs

(Mar 06, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, March 6 – This morning outside of City Hall, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., spoke at a news conference highlighting the need for city and state investments in mass transit for Philadelphians.Cephas was joined by City Councilman At-Large Nicolas O’Rourke, as well as transit supporters and advocates calling for the protection of the Zero Fare program and the municipal SEPTA Key Advantage program in the city budget. Read more

 

Burgos applauds PECO for withdrawing proposed rate hikes
Apr 16, 2026

Fiedler reacts to PECO rate case withdrawal, calls out utility price gouging
Apr 16, 2026

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds withdraw of PECO rate hike proposal
Apr 16, 2026

Pa. House passes bill protecting construction contractors from being held liable for negligence of others
Apr 15, 2026

Lawmakers, advocates call on Pa. to follow federal directive and stop intercepting benefits from foster youth
Apr 13, 2026

State officials invest $2.3 million to revive fountain area in West Philadelphia
Apr 13, 2026

Gallagher issues statement on Wednesday plane crash in Torresdale
Apr 02, 2026

Cephas & Dougherty announce extension of Senior Ride Program with Uber
Mar 31, 2026

Senator Anthony H. Williams, Alongside Representative Morgan Cephas, Introduces Legislation to Combat Hit-and-Run Incidents in Philadelphia
Mar 30, 2026

Rabb: Let’s finish the job on felony murder reform
Mar 26, 2026

Kinkead, Green unveil bill tying legislator COLA to minimum wage increases
Mar 24, 2026

‘You can vote no’: From a first grader to public officials, dozens tell Philly’s school board to reject 18 planned school closings
Mar 17, 2026

‘More than a school to us. It’s our home’: Philadelphia students and advocates speak out against closures at town hall
Mar 17, 2026

Dems to Pa. GOP lawmakers: Raise revenue or show how to cut budget proposal
Mar 16, 2026

Weeks of budget hearings end in Harrisburg with little agreement
Mar 16, 2026

President Fry makes the case for Temple during Harrisburg visit
Mar 16, 2026

Mayor Parker highlights $9 million investment aimed at restoring Cobbs Creek wetlands
Mar 11, 2026

Rally at City Hall pushes for increased SEPTA funding
Mar 09, 2026

SEPTA riders rally at City Hall to preserve free-ride programs in new budget
Mar 09, 2026

Cephas calls for continued funding of mass transit programs
Mar 06, 2026