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Rally at City Hall pushes for increased SEPTA funding

(3 hours ago) 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

(3 hours ago) 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

 

PFT Members Urge Passage of Governor Shapiro’s Education Funding Package as Part of AFT’s National Day of Action

(Mar 04, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2026) – Philly public school educators, city officials, and students and families on Wednesday rallied for Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed education funding package as part of a nationwide AFT Day of Action.Members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) at Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School welcomed Dr. Jermaine Dawson, Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services (representing Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington, Sr.); City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Education Chair Isaiah Thomas, and At-Large Member Dr. Nina Ahmad; Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas; and public education supporters to urge the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass Governor Shapiro’s education funding package – of which $2.2 billion would be invested in the District. Shapiro’s proposed FY 2027 budget also includes $1 billion for public education infrastructure, including school buildings. Read more

 

Democrats draw line on dynamic pricing for essential goods

(Mar 04, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

“When working families are counting every dollar, unpredictable prices are not innovation – they’re instability,” said Rep. Mary Isaacson, who co-hosted the hearing and represents portions of Philadelphia. “AI-enabled pricing puts consumers and working families at an extreme disadvantage, all in the name of corporate greed.” Read more

 

Grant Memo: School Bus Safety, Recreation Facilities, Recycling, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 04, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS PennDOT: Automated School Bus Enforcement Grant Program Who May Apply: School entities, independent school bus contractors, and municipal governments Use: To cover costs associated with the issuance of CDL licenses to operate school buses within the Commonwealth or to increase school bus safety, education, and training Funds: The total amount of funding available is $1.2 million. Grants can be awarded up to $100,000 per applicant Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 More information: PennDOT Website Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program Who May Apply: Nonprofit organizations that can demonstrate engagement in market research, product development or promotion of agricultural products grown, raised or produced in the Commonwealth Use: To provide matching funds to nonprofit organizations engaged in market research, development or promotion of agricultural products Funds: Up to $381,810.50 is available for grants under the Program Application Deadline: April 10, 2026 More information: PDA Website Department of Environmental Protection: Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grant Program Who May Apply: Municipalities Use: To develop and implement recycling programs Funds: Grants are available up to $250,000. Application Read more

 

Universal Pre-K helps economy, children and parents

(Mar 03, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

“Universal pre-K is one of the smartest investments Pennsylvania can make,” said state Rep. Tarik Khan, who represents part of Philadelphia and co-hosted the hearing. “In Philadelphia, we’ve already seen that high-quality pre-K improves children’s focus, self-control and early literacy. And we know pre-K boosts graduation rates, expands access to better-paying careers, reduces involvement in the criminal justice system and helps parents stay in the workforce. We intend to do more smart things in Pennsylvania, like investing early, where the returns are strongest. The benefits won’t just help kids next year. They will strengthen our commonwealth for decades.” Read more

 

State and local lawmakers, PA Justice Alliance celebrate recent wins for criminal justice reform in the State House

(Feb 18, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 18 – City and state lawmakers joined members of the PA Justice Alliance to celebrate passing key criminal justice reforms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with significant and historic bipartisan support. “For too long, the concerns of incarcerated Pennsylvanians have been sidelined and dismissed as infeasible, said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila. “But these wins show that our movement has real power in Harrisburg and can build support across party lines for criminal justice reform.” The Justice Alliance is a coalition of over 30 criminal legal reform organizations, including the Youth Sentencing and Reentry Project, Children First, Straight Ahead, ACLU of PA and more. Recent legislative wins in the State House include: H.B. 144 - Expanding the use of juvenile diversion for nonviolent offenses, which passed the House 153-45. H.B. 150 - Updating Pennsylvania's medical release policy in state prisons, which passed the House 111-92 H.B. 1936 - Ensuring courts consider time served in juvenile jails, which passed the House 111-87. Advocates stressed how these pieces of legislation provide second chances and generate significant cost savings on corrections, arguments which helped secure unprecedented bipartisan support. “Our juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania is long overdue for real reform, and these Read more

 

State grants for FDR Park

(Feb 13, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

South Philly’s largest park will see a little more green.FDR Park will receive more than a quarter of a million dollars in state grants for improvement projects, officials announced on Feb. 11. Leaders from the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation joined state Rep. Regina Young to announce $275,000 in newly awarded state grants for improvement projects at the historic park.“FDR Park, by design, has been a community resource for recreation and nature for over 100 years,” Young said. “There are immense public benefits of both, especially for children.” Read more

 

Young presents funding to Fairmount Park Conservancy

(Feb 11, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, joined leaders from the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation to announce $275,000 in newly awarded state grants for improvement projects at historic FDR Park in South Philadelphia.Funding through the CFA Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program:•$125,000 to Fairmount Park Conservancy for the FDR Park Nature Phase Franklin 5K to connect all the landscapes in the park for cyclists and pedestrians, allowing for safer travel and exploration from the plaza to the park's natural lands and beyond. Funding through the PA Watershed Restoration Protection Program:•$150,000 for ecological restoration along Shedbrook Creek to bring stronger ecology, thousands of climate-resilient trees, and biodiverse native plants to FDR Park.Young said that she was happy to advocate for these grants to support the FDR Park Plan and develop open, green, recreational and education spaces for children and families.“FDR Park, by design, has been a community resource for recreation and nature for over 100 years. There are immense public benefits of both, especially for children,” said Young. “We cannot say the word ‘park’ without thinking of children, which is why we must continue creating spaces for our youth in Philadelphia. At a time when so many young people are facing challenges related to mental health and access to safe physical spaces, we must work together to support their overall well-being. These... Read more

 

Isaacson joins Carpenters’ Hall, America250PA and others to announce yearlong celebration of Pennsylvania’s independence

(Feb 04, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

“I am honored to represent a legislative district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with such deep and meaningful historical roots in the founding of our nation and our great commonwealth,” Isaacson said. “I encourage all Pennsylvanians to learn about the significance of the Pennsylvania Provincial Conference during America’s 250th anniversary, to visit Carpenters’ Hall, and to become more familiar with the vital document that formed -- and continues to govern -- Pennsylvania: our Constitution.” Read more

 

Bellmon, Carroll bill to provide fair sentences for juvenile youth passes PA House

(Feb 04, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

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

 

Pa. House approves expansion of youth diversion programs with broad bipartisan support

(Feb 04, 2026) Rep. Rick Krajewski

“Diversion helps youth take accountability, saves taxpayer dollars and makes our communities safer,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., prime sponsor of H.B. 144. “It shouldn’t depend on what county you’re from; all of our children should have access to these services.” Read more

 

Two bills supporting local journalism approved in committee

(Feb 04, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – The Pennsylvania House Communications and Technology Committee today advanced two bills aimed at supporting the development of local journalism across the commonwealth. “For the past 20 years, we’ve seen a troubling decline in the number of local newspapers and reporters covering important community issues,” said state Rep. Joseph Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Thousands of newspapers have closed, and the number of newsroom employees has dropped by more than half. Local journalism in Pennsylvania needs support. The first weeks of 2026 underscore the urgency: the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announced it will shut down, the Clinton County Record ceased publication, and the LNP Media Group in Lancaster, along with Lehigh Valley Public Media, announced significant layoffs. “The decline in local news reporting is having a devastating impact on our democracy,” Ciresi added. “If residents don’t know what’s happening in their towns and cities, how can they understand what issues need attention or hold leaders accountable? An informed electorate is the foundation of an engaged one.” Ciresi noted that the proposed bills aim to reduce news deserts by placing journalists in communities where they are needed most, preserving a strong local media environment across Pennsylvania. Introduced by state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., the legislative package addresses the growing shortage of Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation supports Shapiro budget proposal

(Feb 03, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – The Philadelphia House Delegation offered their support for the 2026-27 state budget proposed today by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said the proposal is a great starting point that would deliver for all Philadelphians. Read more

 

Northeast Philadelphia state lawmakers reflect on one-year anniversary of devastating plane crash

(Jan 30, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

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

 

Legislators, advocates celebrate opening of popular Solar for Schools Program; Urge Pa. schools to apply now for $25 million in grants

(Jan 29, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – The application period has opened for the second year of the popular Solar for Schools Grant Program, a bipartisan initiative passed into law in 2024. The program received another $25 million in the 2025-26 state budget, following the initial state investment of $25 million. An impressive bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers, along with solar organizations and advocates, applauded the renewed funding. The program comes as consumers and schools are struggling with rising costs: energy prices have outpaced inflation over the past six years and are currently the second highest cost for schools in Pennsylvania. “Schools are facing a massive energy affordability crisis, just like people are at home with their utility bills,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila, who sponsored the initial legislation. “Year one of the Solar for Schools Program was a huge success, and applications are now opening at a perfect time for year two of the program. As prices go up and the federal government continues to slash programs and funding to increase renewable energy supply in PA, our state government must step up to help produce more energy right here in PA. Solar for Schools shows that we have the bipartisan support, in both chambers, to achieve this.” School districts, charter schools, career and technical schools, community colleges, and intermediate units are eligible to apply now on the Department Read more

 

Rabb: Trump is attacking Black history and historical truth

(Jan 23, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“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

 

Green announces over $3.3M in funding for transportation improvements

(Jan 23, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

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

 

Young announces over $2.9M in state funding for local infrastructure projects

(Jan 21, 2026) Philadelphia House Delegation

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

 

Rally at City Hall pushes for increased SEPTA funding
3 hours ago

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

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

PFT Members Urge Passage of Governor Shapiro’s Education Funding Package as Part of AFT’s National Day of Action
Mar 04, 2026

Democrats draw line on dynamic pricing for essential goods
Mar 04, 2026

Grant Memo: School Bus Safety, Recreation Facilities, Recycling, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 04, 2026

Universal Pre-K helps economy, children and parents
Mar 03, 2026

State and local lawmakers, PA Justice Alliance celebrate recent wins for criminal justice reform in the State House
Feb 18, 2026

State grants for FDR Park
Feb 13, 2026

Young presents funding to Fairmount Park Conservancy
Feb 11, 2026

Isaacson joins Carpenters’ Hall, America250PA and others to announce yearlong celebration of Pennsylvania’s independence
Feb 04, 2026

Bellmon, Carroll bill to provide fair sentences for juvenile youth passes PA House
Feb 04, 2026

Pa. House approves expansion of youth diversion programs with broad bipartisan support
Feb 04, 2026

Two bills supporting local journalism approved in committee
Feb 04, 2026

Philadelphia House Delegation supports Shapiro budget proposal
Feb 03, 2026

Northeast Philadelphia state lawmakers reflect on one-year anniversary of devastating plane crash
Jan 30, 2026

Legislators, advocates celebrate opening of popular Solar for Schools Program; Urge Pa. schools to apply now for $25 million in grants
Jan 29, 2026

Rabb: Trump is attacking Black history and historical truth
Jan 23, 2026

Green announces over $3.3M in funding for transportation improvements
Jan 23, 2026

Young announces over $2.9M in state funding for local infrastructure projects
Jan 21, 2026