Philadelphia House Delegation

Philadelphia House Delegation advancing eviction reform

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 30 – In response to a series of violent incidents involving landlord-tenant officers taking place in the city, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today said the organization has been working hand in hand with the House Housing and Community Development Committee to help end the practice of private contractors performing eviction services. As part of this collaboration, both organizations held a public hearing Tuesday in the Philadelphia City Council Chambers on proposed reforms regarding landlord and tenant officers and evictions. Rep. Morgan Cephas, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, explained that a vital concern is that the eviction services are executed by people without the proper training, and carrying guns. “Moving forward there needs to be accountability and transparency with an agency that is responsible to the citizens of Philadelphia,” Cephas said. “We are determined to take this task away from the unaccountable, private entities. “We respect the need for landlords to run their business and receive their payments in a timely manner. However, the need for compassionate, respectful interaction with tenants was made obvious in the hearing,” she added. Rep. Mike Sturla, chair of the PA House Housing and Community Development Committee, highlighted that when it comes to housing it is important to look at the Read more

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Philadelphia House Democratic Delegation responds to allegations against Philly Fighting COVID

(Jan 28, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – The Philadelphia House Democratic Delegation sent a letter today to Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley demanding answers to the COVID-19 vaccine problems between the city and Philly Fighting COVID, the organization tasked with administering vaccines to Philadelphia residents, according to the delegation’s chairman, state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila. “This is a completely unacceptable turn of events,” Dawkins said. “The people of Philadelphia have relied on the city to ensure they are able to access vaccines in this critical time, and if this organization is who was designated to do the job, not only did they fail to vaccinate but also failed the people of the city by then compromising their personal information. What’s worse, to then learn the organization’s CEO was allegedly taking vaccine home. If this is true, it is completely unacceptable. How did this organization even get chosen to administer the city’s plan? It is disturbing and upsetting, and answers must be given. We all have a right to know.” “People in my district are struggling to get the vaccine while this guy is taking them home,” said state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila. “I’m not a lawyer, but it seems to me that what he did was illegal, and he needs to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” Kenyatta represents the 181st Legislative Read more

Rabb votes ‘No’ on H.B. 14, saying legislation that would amend PA constitution should have a public hearing in that term

(Jan 27, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 27 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., today voted against a measure that would allow victims of childhood sexual abuse for whom the statute of limitations has expired a two-year window during which they could file a civil lawsuit, saying he does not take issue with the objective of the legislation, rather that legislation that would amend the state constitution should have a public hearing. “I am elated at the passage of the House Bill 14, however, I’m saddened that I had to vote against it – not because I opposed the bill itself, but due to my consistent outcry against running legislation that amends the state constitution without the majority caucus convening at least one public hearing in each legislative term in which such legislation is introduced,” Rabb said. “Integrity matters most when the stakes are highest. I take no joy in being the only Democrat in the House to vote against my colleague, Representative Mark Rozzi’s bill. He’s a man I have sat next to for four years on the House floor. His personal story of sexual abuse at the hands of a priest has both enraged me and opened my eyes to the evil that we as a society have permitted to endure for generations. “This is a bittersweet moment for me as someone who supports victims’ rights – and this legislation in particular – and who believes that process matters, too,” Rabb said. “Whether a bill Read more

Tell the Philadelphia Department of Public Health you want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

(Jan 26, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

Philadelphians now have a way to tell the Department of Public Health that they want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Residents are encouraged to provide contact information and some limited personal information on the City’s website — phila.gov/vaccineinterest — which is available in English and Spanish. Those who complete the interest form will be contacted later by the Department of Public Health or one of the City’s many vaccine partners when they can schedule an appointment. The information collected on this form is protected using the same level of security as other health information maintained by the Department of Public Health and is completely secure. Due to extremely limited vaccine supply at this time, residents cannot set appointments using this website. Furthermore, it may take weeks or months before residents will be able to schedule appointments. However, by registering on the phila.gov/vaccineinterest website, residents can ensure that they will be notified when the vaccine becomes available to them. Read more

Reps. Pisciottano and Brown introduce effort to increase stipend for veterans

(Jan 25, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 25 – State Reps. Nick Pisciottano and Amen Brown are leading an effort to boost the state stipend for veterans who are blind, paralyzed or amputees due to their military service. The $150 monthly stipend has not seen an increase for more than two decades. Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, and Brown, D-Philadelphia, said they plan on introducing legislation that would increase the monthly stipend disabled veterans receive to $200 per month. Based on rising costs and inflation, the current $150 a month these veterans receive is worth about $98 a month, reflecting a 34% decrease in value. “These men and women gave so much in service to our country and to keep each one of us safe, including the loss of their sight and their mobility,” said Pisciottano. “Each one of them who suffered life-altering, debilitating injuries is truly deserving of a long-overdue increase to this benefit, a benefit that is well within our state’s budgetary means. I’m proud to partner with Representative Brown to make this happen and I anticipate more of our colleagues will sign on to support this worthwhile effort to provide this assistance to our disabled veterans.” “Our veterans deserve our deep gratitude and a salute for their service and for keeping our imperfect democratic republic safe.” Brown said. “However, what veterans deserve – and need more – is real, tangible assistance from our state and federal Read more

Hohenstein announces $100 million low-interest loan to help protect the Delaware River

(Jan 21, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

State Rep. Joe Hohenstein announced today that Philadelphia will receive more than $100 million in state funding to build a new treatment facility aimed at protecting the Delaware River and its surrounding communities. Hohenstein said a $100.11 million low-interest loan was approved by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, commonly known as Pennvest, and will be used to construct a new 300-million-gallon-per-day preliminary treatment facility that includes: A diversion structure to reroute wastewater from existing sewer interceptors. New screening and grit removal systems. Tie-in conduit to connect to existing primary sedimentation tanks. "The Delaware River is a critical resource that so many across the city rely on, especially for drinking water," said Hohenstein, D-Phila. "This funding builds upon our efforts to protect it and its aquatic wildlife by helping prevent untreated sewage runoff from contaminating the river during storms. I will continue working to secure similar funding to ensure the safety of our local waterways." Pennvest serves the communities and residents of Pennsylvania by funding sewer, stormwater and drinking water projects. More information can be found on Pennvest's website . Read more

Cephas applauds nearly $8 million in federal stimulus funding going to help West Philly students during COVID-19 pandemic

(Jan 20, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

State Rep. Morgan Cephas is applauding approximately $7.99 million in federal stimulus funds awarded to help strengthen services for students in several of her local schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cephas said the financial resources will support food programs, technological improvements and other educational services. The funding will be distributed as follows: West Philadelphia Achievement Charter Elementary School: $2.21 million. Ad Prima Charter School: $2.14 million. Universal Bluford Charter School: $1.84 million. Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School: $1.8 million. "Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I've been working to bridge the digital divide to ensure students in the 192nd Legislative District have access to the same reliable internet and school resources their peers have in neighboring communities," said Cephas, D-Phila. "Every child deserves a quality education no matter where they live or where they're learning, and this federal stimulus funding helps move us closer to that reality." The federal relief is provided by the bipartisan Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund passed by Congress in December. This round of funding included $2.2 billion in funding distributed to K-12 school Read more

Hohenstein applauds more than $596 million in federal stimulus funding going to help local students during COVID-19 pandemic

(Jan 20, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

State Rep. Joe Hohenstein is applauding the awarding of $596.23 million in federal stimulus funds to help strengthen services for students in several schools in Lower Northeast Philadelphia impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hohenstein said the financial resources will support food programs, technological improvements and other educational services. The funding will be distributed as follows: Philadelphia School District: $565.9 million. First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School: $6.55 million. Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School: $3.28 million. Franklin Towne Charter High School: $4.11 million. Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School: $4.68 million. Maritime Academy Charter School: $2.98 million. Memphis Street Academy Charter School at J.P. Jones: $2.5 million. Northwood Academy Charter School: $2.66 million. The Philadelphia Charter School for Arts and Science: $3.57 million. "We can't let COVID-19 stop our young people from receiving a quality education," said Hohenstein, D-Phila. "These federal stimulus dollars will play a crucial role in helping ensure students have the academic tools they need to learn safely, whether at home or in the classroom." The federal relief is provided by the bipartisan Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act’s Elementary and Read more

McClinton applauds nearly $572 million in federal stimulus funding going to help local students during COVID-19 pandemic

(Jan 20, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is applauding the awarding of approximately $571.93 million in federal stimulus funds to help strengthen services for students in several of her local schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. McClinton said the financial resources will support food programs, technological improvements and other educational services. The funding will be distributed as follows: Philadelphia City School District: $565.9 million. Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School: $2.39 million. Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School: $1.64 million. KIPP West Philadelphia Charter School: $1.36 million. Philadelphia Montessori Charter School: $643,007. "These are challenging times, especially for our students and teachers," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "These federal stimulus dollars are critical in helping ensure our young people have access to the resources they need to continue receiving a quality education whether at home or in the classroom." The federal relief is provided by the bipartisan Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund passed by Congress in December. This round of funding included $2.2 billion in funding distributed to K-12 school districts and Read more

Rep. Kenyatta applauds Pa. Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine for historic White House nomination

(Jan 19, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 19 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., today congratulated Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Lavine for her historic nomination by President-elect Joe Biden to be national assistant health secretary. If confirmed by Congress, Levine will be the first trans person to hold a cabinet position in the White House. “Doctor Rachel Levine is the best of the best. I am thrilled that a woman of her character and professionalism will also make history becoming the first trans person to ever be confirmed by the United State Senate. In addition to her solitary milestone, she is set to become a member of an administration that truly looks like the country. This diversity spans across race, gender and now, sexual identity and expression. “Doctor Levine, a well-respected pediatrician, garnered national acclaim as the face of mitigation efforts in Pennsylvania in the pandemic. Through her knowledge and transparency, compounded by her calming voice, Doctor Levine delivered life-saving information daily to countless residents across the state, reassuring us all that we were going to get through this. “As a woman of trans experience and longtime activist for trans rights, Doctor Levine will shed light to the health disparities and discrimination in our medical system that far too often results in trans and LGBTQ people’s health not being prioritized. This has especially been evident in the wake of this Read more

Krajewski receives committee assignments for 2021-22 session

(Jan 13, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., was recently appointed to three standing Pennsylvania House committees, the Sentencing Commission and the Climate Caucus. Read more

Boyle introduces resolution to condemn insurrection at U.S. Capitol and those who stoked it

(Jan 13, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

State Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-Phila./Montgomery, wants state lawmakers to quickly act on an official rebuke of last week’s seditious insurrection against the United States and the people who worked for months to stoke it, including President Donald Trump, state and federal Republican lawmakers and leaders, and the right-wing media. Read more