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Philadelphia House Delegation praises approval of increase in public transit funding

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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

 

Dawkins is sworn in for fourth term to state House

(Jan 05, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., today took the oath of office for his fourth term representing the 179th Legislative District. Read more

 

Neilson takes oath for fourth term

(Jan 05, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Ed Neilson took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin his fourth term representing the 174th District in Philadelphia. Read more

 

Isaacson takes oath for second term

(Jan 05, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin her second term representing the 175th Legislative District in Philadelphia. Read more

 

Rabb takes oath for third term

(Jan 05, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Chris Rabb took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin his third term representing the 200th District in Philadelphia. Read more

 

Krajewski takes oath for first term

(Jan 05, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin his first?term representing the 188 th Legislative District in Philadelphia. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Washington County Judge Brandon Neuman, a former House member, administered the oath of office. Krajewski joins 24 other first-term members. There are 11 new Democrats and 14 new Republicans. Among his priorities, Krajewski said he will focus on transforming the criminal justice system, fair funding for public education, living wages and union rights for workers, a Green New Deal for Pennsylvania and combatting the housing crisis in PA. He will receive committee assignments later in the month. “I see myself as a voice for the people, specifically the working people of west and southwest Philadelphia,” Krajewski said. “The 188 th district is a beautiful and unique place; however, like many other districts across PA our people are struggling to recover from the continuing crisis of COVID-19 on top of the decades of divestment from our communities and public goods. I am grateful for the opportunity and the responsibility to represent the 188 th in Harrisburg.” Krajewski said his office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate Read more

 

Rabb announces $1.5M in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants awarded to organizations in the 200th Legislative District

(Jan 04, 2021) Philadelphia County Delegation

State Rep. Chris Rabb announced today that two organizations in his district received a total $1.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants. Read more

 

Cephas announces $2.25M RACP project grants for West Philadelphia

(Dec 29, 2020) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 29 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today announced three Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants totaling $2.25 million for projects in the 192 nd Legislative District. The projects include expanding wellness and recreational services, classroom accessibility and safety, and constructing affordable housing for seniors. Here is a breakdown of the funding for each project, with a brief description of how the funding will help: $1 million will go toward expanding various community-centric health and recreation services at the Overbrook Pharmacy Wellness Center. The project includes demolishing the existing crumbing structure to construct a center. The center's plans include required spaces for exam rooms, staff offices, and other requirements such as providing a separate entrance to the wellness center and responding to patient privacy issues. In addition, a public venue area will be added that could be offered for educational sessions, event rental, or a vertical interior agriculture center. $750,000 will go toward bolstering safety and accessibility, especially shelter-in-place areas for pupils living with disabilities at Overbrook School for the Blind. The project includes making the main entry safe and accessible for an increasingly non-ambulatory student population, sufficient to suppress an active-shooter scenario and the installation of an elevator for multiple Read more

 

Isaacson announces $14 million in grants for Philadelphia projects

(Dec 28, 2020) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 28 - – State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., today announced that $14 million in state funding will go to organizations in the 175 th Legislative District for improvement projects. “I am so happy to be able to secure this funding for these many worthwhile projects in our district,” Isaacson said. “Everything from historical sites to schools to businesses that employ residents here, these projects and the organizations undertaking them will touch the lives of so many people in the 175 th district. I’m thankful the governor is keeping grant programs like this on track when we need them the most.” Grants will go to the following projects: $3 million for Biomeme. $2 million for Independence Historical Trust. $500,000 for Fishtown Library and Recreation Center. $1 million for Equal Justice Center. $2 million for Reading Terminal Market. $500,000 for Restoring Pennsylvania's Birthplace: Carpenters' Hall. $500,000 for Walnut Street Theater. $1 million for Wills Eye Hospital. $500,000 for Roman Catholic High School. $2 million for Imvax Cell Immunotherapy Production Center. $1 million for the National Liberty Museum. The grant money is part of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a commonwealth grant program that is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and Read more

 

McClinton delivers PPE, other resources to seniors and toys to students to help them have a safe and happy holiday

(Dec 23, 2020) Philadelphia County Delegation

House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton is working to help local seniors and students have a safe and happy holiday amid ongoing concerns of the COVID-19 virus. As part of her Holiday Health and Wellness Mobile Expo on Tuesday, McClinton teamed up with Independence Blue Cross and Gateway Health to secure and distribute personal protective equipment, cookies, word games and information about state resources to more than 300 of her wisest neighbors at Walnut Park Plaza, Paschal Homes and outside her district office. On the same day, McClinton joined Hope Bag Mission to deliver toys they collected for students attending the satellite support center at Francis J. Myers Recreation Center. "This holiday season is certainly different from years past, but that doesn't mean we can't find ways to still connect our most vulnerable neighbors with supplies aimed at helping them celebrate safely," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "I've said it once and it's worth repeating: I am so proud to have community partners and a staff who share my commitment to putting the people of Southwest Philly and Delco first. These events would not be possible without them." Ahead of Thanksgiving last month, McClinton worked with King Saladeen and Fresh Direct to give away hundreds of free turkeys safely to her neighbors in need across the 191st Legislative District. Read more

 

State Rep.-elect Krajewski urges Gov. Wolf, state officials to provide compassionate release for elderly, vulnerable prisoners as COVID-19 crisis worsens

(Dec 21, 2020) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 21 – State Rep.-elect Rick Krajewski recently penned a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf, Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine and Corrections Secretary John Wetzel urging them to provide compassionate release for inmates across the state. “With over 47,000 individuals incarcerated in state prisons and community corrections centers, the increasing risk of this virus spreading to high-risk inmates is unacceptable,” Krajewski, D-Phila., wrote in a letter he sent to Wolf, Levine and Wetzel on Friday, Dec. 18. As of Friday, the statewide total of positive COVID-19 cases was at 538,655, and 13,608 deaths were attributed to COVID-19. In his letter, Krajewski noted that, as of 2018, nearly 1,900 people within the Department of Corrections’ population were over the age of 60, with many more under that age suffering from co-morbidities or otherwise compromised health. “Needlessly keeping elderly or compromised inmates incarcerated to face the pandemic without their loved ones and at constant risk of infection is inhumane and you must ensure that this does not continue,” Krajewski wrote. Additionally, Krajewski called on probation and parole agents and boards to “exercise their authority to quickly reduce the prison population,” by releasing people who have served their minimum terms. Finally, Krajewski implored Wolf, Levine and Wetzel to improve communications between DOC and the family members of incarcerated Read more

 

McClinton applauds $40,000 grant to help Bartram's Garden educate young people about the need to protect the Schuylkill River

(Dec 18, 2020) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton announced today that Bartram's Garden is receiving a $40,000 state grant to aid in their ongoing efforts to connect young people with the Schuylkill River. Known as a Coastal Zone Grant, McClinton said the funding was made possible by the Department of Environmental Protection and will be used to invest in Bartram's Garden's Schuylkill River Youth Crew, which is made up of local youth who: Learn about the Schuylkill watershed and river safety. Study community organizing and environmental justice. Lead community-driven research and data collection. "Our young people are the future, and educating them early on in life about the importance of putting our environment first is critical in keeping our fight going to combat climate change and ensure everyone has access to clean air and water," said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. "I commend Bartram's Garden for creating such a great program that transforms participants into leaders with the ambition to not only protect our waterways but encourage others to do the same." SRYC also engages in a variety of river-related activities, including kayaking, water quality monitoring and wildlife observation. Coastal Zone Grants are awarded to projects related to fisheries, wetlands, stormwater management improvements, recreation, public education, coastal hazards such Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta urges Congress to provide direct cash payments in upcoming COVID-19 relief package

(Dec 17, 2020) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., is urging Congress to include a second round of $1,200 in direct payments to all Americans in the next COVID-19-related stimulus package, in a House resolution he is poised to introduce. As the federal government lags in finalizing a bipartisan coronavirus aid deal and the federal unemployment compensation ends Saturday, Dec. 26, Kenyatta stressed that the need for the direct cash payments is dire, especially as Pennsylvanians have yet to receive their unemployment compensation benefits and remain unemployed at a staggering 7.3 percent, as of October. Further highlighting the heightened economic struggle that Pennsylvanians and Americans continue to grapple with, Kenyatta also raised that the moratorium on utility shutoffs ended in November and that nationwide evictions will resume in January after the CDC’s evictions ban ends Thursday, Dec. 31. “It’s been roughly 290 days since Americans received the $1,200 stimulus payments. That’s just $4.14 a day for people to barely survive in the wake of this pandemic,” Kenyatta said. “As Pennsylvanians and Americans alike continue to be adversely impacted by this public health and economic crisis, Congress must do the right thing and issue a second round of direct cash payments to every resident across this nation. Lives depend on it.” Read more

 

State Rep.-Elect Krajewski’s first bill says families should not be separated by mass incarceration

(Dec 17, 2020) Philadelphia County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – State Rep.-Elect Rick Krajewski will introduce his first bill in the new legislative session aimed at criminal justice reform to better protect the children of incarcerated people. In addition to the known collateral damages of incarceration, a 2011 report by the Joint State Government Commission showed having a loved one in prison has a traumatic impact on a family, for both the child and parent. “As someone with a stepfather who was incarcerated, I understand firsthand how this experience can affect a family,” Krajewski said. “The uncertainty of when you will see them again, the emotional impact on loved ones, the damage done through the unnecessary severance of a child’s connection to their parent are all hardships no one should face, yet so many in our Commonwealth suffer through this reality daily. But it doesn’t have to be this way. My legislation is a commonsense approach to change the status quo, and the result will be healthier children and healthier families that compose healthier communities.” In December 2011, almost 2 million children had an incarcerated parent and more than 60% of women held in prisons and jails had a minor child. Black children were seven-and-a-half times more likely than white children to have an incarcerated parent. These numbers have increased during the past decade. “So, while the effects of having an incarcerated parent continue to leave inerasable marks on Read more

 

Hohenstein announces $100 million low-interest loan to help protect the Delaware River
Jan 21, 2021

Cephas applauds nearly $8 million in federal stimulus funding going to help West Philly students during COVID-19 pandemic
Jan 20, 2021

Hohenstein applauds more than $596 million in federal stimulus funding going to help local students during COVID-19 pandemic
Jan 20, 2021

McClinton applauds nearly $572 million in federal stimulus funding going to help local students during COVID-19 pandemic
Jan 20, 2021

Rep. Kenyatta applauds Pa. Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine for historic White House nomination
Jan 19, 2021

Krajewski receives committee assignments for 2021-22 session
Jan 13, 2021

Boyle introduces resolution to condemn insurrection at U.S. Capitol and those who stoked it
Jan 13, 2021

Dawkins is sworn in for fourth term to state House
Jan 05, 2021

Neilson takes oath for fourth term
Jan 05, 2021

Isaacson takes oath for second term
Jan 05, 2021

Rabb takes oath for third term
Jan 05, 2021

Krajewski takes oath for first term
Jan 05, 2021

Rabb announces $1.5M in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants awarded to organizations in the 200th Legislative District
Jan 04, 2021

Cephas announces $2.25M RACP project grants for West Philadelphia
Dec 29, 2020

Isaacson announces $14 million in grants for Philadelphia projects
Dec 28, 2020

McClinton delivers PPE, other resources to seniors and toys to students to help them have a safe and happy holiday
Dec 23, 2020

State Rep.-elect Krajewski urges Gov. Wolf, state officials to provide compassionate release for elderly, vulnerable prisoners as COVID-19 crisis worsens
Dec 21, 2020

McClinton applauds $40,000 grant to help Bartram's Garden educate young people about the need to protect the Schuylkill River
Dec 18, 2020

Rep. Kenyatta urges Congress to provide direct cash payments in upcoming COVID-19 relief package
Dec 17, 2020

State Rep.-Elect Krajewski’s first bill says families should not be separated by mass incarceration
Dec 17, 2020