Featured News

Philadelphia House Delegation announces school facilities improvement grants to clean up toxic schools

Philadelphia House Delegation

News Center

Democratic lawmakers to introduce bill increasing transparency for institutions of higher education

(Jun 13, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 13 – State Reps. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., and Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today that they will be introducing legislation to help prevent abrupt closures of higher education institutions in Pennsylvania. This announcement comes roughly one week after the sudden closure of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. This legislation would require colleges or universities to provide financial information yearly if they receive commonwealth funds or federal funds distributed by the commonwealth. The lawmakers believe that this proposal would ensure transparency for the commonwealth, students, and staff of higher education institutions and continued good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The University of the Arts is located in Waxman’s legislative district, covering center city Philadelphia. “When I heard about UArts’ closure, I immediately shared feelings of anger and disappointment with the students who won’t have the same school to attend and faculty who will be losing their jobs,” Waxman said. “I want to ensure no student or school faculty member in Pennsylvania has to go through what those at UArts are going through right now. By requiring these schools to regularly notify us of their financial information, we can create greater accountability and transparency across the board.” The lawmakers say that having this information from schools on a yearly Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, PA House members & community leaders rally for fair housing legislation, housing budget proposals

(Jun 12, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, hosted a rally today with other legislators, legal experts and community advocates from across the state in support of fair housing in Pennsylvania. “The lack of affordable housing in Pennsylvania has resulted in evictions and homelessness for many Pennsylvanians,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Every person has the right to a roof over their head. Our rally today called out the continuing inequities in housing in our commonwealth and the legislative and budget initiatives devised to address them. “As Democrats in the PA House, we’re fighting for a person-centered approach to fair housing, from helping the unhoused get back into a safe home, to my bill that would seal no-fault eviction records so people can find housing, to increased support for the Whole Home Repairs program so seniors can fix and stay in their homes,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We understand that having a home to call one’s own is a human right, a matter of justice. I and my colleagues will fight to make sure that every Pennsylvanian can enjoy their fundamental right to a safe and secure place in which to live.” The rally focused on the PA House budget proposal (H.B. 2324), which would increase funding for fair housing initiatives; the need for increased funding for the homelessness assistance program; a House-led proposal to increase PHARE funding to $100 million dollars; the LLC Read more

 

Fiedler bill to modernize Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority unanimously approved by committee

(Jun 11, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 11 — Today, H.B. 2338 , introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. , was approved unanimously by the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee. The bill would update the duties and powers of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, which was chartered in 1982 with the purpose of financing energy and energy-related projects. If enacted, H.B. 2338 would enable PEDA to apply for and leverage billions of federal dollars available through the Inflation Reduction Act to incentivize investments in Pennsylvania clean-energy projects. With the federal government now implementing the $550 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the $783 billion Inflation Reduction Act, Fiedler said she believes this presents an incredible opportunity for Pennsylvania. “These federal investments can jumpstart energy production in Pennsylvania, create good local jobs, and reduce energy costs for consumers, but only if we have the right vehicle to seize the funds,” Fiedler said. “PEDA, our state’s public energy financing authority, is well-suited to play this role, but first we must modernize PEDA to ensure it can maximize its role as an energy accelerator and job creator.” The legislation’s co-prime sponsor, state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, placed the legislation within the context of the state’s long history of energy production. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation lauds passage of equitable school funding

(Jun 10, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation lauded by members of the House Philadelphia Delegation that would fundamentally change the way that school districts are funded in the state to meet the constitutional mandate of equitably funding schools. Read more

 

Mayes, McClinton join advocates to rally for passage of PA CROWN Act

(Jun 04, 2024) Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes

Call for state Senate to act on legislation to fight hair discrimination Read more

 

Young Honors Marian Anderson With Day in PA

(Jun 03, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that the PA House of Representatives has approved her House resolution recognizing June 8, 2024 as Marian Anderson Day in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Community Budget Briefing in Philadelphia

(May 31, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Majority Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Rep. Jordan Harris along with local state Representatives host a community conversation on the 2024-25 state budget in Northwest Philadelphia.More at http://www.HouseAppropriations.com Read more

 

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Stress Need for Diverse Educator Workforce

(May 29, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, who represents parts of Philadelphia, hosted the hearing. “Teachers enable a pathway to a greater future for all our young people,” she said. “It was great to hear from the panelists supporting the need for more Black teachers and supporting people of color to become teachers, but it was inspiring to see so many young people in the room who could become the teachers for the next generation. Speaking from my own experience, it’s necessary for students to make that connection with the teachers and mentors who see more in you than you see in yourself.” Read more

 

Testifiers detail need to develop diversity in education workforce

(May 23, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

“Teachers enable a pathway to a greater future for all our young people,” said hearing host state Rep. Regina Young, who represents portions of Philadelphia. “It was great to hear from the panelists supporting the need for more Black teachers and supporting people of color to become teachers, but it was inspiring to see so many young people in the room who could become the teachers for the next generation. Speaking from my own experience, it’s necessary for students to make that connection with the teachers and mentors who see more in you than you see in yourself.” Read more

 

Hanbidge and Cephas bill strengthening affordability and accessibility to child care passes the House

(May 22, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

“Working parents who know that their children are in safe and quality care can better concentrate on their day-to-day work and overall careers," said state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., a co-prime sponsor of the bill. Read more

 

Waxman, prison-reform advocates push to make Scandinavian unit permanent fixture statewide

(May 21, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, May 21 – Today, state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., was joined by multiple prison-reform advocates for a Capitol news conference to discuss State Correctional Institute Chester’s Scandinavian unit, also known as “Little Scandinavia.” Little Scandinavia is a pilot project modeled after prisons in Scandinavia, where the core values are safety, transparency and innovation, with a focus on normality and reintegration into the community upon release. The unit provides a quiet environment where residents live in single-person cells with a shared kitchen surrounded by outdoor green space and plants. Waxman spoke on the importance of permanently funding this unit so that it can become a fixture at state correctional facilities across Pennsylvania. “It's time for a shift in how we handle corrections in PA. Little Scandinavia isn't just a program, it's a new horizon in rehabilitation and human rights. This model focuses on transformative care, not just incarceration. In the next state budget, I will strongly advocate for us to include funding that would make the Scandinavian Unit a permanent fixture in our state’s corrections system.” Bryan Widenhouse, senior policy associate for Families Against Mandatory Minimums, stated his belief that Little Scandinavia can help lower the recidivism rate in Pennsylvania. "For decades I sat in prison and listened Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to passing of former Rep. James Roebuck

(May 16, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., released the following statement on behalf of the delegation on the passing of former state Rep. James Roebuck, who represented the 188th Legislative District in West Philadelphia from 1985-2020. Read more

 

Young announces over $53,000 in grants for senior community centers

(May 15, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that a combined $53,551 has been awarded to two local senior community centers in the 185th Legislative District by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation leadership reacts to PSP trooper now off force

(May 10, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, May 10 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today said they were grateful to the Pennsylvania State Police for conducting a thorough investigation into the State Police traffic stop and arrest of Celena Morrison and Darius McLean on I-76 in March and reiterated the need for transparency in community policing. The unnamed PSP trooper involved in the incident was placed on administrative leave two months ago pending an internal investigation and is now no longer employed with the State Police, according to a PSP spokesperson. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas said that while the investigation likely remains ongoing, she is grateful that Pennsylvania State Police officials took the matter seriously and handled the matter swiftly and professionally. "As chair of the delegation, I'm glad that the State Police have heard our concerns and took the time to hold a fair and impartial internal investigation into this matter, which has led to the officer involved no longer being employed by them,” Cephas said. “I also commend the State Police for speeding up their commitment to make sure all officers working in Philadelphia have active body cameras. This will go a long way in protecting the citizens of Philadelphia as well as the hardworking members of the Pennsylvania State Police who serve and protect us day in and day out. This kind of transparency is critical when incidents like the Read more

 

House advances Cephas bill to strengthen doula services in Pa.

(May 06, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, May 6 – PA House lawmakers today passed legislation authored by state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., that would extend Medicaid coverage to doula services in the state. Under Cephas’ bill ( H.B. 1608 ), Medicaid would reimburse certified doulas for providing childbirth education and support services, including physical and emotional support, during pregnancy, labor and delivery and up to one year postpartum. “Research has shown that doula support leads to improved birth outcomes, including reduced rates of cesarean sections, shorter labor durations and higher rates of breastfeeding initiation. By providing continuous support throughout and after pregnancy, doulas contribute to safer and more positive birth experiences for families," Cephas said. "Lack of health coverage for these services in Medicaid leads to a vast disparity in care for women who are already statistically at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, with Black birthing people at the highest risk of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This legislation would give these parents a proven network of support needed to produce better mental and physical health outcomes during their birthing journey. I appreciate that my House colleagues understood the wisdom of providing this to moms who receive their health care under Medicaid.” The bill also would establish a Doula Read more

 

Pennsylvania State Police roll out body cameras to Philly-area troopers

(May 01, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Amid continued calls for increased police accountability and transparency, the Pennsylvania State Police announced that it has issued body cameras to all troopers in Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties. Read more

 

State Police troopers in Philly area get body-worn cameras

(Apr 30, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Pennsylvania State Police troopers who serve the Philadelphia area have been outfitted with body-worn camera -- and their vehicles have been equipped with mobile video recorders -- officials with the state police announced on Monday. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises increased transparency by PA State Police

(Apr 29, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, April 29 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today applauded the Pennsylvania State Police for following up on their promise to expand the use of body cameras to the officers in Troop K serving the Philadelphia region. During a public hearing with the House Appropriations Committee on the 2024-25 state budget in early March, State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris assured the committee that resources would be expedited to Southeastern PA for body camera recordings to be implemented on all officers. “Transparency is critical in officer-involved incidents. The cameras now worn by Troop K and used in their vehicles will assist in that transparency and create accountability in the unfortunate use of force,” said delegation chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “This is about protecting our communities and protecting officers, giving everyone a little more peace of mind when issues arise.” House Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris, D-Phila, recounted the pledge to expedite body cameras by PSP leadership during the committee’s public hearings on the state budget. “On March 4, 2024, the Appropriations Committee met with the Pennsylvania State Police for their budget hearing. This hearing immediately followed high-profile incidents with the PSP in our region; Commissioner Paris assured me and the committee that they would expedite resources to have Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds more than $3.5 million in funding for student safety and support

(Apr 29, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, April 29 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today applauded the awarding of more than $3.5 million in competitive grants from t he School Safety and Security Committee, under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, to schools across the city for safety and security support for students and staff. The largest grant was nearly 1.8 million to the School District of Philadelphia, with six other awards spread across city charter schools. “When our young people attend school, they, along with staff at the school, deserve to be in a safe environment that is conducive for learning and educating,” delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said. “We applaud PCCD and Governor Shapiro for investing these needed dollars to ensure schools across Philadelphia have resources for improved security, and for students and staff to be able to access the resources they need to address their personal well-being, all of which can help lead to better results in the classroom.” The following schools in Philadelphia were also awarded a competitive school safety and security grant: Belmont Charter School $193,002 Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School $312,200 Esperanza Academy Charter School $353,611 Inquiry Charter School $317,005 Maritime Academy Charter School $92,225 Overbrook School for Blind (Approved Private Read more

 

Young announces over $77.5 million PENNVEST award for new wastewater treatment facility

(Apr 24, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that $77,529,900 in state funding has been awarded to the Philadelphia Water Department for construction of a new wastewater treatment facility in South Philadelphia to reduce ammonia discharged to the Delaware River and the reduced flow of inadequately treated sewage to the city's waterways. Read more

 

Democratic lawmakers to introduce bill increasing transparency for institutions of higher education
Jun 13, 2024

Smith-Wade-El, PA House members & community leaders rally for fair housing legislation, housing budget proposals
Jun 12, 2024

Fiedler bill to modernize Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority unanimously approved by committee
Jun 11, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation lauds passage of equitable school funding
Jun 10, 2024

Mayes, McClinton join advocates to rally for passage of PA CROWN Act
Jun 04, 2024

Young Honors Marian Anderson With Day in PA
Jun 03, 2024

Community Budget Briefing in Philadelphia
May 31, 2024

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Stress Need for Diverse Educator Workforce
May 29, 2024

Testifiers detail need to develop diversity in education workforce
May 23, 2024

Hanbidge and Cephas bill strengthening affordability and accessibility to child care passes the House
May 22, 2024

Waxman, prison-reform advocates push to make Scandinavian unit permanent fixture statewide
May 21, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to passing of former Rep. James Roebuck
May 16, 2024

Young announces over $53,000 in grants for senior community centers
May 15, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation leadership reacts to PSP trooper now off force
May 10, 2024

House advances Cephas bill to strengthen doula services in Pa.
May 06, 2024

Pennsylvania State Police roll out body cameras to Philly-area troopers
May 01, 2024

State Police troopers in Philly area get body-worn cameras
Apr 30, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation praises increased transparency by PA State Police
Apr 29, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds more than $3.5 million in funding for student safety and support
Apr 29, 2024

Young announces over $77.5 million PENNVEST award for new wastewater treatment facility
Apr 24, 2024