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

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Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by Shapiro Budget Proposal

(Feb 07, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation said that they are pleased with the direction of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Among the many positives, the delegation is excited about the proposed investment in SEPTA and mass transit, as well as equitable education funding for the School District of Philadelphia. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by public transit funding proposal

(Jan 29, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation said that they are encouraged by the announcement by Gov. Josh Shapiro that he will include a major investment in public transportation in his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Shapiro said that he will include a proposal to increase of the state’s share of public transit funding by 1.75%, which would be an investment of nearly $300 million into transit companies across the state. Read more

 

Young announces nearly $140,000 in Coastal Zone Grants

(Jan 29, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded $139,595 in Coastal Resources Management Program grants to two projects in her Southwest Philadelphia district. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District

(Jan 23, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. The 2023 funding round provided over $52 million in awards. Application Deadline: April 3, 2024 More information: DCNR Website Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA PA Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program Who May Apply: Units of local government and community anchor institutions ( as defined in Act 96 of 2021 ). Use: Funding is to be used for community projects that construct, acquire, or improve facilities (shared office space, recreation centers, schools, libraries, etc.) Read more

 

State lawmakers roll out legislation to facilitate safe abortion access

(Jan 22, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – Today, on the 51st anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade , state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Philadelphia, hosted a news conference at the state Capitol announcing the introduction of legislation regarding abortion rights. Rep. Khan was joined by fellow legislators and abortion-rights advocates. The legislation aims to remove unnecessary obstacles to safe abortion access by eliminating the requirement that abortion facilities meet the same regulations as ambulatory surgical centers. It would also remove the excessive mandate that abortion providers maintain admitting privileges or have transfer agreements at hospitals, which only blocks access to care. The legislators who have also prime-sponsored Khan’s bill are state Reps. La'Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny; Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery; Mary Issacson, D-Phila.; Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester; Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester; Tara Probst, D-Monroe/Pike; Heather Boyd, D-Delaware; Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery; Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware; and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia. "As a nurse, I know that restrictive abortion laws do not lower abortion rates — they just make them less safe," Khan said. "We must remove any unnecessary requirements from facilities that provide this care. Our bill increases access to safe abortion by increasing people's access to safe abortion Read more

 

Young announces $45,000 Alternative Fuels Grant

(Jan 22, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has awarded $45,000 from the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program to Herr Foods, Inc. located in Southwest Philadelphia. Read more

 

House Judiciary approves Cephas/Kenyatta bill to end ‘ghost guns’

(Jan 17, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, the PA House Judiciary Committee approved a measure sponsored by state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., aimed at ending the proliferation of “ghost guns” in Pennsylvania Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation commends appointment of Pedro Rosario, first ever Latino deputy police commissioner in the city

(Jan 12, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 12 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their satisfaction for the appointment of Pedro Rosario, a 29-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department who will serve as deputy commissioner of the department’s Kensington Initiative. “Winds of change keep blowing in Philadelphia and we cannot be more excited about the outcome,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, chairwoman of the delegation. “Mayor Cherelle Parker started strong. She is not only vowing to fight the overdose crisis and the drug market in Kensington; Parker is taking the bull by the horns. The designation of Rosario to work on specific duties in Kensington is a bold action that has our wholehearted support,” she added. Rep. Jose Giral, who represents the180 th Legislative District in the Kensington area, is confident that Rosario will be an effective commissioner, based on Rosario’s expertise and solid credentials. Giral witnessed his work firsthand while Rosario was assigned to the 24 th Police District. “I have known Pedro Rosario for a long time. I met him while I was a member of the Police Advisory Commission and this conferred me the opportunity to work hand in hand with him and the 24 th Police District,” Giral said. “Rosario is boots on the ground from day one because he knows exactly all the particulars of the issues impacting our Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates state grants to reduce emissions from high-polluting trucks

(Jan 10, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas, Rep. Ed Neilson

According to state Rep. Morgan Cephas, who chairs the delegation, a $3.98 million grant was awarded to Sysco Leasing, LLC to replace 10 Class 8, short-haul, semi-tractors among its fleet with battery electric vehicles, or BEVs, and install 10 direct current fast charging plugs. SEPTA also was awarded $1.68 million to replace six freight and delivery trucks with BEV trucks and install supporting electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Grants were awarded under the state’s Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleet Pilot Grant Program. Read more

 

Khan leads a bipartisan group of state legislators to introduce infrastructure bill designed to help local governments update municipal facilities

(Jan 09, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., led a bipartisan group of state representatives in announcing plans today to introduce legislation calling for a grant program to assist municipalities with making essential renovations to municipal facilities. Khan was inspired by his retired civil engineer father, Zia Khan, a municipal employee who spent his life building and renovating municipal buildings in Philadelphia. “We have many well-loved buildings in our communities, like our libraries, rec centers, and police and fire stations. These buildings need some love back in return,” said Khan. “We believe our bipartisan bill is a win-win-win. A win for the community who get services in these buildings, a win for the workers who serve in these buildings, and a win for our labor community who will be repairing and renovating these buildings.” Named the "Public Facilities Infrastructure Grant Program," this program would provide municipalities with funding to help maintain, repair, renovate and reconstruct municipal buildings and facilities, public libraries, and recreational facilities. The bill has prevailing wage protections for workers and will require at least a 50% match for each grant application. State Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-Luzerne, who also is a co-prime sponsor of this legislation, said he feels strongly about the need to revitalize and Read more

 

Kenyatta introduces bill package recognizing Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania

(Jan 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – On the eve of the third anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, raid on the U.S. Capitol Building by domestic terrorists, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., introduced a legislative package that would recognize Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania. “Everyone should remember January 6 as a day that shook our nation and democracy to its core,” Kenyatta said. “We must remember – not forget – what happen that day, why it happened, and the individuals who fed into the lies that led to this dark day in American history.” Kenyatta’s legislative package includes three bills: H.R. 287: This would amend the Legal Holiday Law to establish Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania. H.B. 1946: This legislation would amend the Banking Code to establish Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in our state. H.B. 1945: This is a resolution urging Congress to declare Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day for Education, Remembrance and Vigilance. Kenyatta said this legislation would also serve as a reminder of what happens when elected officials feed into claims and opinions rather than facts, and how their actions influence those around them and in their respective communities. “We had 60-plus – 60-plus – House members sign a letter to throw out Pennsylvania votes. We had top officials Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation congratulates new city leaders

(Jan 03, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation expressed their excitement for the inauguration of Cherelle Parker as the first woman and 100th Philadelphian to serve as mayor of Philadelphia. Read more

 

McClinton, Cephas celebrate $225K in funding for ‘60th Street Spruce Up’

(Jan 02, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-191st Dist.) and Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas (D- are applauding $225,000 in state funds being awarded to Achieveability, a neighborhood revitalization organization that has served West Philadelphia for more than 40 years. Read more

 

McClinton, Cephas celebrate $225K in funding for ‘60th Street Spruce Up’

(Dec 26, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

State House Speaker Joanna McClinton and Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas are applauding $225,000 in state funds being awarded to Achieveability, a neighborhood revitalization organization that has served west Philadelphia for more than 40 years. Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates nearly $25,000 in neighborhood revitalization grants 

(Dec 22, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 22 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., today announced that $24,695 in funding from the Pennsylvania Local Share Account is coming to her district in South Philadelphia. This funding was awarded to East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District for safety updates to East Passyunk Avenue. The funds allocated to the East Passyunk Business Improvement District will be used to install cameras on the intersections of Juniper, Mifflin, Moore, Morris, Tasker, and Reed streets and East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. These upgrades will enhance the sense of safety for business and property owners, residents, and visitors, Fiedler said. “I’m proud to support the small business owners and employees who are at the heart of our economy,” Fiedler said. “At the same time that many shoppers focus on buying local this holiday season, it’s especially wonderful to bring back these state grant dollars to our district to support local businesses!” Rebecca O’Leary, the executive director of the East Passyunk Avenue BID, said, "East Passyunk’s businesses, residents and visitors deserve a safe and clean community. The EPABID is grateful to State Representative Fiedler and State Senator Saval for helping us secure grant money for the installation of public safety cameras at all major intersections along our commercial Read more

 

State lawmakers tout budget funding for school facilities

(Dec 21, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 20 – Today, House Appropriations Committee Majority Chairman Jordan Harris, D-Phila., hosted a news conference at South Philadelphia High School discussing school facilities funding in the 2023-24 state budget. The budget includes $175 million for school facility improvements. Pennsylvania has some of the oldest schools in the country. The average school building is around 70 years old and was built when lead pipes and asbestos were standard building materials. Discoveries of asbestos and other toxins have led to school closures across the Commonwealth, including seven Philadelphia schools in 2023 alone. In the same year, 100 schools statewide closed due to excessive heat. Harris stated that he believes this funding will help to address this issue that’s plagued Pennsylvania schools for a long time. “This funding is paramount to improving the health and safety of our educators, students and school staff, Harris said. “This major Democratic priority is a significant investment and critical step toward ensuring that receiving an education in Pennsylvania does not equate to sick or injured students, teachers, or staff. There is more work to do, and we intend to continue our work until every Pennsylvania school is a safe learning environment for our children.” Harris was joined by members of the Philadelphia House Delegation, including state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and members of the House Read more

 

State leaders tout $175 million to fix old school buildings during visit to South Philly HS

(Dec 21, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Five months ago, Pennsylvania lawmakers toured the school to underscore what they said was a desperate need for significant investment in school buildings across the state. On Wednesday, they came back to tout $175 million in new state money just for that purpose. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation sends condolences following Chopper 6 crash

(Dec 20, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, the Philadelphia House Delegation joins the Delaware Valley in mourning the loss of two longtime crew members at WPVI-TV 6abc in the early morning crash of Chopper 6 in remote southern New Jersey. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates infrastructure grants

(Dec 19, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, the Philadelphia House Delegation praised the Commonwealth Financing Authority announcement of over $30 million of investment into the city of Philadelphia. Read more

 

Fiedler welcomes more than $100,000 in state grants to south Phila.

(Dec 19, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., has announced that a total of $105,685 in state funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Arts and Culture Recovery Grants Program has been awarded to multiple organizations in her legislative district in south Philadelphia. Funds distributed through the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations located in the commonwealth. The organizations in Fiedler’s district that were awarded are: 1812 Productions Inc. - $30,000. Ars Nova Workshop Inc. - $19,091. KYL Dancers Inc. - $16,027. Team Sunshine Performance - $10,000. Theatre Exile - $30,567. “South Philadelphia has a vibrant arts and cultural scene that is a source of local pride,” Fiedler said. “I’m proud to see state funding brought back to these five organizations doing amazing work in our community.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth. Unique among state agencies in structure and scope, the CFA consists of seven board members: four legislative appointees and Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by Shapiro Budget Proposal
Feb 07, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by public transit funding proposal
Jan 29, 2024

Young announces nearly $140,000 in Coastal Zone Grants
Jan 29, 2024

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District
Jan 23, 2024

State lawmakers roll out legislation to facilitate safe abortion access
Jan 22, 2024

Young announces $45,000 Alternative Fuels Grant
Jan 22, 2024

House Judiciary approves Cephas/Kenyatta bill to end ‘ghost guns’
Jan 17, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation commends appointment of Pedro Rosario, first ever Latino deputy police commissioner in the city
Jan 12, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates state grants to reduce emissions from high-polluting trucks
Jan 10, 2024

Khan leads a bipartisan group of state legislators to introduce infrastructure bill designed to help local governments update municipal facilities
Jan 09, 2024

Kenyatta introduces bill package recognizing Jan. 6 as Democracy Observance Day in Pennsylvania
Jan 05, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation congratulates new city leaders
Jan 03, 2024

McClinton, Cephas celebrate $225K in funding for ‘60th Street Spruce Up’
Jan 02, 2024

McClinton, Cephas celebrate $225K in funding for ‘60th Street Spruce Up’
Dec 26, 2023

Fiedler celebrates nearly $25,000 in neighborhood revitalization grants 
Dec 22, 2023

State lawmakers tout budget funding for school facilities
Dec 21, 2023

State leaders tout $175 million to fix old school buildings during visit to South Philly HS
Dec 21, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation sends condolences following Chopper 6 crash
Dec 20, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates infrastructure grants
Dec 19, 2023

Fiedler welcomes more than $100,000 in state grants to south Phila.
Dec 19, 2023