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Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to adoption of state budget

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Philadelphia House Delegation praises tentative agreement between Unite Here Local 634 and the Philadelphia School District

(Sep 29, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 29 – Following a tense conflict concerning the Philadelphia School District and city school workers, Unite Here Local 634 announced today that the union reached a preliminary contract agreement Thursday night that would benefit its nearly 2,000 members. The tentative four-year contract, that includes raises, a $500 signing bonus and basic equipment like walkie-talkies, was arranged two days before the current collective bargaining agreement expires Saturday. Philadelphia House Delegation Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, who participated in a rally held earlier this month by the school workers, said this is great news not only for the union but for the whole community as parents and students are also key in the conflict. “We are pleased to learn this tentative agreement would guarantee raises during the contract period. This is not just an exclusive victory of the union, or the school district, it is also a win for the entire community,” Cephas said. “The demands of the student climate staff and food service workers are elementary. They need livable wages to offset expenses. Our delegation will continue advancing legislation that would protect worker’s rights as well as promoting and supporting every single resource that would help us amplify the voices of all workers of the commonwealth.” Members of Unite Here Local 634 who earn about $15.50 Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation members seek justice for unfair Eddie Irizarry ruling and condemn looting in city

(Sep 27, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 27 – In the wake of a disruptive wave of looting that hit Philadelphia Tuesday night, Philadelphia House Delegation members condemned the episode and emphasized that seeking justice in the Irizarry case must be separate from the looting. The chaos unfolded shortly after the announcement that a judge had dropped all charges against former Philadelphia police Officer Mark Dial, who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry. The deadly incident involving Irizarry occurred after a traffic stop. “What we saw last night is a pure and simple act of vandalism. Under no circumstances can we correlate protesters and looters. There is no possible excuse for destroying public property,” said delegation chairwoman Morgan Cephas. “We express our solidarity to the victim’s family, and we will keep monitoring the Irizarry case. This needs to be resolved in court, not on the streets of Philadelphia. We would also like to extend our support to the business owners impacted by this unfortunate episode,” Cephas added. Rep. Jose Giral, who represents the180 th Legislative District where the deadly incident took place on Aug. 14, highlighted that he is deeply concerned about the way the Irizarry investigation was conducted. “It is absolutely outrageous that those charges were dismissed. We need accountability to right the wrongs that occurred today and provide Read more

 

Philadelphia House and Senate Delegations join Unite Here Local 634 in fight for a dignifying contract

(Sep 21, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Sep. 21 – In light of recent demands presented by city school workers to the Philadelphia School District, members of the Philadelphia House and Senate Delegations today expressed their steadfast support for members of Unite Here Local 634. The delegation members, who participated in a rally held earlier today by the school workers, stated that they are fighting along with the union for a dignifying contract that could guarantee livable wages for workers before their current collective bargaining agreement expires on Sept. 30. “Workers are clamoring for the elementary right to get a fair salary to pay for rent and buy food for their families,” said delegation chairwoman Morgan Cephas. “They are requesting respect. These are employees pleading for provisions that are plain-to-see needs and commonsense demands. Their voices can longer be ignored. The countdown starts for fair pay and transparent terms in a new bargaining agreement,” added Cephas. State Sen. Nikil Saval, chair of the PA Senate’s Philadelphia Delegation, explained that the food service and student climate staff throughout schools provide vital care for Philadelphia children from the moment they walk through the doors. “These workers are the lowest paid in the school district; they are paid so little that the district is currently in violation of the city wage ordinance,” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation Leadership expresses condolences after passing of JoAnne A. Epps, acting president of Temple University

(Sep 19, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 19 – The Philadelphia House Delegation Leadership today express their condolences following the passing of JoAnne A. Epps, acting president of Temple University. “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of JoAnne Epps. Epps was an incredible woman who had an immensurable impact in our city. Epps’ contributions and legacy in the field of education will be remembered and continue to influence many,” said the delegation’s chairwoman, Rep. Morgan Cephas. Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice chair of the delegation, said that Epps made a genuine difference and connection with young people through her kindness and mastery of teaching. “My most sincere condolences to the Epps family,” Burgos said. “We will always be in awe of her powerful legacy. Her dedication to propel excellence in education for our community was unparalleled.” Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, delegation treasurer, highlighted that he knew Epps since he was just a teenager, as a Temple student. He explained that his impression of Epps never changed. “I met JoAnne Epps when I was a 17-year-old freshman at Temple University. Though our titles have changed over the years one thing never did, and that was she was always a friend and a mentor. I am devastated for her husband and her family and the entire Temple community. The world is a missing one of its bright lights with Read more

 

Policy Committee hears testimony on concerns in Latino community

(Sep 15, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

“I learned so much from our panelists this morning, and I appreciate the work they are doing in our communities – specifically breaking down the stigma associated with mental health and particularly with the mental health needs of our children,” Speaker Joanna McClinton said. “So I appreciate all of our testifiers who are working to help people with challenges and needs. They placed a spotlight directly on the need for more services because of the positive impact they have in our communities in Philadelphia as well as throughout the entire state.” Read more

 

Pa. could pass a ‘lemon law’ for homes to protect residents from shoddy construction

(Sep 11, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

State lawmakers from Philadelphia are trying to pass new legislation that would help prevent rowhomes from being damaged by adjacent demolitions and reduce defects in newly built houses. Read more

 

Krajewski: Investment Is Key to Growing Diverse Businesses, Communities

(Sep 07, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Pa. state Rep. Rick Krajewski thanks Governor Josh Shapiro for signing an executive order that will help small, diverse businesses compete for state funding. Krajewski points to the 52nd Street Corridor in West Philly as an example of the difference investment in Black and brown businesses can make in growing a local economy, reviving historically diverse communities and supporting historically disadvantaged businesses. Read more

 

Rabb announces legislation to establish Incarcerated People’s Benefit Fund

(Sep 07, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

“It is our duty as legislators to secure fair treatment for all Pennsylvanians — regardless of circumstance,” Rabb said. “We must act with compassion and ensure that justice-involved individuals receive the rehabilitation and resources necessary to successfully reenter their communities.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation thanks Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw for her service and commitment to the residents of Philadelphia

(Sep 05, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their appreciation of the efforts of Police Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw who stepped into the role of the police commissioner during a critical chapter in the City of Philadelphia. “We thank Outlaw for her nearly four years of service, and we honor her as the city’s first Black woman to lead the Philadelphia Police Department,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, chair of the delegation. “Outlaw assumed the role while we were facing turbulent times that included the pandemic lockdowns and protests over the death of George Floyd, which sparked a national wave of civil unrest. We are talking about unprecedented times,” she said. Referring to the interim police commissioner, First Deputy Commissioner John M. Stanford Jr., Cephas pointed out that the delegation was looking forward to their collaboration during a time where reducing gun violence is a top priority as they head into the fall legislative session. Stanford has more than two decades of law enforcement experience and joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 2002. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with Stanford in this new terrain and value his expertise protecting public safety in our city. We are hopeful that we have found in Stanford another ally to combat the rising crime rates boosted by gun violence in Read more

 

Housing advocates say Philly’s for-profit eviction system lacks dignity and compassion

(Aug 31, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

During a committee hearing, lawmakers looked for potential ways to improve the city’s Landlord and Tenant Office. Read more

 

PA House Housing & Community Development Committee hosts residential construction protections hearing

(Aug 30, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 30 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., today hosted a PA House Housing & Community Development Committee public hearing at Philadelphia City Hall on residential construction protections. During the hearing, the committee heard from three panels of testifiers. On the first panel was Ralph DiPietro, commissioner of Licenses and Inspection, city of Philadelphia; Jennifer Horn, founding partner, Horn Williamson LLC; and Daryn Edwards, co-chair of the Housing and Community Development Task Force, American Institute of Architects Pennsylvania. The second panel consisted of Venise Whitaker, founder, Riverwards L+I Coalition; Tamica Tanksley, an impacted resident; Michelle Gaffney, an impacted resident; Dr. Terrie Lewine, an impacted resident; and Drew Miller, paralegal for Homeownership and Consumer Rights Unit, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia. The final panel was made up of Annette Stevens, financial officer, Code Administrators; Shawn Strausbaugh, director of technical services, Code Administrators; and Mary Collins, co-chair of the Government Affairs Committee, Building Industry Association of Philadelphia. “It’s vital that we pass legislation that protects what is many families’ most valuable asset and possession -- their homes,” Hohenstein said. “I’ve heard numerous heartbreaking stories of families in Philadelphia who have spent thousands on residential Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation advancing eviction reform

(Aug 30, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

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

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises more than $1.5 million in grant funding for schools across Philadelphia

(Aug 15, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 15 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their satisfaction after the Shapiro administration announced that $1.5 million in federal grant funding has been awarded to 57 school across Philadelphia. The funds, awarded under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, will promote nutrition education and healthier school environments by helping schools to secure fresh produce for students. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the group is satisfied to see these grants coming to schools because nutrition and education go hand in hand. “As we know, nutrition has a great impact on a child’s learning ability. We need further nutrition education in our schools because not all children get this guidance or necessary intake of healthy food at home”, Cephas explained. “This grant is a perfect complement to the Free School Breakfast Program victory championed by Governor Josh Shapiro in the 2023-2024 budget,” Cephas added. “The spending plan includes a $46.5 million increase in funding to provide universal free breakfast to every public-school student and free lunch to students who are eligible for reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program. “This puts our schools in a remarkable path,” she said. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls out Sen. Devlin Robinson for disrespecting Pennsylvania firefighter

(Aug 04, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 4 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today said a recent incident where a firefighter was verbally disrespected is an outrageous act that demands more than a mere apology. State Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny, referred to Ken Pagurek, a first responder from Pennsylvania Task Force 1, as a “dick,” using the slur during a committee meeting on Tuesday. A video shows Robinson, who serves as the chair of the Labor and Industry Committee, leaning towards Sen. Doug Mastriano, making the disgraceful comment, presumably and wrongfully assuming that the microphone was off. The delegation noted that Mastriano seemed amused by the observation. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the group is outraged by the confrontation and the lack of empathy shown towards the hardworking men and women who risk their lives every single day protecting communities across our commonwealth. “We are not going to let these types of degrading remarks go unchecked because of your proximity and disregard for the City of Philadelphia,” said chairwoman Cephas. “This is not a joke; it just shows the type of leadership that we have in the Pennsylvania Senate. As senators they are supposed to represent all Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, neither Robinson nor Mastriano embody the moral values that their positions require. House Democrats support the Read more

 

The Dope Student Podcast with State Rep Amen Brown

(Aug 01, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Amen Brown joined students of The Dope Student Podcast to talk about politics as a career goal for young people. Read more

 

State Rep. Tarik Khan immerses himself in the community

(Aug 01, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Next, Representative Khan’s District Office will hold remote office hours at the Falls of Schuylkill Library in East Falls on July 31st from 5 p.m. to 7:30 pm. You may also see him around town knocking doors to inform neighbors about the state services his office can assist with. For more information on upcoming events and legislative efforts, visit his office at 4001 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, or call (215) 482-8726. Read more

 

House Majority Leadership joins community to sound education SOS in Philadelphia

(Jul 31, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

“This is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue, and it is not a city issue or a rural issue – it’s a Pennsylvania issue,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, said. “Equitably funding schools is about investing in Pennsylvania’s future and ensuring that every student regardless of the neighborhood they live in has the tools to thrive academically, socially, and civically. Our state’s future starts now, and it’s time to equitably and adequately fund our public schools.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation hails unprecedented Teamsters win

(Jul 25, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, July 25 – Following the announcement of a tentative, historic five-year contract involving United Parcel Service and the Teamsters union, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation praised the triumph and reaffirmed their commitment to keep fighting for fair pay and safe workplaces for every worker in Pennsylvania. The UPS and Teamsters covenant comes after a series of local and national rallies to support UPS workers as they fought for better wages and working conditions. Workers also warned of a possible massive strike. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the agreement is a colossal win for the more than 340,000 UPS Teamsters members nationwide. “Our delegation applauds these tentative agreements that include wage increases as well as safety and health protections, equal pay part-time rewards, and new trucks with air conditioning, among other provisions. This would certainly change the game for many other unions. The bar has been raised,” Cephas added. “Our group has been proudly walking and fighting along with the UPS workers for better pay and tangible benefits, but this is also a fight for fairness and respect. We are pleased to see that their struggles have been finally acknowledged,” she said. “We are celebrating this victory, but we also ratify our firm commitment to keep championing for all workers in the Read more

 

State Rep. Amen Brown hands out free fans to residents in Powelton

(Jul 25, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

It's hot outside and state Rep. Amen brown came to the rescue with a free fan giveaway at his new district office. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for bold changes in eviction process

(Jul 20, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 20 – After the third eviction-related shooting since March in Philadelphia, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today said the organization is determined to help end the practice of private contractors performing eviction services in the city to avoid more violent incidents. “The imminent threat of being displaced from home can put anybody into a rage and despair mode. If you add to this scenario people without the proper training, carrying guns to handle evictions, the outcome can be fatal,” said Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, who is organizing upcoming hearings in August about the evictions with state Rep. Mike Sturla, chair of the PA House Housing & Community Development Committee. “Philadelphia’s landlord-tenant officer has temporarily stopped evictions, but this is a turning point: evictions must be handled by public officials and our delegation will be working to introduce legislation to regulate this process. We are ready to establish policies that would support critical demands in this system, like proper protocol and de-escalations practice to protect the safety and integrity of the tenants,” she added. State Rep. Rick Krajewski, who will be introducing a bill addressing the subject, explained that the mercenary mentality of private contractors working for the city's landlord-tenant officer serves no public good. Krajewski indicated that Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises tentative agreement between Unite Here Local 634 and the Philadelphia School District
Sep 29, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation members seek justice for unfair Eddie Irizarry ruling and condemn looting in city
Sep 27, 2023

Philadelphia House and Senate Delegations join Unite Here Local 634 in fight for a dignifying contract
Sep 21, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation Leadership expresses condolences after passing of JoAnne A. Epps, acting president of Temple University
Sep 19, 2023

Policy Committee hears testimony on concerns in Latino community
Sep 15, 2023

Pa. could pass a ‘lemon law’ for homes to protect residents from shoddy construction
Sep 11, 2023

Krajewski: Investment Is Key to Growing Diverse Businesses, Communities
Sep 07, 2023

Rabb announces legislation to establish Incarcerated People’s Benefit Fund
Sep 07, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation thanks Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw for her service and commitment to the residents of Philadelphia
Sep 05, 2023

Housing advocates say Philly’s for-profit eviction system lacks dignity and compassion
Aug 31, 2023

PA House Housing & Community Development Committee hosts residential construction protections hearing
Aug 30, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation advancing eviction reform
Aug 30, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation praises more than $1.5 million in grant funding for schools across Philadelphia
Aug 15, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation calls out Sen. Devlin Robinson for disrespecting Pennsylvania firefighter
Aug 04, 2023

The Dope Student Podcast with State Rep Amen Brown
Aug 01, 2023

State Rep. Tarik Khan immerses himself in the community
Aug 01, 2023

House Majority Leadership joins community to sound education SOS in Philadelphia
Jul 31, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation hails unprecedented Teamsters win
Jul 25, 2023

State Rep. Amen Brown hands out free fans to residents in Powelton
Jul 25, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for bold changes in eviction process
Jul 20, 2023