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

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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

 

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill passes House

(Jul 07, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 7 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1448 ) introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, passed the House and is headed to the Senate for consideration. The bill would r equire public schools to provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. The instruction would include topics such as skills of conflict resolution; respect for different cultures, races, and beliefs; effectively managing emotions; and how to resolve differences peacefully. The bill also would require the instruction to be age-appropriate and incorporated into an appropriate area of study. The Department of Education would compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools could use to provide this instruction to students. Bellmon said that teaching conflict resolution in schools can help reduce violence. “In areas across the commonwealth, such as Philadelphia, we’re seeing far too many young lives taken by gun violence,” Bellmon said. “It’s imperative that our children know that conflicts can be resolved in a non-violent way, and that’s why I introduced this bill that can help prevent unnecessary violence and even save lives.” McClinton echoed Bellmon’s sentiment. “Everyone has a role in keeping our communities healthy and safe, and by equipping our youngest Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation pleased with increased funding on budget priorities

(Jul 07, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 7 – As we close out this week with the passage of the 2023-24 state budget, the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed that the spending plan is far from ideal, but still delivers major support to disadvantaged families in Pennsylvania. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the delegation is pleased to see the inclusion of some of their top priorities for Philadelphia. “We certainly praise the nearly $1.7 billion (7.6% increase) for the School District of Philadelphia,” Cephas said. “We also voted to support $7.5 million to fund indigent defense for the first time in Pennsylvania history, ensuring public defenders have the resources they need to provide legal representation to defendants who cannot pay for it on their own, among other wins. We are moving the state in the right direction,” she added. State Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice-chair of the delegation, pointed out that the budget showcases the commitment of the House Democratic majority with Pennsylvanians, while managing to evade the unnecessary impasses of a bipartisan legislature. “Not a perfect budget; we wished it could have gone further in some areas and programs, but I am proud to say that we didn’t bargain our principles and that we prioritized our school system,” Burgos said. “I am appreciative of the investments in apprenticeships Read more

 

Cephas releases statement on enactment of Act 5 of 2023

(Jul 06, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

"Pennsylvania families deserve our utmost attention and the finest health options available to preserve their health and the health of their babies." Read more

 

Kenyatta applauds Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program expansion efforts

(Jul 06, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 6 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., announced today that H.B. 1100 to expand Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is heading to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature. This bill will expand eligibility for the PTRR Program by increasing the income cap to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, as well as increase rebate amounts. “The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been very helpful to seniors, individuals with disabilities and low-income households in my district and throughout the state,” Kenyatta said. “It allows them to stay in their homes while money is put back in their pocket. “Voting on this bill was one of the most important votes I’ve taken in my time as a legislator. Programs like PTRR must be available to people who are struggling to stay in their homes and pay their bills. I’m glad to see we’ve taken all the right steps to expand eligibility to more Pennsylvanians and keep our communities intact.” Kenyatta said that he looks forward to seeing the bill signed into law so that an additional 175,000 Pennsylvanians can get the help they need. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation Gun Reform & Gun Violence Reduction Legislation

(Jul 05, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Gun Reform & Gun Violence Reduction Legislation sponsored by members of the Philadelphia House Delegation. Read more

 

Pennsylvania lawmakers want to crack down on catalytic converter thefts

(Jul 03, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

"One of the unfortunate things is it's very easy to steal one of these converters out from a car without even having to break into the car," the lawmaker said. "It's problems in parking lots and in individual communities and neighborhoods, right on the streets." Read more

 

Pa. House passes bill to counter catalytic converter thefts

(Jul 03, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Car owners should not have to foot the bill for someone stealing from them, and for many households, the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter is burdensome,” Isaacson said. “For many Pennsylvanians, their car is a part of their livelihood. This legislation provides several important deterrents to ensure that consumers in the commonwealth have the highest level of protection from theft. Read more

 

Giral Working Against Drug Abuse

(Jun 30, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PA state Rep. Jose Giral is working to create a statewide program to help local pharmacies to hold their own drug take back events to help people safely dispose of dangerous prescriptions drugs in their home. Part of the effort is to educate pharmacists in best practices and safety measures. This is part of Giral's efforts to reduce opioid abuse in his community and across PA. Read more

 

Cephas slams recent SCOTUS decisions

(Jun 30, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 30 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today expressed her disagreement with three U.S. Supreme Court decisions recently announced on affirmative action, LGBTQ rights and students loan forgiveness. Cephas condemns the rulings of the Supreme Court and described the decisions as an unfortunate series of obstacles thrown in the way of social justice and equality. “In light of yet another wrongful outcome from the Supreme Court, I raise my voice on behalf of the underrepresented communities that have been systematically harmed with these decisions”, Cephas said. Cephas explained that minorities, people of color and people of low-income backgrounds have been fighting relentlessly for fairness, but the Supreme Court has chosen to ignore decades of struggles. “It was a dark day yesterday when the Supreme Court ruled on affirmative action. The Supreme Court is banning race-conscious admissions, in the cases of Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College. The race component won’t be taken into consideration for college admissions,” Cephas continued. Today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis is a ruling that Cephas regards as a threat to the freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country, she said. “This decision simply grants a green light for Read more

 

House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus & Philadelphia House Delegation condemn Moms for Liberty event in Phila.

(Jun 29, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 29 – The Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and Philadelphia House Delegation are condemning the upcoming Moms for Liberty summit that’s scheduled to take place in center city Philadelphia today through July 2. Moms for Liberty is a right-wing hate group that advocates against school curriculum that mentions LGBTQ+ rights, race and ethnicity, critical race theory and discrimination. LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Co-Chairs Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, and Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., who also serves as Philadelphia House Delegation treasurer, each issued comments condemning this summit. “I’m extremely disappointed to see this summit take place in our city. Our city shouldn’t be a backdrop for hate,” Kenyatta said. “We can’t allow the type of rhetoric and ideology that far-right groups, like Moms for Liberty, promote prevent us from becoming a more fair and equal society.” “Hate has no home in Pennsylvania,” Benham said. “I believe most of our state’s residents find it embarrassing that Pennsylvania’s largest city will host one of the nation’s most hostile anti-LGBTQ+ groups during the month of Pride. Alongside my colleagues in the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, I am eager to continue fighting back against the hateful rhetoric and policies pushed by groups like Moms for Liberty.” Philadelphia House Delegation Read more

 

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill approved by Education Committee

(Jun 28, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 28 – Today, H.B. 1448 introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, was voted out of the House Education Committee and is headed to the full House for future consideration. The bill would r equire public schools to provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. This instruction would include topics such as skills of conflict resolution; respect for different cultures, races, and beliefs; effectively managing emotions; and how to resolve differences peacefully. The bill also would require the instruction to be age appropriate and incorporated into an appropriate area of study. The Department of Education would compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools can use to provide this instruction to students. Bellmon said that teaching conflict resolution in schools can help reduce violence. “In areas across the commonwealth, such as Philadelphia, we’re seeing far too many young lives taken by gun violence,” Bellmon said. “It’s imperative that our children know that conflicts can be resolved in a non-violent way, and that’s why I introduced this bill that can help save lives.” This is Bellmon’s first bill to be voted out of a House standing committee. He is urging quick passage in the full House. Read more

 

Boyle preventive care bill including mental health protections passes House

(Jun 26, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 26 – Today, H.B. 1050 , introduced by PA House Insurance Committee Chair Kevin Boyle, D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania House and is headed to the Senate for future consideration. This bill would require health insurers to cover preventive health care services including mental health treatment without cost-sharing. A similar federal law is part of the federal Affordable Care Act, which gives Americans access to no-cost preventive health care. But earlier this year, a judge in Texas struck down that part of the Affordable Care Act . If appeals are unsuccessful, millions of Pennsylvanians could lose access to potentially life-saving preventative health care such as cancer screenings, depression and anxiety screenings, multiple vaccines, and annual well-woman visits. Boyle’s legislation would protect Pennsylvanians regardless of what the federal courts do. “Regardless of what the federal courts decide, we must ensure all Pennsylvanians have access to life-saving preventive health care without having to pay a copay, coinsurance or deductible,” Boyle said. “I urge my Senate colleagues to do right by the millions of Pennsylvanians who need these crucial preventive care services and get this bill to Governor Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.” According to Boyle, over 80 advocacy groups support this bill because it protects preventive care services. Read more

 

Fiedler, PFT, Phila. councilmembers urge funding school facilities in 2023-24 budget

(Jun 23, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, June 23 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila., hosted a news conference at South Philadelphia High School Friday morning, calling on the Commonwealth to increase funding for school facilities improvements. Pennsylvania "has billions of dollars that should be invested in public infrastructure, job creation and education,” Fiedler said. The Commonwealth is currently sitting on $11 billion in reserve cash. “Governor Shapiro’s budget has proposed $100 million in school facilities funding, which is a great start,” Fiedler said. While Shapiro’s budget proposal did not indicate a method of distribution for these funds, Fiedler has co-sponsored H.B.1408, which provides a vehicle for distributing school facilities funds. Her bill updates PlanCon, a method of funds distribution that has not been utilized since 2016. “I am hopeful H.B. 1408 will get a House vote next week, and I’m committed to pursuing all avenues through which we may remediate and repair our schools across the Commonwealth,” she emphasized, who has spearheaded the issue in the House. Ana Tapia , Sunrise of Philadelphia’s South Philadelphia High School site director, spoke directly to her experience running the school’s after-school program. “Too often we hear on the news that budgets have increased for everything except for schools, after-school programming, and Read more

 

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

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill passes House
Jul 07, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation pleased with increased funding on budget priorities
Jul 07, 2023

Cephas releases statement on enactment of Act 5 of 2023
Jul 06, 2023

Kenyatta applauds Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program expansion efforts
Jul 06, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation Gun Reform & Gun Violence Reduction Legislation
Jul 05, 2023

Pennsylvania lawmakers want to crack down on catalytic converter thefts
Jul 03, 2023

Pa. House passes bill to counter catalytic converter thefts
Jul 03, 2023

Giral Working Against Drug Abuse
Jun 30, 2023

Cephas slams recent SCOTUS decisions
Jun 30, 2023

House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus & Philadelphia House Delegation condemn Moms for Liberty event in Phila.
Jun 29, 2023

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill approved by Education Committee
Jun 28, 2023

Boyle preventive care bill including mental health protections passes House
Jun 26, 2023

Fiedler, PFT, Phila. councilmembers urge funding school facilities in 2023-24 budget
Jun 23, 2023