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Philadelphia House Delegation praises approval of increase in public transit funding

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Isaacson announces local Keystone Historic Preservation grants

(Jun 07, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

“2026 is right around the corner, and with such an important celebration to be hosted in our incredible city, Philadelphia, I am honored to see this funding being invested in our country’s history in the birthplace of our nation,” Isaacson said. “I am proud to support these institutions that have made it a priority to preserve our past and welcome in the future.” Read more

 

Kinsey 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline bill approved in Human Services Committee

(Jun 07, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 7 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1305 ) introduced by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., was voted out of the PA House Human Services Committee. This bill would establish sustainable funding for Pennsylvania’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in line with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal. The lifeline was launched in July of 2022 and allows anyone in the U.S. to call, chat or text 988 to receive supports and resources during a suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis. Kinsey, who serves as chairman of the PA House Human Services Committee and a long-time mental health advocate, stressed the importance of ensuring the lifeline is sustainably funded. “The creation of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was important to allow folks in the midst of a mental health crisis an outlet to get the help they need,” Kinsey said. “Now, it’s important that we properly fund this crucial lifeline so it can be a sustainable and reliable source of help. “As we see a growing need of mental health situations, this lifeline can be the difference of life and death for many Pennsylvanians who are dealing with the mental health crisis,” he continued. “As H.B. 1305 has passed out of the Human Services Committee and heads to the House Floor, I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of keeping 988 reliable for all Pennsylvanians who need it.” Read more

 

Chairman Boyle insurance cyber consumer protection bill passes Senate

(Jun 07, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 7 – Today, H.B. 739 , introduced by PA House Insurance Committee Chair Kevin Boyle, D-Phila., passed the PA Senate and will head to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. This legislation would require insurance companies and agents to develop cybersecurity policies and report cybersecurity events to the state insurance commissioner. “I want to give gratitude to my colleagues in the Senate for passing this important piece of legislation that will go a long way in ensuring insurance consumers’ data is protected online from hackers,” said Boyle. “I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law to protect our consumers every day who purchase insurance products in the commonwealth.” Read more

 

Krajewski kinship care legislation clears House committee

(Jun 07, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 7 – Today, the House Children and Youth Committee voted to report to the full House for a vote H.B.1058 , introduced by Rep. Rick Krajewski D-Phila., which would make child custody proceedings more inclusive of potential kinship care providers. Krajewski said that when a child is taken from their home and into the custody of a county youth agency it can be a deeply traumatic experience. Living with kin – such as relatives, grandparents, and close family friends – is better for children, minimizing childhood trauma and increasing well-being. Despite this, only 42% of Pennsylvania’s children receiving care are placed in a kinship home , and potential kin providers can be excluded from consideration because of implicit bias, family poverty and red tape. This bill would require that in child custody proceedings, courts solicit and consider the opinions of those who engaged with family finding and kinship care programs. This would ensure that courts are fully aware of the strengths and qualifications of potential kinship providers before they place a child in a county youth agency. “As advocates of Kinship Care for youth in Pennsylvania, we believe this bill would strengthen support systems for young people in the child welfare system,” wrote Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia in a joint letter of support for H.B.1058. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for thorough investigation on teen fatally shot by state trooper and prevention of more tragedies

(Jun 07, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, June 7 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today stated that the group is closely following the death of a teenager killed in the city Sunday by a state trooper during a drag race on I-95. The organization expressed concern about issues involved in this incident as they could develop into more tragedies. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas indicated that it is essential that the state police and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office collaborate hand-in-hand for transparent scrutiny. The delegation also hopes for accountability and answers to many of the critical questions surrounding the deadly shooting. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim, and we are looking forward to seeing all the facts that resulted in this death,” Cephas said. “As a delegation, we see two sides of this tragedy -- the first one is a family mourning in our city, the second is an unfortunate series of issues that are prompting us to take bold action and work fast on prevention. “It is alarming to see more and more illegal drag racings on city streets and interstates, car meetups and large unregulated gatherings all over the city. The aftermath of these scenarios is always the same: property damage, assault and participants throwing objects at the police. “As we head into the summer, we need to take control of these Read more

 

Kinsey Fresh Food Financing Initiative bill approved by House Committee

(Jun 06, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 6 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 580 ) introduced by state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, Danilo Burgos and Morgan Cephas, all D-Phila., to re-establish the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative was approved by the PA House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. The Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative was a program operated from 2004 to 2010 that provided grants and low-interest loans for the construction, rehabilitation or expansion of grocery stores, farmers markets and other healthy food retail establishments in low- to moderate-income areas in need and other underserved communities. “Health is the most important aspect of our lives. To live a healthy life, it’s crucial that all people have access to healthy, fresh and nutritious food,” Kinsey said. “Restarting the Fresh Food Financing Initiative would help provide more accessible healthy food options to communities that desperately need it.” “This bill would boost local agricultural products while helping families in need to get access to fresh produce,” Burgos said. “This program is a healthy approach to fight food insecurity and obesity. No one in our state should be deprived of having a balanced alimentation, not under our watch.” “Pennsylvania agriculture contributes $132.5 billion to our state economy annually and supports 593,6000 jobs. It is beyond upsetting to Read more

 

Fiedler, PA Building Trades, AFT, Evangelical Enviro Network, call on lawmakers to vote for Solar for Schools legislation

(Jun 05, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., today called on lawmakers to pass Solar for Schools legislation (H.B.1032). Fiedler was joined on the steps of the state Capitol by a diverse coalition including Mike Ford, secretary-treasurer of the PA Building & Construction Trades Council; Arthur Steinberg, president of PA American Federation of Teachers; Carolyn Heckman, PA policy and outreach coordinator for the Evangelical Environmental Network; Katie Blume, political and legislative director of Conservation Voters of PA; Tony Seiwell, business manager for LIUNA Eastern Region; and Bishop Dwayne Royster, executive director of POWER Interfaith. Fiedler’s bill passed was approved in committee with a unanimous bipartisan vote in late May. Fiedler said she anticipates a House floor vote on the bill before the end of June. “I’m excited that Solar is passing through the House. This legislation is truly blue-green, bringing new jobs to our Commonwealth while protecting and preserving our environment,” Fiedler said. She said the diverse coalition of supporters demonstrates the broad appeal of Solar for Schools. “Solar leverages state and federal dollars to support the creation of solar arrays at public schools across the Commonwealth. It will save school districts and taxpayers money, create new learning opportunities and invest in statewide clean Read more

 

Neilson introduces legislation to target speeding in Pennsylvania

(Jun 01, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

According to the AWZSE Annual Legislative Report, speeding in AWZSE enforced work zones has been reduced to 17.2% for all traffic, and excessive speeding (11+ mph over the posted speed limit) has been reduced to 2.6% since the start of the program. Read more

 

Bill aims to curb Pa. litter problem with hefty fines, community service for offenders

(May 25, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

“Some of these offending companies treat fines for illegally dumping trash as the cost of doing business. We cannot allow that to continue to be the case,” Bullock said in a statement. “More than just being an eyesore, illegal dumping does long term damage to the environment and health of community ecosystems and costs taxpayers money with the strain it puts on municipalities.” Read more

 

Boyle introduces legislation on localized minimum wage

(May 24, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, May 24 – State Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-Phila., has introduced legislation to allow individual municipalities to adjust their minimum wage based on factors that affect workers in those communities . Boyle’s legislation would repeal a section of the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act that prohibits municipalities from enacting a minimum wage separate from the statewide wage. “The 2006 amendment to our minimum wage law that prohibits individual municipalities from setting their own wages is outdated,” Boyle said. “We have to give local governments the tools to customize solutions that work best for their communities.” Boyle said the legislation would allow Philadelphia to set a minimum wage that is higher than the rest of the state. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation lauds passing of gun safety bills

(May 24, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, May 24 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed satisfaction on the passing of two pieces of legislation aimed at implementing extreme risk protection orders and regulating universal background checks. The firearm safety bills were approved by the House and sent to the Senate. The state House passed H.B. 714 which would expand background checks for firearm purchases. It was introduced by state Rep. Perry Warren. The second bill H.B. 1018 would provide emergency protection for gun owners who are at risk of harming themselves or others. Rep. Jennifer O’Mara is prime sponsor of this legislation. ERPO, or “red flag,” laws temporarily disarm people in crisis to disrupt spontaneous acts of violence against themselves or others. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas said that the passing of the bills represents a major step forward in the delegation’s quest for public safety. “Having two gun reform bills pass this House is certainly cause for celebration, however we know there is much more work to be done. Our city, as well as the whole commonwealth, is in crisis and we need the General Assembly to recognize there are commonsense ways to help all Pennsylvanians while not infringing on their rights. “We will continue to work in the House for passage of safe storage and lost-and-stolen reporting -- two of the biggest priorities of our delegation Read more

 

Human Services Committee moves two bills out of committee

(May 23, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, May 23 – Today, the PA House Human Services Committee voted two bills out of committee to address mental health initiatives and funding for programs as well as funding for kinship care legal assistance. The first bill ( H.B. 849 ), introduced by state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, would take recommendations from the Behavioral Health Commission on Adult Mental Health on how to appropriate $100 million in one-time ARPA funds. As part of the 2022-23 budget (through Act 54 of 2022), the General Assembly established the Behavioral Health Commission on Adult Mental Health, a 24-person commission tasked with providing recommendations to the General Assembly on how to appropriate $100 million in one-time ARPA funding to address adult behavioral health needs in Pennsylvania. The commission, composed of experts in the behavioral health field, advocates, providers, and legislators, met over the course of four weeks for a total of 17 hours to create a set of recommendations they believe would be the first step towards true change for all Pennsylvanians. H.B. 849 would take the following recommendations from the commission and turn them into actionable legislation, as well as expand these efforts to address the needs of struggling youth: $37 million towards workforce development. $23.5 million to improve the criminal justice system and public safety systems. $39 million to expand access and service delivery. $500,000 to evaluate the Read more

 

PA lawmakers form Progressive Caucus

(May 23, 2023) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rep. Rick Krajewski, Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Focusing on prioritizing people over profit, fighting social inequality Read more

 

House committee unanimously approves Solar for Schools legislation

(May 23, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, May 23 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee voted unanimously today in support of House Bill1032, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler’s Solar for Schools legislation. Solar for Schools would provide grants to install solar to public k-12 schools, community colleges, and career technical schools across Pennsylvania. The program would fund 50% of the cost of project construction. Federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act would cover 30- 50% of the remaining installation costs, with school districts responsible for the remaining 0- 20%, plus costs associated with operation and maintenance. The vote comes on the heels of Fiedler’s tour of solar arrays at various schools across Pennsylvania. "I've been able to see firsthand the value that solar arrays bring by reducing costs for school districts and taxpayers, limiting our carbon footprint, and creating new jobs,” Fiedler, D-Phila., said. “I am thrilled Solar for Schools passed the committee. This legislation merges labor and environmental priorities to improve our environment and bring new jobs to our commonwealth.” Committee Chair Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, commended the legislation after voting in favor of the bill. “Solar for Schools is a solid bill that will help school districts and taxpayers save money,” Matzie said. “As chairman of the committee, I was happy Read more

 

Frankel, Bellmon applaud House passage of gun safety measures

(May 22, 2023) Rep. Anthony Bellmon

“With the current gun violence crisis taking place in Philadelphia and around the commonwealth, today’s passage of two bills out of the House is a step in the right direction to prevent future tragedies,” Bellmon said. “As co-chair of the PA Safe Caucus, I applaud my colleagues who voted to make the commonwealth a safer place.” Read more

 

Kinsey resumes “Third Thursday” Initiative

(May 19, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., last night hosted a press conference and community peace walk in conjunction with the local police chaplains, at Belfield Recreation Center as part of the “Third Thursday Initiative” to address gun violence in northwest Philadelphia. This was the first Third Thursday event of 2023.  Read more

 

Lawmakers and workers rights groups want state officials to let Philly set its own minimum wage

(May 10, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Philadelphia has the fourth lowest “real minimum wage,” per a study by personal finance website SmartAsset. Research from Zillow found a minimum wage worker in Philadelphia would have to work 3.6 jobs to afford a two-bedroom apartment. And according to data from MIT, the living wage for a single adult with no children in Philadelphia is around $17.50 an hour. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation regrets fatal shooting of man canvassing for the city’s primary election

(May 09, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, May 9 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their condolences to the family grieving the loss of a loved one after one man opened fire at another while both men were canvassing for the city’s upcoming primary election. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas described the incident as a senseless loss and said that the shooting is also a sad reminder of the ongoing gun violence crisis impacting the city. “We don’t know yet what led up to this tragedy. Further details on this have not been released, but we do know that a family is mourning one of their own,” Cephas said. “We do know that someone lost their life due to gun violence in our city and it is heartbreaking. As of today, there have been 142 homicides in our city this year. This needs to stop,” Cephas added. Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice chair of the delegation, indicated that the institution urges the community to be part of a collective effort to spread awareness and combat gun violence. “My heart goes out to the victim’s family; I extend my condolences during this difficult time. As a community we must focus on prevention measures and bold regulations. Our delegation is determined to improve public safety and protect our families because our families deserve better, we need peace,” Burgos said. Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, delegation treasurer, shared thoughts of sympathy for the victim’s family. “I Read more

 

Parker Working for Financial Literacy

(May 04, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

Pa. state Rep. Darisha Parker joined Auditor General Timothy DeFoor and students and faculty of Martin Luther King Jr. High School in North Philadelphia to discuss the importance for integrating financial literacy education programs into high school curriculum for Pennsylvania students. Read more

 

Fiedler co-hosts rally for after school programs

(May 04, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, May 4 – On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network held an advocacy day at the state Capitol. State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, co-chairs of the PA House Afterschool Caucus, joined them on the Capitol steps to rally for afterschool programs in Pennsylvania. Speakers at the rally included: Contrell Armor, PSAYDN director. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. State Sen. Lynda Schlegel-Culver, R-Columbia/Luzerne/Montour/Northumberland/Snyder. State Sen. Mike Regan, R-Cumberland/York. Youth Keynote, Neha Shukla, Flight Crew Million Girls Moonshot. Youth Speaker, Enjalai Baillie, Harrisburg High School, Sci-Tech and PFEW. Youth Speaker, Aliyah Webster, chief science officer, Minersville Area Jr./Sr. High School. Youth Speaker, Sean Jackson, Braddock Hills High School, Pittsburgh. Youth Co-Speakers, Aaron Pravs & Nasir Harrison, South Philadelphia High School. Provider Speaker; Amy Burrows, assistant director of Propel Afterschool Programs, 2022 PSAYDN Afterschool Champion for Outstanding Quality. State Rep. Michael Schlossberg, D-Lehigh. Fiedler stressed the importance of afterschool programs to mentor young people and prevent violence. “At a time when violence has been increasing, we need to invest in high quality out-of-school-time programs that provide kids with safe Read more

 

Isaacson announces local Keystone Historic Preservation grants
Jun 07, 2023

Kinsey 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline bill approved in Human Services Committee
Jun 07, 2023

Chairman Boyle insurance cyber consumer protection bill passes Senate
Jun 07, 2023

Krajewski kinship care legislation clears House committee
Jun 07, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for thorough investigation on teen fatally shot by state trooper and prevention of more tragedies
Jun 07, 2023

Kinsey Fresh Food Financing Initiative bill approved by House Committee
Jun 06, 2023

Fiedler, PA Building Trades, AFT, Evangelical Enviro Network, call on lawmakers to vote for Solar for Schools legislation
Jun 05, 2023

Neilson introduces legislation to target speeding in Pennsylvania
Jun 01, 2023

Bill aims to curb Pa. litter problem with hefty fines, community service for offenders
May 25, 2023

Boyle introduces legislation on localized minimum wage
May 24, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation lauds passing of gun safety bills
May 24, 2023

Human Services Committee moves two bills out of committee
May 23, 2023

PA lawmakers form Progressive Caucus
May 23, 2023

House committee unanimously approves Solar for Schools legislation
May 23, 2023

Frankel, Bellmon applaud House passage of gun safety measures
May 22, 2023

Kinsey resumes “Third Thursday” Initiative
May 19, 2023

Lawmakers and workers rights groups want state officials to let Philly set its own minimum wage
May 10, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation regrets fatal shooting of man canvassing for the city’s primary election
May 09, 2023

Parker Working for Financial Literacy
May 04, 2023

Fiedler co-hosts rally for after school programs
May 04, 2023