HARRISBURG, May 2 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., today celebrated the passage of The Fairness Act in the PA House of Representatives. “ It’s still legal in PA for LGBTQ+ people to be denied housing, education, or access to public accommodations based on their sexual orientation or gender identity ,” Waxman said. “ Today, the House is extending the same protections outlined in the PA Human Relations Act to ensure no one is treated like a second-class citizen. It’s time to protect all Pennsylvanians and create a welcoming atmosphere for people from all walks of life.” The PA Human Relations Act prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, disability, age, and other aspects of an individual’s identity. The Fairness Act would extend these protections to LGBTQ+ individuals and prevent anyone from discriminating against others based on their gender or sexual identity. The landmark 2020 decision on Bostock v. Clayton County by the United States Supreme Court ruled that an employer cannot discriminate against an individual because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill ensures that this historic victory is codified and extends to Pennsylvanians. If signed into law, PA would join 23 other states in the nation that welcome and protect LGBTQ+ people. For more information, those interested can contact Waxman’s district office at Read more
Offering only snazzy artist renderings and grand platitudes, the developers behind this project ask us to trust them. Not so fast, I say. We need details. We need clarity. Read more
Pennsylvania Jewish legislators and their allies are coming together to fight antisemitism and other forms of hate. Read more
Dear Acting Secretary Schmidt:The published date for the upcoming Presidential Primary Election is Tuesday, April 23,2024. This is also the first day of Passover, a major religious holiday for those of theJewish faith. As you might know, observant Jewish voters refrain from work and theirregular activities to observe this religious holiday. This would include activities such asvoting in person. Read more
“It’s time to reinvest in our communities and return them to the same state they were in before the COVID-19 pandemic and disastrous flooding,” state Rep. Ben Waxman said. “This historic museum on Martin Street has been a source of pride for the area and is crucial to educating the public on local legend Marian Anderson. Her voice, concerts, radio and vision broke down barriers. Through her incredible work, she became a symbol of the fight for civil rights and desegregation. We have much to learn from her story and journey; with these funds, the public will now be able to learn about this local hero in a revitalized space.” Read more
HARRISBURG, March 17 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., today announced that $400,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority has been approved for a Local Share Account grant. “It’s time to reinvest in our communities and return them to the same state they were in before the COVID-19 pandemic and disastrous flooding,” Waxman said. “This historic museum on Martin Street has been a source of pride for the area and is crucial to educating the public on local legend Marian Anderson . Her voice, concerts, radio and vision broke down barriers. Through her incredible work, she became a symbol of the fight for civil rights and desegregation. We have much to learn from her story and journey; with these funds, the public will now be able to learn about this local hero in a revitalized space.” The CFA approved funding for this project: $400,000 for PIDC Financing Corporation’s Marian Anderson Museum Repair Restoration Project to restore the historic museum located on Martin St. after sustaining flood damage during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Renovations include the complete exterior and interior restoration of the property on all three floors. Renovations for this project will include replacement of the roof, windows, doors, electrical system, install sprinkler systems on all floors and a new HVAC system. Lastly, plumbing, restorative design and protective museum and artifact enclosures Read more
HARRISBURG, March 7 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., today announced that he has been appointed to the Pa. House Appropriations Committee. This announcement came the Monday before Gov. Josh Shapiro’s planned budget address for the 2023-24 fiscal year. “I’m ready to get to work and make sure we get the most out of our tax dollars,” Waxman said. “Let’s make sure that every child has an education we can be proud of. We need to give our children and workers more opportunities to succeed. I plan on forging a budget that holds larger corporations accountable while providing Philadelphians and their families with the resources and services they need.” In accordance with House rules, the Appropriations Committee evaluates legislative proposals for fiscal implications prior to voting a bill out of committee. The committee also plays a pivotal role in forming recommendations for budget and fiscal-related matters and is integrally involved in the annual budget process. In addition to the state budget, the committee also has jurisdiction over the offices of Auditor General and State Treasurer and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. Waxman has experience from serving as Director of Communications to Pa. Sen. Vincent Hughes and the Pa. Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee for nearly four years. In addition, he’s worked at multiple levels of state and Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 28 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., issued a statement celebrating the election of state Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, as speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives: “It was my pleasure and honor to cast my vote for state Representative Joanna McClinton to take on the position of speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives,” Waxman said. “Speaker McClinton has been at the forefront of change and leadership since she has entered the political sphere. Today, she continues to make history as the first woman speaker of the House. I know that she will keep the people and their interests at the forefront of her thoughts. I know that she will lead us as a person first who seeks justice and policies that help everyday individuals. This is a victory for families across the state. McClinton is the first woman elected to the position of speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and the second African American. She made history as the first woman and African American to be elected as PA House Democratic Caucus chair in 2018, and again in 2020 when she was elected as the first woman House Democratic leader. More information is available by contacting Waxman’s office . ### Read more
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PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., issued a statement in response to the Feb. 7 decision by the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court on William Penn School District v. Pennsylvania Department of Education. “One of the duties outlined in the Pennsylvania Constitution is that every student receive a meaningful education that allows them to succeed academically, socially and civically,” Waxman said. “This Commonwealth Court ruling gives power back to the students and educational institutions. All children deserve a fair and equitable education, and Pennsylvania Democrats have been at the forefront in fighting to resolve the education funding disparity for decades. I continue to call for fair and equitable education, and I hope that more of our education dollars can flow through the new funding formula to better every district across the Commonwealth, not only the wealthy few.” Commonwealth Court Judge Renee Cohn Jubilerer ruled that Pennsylvania schools don’t have the resources to adequately educate all students, and the gaps between richer and poorer school districts has rendered the system unconstitutional. Waxman said this decision is a landmark case that could reshape education throughout the state. The Public Interest Law Center and the Education Law Center , which helped represent the William Penn School District , hailed the decision as a “historic victory for Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., today announced that the PA Department of Education has awarded Philadelphia’s University of the Arts $13,767 in PA Hunger-Free Campus grant funding. “Food insecurity is a major issue, and it’s preventing students who want an academic career from rising to those opportunities,” Waxman said. “This grant gives UArts the tools they need to ensure more people know where their next meal is coming from. We have to do more to provide students access to nutritious and healthy food to give them the best chance to succeed.” Through the 2022-2023 PA Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program, colleges with the PA Hunger-Free Campus or PA Hunger-Free Campus+ designation applied for competitive funding in an amount up to: $20,000 for institutions with 3,000 or fewer learners. $40,000 for institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 learners. $60,000 for institutions with 7,001 learners or more. The grants are awarded with the purpose of addressing food insecurity on campus, including expanding access to food options, creating awareness initiatives and upgrading facilities. The PA Hunger-Free Campus designations are reopened and institutions can apply. Designees receive a certificate of recognition and placement on the PA Hunger-Free Campus website, and they also have an opportunity to apply for future grant opportunities. More information is Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 10 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Education has awarded an It’s On Us PA grant of $40,000 to Thomas Jefferson University. “I am thrilled that the Department of Education has made a significant grant to Thomas Jefferson University to help prevent sexual assault and violence on college campuses,” Waxman said. “We must do everything possible to support survivors and make Pennsylvania’s campuses a safe place for all.” Governor Tom Wolf established It’s On Us PA, the nation’s first statewide campaign to combat campus sexual assault and violence, nearly seven years ago and has made Pennsylvania a national leader in improving campus safety. The grants provide funding from Jan. 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024, to implement strategies on campuses to address goals of the It’s On Us PA campaign, which include: Improve awareness, prevention, reporting and response systems regarding sexual violence in schools, colleges and universities to better serve all students. Remove or reduce barriers that prevent survivors of sexual violence from reporting incidents or accessing vital resources by creating a more consistent, empowering reporting process for student survivors of gender-based violence. Demonstrate significant, proactive and sustainable leadership to change campus culture by Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 4 – State Rep. Ben Waxman took the oath of office in the state Capitol Tuesday to begin his first term representing the 182nd Legislative District in Philadelphia. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2023-24 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Waxman also has been appointed chair of the Philadelphia Delegation’s Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee. As the head of this subcommittee, Waxman said he plans to use his expertise in government communications to facilitate partnerships with city hall, city government organizations and nongovernmental organizations throughout Philadelphia. The subcommittee also will work with state departments and other state-related organizations to develop and analyze legislation for the benefit of the city of Philadelphia, as well as the Commonwealth. “I’m honored and looking forward to taking on the duties of being a new member of the Pennsylvania House,” Waxman said. “I know that I still have much to learn, but I plan to make sure every one of my neighbors feels represented and heard. It’s time to get to work.” Waxman’s office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating assistance, children’s health insurance, and prescription drug and Property Tax/Rent Rebate assistance. Residents can find out more by going to RepBenWaxman.com . Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 21 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., today announced that Phila. Delegation chair state Rep. Morgan Cephas has appointed Waxman as chair of the Phila. Delegation’s Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee. “It’s my privilege and honor to take on these duties as a new member to the Pa. House,” Waxman said. “I’m very happy to be able to continue fostering relationships within government across all levels to ensure the House passes policies that reflect the values of Philadelphians. With this new majority, I’m looking forward to voting on more of our legislation.” The Philadelphia Delegation Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee will facilitate communications with partners in city hall, city government organizations and NGO’s throughout the city of Philadelphia. This sub-committee will also facilitate communication with state departments and other state related organizations as they develop and analyze legislation for the benefit of the city of Philadelphia as well as the Commonwealth. Waxman comes to the Delegation with a wealth of experience as a staff member in city and state government offices and will leverage that knowledge and involvement to foster relationships between all levels of government for clearer communication, understanding and connection of efforts for a better Philadelphia. ### Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 21 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced the launch of a new subcommittee structure aimed to amplify the efforts and mission of the delegation in three specific areas of work. The delegation now includes as part of its components The Philadelphia House Delegation Labor Subcommittee, the Philadelphia House Delegation Policy Subcommittee and the Philadelphia House Delegation Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee. Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas explains that the organization is experiencing a crucial reform that will translate to a boost across a broad spectrum of focus areas of their work. “We are all very excited and looking forward to the agendas of these subcommittees. It has never been more urgent to fulfill our mission as a delegation, as the voice of Philadelphia in the House,” Cephas said. “I must highlight that these groups are strategically led by an impeccable team of lawmakers who have made great strides in each of these territories.” Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler and Rep.-elect Roni Green have been designated chair and vice chair, respectively, of the Philadelphia House Delegation Labor Subcommittee. This group will evaluate legislation related to unions, the right to form a union, worker power, union membership and other matters relating to organized labor in the commonwealth. Fiedler has been a champion for labor Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 9 – State Rep.-elect Ben Waxman, D-Phila., today announced a total of $98,443 from state grants approved by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in Cultural and Historical Support Grants and Historical and Archival Records Care Grants that will support the College Physicians of Philadelphia, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and The Rosenbach. “I plan to continue the work of my predecessor by making sure your tax dollars make their way into the district to reinvest in our communities and neighborhoods,” Waxman said. “By securing this funding, these organizations can continue their work of historic preservation. We have to do more to support and strengthen these community organizations that are making a positive impact.” The approved awards include: $44,505 for the College of Physicians of Philadelphia from a Cultural and Historical Support Grant and Historical and Archival Records Care Grant. $36,779 for the Historic Society of Pennsylvania from a Cultural and Historical Support Grant and Historical and Archival Records Care Grant. $17,159 for The Rosenbach from a Cultural and Historical Support Grant. The goal of the Cultural and Historical Support Grant program is to help fund Pennsylvania’s museum community by supporting the general operations of eligible museums and official county historical societies that are not Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 7 – To kick off the new legislative session, Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus Majority Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, is welcoming the largest class of incoming legislators to the House Democratic Caucus in more than 15 years. “In January, the House Democratic Caucus will proudly swear in the largest and most diverse class of freshmen legislators in over a decade,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “These public servants are already on the ground in their communities, talking to neighbors, and prepared to be their voices in Harrisburg next month. Without a doubt, they will strengthen our legislature with their diverse experience and perspectives.” House Democrats will welcome 26 new members from communities across the state; some from districts that have never before been represented by a Democrat. New members include: Anthony Bellmon (D-Phila.) : Bellmon served in Philadelphia Congressman Brendan F. Boyle’s office for eight years, solving housing, student loan and immigration issues. As senior adviser to the congressman, Anthony worked on Capitol Hill advancing policy issues to better the lives of children and working families. Lisa A. Borowski (D-Delaware) : Borowski formerly served as vice president of the Radnor Township School District’s school board, leading the way on crafting one of the Read more
2-1-1 SEPA is part of the national 2-1-1 Call Centers initiative that provides health and human services for everyday needs and those in crisis situations. 2-1-1 works with county governments and provider agencies to ensure important local program information is easily accessible. Visit 211sepa.org for more information. Read more
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, announced that more than half of all states have expanded access to 12 months of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage after pregnancy. Pennsylvania is the 26th state to be approved for the extended coverage, made possible by provisions in the American Rescue Plan signed into law in March of 2021. More information can be found here . Read more
PennDOT is currently hiring employees for the Winter Maintenance Program. Employees hired for the Winter Maintenance Program are critical to a safe winter season, and these temporary opportunities are an excellent pathway to a permanent career with PennDOT. For more information on how to apply, click here . Read more
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