2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  

(Apr 26, 2024)

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ): What You Need to Know: There are major changes to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) form. The new FAFSA form is now available. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The 2024–25 FAFSA form will expand eligibility for federal student aid. What You Can Do Now : Watch the “2024–25 FAFSA FAQs” playlist to better for a look at what has changed on the new form. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an estimate of what your aid could be once the FAFSA is completed. If you did not submit a 2023–24 FAFSA form, make sure to create your StudentAid.gov account —and remember your username and password so you can access and submit the 2024–25 FAFSA form when it’s available. Find out if your parent(s) or spouse will need to be contributors (contribute their info on your FAFSA form). If your parent(s) or spouse will need to contribute to your form, make sure each contributor creates their own StudentAid.gov account . Watch our “Preparing for the FAFSA Form” to better understand what information and documents you’ll need to complete the FAFSA form. 2024–25 FAFSA ® Deadlines : Read more

 

Rabb, Nelson introduce legislation to help families inheriting properties without a will

(Apr 25, 2024)

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Reps. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., and Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, have introduced legislation ( H.B. 2232 ) that would establish the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act in Pennsylvania. The legislation would make sure all inheritors are informed when one inheritor wants to sell their share of the property. It would also require a neutral appraiser to determine the property's fair market value. Lastly, it would provide other inheritors the first chance to buy the share of the person who wants to sell. “The passing of a loved one is heartbreaking and challenging on its own, and when they don’t have an estate plan in place it can lead to some difficult decisions and uncomfortable situations for the person’s heirs,” Rabb said. “This leads to the person’s heirs taking ownership of the property as tenants-in-common — a form of ownership that frequently leads to heirs losing their land through forced partition sale and to families losing immense inherited wealth to real estate speculators.” This legislation would provide additional due process protections to prevent Pennsylvanians from the forced sale of inherited property, Rabb said. “This bill is a piece of the puzzle in creating more fair and equitable housing throughout Pennsylvania,” Nelson said. The legislation is currently in the Pennsylvania House Housing and Read more

 

Nelson weekly email update for April 18 2024: Reminder: Environmental Conference is Friday

(Apr 18, 2024)

If you haven’t signed up for our Fourth Annual Environmental Conference, scheduled for Friday, it’s not too late. Read more

 

Nelson weekly email update for April 12 2024

(Apr 12, 2024)

This week we approved House Bill 1598, a bill that would require AI-generated content to carry a consumer disclosure if it were published commercially. Read more

 

Nelson weekly email update for April 5 2024: Combatting homelessness, Monday is the deadline to register for the primary election

(Apr 05, 2024)

I know that I have talked about the CHAMP Act on this weekly distribution email before. I know that I spoke last week about students experiencing homelessness. I know that I share the news of Code Blue notifications often, even when the temperatures seem counter to what we’re seeing. I want to hit you with some statistics that explain my motives. Read more

 

Nelson weekly email update for March 29, 2024: Environmental Conference is April 19; How I voted in Harrisburg

(Apr 01, 2024)

Welcome to my weekly newsletter, where you will find legislative information and updates from Cheltenham, Jenkintown and Springfield along with information about state-related programs and services. The local news and events page can be found here. Read more

 

PLBC honors five with Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership Awards

(Mar 28, 2024)

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus www.pahouse.com/PLBC PLBC honors five with Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership Awards HARRISBURG, March 28 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus honored five individuals with its Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership Awards today in the Capitol. This year’s awardees are: The Hon. Cherelle Parker , the first African-American woman mayor of Philadelphia. The Hon. Tamika Lane , judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Black Maternal Health Caucus founders State Rep. Gina Curry , 164th Legislative District, Delaware County. State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes , 24th Legislative District, Allegheny County. State Rep. Morgan Cephas , 192nd, Legislative District, Philadelphia County. A native of Philadelphia’s Mt Airy neighborhood, Parker is a graduate of Lincoln University. In 2005 she became the youngest Black woman ever elected to the General Assembly, winning a seat in the House. She was first elected to Philadelphia City Council in 2015, and was elected majority leader in 2020. In 2023 she was elected mayor and was sworn in as Philadelphia’s 100 th mayor in January. Read more

 

Nelson weekly email update for March 22, 2024: Environmental Conference is April 19

(Mar 22, 2024)

We’re just four weeks away from our fourth annual Environmental Conference and we’re getting excited about it! Read more

 

Nelson introduces bills to address students' mental health

(Mar 20, 2024)

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Napoleon Nelson D-Montgomery County www.pahouse.com/ Nelson Nelson introduces bills to address students mental health HARRISBURG, March 20 – State Rep. Napoleon Nelson today introduced a package of three bills to go along with a previous bill aimed at addressing the growing mental health crisis in school aged children. The Creating Pathways for Information Sharing between Counties and School Districts Act, introduced as H.B. 2101 , would direct the Department of Human Services to create pathways of communication between county agencies and school districts to share information relating to traumatic events. The Establishing the Trauma-Informed Records Program Act, which was introduced as H.B. 2109 , would establish trauma records as an eligible trauma-informed approach for school districts to receive funding under the School Safety and Security Grant Program. The Establishing a School Mental Health Supports Policy in Our Districts Act, introduced as H.B. 2110 , would require school entities to develop a comprehensive student mental health support plan. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the pandemic negatively affected the mental health of many children and Read more

 

Nelson weekly email update for March 15, 2024: Environmental Conference has been rescheduled for Friday, April 19; Coffee with the Rep postponed

(Mar 15, 2024)

•Our Environmental Conference has been rescheduled for Friday, April 19. It will be a virtual event once again. I am looking forward to discussing hydrogen investments, environmental justice and community impact statements, solar development, and more. I do hope that you all will join us! Read more

 

Nelson weekly email update for March 8, 2024: International Women’s Day and other news and notes

(Mar 08, 2024)

Happy International Women’s Day While women should ALWAYS be recognized, let's use today to INTERNATIONALLY recognize women's achievements and contributions worldwide! This year's theme for International Women's Day is "Inspire Inclusion," emphasizing the importance of understanding and valuing women’s inclusion. When women feel included, they experience a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Let’s collectively work toward a more inclusive world for women! Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, House Philadelphia Delegation, LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus release statement on Pennsylvania State Police traffic stop and arrest

(Mar 05, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, March 5 – Leaders of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and Philadelphia House Delegation today issued a statement in response to the traffic stop and subsequent arrest of Philadelphia’s head of LGBT affairs and her husband by a state trooper Saturday. According to news reports, Celena Morrison, the executive director of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs, recorded a portion of the arrest of her husband, Darius McLean, on the Vine Street Expressway. State Reps. Napoleon Nelson, chair of the PLBC, Malcolm Kenyatta, co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, and Morgan Cephas, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, said they have been in contact with state and local authorities surrounding the incident. “The video of the traffic stop of Celena Morrison and Darius McLean was deeply troubling,” stated Kenyatta, D-Phila. “We need a full, thorough, and expedient investigation into every aspect of this stop.” “My sympathies go out to the family dealing with the trauma of this incident, and I stand in solidarity with the communities that have experienced their own traumas as a result,” Nelson, D-Montgomery, said. “The investigation that we are expecting will help us determine accountability measures needed and identify necessary policy changes that we can craft at the state level that will enhance community safety at home. Those changes may come in the Read more

 

Nelson weekly email update for March 1, 2024: The right to a clean environment

(Mar 01, 2024)

There are 61 words in Pennsylvania’s constitution that has led to a great deal of political fighting and infuriatingly insufficient governance. Read more

 

PLBC supports Cheney University community in accreditation fight

(Feb 23, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 23 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today stood with Cheney University officials, the student community, Gov. Josh Shapiro and others at a rally in support of efforts to remove the nation’s first historically Black college from probation in its accreditation. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education recently placed Cheyney on probation and gave university officials until March 1 to submit a plan that maps out how they plan to continue educating students should they fully lose their accreditation. The event acted both as a celebration of the university’s 187 th anniversary and a rally to fight back against what they consider unfair and groundless treatment by MSCHE. Rep. Napoleon Nelson, PLBC chairman, and Sen. Vince Hughes, who previously chaired the PLBC and is now the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a Cheyney University Trustee, both offered remarks. PLBC members Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York, and Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, joined Nelson and Hughes on behalf of the caucus. According to university officials who also spoke at the event, MSCHE auditors made multiple on-site evaluations at the university last year and offered them a clean bill of health. So it was a complete surprise to them to be placed on probation and threatened with losing their accreditation. “Cheyney University is the nation’s oldest Historically Black Read more

 

Nelson weekly email update for Feb. 23, 2024: Budget hearings, Black History Month, Standing with Cheyney University

(Feb 23, 2024)

Most of the week was spent in Harrisburg for budget hearings. This will be a theme for the next few weeks as I take my role on the House Appropriations Committee quite seriously. There are some very important priorities that might move in this year’s budget, including the funding of public education, the status of the minimum wage in PA, the implications of climate change on our agriculture industry and our investment in innovative, resilient farming practices, and our continued investment in housing access and mental health supports. However, Black History Month takes a backseat to no one… in fact, it literally keeps me in the driver’s seat as I travel the state enjoying events and representing the PA Legislative Black Caucus. This week’s travels brought me to Penn State University’s Altoona campus for their African American Read In. Their theme for the year was Black Ecologies and I read a few poems from the provocative and talented young poet, Saeed Jones. On Tuesday, I enjoyed a virtual Black History Month celebration that centered on the arts and the legacy of African Americans on the nation’s artistic expression. I came back home Wednesday to celebrate with the students and parents in Cheltenham School District’s Black History Month program. There are few things that I enjoy more than seeing our young people learn and perform and Wednesday’s festivities gave me all of that. Finally, on Friday I stood with the Cheyney University community to decry the uncalled for and... Read more

 

Nelson weekly email update for Feb. 16, 2024: The Week That Was

(Feb 16, 2024)

I’m going to open this weekly newsletter with brief recap of some quick hitters from the week. On Monday, the newly created Indigent Defense Advisory Committee held its inaugural meeting. This moment deserved a celebration and I was thrilled to join other legislative leaders in recognizing this moment. A special shout out to Montgomery County’s Chief Public Defender, Christine Lora and our own Senator Art Haywood for serving on this committee and for joining the celebration! On Wednesday, I traveled back to Harrisburg to advance a bill out of the House Judiciary Committee. My legislation (HB 1678) would cut down the amount of time an incarcerated individual might need to serve prior to being eligible for parole as a result of earning academic or vocational milestones while in prison. Research has shown that formerly incarcerated people are significantly less likely to offend again when they are able to find quality employment and maintain sound financial footing. This bill moved out of committee with a vote of 24-1. I’m working on getting that one negative vote on my side!Also on Wednesday, I was thrilled to present a check to the Springfield Commissioners for $300,000 to assist with the acquisition of 2.76 acres of open space on Haws Lane. This funding, secured by Sen. Haywood and me, will help the township protect local ecological habitat and expand our passive recreation offerings. As our community awaits our second round of snowfall, I am currently in Pittsburgh to... Read more

 

Nelson presents check to Springfield Township

(Feb 15, 2024)

SPRINGFIELD, Feb. 15 – Springfield Township received a $300,000 check presented by state Rep. Napoleon Nelson on Wednesday. The funds will be used as a payment toward the acquisition of approximately 2.7 acres along Haws Lane for habitat protection and passive recreation . “It is paramount that we preserve open space to help limit urban and suburban sprawl,” said Nelson, D-Montgomery. “I am pleased to partner with Springfield Township on this and other quality of life issues.” Nelson said the grant was awarded under the Community Conservation Partnership Program. “The Board of Commissioners appreciates the partnerships with local governments that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has fostered through the Community Conservation Partnership Program to protect critical natural areas and open space such as Harston Woods,” Springfield Township President James M. Lee said. More information about the Community Conservation Partnership Program is available here: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Grants/pages/default.aspx . Nelson represents the 154 th Legislative District comprised of Cheltenham, Jenkintown and Springfield in Montgomery County. ###rjb/2024/bfg Editors Note: An image of Rep. Nelson presenting a ceremonial check can be found here . Read more

 

Nelson weekly email update for Feb. 9., 2024: Governor's Budget Address, Environmental Conference postponed

(Feb 11, 2024)

The Governor gave a speech this week that sets the stage for our legislative debate for at least the next 5 months and an provide an impact could be felt for decades. Gov. Josh Shapiro offered his 2024 Budget Address, officially kicking off months of hearings, negotiations, finger pointing, and (hopefully) compromise. The nearly 90-minute long speech touched on everything from menstrual pads to school taxes to public transportation to agriculture; public safety and public infrastructure; minimum wage and medical debt. Read more

 

Nelson weekly email update for Feb. 2 2024: Celebrating Black History Month

(Feb 02, 2024)

Black History Month is upon us once again! My traditional exuberance for this month has run head-first into the realities of my new role as the Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. I look forward to the Black history programming in our schools and at Arcadia. The church services always step up their celebration of African and African-American culture. I make it a point to add even more Black owned businesses to my shopping rotation. Read more

 

Applications open for PLBC’s Roebuck Scholarship

(Jan 29, 2024)

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus www.pahouse.com/PLBC Applications open for PLBC’s Roebuck Scholarship HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-25 James R. Roebuck Scholarship by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. This prestigious scholarship was named after the Hon. James R. Roebuck, former member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and champion for education. Roebuck served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1985-2020 and served as chair of both the House Education Committee and the PLBC. The $1,000 scholarship is funded by private donations and does not use any taxpayer or other public dollars. To be eligible an applicants must be a: Resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Person of color. Graduating high school senior or current undergraduate college student. The application deadline is 5 p.m., Friday, April 5. Applicants are responsible for submitting all material to the PLBC on time. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated. Applications will be reviewed and scored by the scholarship committee. Successful applicants will receive the scholarship for educational Read more

 

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  
Apr 26, 2024

Rabb, Nelson introduce legislation to help families inheriting properties without a will
Apr 25, 2024

Nelson weekly email update for April 18 2024: Reminder: Environmental Conference is Friday
Apr 18, 2024

Nelson weekly email update for April 12 2024
Apr 12, 2024

Nelson weekly email update for April 5 2024: Combatting homelessness, Monday is the deadline to register for the primary election
Apr 05, 2024

Nelson weekly email update for March 29, 2024: Environmental Conference is April 19; How I voted in Harrisburg
Apr 01, 2024

PLBC honors five with Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership Awards
Mar 28, 2024

Nelson weekly email update for March 22, 2024: Environmental Conference is April 19
Mar 22, 2024

Nelson introduces bills to address students' mental health
Mar 20, 2024

Nelson weekly email update for March 15, 2024: Environmental Conference has been rescheduled for Friday, April 19; Coffee with the Rep postponed
Mar 15, 2024

Nelson weekly email update for March 8, 2024: International Women’s Day and other news and notes
Mar 08, 2024

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, House Philadelphia Delegation, LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus release statement on Pennsylvania State Police traffic stop and arrest
Mar 05, 2024

Nelson weekly email update for March 1, 2024: The right to a clean environment
Mar 01, 2024

PLBC supports Cheney University community in accreditation fight
Feb 23, 2024

Nelson weekly email update for Feb. 23, 2024: Budget hearings, Black History Month, Standing with Cheyney University
Feb 23, 2024

Nelson weekly email update for Feb. 16, 2024: The Week That Was
Feb 16, 2024

Nelson presents check to Springfield Township
Feb 15, 2024

Nelson weekly email update for Feb. 9., 2024: Governor's Budget Address, Environmental Conference postponed
Feb 11, 2024

Nelson weekly email update for Feb. 2 2024: Celebrating Black History Month
Feb 02, 2024

Applications open for PLBC’s Roebuck Scholarship
Jan 29, 2024