Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., that would protect Pennsylvania homeowners from signing away their home and generational wealth to unscrupulous realty agents. Read more
The Philadelphia House Delegation today offered supportive reaction to the recent appointment of Scott A. Sauer as the new general manager of SEPTA. Sauer has served as interim general manager since November 2024. Read more
Here are the latest grant opportunities that are open for applications. Read more
Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., that would permit mortgage lenders to offer discount points to borrowers to lower their interest rate and monthly payments. House Bill 1103 would expand opportunities for affordable credit so that home buyers wouldn’t need to turn to higher interest options like personal loans or credit cards. Read more
Chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., joined Gov. Josh Shapiro, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger, and other elected officials at the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia this morning to announce a state investment of $30 million to develop the Philadelphia Navy Yard Greenway District.The grant is awarded to Ensemble/Mosaic Navy Yard LLC. through the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites program – a strategic and targeted strategy to unlock economic growth by preparing sites for business expansion and job creation. The project will target life sciences, research, and manufacturing. Cephas touted the major investment as a key to unlocking economic growth and prosperity for the Philadelphia region. Read more
Today’s shooting of a Philadelphia Police officer near Overbrook High School is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the injured officer and their family, as well as the students, staff, and families of the Overbrook school community. Read more
Today, the PA House of Representatives recognized the Super Bowl LIX Champion Philadelphia Eagles in the House chamber. House Resolution 217, sponsored by Philadelphia House Delegation Chairwoman Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., recognizes May 7, 2025, as Philadelphia Eagles Day at the state Capitol, honoring the team’s second Super Bowl victory and fifth NFL Championship in the 92-year history of the organization. Read more
Learn more about the multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more
“Maternal health care deserts are creating a cascade of consequences for expecting mothers,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, who represents portions of Philadelphia and co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “Expecting mothers are being asked to drive up to 45 minutes to deliver babies, and – while in ideal situations that might not always pose an issue – deliveries cannot always be scheduled and do not always occur when expected.” Read more
HARRISBURG, April 9 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Danilo Burgos to re-establish the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative passed the PA House today. House Bill 764 would restore the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, which originally operated from 2004 to 2010. The program would once again provide grants for the construction, rehabilitation or expansion of grocery stores, farmers markers and other healthy food retail establishments in low- to moderate-income areas in need. “Restarting this program would allow us to help people who continue to suffer from hunger and malnourishment, as well as improve the quality of fresh produce available to people and promote local agricultural products throughout Pennsylvania,” Burgos said. “Food deserts continue to be serious problem in urban and rural areas alike. This program is proven to help with food insecurity, and it is time to restore it.” State Reps. Morgan Cephas, Nathan Davidson and Greg Scott joined Burgos in authoring the bill and advocating for its passage. Cephas, D-Phila., who serves as the Chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation, said, “I’m very supportive of re-establishing the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative which was a successful lifeline for so many communities in Philadelphia. Rampant health issues including malnutrition and obesity can be linked to a lack of access to fresh foods and Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 28 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., joined Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city officials on Wednesday to honor actor and musician Will Smith in a street renaming ceremony in West Philadelphia. Smith is an Overbrook High School graduate and credits his upbringing in West Philadelphia as integral to becoming a successful celebrity and businessman. Cephas, herself a native of West Philadelphia, presented Smith with a PA House citation in honor of his career and his impact on the city and urban culture. “Will Smith’s impact goes beyond entertainment. He’s used his platform to uplift and inspire – beyond West Philadelphia where he was born and raised – shaping culture and opening doors for future generations of artists,” Cephas said. Philadelphia renamed the 2000 block of 59th Street, where it intersects with Lancaster Avenue, as “Will Smith Way.” The 192nd Legislative District comprises communities in West Philadelphia which are north and west of Market Street, including Overbrook, Overbrook Park, Wynnefield, Carroll Park and more. Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., made the following statement in support of today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the Biden administration regulations on “ghost guns:”“I’m encouraged by the high court’s decision today,” Cephas said.“The regulations established by the Biden administration in 2022 have shown dramatic results in the reduction of ‘ghost guns’ being found at crime scenes. Not just in Philadelphia, but across the nation we’ve seen fewer untraceable weapons and weapon parts being associated in violent crimes.“I’m glad the court recognized that these regulations are working, but we still have a problem with untraceable and easily obtainable gun kits in our communities. Here in Pennsylvania, I’ve introduced legislation to crack down on the purchase of these firearms in multiple sessions. Last year, the House approved my bill, but it was never considered by Senate GOP leaders. I’m reintroducing legislation this year to ban ‘ghost guns’ and prohibit undetectable firearms, and I’m hopeful the General Assembly will make it a priority given the results we’ve seen from the Biden policies coupled with public support. We can strengthen federal law with commonsense regulations, end access to these deadly weapons, and ultimately save the lives of innocent Pennsylvanians.”The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 to leave in place the 2022 regulations to combat gun violence, which included directives to crack down on the sale and purchase of gun kits, and mandating... Read more
Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart Technical Assistance Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to any community-based organization, non-profit, for-profit, or educational institution. The applicant must successfully demonstrate their history in providing technical assistance in child sexual abuse prevention programming. Use: To establish a collaboration with the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network (CMSN) at Pennsylvania State University (PSU), including CMSN Affiliate Dr. Kate Guastaferro from New York University (NYU), to provide additional support to the 15 awarded Project Safe and Smart grantees, ensuring the successful implementation of their projects. Funds: A total of $150,000 in state Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one (1) grant over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: April 18, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Technical Assistance Initiative Who May Apply: Non-profit orgnaizations Use: To continue support of CJABs through the CJAB Specialists who serve as a resource to counties in assisting with CJAB projects. Funds: A combination of federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and state funds is being Read more
As part of their Brunch and Learn series of virtual meetings, the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus today held a celebration in recognition of the legacy of Black midwives on Black Midwifery Day. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to state, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $785,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund four to six grants with budgets not to exceed $185,000 over the 15-month project period. Application Deadline: April 10, 2025 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., issued the following statement on the recent cancellation of federal funding for the nonprofit Overbrook Environmental Education Center by the Department of Government Efficiency. Read more
“With the continued uncertainty in Washington, it’s more important than ever for us to ensure our state’s economy is strong,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “Today's hearing was a great opportunity to hear from the voices of our communities – to give them a seat at the table to discuss their needs for an economically strong Pennsylvania. From SEPTA, to our teachers, health care workers and more. We heard loud and clear that we must find ways to ensure economic protections and relief for hardworking Philadelphians, as well as our small businesses and the public services that keep our economy moving.” Read more
“The planning has already begun for the international events scheduled for Philadelphia during the next two years and it continues to adapt as it learns from hosting other premier events,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, who represents portions of West Philadelphia. “Philadelphia will host the sesquicentennial of the U.S. Navy and Marines, MLB All-Star games, NCAA men’s basketball tournament games, FIFA World Cup games and America’s 250th birthday during the next two years. Beyond these signature events, infrastructure across Pennsylvania needs continued investment in order for the commonwealth to thrive.” Read more
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