“Families shouldn’t have to choose between going to work and having quality care for a loved one, or have to work just to pay for care,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas. “We fought and won for working families prioritizing this significant increase in the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. I’m elated to know that so many families across Philadelphia will greatly benefit from this increase.” Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas joined the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, city council members and other local leaders today to continue her fight to put the safety of students and teachers first amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “Fears of mold, asbestos and lead living in our classrooms were fears we had as kids, and it’s the same fears we’re dealing with decades later,” said Cephas, D-Phila. “Adding a pandemic on top of these concerns has only exacerbated the issue. While I understand the urge to resume in-person learning, it’s wrong to ask teachers, families and students to go back inside these school buildings that have not been properly taken care of and put their health at risk.” As part of their Day of Action for Safe Schools, Cephas stopped at several school buildings, including Gompers Elementary which she attended as a child, where she stressed the need to secure funding to complete environmental remediation and make the necessary updates to rid Philadelphia schools of dangerous toxins before talks of reopening school buildings can resume. Cephas added that this is just another example of why she supports requiring 100% of state funds be distributed through the fair funding formula to ensure every child across the commonwealth receives the same opportunities to succeed, which Gov. Tom Wolf included in his 2021-22 state budget proposal . “It’s unacceptable that young people on our side of Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas hosted her Zooming with Seniors Virtual Town Hall to highlight the programs and resources available to older Pennsylvanians. She was joined by officials with Independence Blue Cross and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. Those who weren't able to participate can get the information discussed by watching the video above for a recap of the event. Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas is applauding Gov. Tom Wolf's budget proposal for Pennsylvania, calling it a major step toward building a more equitable society for all working families especially communities of color amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "Since the beginning of this health crisis, we've seen firsthand how this deadly virus has adversely impacted children, women, local businesses and working families across the commonwealth. The governor's budget plan would help remove many of these unnecessary barriers by implementing substantial change using an equitable lens, starting with a massive tax break for the working class. "First-and-foremost, a quality education provides a strong foundation for a child's future and should never be based on zip code but be accessible to all students. By making historic investments in our public schools and funneling all of it through the fair funding formula, we help close the digital divide and ensure children on our side of City Avenue receive the same resources as everyone else, giving them the best chance to succeed whether they're learning at home or in the classroom. "Along those same lines, the fact this proposal devotes ample funding to workforce development programs aids in our ongoing efforts to connect our young people with the skills they need to get a job and provide for themselves in a global economy. However, it must be good paying Read more
How to reopen/reactivate a PUA claim : Log in to your dashboard Select “File for Weekly Benefits” Then select “File Your Weekly Certification to Continue Your Claim” You will see the message “You currently have a claim established however it is inactive.” Click on “here.” It will seem as if you are opening a new claim. The system knows you are only attempting to reopen the claim you already have established. Click Next. You will see the Welcome to Pennsylvania’s Pandemic Unemployment Portal Page. Click next. The next eight pages are pre-populated based on your initial claim information. You will click next after verifying the information is correct on each page. If it is not correct, you should make updates at this time. Note: This includes things such as your email, address, date of birth, education information and employment status. You will also be asked the COVID questions. PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR THE MAJOR DISASTER INFORMATION QUESTION YOU SHOULD SELECT COVID -19 NOT COVID 19 -2 If you reported that you are self-employed, the system will ask for you 2020 wages. This is an error. You should enter all 0s for those wages. You will also need to answer if you have worked since you last filed for weeks. If you have worked, you must click the “I have worked since my last Read more
The PA House Democratic whip, state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., today announced that state Reps. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny; Donna Bullock, D-Phila.; Danilo Burgos, D-Phila.; Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.; Patty Kim, D-Dauphin; Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna; Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery; Pam Snyder, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington; and Jared Solomon, D-Phila., will serve as deputy whips for the 2021-22 legislative session. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 25 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus this week commended the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services on its first Equity Report, according to PLBC chairwoman, state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. “The report hits many points that we on the PLBC fight for every day,” Bullock said. “As Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller pointed out, this cannot be a momentary, singular conversation because we watched George Floyd be murdered before our eyes without cause. This needs to be addressed every day, for every person of color, in both the workplace and our living communities.” “Every year I ask questions about racial equity at our appropriations hearings,” Bullock said. “I want to know, encourage and even urge our departments to provide diversity training, include employees of color in all aspects of managerial levels and decision-making, and ensure a healthy work environment for all at the highest levels of government. Our government agencies should, at the very least, ensure that they are representative of the people of our commonwealth for whom they serve.” The report provides information on efforts that DHS is undertaking on diversity, equity and inclusion so they may be a partner in correcting systemic racism within their own offices. While the report covers many areas within the department and where it will provide this training, it is a starting point for efforts moving forward. Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas is applauding approximately $7.99 million in federal stimulus funds awarded to help strengthen services for students in several of her local schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cephas said the financial resources will support food programs, technological improvements and other educational services. The funding will be distributed as follows: West Philadelphia Achievement Charter Elementary School: $2.21 million. Ad Prima Charter School: $2.14 million. Universal Bluford Charter School: $1.84 million. Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School: $1.8 million. "Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I've been working to bridge the digital divide to ensure students in the 192nd Legislative District have access to the same reliable internet and school resources their peers have in neighboring communities," said Cephas, D-Phila. "Every child deserves a quality education no matter where they live or where they're learning, and this federal stimulus funding helps move us closer to that reality." The federal relief is provided by the bipartisan Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund passed by Congress in December. This round of funding included $2.2 billion in funding distributed to K-12 school Read more
Nearly a week after being sworn in for her third term, state Rep. Morgan Cephas today announced she has been appointed to several critical House committees to aid in her ongoing efforts to put the needs of her West Philadelphia communities first and to ensure a more equitable Pennsylvania in the 2021-22 legislative session. Cephas said she's been selected to serve on the: Appropriations Committee , which provides elected officials and Pennsylvanians with accurate, informed and timely reports and recommendations about the commonwealth's fiscal issues. Health Committee , which predominantly focuses on matters pertaining to health care, including affordable health care, mental health, addiction and issues pertaining to a public health crisis. Labor and Industry Committee , which addresses proposals that help shape business climate and laws governing Pennsylvania's workforce, including issues such as unemployment compensation, workers' compensation and raising the minimum wage. Insurance Committee , which traditionally takes up legislation related to insurance coverage including car insurance and health insurance. "From health care and jobs to ensuring state resources go to those who need them most, I am excited and honored to have been chosen to be on House committees that play a pivotal role in Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas has created a survey to help her Overbrook neighbors be part of the planning process of designing a new schoolyard for Lamberton Elementary School. Read more
The same week she was sworn in for her third term, state Rep. Morgan Cephas today announced Gov. Tom Wolf has appointed her to the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. Cephas said the group is responsible for advising the governor on policies and legislation; economic and civic opportunities; mentorship programs; and resources that benefit women and girls. "I am honored and grateful to Governor Wolf for appointing me to this position, and I look forward to working with my fellow members to build upon their tireless efforts to protect, support and strengthen the rights and opportunities for women and girls in the commonwealth," said Cephas, D-Phila. In her former position as chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus' Subcommittee on Women and Girls of Color and current vice chairwoman of the Democratic Women's Health Caucus, Cephas has introduced a plethora of bills since taking office aimed at ensuring the needs of women are prioritized, including proposals to: Restore dignity to incarcerated women by providing them access to free feminine hygiene and incontinence products; updating restraint laws to protect pregnant women and their children; and creating an environment that supports rehabilitation and re-entry. Lower the maternal mortality rate by extending Medicaid coverage for medical assistance up to 1-year related postpartum, and to cover doula services; creating a Doula Advisory Board; requiring training to address Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin her third term representing the 192 nd District in West Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. "I am blessed to have the opportunity to keep serving my neighbors and make sure they have a voice in Harrisburg," said Cephas, D-Phila. "At the top of our priority list this term must be to continue our fight to ensure the safety of Pennsylvanians during COVID-19. A big part of that is passing legislation to prevent them from becoming homeless. It also means connecting our local business owners, unemployed individuals, frontline workers and most vulnerable populations with the relief and resources they need to survive this health crisis." As a member of the House Democratic Housing Working Group, Cephas joined her colleagues in introducing a number of bills last session to help protect homeowners, renters and small "mom-and-pop" landlords. Cephas said she will also continue pushing to enact real police and criminal justice reforms, including proposals to restore dignity to incarcerated women and require local police districts to create behavioral response units, as well as put hardworking families first by working to: Raise the minimum wage. Create good-paying jobs. Make health care affordable for everyone. Ensure all students have access to a quality Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 29 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today announced three Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants totaling $2.25 million for projects in the 192 nd Legislative District. The projects include expanding wellness and recreational services, classroom accessibility and safety, and constructing affordable housing for seniors. Here is a breakdown of the funding for each project, with a brief description of how the funding will help: $1 million will go toward expanding various community-centric health and recreation services at the Overbrook Pharmacy Wellness Center. The project includes demolishing the existing crumbing structure to construct a center. The center's plans include required spaces for exam rooms, staff offices, and other requirements such as providing a separate entrance to the wellness center and responding to patient privacy issues. In addition, a public venue area will be added that could be offered for educational sessions, event rental, or a vertical interior agriculture center. $750,000 will go toward bolstering safety and accessibility, especially shelter-in-place areas for pupils living with disabilities at Overbrook School for the Blind. The project includes making the main entry safe and accessible for an increasingly non-ambulatory student population, sufficient to suppress an active-shooter scenario and the installation of an elevator for multiple Read more
STATE GRANT PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs: Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Program (Source of Funding: Veterans’ Trust Fund) Who May Apply : 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a mission of serving veterans, 501(c)(19) veteran service organizations, and county directors of veterans affairs. Use : Up to $150,000 in grant funding is available for new, innovative or expanded programs or services operated by the county directors of veterans’ affairs or the Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs. The areas of emphasis for applicants in this category are veterans’ outreach and veterans’ court programs. Up to $650,000 in grant funding is available to veteran service organizations and non-profit organizations with a mission of serving Pennsylvania veterans. Funding priorities for applicants in this category are homelessness, behavioral health initiatives and veterans’ courts. Funds : A total of $800,000 will be awarded statewide. Application Deadline : January 27, 2021 at 2 p.m. More Information : Click on https://www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Pages/Programs%20and%20Services/Veterans%27%20Trust%20Fund/VeteransTrustFundGrantProgram.aspx . UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES: DEP Driving PA Forward Onroad Rebate Program – Trucks and Buses: Read more
From COVID-19 resources and legislative updates to local projects happening in her community, it's all in state Rep. Morgan Cephas' latest newsletter. Read more
With a record number of COVID-19 cases being reported, state Rep. Morgan Cephas continues working with local organizations and leaders to secure and connect safety resources to her most vulnerable neighbors. "The constant uptick in confirmed COVID-19 cases is proof that this virus is still spreading at an alarming rate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the rest of the country," said Cephas, D-Phila. "I have a responsibility to not only protect but provide the people I serve with updated information and the proper materials to help them survive this pandemic. This Community Grab-N-Go event is just another example of how we're putting the health and well-being of our neighborhoods first." Cephas teamed up with state Rep.-elect Amen Brown, D-Phila., and Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr., along with the nonprofit groups, Pull Up Neighbor, the Players Alliance and Philabundance this past Friday at the Parkside Shopping Center to give away more than 500 food boxes as well as free personal protective equipment, including masks and hand sanitizer. "Since the beginning of this health crisis, my office staff and I have been fortunate to have community partners who share our passion for public service. This event would not have been possible without all of the players involved," Cephas explained. "Moving forward, I will keep instilling in my constituents the Read more
With the new 2021-22 legislative about to start, state Reps. Morgan Cephas, Tina Davis and Mike Jones are renewing their bipartisan efforts to restore dignity to incarcerated women. "The number of incarcerated women has skyrocketed in Pennsylvania over the last three decades, and too many of them are still being denied basic human rights," said Cephas, D-Phila. "A large number of them are mothers and primary caregivers forced to leave their children behind, and we have a responsibility to help not hinder their efforts to rehabilitate. Our bipartisan plan is meant to build on the support already put in place by the state Department of Corrections in hopes of preventing further trauma and instead providing these women with the resources they need to serve their debt to society and get back to their loved ones safely." The three joined the advocacy group Ardella's House, #cut50, the American Conservative Union and York County District Attorney David Sunday for a virtual roundtable discussion yesterday, focusing on a bill they introduced in the 2019-20 legislative session and plan on reintroducing in the new session that would: Update current restraint laws to better document restraint use and protect the mental and physical well-being of pregnant women and their children. Prohibit restrictive housing for pregnant or postpartum women and detainees. Require all correctional institution employees who have contact with pregnant, Read more
With new modeling projecting 22,000 new COVID-19 cases per day in Pennsylvania in December, Gov. Tom Wolf and Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced new targeted mitigation measures to help stop the spread during this critical time. Read more
With less than a week until Thanksgiving, state Rep. Morgan Cephas teamed up with Independence Blue Cross to distribute more than 250 free turkeys along with reusable masks and hand sanitizer to West Philadelphia residents in need, with a majority of recipients being seniors. "As COVID-19 cases rise to record levels in the city and across Pennsylvania, my office and I are working to ensure our neighbors have the resources they need to have a happy and safe Thanksgiving this year," said Cephas, D-Phila. "I am blessed to have community partners like Independence Blue Cross who share my commitment to put people first by not only securing this critical food and personal protective equipment, but taking the precautionary steps necessary to connect these materials to those who need it most in a safe manner." As part of her Turkey Drive and Drop event on Saturday, Cephas said the group distributed the turkeys and PPE outside of Monte Vista apartments and at the Wynnefield Place Apartments before personally delivering the rest to a number of recipients at their homes, all while following CDC guidelines, which included wearing masks, social distancing and washing their hands frequently. "I understand avoiding traveling, large groups and in-person gatherings is frustrating, especially during the holidays, but it's what we must do Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas announced she is moving her Zooming with Seniors telephone town hall event that was scheduled for Nov. 18 to Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m . Participants will receive information, resources and services available to help seniors get through the COVID-19 pandemic safely. Individuals can join the conversation by calling in at +1 929 205 6099 or online by clicking here and entering: Meeting ID: 824 7721 0791 Passcode: 197124 Read more
State Rep. Morgan Cephas announced today that $43,500 in safe school grants has been awarded to Ad Prima Charter School in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Department of Education awards the competitive grants to prevent and reduce violent incidents, to purchase safety and security-related equipment, and to provide for training and compensation for school resource and police officers. "Whether students are learning from home or in the classroom, providing them with a safe learning environment must always be a top priority," said Cephas, D-Phila. "This funding is critical in helping Ad Prima Charter School strengthen its overall safety while still offering its young people a quality education." Ad Prima Charter School is to receive $25,000 in equipment grants, plus $18,500 in program grants. For more information on safe school grants, visit the state Department of Education website . Read more
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