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Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to SEPTA Board approval of budget

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The Entrepreneur’s Guide

(Aug 12, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

A free publication that guides a small business owner through the process of starting and growing a business in Pennsylvania that includes expert information about writing a business plan, registering a business, receiving funding, and more Read more

 

How will your SEPTA route be impacted?

(Aug 12, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

How will your route be impacted? The map and tables below show how service will be modified on each route in August 2025 and January 2026 if funding is not obtained. Read more

 

As school nears, public transit cuts loom over students and families who rely on SEPTA

(Aug 12, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

For Autumn Fingerhood, a single mother who works three jobs, public transportation is the reason her 15-year-old daughter can get to school and back every day. However, the bus her daughter relies on is slated to be cut in a matter of weeks if Pennsylvania’s Republican-led Senate doesn’t quickly pass a state budget or a separate standalone bill with funding for mass transit. Read more

 

House passes Dougherty’s transformative public transit omnibus legislation; calls on the PA Senate to finally fund public transit

(Aug 11, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Aug. 11 – Today, the Pennsylvania House passed sweeping public transit legislation ( HB 1788 ), which was introduced by state Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Phila., and passed with bipartisan support. This legislation would: Fund transit systems plus road and bridge projects in all 67 counties. Invest in SEPTA to avoid service cuts. Set requirements for safety, efficiency and accountability in public transit. Dougherty said this legislation is timely as last week, SEPTA announced that if state funding isn’t assured by Aug. 14, service cuts will begin on Aug. 24 with sharp fare increases coming in September. As a representative from Philadelphia, Dougherty pointed out the urgency that this funding must get passed for not only SEPTA, but public transit operations throughout Pennsylvania. “Northeast Philadelphia runs on SEPTA, and many communities all across the Commonwealth heavily rely on public transit,” Dougherty said. “If they become reality, these service cuts will hurt real people, destroy jobs and hurt businesses of every size, not just in my district, but in communities across all 67 counties. We are out of time! The Senate needs to get back to Harrisburg immediately and finally fund public transit, because our state’s well-being truly depends on it.” This bill is one of five that the House has passed to fund public transit without raising Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to SEPTA deadline announcement

(Aug 06, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

Following this morning’s announcement by SEPTA of their deadline to avoid initial service cuts in the absence of state funding, Philadelphia state Rep. Morgan Cephas, chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation, issued the following statement:“Our deadline to avoid service cuts is now as real as ever with SEPTA drawing their line on the tracks today. We have eight days, but we’re hopeful that the actions of the House Transportation Committee this afternoon will build the necessary consensus to overcome this impasse and keep our city working and economy moving.” Read more

 

House Dems want action from Picozzi on SEPTA funding

(Aug 05, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation held a press conference at Abraham Lincoln High School in Northeast Philadelphia, calling on the PA Senate to pass funding for public transit. Read more

 

Burgos applauds PECO grant announcement for customers to pay off overdue utility bills

(Jul 31, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

Beginning Aug. 4, PECO customers will be able to apply for assistance through the temporary PECO Customer Relief Fund. Read more

 

Rabb proposes nonpartisan investments in local journalism, civic information

(Jul 28, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation establishing consortium, fellowship to strengthen community news Read more

 

A plan to help SEPTA emerges from the GOP state Senate, with no funding attached

(Jul 28, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

“Our systems are meeting the moment and addressing every single concern that Republicans are bringing up. The one thing that I need them to shift on is actually funding the actual system like it should be funded,” (Cephas) said. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 22, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Broadband Development Authority: Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Who May Apply: Cooperative organizations, non-profit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utility companies, public utility districts, municipalities or units of local government, internet service providers registered through the FCC Use: Deploying and/or upgrading broadband network facilities, data collection, broadband mapping and broadband planning Funds: Pennsylvania received $1,161,778,242 in federal funding pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This is the second round of BEAD funding. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount for any project Application Deadline: August 1, 2025 More information: PBDA Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums located in Pennsylvania with annual operating budgets exceeding $100,000 and at least one full-time professional staff person or an official county historical society. Use: To strengthen Pennsylvania’s museums and allow applicants to determine how to use funds for operating expenses Funds: Grant awards range from $2,500 to $65,000 Application Deadline: August 22, 2025 More information: PHMC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Sequential Intercept Model Training Initiative (SIM) Read more

 

Seniors aren’t ‘getting any younger.’ So why do their SEPTA fare cards expire?

(Jul 21, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

The SEPTA senior fare cards have a shelf life from the manufacturer, SEPTA says. Read more

 

Small Business Funding and Support Opportunities in Philadelphia

(Jul 18, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

Small Business Funding and Support Opportunities in Philadelphia Below is an overview of several programs offered by the Department of Commerce to support small businesses in Philadelphia. The Mayor’s Business Action Team within the Department of Commerce offers personalized guidance for any business in Philadelphia who wants to be connected to resources and programs. The Mayor’s Business Action Team can be contacted by emailing business@phila.gov or calling (215) 683-2100. The Mayor’s Business Action Team also provides personalized assistance in multiple languages to entrepreneurs for all aspects of doing business in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund is a recent $5 million investment designed to accelerate the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs across the city. Support includes funding and strategic guidance. Grants of up to $50,000 per business are awarded based on demonstrated need, growth potential, and economic impact. Eligibility: Businesses that generated no more than $2 million in revenue in 2024 Business must be located in Philadelphia and registered and licensed with the City of Philadelphia Business must be up to date on City taxes or have an approved tax payment agreement with the City Business must be able to accelerate business goals with targeted funding and support Must show strong growth potential Read more

 

Kenyatta:  Senate must move budget, critical bills to keep PA afloat

(Jul 15, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta released a statement regarding House passage of a General Appropriations bill as part of the state budget: “While this isn’t the complete budget – we still must approve fiscal legislation for the funding of our public schools – this portion of the budget bill shows my commitment to my constituents and the great people throughout Pennsylvania. “Now it’s the Senate’s turn to not only move this bill but other budget bills, including funding for mass transit. Even though I have voted for SEPTA funding, the bill languishes in the state Senate. We have tried to compromise, especially with the latest transit funding bill that passed the House, which could provide funding for public transit agencies and maintain our vast network of roads and bridges, all without raising taxes. “Sadly, the inaction of the state Senate has caused turmoil and uncertainty for SEPTA and Philadelphians. We are now officially two weeks behind the July 1 deadline for our state budget, and both they and schools throughout Pennsylvania are in the difficult position of making unpopular decisions to keep running. “My colleagues and I in the Pennsylvania House did our part as mandated by the constitution. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress. I will continue to fight for my constituents to ensure their voices are heard. This will require the state Senate to come back to work and do the job they were elected to do Read more

 

PA House approves Cephas bill to protect older homeowners

(Jul 15, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, the PA House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., to protect homeowners from unknowingly losing their home and generational wealth. Senior citizens and other homeowners on a fixed income often refinance their home utilizing a reverse mortgage based on the benefit of an immediate financial gain without fully understanding the long-term outcome of the agreement. House Bill 1466 would ensure that anyone entering this type of transaction receives face-to-face financial counseling to make homeowners aware of the risks associated with a reverse mortgage. Read more

 

House passes Bellmon bill incentivizing fire sprinkler systems in Philadelphia high-rises

(Jul 08, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 8 - Today, the Pennsylvania House passed legislation ( H.B. 1668 ) introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., which would permit Philadelphia to establish a property tax abatement program for the retrofitting of fire sprinkler systems in residential high-rises. All residential high-rise buildings in Philadelphia built after 1991 must have fire sprinkler systems, and all commercial buildings must be retrofitted with sprinkler systems. However, this requirement does not exist for residential high-rise buildings that were built before 1991. “When there's a fire, sprinkler systems can save lives and protect property. Unfortunately, older residential high-rise buildings in Philadelphia aren't required to have these systems, putting thousands of residents at risk,” Bellmon said. “The safety of a building and its residents shouldn’t be determined by the year it was built, and for that reason, I am glad to see my bill pass the House.” It is estimated that over 26,000 Philadelphians live in residential buildings greater than six-stories high that are not equipped with fire sprinkler systems. The program would allow the city to establish the timelines and define which residential high-rise structures within the city are eligible for the abatement. House Bill 1668 now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 08, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Who May Apply: Local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, natural resource or public land agencies, school districts, tribal governments or nonprofits with a separate eligible applicant. Use: To construct pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to school, incorporate community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management, provide environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity, create trail projects that serve a transportation purpose, and provide for vulnerable road user safety assessment program projects. Funds: $80 million in funding is available through the Federal Highway Administration’s Surface Block Grant Program. Awards will be at least $50,000 and at maximum $1.5 million. This is a reimbursement program and no funds are provided upfront. Application Deadline: Webinar will be held July 9, 2025. Application period opens July 14, 2025. Draft applications due September 5, 2025. Final applications due October 31, 2025 More information: PennDOT 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 Read more

 

Burgos shares newly launched consumer protection tools

(Jul 02, 2025) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., shared some new consumer protection tools launched by the Shapiro administration to help Pennsylvanians report scams and predatory practices. Burgos is chairman of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee. Among consumer issues, the committee oversees the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and reviews bills related to consumer privacy, utilities, broadband and more. “The federal government continues to erode essential consumer protections and privacy. In Pennsylvania, we’re prioritizing policies that defend consumers, not weaken their safeguards,” said Burgos. “Our state has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country, and whether you’re dealing with a denied claim or problems with a bank or mortgage lender, we’re here to help.” Pennsylvanians can now call 1-866-PACOMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675) , visit pa.gov/consumer , or email consumer@pa.gov to report financial, insurance, and consumer concerns. Whether it’s a denied health insurance claim, a suspicious financial transaction, or a problem with a student loan servicer, help is now just a call or click away. The new tools offer a “no wrong door” approach, meaning no matter the issue -- insurance lending, utilities, or financial scams -- Pennsylvanians will be routed to the right agency for Read more

 

House passes Rabb bill to end secret votes that may hike consumers’ electric bills

(Jul 01, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation requiring utility companies who are members of power grid operator PJM to disclose all recorded votes advances to Senate Read more

 

Rabb: Deterrence and prevention can co-exist when protecting public sector workers

(Jul 01, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“In a time of increased political violence, for those workers employed by our government in any capacity, we must invest in all reasonable measures to ensure workplace safety.” Read more

 

Fighting federal abusers, Protecting Pennsylvanians Act introduced

(Jun 30, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

“This act will increase our effort to protect Pennsylvania taxpayers from the haphazard actions and unlawful abuses at the federal level,” said Cephas, who represents portions of Philadelphia. “We can’t let Washington promise to fund and invest in health care, services and Pennsylvania businesses, only to have contracts canceled because of a change in administration and the extremist actions inside the D.C. Beltway.” Read more

 

The Entrepreneur’s Guide
Aug 12, 2025

How will your SEPTA route be impacted?
Aug 12, 2025

As school nears, public transit cuts loom over students and families who rely on SEPTA
Aug 12, 2025

House passes Dougherty’s transformative public transit omnibus legislation; calls on the PA Senate to finally fund public transit
Aug 11, 2025

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to SEPTA deadline announcement
Aug 06, 2025

House Dems want action from Picozzi on SEPTA funding
Aug 05, 2025

Burgos applauds PECO grant announcement for customers to pay off overdue utility bills
Jul 31, 2025

Rabb proposes nonpartisan investments in local journalism, civic information
Jul 28, 2025

A plan to help SEPTA emerges from the GOP state Senate, with no funding attached
Jul 28, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 22, 2025

Seniors aren’t ‘getting any younger.’ So why do their SEPTA fare cards expire?
Jul 21, 2025

Small Business Funding and Support Opportunities in Philadelphia
Jul 18, 2025

Kenyatta:  Senate must move budget, critical bills to keep PA afloat
Jul 15, 2025

PA House approves Cephas bill to protect older homeowners
Jul 15, 2025

House passes Bellmon bill incentivizing fire sprinkler systems in Philadelphia high-rises
Jul 08, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 08, 2025

Burgos shares newly launched consumer protection tools
Jul 02, 2025

House passes Rabb bill to end secret votes that may hike consumers’ electric bills
Jul 01, 2025

Rabb: Deterrence and prevention can co-exist when protecting public sector workers
Jul 01, 2025

Fighting federal abusers, Protecting Pennsylvanians Act introduced
Jun 30, 2025