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Cephas asks utilities to delay billing consumers during government shutdown

Cephas announces $2.45 million in RACP grant funding for community

(23 hours ago)

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., announced $2.45 million in funding from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program for three projects in the 192nd Legislative District. Read more

 

Young announces major grant funding for area projects

(1 day ago)

PHILADELPHIA, July 16 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced today that six projects in her legislative district have been awarded grants totaling $10.2 million from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Read more

 

Waxman, lawmakers, advocates gather to discuss historic HIV decriminalization measure at Philadelphia FIGHT

(1 day ago)

Waxman, lawmakers, advocates gather to discuss historic HIV decriminalization measure at Philadelphia FIGHT Read more

 

Cephas partners with Uber to offer free rides to families impacted by recent storm

(1 day ago)

PHILADELPHIA, July 15– State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., has partnered with Uber, ACHIEVEability, and state and local legislators to offer free rides for West and Southwest Philadelphia families affected by the July 11 microburst storms, many of whom experienced damage to their vehicles.Cephas said this partnership will ease transportation access for these families, offering support to help them get to temporary housing options, to and from work, and to reach essential services. The program begins today and runs through July 29.Families interested in transportation vouchers should contact Philadelphia Delegation Chair Cephas’ office or their area legislator to learn more about eligibility and be referred to ACHIEVEability. Participating offices include Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, Rep. Regina Young, Rep. Rick Krajewski, City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson, City Council Majority Whip Isaiah Thomas, and City Council Members Jamie Gauthier (3rd Council District) and Curtis Jones Jr. (4th Council District). Read more

 

Pa.’s Solar for Schools renewed with $25M in new funds, marking 3rd consecutive year of investment

(Jul 15, 2026)

HARRISBURG, July 15 – Pennsylvania’s popular Solar for Schools grant program was renewed for a third year in a row as part of the 2026-27 state budget, with $25 million in new funding allotted for it this year. The program represents a major public investment in clean energy that also delivers financial savings for schools, intermediate units and community colleges. It was introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., in 2024 and enjoys bipartisan support. "I’m so thrilled that more school districts will soon be able to bring home the transformational benefits of solar energy! This would not be possible without the support of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle and many, many advocates,” Fiedler said. “Our schools are not exempt from the affordability crisis facing Pennsylvania. My hope is that Solar for Schools offers a tool to help them combat rising, unpredictable energy costs and put the money toward what matters most: educating our young people.” More than 45 school districts across the commonwealth have already received funding to construct solar panels. The earliest awardees are now preparing to break ground as early as this summer. For the first time, school districts will be permitted to enter into power-purchase agreements (PPAs) with solar developers, which will allow schools to pursue solar arrays quickly and without up-front costs. The developer then installs and maintains Read more

 

Cephas applauds budget for affordable housing, education, and

(Jul 15, 2026)

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., emphasized her support for the 2026-27 state budget, which invests more than $50 billion in Pennsylvanians without raising taxes. Read more

 

East Passyunk Community Center unveils new outdoor playground funded with state grant supported by Fiedler, Saval

(Jul 08, 2026)

PHILADELPHIA, July 8 – Today, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, state Sen. Nikil Saval, and Councilmember Mark Squilla joined staff and campers to unveil a new, fully redesigned playground at the East Passyunk Community Center (EPCC). The renovation was funded by a joint $75,000 state grant supported by Saval and Fiedler and by the City of Philadelphia. “It’s always a good day when we get to see the impact of public funding right here in our neighborhoods. These dollars, that were once just numbers on a page, are now visible in EPCC’s long-awaited new playground. I’m thrilled that EPCC will continue to create lifelong friendships and strengthen our community for years to come!” Fiedler said. “East Passyunk Community Center is growing and changing just like the people who transform a recreation center into a community. I'm so proud to put public dollars into action to improve the splendid outdoor playground area for the benefit of all the neighborhood’s children. Now equipped with room to crawl, slide and climb, this beloved community anchor is ready to support our youngest neighbors through all stages of development,” Saval said. The East Passyunk Community Center has established itself as a service leader for South Philadelphians of all ages through its many free or low-cost programs and dedicated staff, they said. The playground sits in the front of the Read more

 

Democrats make final push to raise minimum wage in this year’s Pa. budget

(Jul 02, 2026)

Rep. Roni Green (D., Philadelphia), one of 12 co-sponsors on Dawkins’ current bill, said in an interview that she “can't think of anything better or quicker that would impact working families and the lives of working families more than raising the minimum wage.”“I hear from my constituents how a minimum wage increase of at least $15 an hour … will allow them to continue to put food on the table, pay for housing, expenses, pay for gas that has increased, pay for childcare that is increasing,” she said.Green started her minimum wage advocacy while working as a Philadelphia human services caseworker and serving as a shop steward for her then-union, SEIU Local 668. The union represents about 20,000 workers in Pennsylvania, many of whom work for state, county, and local government. Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee hearing focused on space exploration and threats to airspace safety

(Jul 02, 2026)

HARRISBURG, July 2 – The House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting on Tuesday on space exploration and Pennsylvania’s leadership in space technology, scientific research, and airspace security. “Today’s meeting stressed the need for increased technological development to protect our airspace,” state Rep. Joe Ciresi, House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair, said. “Pennsylvania has the talent and the resources to lead the charge in developing technology to explore space and protect our airspace.” The committee heard from three speakers: Dr. Jason Wright, Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Penn State University on astronomical and scientific research, Ryan Graves, Founder/Executive Director, Americans for Safe Aerospace on aerospace and aviation perspectives, and Chris Mellon, Chairman of the Board, The Disclosure Foundation; Former Deputy Secretary of Defense; and Former Minority Staff Director, US Senate Intelligence Committee. “Exploration begins with curiosity,” state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila. said. “Pennsylvania has the talent and institutions to help push the boundaries of scientific discovery, and today's hearing was an important step in that direction — wherever the evidence leads" Wright said that the search for the means to find extraterrestrial intelligence is leading the development of detection technology, Read more

 

Legislation to prevent noncompete agreements for broadcast workers passes PA House

(Jul 01, 2026)

Legislation to prevent noncompete agreements for broadcast workers passes PA House Read more

 

Legislation to ban surveillance prices by ride-hailing companies passes House

(Jun 29, 2026)

Legislation to ban surveillance prices by ride-hailing companies passes House Read more

 

Cryptocurrency corruption prevention bill passes the House

(Jun 29, 2026)

Cryptocurrency corruption prevention bill passes the House Read more

 

Bill to protect benefits for foster youth in Pa. unanimously approved by House committee

(Jun 24, 2026)

HARRISBURG, June 24 – B ipartisan legislation sponsored by state Reps. Rick Krajewski and Sheryl Delozier that would end the practice of intercepting public benefits intended for foster youth was reported out of committee today with a unanimous vote and is ready for a vote by the full House . The bill (H.B. 151) would prevent PA agencies from intercepting the Social Security benefits intended foster youth receive, such as survivors benefits, and instead require those benefits to be conserved in a savings account for when a foster youth exits care. The federal Office of Administration for Children and Families in December demanded that states no longer intercept benefits, and 10 states have already worked to prohibit it. “These are funds that for many could mean the difference between homelessness and stable housing, between needing to work multiple jobs and having time to attend college, between lacking healthcare and receiving necessary treatment. These youth are not asking for handouts, they’re asking for what’s already theirs,” said Delozier, R-Cumberland, the co-prime sponsor of the bill. “It’s a bipartisan issue. Not one that’s defined by Republicans or Democrats, urban or rural. This is an issue that affects children in the foster care system no matter where they live.” “What makes up a fraction of our state’s spending could make a huge difference in the lives of foster youth, who often Read more

 

House approves legislation to establish processes for reinstating parental rights, protect the rights of incarcerated parents

(Jun 22, 2026)

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Today, the House voted with strong bipartisan support to pass two bills introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., that would establish a legal petition process to reinstate parental rights (H.B. 133) and protect the rights of incarcerated parents (H.B. 138). Under federal law, when a child has been in the custody of the state for more than 15 months, the Department of Human Services is required to petition for the involuntary termination of parental rights. Krajewski said that Pennsylvania must take measures to provide second chances and support more families. House Bill 133 , which passed 191 to 11, would establish a standard legal framework and procedure for parents whose rights have been terminated to petition to have their rights reinstated. “Even when parents do the work to address the issues that resulted in the termination of their rights – building a career, finding stable housing, recovering from a substance use disorder or ending a period of incarceration – the loss of the parent-child relationship is a punishment that lasts a lifetime,” Krajewski said. “Parents can change. They deserve a fair chance to be reunited with their children, and kids deserve to finally go home.” “At its core, House Bill 133 is about creating a pathway that represents the best interests of children and families,” said state Rep. Sheryl Delozier, Read more

 

Fiedler, Burgos bill to rein in utility profits, protect consumers reported out of House Consumer Protection Committee

(Jun 09, 2026)

HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee voted 17-9 to advance the Return on Equity bill, which is co-sponsored by Committee Chair Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., and House Energy Committee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.House Bill 2224 would create a default, formula-based return on equity for investor-owned utilities that reflects the true market-based cost of equity. It would ensure that ratepayers pay no more than what is necessary to attract capital investments. Read more

 

Bellmon celebrates $4 million in funding for Lawncrest Recreation Center’s new pool

(Jun 08, 2026)

PHILADELPHIA, June 8 – On Saturday, state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, state Sen. Sharif Street, PA House Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris, all D-Phila., and Councilmember Anthony Phillips held a news conference where they presented a $4 million check to the Lawncrest Recreation Center. Bellmon and Street helped secure this $4 million in state funding that will be used to construct a new pool at the Lawncrest Recreation Center. Construction has begun. “Lawncrest Recreation Center is a centerpiece of the Lawncrest community, providing a safe space for children to grow, families to gather, and neighbors to build connections,” Bellmon said. “This pool is another reason for members of our community to gather at the rec center during the summers to cool off, stay active and interact with neighbors. I was proud to secure this funding, and as construction is currently underway, I look forward to seeing the finished product.” “Investing in safe places for children and families to gather is of the utmost importance, especially in the summer when school is not in session,” Street said. “I am proud to work with Representative Bellmon to provide support for the pillars of our community like Lawncrest Rec Center. This funding is about more than a pool, it is about showing folks that they are deserving of beautiful spaces to enjoy themselves. I will continue to work for them and fight for those spaces Read more

 

Cephas introducing legislation to stop surge pricing for Uber, Lyft rides during large events

(Jun 05, 2026)

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila, said today that she will introduce legislation to cap surge pricing for transportation network companies in Pennsylvania, including Uber and Lyft, during large-scale events such as concerts and sporting events. Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates first awardees of Solar for Schools in its second year; School District of Philadelphia to bring solar to three school buildings

(Jun 04, 2026)

PHILADELPHIA, June 4 – The PA Department of Community and Economic Development recently announced a more than $1.9 million investment in five Pennsylvania schools through the Solar for Schools grant program. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., who introduced the Solar for Schools legislation, celebrated the announcement. “We saw overwhelming demand in the first year of Solar for Schools, with schools requesting more than three times the funding available. I am so glad we have another opportunity this year to award funding to even more schools.” said Fiedler. “From right in my South Philly district all the way to Elk County, these awards show us that what connects Pennsylvania schools is the desire to do right by their communities and invest in their future.” "We are thrilled to celebrate the first round of the 2026 PA Solar for Schools grant program awards! This is a big win for clean energy, education, and local communities across Pennsylvania. We encourage more schools to apply as the DCED is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Every dollar a school district spends on a utility bill is a dollar that is NOT going toward a teacher's salary, a new library, or updated technology for our students," said Shannon Crooker, Generation180's Pennsylvania director. As energy prices rise nationwide, schools are struggling to keep up with utility costs, which are already their Read more

 

House committee unanimously approves two child welfare reform bills

(Jun 03, 2026)

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The House Children and Youth Committee on Tuesday voted unanimously to report out two pieces of legislation reforming Pennsylvania’s child welfare system. The first bill ( H.B. 133 ) would create a process for reinstating parental rights after they’ve been terminated. Following the lead of 22 states, Pennsylvania would provide the opportunity to petition for the reinstatement of parental rights, in cases where the child has been unable to successfully find an adoptive home and the parent has resolved the cause of their prior termination. “While many states provide an opportunity to reinstate the parent-child relationship under specific conditions, in PA, termination is permanent,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., the prime sponsor of the legislation. “Even when parents do the work to address the issues that resulted in termination – building a career, finding stable housing, recovering from a substance use disorder or ending a period of incarceration – the loss of the parent-child relationship is a punishment that lasts a lifetime. We must be more compassionate, promote second chances and ensure that children are not left needlessly languishing in county care.” “At its core, House Bill 133 is about creating a pathway that represents the best interests of children and families,” said state Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R-Cumberland, the bill’s Read more

 

As workers face effects of climate change, labor leaders and advocates convene to support first statewide heat protections introduced by Fiedler, Haddock

(Jun 02, 2026)

HARRISBURG, June 2 – Today, lawmakers, labor leaders, environmental advocates and impacted workers gathered in the state Capitol to call on the legislature to pass Workplace Heat Protections ( H.B. 1580 ). Introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, H.B. 1580 would require employers to implement heat illness prevention plans during extreme heat. The plans would require paid rest breaks, water and access to shade; education on signs and symptoms of heat illness, such as heat stroke; and training on emergency response procedures. "All workers share the desire to earn a good wage and support their families, whether they cook food in kitchens, build our commonwealth’s infrastructure on construction sites, or teach kids in classrooms. But Pennsylvania’s lack of heat protections is threatening that goal and endangering workers,” said Fiedler . “This bill provides basic safety measures for all Pennsylvania workers, regardless of sector or workplace, so they can return home safely to their loved ones at the end of each day.” “Currently workers in Pennsylvania have no workplace heat protections on the federal level or on the state level. Unbelievably, in Pa. we have laws on the books to protect our dogs and cats during extreme heat, but not humans. It is time to pass laws for our Pennsylvania workers, to protect them just like we do our furry Read more

 

Cephas announces $2.45 million in RACP grant funding for community
23 hours ago

Young announces major grant funding for area projects
1 day ago

Waxman, lawmakers, advocates gather to discuss historic HIV decriminalization measure at Philadelphia FIGHT
1 day ago

Cephas partners with Uber to offer free rides to families impacted by recent storm
1 day ago

Pa.’s Solar for Schools renewed with $25M in new funds, marking 3rd consecutive year of investment
Jul 15, 2026

Cephas applauds budget for affordable housing, education, and
Jul 15, 2026

East Passyunk Community Center unveils new outdoor playground funded with state grant supported by Fiedler, Saval
Jul 08, 2026

Democrats make final push to raise minimum wage in this year’s Pa. budget
Jul 02, 2026

House Communications & Technology Committee hearing focused on space exploration and threats to airspace safety
Jul 02, 2026

Legislation to prevent noncompete agreements for broadcast workers passes PA House
Jul 01, 2026

Legislation to ban surveillance prices by ride-hailing companies passes House
Jun 29, 2026

Cryptocurrency corruption prevention bill passes the House
Jun 29, 2026

Bill to protect benefits for foster youth in Pa. unanimously approved by House committee
Jun 24, 2026

House approves legislation to establish processes for reinstating parental rights, protect the rights of incarcerated parents
Jun 22, 2026

Fiedler, Burgos bill to rein in utility profits, protect consumers reported out of House Consumer Protection Committee
Jun 09, 2026

Bellmon celebrates $4 million in funding for Lawncrest Recreation Center’s new pool
Jun 08, 2026

Cephas introducing legislation to stop surge pricing for Uber, Lyft rides during large events
Jun 05, 2026

Fiedler celebrates first awardees of Solar for Schools in its second year; School District of Philadelphia to bring solar to three school buildings
Jun 04, 2026

House committee unanimously approves two child welfare reform bills
Jun 03, 2026

As workers face effects of climate change, labor leaders and advocates convene to support first statewide heat protections introduced by Fiedler, Haddock
Jun 02, 2026