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Philadelphia House Delegation praises approval of increase in public transit funding

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Bellmon appointed to Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force

(Feb 23, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 23 – State Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., has been appointed to the Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force. Stop-and-Go establishments are convenience stores or delis that also sell beer and liquor. People who purchase the alcohol can consume it right outside of the establishment. This Task Force is comprised of members of the state House and Senate, an appointee of the governor and an ex-officio member of the PLCB, that is tasked with addressing issues around stop-and-go establishments in Philadelphia. “Stop-and-go stores have contributed to many problems in neighborhoods across Philadelphia, which is why we must provide better oversight for them,” Bellmon said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on this task force to address this issue and work to improve the quality of life of all Pennsylvanians.” Read more

 

Khan Celebrates Grant Funds for Roxborough Community

(Feb 23, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Pa. state Rep. Tarik Khan presented a grant of $75,000 to the Roxborough Development Corporation. Khan says that these funds will be used to help repair sidewalks and parking lots, expand parking lanes and improve the tree line on streets in the community. Read more

 

Pa. House Housing & Community Development Committee approves Bullock, Cephas homeowner-protections legislation

(Feb 20, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 20 – During a voting meeting today, the Pennsylvania House Housing & Community Development Committee approved legislation, H.B. 657 , co-sponsored by state Reps. Donna Bullock and Morgan Cephas, which would provide consumer protection against unfair realty agreements for homeowners in the commonwealth by establishing prohibitions and requirements for these agreements. “All too often, I hear the horror stories of unscrupulous realty companies preying on unsuspecting homeowners and vulnerable neighborhoods by trapping them in questionable realty agreement contracts and then suing them should they try to cancel the agreement,” Bullock said. “It’s our hope with this legislation that we can ensure that homeowners are no longer subjected to these unsavory and underhanded practices.” Unlawful agreements that include certain forbidden content would be deemed unenforceable and in violation of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, should this legislation become law. “Companies seeking to swindle home equity from Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable homeowners must be stopped,” Cephas said. “Pennsylvanians deserve protections from such unsavory realty companies, and should they fall victim to such companies then they deserve to have the damages recovered.” The legislation will now go to the full House, where Read more

 

Committee hearing focuses on improving public transportation

(Feb 20, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

“Public transportation is a critical lifeline for residents in my district, it is the one thing that connects us as a community,” said Rep. Waxman, who requested and hosted the hearing. “What makes my district in Philadelphia unique is we have more residents that rely on public transit to get to work and their daily needs like doctor appointments, but we also have one of the most active districts for visitors traveling into our district through public transportation.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises expanded state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit

(Feb 15, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation held a news conference at the Early Learning Literacy Academy highlighting the expansion of the state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. Read more

 

Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal wisely looks toward the future | Editorial

(Feb 08, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

The state — which now sits on a $14 billion surplus — has the fiscal cushion it needs to make these investments, and in Shapiro, a governor with the ambition to get it done. Read more

 

In a united front, state reps highlight new Pennsylvania budget priorities

(Feb 08, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

With major increases in funding for education and SEPTA, without any tax hikes, members of the Philadelphia House delegation laid out the major aspirations of Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Read more

 

Philly Dems say boost for SEPTA just one of highlights for city in Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Feb 08, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Funding for SEPTA represents a sizable chunk of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget for transit spending in Pennsylvania, but Philadelphia lawmakers say it’s not the only way the budget would benefit the region. Read more

 

I-95 disaster emergency proclamation extended until May

(Feb 07, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 7 – A concurrent resolution of the House and Senate, which extends the disaster emergency proclamation for the I-95 overpass in Philadelphia that collapsed in June 2023 until May 29 took effect today. The disaster declaration allows the state to continue to access emergency funding and follow streamlined rules for repair work. “Interstate 95 is a critical highway for not only Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, but the entire Northeast United States,” said Rep. Anthony Bellmon, who authored the most recent extension (H.R. 279). “It is important that we cut as much red tape as possible to let PennDOT finish the job of rebuilding the highway so it is safe to travel on for years to come.” Bellmon’s measure is the latest of several resolutions used to extend the governor’s original proclamation. The first extension was contained in S.R. 136, introduced by state Sen. Jimmy Dillion, D-Phila., which extended the proclamation until Nov. 1, 2023. That was followed by another extension (H.R. 197), offered by state Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., which extended the proclamation until the end of February 2024. The Senate adopted Bellmon’s resolution on Monday after the House approved it in December. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by Shapiro Budget Proposal

(Feb 07, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation said that they are pleased with the direction of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Among the many positives, the delegation is excited about the proposed investment in SEPTA and mass transit, as well as equitable education funding for the School District of Philadelphia. Read more

 

Kinsey, Cooper ‘dual enrollment’ bill ceremoniously signed

(Jan 30, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – On Monday, state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and Jill Cooper, R-Westmoreland, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro at the state Capitol for a ceremonial bill-signing of their legislation, H.B. 1258, which was officially signed into law on Dec. 14 as Act 52 of 2023. The bill improves the funding mechanism for dual enrollment programs by removing the requirement that students enrolled in such programs be removed from the school’s average daily membership count. Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit while still in high school. In the funding mechanism for public schools prior to this bill’s passage, schools would lose out on funding if a student chooses to take a college level course – even if they remain physically at the school. The signing of this bill ensures this will no longer happen. “ School districts should not lose out on funding because their students enroll in one of these courses that propels their academic career while still at the high school,” Kinsey said. “Governor Shapiro has ensured to us that he is committed to providing Pennsylvania students with pathways to advance their education. We thank him for taking the necessary action to make this important bill an official law.” “Programs like these excite students and parents, and schools shouldn’t Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by public transit funding proposal

(Jan 29, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation said that they are encouraged by the announcement by Gov. Josh Shapiro that he will include a major investment in public transportation in his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Shapiro said that he will include a proposal to increase of the state’s share of public transit funding by 1.75%, which would be an investment of nearly $300 million into transit companies across the state. Read more

 

Young announces nearly $140,000 in Coastal Zone Grants

(Jan 29, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded $139,595 in Coastal Resources Management Program grants to two projects in her Southwest Philadelphia district. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District

(Jan 23, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. The 2023 funding round provided over $52 million in awards. Application Deadline: April 3, 2024 More information: DCNR Website Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA PA Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program Who May Apply: Units of local government and community anchor institutions ( as defined in Act 96 of 2021 ). Use: Funding is to be used for community projects that construct, acquire, or improve facilities (shared office space, recreation centers, schools, libraries, etc.) Read more

 

State lawmakers roll out legislation to facilitate safe abortion access

(Jan 22, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – Today, on the 51st anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade , state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Philadelphia, hosted a news conference at the state Capitol announcing the introduction of legislation regarding abortion rights. Rep. Khan was joined by fellow legislators and abortion-rights advocates. The legislation aims to remove unnecessary obstacles to safe abortion access by eliminating the requirement that abortion facilities meet the same regulations as ambulatory surgical centers. It would also remove the excessive mandate that abortion providers maintain admitting privileges or have transfer agreements at hospitals, which only blocks access to care. The legislators who have also prime-sponsored Khan’s bill are state Reps. La'Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny; Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery; Mary Issacson, D-Phila.; Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester; Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester; Tara Probst, D-Monroe/Pike; Heather Boyd, D-Delaware; Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery; Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware; and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia. "As a nurse, I know that restrictive abortion laws do not lower abortion rates — they just make them less safe," Khan said. "We must remove any unnecessary requirements from facilities that provide this care. Our bill increases access to safe abortion by increasing people's access to safe abortion Read more

 

Young announces $45,000 Alternative Fuels Grant

(Jan 22, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has awarded $45,000 from the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program to Herr Foods, Inc. located in Southwest Philadelphia. Read more

 

House Judiciary approves Cephas/Kenyatta bill to end ‘ghost guns’

(Jan 17, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, the PA House Judiciary Committee approved a measure sponsored by state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., aimed at ending the proliferation of “ghost guns” in Pennsylvania Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation commends appointment of Pedro Rosario, first ever Latino deputy police commissioner in the city

(Jan 12, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 12 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their satisfaction for the appointment of Pedro Rosario, a 29-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department who will serve as deputy commissioner of the department’s Kensington Initiative. “Winds of change keep blowing in Philadelphia and we cannot be more excited about the outcome,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, chairwoman of the delegation. “Mayor Cherelle Parker started strong. She is not only vowing to fight the overdose crisis and the drug market in Kensington; Parker is taking the bull by the horns. The designation of Rosario to work on specific duties in Kensington is a bold action that has our wholehearted support,” she added. Rep. Jose Giral, who represents the180 th Legislative District in the Kensington area, is confident that Rosario will be an effective commissioner, based on Rosario’s expertise and solid credentials. Giral witnessed his work firsthand while Rosario was assigned to the 24 th Police District. “I have known Pedro Rosario for a long time. I met him while I was a member of the Police Advisory Commission and this conferred me the opportunity to work hand in hand with him and the 24 th Police District,” Giral said. “Rosario is boots on the ground from day one because he knows exactly all the particulars of the issues impacting our Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates state grants to reduce emissions from high-polluting trucks

(Jan 10, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas, Rep. Ed Neilson

According to state Rep. Morgan Cephas, who chairs the delegation, a $3.98 million grant was awarded to Sysco Leasing, LLC to replace 10 Class 8, short-haul, semi-tractors among its fleet with battery electric vehicles, or BEVs, and install 10 direct current fast charging plugs. SEPTA also was awarded $1.68 million to replace six freight and delivery trucks with BEV trucks and install supporting electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Grants were awarded under the state’s Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleet Pilot Grant Program. Read more

 

Khan leads a bipartisan group of state legislators to introduce infrastructure bill designed to help local governments update municipal facilities

(Jan 09, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., led a bipartisan group of state representatives in announcing plans today to introduce legislation calling for a grant program to assist municipalities with making essential renovations to municipal facilities. Khan was inspired by his retired civil engineer father, Zia Khan, a municipal employee who spent his life building and renovating municipal buildings in Philadelphia. “We have many well-loved buildings in our communities, like our libraries, rec centers, and police and fire stations. These buildings need some love back in return,” said Khan. “We believe our bipartisan bill is a win-win-win. A win for the community who get services in these buildings, a win for the workers who serve in these buildings, and a win for our labor community who will be repairing and renovating these buildings.” Named the "Public Facilities Infrastructure Grant Program," this program would provide municipalities with funding to help maintain, repair, renovate and reconstruct municipal buildings and facilities, public libraries, and recreational facilities. The bill has prevailing wage protections for workers and will require at least a 50% match for each grant application. State Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-Luzerne, who also is a co-prime sponsor of this legislation, said he feels strongly about the need to revitalize and Read more

 

Bellmon appointed to Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force
Feb 23, 2024

Khan Celebrates Grant Funds for Roxborough Community
Feb 23, 2024

Pa. House Housing & Community Development Committee approves Bullock, Cephas homeowner-protections legislation
Feb 20, 2024

Committee hearing focuses on improving public transportation
Feb 20, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation praises expanded state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit
Feb 15, 2024

Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal wisely looks toward the future | Editorial
Feb 08, 2024

In a united front, state reps highlight new Pennsylvania budget priorities
Feb 08, 2024

Philly Dems say boost for SEPTA just one of highlights for city in Shapiro’s budget proposal
Feb 08, 2024

I-95 disaster emergency proclamation extended until May
Feb 07, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by Shapiro Budget Proposal
Feb 07, 2024

Kinsey, Cooper ‘dual enrollment’ bill ceremoniously signed
Jan 30, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by public transit funding proposal
Jan 29, 2024

Young announces nearly $140,000 in Coastal Zone Grants
Jan 29, 2024

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District
Jan 23, 2024

State lawmakers roll out legislation to facilitate safe abortion access
Jan 22, 2024

Young announces $45,000 Alternative Fuels Grant
Jan 22, 2024

House Judiciary approves Cephas/Kenyatta bill to end ‘ghost guns’
Jan 17, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation commends appointment of Pedro Rosario, first ever Latino deputy police commissioner in the city
Jan 12, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates state grants to reduce emissions from high-polluting trucks
Jan 10, 2024

Khan leads a bipartisan group of state legislators to introduce infrastructure bill designed to help local governments update municipal facilities
Jan 09, 2024