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Harris sworn in, ready to get to work

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Keith S Harris

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Today, state Rep. Keith S. Harris, D-Phila., was sworn in to serve as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 195th Legislative District, located in north Philadelphia and encompassing the neighborhoods of Stanton, Brewerytown, Girard and parts of Strawberry Mansion. Harris was elected to office when he won a special election on Sept. 17, and he now has officially taken office. “I am beyond humbled and grateful to my neighbors in the 195 th Legislative District for allowing me to represent them in Harrisburg. I will do everything in my power to earn their trust and ensure that their faith in me is well-founded,” Harris said. “Whether it is providing constituent services or passing legislation that addresses issues affecting our community and the state at large, I am ready to get to work.” Harris stated that his priorities include addressing criminal justice, mental health, education, workers’ rights and housing. Video from Harris’ swearing-in can be viewed here . Read more

 

Carroll sworn in to serve Pennsylvania’s 201st Legislative District in Philadelphia

(Sep 30, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Today, state Rep. Andre D. Carroll, D-Phila., was sworn in to serve as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 201 st Legislative District, located in Northwest Philadelphia and encompassing the neighborhoods of Germantown, Logan and West Oak Lane. Carroll was elected to office when he won a special election on Sept. 17, and he now has officially taken office. “I am beyond blessed for this opportunity to serve as state representative for the community I grew up in,” Carroll said. “I’m ready to hit the ground running with providing my constituents state government-related services and addressing key issues affecting Northwest Philadelphia and many communities across Pennsylvania.” Carroll said that the key issues he looks to address include criminal justice, health care, education, environmental justice, workers’ rights and housing. “For far too long, communities like mine have been neglected and in return greatly affected by these issues,” Carroll said. “I personally have been affected by many of these issues and I am committed to working tirelessly so they can be resolved and Northwest Philadelphians, and all Pennsylvanians, can have a greater quality of life.” Video from Carroll’s swearing-in can be viewed here . More information about Carroll can be found in his biography . Read more

 

Young announces grants for local historic organizations

(Sep 24, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that two organizations in the 185th Legislative District were awarded grants from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission through the Cultural and Historical Support Grant program. The Cultural and Historical Support Grant program presents awards to organizations in the state’s museum community that are otherwise not supported by state agencies with the goal of fortifying these entities for continued operations. The American Swedish Historical Museum received a grant of $20,400 and John Bartram Association/Bartram's Garden received $53,100 for a total of $73,500 within the 185th Legislative District. Read more

 

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Philadelphia to discuss transportation needs

(Sep 23, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee met in Philadelphia last week to hear from experts on transportation funding needs for Pennsylvania’s largest city, according to committee Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “During this informational tour, we heard experts from all over the transportation sector echo the same sentiment: this is a critical time for the vital industries that maintain Pennsylvania’s ever evolving transportation infrastructure,” Neilson said. “These experts, many from the various transit agencies that are a true economic engine for the commonwealth, explained that while they are grateful for the funding received from the 2024-2025 budget, the deficits they face will have a significant impact on our state’s economic growth and more importantly, it would limit personal mobility for thousands of Pennsylvanians.” “The final state budget that passed in July, did not include the governor's full transit funding proposal. It provided a one-time investment of $80.5 million to public transportation agencies across the state, including $46 million for SEPTA. This is less than one-fourth of the needed funding SEPTA originally requested, and less than one-third of the $161 million that Governor Shapiro's proposal would generate,” Kenneth Lawrence Jr., board chair of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, said at the hearing. “While SEPTA is Read more

 

Pennsylvania one of growing number of states to target license plate flippers

(Sep 18, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

The Pennsylvania House passed, with bipartisan support, legislation that would ban license plate flippers and impose a $2,000 penalty on those caught using or selling them. The bill now goes to the Senate.“With speed cams and red-light cams becoming more and more prevalent around, there are technologies that are coming out for people to evade safety on the roads,” Pennsylvania state Democratic Rep. Pat Gallagher, the bill’s lead sponsor in the House, said in an interview. Read more

 

Local elected officials, organizations gather to celebrate funding for street rehabilitation in Washington Square West

(Sep 17, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., hosted a news conference at the intersection of Locust Street and Quince Street to celebrate state funding for the rehabilitation of historic streets in the Washington Square West neighborhood. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 17, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program Who May Apply: All fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads Use: Eligible projects include but are not limited to facility renovations, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention. Funds: Awards may range from $2,500 to $20,000 for fire/rescue companies and $2,500 to $15,000 for EMS companies. Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 More information: OSFC Website Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, in providing SUD prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery support services, drop-in center services or relevant services and shall have the capacity to provide SUD drop-in center services to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent SUD. Use: DDAP will provide funds from the Opioid Settlement to drop-in centers or other human service organizations looking to expand their community-driven harm reduction support services to increase overdose prevention and linkage to SUD treatment and recovery support services. The goal is to provide hope, support, and resources to assist those on their road to recovery Funds: DDAP expects to award approximately 14 grants totaling $1,875,000 each. Application Read more

 

Rep. Parker applauds Gov. Shapiro for closing gap in women’s healthcare

(Sep 13, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., made the following statement regarding the $3 million in state funding made available for schools to purchase menstrual products: “Menstrual equity happens when barriers to obtaining products are broken,” Parker said. “The lack of access to menstrual products can cause more problems than embarrassment. When women are forced to use unhygienic products such as socks, newspaper or old t-shirts, it can cause serious and lifelong health problems. “This funding will empower students to complete their education without fear of sickness or embarrassment. I am incredibly thankful for First Lady Lori Shapiro’s advocacy for women and her willingness to listen to women’s health experts like Lynette Medley, founder of the nation’s first menstrual health hub, The Spot Period, about possible solutions to achieve menstrual equity for all. “I’m so grateful for Governor Shapiro’s $3 million allocation to help students in Pennsylvania live their lives freely and maintain their health and dignity. “This is the first step, we still have more work to do. I’m eager to return to legislative session and continue the fight for women by insisting the Pennsylvania Senate bring my Menstrual Equity legislation up to be voted on and signed into law.” Parker added that House Bills 850 and 851 both passed the House in June and urges her colleagues in the Senate to consider this Read more

 

Giral offers condolences to family of Officer Jaime Roman

(Sep 11, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, Sept. 11 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., released the following statement on the recent passing of Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Roman, who succumbed to injuries sustained when he was shot while in the line of duty in June: “I am truly heartbroken to learn of the passing of Officer Roman, and it is with a heavy heart that I express my deepest condolences to Officer Roman’s friends, family and the entire PPD 25 th District force,” Giral said. “Every day the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department put on their uniforms knowing their life could be on the line because they know what it means to protect and serve our community and want to see our families live safe and happy lives. “It is my sincere hope that our community can do for the Roman family and PPD 25 th District what they do every day for us — put our arms around them, embrace them and support them through this incredibly trying time.” Read more

 

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 10, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Main Street Matters Who May Apply: Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofits, economic development organizations, housing corporations, community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use: A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Funds: $20 million was allocated for this program in the 2024/25 budget. Individual grant awards vary depending on the type of grant. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 More information: DCED Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention and Prevention Program Who May Apply: Community-based organizations (i.e., active, registered 501(c)(3)s), institutions of higher education, municipalities, counties, and district attorneys. Use: Reducing community violence through, among other things, increasing access to support services and behavioral health, providing health services and intervention strategies, providing mentoring and other intervention models, and fostering and promoting communication between schools, the community, and law enforcement. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation announces school facilities improvement grants to clean up toxic schools

(Sep 09, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced that nearly $8 million has been awarded to schools in the city for environmental repairs. The awards were secured through the PA Department of Education’s Environmental Repairs Grants program funding provided in the previous year’s state budget (2023-24). The grants are to be used for improvements to air conditioning or heating, removal of lead and asbestos, repairs to roofs or other environmental hazards. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to GA School Shooting

(Sep 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their sympathies for families of the four victims in the recent school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, GA. A 14-year-old student has been arrested in the mass shooting which left two students and two teachers dead, with nine others injured. This is the nation’s 30th mass shooting in 2024. Read more

 

State lawmakers, former UArts staff & students call for better oversight of higher education in PA

(Sep 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5 – In wake of the devastating closure of the University of the Arts, state legislators representing Philadelphia and faculty and students from the now-closed UArts met today for a news conference in front of the former UArts administrative building to discuss new higher education oversight measures to help hold colleges and universities accountable to the communities they serve. UArts suddenly and unexpectedly announced its closure on May 31 due to its precarious financial situation. This left more than 1,000 students without a school to attend, more than 300 staff members without a job, and placed the burden of uncertainty on both of their futures. State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., who represents the legislative district in the PA House where UArts was located, has spearheaded legislative efforts to enhance accountability and transparency in higher education institutions statewide. Included in this year’s state budget were provisions he worked on with state Rep. Bob Merski , D-Erie, requiring the Pennsylvania Board of Education to develop procedures by July 1, 2026, that will ensure orderly closures, teach-out plans, and preservation of student and administrative records when institutions close. Notably, institutions intending to cease operations will risk losing Commonwealth funding under these new regulations. "The sudden closure of UArts left thousands of our constituents in a state of Read more

 

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s announced fare increases

(Sep 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, released the following statement regarding proposed fare increases by SEPTA: “This is the exact scenario we wanted to avoid while we were negotiating the state budget. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania use public transit as a tool to survive. It connects them with important medical appointments, they rely on it to get their groceries, and many people rely on public transit to attend school or work. “SEPTA is not the only agency that will be affected by the budget shortfall in public transit funding; it will trickle down to all of them and have disastrous consequences for Pennsylvanians in both rural and urban communities, not to mention the damage it will do to our state’s economy. “If people do not have access to their only mode of travel and they cannot get to school or work, it sets the commonwealth up for a perilous future, where our constituents have trouble meeting their basic needs and obligations. “We’ve heard from many experts in the public transit sector during the Moving PA Forward by Investing in Roads, Bridges and Transit tour, and our tour will continue throughout the month. “My hope is that after listening to the experts on the significant impact public transit has on the entire state, we can come together and implement a solution for this funding crisis. Pennsylvanians deserve the freedom of movement, and some can only use that Read more

 

Phila. House Delegation Gun Reform & Gun Violence Reduction Legislation

(Sep 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Gun Reform & Gun Violence Reduction Legislation sponsored by Philadelphia House Delegation members Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for additional state funding for public transit following SEPTA’s announced plan for fare adjustments

(Sep 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today called on state lawmakers to work in earnest this fall to shore up public transit systems across the state, especially in Philadelphia where SEPTA is facing a $240 million annual budget deficit and is planning to increase fares. SEPTA officials today announced a plan to increase fares on Dec. 1 and is planning a public hearing on the proposal for Oct. 16. “Today’s decision proves two facts: SEPTA is doing everything they can to prevent a true fare increase, and the PA Senate has to stop holding funding for transit systems hostage to political games,” said Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “We know this decision by SEPTA wasn’t made lightly. The Senate’s reckless refusal to accept the importance of public transit during this year’s budget negotiations is going to impact so many working people. “We’re ready to work with the Senate and all stakeholders to support not just SEPTA riders, but people in every county in Pennsylvania who count on transit to get to work, to school, to shop, to the doctor and more. It must be addressed now, before it is too late,” she said. In March, the delegation played an integral part in passing legislation that would provide recurring funds for public transportation in Pennsylvania. The measure would have significantly increased the transfer of revenue Read more

 

City, state leaders convene in City Hall to applaud passage of Solar for Schools

(Sep 04, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 -- State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, and House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris, D-Phila., visited City Hall to celebrate the passage of the Solar for Schools Act . They were joined by lawmakers from both chambers of the state legislature, city councilmembers, and leaders in education, energy, and labor. Solar for Schools is a grant program designed to help school districts across Pennsylvania install solar panels on their grounds or roofs. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project -- while creating good-paying jobs, reducing environmental impact, and helping to keep costs low for taxpayers. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law on July 17. "I am excited to support the Solar for Schools grant program, a transformative initiative that not only promises to reduce energy costs but also fosters a sustainable future for our schools and communities,” said Harris . “This legislation will enable us to save significant funds -- money that can be reinvested into classrooms and educational resources. Thanks to Representative Fiedler’s dedication, we’re paving the way for a greener future for Pennsylvania’s students and communities." “The Solar for Schools grant program is good for students, taxpayers, Pennsylvania’s workforce and our environment. Not Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 04, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 26, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment and Training Who May Apply: Eligibility of these funds is open to any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: To support the training of medical and mental healthcare providers who treat children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $200,000 in Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately four projects with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: October 4, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street Read more

 

More than $1.4 million in state funding comes to Center City for Washington Square West

(Aug 22, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22 – Today, state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., announced that a state grant worth more than $1.4 million is coming to Center City for the rehabilitation of five streets in the Washington Square West Historic District. “The rehab of these streets will help make it easier for all of our neighbors and visitors to get around Washington Square West while preserving the historic infrastructure that characterizes the neighborhood and connects us to Philadelphia's past,” Waxman said. “This funding from the state is a much-needed investment for the Washington Square West neighborhood and Center City as a whole.” The streets that will be the recipients of this rehab include sections of Quince, Irving, Manning, Hutchinson and Bonaparte. The rehab of these streets will consist of granite block repointing/resetting, select areas of new granite block, resetting granite header and installing ADA ramps. It will be focused in two location clusters of the neighborhood. This funding comes from a more than $51 million total investment across Pennsylvania from the Multimodal Transportation Fund , which provides financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities. By improving transportation assets, this program seeks to enhance communities, pedestrian safety and transit Read more

 

Harris sworn in, ready to get to work
Sep 30, 2024

Carroll sworn in to serve Pennsylvania’s 201st Legislative District in Philadelphia
Sep 30, 2024

Young announces grants for local historic organizations
Sep 24, 2024

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Philadelphia to discuss transportation needs
Sep 23, 2024

Pennsylvania one of growing number of states to target license plate flippers
Sep 18, 2024

Local elected officials, organizations gather to celebrate funding for street rehabilitation in Washington Square West
Sep 17, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 17, 2024

Rep. Parker applauds Gov. Shapiro for closing gap in women’s healthcare
Sep 13, 2024

Giral offers condolences to family of Officer Jaime Roman
Sep 11, 2024

Grants: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 10, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation announces school facilities improvement grants to clean up toxic schools
Sep 09, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to GA School Shooting
Sep 05, 2024

State lawmakers, former UArts staff & students call for better oversight of higher education in PA
Sep 05, 2024

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s announced fare increases
Sep 05, 2024

Phila. House Delegation Gun Reform & Gun Violence Reduction Legislation
Sep 05, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for additional state funding for public transit following SEPTA’s announced plan for fare adjustments
Sep 05, 2024

City, state leaders convene in City Hall to applaud passage of Solar for Schools
Sep 04, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 04, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2024

More than $1.4 million in state funding comes to Center City for Washington Square West
Aug 22, 2024