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Krajewski announces birth certificate application changes for minors with DOH

Rep. Rick Krajewski

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Krajewski kinship bill unanimously passes PA Senate

(Dec 11, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – Legislation ( H.B. 1058 ) introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously today and will now head to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. “My bill would ensure that kinship care providers – like grandparents, and family friends – are fully considered during child custody proceedings,” Krajewski said. “It’s a commonsense reform that will have a major positive impact on vulnerable youth, preventing community displacement and trauma.” H.B. 1058 would make child custody proceedings more inclusive of potential kinship care providers by requiring courts to solicit and consider the opinions of those who engaged with family finding and kinship care programs. While living with kin minimizes childhood trauma and increases well-being , fewer than 42% of children receiving care in the state are placed in a kinship home. “As advocates of kinship care for youth in Pennsylvania, we believe this bill would strengthen support systems for young people in the child welfare system,” said Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia in a joint letter of support for the bill. “No child should be unnecessarily placed in a county youth agency,” Krajewski said. “I appreciate Senate lawmakers coming together to Read more

 

Krajewski elected Chair of Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing

(Dec 07, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, Dec. 7 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., was elected chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing during the commission’s quarterly meeting today. “I’m truly honored that my colleagues on the commission have put their faith in me,” Krajewski said. “I look forward to serving as chair of the commission and I’m excited to figure out how I can be helpful in continuing to foster the relationship between the legislature and the commission.” Krajewski is taking over as chair of the commission from Judge Tamara R. Bernstein, who started on the commission in 2017 and was elected as chair in 2022. “Judge Berstein was always generous with her time when I was a new member, answering any questions I had and explaining to me the best ways to navigate sometimes difficult situations. I’m grateful for all of her support along the way,” he said. The Commission on Sentencing is responsible for creating and maintaining sentencing guidelines, leading new research and consulting the legislature on policy. Krajewski has been a member of the commission since 2020 and was elected vice chair in 2022. “As a longtime advocate for criminal justice reform, and even more so, as someone with family that has been directly involved in the system, these issues are deeply personal and important to me,” said Krajewski. Read more

 

PA State Legislators Call for Congressional Support for Ceasefire and Release of Hostages

(Nov 22, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly called for congressional support for a ceasefire, for the release of all hostages, and for humanitarian aid to residents throughout the region impacted by the ongoing violence. Writing to members of Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation, the state legislators expressed the following: We, the undersigned state elected representatives from across Pennsylvania, believe that all of us, no matter our religion, ethnicity, or nationality, deserve a life of safety and freedom for ourselves and our families. We are united with our constituents in grieving the violence against thousands of Israelis and Palestinians over the last few weeks. As of November 18th, according to the AP, over 1,200 Israelis and over 11,470 Palestinians, two-thirds of whom are women and children, have been killed, and about 2,700 Palestinians are reported missing. Approximately 240 Israelis are being held hostage by Hamas, including 32 children. Every life is sacred; one life lost is too many. Violence against more civilians, including children, will not make the Israeli and Palestinian people safer or bring loved ones home. Violence abroad has also brought us increased incidences of Islamophobic and anti-Semitic hate crimes here at home. We know violence only begets more violence and human suffering. The U.S. federal government has the diplomatic power to intervene and curb this violence, and, as members of Congress, you are in a unique Read more

 

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation

(Nov 13, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, Nov.13 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, Elizabeth Fiedler, Rich Krajewski and Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris, all D-Phila., held a news conference today to highlight their legislation, House Bill 1769, that would seal some records in certain cases such as no-fault evictions. “We all deserve a safe, warm place to call home, but for millions of renters across the commonwealth, one mistake or emergency can lead to an eviction,” Smith-Wade-El said. “After evictions, households can struggle for months to find housing, which can break up families, risk employment, and lead to homelessness. This legislation would help give Pennsylvania’s renters a fair chance at finding housing by establishing procedures for limited access to eviction records. This legislation is a commonsense step that would make it easier for working-class Pennsylvanians to access housing.” According to the legislators, as soon as an eviction is filed, it becomes a permanent mark on someone’s background, making harder to find housing. The record remains even if the case was withdrawn, the tenant endured domestic violence, or the court found in favor of the tenant. Evictions disrupt workforce development for large swaths of communities and strain existing social support systems throughout the state. These records can put vulnerable people in difficult and dangerous situations, putting survivors of domestic violence Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation helps move eviction reform bill following City Hall public hearing

(Nov 02, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, Nov. 2 – This week, legislation ( H.B. 287 ) introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., to make commonsense eviction reforms in Philadlephia was approved by the House Housing and Community Development Committee on a 14-11 vote. Six Philadelphia House Delegation members, including Krajewski and delegation Chairwoman state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. sit on the committee. All six voted to approve the legislation. The bill would require eviction in Philadelphia to (1) be carried out by a public entity, (2) receive oversight from a review board, and (3) involve accompanying behavioral health professionals. Krajewski’s introduction of H.B. 287 comes after three shootings during evictions carried out by Philadelphia’s Landlord-Tenant Officer this summer. Following those incidents, in August, the Philadelphia House Delegation co-hosted a public hearing on the issue at Philadelphia City Hall with the state House Housing and Community Development Committee. “Evictions are the worst day in someone’s life, and we need to do everything we can to make sure they’re carried out safely and with compassion,” Krajewski said. “Philadelphia's violent, for-profit eviction system is an outlier statewide and desperately needs to be replaced. No one should fear for their life because they can’t make rent.” Cephas celebrated advancement of the bill, she said Read more

 

Legislation ending for-profit evictions in Philadelphia reported out of House Housing & Community Development Committee

(Oct 31, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, Oct. 31 – Legislation ( H.B. 287 ) introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., that would overhaul Philadelphia’s eviction process was approved by the House Housing and Community Development Committee today and now heads to the House chamber for consideration. This legislation was introduced by Krajewski in partnership with Reps. Morgan Cephas, Tarik Khan and Roni Green following a series of shootings that occurred during evictions carried out by Philadelphia’s landlord-tenant officers. It would change Philadelphia’s eviction system by requiring that evictions be carried out by a public entity, receive oversight from a review board and involve accompanying behavioral health professionals. “Evictions are the worst day in someone’s life, and we need to do everything we can to make sure they’re carried out safely and with compassion. Philadelphia's violent, for-profit eviction system is an outlier statewide and desperately needs to be replaced,” Krajewski said. Krajewski said H.B. 287 would halt the unaccountable for-profit behavior of the LTO, the only private entity performing evictions in Pennsylvania, and provide a model for publicly accountable evictions that can be replicated statewide. The bill is supported by the Philadelphia City Council, the mayor of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office Read more

 

Bills to improve voting access for incarcerated individuals draw support from lawmakers, advocates

(Oct 19, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

“This process will include dissemination of registration forms, ballot applications and ballots, civic education for voters to learn how to cast their vote, and designated staff to handle the collection and return of ballots. We will also be collecting data from each facility to oversee the effectiveness of their procedures,” Krajewski said. Read more

 

Krajewski, voting rights organizations rally for the voting rights of incarcerated individuals

(Oct 18, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., joined The PENNfranchise Project, All Voting is Local, Human Rights Coalition, Healing Communities PA, NAACP Philadelphia Branch, Abolitionist Law Center, Black Voters Matter, The Philadelphia Sun, West End Power and fellow advocates to participate in a rally in support of voting rights for the incarcerated Wednesday on the Capitol steps. “The ability to vote is not a privilege nor something to be taken away at the state’s discretion; it is a civil right and one of the load-bearing pillars of freedom, equality and democracy,” Krajewski said. “The injustice inflicted every time it’s not treated as such should be apparent to all. Yet, often incarcerated individuals in our state are barred and denied this very right. Expanding voting access not only strengthens our democracy but recognizes the humanity of people involved in our criminal legal system and helps them stay on a path of rehabilitation.” Krajewski has introduced legislation this session that would permit all incarcerated individuals in correctional institutes to be eligible to vote by absentee ballot and require the PA Department of State to create a uniform policy for civic education in correctional institutions and to provide correctional institutions with information pertaining to voter registration, absentee ballots and eligibility requirements, as well as all Read more

 

Krajewski: Investment Is Key to Growing Diverse Businesses, Communities

(Sep 07, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

Pa. state Rep. Rick Krajewski thanks Governor Josh Shapiro for signing an executive order that will help small, diverse businesses compete for state funding. Krajewski points to the 52nd Street Corridor in West Philly as an example of the difference investment in Black and brown businesses can make in growing a local economy, reviving historically diverse communities and supporting historically disadvantaged businesses. Read more

 

Housing advocates say Philly’s for-profit eviction system lacks dignity and compassion

(Aug 31, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

“A tenant facing eviction deserves to know when their eviction will occur. They deserve for it to occur without the threat of physical violence. And they deserve transitional services to help them process and recover from their loss of housing,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia). Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation advancing eviction reform

(Aug 30, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 30 – In response to a series of violent incidents involving landlord-tenant officers taking place in the city, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today said the organization has been working hand in hand with the House Housing and Community Development Committee to help end the practice of private contractors performing eviction services. As part of this collaboration, both organizations held a public hearing Tuesday in the Philadelphia City Council Chambers on proposed reforms regarding landlord and tenant officers and evictions. Rep. Morgan Cephas, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, explained that a vital concern is that the eviction services are executed by people without the proper training, and carrying guns. “Moving forward there needs to be accountability and transparency with an agency that is responsible to the citizens of Philadelphia,” Cephas said. “We are determined to take this task away from the unaccountable, private entities. “We respect the need for landlords to run their business and receive their payments in a timely manner. However, the need for compassionate, respectful interaction with tenants was made obvious in the hearing,” she added. Rep. Mike Sturla, chair of the PA House Housing and Community Development Committee, highlighted that when it comes to housing it is important to look at the Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for bold changes in eviction process

(Jul 20, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, July 20 – After the third eviction-related shooting since March in Philadelphia, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today said the organization is determined to help end the practice of private contractors performing eviction services in the city to avoid more violent incidents. “The imminent threat of being displaced from home can put anybody into a rage and despair mode. If you add to this scenario people without the proper training, carrying guns to handle evictions, the outcome can be fatal,” said Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, who is organizing upcoming hearings in August about the evictions with state Rep. Mike Sturla, chair of the PA House Housing & Community Development Committee. “Philadelphia’s landlord-tenant officer has temporarily stopped evictions, but this is a turning point: evictions must be handled by public officials and our delegation will be working to introduce legislation to regulate this process. We are ready to establish policies that would support critical demands in this system, like proper protocol and de-escalations practice to protect the safety and integrity of the tenants,” she added. State Rep. Rick Krajewski, who will be introducing a bill addressing the subject, explained that the mercenary mentality of private contractors working for the city's landlord-tenant officer serves no public good. Krajewski indicated that Read more

 

Infrastructure, Housing, Transportation, and Safety Funding Opportunities

(Jul 05, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

Below are several grant programs that are currently open for applications. PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program Who May Apply: Museums that are in Pennsylvania with annual operating budgets exceeding $100,000 (excluding capital and in-kind services) and at least one full-time professional staff person and that are not supported by other state agency funding programs and official County Historical Societies designated as the official historical society for the county. Use: The goal of this program is to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museums and allow applicants to determine how to use funds for operating expenses. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, salaries, benefits, insurance, food service, travel, professional development, marketing, and equipment. Funds: Grant awards range from $2,500 to $65,000. Application Deadline: November 7, 2023 More information: PHMC Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) Program Who May Apply: Municipality, Economic Development Organization, Redevelopment Authorities, Municipal Authorities, Industrial Development Agencies. For-profit businesses are not eligible to apply for the PA SITES Program. However, an eligible applicant may apply for a site owned and controlled by the Read more

 

Krajewski Kinship bill unanimously passes PA House

(Jun 22, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1058 ) introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., unanimously passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and will now head to the state Senate for consideration. House Bill 1058 would make child custody proceedings more inclusive of potential kinship care providers by requiring courts to solicit and consider the opinions of those who engaged with family finding and kinship care programs. While living with kin (relatives and close family friends) minimizes childhood trauma and increases wellbeing , f ewer than 42% of children receiving care in the state are placed in a kinship home. “This simple change in where a youth calls home can help a child resume attending school, reforge their community connections, and avoid being at-risk for violence. As we're hit by a gun violence crisis, it is essential that we do all we can to keep communities intact and minimize childhood trauma. ” Krajewski said. “We took an important step in moving this legislation out of the House. Now, I urge my Senate colleagues to do the same in their chamber so we can get it signed into law and ensure foster kids find homes with people who will be best for their growth and futures.” Read more

 

Krajewski kinship care legislation clears House committee

(Jun 07, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, June 7 – Today, the House Children and Youth Committee voted to report to the full House for a vote H.B.1058 , introduced by Rep. Rick Krajewski D-Phila., which would make child custody proceedings more inclusive of potential kinship care providers. Krajewski said that when a child is taken from their home and into the custody of a county youth agency it can be a deeply traumatic experience. Living with kin – such as relatives, grandparents, and close family friends – is better for children, minimizing childhood trauma and increasing well-being. Despite this, only 42% of Pennsylvania’s children receiving care are placed in a kinship home , and potential kin providers can be excluded from consideration because of implicit bias, family poverty and red tape. This bill would require that in child custody proceedings, courts solicit and consider the opinions of those who engaged with family finding and kinship care programs. This would ensure that courts are fully aware of the strengths and qualifications of potential kinship providers before they place a child in a county youth agency. “As advocates of Kinship Care for youth in Pennsylvania, we believe this bill would strengthen support systems for young people in the child welfare system,” wrote Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia in a joint letter of support for H.B.1058. Read more

 

Rep. Krajewski 2023 Spring Newsletter

(Jun 06, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

This newsletter includes updates from Harrisburg, a recap of district events and information on state programs. Read more

 

PA lawmakers form Progressive Caucus

(May 23, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

Focusing on prioritizing people over profit, fighting social inequality Read more

 

Krajewski Works with Neighbors to Clear the Air

(May 03, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

Pa. state Rep. Rick Krajewski brings parents and neighbors together to assemble low-cost, high-efficiency air purifiers for classrooms at Lea Elementary School. Lea is one of many Phila. School District buildings in dire need of renovation but Krajewski says the students and teachers can’t wait for those necessary HVAC upgrades. The filter boxes will help to remove pollutants from the air in classrooms and common spaces throughout the school. Read more

 

Krajewski announces $1.75 million in state funding for local projects

(Mar 16, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

PHILADELPHIA, March 16 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., today announced three projects in his legislative district that were awarded a combined $1.75 million in state funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The projects awarded this funding include: $1 million to PIDC Financing Corporation on behalf of the Public Health Management Corporation to upgrade the Public Health Campus on Cedar's parking garage. $500,000 to the city of Philadelphia for the construction of a synthetic sports field at the corner of Kingsessing Avenue and South 49th Street. $250,000 to PIDC Financing Corporation on behalf of The Woodlands Cemetery Company of Philadelphia for renovating a historic building at The Woodlands. “I am proud of the $1.75 million in state grant funding that will be coming to our district and excited for how these funds will contribute to West and Southwest Philly being a place where people are cared for and can thrive,” Krajewski said. “The improvements at the Cedar Ave Health Campus are essential to ensuring that our residents receive the world class care they need right in their neighborhood. Kingsessing Recreation Center is an essential public resource, and these funds will provide improved spaces for our youth to play safely. The Woodlands is a beloved treasure and provides outdoor green space for our community to exercise, relax, and reflect. Public money Read more

 

Expungement Clinic

(Mar 10, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

Expungement Clinic Read more

 

Krajewski kinship bill unanimously passes PA Senate
Dec 11, 2023

Krajewski elected Chair of Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing
Dec 07, 2023

PA State Legislators Call for Congressional Support for Ceasefire and Release of Hostages
Nov 22, 2023

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation
Nov 13, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation helps move eviction reform bill following City Hall public hearing
Nov 02, 2023

Legislation ending for-profit evictions in Philadelphia reported out of House Housing & Community Development Committee
Oct 31, 2023

Bills to improve voting access for incarcerated individuals draw support from lawmakers, advocates
Oct 19, 2023

Krajewski, voting rights organizations rally for the voting rights of incarcerated individuals
Oct 18, 2023

Krajewski: Investment Is Key to Growing Diverse Businesses, Communities
Sep 07, 2023

Housing advocates say Philly’s for-profit eviction system lacks dignity and compassion
Aug 31, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation advancing eviction reform
Aug 30, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for bold changes in eviction process
Jul 20, 2023

Infrastructure, Housing, Transportation, and Safety Funding Opportunities
Jul 05, 2023

Krajewski Kinship bill unanimously passes PA House
Jun 22, 2023

Krajewski kinship care legislation clears House committee
Jun 07, 2023

Rep. Krajewski 2023 Spring Newsletter
Jun 06, 2023

PA lawmakers form Progressive Caucus
May 23, 2023

Krajewski Works with Neighbors to Clear the Air
May 03, 2023

Krajewski announces $1.75 million in state funding for local projects
Mar 16, 2023

Expungement Clinic
Mar 10, 2023