HARRISBURG, Oct. 26 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Health will administratively introduce changes to the birth certificate process, as proposed in legislation he has introduced that would allow disadvantaged minors to access their birth certificates . “Disadvantaged Black youth are at highest risk of being victims of gun violence in our city,” Krajewski said. “I heard their stories of how the inability to access their birth certificates were holding them back from seeking opportunities to improve their lives, and I knew I needed to act. We introduced House Bill 1475 to remove one of many barriers preventing them from being able to better their lives, and I am grateful for the Department of Health’s partnership on this critical issue.” “This regulatory change is a huge win for my clients who are in foster care or transitioning out,” said Saumya Ayyagari, public health nurse home visitor for Philadelphia Nurse-Family Partnership. “Now they can claim their identity and take charge of their financial, educational and career goals.” “This is a transformational change that impacts young people in our state in a positive way,” said Kendra Van de Water, co-founder and executive director for YEAH Philly. “Not only can working-age youth now have the autonomy and access to get their own birth certificates, but now we’ve helped make Read more
HARRISBURG, April 14 – State Reps. Rick Krajewski and Elizabeth Fiedler introduced the Pennsylvania Recreational Infrastructure Revitalization Act this week. The bill, which is in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives awaiting a vote, would allocate $500 million from American Rescue Plan funds to repair and invest in parks and recreational spaces throughout the state. Krajewski and Fiedler said that they believe that this funding is important to improve community safety and well-being. “The young people and community of West and Southwest Philadelphia deserve a park and recreation center where they can safely play, recreate, meet, learn and have fun,” Krajewski said. “With gun violence ravaging our communities, we need to invest in our public spaces to allow at-risk youth to enjoy community and leisure.” During the pandemic, the usage of parks and recreational spaces increased by 20%. Parks and recreation centers are valuable public resources that provide opportunities for children, youth and families to play and recreate. Research finds that well-designed and -maintained urban parks can reduce gun violence, improve safety, and keep residents healthier, while poorly designed and maintained parks lead to more crime, according to the bill’s co-sponsorship memo. “Parks are a valuable part of our communities. It gives people a place to be outside, exercise and socialize,” Fiedler said. “As the usage of parks Read more
HARRISBURG , Feb. 16 -- Lawmakers from the state House and Senate held a news conference today to outline plans to restore Pennsylvania’s depleted Emergency Rental Assistance Program and help thousands whose incomes were affected by the pandemic. State Senators Vincent Hughes, Art Haywood and Nikil Saval, along with Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rick Krajewski and Sara Innamorato, were joined by housing experts from the state’s largest counties to discuss their legislation that will direct $500 million into ERAP to provide relief for tens of thousands of renters and landlords whose applications were stalled when their counties ran out of funds. “President Biden, Vice President Harris and Congressional Democrats made providing rental assistance to low- and middle- income families a top priority through two COVID-related bills; unfortunately, the need for assistance has far outpaced available funds,” said Hughes, Democratic Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Our proposal is tailored to get additional resources to those communities where the need is greatest and there is the greatest number of applications without funding.” Philadelphia shut down applications for ERAP in the first week of January, estimating that more than 50,000 applications were still pending when funding ran out. Berks County shut down their program in 2021. Allegheny County is expecting to run out of funds with 30,000 Read more
The pandemic has laid bare the crucial role that schools, homes, and parks and recreation centers have played in ensuring residents’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Investing in these facilities and spaces is an investment into the survival and long-term health of the people in this Commonwealth as we fight through a third year of a global pandemic and a rapidly changing climate. Read more
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HARRISBURG, Jan. 12 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., announced today that the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has awarded Kingsessing Library $60,000 for improvements. “Kingsessing Library is a hub of resources in our community, and I am excited to see $60,000 in grant funding coming back to my district to help Kingsessing Library with costs for improvements that will benefit all the neighbors in the Kingsessing neighborhood,” Krajewski said. Kingsessing Library plans to use the funds to cover the costs of furniture, equipment and other physical improvements to its facility. “The Kingsessing Library is overjoyed to receive this grant, thanks to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and our state representative, Rick Krajewski," said Ben Remsen, library manager for the adult/teen section. "These funds will allow us to replace outdated furniture to make the library more warm and welcoming and allow us to update the technology to help us close the digital divide, which is a major issue in the Kingsessing community." Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 7 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., announced today that three projects in his district have been awarded a combined $2,917,713 for redevelopment projects. “Redevelopment grants pay dividends beyond the actual award amount because they contribute to the creation of jobs and the betterment of facilities and programs in our community, which our residents will benefit from long after the projects are completed,” Krajewski said. “I’m glad to see this funding returning to my district, and I’m excited to see the projects they will support continue toward completion.” The three projects in Krajewski’s district that have been awarded funding are: $250,000 for The Woodlands to make improvements to the entrance, including installing a crosswalk connecting the front gates to the trolley portal, restoring the front entry gatehouses, and improving site lighting and entry/road improvements; and improvements to the Stable building will be transformed into a welcoming hub for visitors to the site, allowing for increased programming, including visitor orientation, education and meeting space, and rental and event space. Additional renovations include roof demolition, carpentry and installation of new metal roof, systems installation including fire protection, plumbing, HVAC and electrical. $667,713 for the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia to improve ADA accessibility through renovation in three Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 23 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has awarded a $25,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant to Kingsessing Recreation Center to replace outdated, unsafe playground equipment. “I’m thrilled to see this funding returning to our district to benefit the children at Kingsessing Recreation Center,” Krajewski said. “This will make the playground safer for the children who use the equipment, and investments in our children are investments in our future.” The funding for the grant comes from Act 13 of 2012, which established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. The program allows funds to be used for projects which involve development, rehabilitation and improvements to public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails and river conservation. Contact Krajewski’s office at 215-724-2227 for more information about the grant. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who Can Apply : Existing drop-in centers in Allegheny, Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. Single County Authorities (SCAs) are not eligible to apply, nor are DDAP-licensed treatment providers. Use : To expand drop-in center services for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) in areas of the commonwealth experiencing high overdose deaths. Funds : Approximately two to three grants up to $650,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline : December 13 More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/DDAPFunding/Pages/Funding-Opportunities.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training (PACTT) Grants (Funding Source: General Fund) Who Can Apply : Residential facilities, community-based, and/or juvenile probation office providers that are PACTT Affiliates primarily serving adjudicated delinquent youth. Use : To advance academic and career/technical training among adjudicated youth receiving services while in residential facilities, from community-based providers, and through juvenile probation departments. Funds : Up to $75,000. Application Deadline : December 22 More Information Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 8 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., has announced a $99,500 grant has been awarded to Woodlands Cemetery to help with several improvements on the grounds. “Working with community partners to bring state funds back to our district is truly my privilege as a state representative,” Krajewski said. “The Woodlands is a beautiful and historic space, visited by many from Philadelphia as well as people who live outside of our city. I’m glad that this grant funding will allow The Woodlands to make needed improvements, which I hope will allow for more visitors to come and enjoy the peace and serenity of the space.” The grant funding, which Krajewski worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to secure, will be used to restore ironwork at the front gates and improve the entrance and to repave roads in areas that are in the most need, to ensure the road system is safe for the community to use for recreational activities. “This grant funding will help enhance The Woodlands by restoring portions of our iron front entry gates along Woodland Avenue and by repaving sections of our roads, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and accessible space for West Philadelphians,” said Jessica Baumert, executive director of The Woodlands. "We're thrilled to receive this grant funding and so grateful for Representative Krajewski's help in securing these funds." The Woodlands' Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Labor & Industry: Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grants (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit agencies (community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, etc.) or small businesses meeting certain criteria (see program guidelines). Uses : To provide digital literacy classes emphasizing career development skills, including digital fundamentals, digital job seeking, digital citizenship, and digital information. Funds : Grants of up to $45,000 each. Application Deadline : December 21 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: State Clean Diesel Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding and State Mitigation Trust - Volkswagen Emissions Settlement) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania Businesses, Incorporated Nonprofits, State, Local, or Tribal Government Agencies, Air Quality or Transportation Organizations, Metropolitan or Rural/Regional Transportation Planning Organizations, and Federal Government Agencies. Uses : Diesel emission reduction projects, including, but not limited to: verified exhaust controls; engine upgrades and certified remanufacture systems; verified idle reduction technologies; certified engine Read more
As winter approaches and we prepare to spend even more time indoors, utility bills are only going to get more expensive. Additionally, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn have made it difficult for many to keep up with home energy bills. No Pennsylvanian should ever have to worry that their heat will be shut off during the coldest and darkest months of the year. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) that provides assistance for home heating bills so Pennsylvanians can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for both renters and homeowners. LIHEAP helps some of the commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens — children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families — make ends meet. Anyone who may need help, or anyone who has loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this program, is encouraged to apply for LIHEAP today. APPLY FOR LIHEAP LIHEAP FACTS How do I apply for LIHEAP? Depending on preference, different options are available to apply for LIHEAP: Apply online: Pennsylvanians can apply at www.compass.state.pa.us . Paper applications: Call the LIHEAP Helpline at 1-866-857-7095 to request a paper application. Paper applications can also be downloaded from the DHS LIHEAP web page . County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients Read more
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Pa. state Rep. Rick Krajewski says that a single parent working full time at minimum wage is still $2,340 below the poverty line. These are not livable wages. He says these are poverty wages we are expecting single parents to raise children on. It is insulting and it is disrespectful. There is a direct correlation between poverty and gun violence. Krajewski is fighting to raise the minimum wage in Pa. for the first time in 15 years so that fewer children and working parents have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Read more
From support for local businesses to job training, there are a number of grant funding opportunities in Pennsylvania. Here's a look at what's available right now: STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Driving PA Forward Level 2 EV Charging Rebate Program (Funding Source: State Mitigation Trust - Volkswagen Emissions Settlement) Who May Apply : Business, charitable organizations, incorporated nonprofits, local government entities, school districts, and other entities. Use : Rebates for Level 2 EV charging equipment for public use at government owned property, public use at non-government owned property, non-public use at work places, non-public use at multi-unit dwellings. Funds : Maximum rebates of $4,000 per plug for full public access and networked charging projects, $3,500 per plug for multi-unit dwelling projects and $3,000 per plug for all other eligible projects, including workplace charging. Application Deadline : First come, first-served. More Information : Click on https://gis.dep.pa.gov/drivingpaforward/ . Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Children’s Trust Fund (Funding Source: Children’s Trust Fund) Who May Apply : Any organization operating in Pennsylvania that provides direct services and meets the criteria in this Request for Applications (“RFA”) is eligible to apply. Use : To support community-based child abuse and neglect Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol: Pregnancy Support Services (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Community service providers able to serve pregnant and postpartum women with stimulant or opioid misuse issues. Single County Authorities (county drug and alcohol offices) and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) licensed treatment providers are not eligible to apply. Use : To provide pregnancy support services or make referrals to aid pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder. Funds : Approximately 10 to 12 grants up to $600,000 each will be awarded for 18-month projects. Application Deadline : July 13 at 12 PM. More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/DDAPFunding/Pages/Funding-Opportunities.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: 2021-22 PA Academic and Career/Technical Training (PACTT) Competitive Funding (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Privately operated residential facilities, community-based providers, and juvenile probation offices that are not currently PACTT Affiliates. Use : To develop programs in the following PACTT service areas that adhere to PACTT Standards in order to gain affiliate status: core programming; academic instruction; work related services; and job skills training. Funds : Grants of up to $20,000. No Read more
While the bill doesn’t directly attempt to limit abortion access, Democrats argued that it would cause hesitation among pregnant people to seek care. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 7 — State Reps. Rick Krajewski and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., pushed back against the false right-wing narrative regarding voting integrity efforts Monday, instead promoting the need to increase access to voting for all, and especially for those whose voting rights are under attack. “Over the past 18 months, as we have seen unprecedented movements and victories in the fight against police violence, the defeat of Donald Trump, Democratic control of the U.S. Senate and more; we have also seen a steep increase in attempts by the right-wing elite to disenfranchise the marginalized people who have benefited from these achievements,” Krajewski said during the Defending Democracy event he and Kenyatta led. “That is no coincidence. “Government should be by the people, for the people, but as the people have started shaking things up and dismantling the status quo, their rights to choose their elected officials through free and fair elections have come under attack through farcical efforts to question the integrity of our elections,” Krajewski continued. “We will not stand for this misleading misdirection and we wanted to bring this issue into the spotlight so we can examine the ways in which access to voting must be expanded and voting rights upheld.” “Voter suppression tactics have become as American as apple pie, with almost every generation of Black and brown Americans having to combat Read more
HARRISBURG, June 2 – Today’s roundtable discussion hosted by state Rep. Rick Krajewski further cemented the need for action on how eviction records are handled in Pennsylvania. Krajewski was joined by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee to discuss how eviction proceedings impact tenants long-term and shared how their legislation would establish eviction expungement procedures. Fiedler explained: “I’m proud to hold his hearing to draw attention to a bill I have, with Rep. Krajewski, that would give people who have faced eviction through no fault of their own, the chance to have their record sealed and move on with their life. An eviction filing can lead to a domino effect of traumatic life-changing events that start with losing your home, and can include losing your community, your support system, your children’s school, your employment and more. We need to do everything we can as a society to prevent that from happening to adults, senior citizens, children and all families.” The committee heard testimony from Catherine Anderson, supervising attorney, eviction diversion program, Philadelphia Legal Assistance; Gale Schwartz, associate director, policy and strategic initiatives, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania; Anne Wright, chief technology officer, RentHelpPgh; Nicolás Pastore, former legislative intern, Read more
HARRISBURG, May 28 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., is working on legislation to help people with evictions on their record and the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People will explore how eviction sealing would impact landlords and tenants. The roundtable discussion will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 2. The media and public are invited to watch online at www.pahouse.com/policy or on the committee’s Facebook page--@PADemPolicy. Media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Subcommittee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee will join Krajewski for the roundtable discussion that will include how current law negatively impacts tenants and protects bad-acting landlords and how the proposed legislation would tackle that using a commonsense approach to ensure Pennsylvanians have access to safe housing. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more
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