Tomorrow starts Black Maternal Health Week. Black Maternal Health Week is observed April 11–17, and is a time to listen, learn, and lift up the voices and experiences of Black mothers and birthing people. Read more
Current law limits the use of automated speed enforcement primarily to Philadelphia Read more
Members of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Southeast Delegation today wrote to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to express their strong opposition to proposed gas and electric rate hikes by PECO, according to state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, the delegation chair. Read more
JENKINTOWN, April 7 – State Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, today applauded a new $81,900 grant to the Jenkintown Library from the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries. “Our public libraries are the backbone of our community,” said Nelson. “From community gatherings to educational programs, the Jenkintown Library does so much for our neighbors, and this funding will make it easier for people to patronize the library and provide opportunities for expansion. I am proud to have supported this funding, and I look forward to seeing these renovations come to fruition.” The funding will drive the development of a master plan to improve accessibility, enhance safety, increase energy efficiency, and guide maintenance, renovation, and future expansion. This grant is funded through the Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities program, which prioritizes public library facility projects that address accessibility, energy efficiency and non-routine maintenance of essential systems. Read more
This week, I had the opportunity to join residents in Elkins Park to watch the historic launch of Artemis II, the first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years. Moments like this remind us that innovation and discovery are not just happening far away; they are being celebrated right here in our community. It was inspiring to see families, students, and neighbors come together around a shared sense of curiosity and possibility. Read more
This Women’s History Month felt a little bit more special to me.Perhaps it’s the excitement of America’s 250th Birthday or my daughter’s stepping into her own as a freshman in college or having spent the past many months surrounded by some absolutely amazing women in Harrisburg who are killing it. Reflecting on 2026’s Women’s History Month has left me in awe. Read more
“I am thrilled this legislation, which builds on our state’s commitment to criminal justice reform and reducing recidivism, passed the House,” said Nelson. “Strengthening incentives through earned education credits for people who participate in and complete these proven programs will allow for a leaner, more targeted corrections system, better safety outcomes, and less crime.” Read more
Working hard should mean being able to afford the basics, and right now, too many Pennsylvanians are doing everything right but still struggling to get by. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has not kept pace with the cost of living, and we now lag behind every neighboring state. Read more
PA CareerLink staff will be visiting my office to assist with career counseling, job training, resume development, and more! Read more
WYOMISSING, March 19 – State Reps. Emily Kinkead, Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, and Napoleon Nelson congratulated the workers of Teamsters Local 429 and their president, Bill Shappell, along with the leadership at Sunnyside Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Wyomissing, on reaching a labor agreement on Tuesday, March 17. The labor agreement comes as the future of cannabis access, employment, and entrepreneurship remains a legislative priority in Harrisburg. Such agreements between labor and cannabis operators are a central component to legislation the legislators said they hope will finally legalize adult-use cannabis in PA, achieving Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget priority and bringing the Commonwealth in line with neighboring states. House Bill 20 , offered by Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Rep. Abby Major, R-Armstrong, presents a bipartisan path to legalizing adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania and includes a requirement that dispensaries execute labor peace agreements in order to receive licenses. These contracts between the employer and a union require employers not to interfere with efforts of employees to organize in exchange for concessions like avoiding labor disruptions through strikes, picketing, or lockouts. “Cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania is estimated to create around 30,000 family-sustaining jobs in our Commonwealth and ensuring that those workers have access to a union if they want one, free from any employer interference, only makes Read more
State Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, Lisa Borowski, and Napoleon Nelson were joined by child and family advocates this week at a news conference to urge the passage of bipartisan legislation to create a family and medical leave insurance program in Pennsylvania. Read more
Winter is over. It’s Springtime now. I’m not interested in cold weather anymore. I reject the forecast for this coming Tuesday. Shovels are for gardening now. ?? Anything contrary to this will really jack up my psyche. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 9 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus has announced four honorees for the 2026 Crystal Bird Fauset Award, which recognizes the contributions of Black women as leaders across Pennsylvania. This year’s honorees include: Ciera Dent , Mayor of Steelton Borough Marita Garrett , former Mayor of Wilkinsburg Borough and current CEO, Civically Inc. La Tasha Williams , Judge of the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Jamila Winder , Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Chair “These phenomenal leaders embody the spirit of service, resilience and dedication to justice and opportunity for all,” said state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, Chair of the PLBC. “Their work continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers and reflects the powerful legacy of public leadership in our communities.” The award is named for former Rep. Crystal Bird Fauset, who was the first Black female state legislator elected in the United States. The award honorees will be recognized online on March 26. The event will be streamed on the PLBC Facebook account . Read more
Sometimes legislation is long and complicated and sometimes it is not complicated at all. Cursive is making a comeback in Pennsylvania because of a 7-word bill! Read more
Join us as we remember the Six Triple Eight, the only all female, all African American battalion to serve in World War II with a screening of the movie The Six Triple Eight (2024). Light refreshments and information on state resources will be provided. Read more
Stephen Covey wanted us all to be our best selves. The author who penned such books like "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Principle Centered Leadership" has articulated practices that can help us all live balanced and rewarding lives. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 23 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, chaired by state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, has issued the following statement commending Gov. Josh Shapiro for flying flags at half-staff in honor of the Rev. Jesse Jackson . “Reverend Jackson was a giant in American history,” said Nelson. “He fought endlessly for justice and taught us that faith without action is incomplete. “We commend Gov. Shapiro for taking this step to recognize Rev. Jackson and his life’s work, while encouraging all Pennsylvanians to observe this tribute and carry his memory with us.” Jackson, a longtime civil rights leader and protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., died earlier this month. Shapiro’s order will require all U.S. and commonwealth flags on state facilities, public buildings, and grounds across Pennsylvania to be flown at half-staff in Jackson’s memory until March 7, the final day of his memorial services. Similar declarations have been made in several other states. No such declaration has been made at the federal level. Read more
Lately, I have been thinking about how different kinds of milestones can all nudge us in the same direction. On one hand, many of us just spent time cheering on Olympic athletes, marveling at the kind of discipline it takes to train for years for a moment that lasts seconds. On the other, members of our community are entering sacred seasons like Lent and the upcoming Ramadan, times centered on reflection, generosity, and renewal. Read more
My team and I will be out in the community to connect you with various state resources! Call (215) 572-5210 or email RepNelson@pahouse.net to RSVP. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 17 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus issued the following statement on the death of the Rev. Jesse Jackson. “A giant has transitioned, but his legacy will never leave us. Rev. Jackson taught us that faith without action is incomplete, that justice is worth the fight, and that ordinary people can create extraordinary change. “Because of his courage, generations have more room to dream, lead, and demand dignity. May we honor him by continuing his life’s work, lifting our communities, speaking truth, and never letting hope go silent.” Jackson, who died on Tuesday, was a long-time civil rights leader, a protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and a two-time presidential candidate. Read more
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