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PLBC awards Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership honorees  

(Apr 01, 2022) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, March 31 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, today announced the awardees of the PLBC Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership Award during Women’s History Month. The award is named in honor of former state Rep. Crystal Bird Fauset, who was a Democrat elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1938 and represented Philadelphia’s 18th Legislative District. She was the first Black woman elected in any state legislature. “For too long, Black women and their accomplishments have been ignored,” Bullock said. “This award stands for all of the accomplishments that have been made, all of the accomplishments we are making, and all the accomplishments that are coming. I am so proud to honor each of these Black women with the PLBC Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership Award. In history, some of the greatest movements have been led by Black women -- from the Underground Railroad to the Black Lives Matter movement -- and too often the leadership had been minimized. Our honorees today carry on the great legacy of outstanding women who embody the spirit of Fauset and who have made significant contributions to Pennsylvania and the Black community as leaders and history makers.” The honorees are the House Democratic leader, state Rep. Joanna McClinton, first Black woman leader in the Pennsylvania General Assembly; Estelle Richman, former secretary of the Pennsylvania Department Read more

 

Bullock issues statement on DUI car crash in her district

(Mar 30, 2022) Rep. Donna Bullock

PHILADELPHIA, March 30 – Monday morning, around 11 a.m. a car crash occurred at 30th St. and Girard Ave. The driver who caused the crash was allegedly under the influence, and this crash took the life of a three-year-old child. This crash took place in the legislative district of state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. Bullock issued the following statement on the accident. “My heart goes out to the mother and family of the three-year-old who lost their life in this senseless and tragic accident,” Bullock said. “This occurred a block away from my district office and over the years my staff and I have witnessed several accidents.” Bullock stressed the importance of not driving under the influence. “This tragedy is another reminder to a) not drink and drive and b) have additional traffic calming measures on the stretch of Girard Avenue between 29th and 33rd streets.” Read more

 

Bullock announces PLBC scholarship, application period

(Mar 23, 2022) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, March 23 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, chair of the PLBC, this week announced that the James R. Roebuck Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus scholarship application period is now open. Ten individuals will be selected by the PLBC to receive scholarships worth $1,000 each, which will be awarded through the PLBC Foundation to Pennsylvania residents who meet the following criteria: Be a person of color. Be a graduating high school senior or current undergrad at a college or university. Plan to enroll/return to full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university for the entire upcoming academic year. Attend the scholarship awards presentation in Harrisburg. Complete the online application. Deadline to apply is April 30 and only the first 100 applicants will be processed. Go to https://www.pahouse.com/PLBC and under the scholarship tab, apply online or get more information. “The cost of higher education is climbing and is potentially out of reach for so many students,” said Bullock, D-Phila. “We want to help students who aspire to go to college achieve that goal any way we can. Students are selected based on their academic success, leadership, extracurricular activities, community participation and financial need. This is an important task as we are choosing our future leaders in business, education, medicine and our communities.” Last year the scholarship was renamed the James R. Read more

 

Winter NL 2022

(Feb 27, 2022) Rep. Donna Bullock

My Winter 2022 includes info on my work in Harrisburg Read more

 

PLBC welcomes new executive director

(Jan 11, 2022) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – State Rep. and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chair Donna Bullock today announced that April Ashe is the new executive director of the PLBC. “We welcome April and look forward to her tenure with the Black caucus,” said Bullock, D-Phila. “She has worked with the Democratic Caucus for more than a decade and brings a wealth of knowledge and savvy to the position.” Ashe began her career with the House Democrats as an intern in 2009. She graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in integrated studies from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, with concentrations in political science and psychology. She is currently studying for her master’s degree in educational psychology at Purdue University Global. She has served as a legislative assistant to PLBC members, including former state Rep. Jake Wheatley, Jr., who is now chief of staff for Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. She has worked as a research analyst for the House Commerce, Finance, and Professional Licensure committees. A Harrisburg resident, she holds a monthly Self Care Saturday’s event in her community and is a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Harrisburg, teaching yoga and meditative practices to the youth. She partners with Healthy Harrisburg and speaks to youth groups and single-mother groups on the importance of self-care and emotional intelligence. She can be reached at (717) 772-6955 or through email at Read more

 

Bullock statement on Jan. 5 Fairmount fire

(Jan 06, 2022) Rep. Donna Bullock

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 6 – State Rep. and PA Legislative Black Caucus Chair Donna Bullock released a statement addressing the Jan. 5 Fairmount fire. “The devastating events of yesterday morning have hit home for everyone, particularly because of the tragic loss of life. While the investigation is not over yet, news accounts claim this is the deadliest fire in more than a century in the city. “This is a neighborhood in my legislative district where the people are caring and warm, are families with small children, and are older folks all who come together to make it a community. We are sending our condolences and prayers to everyone impacted and offering assistance where we are able. “But as we move forward, and as we find out definitive facts about this tragedy, it is imperative that we as legislators and community leaders do more to provide resources like affordable housing for families, support for a safe living environment and economic resources as necessary and when people need it the most.” Read more

 

Girard College awarded $750,000 state grant for campus improvements

(Dec 06, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, Dec. 6 – A $750,000 state grant has been awarded to Girard College for campus improvements, according to state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. Girard will use the funding to create a Science Center at the high school. The Science Center project includes renovating the high school, middle school and elementary school science rooms with new systems, ventilation, chemical storage areas, lighting, teaching walls, casework, chemistry hoods and computer network infrastructure, helping to equip Girard students comparably to other independent schools. “Education is the path forward for our children,” Bullock said. “When we provide them with the proper resources and facilities, we open up a world of opportunity for them. These kinds of state government initiatives are essential, especially as we are staring at a world rattled from COVID but one that is destined to survive and even thrive beyond its aftermath.” The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenue or Read more

 

Projects in 195th District awarded more than $670,000 in state funding

(Nov 19, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., today announced Commonwealth Financing Authority grants awarded for projects in the 195 th Legislative District. Neighborhood Gardens Trust was awarded $125,000 to expand the current Brewerytown Garden Preservation by purchasing two vacant lots, opening space by more than 1,000 square feet. Brandywine 3025 was awarded $545,690 for pedestrian improvements along JFK Boulevard between 30 th Street Station and Drexel University. They include a cross walk, curbing and streetscape elements. This project also relocates a high voltage aerial from Highline Bridge to the SEPTA rail yard. “These projects are always important to the district,” Bullock said. “But during this stressful time of COVID-19 and all the fallout from the global pandemic, it’s vital that we don’t get derailed when work needs to be done to preserve history, architecture and culture in our communities.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania's economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania's economic growth. Read more

 

PLBC statement on state police shooting of Monroe County teen

(Nov 19, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today released a statement regarding the release of video of the Pennsylvania State Police shooting of Christian Hall. The Monroe County teen had been diagnosed with depression and was threatening to take his own life on a highway overpass. Recent release of the full version of video of the incident shows Hall had his hands in the air at the time of the shooting. Earlier this year the PLBC sent a letter to the Monroe County District Attorney’s office with a formal request to have the case forwarded to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office for a more objective investigation. “The refusal of the Monroe County DA’s office to refer the case, coupled with the release of the video that authorities previously blurred, is troubling and presents a real conflict. These are the cases that sow public doubt and create tension between law enforcement and residents. A truly objective lens on this would help to mend the fractures that seem evident and even disturbing in this case, both for the family and the public at large. "We unfortunately come back to cases like this again and again across the commonwealth and across the country. Instead of law enforcement recognizing the disconnect that exists with their handling of cases where race and mental illness are involved, they allow cases to be pushed through, then pushed aside at what seems like the benefit of Read more

 

LIHEAP: Expanded Home-Heating Assistance is Available to PA Renters, Homeowners

(Nov 04, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

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

 

Now open for applications: Workforce development, clean diesel, and DC fast charging funding opportunities

(Oct 25, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

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

 

Bullock, Kinsey introduce bill for health equity

(Sep 03, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, Sept. 3 – State Reps. Donna Bullock and Stephen Kinsey, both D-Phila., have introduced a bill that would formally establish the Office of Health Equity in state statute to ensure that Pennsylvania’s current commitment to equitable health care for every resident continues. “Health care is a basic human right,” Bullock said. “This fundamental truth is acknowledged by the World Health Organization and embraced by scores of nations – developed and lower-income countries alike – that have built health systems devoted to providing equal access to quality health care for all citizens. In order to establish an ongoing commitment to the health of all Pennsylvanians, regardless of income, Zip code, etc., this is a necessary step to oversight and advocacy in health care.” According to the Pennsylvania Office of Health Equity, health equity means that every resident can live a healthy life regardless of race, sex, location, education or income level. The office works to ensure all Pennsylvanians receive the care they need, regardless of any of the social or economic factors listed above. “This last year has made abundantly clear that our health system discriminates against marginalized people and populations without access to care,” Kinsey said. “As this catastrophic episode in our history continues to claim the lives of the undervalued and underpaid, we can no longer ignore nor delay righting this Read more

 

Bullock, Hanbidge legislation to require masks for PA schools, daycare centers

(Aug 31, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

According to the CDC, multiple studies have shown that transmission rates within school settings – when prevention strategies are in place – are typically lower than community transmission levels. Read more

 

Police, Labor Relations topic of public hearing hosted by Pa. Legislative Black Caucus Wednesday

(Aug 17, 2021) Policy Committee

Philadelphia, Aug. 17 – State Rep. Donna Bullock is convening a meeting of the House Democratic Policy Committee and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus to discuss the role of labor in police reforms. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 18 at Temple University, Fox Gittis Room, 1776 N. Broad St., Philadelphia . The Fox Gittis Room is located just off the Broad Street Lobby, Alumni Hall at the Liacouras Center. The media and public are encouraged to attend. Masks are required. Additional information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings is available at www.pahouse.com/policy . Read more

 

House Democratic Leaders blast social media troll for comparing Black lawmakers to rioters attacking the U.S. Capitol

(Jul 19, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, Whip Jordan Harris, D-Phila, and Legislative Black Caucus Chair Donna Bullock, D-Phila., issued the following statement today after an elected official trolled social media for attention by comparing Black lawmakers to the insurrectionists who invaded the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Read more

 

PLBC touts $30 million for community violence prevention

(Jun 25, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, June 25 – Today the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus touted the $30 million included in the state budget which will go toward community violence prevention including fighting gun violence, according to state Rep. and PLBC Chair Donna Bullock, D-Phila. Earlier this year, Bullock along with state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Amen Brown, both D-Phila., introduced H.B. 696 which provided for a similar community violence grant program. State Sen. Art Haywood, D-Phila., introduced a companion bill in the Senate. “Gun violence is epidemic in scope but personal in nature,” Bullock said. “The families of loved ones who have lost their lives to gun violence have rallied with us and asked us as legislators to do something. This money is an investment to be used toward that next step in the work for which the PLBC has been laying the groundwork for years. This investment will finally help us move forward to begin investing in programs that we know will work and are led by people in our communities with boots on the ground.” “Countless Pennsylvanians are carrying the physical and mental trauma of gun violence, with many experiencing the devastating effects daily,” Cephas said. “The funding is available for our legislature to become intentional with quelling this public health crisis. As lawmakers, it is our moral obligation to protect residents across this state, and the budget must reflect that. Read more

 

PLBC condemns violent police arrests of teens in Ocean City, MD

(Jun 16, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, June 16 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, and members of the PLBC this week strongly condemned the recent actions of Ocean City, MD police in arresting four Harrisburg teens over alleged vaping and other violations. “I watched the videos of these teens being arrested and saw how quickly things escalated,” Bullock said. “We must ask ourselves – how does a simple citation lead to police violence? How can we better train police to handle these situations? This incident is further proof why there needs to be police reform not just in the commonwealth, but across the nation. We are working on those reforms in Pennsylvania and would hope that other states are following in the same way. “The kind of local mandates and ordinances that led to this incident are similar to pretextual stops. The ordinances allow law enforcement to harass and find reasons to arrest when a simple citation or warning would have sufficed. Instead, we have teens being tased and physically assaulted by law enforcement. “These teens were not armed and to suggest these officers had a right to operate this way is absurd and needs to be addressed. This incident needs to be investigated and these officers need to be held accountable to the fullest extent.” Read more

 

Bullock announces PLBC scholarship awardees

(Jun 03, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, June 3 – State Rep. and PLBC Chair Donna Bullock, D-Phila., this week announced the awardees of the newly renamed James R. Roebuck Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus scholarship for 2021. A virtual award ceremony will take place at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 23. It can be viewed live on Facebook @PALegislativeBlackCaucus and pahouse.com/PLBC. The scholarship recipients are: Jaelynn Pearson, Philadelphia, Hill Freedman World Academy. Labiq Jaigirdar, Philadelphia, George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science. Deiveian Story, Philadelphia, The Workshop School and Community College of Philadelphia, dual enrollment program. Jasmine Vega, Philadelphia, Archbishop John Carroll High School. Abronah C. Taylor, Harrisburg, Kutztown University. Mephki Lopez, Philadelphia, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Mya Hill, Philadelphia, Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School. Annechase Obame , Harrisburg, Central Dauphin East High School. Asia Blocker, Lansdowne, The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr. Norah Ostin, Pittsburgh, Oakland Catholic High School. Criteria for the $1,000 scholarships: A Pennsylvania resident. A person of color. A graduating high school senior or current undergrad at a college or university. Plan to enroll/return in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university for the entire upcoming academic year. Attend the scholarship awards Read more

 

Bullock, Davis take a stand against solitary confinement for vulnerable populations

(Jun 03, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, June 3 — State Reps. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., and Tina Davis, D-Bucks, were joined by state Sen. John Kane, D-Delaware/Chester, at a news conference Wednesday at Eastern State Penitentiary supporting legislation that would prohibit solitary confinement for vulnerable populations. There are over 47,000 inmates in Pennsylvania’s corrections system. One method of discipline is solitary confinement in which inmates are deprived of normal human interaction and any form of intellectual stimulation, such as reading materials. Solitary confinement has been found to induce hallucinations, depression, anxiety, and paranoia, and its impact can be devastating on inmates’ long-term psychological and emotional well-being. House Bill 1037 would prohibit using solitary confinement on: pregnant or postpartum women. women who have recently suffered a miscarriage or terminated a pregnancy. LGBTQ individuals. inmates with certain mental, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. inmates 21 and younger or 55 and older. The bill would also prohibit the use of restraint chairs, chemical agents, and shackles, as well as put an absolute cap on the use of solitary confinement for all inmates at 15 days. “Solitary confinement started at Eastern State Penitentiary in 1829 as an experiment in rehabilitation and prison reform thought to bring out the best in people,” Bullock said. “Instead, the isolation caused extreme mental Read more

 

PLBC Spring-Summer 2021 newsletter

(Jun 01, 2021) Rep. Donna Bullock

PLBC 2021 NL Read more

 

PLBC awards Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership honorees  
Apr 01, 2022

Bullock issues statement on DUI car crash in her district
Mar 30, 2022

Bullock announces PLBC scholarship, application period
Mar 23, 2022

Winter NL 2022
Feb 27, 2022

PLBC welcomes new executive director
Jan 11, 2022

Bullock statement on Jan. 5 Fairmount fire
Jan 06, 2022

Girard College awarded $750,000 state grant for campus improvements
Dec 06, 2021

Projects in 195th District awarded more than $670,000 in state funding
Nov 19, 2021

PLBC statement on state police shooting of Monroe County teen
Nov 19, 2021

LIHEAP: Expanded Home-Heating Assistance is Available to PA Renters, Homeowners
Nov 04, 2021

Now open for applications: Workforce development, clean diesel, and DC fast charging funding opportunities
Oct 25, 2021

Bullock, Kinsey introduce bill for health equity
Sep 03, 2021

Bullock, Hanbidge legislation to require masks for PA schools, daycare centers
Aug 31, 2021

Police, Labor Relations topic of public hearing hosted by Pa. Legislative Black Caucus Wednesday
Aug 17, 2021

House Democratic Leaders blast social media troll for comparing Black lawmakers to rioters attacking the U.S. Capitol
Jul 19, 2021

PLBC touts $30 million for community violence prevention
Jun 25, 2021

PLBC condemns violent police arrests of teens in Ocean City, MD
Jun 16, 2021

Bullock announces PLBC scholarship awardees
Jun 03, 2021

Bullock, Davis take a stand against solitary confinement for vulnerable populations
Jun 03, 2021

PLBC Spring-Summer 2021 newsletter
Jun 01, 2021