HB2458 was introduced without consulting the representatives of the Philadelphia Port, or anyone involved in the business of the port. It proposes risky Liquid Natural Gas development in our residential neighborhoods in the Riverwards and South Philadelphia.My neighbors, who have lived for years with the health impacts of unfettered industry, deserve better. We ALL deserve better. Read more
Attention Pa. Homeowner Assistance Fund applicants! PHFA is traveling around Pa. to help current PAHAF applicants re-register in the new system and to confirm information. Current applications can’t move forward until this step is taken. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 7 – As we close out this week with the passage of the 2023-24 state budget, the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed that the spending plan is far from ideal, but still delivers major support to disadvantaged families in Pennsylvania. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the delegation is pleased to see the inclusion of some of their top priorities for Philadelphia. “We certainly praise the nearly $1.7 billion (7.6% increase) for the School District of Philadelphia,” Cephas said. “We also voted to support $7.5 million to fund indigent defense for the first time in Pennsylvania history, ensuring public defenders have the resources they need to provide legal representation to defendants who cannot pay for it on their own, among other wins. We are moving the state in the right direction,” she added. State Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice-chair of the delegation, pointed out that the budget showcases the commitment of the House Democratic majority with Pennsylvanians, while managing to evade the unnecessary impasses of a bipartisan legislature. “Not a perfect budget; we wished it could have gone further in some areas and programs, but I am proud to say that we didn’t bargain our principles and that we prioritized our school system,” Burgos said. “I am appreciative of the investments in apprenticeships Read more
HARRISBURG, July 5 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., tonight applauded passage of a $714 million increase for education funding in the bipartisan budget that’s headed to the governor with no tax increases. “Pennsylvania has passed a budget that prioritizes education, expands the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program, and paves the way for a brighter future,” Hohenstein said. “The passage of this budget signifies a significant step forward, but let us be clear, this budget is just the beginning. With Commonwealth Court’s decision, it is absolutely clear that we are failing our students. It’s up to us to build on this foundation and deliver a high-quality public education. We must fight for equitable funding that ensures we have the resources necessary to provide a first-class education to every student.” The Philadelphia School District will receive $1.7 billion, a $119.6 million and 7.6% increase from the previous fiscal year. “But let us not forget that there is more work to be done beyond education. That includes justice for survivors of sexual abuse, a minimum wage increase, commonsense gun measures, and the Fairness Act to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination. We must invest in our crumbling infrastructure, improve access to affordable health care, and champion renewable energy to protect our environment and generations to come. We need to restore the early childhood Read more
Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein delivers remarks to support the passage of his U visa bill out of the House Judiciary Committee. This bill would provide immigrant victims of serious crimes with protection, safety, and a pathway to citizenship. He is working to give courts, law enforcement, and other justice agencies the clarity and guidance they need to help these victims recover from their trauma and thrive as survivors. More at http://www.pahouse.com/Hohenstein. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein is weary of a recent change by the Pa. Game Commission that allows more public interactions with wildlife. After a recent incident involving a bison goring a staff member, he's looking to limit public interactions with wildlife to ensure public safety. He believes there should be sensible rules when it comes to interacting with wild animals. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 28 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., applauded the approval of his U visa bill by the PA House Judiciary Committee today. “When you’re the victim of a crime, it shouldn’t matter what your current citizen status is. Every individual deserves compassion and support after a traumatic event,” said Hohenstein. “A U visa can provide safety, and a pathway to citizenship and legal employment for these victims of serious crimes. What we need is clear guidance for certifying agencies such as law enforcement, prosecutors and judges so that they can guarantee these victims’ rights to an expeditious and fair trial.” Hohenstein’s bill would require officials to develop a publicly accessible protocol establishing requirements for certifying officials and agencies related to request processing timeframes, record keeping, language access, training and victim notification for U visa certification. This legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape . Video of the full committee voting meeting is available here . More information is available by contacting Hohenstein’s office at 215-744-2600. ### Read more
Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein applauds the passage of his U visa bill out of the House Judiciary Committee. His bill would provide immigrant victims of serious crimes with protection, safety, and a pathway to citizenship. He is working to give courts, law enforcement, and other justice agencies the clarity and guidance they need to help these victims recover from their trauma and thrive as survivors Read more
Dear members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives:The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) works to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and advocates for the rights of sexual assault victims. We partner with and represent the network of rape crisis centers that provide services to victims of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment in all 67 counties of the Commonwealth. Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Support Families of Child Abuse Victims Who May Apply: Non-profits that specialize in providing service for child abuse victims in Pennsylvania. Use: Implementation of a research or evidence-based trauma training to support non-offending caregivers of child abuse victims. Funds: $250,000 in federal Children’s Justice Act funds. Application Deadline: July 6, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: PA START/STOP Project Who May Apply: Any private non-profit agency, any private for-profit agency, public agency, or unit of local government. Use: The PA START/STOP campaigns aim to increase awareness of the dangers of Opioid abuse, as well as to provide resources to assist parents and caregivers in promoting healthy behaviors among youth to prevent substance use in the first place. Funds: $900,000 in federal State Opioid Response funds. Application Deadline: July 10, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Who May Apply: Local, county, and tribal governments, transit agencies, schools, school districts, nonprofits, and small Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Use: Transportation alternatives, including on- and Read more
Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia, on Tuesday hosted a news conference on the Capitol steps to announce a new bill that would allow local communities to raise funds for their own transportation systems. Read more
Joined by colleagues from the House and Senate and mass transit advocates, Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein talks about his plan to help local governments generate necessary revenue to grow and modernize public transportation systems. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., today hosted a news conference on the Capitol steps to introduce his legislation that would provide local funding options for transportation . “As we have seen this past week, when a transportation crisis occurs, we lean on our public transit system,” Hohenstein said. “SEPTA has stepped up with increased services while I-95 is being repaired. Now we need to step up and give it funding flexibility and give Philadelphia and its surrounding counties the ability to fully support one of the largest people-moving transit systems in the country. Local funding options are essential to the survival of public transit, and public transit is essential for our economic growth.” "I am proud to stand with my colleagues to support increased funding for public transit,” said state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila. “Public transportation is a critical component to our economy as well as protecting our environment. The PA House Democratic Caucus is committed to fighting to make sure our transit systems have all the resources they need." “As SEPTA works to respond to the I-95 collapse with added service, equipment and staff to meet the needs of our city and its residents, I am asking council this week to approve a resolution supporting SEPTA and urging state lawmakers to increase their investment in public transportation and enable local Read more
With multiple traffic safety programs nearing expiration, Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein is working to make sure these life saving measures not only survive, but continue to grow and protect more Pennsylvanians. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein speaks in support of a House bill that promises to bring environmental justice to burdened communities. Hohenstein says that legislation like this not only helps to improve the health of communities, it can also spur economic growth. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein urges his colleagues to be the allies necessary to weed out racism and hate in our society. Hohenstein reminds us that no matter how we how far we think we've come, there is still a need to call out hate when we see it. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, May 15 – State Reps. Joe Hohenstein and Danilo Burgos, both D-Phila., today announced their plan to celebrate National Safe Boating Week. The event will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 18 at the Frankford Boat Launch located at 5501 Tacony St. in Philadelphia along the Delaware River . During the event, conducted in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council and other boating safety advocates across the country, they will promote safe boating practices ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend and the Riverfront North Partnership Fish Fest on May 20 , including: Always wear a life jacket. Take a boating safety course. Never boat under the influence. Have proper registrations or launch permits . Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. The RNP Fish Fest will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 at the same location. This event features free fishing with equipment and instruction provided. Hohenstein, Burgos and the PA Fish and Boat Commission ask that everyone participating follow best fishing practices and boat safely . The event is a celebration of the Commonwealth’s vast boating opportunities, as well as a reminder that safety should be a priority before and during every boating adventure. Boaters are reminded that Waterways Conservation Officers will be on patrol throughout the holiday weekend to Read more
HARRISBURG, May 3 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., celebrated House passage of The Fairness Act in the Pa. House of Representatives. “ As the proud father of an LGBTQ+ individual, it was an honor to vote for The Fairness Act,” Hohenstein said. “But more importantly, it was the right thing to do. Everyone deserves access to affordable housing, a career, an education, and to be treated with respect and decency without discrimination. By passing this, we have let everyone know that Pennsylvania is a safe space to call home.” The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, disability, age and other aspects of an individual’s identity. The Fairness Act would extend these protections to LGBTQ+ individuals and prevent anyone from discriminating against others based on their gender or sexual identity. The landmark 2020 decision on Bostock v. Clayton County by the United States Supreme Court ruled that an employer cannot discriminate against an individual because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill would ensure that this historic victory is codified and extend to Pennsylvanians. If signed into law, Pennsylvania would join 23 other states in the nation that welcome and protect LGBTQ+ people. For more information, those interested can contact Hohenstein’s office at (215) 744-2600. ### Read more
Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein invites Phila. Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson to join him as he hosts a Labor Fair at Kensington Health Sciences Academy. He invited building trade organizations, technical and trade schools, and unions from across the region to speak with students about how to get into a great career. Read more
Dear Senators Casey and Fetterman and Members of Pennsylvania's Congressional Delegation: The undersigned Pennsylvania state legislators who are supporting our Afghan allies in Pennsylvania write to urge you use your congressional oversight authority to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) act expeditiously to provide stable legal status and fair and efficient adjudication to vulnerable Afghans in our region. Read more
HARRISBURG, APRIL 26 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced that an important set of firearm safety bills was approved by the PA House Judiciary Committee today and is on its way to consideration by the full House. The package of legislation, which cleared its first key committee, is aimed at securing prompt reporting of theft or loss of firearms, keeping guns secure around children, regulating background checks, and repealing provisions relating to the sale or transfer of firearms, among other regulations. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that this is a remarkable day for the delegation as another hurdle in efforts to deflate gun violence has been cleared. “This victory is long overdue. We are finally moving gun violence bills out of the Judiciary Committee. We have relentlessly fought for these bills”, Cephas said. “In a republican majority there was no chance for any kind of gun reform, but the time has come, and we couldn’t be more optimistic about this process. State Rep. Darisha Parker indicated that the bill on Safe Storage (H.B. 731) would help to save lives. Parker proposed consolidating statutes for firearms and other dangerous articles, providing for locking device for firearms. "There is no reason that anyone should lose a loved one because of a mishandled firearm," Parker said. "My legislation would Read more
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