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Majority Policy Committee examines affordable housing crisis

(Mar 28, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

“Rising prices for rent and construction costs continue to displace people,” said Rep. Danilo Burgos, who is the Policy Subcommittee chairman of Progressive Policies for Working People. “But this hearing helped illustrate that the housing crisis also has a negative impact on equity and environmental issues – forcing workers to commute great distances since acquiring housing near available jobs is not always possible.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation looking ahead to protect tap water safety

(Mar 27, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, March 27 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed its position on the challenges faced by the city following the Delaware River pollution incident occurred Friday when 81,000 gallons of acrylic latex polymer were spilled in the river by a chemical processing plant. “We are relieved to say that Philadelphia’s water remains safe to drink -- that it has not been impacted by the chemical spill caused as a result of equipment failure at a Trinseo PlC plant,” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas. “This opens a door to adjustments and an exhaustive reevaluation of our emergency plan when it comes to critical situations like the one we experienced this past weekend. “The Pennsylvania Constitution guarantees the right to pure water for all Pennsylvanians. While it appears we may have avoided an environmental catastrophe in this situation, our city and state must be prepared for potential disasters in the future,” Cephas said about the spill that happened Friday in Bucks County. Danilo Burgos, vice chair of the delegation, emphasized that as the city moves forward, the Philadelphia House Delegation will diligently collaborate with city officials to improve the emergency response to similar health threats. “We have been closely monitoring the situation and we know that that this incident has raised concerns with our residents. We want to make sure that they know that public Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation appraises impact of Shapiro budget plan on city

(Mar 17, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

Our Delegation is particularly excited about expanding the Property Tax and Rent Rebate to help 175,000 more seniors and disabled Pennsylvanians afford to stay in their homes. Read more

 

La Delegación de Filadelfia en la Cámara Aplaude las Prioridades Presupuestarias de Shapiro

(Mar 09, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, 9 de marzo – Los miembros de la Delegación de Filadelfia en la Cámara expresaron hoy su apoyo al primer plan presupuestario del Gobernador Josh Shapiro, que presentó durante un discurso ante la Asamblea General. La delegación dijo que la propuesta de gasto, que cubrirá el año fiscal 2023-24, muestra un enfoque sólido para los problemas más críticos que enfrenta el estado. "Estamos muy satisfechos de que el gobernador nos haya asegurado que nuestras prioridades principales como una delegación están incluidas en su plan y que las voces de nuestra ciudad están siendo escuchadas", dijo la presidenta de la delegación, la Rep. Estatal Morgan Cephas. "Mejorar los resultados educativos a través de la inversión en la financiación del K-12 y en los edificios escolares, y reducir la violencia armada a través de la Iniciativa de Infraestructura de Vecindarios son algunas de las necesidades más cruciales de Filadelfia. Confiamos en que este presupuesto nos permita trabajar de forma más eficiente para erradicar las desigualdades y deficiencias de nuestra ciudad", continuó Cephas. El Rep. Estatal Danilo Burgos, vicepresidente de la delegación, destacó el hecho de que el presupuesto del gobernador tiene la innovación y el desarrollo como dos de sus palabras clave. "El Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises Shapiro’s budget priorities

(Mar 09, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, March 9 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their endorsement of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s first budget proposal, which he provided during an address to the General Assembly. The delegation said the spending proposal, that will cover the fiscal year 2023-24, displays a solid approach to the most critical issues facing the commonwealth. “We are greatly satisfied in being assured by the governor that our core priorities as a delegation are included in his plan and that the voices of our city are being heard,” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas. “Improving educational outcomes by investing in K-12 funding and school buildings and reducing gun violence through the Neighborhood Infrastructure Initiative are among the most crucial needs of Philadelphia. We are confident that this budget will allow us to work on more efficient ways to eradicate the inequities and deficiencies in our city,” Cephas continued. State Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice chair of the delegation, emphasized the fact that the governor’s budget has innovation and development as two of its key words. “Shapiro’s budget pitch is for the benefit of every Pennsylvanian,” he said. “We are excited to see a 50% increase for the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program, which connects colleges and universities, the Industrial Resource Center and Read more

 

Burgos Supports Drivers Licenses for All

(Mar 08, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

Pa. state Rep. Danilo Burgos stood in solidarity with CASA, a local organization that advocates for and provides critical services to immigrant and working-class families. Currently 18 states including the District of Columbia have regulations and rules in place that allow undocumented citizens to legally drive an automobile. Pennsylvania is not one of them. This would allow community members who might already be integrated into their communities to drive to work, safely drop off and pick up their children from school, and travel to and from medical appointments. Latino legislative priorities are Pennsylvania priorities. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus praises the selection of McClinton as new House Speaker

(Mar 07, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, March 7 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement to congratulate Speaker Joanna McClinton on her election as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives. “Joanna McClinton has been a champion for our Latino communities across our great commonwealth; as Speaker of the House, she will continue to uplift and expand Latino voices at the table. I’m proud to have a fighter on our side,” said the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus’s Chairman Rep. Danilo Burgos. “We are looking forward to a great collaboration ahead and remarkable achievements when it comes to curbing gun violence, improving health care, and providing affordable housing among other topics. McClinton’s speech embodies our mission, values, and commitment to our community. “Speaker McClinton has paved the way for future Speakers. Her work has already opened the door to diversity and to inclusion. This is a historic triumph,” Burgos said. McClinton has been a trailblazer, making history in 2018 when she was elected the first African American woman as House Democratic Caucus Chair. In 2020, she was the first woman elected as House Democratic Leader in the institution’s 244-year history. In December, she became the first woman to serve as Majority Leader in the Pennsylvania House. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates the election of McClinton as new House Speaker

(Feb 28, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, Feb. 28 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their satisfaction for the election of Majority Leader Joanna McClinton as the new speaker of the House, a role previously held this session by state Rep. Mark Rozzi. “We are overwhelmed with joy; McClinton has started a new chapter in history. What a way to wrap up the festivities in honor of Black History Month! McClinton is an unwavering force who works with passion and integrity for the people of Pennsylvania,” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas. “We know we will reach new heights under her brilliant leadership. We are confident that she will help us address the most critical issues affecting our people. The Philadelphia House Delegation is honored to see that one of us is now holding the gavel in the House. We are ready to fight along with her on behalf of all underserved communities of the state,” Cephas continued. “As a woman I also want to emphasize that McClinton continues being an inspiration to all women of the nation struggling to break barriers and stereotypes. This is a resounding reminder that it is possible to win, regardless the color of your skin or background, it is possible to succeed against all odds.” Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice-chair of the Delegation, trusts that McClinton’s work will help advance a transformational agenda in key sectors. Read more

 

PA House celebrates the 179th anniversary of Dominican independence

(Feb 27, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, Feb. 27 – State Reps. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., and Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Manny Guzman, both D-Berks, today showcased their pride for the tri-color flag of the Dominican Republic during a festive event held in the state Capitol Rotunda commemorating the 179th anniversary of Dominican independence. The lawmakers honored their roots with a two-part celebration that included a news conference and reception, and the participation of House Speaker Mark Rozzi and Majority Leader Joanna McClinton, among other legislators. “We want to emphasize that regardless of the holiday marked in our calendars, every time we get the chance to speak in the House chamber or take action, we are proudly representing our heritage and working in the best interest of our people,” Burgos said about the event that showcased a vibrant display of allusive ornaments, traditional dishes and souvenirs. “This joint effort pays tribute to our rich culture and contributions to Pennsylvania, a state that more than 99,000 Dominicans regard as their home. Our input to this country has transcended discrimination and prejudice. We have positioned ourselves across the most important spheres of the nation against all the odds and yet we keep thriving, we keep fighting, which is in our nature,” Guzman said. Cepeda-Freytiz highlighted the contributions of five small business owners from Berks County who were awarded with citations on behalf of all three Read more

 

Burgos announces state grant awarded to Deburgos Bilingual Magnet Middle School

(Feb 22, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, Feb. 22 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., today announced a grant for $18,700 has been awarded to Deburgos Bilingual Magnet Middle School The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for new food service equipment for school cafeterias. Deburgos Bilingual Magnet Middle School will use the funding it received for indoor walk-in refrigeration. “It is important that schools are able to provide their students with fresh and healthy foods to consume. This funding awarded for indoor walk-in refrigeration at Deburgos Bilingual Magnet Middle School will do just that for the students,” Burgos said. Read more

 

Burgos: Fair Wages for Temple Grad Students

(Feb 14, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

Pa. state Rep. Danilo Burgos and the Philadelphia House Delegation stand in support of Temple University grad students in their protest of union-busting tactics. The Temple University Graduate Students Association is demanding fair wages, in response Temple has punished them by suspending funding assistance. Burgos says it is time for Temple University to step up and do what’s right. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds court ruling for fair school funding

(Feb 09, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 9 – The Philadelphia House Delegation applauded the ruling in PA Commonwealth Court that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional. The ruling is a result of the 2014 case William Penn School District v. PA Department of Education, which was filed on behalf of parents, school districts, and statewide organizations arguing that the commonwealth’s funding of K-12 public education is inadequate and violates the Pennsylvania Constitution. The petitioners argued that because the bulk of public education funding comes from local property taxes, school districts in areas with low incomes and property values have been underfunded compared to school districts in areas with high incomes and property values. Leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation -- Chairwoman Morgan Cephas, Vice Chairman Danilo Burgos and Secretary Malcolm Kenyatta -- issued the following statements about the historic ruling. “Philadelphia schools have been the victims of underfunding for decades and it shows in the conditions they’re in today,” Cephas said. “This ruling is historic and should set us on the right track to get schools in Philadelphia and across the commonwealth the funding they need.” “For far too long, PA schools in low-income areas have been massively underfunded, and it has hurt the children attending these schools and the community as a whole,” Read more

 

Conservation, Substance Abuse Education, and Act 13 Funding Opportunities

(Feb 02, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Regional Recovery Hubs Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organization or governmental entity. Use : To support a Recovery-Oriented-System of Care (ROSC) by establishing a Recovery Hub and Spoke model. Funds : Nine grants up to $500,000 each will be awarded.. Application Deadline : February 24, 2023 More Information : https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2023-01%20Regional%20Recovery%20Hubs_2023.01.11_FINAL.pdf . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency: Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Category 1 Funds (Funding Source: SAEDR Fund) Who May Apply : Nonprofit organizations may partner with governmental entities, including school districts, provided the nonprofit organization is the applicant. Use : To provide research-based or evidence-based approaches to prevention, intervention, treatment, training, and education services to reduce substance use or to provide resources to assist families in accessing the services needed to reduce substance use behavior, as well as strategies aimed at combating opioid/heroin overdoses. Funds : Grants up to $150,000 over a two-year project period. Application Deadline : February 24, 2023 More Read more

 

Burgos aplaude la orden ejecutiva de Shapiro que elimina el requisito de un título universitario para decenas de miles de trabajos en el gobierno estatal

(Jan 19, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

FILADELFIA, 19 de enero : el representante estatal Danilo Burgos, demócrata de Filadelfia, ofreció los siguientes comentarios agradeciendo al gobernador de Pensilvania, Josh Shapiro, por anunciar que, con efecto inmediato, el 92% de los puestos del gobierno estatal no requerirán un título universitario. “Quiero enviar mi agradecimiento al gobernador Shapiro por abrir oportunidades para que más residentes de Pensilvania trabajen en el gobierno estatal. Hay muchos residentes de Pensilvania que no tienen un título universitario, de estas personas, sé que hay muchos que están cualificados para ciertos trabajos en nuestro gobierno. “El título universitario tradicional de cuatro años es una herramienta valiosa para preparar a las personas para una carrera en el gobierno estatal, pero no es la única forma de prepararse para uno de estos trabajos. Estoy increíblemente complacido con la decisión del gobernador y espero que esto sea una buena manera de proporcionar empleos a los residentes de Pensilvania”. Read more

 

Burgos applauds Shapiro executive order removing college degree requirement for tens of thousands of state government jobs

(Jan 19, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 19 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., offered the following remarks today praising PA Governor Josh Shapiro for signing an executive order that removes the college degree requirement for 92% of state government jobs. The executive order takes effect immediately. “I want to send my thanks to Governor Shapiro for opening up opportunities for more Pennsylvanians to work in the state’s government. There are many Pennsylvanians who do not have a four-year college degree but, of these people, I know there are many who are qualified for certain jobs in our government. “The traditional four-year college degree is a valuable tool to prepare people for a career in state government, but it’s not the only way to prepare for one of these jobs. I am incredibly pleased with the governor’s decision, and I hope this is a good way to provide jobs to Pennsylvanians.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation salutes Mayor Kenney’s critical priorities for the city as his mandate comes to an end this year

(Jan 11, 2023) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 11 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their endorsement for Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s core priorities in his final year as mayor. The delegation also highlighted their concerns and hopes for the city. “The plan introduced today by Mayor Kenney gave us optimism. I’m pleased to see that reducing gun violence and strengthening public safety are an important part of this agenda. I also laud the commitment to diversity, to improving access to quality education and to expanding affordable housing” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas. “These goals might not be entirely achieved by the end of the year, but we are going in the right direction, there’s a strong approach from the administration to address the major issues affecting our city”, Cephas said. The mayor’s goals are explained in a report titled “Equity and Opportunity for All: Moving Philadelphia Forward.” In it, Kenney revealed four critical focus areas of the administration in an effort to guarantee Philadelphia’s immediate and long-term future success. The mayor promised to reinforce his commitment to enhancing public safety, improve quality of life and build thriving neighborhoods. His other goal will be investing in Philadelphia’s youth. Driving inclusive growth and economic opportunity while building a thriving Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation welcomes $54 million awarded to the city for bolstering law enforcement and services

(Dec 14, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 14 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced that $54,293,730 has been awarded to the city in grants. The funds, approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, are destined to enhance law enforcement, gun violence investigation and prosecution, services offered to victims of crime and more. The grants are: Criminal Justice Advisory Committee Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds - Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program Philadelphia City Treasurer, PPD Local Law Enforcement Support Grant, $ 25 million. Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds - Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution Grant Program Philadelphia City Treasurer, Phila. DAO Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution, $20 million. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, SEPTA ZeroEyes Technology Pilot Project, $4,993,639. State Funds - Women’s Reentry Services Initiative Maternity Care Coalition, MOMobile Rapid Engagement, $82,352. Prevention Point Philadelphia Inc., Trauma-Informed Wholistic Reentry Program for Women, $99,998. Why Not Prosper Inc., The Why Not Prosper Women's Reentry Program, $100,000. Children's Advocacy Center Advisory Committee State Children's Advocacy Center Funds Philadelphia Children's Alliance, PCA Program Maintenance and Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises the release of Brittney Griner from Russian prison

(Dec 08, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 8 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, Chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, today released the following statement on the announcement that American basketball player Brittney Griner has been freed from a Russian prison. “The Philadelphia House Delegation is proud to join in welcoming Brittney Griner home from nine months of illegal and unjust detention in Russia. “The use of innocent people as political pawns by authoritarian governments is abjectly wrong and goes against everything we believe in as Americans. “I applaud President Biden and his administration for their diligent work on Brittney Griner’s behalf. We look forward to the approximately 50 other Americans, including Paul Whelan and others who are being unjustly detained overseas, to be released so they can come home to their loving families once and for all.” Read more

 

Bizzarro welcomes new leaders to House Democratic Policy team

(Dec 08, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee, announced new vice chairs, as well as two new subcommittee chairs. Read more

 

State programs now open for applications

(Dec 05, 2022) Rep. Danilo Burgos

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency/Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training Innovative Solicitation (Funding Source: Justice Reinvestment Fund) Who May Apply : Existing PACTT Affiliates. Use : To improve services for delinquent youth receiving academic and career/technical training services. Funds : Awards up to $75,000 for 24-month projects. Application Deadline : December 23, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Pumpout Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities. Use : To fund the construction, renovation, and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations to service pleasure boats. Funds : Reimburse up to 75% of the installation cost of pumpout and dump stations. Application Deadline : December 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/PumpoutGrantProgram.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022-23 School Safety and Security Training and Technical Assistance Program (Funding Source: FY 2022 School Safety and Security Grant Program Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education (not-for profit), and for-profit organizations. Use : To Read more

 

Majority Policy Committee examines affordable housing crisis
Mar 28, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation looking ahead to protect tap water safety
Mar 27, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation appraises impact of Shapiro budget plan on city
Mar 17, 2023

La Delegación de Filadelfia en la Cámara Aplaude las Prioridades Presupuestarias de Shapiro
Mar 09, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation praises Shapiro’s budget priorities
Mar 09, 2023

Burgos Supports Drivers Licenses for All
Mar 08, 2023

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus praises the selection of McClinton as new House Speaker
Mar 07, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates the election of McClinton as new House Speaker
Feb 28, 2023

PA House celebrates the 179th anniversary of Dominican independence
Feb 27, 2023

Burgos announces state grant awarded to Deburgos Bilingual Magnet Middle School
Feb 22, 2023

Burgos: Fair Wages for Temple Grad Students
Feb 14, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds court ruling for fair school funding
Feb 09, 2023

Conservation, Substance Abuse Education, and Act 13 Funding Opportunities
Feb 02, 2023

Burgos aplaude la orden ejecutiva de Shapiro que elimina el requisito de un título universitario para decenas de miles de trabajos en el gobierno estatal
Jan 19, 2023

Burgos applauds Shapiro executive order removing college degree requirement for tens of thousands of state government jobs
Jan 19, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation salutes Mayor Kenney’s critical priorities for the city as his mandate comes to an end this year
Jan 11, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation welcomes $54 million awarded to the city for bolstering law enforcement and services
Dec 14, 2022

Philadelphia House Delegation praises the release of Brittney Griner from Russian prison
Dec 08, 2022

Bizzarro welcomes new leaders to House Democratic Policy team
Dec 08, 2022

State programs now open for applications
Dec 05, 2022