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Rep. Rick Krajewski

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Smith-Wade-El, PA House members & community leaders rally for fair housing legislation, housing budget proposals

(Jun 12, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, hosted a rally today with other legislators, legal experts and community advocates from across the state in support of fair housing in Pennsylvania. “The lack of affordable housing in Pennsylvania has resulted in evictions and homelessness for many Pennsylvanians,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Every person has the right to a roof over their head. Our rally today called out the continuing inequities in housing in our commonwealth and the legislative and budget initiatives devised to address them. “As Democrats in the PA House, we’re fighting for a person-centered approach to fair housing, from helping the unhoused get back into a safe home, to my bill that would seal no-fault eviction records so people can find housing, to increased support for the Whole Home Repairs program so seniors can fix and stay in their homes,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We understand that having a home to call one’s own is a human right, a matter of justice. I and my colleagues will fight to make sure that every Pennsylvanian can enjoy their fundamental right to a safe and secure place in which to live.” The rally focused on the PA House budget proposal (H.B. 2324), which would increase funding for fair housing initiatives; the need for increased funding for the homelessness assistance program; a House-led proposal to increase PHARE funding to $100 million dollars; the LLC Read more

 

Krajewski Talks State Budget Prioirities

(Jun 07, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

PA state Rep. Rick Krajewski lays out some of the issues he’s working to address in this year’s #PAStateBudget. One that is especially near and dear to Krajewski is the effort to expand Philadelphia’s successful Right to Counsel legal representation program for tenants. Krajewski says the program has been wildly successful in Philadelphia and is advocating for its expansion to the rest of commonwealth. Read more

 

Krajewski, Gauthier concerned by Penn’s continued retaliation against Gaza Solidarity Encampment participants

(May 16, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

PHILADELPHIA, May 16 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., and Philadelphia Councilmember Jamie Gauthier released the following statement regarding the University of Pennsylvania’s retaliation against participants in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment: “As elected officials who represent the University of Pennsylvania, we are deeply concerned that 15 of our constituents continue to experience severe retaliation for their participation in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, with many facing mandatory leaves of absence, bans from campus buildings and the withholding of diplomas for graduating seniors. “Both of us repeatedly called on the university to offer amnesty to peaceful student protestors. Our offices have been in communication with student activists in recent weeks and do not believe that they pose any threat to campus life that would merit these extraordinarily harsh punishments. “Universities have an obligation to foster open expression through consistent and fair practices. Breaking from past precedent to intimidate or silence dissent is reckless, dangerous and wrong. “We urge Penn’s administration to listen to community voices, prioritize open expression and drop disciplinary charges against all peaceful protesters.” Read more

 

Roebuck’s death mourned by members of Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

(May 16, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, May 16 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus released the following statements regarding the passing of former PLBC Chair James R. Roebuck: Said PLBC Chair Napoleon Nelson (D-Montgomery): “James R. Roebuck was a true statesman, a lawmaker who was a tireless advocate for his West Philadelphia neighbors and for every resident of this Commonwealth. “His legacy, particularly as a champion of our education system and the young people that he poured his soul into, will undoubtedly leave its mark on our society for generations. His long-lasting tenure as the Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee perfectly embodied our caucus’s approach to lifelong learning. It is heartening to see his life being celebrated by colleagues and community leaders throughout Pennsylvania. In 2021, the PA Legislative Black Caucus renamed our student scholarship in his honor. Nearly two dozen high school students from Black and brown communities from across the state will be awarded an investment in their continued academic pursuits in the coming week, a fitting testament to the inspiring work of Chairman Roebuck. “His impact as a pioneer, mentor and friend within the PA Legislative Black Caucus will undoubtedly be remembered and cherished. We have lost a true thought leader, a shining example of servant leadership that current and future members will surely aspire to. Our Read more

 

Came for college, stayed to make a difference

(Apr 30, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

“From there, it became clear that there needs to be a close, collaborative power relationship between community organizations and community leaders – and the people who we elect, or the people who represent us. That’s important as part of seeing our values being implemented in government.” Read more

 

Fiedler, Green join legislators, coalition of community and labor organizations to oppose private school vouchers

(Apr 29, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

PHILADELPHIA, April 29 -- On Friday, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Roni Green, both D-Phila., attended a news conference at City Hall to voice their support for investing in public education and rejecting voucher schemes in the 2024 state budget. Organized labor, education advocates, and community organizations were in attendance to support fully funding Pennsylvania’s public schools. The event followed the bipartisan Basic Education Funding Commission’s recommendations to address Pennsylvania’s unconstitutional K-12 school funding system, recommendations that included $300 million for facilities upgrades last year. Private school vouchers divert tax dollars that could be used to repair school buildings, instead affording them to the elite (more than half the time to families making over $200,000 ) to support institutions that openly discriminate against students, the legislators said. “Every tax dollar given to voucher programs is another tax dollar diverted from our neighborhood public schools,” said Fiedler. “At a time when so many of our schools are struggling to stay open due to toxins and overdue repairs, our priority must be fully funding public schools and their buildings. As Democrats, we cannot allow vouchers to have a place in our state budget.” "We can't afford entitlement programs. We must first fix what's broken," said Green. Read more

 

PA House adopts Paul Robeson Day resolution

(Apr 10, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, April 10 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives adopted a resolution ( H.R. 331 ) today sponsored by state Rep. Rick Krajewski and state Rep. Chris Rabb that declares April 9, 2024, as “Paul Robeson Day” in Pennsylvania. The resolution recognizes Robeson, one of Pennsylvania’s most extraordinary artists and champions of social justice, by recognizing his birthday, April 9, as “Paul Robeson Day,” said Krajewski. “At a time when the threat of fascism feels realer than ever, when workers, Black and Brown people, immigrants, LGBTQ+ folk and marginalized communities across the world are suffering from systemic oppression, we could all learn from the values of humility, compassion, empathy and solidarity espoused by Paul Robeson,” Krajewski said. Krajewski was joined on Tuesday by leaders from the Paul Robeson House and Museum in West Philadelphia who traveled to Harrisburg to celebrate Robeson’s 126th birthday. “We are so excited to see this resolution adopted, and to see it happen around his birthday celebration,” said Janice Sykes-Ross, executive director of the Paul Robeson House & Museum. “As Paul Robeson said, ‘Artists are the gatekeepers of truth.’ They continue to change the world. This is an example of one of those truths.” Read more

 

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation

(Mar 25, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Elizabeth Fiedler, Rick Krajewski and Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris, all D-Phila., today introduced H.B. 1769 that would seal some records in certain cases such as no-fault evictions. “Millions of renters across the commonwealth are struggling to find housing because one mistake or emergency had led to an eviction on their records,” Smith-Wade-El said. “After these no-fault evictions, households often struggle -- sometimes for months -- to find housing, which can result in devastating consequences, including the breakup of families, the loss of employment, and even ending up homeless. This legislation would help give Pennsylvania renters a fair chance at finding housing by establishing procedures for limited access to eviction records. Our Fair Housing Access legislation is a commonsense step that would make it easier for working-class Pennsylvanians to access housing.” According to the legislators, as soon as an eviction is filed, it becomes a permanent mark on someone’s background, making harder to find housing. The record remains even if the case was withdrawn, the tenant endured domestic violence, or the court found in favor of the tenant. Smith-Wade-El said that evictions disrupt workforce development for large swaths of communities and strain existing social support systems throughout the state. These records can put vulnerable Read more

 

Paul Robeson Day resolution unanimously approved by PA House tourism committee

(Mar 25, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, March 25 – A resolution ( H.R. 331 ) sponsored by state Rep. Rick Krajewski that would declare April 9, 2024, as “Paul Robeson Day” in Pennsylvania was unanimously approved by the Pennsylvania House Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development Committee today. The resolution would recognize one of the Commonwealth’s most extraordinary artists and champions of social justice by recognizing his birthday, April 9, as Paul Robeson Day, said Krajewski. “A radical in the best sense of the word, Robeson was one of the most inspiring musicians, actors, athletes, lawyers and fierce fighters for mass liberation of the 20th century,” Krajewski said. “As a Black socialist, Robeson is a long-time personal hero of mine. I can think of no one more deserving of recognition from our state House.” Robeson graduated high school as valedictorian, won a scholarship to Rutgers University, where he also graduated as valedictorian, earned a JD from Columbia Law School, played in the National Football League and performed in critically acclaimed theatrical productions simultaneously. He went on to become a globally renowned singer and activist, founding the American Crusade Against Lynching and receiving the NAACP’s Spingarn medal for his activism in the early Civil Rights movement. Robeson spent his last decade living in West Philadelphia at the now Read more

 

Eviction reform for Philadelphia passes PA House

(Mar 20, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, March 20 – Legislation ( H.B. 287 ) sponsored by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., that would overhaul Philadelphia’s eviction process passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today and now heads to the Senate for consideration. This legislation was introduced by Krajewski in partnership with Reps. Morgan Cephas, Tarik Khan and Roni Green following a series of shootings last year that occurred during evictions carried out by Philadelphia’s landlord-tenant officers. It would change Philadelphia’s eviction system by creating an oversight board, involving behavioral health professionals, and banning “surprise evictions” in which tenants are not given notice of the date and time of evictions. Krajewski said H.B. 287 would reform the unaccountable behavior of the LTO, the only private entity performing evictions in Pennsylvania, and provide a model for publicly accountable evictions that can be replicated statewide. “Philadelphia’s violent, for-profit eviction system is an outlier statewide and desperately needs to be reformed. By ending surprise evictions, creating oversight and accountability for eviction agents and ensuring tenants have access to basic support, we can help prevent the shootings we saw last summer from ever occurring again.” Krajewski said. “I call on my Senate colleagues to pass this commonsense and urgently needed Read more

 

PA House Children & Youth Committee unanimously approves Krajewski legislation protecting rights of children of incarcerated parents

(Mar 19, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, March 19 – A bill ( H.B. 285 ) introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., that would protect the rights of children of incarcerated parents was unanimously approved by the Pennsylvania House Children & Youth Committee today. Under current law, most child welfare agencies seek termination of parental rights after 15 months of placement in foster care. Many children whose parents are incarcerated lose their right to see, speak with or know their parents and families – even after their parents return home from incarceration. Krajewski’s legislation would ensure that parental incarceration is not the sole basis on which a court’s decision for involuntary termination of parental rights is made. This would add to existing exclusions such as environmental factors and medical care if found to be beyond the control of the parent. “I understand firsthand how difficult the experience of having a parent who is incarcerated can be for a family, especially a child,” Krajewski said. “The uncertainty of when you will see them again, the emotional impact on loved ones, the financial setbacks to a family and the damage done through the unnecessary severance of a child’s connection to their parent are all hardships no one should face, yet so many in our Commonwealth suffer through. “Incarceration has a traumatic impact on a family, for Read more

 

2023-2024 Grant and Resource Directory

(Mar 07, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

Check out the 2023-2024 PA Grant & Resource Directory! Read more

 

Krajewski: PA will benefit from Legal, Adult-Use Cannabis

(Feb 06, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

PA House Health Subcommittee on Health Care Chair state Rep. Rick Krajewski leads a hearing on legalization of adult-use cannabis. Krajewski says legalization and regulation would not only help correct years of racial injustices resulting from the failed War on Drugs, it would benefit all Pennsylvanians in the form of revenue and investments in social equity workforce development, education and housing. Read more

 

Shapiro signs Krajewski kinship care legislation H.B. 1058 into law

(Jan 24, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, Jan. 24 – Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro today signed into law Act 48 , introduced as H.B. 1058 by Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., which makes child custody proceedings more inclusive of potential kinship care providers by requiring courts to solicit and consider the opinions of those who engaged with family finding and kinship care programs. “Countless relatives and caregivers provide full-time nurturing and protection for children who cannot safely remain in the care of their biological parents,” said Kari King, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. “It has been an honor to work with Rep. Krajewski on policy that prioritizes kinship placements, which will allow more children and youth to be raised by and connected to their family.” “Community Legal Services commends Rep. Krajewski and Gov. Shapiro for this new legislation that champions kinship care for Pennsylvania children. Giving families a voice in child welfare proceedings means that more relatives will have a chance to step forward to care for children who might otherwise be placed in foster care,” said Kathleen Creamer, managing attorney for the Family Advocacy Unit at Community Legal Services of Philadelphia. “Every child deserves to be with their own family whenever possible, and this legislation will help make Pennsylvania a national leader in supporting kinship placement.” Read more

 

State Rep. Rick Krajewski welcomes funding for community project

(Dec 22, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 22 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., today announced that $500,000 in Statewide Local Share Account Program grant funding was awarded to the Resources for Human Development, a human services nonprofit in the 188th district. The funding will go toward the Resources for Human Development’s “The Nest” project, which will convert the organization’s former headquarters on Woodland Avenue into temporary housing for up to eight pregnant women and their families who are experiencing homelessness. Residents will have access to medical and prenatal care as well as case managers to help them transition into safe, permanent housing. “I am proud of the $500,000 in state grant funding that will be coming to our district and grateful that it will go towards housing and emergency services for pregnant women and their families. Housing is a human right, and too often our constituents that most desperately need a safe and healthy home are left behind,” Krajewski said. “The renovation at the Resources for Human Development’s former headquarters is a great step forward in ensuring no one in West and Southwest Philadelphia is too poor to live.” LSA grant funding is funded by gaming revenue and administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which was established in 2004 to administer Pennsylvania's economic stimulus packages. For more information, visit the Read more

 

Krajewski applauds over $60,000 in arts recovery grants for district

(Dec 19, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., applauded the more than $60,000 in Pennsylvania Arts and Culture Recovery Program grants awarded today to nonprofit organizations throughout his legislative district. “It’s fantastic to see the more than $60,000 in grant funding awarded to organizations in West and Southwest Philly. Arts and artists inspire, empower and heal. They’re a central part of any thriving neighborhood and important leaders bringing about community change,” Krajewski said. “Working with community partners to bring state funding for the arts back to our district is truly a privilege. I look forward to the many great things the Arts in Schools Collaborative, Bearded Ladies Cabaret, Bowerbird Inc. and Intercultural Journeys Inc. have in store for us.” The nonprofits receiving grant funding include: Arts in Schools Collaborative, which received $19,406 to help offset lost revenue and assist with operating costs. Bearded Ladies Cabaret, which received $22,939 to help with operating and marketing expenses and to offset lost revenue. Bowerbird Inc., which received $10,000 to help offset lost revenue. Intercultural Journeys Inc., which received $10,000 to assist with operating costs. Funds distributed through the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program provide grants to Read more

 

Krajewski kinship bill unanimously passes PA Senate

(Dec 11, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – Legislation ( H.B. 1058 ) introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously today and will now head to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. “My bill would ensure that kinship care providers – like grandparents, and family friends – are fully considered during child custody proceedings,” Krajewski said. “It’s a commonsense reform that will have a major positive impact on vulnerable youth, preventing community displacement and trauma.” H.B. 1058 would make child custody proceedings more inclusive of potential kinship care providers by requiring courts to solicit and consider the opinions of those who engaged with family finding and kinship care programs. While living with kin minimizes childhood trauma and increases well-being , fewer than 42% of children receiving care in the state are placed in a kinship home. “As advocates of kinship care for youth in Pennsylvania, we believe this bill would strengthen support systems for young people in the child welfare system,” said Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia in a joint letter of support for the bill. “No child should be unnecessarily placed in a county youth agency,” Krajewski said. “I appreciate Senate lawmakers coming together to Read more

 

Krajewski elected Chair of Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing

(Dec 07, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, Dec. 7 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., was elected chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing during the commission’s quarterly meeting today. “I’m truly honored that my colleagues on the commission have put their faith in me,” Krajewski said. “I look forward to serving as chair of the commission and I’m excited to figure out how I can be helpful in continuing to foster the relationship between the legislature and the commission.” Krajewski is taking over as chair of the commission from Judge Tamara R. Bernstein, who started on the commission in 2017 and was elected as chair in 2022. “Judge Berstein was always generous with her time when I was a new member, answering any questions I had and explaining to me the best ways to navigate sometimes difficult situations. I’m grateful for all of her support along the way,” he said. The Commission on Sentencing is responsible for creating and maintaining sentencing guidelines, leading new research and consulting the legislature on policy. Krajewski has been a member of the commission since 2020 and was elected vice chair in 2022. “As a longtime advocate for criminal justice reform, and even more so, as someone with family that has been directly involved in the system, these issues are deeply personal and important to me,” said Krajewski. Read more

 

PA State Legislators Call for Congressional Support for Ceasefire and Release of Hostages

(Nov 22, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly called for congressional support for a ceasefire, for the release of all hostages, and for humanitarian aid to residents throughout the region impacted by the ongoing violence. Writing to members of Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation, the state legislators expressed the following: We, the undersigned state elected representatives from across Pennsylvania, believe that all of us, no matter our religion, ethnicity, or nationality, deserve a life of safety and freedom for ourselves and our families. We are united with our constituents in grieving the violence against thousands of Israelis and Palestinians over the last few weeks. As of November 18th, according to the AP, over 1,200 Israelis and over 11,470 Palestinians, two-thirds of whom are women and children, have been killed, and about 2,700 Palestinians are reported missing. Approximately 240 Israelis are being held hostage by Hamas, including 32 children. Every life is sacred; one life lost is too many. Violence against more civilians, including children, will not make the Israeli and Palestinian people safer or bring loved ones home. Violence abroad has also brought us increased incidences of Islamophobic and anti-Semitic hate crimes here at home. We know violence only begets more violence and human suffering. The U.S. federal government has the diplomatic power to intervene and curb this violence, and, as members of Congress, you are in a unique Read more

 

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation

(Nov 13, 2023) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, Nov.13 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, Elizabeth Fiedler, Rich Krajewski and Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris, all D-Phila., held a news conference today to highlight their legislation, House Bill 1769, that would seal some records in certain cases such as no-fault evictions. “We all deserve a safe, warm place to call home, but for millions of renters across the commonwealth, one mistake or emergency can lead to an eviction,” Smith-Wade-El said. “After evictions, households can struggle for months to find housing, which can break up families, risk employment, and lead to homelessness. This legislation would help give Pennsylvania’s renters a fair chance at finding housing by establishing procedures for limited access to eviction records. This legislation is a commonsense step that would make it easier for working-class Pennsylvanians to access housing.” According to the legislators, as soon as an eviction is filed, it becomes a permanent mark on someone’s background, making harder to find housing. The record remains even if the case was withdrawn, the tenant endured domestic violence, or the court found in favor of the tenant. Evictions disrupt workforce development for large swaths of communities and strain existing social support systems throughout the state. These records can put vulnerable people in difficult and dangerous situations, putting survivors of domestic violence Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, PA House members & community leaders rally for fair housing legislation, housing budget proposals
Jun 12, 2024

Krajewski Talks State Budget Prioirities
Jun 07, 2024

Krajewski, Gauthier concerned by Penn’s continued retaliation against Gaza Solidarity Encampment participants
May 16, 2024

Roebuck’s death mourned by members of Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus
May 16, 2024

Came for college, stayed to make a difference
Apr 30, 2024

Fiedler, Green join legislators, coalition of community and labor organizations to oppose private school vouchers
Apr 29, 2024

PA House adopts Paul Robeson Day resolution
Apr 10, 2024

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation
Mar 25, 2024

Paul Robeson Day resolution unanimously approved by PA House tourism committee
Mar 25, 2024

Eviction reform for Philadelphia passes PA House
Mar 20, 2024

PA House Children & Youth Committee unanimously approves Krajewski legislation protecting rights of children of incarcerated parents
Mar 19, 2024

2023-2024 Grant and Resource Directory
Mar 07, 2024

Krajewski: PA will benefit from Legal, Adult-Use Cannabis
Feb 06, 2024

Shapiro signs Krajewski kinship care legislation H.B. 1058 into law
Jan 24, 2024

State Rep. Rick Krajewski welcomes funding for community project
Dec 22, 2023

Krajewski applauds over $60,000 in arts recovery grants for district
Dec 19, 2023

Krajewski kinship bill unanimously passes PA Senate
Dec 11, 2023

Krajewski elected Chair of Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing
Dec 07, 2023

PA State Legislators Call for Congressional Support for Ceasefire and Release of Hostages
Nov 22, 2023

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation
Nov 13, 2023