Bullock Cares About Our Seniors
PA State Rep. Donna Bullock partnered with City Council President Darrell L. Clarke and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown to host the fourth annual Golden Life Senior Fair at The Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University. This was a great opportunity to connect seniors and their families with state and local resources available to them. Read more
Senior prescription program expanded to help more people
I voted for legislation that would allow more senior citizens in Philadelphia and across the state pay for their prescription medication. Putting people first and focusing on health care is part of the House Democrats' Plan for Pennsylvania. Read more
Bullock: Legislature passes bill to rename street after Frank Oliver
HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., is applauding her colleagues for unanimously passing S.B. 1156 with her amendment to rename a portion of State Route 3011, also known as 29th Street, between Master Street and Thompson Street as the Frank L. Oliver Memorial Highway. The legislation, which would designate multiple bridges and highways throughout the commonwealth, now awaits the governor's signature. "Frank was a staple in our community, playing an active role as an advocate for minority hiring and inclusion, affordable housing and criminal justice reform. His inspirational fight to protect our most vulnerable populations ended in much-needed laws being passed. With the designation of 29th Street as the Frank L. Oliver Memorial Highway, we honor his contributions and remind everyone of his hard work and dedication to the people of Philadelphia," Bullock said. Frank L. Oliver represented the 195th Legislative District from 1973 to 2010 and retired as the most senior African-American elected official in the commonwealth and the longest-serving member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly after 37 years of service. During his tenure in the state legislature, he introduced legislation that enhanced first amendment freedoms and benefits for women and minority civil service employees. Read more
Bullock to host fall environmental justice panel Oct. 25
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 16 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., will host her Third Annual Fall Environmental Justice Panel from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at The Discovery Center, 3401 Reservoir Drive, 19121. Bullock will be joined by Aaron Mair, past national president of the Sierra Club, environmental and housing advocates to discuss inclusion, equity and environmental gentrification. "Green initiatives may address pollution or bring sustainable solutions like gardens, parks, greenways and bike lanes to the community, but often times these initiatives also increase local property values, attracting wealthier residents and pushing away low-income neighbors who have lived in a specific area their entire lives. "This event will help us come up with solutions to promote green communities without displacing citizens. We will start building a connection between environmental projects and sustainable affordable housing," Bullock said. Refreshments will be provided. Staff will be on hand to assist with state-related issues. For more information, call (215) 684-3738. Read more
Bullock announces $800,000 in tax credits for community revitalization
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 15 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., announced that two local developers will each receive a $400,000 tax credit to attract additional investment to Philadelphia communities. Bullock said that Mosaic Development Partners and MM Partners/Fairmount Community Development Corp. are both pioneers in revitalizing communities while encouraging positive change in Philadelphia. "At this point in history there is a unique window to address our communities' immediate needs, but also to focus on long-term solutions. I thank Governor Wolf's administration for these tax credits. They will help us seize the opportunity to continue building a more vibrant economy and creating employment, strong businesses and stable housing markets. This translates into a big boost for the Girard Avenue and Ridge Avenue business corridors," Bullock said. The funding was raised through the sale of tax credits under the Mixed-Use Development Tax Credit Program, the proceeds of which are being used to fund the work of the Community Revitalization Fund Program. The goal of that program is to stimulate high-impact neighborhood revitalization projects around the state. The Community Revitalization Fund Program seeks to expand or rehabilitate affordable housing stock coupled with retail/commercial space to promote community revitalization, especially in those parts of the state that are struggling economically. The term "mixed-use" for these Read more
Bullock, Fairmount CDC, local businesses to host second annual Girard Ave. Street Fest Oct. 13
State Rep. Donna Bullock is joining local nonprofits and businesses for their second annual Girard Avenue Street Festival from noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 13 along Girard Avenue between 26 th and 29 th streets. "This is a great event that not only brings the neighborhood together but helps attract new customers to the successful businesses along the avenue," Bullock said. "Our Street Fest is a key part in growing this important corridor by drawing in entrepreneurs and ultimately strengthening our local economy. It also connects constituents to services and resources at the state and right here in the community." Bullock said the free event will feature live entertainment and information on a variety of state-related programs and services, including retrieving birth certificates, unclaimed property and information on the Children's Health Insurance Program. There will also be free health screenings and family fun-filled activities. The rain date for the event is Oct. 20. For more information, contact Bullock's office at 215-684-3738. Read more
Bullock resolution recognizes Sept. 2018 as Senior Center Month
HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – The state House of Representatives today recognized September 2018 as "Senior Center Month" in Pennsylvania in unanimous adoption of a H.R. 1086 sponsored by state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila. "Senior center participants, staff, and volunteers work daily and tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for our older residents, overall providing a better quality of care," Bullock said. "These centers act as catalysts for mobilizing the creativity, energy, vitality and commitment of our older residents. I am proud of the work that is being done at these centers and believe it is important to officially recognize their special contributions." Bullock said senior centers operating in the state are among nearly 11,000 nationwide and serve 1 million older adults every day. ### CONTACT: Daniel Bixler House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 ext. 6221 Email: dbixler@pahouse.net Read more
Bullock applauds $1.5 million in grants awarded to Phila. Zoo, Eastern State Penitentiary
(Sep 24, 2018) Rep. Donna Bullock
HARRISBURG, Sept. 24 – State Rep. Donna Bullock is applauding $1.5 million in state grants recently awarded to the Philadelphia Zoo and Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site for their upcoming construction projects. The Zoo received $1 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to help construct a new larger, more energy efficient Food Services Hub and restaurant. The money will be used to cover construction costs including building demolition, fire protection and security systems, and utility relocation. The Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site received a $500,000 RACP grant to expand audio tour capabilities by updating four rooms in the Admin Building to support lines, ticketing, and audio tour distribution. It will also go towards: Adding a glass atrium and roof to the existing garden in the Visiting Center; New water/sewer lines; New electric distribution; and An underground storm retention basin. "Both the Zoo and Eastern State Penitentiary are area landmarks that not only gives us a place to connect with family and friends, but attracts people from across the country right to our neighborhoods," Bullock, D-Phila., said. "This funding is essential to ensure these tourist attractions continue to succeed, strengthen our local economy, and shine a positive light on our community." RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and Read more
PLBC applauds state funding for gun violence reduction initiatives
HARRISBURG, Sept. 7 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus applauded the announcement made today by Gov. Tom Wolf that more than $1.5 million in funding will be allocated across the commonwealth to help reduce gun violence. "The crisis created by the illegal gun violence epidemic cannot be averted without those on the frontlines of this fight having access to the resources and tools needed to do the work of healing those affected," said state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., PLBC chairman. "The PLBC is proud to stand with Governor Wolf as we begin to ensure that our communities have the support and tools needed to begin to address this public health crisis." "The PLBC has been working hard to address gun violence in our community as a public health issue, because we understood that resources follow public health concerns. Today's grant is a result of our collective work with Governor Wolf, city officials, and local advocates," said state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., vice chair of the PLBC. "As a member of the School Safety and Security Committee, I hope to bring more resources to Philadelphia to address gun violence in and around our schools." "It is no secret there is a gun violence epidemic in the commonwealth. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and all points in between, shootings are taking lives one or two at a time, destroying our communities and families," said state Rep. Chris Read more
Bullock Summer/Fall 2018 Newsletter
(Aug 23, 2018) Rep. Donna Bullock
My latest newsletter has information about new state laws, state programs that may be of help to you, community events and more. Read more
Joint state legislative hearing at SCI-Dallas focuses on prison reform
DALLAS, Aug. 23 – A joint state House-Senate Democratic Legislative Policy Committee hearing was held Wednesday at the State Correctional Institute in Luzerne County to discuss proposals aimed at reforming the state's justice and prison systems. Held at SCI-Dallas at the request of Rep. Jordan Harris, Rep. Donna Bullock and Sen. Sharif Street, all D-Phila., the hearing focused on S.B. 942 that would provide the possibility of parole for model prisoners serving life sentences. The legislation would enable someone sentenced to life imprisonment to be considered for parole after spending at least 15 years in prison. The state Board of Probation and Parole could still reject parole requests from those who do not deserve it or pose a safety risk to the public. Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., has introduced companion legislation ( H.B. 135 ) in the House of Representatives. Harris, chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and co-sponsor of the recently-enacted clean slate law, said: "Yesterday's policy hearing and tour of SCI-Dallas was a historic moment. Both House and Senate Democratic Policy committees along with the PLBC joined to hear from a group of constituents often forgotten about. In this time of fiscal crisis, it's the legislature's responsibility to ensure that we are good stewards of taxpayer dollars. There is much cost saving that can come from the Department of Corrections while keeping communities safe. Lengthy yet Read more
Legislative package would help incarcerated women, parents in Pa.
(Jun 21, 2018) Rep. Donna Bullock
HARRISBURG, June 21 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., and colleagues today unveiled a package of legislation that would help incarcerated women and parents in Pennsylvania. "I'm glad that we're having vital, bipartisan discussions about criminal justice reform. I think it's crucial for those discussions to include women and girls of color," said Cephas, chairwoman of the Women and Girls of Color Subcommittee of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. "Women are the fastest-growing segment of the incarcerated population. Since 1985, the rate of incarcerated women has increased at nearly double the male rate. The ACLU reports that African-American women and women of color are significantly overrepresented in the prison population. African-American women are 30 percent of incarcerated women in the United States, but only 13 percent of the female population. In addition, Hispanic women are 16 percent of incarcerated women but only 11 percent of all women in the U.S." Cephas plans to introduce a bill to create a Women and Girls Committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. "I believe this would aid the commission in its work as it specifically relates to research and programs that will have a direct impact on women and girls." Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., chairman of the PLBC, said, "This package of legislation would help support incarcerated women in the commonwealth's prison Read more
Bullock to represent Pa. in prestigious fellowship
PHILADELPHIA, June 12 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., announced today that she has been selected to participate in the Henry Toll Fellowship Program, a prestigious leadership boot camp organized by The Council of State Governments. "I'm happy to be part of this year's cohort. I'm looking forward to meet government officials from all across the country to exchange insights on public policy and issues we may have in common," Bullock said. "It's a nontraditional program and we will be working out of our comfort zones. I know it will be challenging both physically and mentally, but the experience will help me bring a new perspective to the work I do every day in Philadelphia and Harrisburg." The training will be held from Friday, Aug. 24 through Tuesday, Aug. 28 in Lexington, Ky. The Toll Fellowship Program, named after the Council's founder Henry Wolcott Toll, is one of the nation's premier leadership development programs for state government officials. Each year, the program brings 48 of the nation's top officials from all three branches of state government, for an intensive five-day, five-night leadership boot camp. The program's sessions are designed to stimulate personal assessment and growth, while providing networking and relationship-building opportunities. CSG is the only national organization serving all three branches of state government. It offers a region-based forum that Read more
Bullock Demands Criminal Justice Reform
(May 04, 2018) Rep. Donna Bullock
Pa. state Rep. Donna Bullock joined Gov. Tom Wolf, Democratic legislators and rapper Meek Mill in Philadelphia to demand criminal justice reform. Read more
Bullock: It's Time to Fix This
Equal pay advocates came together in Harrisburg rallying for change, where Pa. state Rep. Donna Bullock expressed frustration over the unnecessary gender pay gap that still exists in workplaces throughout the state. Read more
Pa. legislators call for action on Equal Pay Day
(Apr 10, 2018) Rep. Maria P. Donatucci
HARRISBURG, April 10 – State legislators and advocates held a rally in the Capitol today to call for action on strengthening Pennsylvania's outdated, ineffective equal-pay law. Today is Equal Pay Day, the symbolic day when women's average earnings catch up to men's from the previous year. "Our state ranks 29th in the United States for pay equity. Women in Pennsylvania on average make 79 percent of what men make. It takes women an additional four months and four days to get paid the same as their male counterparts. This is despite the fact that we are just as qualified and have the same amount of experience," said state Rep. Maria Donatucci, D-Phila./Delaware, chairwoman of the Philadelphia County Delegation. "I am fighting for change with my legislation, House Bill 830 . It would ensure equal pay for equal work. The bill currently sits in the House Labor and Industry Committee, where it has remained for more than a year. The facts have remained the same for far too long: women make far less than men here in Pennsylvania and that is unfair and economically self-defeating." Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, co-chairman of the Women's Health Caucus, said, "Mother's Day is coming up next month. Instead of nice words, it's time to deliver something that working mothers and all Pennsylvania working women deserve: equal pay for equal work! I have been hearing from so many women who are angry about what's been going Read more
Bullock Senior Spring Fling a Hit
Pa. state Rep. Donna Bullock held her annual Senior Spring Fling Luncheon in an effort to bring her communities together for delicious food, great music and important information about state programs. Read more
Bullock to host environmental justice panel on March 20
PHILADELPHIA, March 15 – State Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., will host an environmental justice panel from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 20 at the Center for Business and Industry of the Community College of Philadelphia, 18th and Callowhill streets, 19130. Bullock will be joined by city environmental leaders to discuss efforts to combat environmental injustice and expand opportunities for good-paying green jobs. "We are facing the most serious economic and environmental challenges in history. This panel is a great opportunity to showcase the benefits of green jobs in the city and their impact when building a sustainable economy," Bullock said. Staff will be on hand to assist with state-related issues. For more information, constituents can call (215) 684-3738. Read more
Bullock: Time For Commonsense Gun Laws
Frustrated by the growing deaths at the hands of gun violence, Pa. state Rep. Donna Bullock participated in a PA Safe Caucus news conference to demand action on gun legislation to ensure the safety of students and the protection of communities across the Commonwealth. Read more
Bullock Wraps Up Budget Hearings
Pa. state Rep. Donna Bullock recaps the highlights of the 2018-19 budget hearings. She focused on discussions that echo her fight to ensure a successful future for our children through quality schools, a strong social safety net, and a program designed to help the children of the incarcerated. Read more