morgan-cephas

‘This is only a start’: Shapiro, lawmakers celebrate signing of maternal mortality bill

BY: - October 31, 2023

The act — formerly known as Senate Bill 262 — was introduced by state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and requires Pennsylvania’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee to share each reportable maternal mortality and morbidity event with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Mother Kissing Sleeping Baby

Pa. lawmakers launch Black Maternal Health Caucus to combat ‘alarming’ maternal mortality rates

BY: - October 19, 2023

Three state lawmakers announced this week the creation of the Black Maternal Health Caucus in an effort to find legislative solutions to Pennsylvania’s high rates of Black maternal mortality and morbidity. 

Pennsylvania Capitol Building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

State lawmakers to introduce legislation for universal basic income study

BY: - July 18, 2023

The study, the lawmakers wrote, would be a “vital first step in understanding how a universal basic income pilot program could be implemented in Pennsylvania.”

COMMENTARY

With attacks on voting, abortion access, GOP looks to post-Wolf era. Are Dems ready? | Friday Morning Coffee

BY: - June 11, 2021

Voter suppression. Attacks on abortion rights. And science denial. The 2022 campaign matters more than ever.

COMMENTARY

Let’s work for – not against – women’s health in 2021-22 | Opinion

BY: - February 12, 2021

Let’s craft, discuss and pass legislation that helps all women, all children, all families. 

COMMENTARY

Pa. lawmakers renew bipartisan push on behalf of incarcerated women | Friday Morning Coffee

BY: - December 4, 2020

“Just because a woman has been incarcerated does not mean the state is not obligated to treat her with dignity,” Rep. Tina Davis, D-Bucks, said.

COMMENTARY

It’s time to unlock higher education for Pennsylvanians with records | Opinion

BY: - October 28, 2020

One study showed a dramatic reduction in recidivism among those with access to higher education. A bill now before the General Assembly would open the door to opporunity.

Wolf signs policing hiring and training reforms; more action awaits

BY: - July 14, 2020

Gov. Tom Wolf has signed two policing bills to reform officer hiring and training that were  passed in the wake of statewide protests against police brutality.

COMMENTARY

Philly lawmaker’s bill aims to reduce Pa.’s disturbing maternal mortality rate | Thursday Morning Coffee

BY: - December 19, 2019

There were 11.4 deaths per 100,000 live births from 2012 to 2016. The rate was even higher among women of color.