Press Releases
PA Senate Democrats Host PA Dept. of Corrections Sec. Wetzel & Others for Hearing on Impact of COVID-19 on Prisons
Harrisburg – January 7, 2020 − At the request of state Senators Anthony H. Williams (D- Delaware/Philadelphia) and Sharif Street (D- Philadelphia) the Senate Democratic Policy Committee today held a virtual public hearing on the impacts of COVID-19 on the communities,...
PA Senate Democrats Release Statement on Violent Protest in DC
Harrisburg, PA – January 6, 2021 – The PA Senate Democrats released the following statement on the violent protest today in the nation’s Capitol: The First Amendment is one of our most sacred. It is not political and it is not partisan. The rights to free speech,...
Senator Street Statement on Refusal to Seat Senator Brewster
HARRISBURG − January 5, 2021 – Senator Sharif Street today issued the following statement on Pennsylvania Senate Republicans refusal to sit duly elected Senator Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland): “Today I joined colleagues in being sworn in to a second term in...
Senator Sharif Street is Sworn in to his Second Term in the Pennsylvania Senate
HARRISBURG − January 5, 2021 – Senator Sharif Street today issued the following statement after being sworn in to a second term in the Pennsylvania Senate: "Today I was honored to be sworn in to a second term in the Pennsylvania Senate serving the third Senate...
PA Senate Democrats to Conduct Hearing on Impact of COVID-19 on State Prisons
PHILADELPHIA, PA − December 31, 2020 − At the request of State Senators Anthony H. Williams (D-Delaware/Philadelphia) and Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee will hold a virtual public hearing on the impacts of COVID-19...
Senator Street Announces $13 Million in RACP Grants for North Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA – December 24, 2020 – Senator Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia), today announced $13 million in state funding that will be administered to organizations for projects in the 3rd Senate District. “Our community is in dire need of funding that supports our...
Senator Sharif Street and Senator-Elect Nikil Saval Call on Governor Wolf and Department of Corrections to Free the Vulnerable
PHILADELPHIA, PA — December 17, 2020 —In response to the high rate of COVID-related deaths among people incarcerated in Pennsylvania jails and prisons, Senator Sharif Street and Senator-elect Nikil Saval hosted “Free the Vulnerable,” a press event to shed light on the...
Statement: 16 Democratic State Senators Denounce Frivolous Election Lawsuits and Continued Attempts to Undermine our Democracy
HARRISBURG – December 10, 2020 – Today the following members of the Pennsylvania State Senate signed a joint statement – set forth below – denouncing the brazen attempt of the attorneys general of Texas and seventeen other states to disenfranchise millions...
Pa Senate Dems Unveil Innovative $4 Billion Pandemic Relief Plan to Help Front-Line Workers, Vulnerable Residents, Small Businesses and More
Pennsylvania − December 4, 2020 − Aiming to stimulate Pennsylvania’s economy by providing direct aid to workers, families, small businesses and other vulnerable populations, the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus announced a bold, innovative $4 billion pandemic...
5K Turkeys Delivered Across Philly & Pennsylvania in Thanksgiving Distribution
PHILADELPHIA, PA – November 16, 2020 – On Thursday and Friday (Nov. 13th & 14th) Senator Sharif Street hosted the 40th Annual Street Family Turkey Drive and Giveaway in partnership with Nicetown CDC to deliver 5,000 Turkeys to more than 225 organizations...
Senator Sharif’s Statement on Killing of Walter Wallace
Every time someone is shot and killed in our community it should be taken seriously. This is even especially important when that life has been taken by officers sworn to serve and protect the community. I am encouraged that the District Attorney has initiated an...
DEP Increases Permitting Efficiency, Maintains Environmental Protection Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) continues its efforts to maintain environmental protections and even increased permitting efficiency throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, announcing today that staff have taken final action on...
Breonna Taylor’s Life Matters
Philadelphia, PA − September 24, 2020 − Senator Sharif Street released the following statement regarding the grand jury decision announced on Breonna Taylor: “Deeply disappointed, though not surprised, that the special prosecutor in Louisville has chosen to use his...
DEP Offers $400,000 in Grants for Environmental Education Projects, Free Webinar on How to Apply
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has $400,000 in grant funding available for youth and adult environmental education projects in 2021-22 and will hold a free webinar on October 14 on how to apply. Environmental Education Grants are available to schools, colleges, nonprofit community and environmental organizations, county conservation districts, and businesses.
Philly Black Clergy Joins Senator Street & State/City Leaders for GOTV Event Amid Voter Suppression
Philadelphia, PA – September 15, 2020 – Today Senator Sharif Street joined members of the Philadelphia Black Clergy and state and local leaders to emphasize the importance of free and open elections amid COVID-19 as the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is poised to rule on...
PA Senate Democrats & Small Businesses Rally Behind Legislation Supporting Business Interruption Insurance Claims
Harrisburg, PA – August 27, 2020 – Today, State Senators Iovino, Street, Brewster, Schwank, and Hughes joined members of the Commonwealth’s small business community via Zoom to advocate for bipartisan legislation that would help Pennsylvania businesses file claims on...
DEP Declares Drought Watch for 16 Counties
Harrisburg, PA – After a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today declared a drought watch for 16 counties: Armstrong, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Fayette, Huntingdon,...
Silence is Sanction
"Our view of prejudice is often shaped by the most extreme examples of bigotry. But expressions of intolerance and cultural stereotypes are insidious and equally as dangerous. As a Black man who is a muslim in America, I am personally acquainted with bigotry and...
Senate Democrats Urge Leadership on Adult Use
HARRISBURG, PA − July 9, 2020 − The pandemic has created unprecedented budget challenges in Pennsylvania. Senator Street sent the following letter to Governor Wolf and Senate leadership at urging them to consider legalizing cannabis to raise revenue in the fall. ...
PA Senate Democrats Discuss Police Reform Legislative Agenda and Statewide Racial Equity Solutions Tour
Harrisburg – June 30, 2020 – Pennsylvania Senate Democrats gathered in the Capitol and through Zoom to discuss the status of their legislative agenda for police reforms, and to announce a statewide Racial Equity Solutions Tour. PA Senate Democrats introduced a...