Advocacy Updates with State Legislators- Greater Philadelphia Webinar

State Representative Jordan Harris has emerged as a rising star and leading progressive voice in the Pennsylvania legislature on issues that matter most to his constituents, including criminal justice reform and education reform. First chosen to represent the 186th Legislative District on Nov. 6, 2012, Harris was most recently selected by his colleagues to serve again as the Democratic Caucus Whip for the 2021-22 legislative session. The Whip is the second highest ranking position in leadership behind only the caucus leader, and Harris is only the second African American to hold the position of Whip for the Democratic Caucus and the youngest member of leadership in either the House or the Senate. Harris previously served as chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus.

Harris has become a national leader on the topic of criminal justice reform and often sought out to attend panel discussions and criminal justice reform events around the country. Prior to being elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Harris focused on his passion for helping children and young adults as he was appointed as the Executive Director of Philadelphia's Youth Commission where he advised the Mayor, City Council and other key decision-makers on issues relating to the city's youth and young adults. In this office, Harris spearheaded initiatives that helped address and ultimately end Philadelphia's outbreak of nuisance flash mobs, including extending the hours of the city's recreation centers and creating alternative activities. He was also instrumental in designing Slam Dunk, a summer program that assisted over 600 high school students in meeting credit requirements for graduation.

Through his leadership as a State Senator, Art has worked to reduce homelessness through expansion of the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act, passed requirements to test for lead in water in Pennsylvania schools, and successfully championed legislation to relocate domestic violence survivors living in public housing.

In 2019, he completed his Poverty Listening Tour and issued a report with 20 recommendations to reduce poverty in every community of Pennsylvania. Most recently, he fought for $193 million in federal CARES Act funds to be allocated to prevent evictions, foreclosures and homelessness in Pennsylvania during the COVID-19 pandemic.