PCCP welcomes PA Rep. Jordan Harris

Welcome to our 2024-25 season! PCCP will start our monthly luncheons by gaining insight into the Pennsylvania state budget from PA Representative Jordan Harris, who is the House Majority Appropriations Chair. He will share his priorities, what it takes to pull the budget together, how this bodes for next year, and how folks like us can elevate our needs during the process. (Meanwhile, be sure to renew your PCCP membership for a discount on luncheons.)

Jordan A. Harris, a dedicated advocate and seasoned legislator, serves as the House Majority Appropriations Chairman, representing the 186th Legislative District of south and southwest Philadelphia since his election in 2012. Rising through the ranks, he became the Democratic Caucus Whip in 2018 and later assumed the role of Democratic Appropriations Chair for the 2023-24 session, marking historic milestones as the first African American to hold both positions.

Harris co-authored Pennsylvania's groundbreaking Clean Slate Law, praised as a model for automatic sealing of certain criminal records. This legislation, enacted in 2018, has since sealed over 40 million records in Pennsylvania, inspiring similar reforms nationwide. Harris champions reforming Pennsylvania's probation system, advocating for bipartisan bills aimed at reducing technical violations, and promoting rehabilitation.

Harris has received numerous accolades, including being named among The Philadelphia Tribune Magazine's “10 People Under 40 to Watch,” Philadelphia Magazine's “Most Influential Philadelphians,” and Talk Magazine's 101st most influential Person in Pennsylvania. He has been recognized with the Odunde365 Community Service Award and the Allegheny College Prize for Civility in Public Life.

Harris, a native of south Philadelphia, earned his bachelor’s degree in Government and Political Affairs from Millersville University, pursued a master's degree in Education from Cabrini College, and currently is pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Neumann University. Before his political career, Harris served as an educator in Philadelphia and led Philadelphia's Youth Commission as its Executive Director.

Beyond his legislative duties, Harris remains actively involved in community organizations, serving on the boards of Lincoln Day Educational Center, the Hardy Williams Education Fund, and the Christian Street YMCA, among others.
A proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Nu Sigma Chapter and Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons Cephas Lodge #98, Harris exemplifies dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of others.

Host or Publisher Philadelphia Committee on City Policy (PCCP)