Pennsylvania SR354: A Resolution honoring the life and expressing condolences on the passing of former State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen.

What the bill says

A resolution Honoring the life and expressing condolences on the passing of former State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen.

From the introduced text, July 12, 2026:

A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and expressing condolences on the passing of former State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen. WHEREAS, Shirley M. Kitchen was born September 18, 1946, in Augusta, Georgia, to Ferman and Ruth Few and was raised in Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen was educated in Philadelphia public schools and graduated from Antioch College in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in human services; and WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen later completed advanced studies at Temple University in child care, behavior modification and economic development; and WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen's career in politics began as a poll worker in 1970 and later as a social worker for the City of Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, In 1986, a Philadelphia city councilman hired Senator Kitchen as Director of Constituent Services, a position she held until she entered elected office through a 1987 special election for the 181st Pennsylvania State House district; and WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen was later elected to succeed Roxanne Jones, the first African-American woman elected to the Pennsylvania Senate, in a special election in 1996, and served the citizens of Philadelphia for 20 years fighting to expand access to health care, create affordable housing opportunities and improve the lives of low-income Philadelphians; and WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen was a constant force of change for her community as an organizer and activist; and WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Sharif Street (D, 3) · primary sponsor
• Lisa Boscola (D, 18)
• Amanda Cappelletti (D, 17)
• Maria Collett (D, 12)
• Carolyn Comitta (D, 19)
• Jay Costa (D, 43)
• Martin Flynn (D, 22)
• Wayne Fontana (D, 42)
• Arthur Haywood (D, 4)
• Vincent Hughes (D, 7)
• John Kane (D, 9)
• Timothy Kearney (D, 26)

Latest actions

1. July 12, 2026: (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), July 12, 2026
2. July 12, 2026: Introduced and adopted, July 12, 2026

Common questions

What is SR354?

SR354 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): A Resolution honoring the life and expressing condolences on the passing of former State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen.

What does SR354 do?

In its own words: A resolution Honoring the life and expressing condolences on the passing of former State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen.

What is the status of SR354?

Passed both chambers as of July 12, 2026. Latest action: (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), July 12, 2026 (July 12, 2026).

Who sponsored SR354?

Sharif Street (D, 3), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SR354?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sr354