Jordan A. Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jordan Harris
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| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 186th district |
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| Assumed office January 1, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Harold James |
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| Born | May 12, 1984 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Philadelphia |
| Education | Millersville University (BA) Cabrini University (MEd) Neumann University |
| Profession | Legislator |
Jordan A. Harris is an American politician. He has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2013. He represents the 186th district, which includes parts of South and Southwest Philadelphia. Mr. Harris is a member of the Democratic Party. He is currently the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. This committee handles how the state's money is spent.
Harris is also part of the Knight Foundation's Philadelphia Community Advisory Committee. This group helps guide the foundation's work in the city.
Early Life and School
Harris grew up in Philadelphia. He went to John Bartram Motivation High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Millersville University. His degree was in governmental and political affairs. Later, he received a master's degree in education from Cabrini University. He is currently studying for a higher degree at Neumann University.
Before becoming a politician, Harris was a teacher. He taught in the Philadelphia Public Schools. He also worked for the city government. He became the director of the Philadelphia Youth Commission.
Political Career
Since he was elected in 2012, Jordan Harris has worked on important issues. One of his main goals has been to change the justice system. He supported "clean slate" laws. These laws help people who have been convicted of certain crimes. After a period of time, their records can be sealed. This means the conviction is not easily seen. It helps people find jobs or housing more easily.
Harris worked on this law from the start of his time in office. Governor Tom Wolf signed the Clean Slate Act in June 2018. By June 2022, over 40 million records in Pennsylvania had been sealed because of this law.
In 2020, Harris was chosen for a special role. He was one of 20 delegates from Pennsylvania for the United States Electoral College. These delegates voted for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the 2020 United States presidential election.
Harris has held other important leadership roles. He used to be the Chair of the Pennsylvania House Legislative Black Caucus. He also served as the Democratic Whip during the 2021-2022 legislative session. A whip helps make sure party members vote together on important bills.
In May 2023, Harris helped create a new group. He and fellow Representative Jared Solomon started the legislative Black-Jewish Caucus. This group works to build understanding and cooperation between these communities.
