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Fleming helped Lower Paxton Township secure $1.2 million transportation funding award

(8 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, said he helped Lower Paxton Township secure a competitive grant award of more than $1.18 million from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to extend the township’s sidewalk network. “This investment in Lower Paxton Township will help enhance quality of life in the township by increasing pedestrian safety,” Fleming said. “The funding will be used to extend the township’s sidewalk network to make important connections between neighborhoods and key destinations such as the Lower Paxton Township Municipal Center, Central Dauphin Middle School, and many neighborhood-serving businesses. This is a smart use of our taxpayer dollars to strengthen the connections in our community and provide easier access to critical services.” Fleming added that the new sidewalk connections will include all necessary signage, ADA-accessible ramps and crosswalks, and will narrow the width of the roadway on Prince Street, which will act as a traffic calming feature, and improve pedestrian safety. The grant award comes from the Surface Transportation Block Grant program Set-Aside, also known as the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA Set-Aside). The grant funds projects that improve the accessibility of biking and walking paths and amenities, pedestrian access to public transportation, community improvement activities, environmental mitigation projects and trails. Read more

 

Fleming congratulates area school districts for safety grants

(9 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 26 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, today announced that over $1.14 million in state grants have been awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to reduce gun and group violence in local Dauphin County schools. “Every child in our community should feel safe in school so they can flourish and preventing acts of violence is the best way to do that,” Fleming said. “These grants, which were funded by our votes in Harrisburg, will give our schools the tools they need to be more effective when it comes to reducing violence.” The total award amounts approved for schools in the district are: Central Dauphin School District - $307,321 Susquehanna Township School District - $631,469 Dauphin County Technical School - $70,000 Infinity Charter School - $70,000 Reach Cyber Charter School - $70,000 View a full list of awards, including dollar amount and school entities approved for funding, here: ? School Safety Awards . Nonpublic School Awards . Funds will advance the School Safety and Security Committee’s goal of ensuring that all Pennsylvania students can learn in safe, healthy school environments by helping school entities address basic safety needs and mental health services identified in the Committee’s recently adopted Revised Baseline Criteria Standards . Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Sturla help secure $3 million grant for Lancaster’s Water Street bike project

(9 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, April 26 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Mike Sturla, both D-Lancaster, helped the city of Lancaster secure a $3 million state grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to support the Water Street bike project. “Being on a bike offers the opportunity to see the world differently,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Having learned to ride a bike at the late age of 29, I can say it changed my life. I am thrilled that PennDOT has awarded Lancaster City $3 million to help execute the Water Street bike project. A city that is safer for cycling is safer for pedestrians, safer for people pushing strollers, safer for accessing public transit. This a smart investment in our city and in our future.” Sturla added, “I thank PennDOT for awarding this grant to enable the city of Lancaster to continue their successful strategy in making our community even more friendly to bike riders.” The Water Street bike project extends from Fairview Avenue up to Harrisburg Pike and includes a mixture of shared on-street bike facilities and a half-mile portion that will be off-road. According to Smith-Wade-El and Sturla, the project will include intersection improvements along the length of Water Street with raised intersections, speed humps, bump-out curb extensions, ADA compliant ramps, piano key crosswalks and rapid flashing beacons. Three intersections and one segment along Water Street are in the High Injury Network as Read more

 

Rabb, Nelson introduce legislation to help families inheriting properties without a will

(1 day ago) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb, Rep. Napoleon Nelson

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Reps. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., and Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, have introduced legislation ( H.B. 2232 ) that would establish the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act in Pennsylvania. The legislation would make sure all inheritors are informed when one inheritor wants to sell their share of the property. It would also require a neutral appraiser to determine the property's fair market value. Lastly, it would provide other inheritors the first chance to buy the share of the person who wants to sell. “The passing of a loved one is heartbreaking and challenging on its own, and when they don’t have an estate plan in place it can lead to some difficult decisions and uncomfortable situations for the person’s heirs,” Rabb said. “This leads to the person’s heirs taking ownership of the property as tenants-in-common — a form of ownership that frequently leads to heirs losing their land through forced partition sale and to families losing immense inherited wealth to real estate speculators.” This legislation would provide additional due process protections to prevent Pennsylvanians from the forced sale of inherited property, Rabb said. “This bill is a piece of the puzzle in creating more fair and equitable housing throughout Pennsylvania,” Nelson said. The legislation is currently in the Pennsylvania House Housing and Read more

 

Reps. Lindsay Powell and Aerion A. Abney: Bridging Pa.’s digital divide

(1 day ago) Rep. Lindsay Powell, Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

Covid-19 not only resulted in immeasurable loss of life, it also permanently altered life as we knew it. The base of operations that is home shed its more proverbial association and became the place where business in all its forms got done. Computers and internet access represented a lifeline for people forging ahead through this once-in-a-generation health crisis. Read more

 

Matzie urges local governments, nonprofits and service providers to participate in broadband survey

(1 day ago) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, April 25 – With more than $1 billion coming to expand high-speed internet in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Robert Matzie is urging local governments, nonprofit organizations and internet service providers to participate in a critical survey to ensure those dollars reach their intended targets. Matzie – a board member on the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority and majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee – said the BEAD Challenge will provide essential feedback to ensure the new funding is allocated properly. “With major broadband infrastructure in place and new funding of more than $1 billion on the way, PA is finally poised to bring essential high-speed internet connections to the unserved and underserved areas that so desperately need them,” Matzie said. “But it’s critical to ensure that the funding goes to the areas where it’s most needed. We have to get this right. “I’m urging local governments, nonprofits and service providers to complete the BEAD Challenge to ensure those dollars are put to the best use.” Matzie said complete information about how to submit a BEAD Challenge is available at this page: https://www.broadband.pa.gov/funding/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/bead-challenge-process/ . The new broadband funding comes from the Broadband Equity, Access and Read more

 

Lawmakers discuss pharmacy policy reform in Moon

(Apr 24, 2024) Rep. Jessica Benham

New bill would reel in Pharmacy Benefit Managers Read more

 

Powell appointed to PA Children’s Trust Fund board

(Apr 18, 2024) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, April 18 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has been selected to join the board of the Pennsylvania Children’s Trust Fund . Powell was appointed to the board by House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Delaware/Phila., and Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., who is the House chair of the Children and Youth Committee. “I’m honored to be a member of the PA Children’s Trust Fund board and lend my voice to the tremendous work and advocacy done on behalf of the health and well-being of children across the Commonwealth. Every child deserves the right to live their best life and have all opportunities available to them to succeed,” Powell said. “Thank you Speaker McClinton and Rep. Bullock for entrusting me with this new role.” The Pennsylvania Children’s Trust Fund, established almost 35 years ago, is dedicated to funding innovative and creative community-based child abuse and neglect prevention programs. Specific emphasis for funding is placed on primary prevention programs, which focus on the prevention of abuse before it occurs. The organization’s board consists of three members of the state House of Representatives, three members of the state Senate, and nine citizens appointed by the governor and confirmed by majority vote in the Senate. Read more

 

House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution

(Apr 17, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, April 17 – The PA House with overwhelming bipartisan support today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2024 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.” Matzie, who is majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, said he introduced H.R.300 to make sure Pennsylvanians understand that calling the 8-1-1 “Call before You Dig” hotline is not just a convenience but a legal responsibility. “State law requires anyone planning to do digging – whether they are a homeowner, a contractor, or an excavator – to dial 8-1-1 at least three days before starting the work,” Matzie said. “Making the free call alerts utilities so they can mark underground pipes and cables before excavation begins. It’s a quick, simple step that protects workers, prevents underground utility damage, minimizes service interruptions and can even save lives.” Matzie said calling the hotline is required even for shallow digging projects and those located directly on a homeowner’s private property. More information is available here: https://www.puc.pa.gov/pipeline-safety/pa-one-call/#:~:text=Homeowners%20and%20contractors%20must%20call,begins%20to%20disturb%20the%20earth . Read more

 

State lawmakers call for support for PA’s telecommunicators

(Apr 17, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 17 – State Reps. Roni Green and Tarik Khan, both D-Phila., were joined by a bipartisan group of their legislative colleagues, public safety telecommunicators and advocates at the state Capitol today to celebrate “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” and discuss how the legislature can work to help Pennsylvania’s telecommunicators and 911 dispatchers. The telecommunicators and advocates who were present included Jack Morgan III, 911 operator from Allegheny County; Sara Slote, dispatch manager, Lancaster County 911; Bill Perkins, state constable; Garrett Rienhardt, recipient of life-saving care; Tyler Griffith, dispatcher; AFSCME members; and Gordon Zimmet, Local 1637 president. At the news conference, the legislators discussed a resolution (H.R. 377), introduced by Green that recognizes the week of April 14-20 “Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” in Pennsylvania. The resolution was adopted by the House later in the day. “911 dispatchers are the point of first contact between the caller and first responders. The speed and efficiency with which they work saves lives. They parse through heaps of information in very chaotic situations and support callers during what is often one of the most difficult moments of their lives,” Green said. “It’s time for the commonwealth to give back to 911 dispatchers the kind of support they give us. My daughter worked Read more

 

Frankel, Venkat: House passes bill to bar noncompete agreements in health care employment

(Apr 17, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 17 – The PA House today passed legislation introduced by state Reps. Dan Frankel and Arvind Venkat that would prohibit medical employers from using restrictive noncompete agreements that prevent doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who leave a job from practicing elsewhere. The lawmakers, both D-Allegheny, said they introduced H.B. 1633 to end an unfair practice that limits options for providers, disrupts patients’ long-term relationships with their trusted physicians and makes it more difficult for Pennsylvania to attract talented medical professionals. “This legislation deals with employment contracts for health care providers, but it’s really about patient care – it protects the long-term patient-care giver relationship that builds trust and improves outcomes,” said Frankel, who is majority chairman of the House Health Committee. “We know it’s not always easy to find the right health care provider, and it’s important that our laws not interfere with your ability to maintain that crucial relationship.” Venkat said, “As a physician-legislator, I know that noncompete covenants unnecessarily restrict patient access to the clinician of their choice and make Pennsylvania a less desirable place for health professionals to practice. I am proud to have worked with Representative Frankel to pass this bipartisan legislation through the state House to improve patient access in Read more

 

Labor and environmental leaders join House Democrats in announcing joint Blue-Green legislative agenda

(Apr 17, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 17 – On Tuesday, Labor and environmental advocates from across Pennsylvania joined members of the state House of Representatives’ Blue-Green Caucus to announce a joint legislative agenda to combat climate change while creating good-paying union jobs. The 11-bill package would boost clean energy production, advance key conservation goals, and create union jobs in growing clean-energy fields like weatherization and the solar energy industry. Bills in the package would also lower energy costs for consumers, increase funding for public transit, and protect Pennsylvania families and union workers from attempts to privatize water and wastewater systems. The 55 member Blue-Green Caucus, led by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., have been convening labor and environmental leaders to break down imposed barriers that often polarize the groups and instead tapping into their shared belief that strong environmental policies must go hand-in-hand with labor protections. “Everyone, from electricians to clean-air advocates, wants the same thing: a better future for their kids,” said Fiedler. “It’s time to challenge the narrative that labor and environmental interests are at odds. This package of nearly a dozen bills proves we can unite around a vision for a blue-green future.” “Pennsylvanians don’t have to choose between good jobs and protecting the environment,” Read more

 

Haddock living organ donor bill OK’d by House Finance Committee

(Apr 17, 2024) Rep. Jim Haddock

“Providing financial support to donors will remove an obstacle to the living donation process. This is one way that state government can help those in need of a transplant as well as support the heroes among us who selflessly choose to give the gift of life," Haddock said. Read more

 

Prevailing wage legislation reported out of House Labor & Industry Committee

(Apr 17, 2024) Rep. Jason Dawkins

HARRISBURG, April 17 – The Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee today approved a bill ( H.B. 2153 ) sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., that would update the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act to address the issues of split rates and custom fabrication. This legislation would prohibit the practice of paying “split rates” on publicly funded construction projects and ensure that custom fabrication work done by tradespeople away from the main job site is paid to the prevailing wage. “This is as simple as ensuring that companies awarded public construction project contracts are paying their workers fairly and to the prevailing wage standard set by the secretary of Labor and Industry,” said Dawkins, chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. The legislation now goes to the full House where it awaits a vote. Read more

 

State Reps. Smith-Wade-El, Kenyatta and Benham applaud two state boards’ opposition to conversion therapy

(Apr 17, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 17 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; Malcom Kenyatta, D-Phila.; and Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, today applauded the Pennsylvania boards of Psychology and Osteopathic Medicine for their recent adoption of new policies opposing the practice of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ minors. The representatives issued the following statement: “We applaud the state Boards of Psychology and Osteopathic Medicine’s adoption of a new Statement of Policies (SOP) that opposes the use of the discredited, pseudoscientific practice of conversion therapy on minors in Pennsylvania. Conversion therapy, also known as conversion abuse, is a dangerous practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression that has resulted in profound physical and psychological harm on patients, including depression, trauma, and suicide. “We hope that the state boards of Medicine, Nursing and Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors will vote in the coming weeks to adopt similar SOPs opposing the use of conversion therapy. “Although we are glad to see esteemed state medical boards gradually take steps to oppose the practice of conversion abuse, this is happening at too slow a rate. It is long past time that Pennsylvania joins the 20 other states outlawing the practice. Our bill, the Protection of Minors from Conversion Therapy Act, would prohibit a mental health Read more

 

Health Committee advances Cephas bill to strengthen doula services in Pa.

(Apr 17, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, April 17 – The PA House Health Committee today approved legislation authored by state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., that would extend Medicaid coverage to doula services in the state. Under Cephas’ bill ( H.B. 1608 ), Medicaid would reimburse certified doulas for providing childbirth education and support services, including physical and emotional support, during pregnancy, labor and delivery and up to one year postpartum. “Research has shown that doula support leads to improved birth outcomes, including reduced rates of cesarean sections, shorter labor durations and higher rates of breastfeeding initiation. By providing continuous support throughout and after pregnancy, doulas contribute to safer and more positive birth experiences for mothers," Cephas said. "While some moms can afford doula services without insurance or have insurance that covers it, moms who receive their vital pregnancy care through Medicaid are not so lucky. This leads to a vast inequality in care for women who are already statistically at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, with Black women at the highest risk of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This legislation would give these mothers a proven network of support needed to produce better mental and physical health outcomes during their birthing journey.” The bill also would establish a Doula Advisory Read more

 

Mayes’ legislation to expand Medicaid coverage for blood pressure monitors advances to House

(Apr 17, 2024) Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes

Screenings for hypertension decrease maternal mortality Read more

 

House adopts Matzie ‘Limb Loss Awareness’ resolution

(Apr 16, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, April 16 – The PA House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution recognizing April 2024 as “Limb Loss Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Matzie, D-Beaver, said he introduced H.R. 299 both to highlight the challenges and triumphs of Pennsylvanians living without a limb and also to raise awareness about prevention. “More than 2 million Americans live with limb loss, and it’s estimated that every single day, more than 300 people in the United States lose a limb. We see many of them navigate the world around them with tenacity and success, but what we don’t see are all the challenges – physical and emotional – they face and overcome every day. “I introduced this resolution to honor the courage and achievements of all Pennsylvanians living without a limb – whether the limb loss resulted from congenital causes, trauma or disease. But I’m also offering this resolution to raise awareness that the No. 1 cause of surgical amputations – vascular diseases such as diabetes and peripheral artery disease – is at least partially within our power to control. “While we can’t control risk factors like age and family history, other risks – including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, inactivity and excess weight – can be changed or treated. “By learning the risk factors, talking to their Read more

 

Solomon and Kenyatta ‘good ‘government’ legislation passes PA House

(Apr 16, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation (H.B. 1472) co-sponsored by state Reps. Jared Solomon and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today by a 127-74 vote. House Bill 1472 would require campaign finance reports from civic leagues and 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organizations that independently advocate for or against a particular candidate. "Encouraging transparency in campaign finance is critical to restoring trust in government,” Solomon said. “When citizens are informed about where political funding comes from, they can hold elected officials accountable and ensure fair representation for all.” The bill would adjust the threshold for independent campaign expenditures from a minimum of $100 in a calendar year to unrestricted spending, while also lowering the reporting threshold for late independent expenditures from $500 to any amount. "Massive spending by dark money groups to impact our elections undermines our electoral process and erodes faith in our democracy.” Kenyatta said. “Shedding light on political funding sources empowers citizens to participate fully in shaping their government and ensure their representatives work for them.” Both Solomon and Kenyatta said the legislation is one of several bills have they introduced as a part of their “Trust and Transparency” bill package aimed at restoring public trust and improving the campaign finance system. Read more

 

Ciresi bill waiving vehicle registration fees for veterans in PA unanimously passes state House

(Apr 16, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 16 – In recognition of their valiant service to the nation, the PA House today unanimously passed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, which would waive vehicle title and registration fees for veterans who were captured, injured or received the Congressional Medal of Honor while serving. “Following their service, veterans return home impacted by their experiences and face financial hurdles as they begin the transition to civilian life, including relocation, finding new homes, applying for jobs and registering their vehicles,” Ciresi said. “We owe it to these heroes to relieve some of the pressure by waiving vehicle registration fees. By permanently removing registration fees for veterans who were injured, captured, or received our highest military decoration, we would show our permanent appreciation for their sacrifices and service.” Currently, recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, seriously injured veterans, and former POWs pay a $10 vehicle registration processing fee. Under H.B. 105, this fee would be removed, and they would no longer be subject to titling fees. For recipients of the Purple Heart, who currently have to pay titling and registration fees in full, they would no longer be subject to paying either. The bill is now on its way to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Fleming helped Lower Paxton Township secure $1.2 million transportation funding award
8 hours ago

Fleming congratulates area school districts for safety grants
9 hours ago

Smith-Wade-El and Sturla help secure $3 million grant for Lancaster’s Water Street bike project
9 hours ago

Rabb, Nelson introduce legislation to help families inheriting properties without a will
1 day ago

Reps. Lindsay Powell and Aerion A. Abney: Bridging Pa.’s digital divide
1 day ago

Matzie urges local governments, nonprofits and service providers to participate in broadband survey
1 day ago

Lawmakers discuss pharmacy policy reform in Moon
Apr 24, 2024

Powell appointed to PA Children’s Trust Fund board
Apr 18, 2024

House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution
Apr 17, 2024

State lawmakers call for support for PA’s telecommunicators
Apr 17, 2024

Frankel, Venkat: House passes bill to bar noncompete agreements in health care employment
Apr 17, 2024

Labor and environmental leaders join House Democrats in announcing joint Blue-Green legislative agenda
Apr 17, 2024

Haddock living organ donor bill OK’d by House Finance Committee
Apr 17, 2024

Prevailing wage legislation reported out of House Labor & Industry Committee
Apr 17, 2024

State Reps. Smith-Wade-El, Kenyatta and Benham applaud two state boards’ opposition to conversion therapy
Apr 17, 2024

Health Committee advances Cephas bill to strengthen doula services in Pa.
Apr 17, 2024

Mayes’ legislation to expand Medicaid coverage for blood pressure monitors advances to House
Apr 17, 2024

House adopts Matzie ‘Limb Loss Awareness’ resolution
Apr 16, 2024

Solomon and Kenyatta ‘good ‘government’ legislation passes PA House
Apr 16, 2024

Ciresi bill waiving vehicle registration fees for veterans in PA unanimously passes state House
Apr 16, 2024