HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Tim Briggs has been appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “PCCD makes an impact on some of the most pressing issues in our society by working to improve our justice system, keep our schools and neighborhoods safe, provide resources to victims of crime and more,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “I am honored to receive this appointment, and I look forward to working with the commission on programs and initiatives that will make communities across the commonwealth safer, more supportive places to live.” The mission of PCCD is to enhance quality, coordination and planning within the criminal and juvenile justice systems, to facilitate the delivery of services to victims of crime, and to increase the safety of Pennsylvania communities. Briggs was appointed to serve on the commission by House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton. He previously served as a member of PCCD during the 2009-10 legislative session. He also serves as the minority chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, a member of the Board of Governors for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and as vice chairman of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – House Republicans rammed a proposed constitutional amendment that threatens the independence of the judiciary system through a newly formed committee today, with little notice and no public hearing, said state Rep. Tim Briggs, Democratic chairman of the Judiciary Committee. House Bill 38 would amend the state constitution so that appellate judges would be elected by district rather than statewide. It advanced from the Judiciary Committee by a 13-12 vote. “This bill would have a devastating effect on the balance of power in our government. It shows a fundamental lack of understanding of the independent role of our judiciary and further politicizes our courts. Some Republicans want to rig the system, and they want to do it quickly – without public input,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “A vote on legislation that would substantially change our courts should be given proper consideration and discussion. And yet, the Judiciary Committee was given less than 24 hours’ notice that our reorganization meeting would take place today and would include a vote on this constitutional amendment, which amounts to judicial gerrymandering.” Briggs added that the bill will disenfranchise all Pennsylvania voters. Under the current system, voters have an opportunity to vote on all 31 statewide judges and justices, but under H.B. 38, voters would only have the opportunity to vote for three judges and justices. Today, Briggs made Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Tim Briggs was sworn in today at the state Capitol to begin his seventh term representing the 149 th District in Montgomery County. “It’s an honor to continue to represent the 149 th District, and I’m eager to dig back in for another legislative session working on issues that matter to members of my community,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many problems that we needed to address even before the health crisis began – the need for affordable quality health care, equitable education funding, and an economy that works for everyone. It’s also critical that we address the impacts of the pandemic and get help to the frontline workers, small businesses, and others who have been hit the hardest.” Briggs has been reappointed to serve as Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which reviews all legislation relating to aspects of the civil and criminal court systems, law enforcement and corrections . Briggs continues to prioritize constituent service. His staff has worked remotely during the pandemic, available by phone and email, and helped many residents with unemployment compensation and other pandemic-related issues. His office remains available by phone at 610-768-3135 or email at RepBriggs@pahouse.net . “My staff and I can help navigate a number of state-related issues, and it’s my goal to remain Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 4 – A group of 10 House Democrats announced the introduction of changes to the Operating Rules of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to reduce the impact of partisan politics, make sure ideas with broad public support get a fair hearing, and restore the people’s faith in government after the damage done by extremists in Washington, D.C., and Harrisburg. The People Before Politics plan was crafted with this central idea: lawmakers work for the people, not the other way around. It focuses on openness, transparency and citizen control of the legislative process. The People Before Politics plan includes the following proposals: Amendment 1 – The Voice of the People, sponsored by Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila. This amendment would make sure each House member has an opportunity to speak at a designated time during the first full session day of the week on any topic, similar to how the U.S. House of Representatives allows members to speak. This change would end the requirement of “unanimous consent” so often abused by extremists to silence members and prevent legislative topics bottled up in committee from being heard by the people. Amendment 2 – Let the People See, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware . This amendment would restore the rule requiring a full 24 hours before final passage of any bill, including all bills amended in the House chamber or in committee, or sent over from the state Read more
HARRISBURG, Dec. 30 – State Reps. Tim Briggs and Mary Jo Daley, both D-Montgomery, announced that Lower Merion Conservancy was awarded a state grant to support green stormwater infrastructure projects. The $184,960 Growing Greener grant will support Lower Merion Conservancy’s Growing Greener Streets project, which aims to work with private property owners to install residential-scale green stormwater infrastructure. Twenty-five property owners have already signed on and more will be recruited. “This funding will help protect our waterways. I’m pleased to see this grant awarded to Lower Merion Conservancy to help private property owners undertake this work and ultimately inspire others to make environmentally friendly changes as well,” Briggs said. “It’s encouraging to know that many private property owners have already signed up for this project to improve stormwater management and keep pollutants out of our streams and rivers. I look forward to seeing this work take shape in Narberth and Lower Merion Township. Protecting our waterways is an investment in our community’s future, and I appreciate Lower Merion Conservancy’s efforts to help us live greener,” said Daley. Growing Greener grants are awarded through the Department of Environmental Protection to support watershed restoration and protection projects, among other work. Read more
Your vote this November will shape the future of this country, and all eyes are on Pennsylvania due to its “battle state” status. This election will not only impact us in PA but also our brothers and sisters throughout the nation. Read more
The radical right agenda has infiltrated the Pennsylvania legislature and threatens the independence of our judiciary. We rely on a fair and independent judicial system to administer equal justice under the law, free from outside pressure and influence. But, as we approach a critically important election, that independence is on the line because of a politically motivated attempt to rig our courts. The most radicalized Republican members of the legislature reign over districts simply because they picked their constituents through gerrymandering. The lack of compromise, civility and gridlock in Harrisburg can be directly linked to gerrymandering. The same radicalized Republicans in control in Harrisburg are pushing H.B. 196, which would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to create judicial districts for our appellate courts, rather than elect them on a statewide basis. It’s a bad bill that shows a fundamental lack of understanding about the judiciary and its role in our society. Appellate court decisions impact the rights of all Pennsylvanians, from Erie to King of Prussia and everywhere in between. Appellate judges are elected to interpret our laws, not to represent any particular special interests or regional biases. Judges are to be free of influence and not bring their own agenda to the courts. Electing judges from districts drawn by radicalized politicians would make those judges increasingly beholden to special interests instead of the law, Read more
WEST NORRITON, Aug. 26 – State Reps. Joe Webster and Tim Briggs announced that Norristown Area School District has been awarded two grants to improve educational services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The district is among 220 local education agencies statewide awarded grants aimed at improving educational services for approximately 180,000 students at schools designated for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act authorizes governors to determine the educational use of Governor's Emergency Education Relief Funds. Norristown Area School District was awarded $185,789 for Norristown Area High School and $17,987 for Roosevelt Alternative School. “This funding is an investment in making sure all children are receiving the education they deserve during this public health emergency. I’m pleased to see this critical funding awarded, and I applaud Norristown Area School District for everything it is doing to support students in difficult circumstances,” said Webster, D-Montgomery. Briggs, D-Montgomery, added: “All schools need our support during this pandemic, but some already had extra challenges on their plates. This funding provides an additional boost for schools that need it the most.” Grants were calculated based on elements of the federal Title I, Part A formula, including the Read more
KING OF PRUSSIA, Aug. 18 – The global pandemic and upcoming presidential election demonstrate the critical importance of teaching media literacy, starting at a young age, said state Rep. Tim Briggs, who has been advocating for the establishment of media literacy curriculum in Pennsylvania schools. “As we are all bombarded with information on a daily basis, particularly through social media, it can sometimes be difficult to discern fact from fiction – and during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s critical to ensure we are consuming accurate information from reliable sources,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “I’ve reintroduced legislation to establish a media literacy curriculum in our schools because we need to prepare our youngest citizens with the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate information and sources. The health of our democracy – and right now, the health of our citizens – depends on it.” House Bill 992, assigned to the House Education Committee since March 2019, would require the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop an age-appropriate media literacy curriculum for kindergarten through grade 12 that would be made available to school districts throughout Pennsylvania. The curriculum may include, but would not be limited to: developing critical thinking skills; understanding how media messages shape culture and society; identifying targeted marketing strategies; naming Read more
HARRISBURG, July 29 – State Rep. Tim Briggs today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing to discuss the challenges and importance of contact tracing in Pennsylvania. Briggs requested the hearing to discuss contact tracing and ways the process could be improved. The hearing included testimony from state and local health officials, including Michel Masters, division director of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Montgomery County Office of Public Health. “The federal government’s failure to lead with a cohesive national strategy requires us at the state and local level to work collaboratively to learn and share successful approaches and best practices to protect our communities from COVID-19,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “Contact tracing is an essential tool to allow our schools and economy to reopen. This hearing brought together those on the front lines to share their experiences for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians.” The hearing was attended by legislators from around the state, including Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, Democratic chairman of the House Health Committee; and Rep. Mike Sturla, chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee. “I thank Representative Briggs for requesting this hearing to enable us to hear how DOH and various counties are conducting contact tracing. This tracing is critical for an effective handling of the COVID-19 Read more
HARRISBURG, July 28 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on COVID-19 contact tracing. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 29 in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building in Harrisburg. The media and public are urged to watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . The hearing was requested by State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, to investigate the challenges of contact tracing in Pennsylvania. Testifiers and committee members will participate in person and remotely. Testifiers will include: Sarah Boateng , executive deputy secretary, PA Department of Health. Lindsey Mauldin , special assistant on contact tracing for Secretary Levine, DOH. Michel Masters , division director of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Montgomery County Office of Public Health. Dr. Jeff Martin , medical director, Lancaster County Contact Tracing Program. Cynthia Shields , assistant director of Office of Community Services, Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Following the hearing, testimonies and full hearing video will be posted at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more
Latest news from the House Judiciary Committee and more. Read more
KING OF PRUSSIA, July 14 – State Rep. Tim Briggs announced a $464,000 state grant will help support the installation of clean energy infrastructure at Arkema Inc. headquarters in King of Prussia. The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved the grant to Scale Microgrid Solutions, which will enter into an agreement with Arkema to own and operate clean energy equipment at the 13-building campus. As part of the agreement, Scale Microgrid Solutions will install a combined heat and power system that will generate electricity and thermal energy for the campus. The total project cost is more than $4 million. “Moving to cleaner energy sources is essential to preserve our environment and support our communities for the future. I’m pleased to see a local company taking steps to become greener, and I’m glad that the state is supporting these projects with funding,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. The grant comes through the state’s Alternative and Clean Energy Program, which provides financial assistance through grants and loans for the utilization, development and construction of alternative and clean energy projects in the state. The program is jointly administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Environmental Protection, under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Read more
The separation of powers is a fundamental tenet of our democracy, a system of checks and balances that makes government accountable to all of us. But today, the system is breaking down as President Trump and his minions have called on courts to settle political questions at every level of government. More than ever, we need pushback from concerned elected officials, Democrats and Republicans alike, to counter the Trump Administration’s overtly political litigation agenda. That effort should start at targeting Republican attorneys general who are pushing the Trump agenda in courts throughout the country. The president and his team have managed to turn much of federal law enforcement into a de-facto political arm of the White House. And at the highest level, Attorney General William Barr is a prime example of this political puppetry. Under his “leadership,” the DOJ has become a legal shield for the Trump administration and a weapon against the president’s enemies , including his political opponents and industries that he views as biased against conservatives, like big tech , or the Postal Service, or the auto industry, or any of a score of other enterprises the president chooses to target. And, this subversion of the law has been passed down to the state level. AGs like Texas’s Ken Paxton have seized on issues like the COVID-19 pandemic to advance the president’s agenda. A supposed “small government” proponent, many of Read more
Updates on news and legislation for the 149th Legislative District Read more
Applications are expected to be available June 30 for a new program aimed at providing critical funding to local businesses hurt by the coronavirus. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 8 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, supported calls for a special session to take action on police reform legislation. “Since the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, we’ve seen communities around Pennsylvania and the rest of the country come together in peaceful protests to speak out against systemic racism resulting in the loss of innocent black lives. These calls for justice are happening around the world, as well as up the street – and even in the House chamber,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “Our communities are demanding change. We must act now, and we must move legislation that will make meaningful reforms and strengthen police-community relations.” Democratic lawmakers have proposed numerous reform measures , which include outlawing the use of police chokeholds, improving access to police video footage, and improving oversight and accountability for law enforcement. The House Judiciary Committee will be at the forefront in considering many of these reform proposals. “ For too long, my Republican colleagues have allowed numerous reform bills to languish without bringing them up for action. We can’t wait any longer,” Briggs said. “I support calls from the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus to vote on these bills now, and I’ll urge my Republican colleagues to bring these measures up for a vote swiftly.” Read more
KING OF PRUSSIA, May 27 – State Rep. Tim Briggs announced the winner of his 11 th annual “There Ought to be a Law” contest, which drew 500 entries from area fifth-grade students. The annual contest challenges fifth-graders to write an essay about a law they think would make their school, community or state a better place. “I sponsor this contest each year to spark an interest in government for students, and I’m always impressed with the creativity and quality of the entries. With these compassionate and intelligent students in our community, our future looks bright,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. The winner of this year’s contest is Bella McPherson from Upper Merion Area Middle School , who proposed to have schools use all-natural cleaning products instead of harmful chemicals. The winner of this contest is typically invited to visit the Capitol and be recognized by the House of Representatives. With the Capitol currently closed to visitors because of COVID-19, the visit will take place later in the year or alternate arrangements will be made. In addition to the winner, the following students were named finalists in the contest: Cecilia Peterson - Penn Wynne Elementary School. Tuvya Gross - Caskey Torah Academy. Vivienne Kwait – Gladwyne Elementary School. Maya Gavrin - Gladwyne Elementary School. Rachel Gavrin - Gladwyne Elementary School. Chananya Halpern – Caskey Read more
The coronavirus pandemic is the greatest challenge many Pennsylvanians have ever faced or will ever face. For many families, it’s brought personal or financial tragedy. But it has also shown all of us that when we work together, Pennsylvania is strong enough to handle any challenge. Pennsylvanians have been staying home and saving lives. Our state’s amazing nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals are redefining the word “hero” every day. And, our grocery store employees, pharmacists, warehouse workers and truckers have kept PA supplied and moving. We owe it to them, and to each other, to stay the course until the virus is defeated and our workers, families and communities are safe. If we keep making good, commonsense choices based in facts and science, this crisis will be over soon. In the meantime, House Democrats have developed a plan to put People First, reward hard work, support community based businesses and make sure PA is H elping E mployers A nd L abor S ucceed once this crisis has passed. PA HEALS is just the first steps, but they are crucial to an effective start: Local Businesses Matter – Rep. Joe Ciresi This legislation would use $100 million from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to provide 0% interest loans to smaller, local businesses that were shut out of the COVID-19 Working Capital Access Loan Program when it ran Read more
HARRISBURG, April 22 — State Reps. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, and Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, are introducing legislation that would restore the state’s COVID-19 Working Capital Access (CWCA) loan program and provide no-interest loans to Pennsylvania’s smallest businesses and life science organizations. The lawmakers drafted the bills due to the rapid exhaustion of Pennsylvania’s CWCA loan program. Both bills propose replenishing the program by transferring $100 million from the state’s Rainy Day Fund. A total of $61 million was originally available when the program launched in late March, but applications quickly outpaced the funds available and the program was closed in less than a week. Briggs also noted that many life science businesses were ineligible for CWCA loans due to the way life science entities are structured. In addition to reopening the program, Shusterman’s legislation contains measures that would create two new programs specifically for businesses with five employees or less. Shusterman said that microloans of up to $15,000 at a 0% interest would be available to mom and pop shops with no payments required for the first year. Additionally, a grant program to provide these small businesses with grants of up to $15,000 to cover working capital expenses would be created. “I’ve heard from countless small businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 health Read more
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