Representative Pat Gallagher, D-Phila. represents the area around the emergency. “I am relieved that it appears no one was injured in the collapse of Northbound I-95, but there are still many questions about the accident and removing the rubble,” Gallagher stated. “We know it's a long road ahead to likely rebuild both sides of this bridge, so I ask our residents and neighbors to be patient as we navigate alternate commuting routes and altered daily life around this emergency.” Gallagher added, “A special thank you to the brave men and women of our Philadelphia Fire and Police Departments, OEM and the other agencies who have been involved in immediate response and recovery.” Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program Who May Apply : Applicant must be a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth designated as a 501(c)(3) and principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication under the Uniform Crime Reporting program. Use : Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, safety and security planning, purchase of safety and security equipment, purchase of security related technology (metal detectors, protective lighting, deadbolts, etc.), safety and security training, upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security, and more. Funds : $10 million has been appropriated by the General Assembly to the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. Applicant requests must be between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : August 27, 2024 More information : PCCD Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums and official county historical societies. Use: Funds are intended to strengthen the museum community and provide operating support to museums and historical societies. Funds: Nearly $2 million in funds are available. Application Deadline: August Read more
HARRISBURG, July 8 – Legislation ( H.B. 2426 ) introduced by state Reps. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, that would explicitly ban license plate flipping devices, today passed the Pennsylvania House. License plate flipping devices enable a license plate on a vehicle to be changed to another license plate either manually or electronically. When affixed to vehicles, these devices can be used to conceal a license plate, modify its appearance, or switch one license plate to another. Drivers can use these devices to evade identification for purposes such as avoiding tolls, reckless driving, or even more nefarious criminal activity. “There are currently many ambiguities in our state law that allow individuals to use these devices as loopholes to get out of making payments they owe,” Gallagher said. “My city of Philadelphia recently took action on this issue by prohibiting these devices in the city, and now it’s time for the entire state of Pennsylvania to follow suit.” “House Bill 2426 is a significant step toward ensuring accountability on our roads,” Scott said. “License plates are crucial for vehicle identification, and it's essential that our laws explicitly prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices that allow drivers to evade this identification. These devices can be used to avoid tolls, engage in reckless driving, and even commit more Read more
HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila, today offered praise to Gov. Josh Shapiro for signing his legislation to update the Acupuncture Licensure Act into law. “I applaud Governor Shapiro for signing this necessary piece of legislation into law,” Gallagher said. “As we see the practice of acupuncture continue to grow and more Pennsylvanians receive acupuncture treatment, it’s important that the people providing it are up to date on the latest guidelines and protocols so that patients can receive quality treatment from well-trained providers.” The update to current law will require licensed acupuncturists to complete 30 hours of approved continuing education every two years. If an acupuncturist is also a physician, only nine hours will be required as part of the physician’s continuing education. The law also will let acupuncturists from other states attend continuing education courses in Pennsylvania, helping programs based here to thrive. This legislation is now known as Act No. 38 of 2024. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 26 – The Pennsylvania House today gave final approval to state Rep. Pat Gallagher’s bill ( H.B. 1490 ) that would update the Acupuncture Licensure Act. The update to current law will require licensed acupuncturists to complete 30 hours of approved continuing education every two years. If an acupuncturist is also a physician, only nine hours will be required as part of the physician’s continuing education. Gallagher’s bill also will let acupuncturists from other states attend continuing education courses in Pennsylvania, helping programs based here to thrive. “As we see the practice of acupuncture continue to grow, it’s important that the people providing it are up to date on the latest information,” said Gallagher, D-Phila. “More and more Pennsylvanians are receiving acupuncture treatment, and they deserve to get it from well-trained providers.” With prior passage in the Senate, H.B. 1490 now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 24 – Legislation ( H.B. 2426 ) introduced by state Reps. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, that would explicitly ban license plate flipping devices was approved today by the House Transportation Committee. License plate flipping devices enable a license plate on a vehicle to be changed to another license plate either manually or electronically. When affixed to vehicles, these devices can be used to conceal a license plate, modify its appearance, or switch one license plate to another. Drivers can use these devices to evade identification for purposes such as avoiding tolls, reckless driving, or even more nefarious criminal activity. “There are currently many ambiguities in our state’s law that allow individuals to use these devices as loopholes to get out of making payments they owe,” Gallagher said. “My city of Philadelphia recently took action on this issue by prohibiting these devices in the city, and now it’s time for the entire state of Pennsylvania to follow suit.” “House Bill 2426 is a significant step toward ensuring accountability on our roads,” Scott said. “License plates are crucial for vehicle identification, and it's essential that our laws explicitly prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices that allow drivers to evade this identification. These devices can be used to avoid tolls, engage in reckless Read more
Important details about the 2024 Mentored Youth Trout Day Read more
HARRISBURG, March 5 – Today, state Reps. Pat Galagher, Tarik Khan, both D-Phila., and Perry Warren, D-Bucks, hosted a news conference at the state Capitol announcing that they plan to introduce legislation that would update state insurance laws to expand coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths even though it is a very treatable form of cancer when caught early. When detected in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 90%. The legislators said their legislation would update Pennsylvania’s Insurance Company Law to reduce the age when colorectal cancer screenings are covered to 45 from 50. This legislation also prevents prior authorizations and advance notice for screening colonoscopies for individuals 45 and above. Current law requires health insurance coverage for routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50 based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008. Multiple other states have updated their law to reflect more recent American Cancer Society guidelines from 2018. The updated recommendations call for people to begin screening at age 45 rather than 50. Gallagher, who is a colorectal cancer survivor, said the legislation could result in more early detections and ultimately save lives. “As a survivor of colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the impact that early detection and proper care Read more
A recap of 2023 and information on state government-related programs. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., has announced a state grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Arts and Culture Recovery Grants Program worth $28,343 has been awarded to Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation in his district in Northeast Philadelphia. Funds distributed through the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program provide grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations located in the commonwealth. “I’m always glad to help bring state dollars back to the district and to see deserving organizations being awarded them,” Gallagher said. “Glen Foerd is an organization that does great work here in Northeast Philadelphia, and this funding will help them to continue doing so for our community.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth. Unique among state agencies in structure and scope, the CFA consists of seven board members: four legislative appointees and the secretaries of DCED, the Office of the Budget and Department of Banking and Securities. Project approval requires five affirmative votes, four of which must come from legislative appointees. Grants are administered by Read more
Rep. Gallagher was appointed to serve on Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker's intergovernmental transition team. This team will help Parker address issues in Philadelphia before she takes office in January of 2024. Read more
Article on Rep. Gallagher's emergency declaration resolution's adoption in the Pennsylvania Senate. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 24 – A PA House resolution (H.R. 197) introduced by state Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., to extend the state’s disaster emergency declaration in Philadelphia was adopted by the Pennsylvania Senate on Monday. The disaster, which was declared on June 12, 2023, in response to the collapse of the northbound bridge and severe compromise of the southbound bridge on Interstate 95 in the Philadelphia was set to expire on Nov. 1. The resolution extends the declaration until late February of 2024. The bridge that collapsed is in Pennsylvania’s 173 Legislative District, which Gallagher represents. “While much progress has been made in such a quick time on the I-95 bridge collapse, there still remains work to be done,” Gallagher said. “I’m glad to see the General Assembly work in unison to address this disaster that affects not only Philadelphia, but the entire state of Pennsylvania and the northeast corridor of the United States.” PA House Transportation Committee Chair Ed Neilson, D-Phila., who represents part of northeast Philadelphia near where the bridge collapsed, was also very closely involved in advancing the resolution. "I-95 is a vital artery for Philadelphia and the northeast region of the country," Neilson said. "We were able to reopen the road in record time because city, state and federal agencies worked together and innovative Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – Today, House Bill 1490 , introduced by state Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., passed the House and will head to the Senate for future consideration. This bill would amend the Acupuncture Licensing Act to provide title protection for licensed acupuncturists and practitioners. It also would provide an opportunity for acupuncturists licensed in other states to attend or conduct educational events, as well as volunteer in the commonwealth in an emergency. Finally, it would require continuing education for license renewal, bringing acupuncturists in line with requirements in other states and other licensed healthcare providers in Pennsylvania. “As acupuncture has become a fast-growing therapy for people suffering from different types of pain, it’s important we modernize practices and ensure patients are getting the care they need,” Gallagher said. “Today’s House vote was a great step for this bill, now I urge my Senate colleagues to get it to the governor’s desk.” Read more
HARRISBURG, July 6 – State Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., applauds the passage of a $714 million increase for education funding in the bipartisan budget that’s headed to the governor with no tax increases. “This budget is far from perfect, but I’m very pleased to see an additional $119 million for the School District of Philadelphia. This is one of the largest education funding increases in history,” Gallagher said. “This budget shows that we are dedicated to our children and their future. But it also reaches beyond education, providing relief to seniors and other vulnerable neighbors through an expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.” The School District of Philadelphia will receive $1.7 billion, a $119.6 million and 7.6% increase from the previous fiscal year. “Let’s be clear, there’s still much more work to do. We must keep pushing forward to invest in crumbling infrastructure, give justice to survivors of sexual abuse, raise the minimum wage to support all workers and their families, pass commonsense gun measures to protect our communities at large, and the Fairness Act to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination. This budget has gotten these difficult conversations and negotiations started. It’s time to invest in our commonwealth and improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.” More information on the budget is available by contacting Gallagher’s Read more
PHILADELPHIA, June 23 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed satisfaction on the reopening of Interstate 95 today ahead of the originally scheduled two-week timeline. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas said that the group, which toured the site this morning, values the immediate response and leadership of Gov. Josh Shapiro and expeditious work of crews from the Philadelphia building trades. “Our tour this morning gave us an up-close look at the incredible work being done here,” Cephas said. “It's only by the hard work of our local trades, facilitated by coordination with state, city and federal officials, that we're able to get this major artery through our city re-opened so much earlier than anyone expected,” Cephas added. “Our city is in awe and gratitude of the speedy engineering and production of our Philadelphia building trades members and contractors.” Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton said that she celebrates the collective effort that made possible the reopening of six lanes of traffic that will keep the City of Brotherly Love up and running for locals and hundreds of visitors. “Philadelphia is a hub for everything from commerce to health care to recreation,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “So, today’s reopening of I-95 is great news for our neighbors, people who visit our Read more
HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., today celebrated the passage of his legislation that would establish Keystone Saves, a voluntary employee retirement savings program that would expand access to private sector individual retirement accounts (IRA) to the over two million Pennsylvania workers who currently have no opportunity to save for retirement at their place of employment. “ Unfortunately, more and more Pennsylvanians are reaching retirement age without enough savings to age gracefully after a lifetime of hard work ,” Gallagher said. “ We’re working in a bipartisan manner to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to save for retirement. With many employees lacking employee sponsored retirement plans, there have to be more options for retirement. This is one more step to giving Pennsylvanians more independence and preparing them for life on a fixed income.” The State Treasurer’s Retirement Security Task Force Report highlighted the vast number of Pennsylvanians who are unprepared for the financial challenges of retirement. It’s a problem not just for retirees but also for the commonwealth as financially unprepared retirees are projected to cost the state an additional $14 billion in social services between 2015 and 2030, an average of nearly $1 billion per year. Additionally, lower consumer spending by retirees over this same time is estimated to cost the state Read more
PHILA., May 8 – State Rep. Patrick Gallagher, D-Phila., will host a Shred and E-Recycling event from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 13 at the Linden Avenue Boat Launch along the Delaware River. Residents of the 173rd Legislative District are invited to bring their old folders, documents, smaller electronics and files to be safely and sustainably shredded and disposed of. For more information, those interested can contact Gallagher’s district office at (215) 281-3414. ### Read more
This legislation is a win-win for everybody. It is estimated that there are more than 2 million Pennsylvanians without access to a retirement plan, and those employees would now have access to a voluntary plan that sets them on a path to a more secure retirement. Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates...
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Pat Gallagher.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
8760 Frankford AvePhiladelphia, PA 19136-1315
P*: (215) 281-3414
F*: (215) 281-3418
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
7104 Torresdale Ave.Philadelphia, PA 19135-1313
P*: (215) 333-9760
F*: (215) 333-9244
G-01 Irvis Office BuildingHarrisburg, PA 17120
P*: (717) 787-4331
F*: (717) 772-9962