Bizzarro welcomes new leaders to House Democratic Policy team

New subcommittee, chairs named for 2023-24 legislative session

HARRISBURG, Dec. 8 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee, announced new vice chairs, as well as two new subcommittee chairs.

A new subcommittee, the House Democratic Policy Subcommittee on Labor, Energy and Development, will be led by Rep. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny). This subcommittee will focus specifically on fostering economic growth, driving workforce development, and ensuring fair play for all businesses.

“Chair Pisciottano has worked closely with the Policy committee to foster and support our relationships with labor, explore emerging industry in Pennsylvania and especially, to hold multinational corporations accountable for business practices that hurt the Commonwealth. He is the perfect choice to chair this new subcommittee, and I have full confidence that he will use this opportunities to lead on development of new ideas on these important issues and help drive change in Harrisburg,” said Bizzarro.

Pisciottano will be sworn in for his second term in the House on Jan. 3. He was also elected by his colleagues to serve as the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation, replacing Lieutenant Governor-elect Austin Davis.

“It’s an honor to be asked to lead this new subcommittee, and I thank Chairman Bizzarro for putting his trust in me. We have so much potential to make Pennsylvania a national leader in the labor and energy sectors, and this subcommittee will explore the different ways we can make that happen. I’ve already hit the ground running with this role,” said Pisciottano.

Meanwhile, the House Democratic Policy Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working Families, created by Chairman Bizzarro last session, will now be chaired by Rep. Danilo Burgos (D-Philadelphia). This subcommittee focuses specifically on quality health care for all, a fair and equal criminal justice system, energy and natural resources, equitable housing, and an economy that benefits the working class.

Burgos became the first Dominican elected to serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2018.The Philadelphia County House Democratic Delegation elected Burgos a vice chair in November, and he has successfully championed to represent the underserved residents of Kensington, Hunting Park and Feltonville -- especially the Hispanic population.

“My main priorities as a state legislator include improving education and job training, bolstering our workforce, and reforming our criminal justice system,” said Burgos. “What better way to tackle these issues than to chair this subcommittee? I want to thank Chairman Bizzarro for putting me in this role, and I look forward to creating positive change in our communities.”

Rep. Mary Isaacson (D-Philadelphia) will retain her role as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Policy Committee, and Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester) has been named Deputy Vice Chair.

“The role of the vice chair is to support Chairman Bizzarro and the entire committee especially as they travel to visit member’s districts,” said Isaacson. “It’s a role I take seriously as we help our members go region to region to learn about resident concerns and gather feedback, using that information to effect change and positively impact lives.”

Rep. Shusterman adds, “I have enjoyed working with the policy committee and learning about the issues facing all Pennsylvanians. I look forward to expanding my role with the committee as Deputy Vice Chair and supporting the Committee as we develop new strategies to meet the needs we learn about in our travels.”

Information about the House Democratic Policy Committee and its Subcommittees can be found at pahouse.com/policy