HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – Today, State Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Phila., was sworn in to begin his first term as state representative for the Pennsylvania’s 172 nd Legislative District. The district encompasses the Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods of Bustleton, Burholme, Fox Chase, Pine Valley and parts of Rhawnhurst. Dougherty grew up in his district (Pine Valley) and expressed excitement as he begins his term. “Being sworn in to the Pennsylvania State House to serve the community where I grew up and live is the honor of my lifetime,” Dougherty said. “I can’t wait to hit the ground running by fighting for legislative initiatives to benefit Northeast Philadelphia and providing my neighbors with important state government-related services.” Dougherty stated that his legislative priorities include community safety, proper education funding, jobs and protecting reproductive freedom. More information about Dougherty can be found on his website and in his biography . Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 – The PA House today passed legislation ( H.B. 1123 ) that would update insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings in the state. The legislation was introduced by state Reps. Pat Gallagher, Sean Dougherty, Jordan Harris and Tarik Khan, all D-Phila. Current insurance law requires health insurance coverage for routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50, but this is based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008. Multiple other states have updated to the more recent American Cancer Society guidelines from 2018, and these new recommendations state that people should be screened starting at age 45 rather than 50. The Pennsylvania Department of Health also recommends that people begin screening at age 45. House Bill 1123 would update current law to reduce the age when colorectal cancer screenings are covered to 45 from 50, update the guidelines referenced in the law to the most recent edition, and update the tests covered by insurance to those recommended by the guidelines. Gallagher, who is a survivor of colorectal cancer, pointed out how this legislation can save lives. “As a survivor of colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the impact that early detection and proper care can have on an individual's journey through the labyrinth of cancer. This legislation is not just about updating insurance coverage; it's about Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 – Yesterday, one day ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles home opener, the Philadelphia House Delegation hosted a press conference to bring attention to the impacts that SEPTA cuts will have on the region and the stadium district. "How do you efficiently move upwards of 100,000 people? It can’t be done by flooding our already overburdened streets and highways with additional traffic,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, Chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation. “SEPTA is more than just getting to the game, but without it, gameday is a major traffic headache across our city. SEPTA and public transportation systems should be a priority for leaders across the state. We saw how effective transit was during the Eagles championship parade in February. We’ll need it again for next year’s parade and the other world-class events coming to our city. As leaders, we must find consensus on a solution that keeps transit moving beyond a short-term fix - we can’t afford to let SEPTA be destroyed." Lincoln Financial Field seats over 60,000 attendees, but many more people travel to the stadium district on game days, including stadium workers or fans intending to tailgate or watch the game nearby. On average, an Eagles game brings in up to 17,000 additional Broad Street Line riders. On Tuesday, Lincoln Financial Field issued a travel advisory to fans, discouraging tailgating or travel to the area for Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 – A bipartisan celebration and check ceremony last week honored the Community College of Philadelphia’s Northeast Regional Center for securing $176,695 in state Solar for Schools grants. Solar for Schools is designed to address the school funding crisis, rising utility costs and climate change. The program helps schools cover the costs of installing and maintaining solar panels. Estimates show solar installations can save school districts millions of dollars over the life of one project. “Solar for Schools is a smart step forward, and I believe we can do even more to advance an all-of-the-above energy approach that unleashes natural gas and renewables to keep power reliable and affordable for schools, families and businesses,” said state Rep. Martina White, R-Philadelphia . “I am proud to support this investment,” said state Sen. Joseph Picozzi, R-Philadelphia . “It will give schools the ability to redirect those dollars into programs that benefit both the college and students, with the discretion to decide where these funds are needed most.” White and Picozzi , who both represent the campus, presented the school with a check at the event. The Northeast Regional Center is Community College of Philadelphia’s largest and most independently functional regional center. The center offers degrees, certification programs, and student and career Read more
Preparations are underway for the large influx of tourists set to visit Philadelphia next year for several major events that will be hosted throughout the city. The House Majority Policy Committee convened a hearing Wednesday to learn more about the safety and security measures being taken to ensure the well-being of both visitors and residents. Read more
Today, the House passed H.B. 1788, authored by state Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Phila. This is the fifth time that the House has passed legislation that would fund public transit across Pennsylvania and repairs for our roads and bridges. The bill would require new oversight and accountability requirements for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority and Pittsburgh Regional Transit, which Senate Republicans demanded be included in any bill. Both authorities have agreed to enhanced safety measures and increased penalties for fare evasion. State Rep. Ed Neilson , majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, said the following: “This bill has everything that Senate Republicans have been demanding for them to move transit funding. This isn’t about dollars and cents, this is about the hardworking people of Pennsylvania – it’s about the parents who use SEPTA to get to their jobs, it’s about their kids who use public transit to get to school. “It’s about the seniors who will lose access to transportation for important medical appointments and medicine. SEPTA alone moves a million people a day – this isn’t about us – it’s about the people who elected us to be their voice in Harrisburg. “We need Senate Republicans to get the message that this won’t just hurt cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, it will affect their districts and the Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 11 – Today, the Pennsylvania House passed sweeping public transit legislation ( HB 1788 ), which was introduced by state Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Phila., and passed with bipartisan support. This legislation would: Fund transit systems plus road and bridge projects in all 67 counties. Invest in SEPTA to avoid service cuts. Set requirements for safety, efficiency and accountability in public transit. Dougherty said this legislation is timely as last week, SEPTA announced that if state funding isn’t assured by Aug. 14, service cuts will begin on Aug. 24 with sharp fare increases coming in September. As a representative from Philadelphia, Dougherty pointed out the urgency that this funding must get passed for not only SEPTA, but public transit operations throughout Pennsylvania. “Northeast Philadelphia runs on SEPTA, and many communities all across the Commonwealth heavily rely on public transit,” Dougherty said. “If they become reality, these service cuts will hurt real people, destroy jobs and hurt businesses of every size, not just in my district, but in communities across all 67 counties. We are out of time! The Senate needs to get back to Harrisburg immediately and finally fund public transit, because our state’s well-being truly depends on it.” This bill is one of five that the House has passed to fund public transit without raising Read more
The bill would increase the existing allocation of Sales and Use Tax to the PTTF from 4.4% to 6.15% to provide approximately $292.5 million for public transit throughout the commonwealth while authorizing the bonding of $325 million for PennDOT, through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, to maintain roads and bridges. Read more
Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation held a press conference at Abraham Lincoln High School in Northeast Philadelphia, calling on the PA Senate to pass funding for public transit. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 17 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee approved legislation introduced by state Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Phila., that would create stronger penalties for interference with the operation or movement of a public transit vehicle. Under this legislation ( H.B. 1416 ), any interference that causes the serious bodily injury or death of an operator would be punishable as a felony. Any interference that results in bodily injury or the fear of imminent serious bodily injury or death would also be subject to significant penalties. “As public officials, it is our duty to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of all Pennsylvanians, especially those who provide essential services in our communities,” Dougherty said. “Nobody should have to fear not making it home after a day of work. I sincerely believe that this legislation will safeguard the well-being of transit operators and their passengers by strongly discouraging any form of violence against these individuals.” On the morning of Oct. 26, 2023, longtime Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority employee Bernard Gribbin was tragically shot and killed while on duty and operating a Route 23 bus in Philadelphia. Dougherty said his legislation intends to more strongly punish those who commit these acts, and hopefully prevent these acts in the future. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration. Read more
PA state Rep. Sean Dougherty rallied with neighbors and public transit advocates to share their stories and emphasize the need for transit funding in this year's state budget. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, June 12 – Today, state Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Phila., hosted a news conference at SEPTA’s Fox Chase Station in his legislative district to reinforce the need to properly fund SEPTA. He was joined by residents and people who work in his district to speak about the ways public transit helps them day to day. Dougherty was joined by a dozen individuals who voiced their support for SEPTA funding and detailed how important public transit is to them and the Commonwealth at large. “SEPTA is the lifeline of Philadelphia and the surrounding area as nearly 1 million people use their services every day,” Dougherty said. “It was impactful to hear from the incredible folks who joined me today to discuss how crucial SEPTA’s transportation services are to them. I will continue my work in Harrisburg to ensure we properly fund SEPTA and keep Southeast PA moving.” In addition to his constituents, Dougherty was joined by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., as well as individuals from the offices of state Reps. Jared Solomon and Joe Hohenstein, both D-Phila. In total, more than 50 people showed up this morning to show their support for SEPTA funding. Dougherty noted that dozens of others expressed well wishes while they were working or taking SEPTA transit to work. Read more
PA state Rep. Sean Dougherty’s bill that would increase aid for affordable housing in Pennsylvania is one step closer to the finish line. This legislation would raise the cap on PA’s Realty Transfer Tax by 10% starting in 2028. Dougherty says this bill is a necessary step to making affordable housing options within reach of the many Pennsylvanians who need them. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 24 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation ( H.B. 643 ) introduced by state Rep. Sean Dougherty that would increase aid for affordable housing in Pennsylvania. The bill would allow a future increase in funding for the PA Housing and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, enabling more people to have safe, affordable housing. PHARE revenue from the state’s Realty Transfer Tax will reach a statutory cap of $100 million in the 2027-28 fiscal year. Starting in 2028 and going forward, the bill would raise this cap to $110 million to help PHARE keep up with high demand for this source of housing aid. “Affordable housing is a necessity that all Pennsylvanians deserve easy access to,” said Dougherty, D-Phila. “This bill takes a very necessary step to making more affordable housing options a real opportunity for many Pennsylvanians who are in need of it.” The bill now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for future consideration. Read more
We, the undersigned lawyer-legislators of the Pennsylvania state House of Representatives, are appalled though tragically not surprised by President Trump's latest attack on the rule of law. As outlined in the Presidential Memorandum of March 22, 2025, SUBJECT: Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court, the President instructed the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to weaponize the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and any other regulations governing attorney conduct and discipline to silence the zealous advocacy of lawyers and law firms across the nation. We will not allow the Trump Administration’s attempt with this memorandum to chill legal representation that inconveniences its efforts to undermine the Constitution, gut essential programs, attack vulnerable groups and individuals, and otherwise subvert the rule of law to go unchallenged. Read more
Rep. Sean Dougherty's introductory newsletter Read more
Pa. state Rep. Sean Dougherty helped the Fish and Boat Commission to provide a great #troutseason for his Northeast #Philly neighbors. Dougherty joined #PFBC conservation officers and volunteers to stock trout in the #Pennypack Creek. Every year the Fish and Boat Commission raises 3.2 million #trout in its statewide hatchery system. Trout season officially opens April 5th, but kids can get an early start on Mentored Youth trout Day, March 29th. Funds from the purchase of #fishing licenses pay for stocking and all trout stocking events are open to the public. There are hundreds of sporting goods, bait and tackle shops across the commonwealth where you can purchase a license or go to www.fishandboat.com to buy online and check out stocking schedules. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 27 – Today, state Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Phila., hosted a news conference where he presented a $15,000 check to Burholme EMS. Dougherty helped to secure the funding from the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant program . “The folks at Burholme EMS display selflessness, sacrifice and commitment to the betterment of our community on a daily basis,” Dougherty said. “They are more than deserving of this funding, and it is my honor to present it to them.” The funding will be used to support the increased need for emergency services in Northeast Philadelphia, for the Jefferson Health System, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and surrounding communities. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 26 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives recognized and honored Caseem Wongus of Kensington for his heroism during the Northeast Philadelphia plane crash in January. Wongus saved a 9-year-old boy who was on fire. He smothered the flames with his jacket and helped get the boy into a patrol car to be taken to the hospital. He was honored with a citation from state Reps. Sean Dougherty, Jared Solomon and Jose Giral, all D-Phila. Photos from the citation presentation can be viewed here: Rep. Sean M Dougherty | Photo Gallery Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 More information: DCED Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 31, 2025 — State Reps. Anthony Bellmon, Jason Dawkins, Sean Dougherty, Pat Gallagher, Ed Neilson and Jared Solomon today issued the following statement on a plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia: "While we're still learning details regarding the horrific tragedy in Northeast Philadelphia, we're working with local and state officials to support our community. For everyone's safety and to ensure first responders have unimpeded access to the site, please avoid the area around Roosevelt Mall. "Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims, as well as the neighbors and businesses impacted by this disaster. We're extremely grateful for all the first responders working this emergency." Read more
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