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Briggs measure to expand funding for civil legal aid passes House with bipartisan support

(1 hour ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D–Montgomery, to strengthen funding for civil legal aid and our justice system advanced today with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. House Bill 331 would enhance Pennsylvania’s commitment to equal access to justice by expanding support for the Access to Justice Account, which provides stable and predictable funding for civil legal aid services across Pennsylvania. The measure builds on the existing court funding structure to ensure more Pennsylvanians can receive help with critical civil legal matters. “Civil legal aid is often the difference between stability and crisis for families,” Briggs said. “Whether it’s preventing an unlawful eviction, protecting access to health care, or helping someone escape an abusive situation, this legislation helps ensure people can get the legal help they need, when they need it.” The legislation broadens participation in an established funding mechanism that supports civil legal aid statewide. Those funds are administered through the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, which helped more than 200,000 Pennsylvanians last year understand and protect their civil legal rights. The bill also modernizes how Pennsylvania supports and funds its courts. It allows the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to cover the annual $400 registration fee that helps Read more

 

Legislators, advocates celebrate opening of popular Solar for Schools Program; Urge Pa. schools to apply now for $25 million in grants

(3 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – The application period has opened for the second year of the popular Solar for Schools Grant Program, a bipartisan initiative passed into law in 2024. The program received another $25 million in the 2025-26 state budget, following the initial state investment of $25 million. An impressive bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers, along with solar organizations and advocates, applauded the renewed funding. The program comes as consumers and schools are struggling with rising costs: energy prices have outpaced inflation over the past six years and are currently the second highest cost for schools in Pennsylvania. “Schools are facing a massive energy affordability crisis, just like people are at home with their utility bills,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila, who sponsored the initial legislation. “Year one of the Solar for Schools Program was a huge success, and applications are now opening at a perfect time for year two of the program. As prices go up and the federal government continues to slash programs and funding to increase renewable energy supply in PA, our state government must step up to help produce more energy right here in PA. Solar for Schools shows that we have the bipartisan support, in both chambers, to achieve this.” School districts, charter schools, career and technical schools, community colleges, and intermediate units are eligible to apply now on the Department Read more

 

Friel bill to capitalize net operating losses in Pennsylvania passes to Senate

(22 hours ago) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed bipartisan legislation ( 198-1 ) to allow start-ups in the state that are not yet profitable to sell their net losses to profitable corporations in exchange for capital, announced the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester. To help keep these businesses here, Friel’s bill, H.B. 1129 , would allow qualified start-ups to sell net operating losses to other companies. This approach, based on a successful New Jersey law, would turn losses into usable cash and businesses into job creators. “Start-up businesses — especially in technology and biotechnology — play a key role in creating jobs and driving innovation,” Friel said. “However, many young companies struggle to raise enough money to grow, and too often they leave Pennsylvania for states with better options.” The bill would allow the money earned from selling their net losses to be reinvested directly into growing the business, hiring workers and expanding operations in Pennsylvania. This gives start-ups a much-needed source of funding without giving up ownership, Friel said. “Supporting these companies helps build good-paying jobs and keeps Pennsylvania competitive for the future,” he added. “This bill turns tough, hard-fought days into tomorrow’s growth and helps ensure that the next generation of jobs, investment and Read more

 

House passes natural gas safety recommendations after R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion

(18 minutes ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – The Pennsylvania House has passed two bipartisan bills introduced by state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, aimed at addressing natural gas safety concerns in the wake of the 2023 R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion. The bills were introduced after a March 2025 investigation found the explosion, which killed seven people and injured 10 others at the West Reading factory, located in Cepeda-Freytiz’s legislative district, was likely caused by a degraded natural gas connection. “As we approach the three-year anniversary of the devastating R.M. Palmer factory explosion, we continue to feel the impact it had on our community, including the loss of seven of our neighbors,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “The measures outlined in these bills will save lives and ensure that we learn from this tragedy, so no one else has to suffer as our community has.” The bills passed by the House include: House Bill 1525 : Would require all owners and operators of pipelines transporting steam located in public rights-of-way to register with the Pennsylvania One Call System so that property owners and construction workers know where steam lines are located. (183-16) House Bill 1526 : Would require the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission to work with natural gas pipeline operators to develop guidance and management programs to address threats to degrading plastic pipelines. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to help state retirement plans operate more efficiently

(20 minutes ago) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 — The state House today unanimously passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Scott Conklin that would allow Pennsylvania’s pension systems for state and public education employees to operate more efficiently by implementing a deadline change requested by the administering agencies. Conklin’s H.B. 1304 would adjust the deadlines for the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System and the Public School Employees’ Retirement System to complete and submit the results of required annual financial testing so that the deadlines better align with the agencies’ fiscal year. “State law requires SERS and PSERS to conduct annual financial stress testing to assess the financial health of their pension funds and the plans’ ability to withstand adverse market conditions,” Conklin said. “The law also sets deadlines for the agencies to complete and submit the test results to state officials and for the Independent Fiscal Office to compile the results into a summary report. “The agencies have told us the current deadlines are not workable and have asked that they be adjusted to provide more time,” Conklin said. “My bill would move the testing and reporting deadlines back by three months to better align with the agencies’ fiscal year and actuarial practices.” Conklin said SERS – which already conducts more rigorous testing than Read more

 

Haddock bill to protect food processing workers OK’d by Labor Committee

(1 day ago) Rep. Jim Haddock

“Meat packing and food processing are among the most dangerous professions in the country. Many of these injuries are associated with improper training and communication, crowding on lines, exhaustion, unsafe working conditions, absence of protective equipment, and underlying injury. These workers are the definition of essential workers. Without them, our grocery store shelves would sit empty, and Pennsylvania’s economy would suffer. They deserve common-sense protections to keep them safe at work.” Read more

 

Neilson lauds Shapiro administration for delivering 300 new truck parking spaces

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee, praised Gov. Josh Shapiro for following through on his commitment to road and truck driver safety by adding 339 parking spaces for the high volume of freight traffic travelling throughout the commonwealth. Read more

 

Jewish legislators issue statement on Holocaust Memorial Day and removal of slavery exhibit at Independence National Historical Park

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

After the Trump administration removed a memorial honoring nine people enslaved by President George Washington from Independence National Historical Park, state Reps. Jared Solomon and Ben Waxman and Philadelphia Councilmember Rue Landau released the following statement on the consequences of erasing history: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a moment of reflection for those who perished at the hands of the fascist Nazi regime. Whether religiously observant or culturally Jewish, many of us have spoken with our parents, grandparents, and other relatives about the horrors of the Holocaust. Some of us had grandparents who served in the military, others are descendants of survivors, and others were simply urged to listen to these stories and were implored to ‘Never Forget.’ “Sadly, many of us know what it feels like to have our history erased. We’ve heard the conspiracies and witnessed people in power question the veracity of documented, firsthand accounts. Even more troubling, some have forgotten -- or worse, try to glorify -- the Nazi leaders, who embodied true evil. “That is how we felt -- and we can only imagine how the Black community felt -- when the National Park Service, at the direction of the Trump administration, removed a slavery memorial from the President’s Home exhibit at Independence National Historical Park, which honored the nine people enslaved in George Washington’s household. “This Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to host Free Stuff to Do Fair Jan 31; Event will feature over 55 classes, clubs, hobbies, and activities

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Jan. 27 — State Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El and the School District of Lancaster will host the second annual Stuff to Do Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. The event aims to help community members find a class, hobby, club, or activity to join. Fifty-five community organizations will host more than 50 tables, showcasing a wide range of activities and interests. The event is ideal for anyone looking to try something new, explore the many activities Lancaster has to offer, or simply enjoy a community fair. While the Stuff to Do Fair is primarily geared toward adults, children are welcome to attend. This year’s fair will feature more than 50 tables to browse, highlighting everything from book clubs and dance classes to sports, volunteering, nature, technology, and more. Attendees will also be able to enjoy live demonstrations of select activities, including dance, improv comedy, karate, and more. WHERE: Washington Elementary School, 545 S. Ann St., Lancaster, PA WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 Read more

 

Khan and colleagues introduce resolution demanding accountability in DHS and ICE enforcement

(Jan 25, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Tarik Khan, D–Philadelphia, joined by colleagues in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, today introduced a resolution urging Congress to withhold additional federal appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until meaningful accountability and safety reforms are enacted.The resolution comes in the wake of the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis in January 2026, just weeks after another U.S. citizen, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed during federal immigration enforcement operations in the same city. Read more

 

Rabb: Trump is attacking Black history and historical truth

(Jan 23, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“This is how authoritarianism operates. These measures reflect the escalating fascism that our current federal government continues to embrace: a regime that wields state power to suppress inconvenient truths, glorify oppressive narratives, and punish those who dare to insist on accuracy, accountability and dignity." Read more

 

Kazeem announces $1.7M in state funding for Conrail Stoney Creek Yard rail freight improvement project in Chester City

(Jan 23, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

CHESTER, Jan. 23 –State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, announced today that Conrail had been awarded $1.7 million in state grants for rail freight improvements to its Stoney Creek Yard in Chester. “This state funding will increase our region’s identity as a critical freight connector in the Northeast and will create and sustain family-sustaining jobs in our district,” Kazeem said. “This strategic infrastructure investment will energize our own local economy’s growth for a long time to come.” The funding will be used to replace 11 turnouts within Stoney Creek Yard and includes replacements with steel timbers. The Conrail project was one of 30 projects selected to receive Rail Transportation Assistance Program and Rail Freight Assistance Program funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. According to PennDOT, Pennsylvania is the only state with a dedicated rail freight grant program in the country. Read more

 

Pa. lawmakers detail bill to route ICE complaints to Human Relations Commission

(Jan 22, 2026) Rep. Paul Friel, Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein, Rep. Abigail Salisbury, Rep. Greg Scott

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – Four Pennsylvania House Democrats are introducing legislation to empower the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to receive and document complaints from the public regarding civil-liberties violations by federal ICE agents and law enforcement agencies working with ICE. State Reps. Paul Friel, Greg Scott, Abigail Salisbury and Joe Hohenstein circulated a co-sponsorship memorandum today outlining their plan to protect residents and hold ICE accountable in Pennsylvania. “This is a failure of leadership at the highest level,” said Friel, D-Chester . “These raids are not making our communities safer, nor do they seem designed to accomplish that goal. The tactics employed by ICE officials are proving to be inhumane, ineffective and unconstitutional. We must hold accountable those who violate both their duty to the constitution and the rights of our community members.” The memo highlights a troubling rise in hostile and unlawful actions under the guise of “immigration enforcement,” citing examples from Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, and other cities where ICE has overstepped its authority. “The actions we’ve seen from ICE agents nationwide are traumatizing,” said Scott, D-Montgomery . “They’re horrific, and the federal administration’s refusal to acknowledge that is alarming. Residents witnessing civil-liberties violations currently have Read more

 

State lawmakers celebrate, renew commitment to local schools

(Jan 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

YEADON, Jan. 22 – Just weeks before Gov. Josh Shapiro unveils his 2026-27 budget proposal, state lawmakers and school officials gathered today at the William Penn School District’s Penn Wood Ninth Grade Academy to highlight historic investments made in the district since 2023. Read more

 

Rivera: $650K in state funding for pedestrian safety improvements in Lancaster

(Jan 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Jan. 22 – Pedestrians will enjoy increased safety thanks to $650,000 in pedestrian safety improvements approved by the Commonwealth Finance Authority, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today. “This funding to Frankin & Marshall College will help improve the pedestrian safety of college students and residents alike on Harrisburg Avenue,” Rivera said. “This is a smart allocation of state funding that will improve the quality of life here in Lancaster. I was proud to be able to use my position as state representative to advocate for the approval of this project with the CFA and the Shapiro administration.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund, administered by the CFA, provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development. Photo: Rivera pictured with Franklin & Marshall President Andrew Rich on Harrisburg Avenue. Read more

 

Kazeem announces nearly $2.8M in state funding for community infrastructure projects

(Jan 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, today announced that nearly $2.8 million in state funding was approved for infrastructure projects in the 159th Legislative District. “I am proud to advocate in Harrisburg for state funding that will make our communities safer and healthier for all,” Kazeem said. “Thanks to this funding, the quality of life in our communities will improve. Pedestrians and motorists will both benefit from pedestrian safety, roadway and streetscape enhancements, and all residents will have peace of mind knowing their drinking water is healthy thanks to significant infrastructure improvements.” Funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund includes: $750,000 to the City of Chester to construct a multi-use trail on the south side of W. 2nd Street (Route 291) from Highland Avenue to Norris Street located in Chester City. $71,857 to Everest PACE Center Inc. for pedestrian safety improvements at Silvercare Senior Housing, located in the City of Chester. $600,000 to Upper Chichester Township to execute Phase 4 of the roadway and streetscape improvements on Chichester Avenue in the township. Funding from the Small Water and Sewer Program includes: $275,000 to Upper Chichester Township to execute Phase I of the Boothwyn Town Center storm sewer infrastructure project. $452,653 to the Chester Economic Development Authority for the Parker Manor Trail Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El: $600K in state funding awarded for infrastructure improvements

(Jan 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Jan. 23 – The Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved $600,000 in Multimodal Transportation Funding to Garman Builders to address existing queuing and safety issues present along PA Route 741 (Millersville Pike) and PA Route 999 (Millersville Road), state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today. The funding will be used for the following improvements to Routes 741 and 999 in Millersville: Construction of a roundabout along PA Route 741(Millersville Road). Traffic signal upgrades, including a northbound left turn and signal timing. Construction of an 8-foot-wide multi-purpose trail along PA Route 741 and PA Route 999. Creation of a bus stop, including a shelter, bench and streetlight. Repaving, striping and signage. “This strategic state investment helps us make Routes 741 and 999 in Millersville safer for our residents—whether they are traveling by car, bicycle or on foot—and will help offset some of the cost for local taxpayers. I am grateful to the CFA and the Shapiro administration for following our guidance about the project’s importance for our area,” Smith-Wade-El said. The MTF, administered by the CFA, provides grants between $100,000 and $3 million to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Funds Read more

 

Kosierowski: Over $2.7M in state funds for infrastructure improvements

(Jan 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

SCRANTON, Jan. 20 — State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced today that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved over $2.7 million in state funding for projects in the region. Read more

 

Freeman looks to close Sunshine Act 24-hour notice loophole

(Jan 21, 2026) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“An informed and engaged citizenry is essential for a thriving democracy. My legislation would strengthen transparency at public meetings,” said Freeman. Read more

 

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 21, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Here are the latest grant programs that are open for applications. Read more

 

Briggs measure to expand funding for civil legal aid passes House with bipartisan support
1 hour ago

Legislators, advocates celebrate opening of popular Solar for Schools Program; Urge Pa. schools to apply now for $25 million in grants
3 hours ago

Friel bill to capitalize net operating losses in Pennsylvania passes to Senate
22 hours ago

House passes natural gas safety recommendations after R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion
18 minutes ago

Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to help state retirement plans operate more efficiently
20 minutes ago

Haddock bill to protect food processing workers OK’d by Labor Committee
1 day ago

Neilson lauds Shapiro administration for delivering 300 new truck parking spaces
1 day ago

Jewish legislators issue statement on Holocaust Memorial Day and removal of slavery exhibit at Independence National Historical Park
1 day ago

Smith-Wade-El to host Free Stuff to Do Fair Jan 31; Event will feature over 55 classes, clubs, hobbies, and activities
1 day ago

Khan and colleagues introduce resolution demanding accountability in DHS and ICE enforcement
Jan 25, 2026

Rabb: Trump is attacking Black history and historical truth
Jan 23, 2026

Kazeem announces $1.7M in state funding for Conrail Stoney Creek Yard rail freight improvement project in Chester City
Jan 23, 2026

Pa. lawmakers detail bill to route ICE complaints to Human Relations Commission
Jan 22, 2026

State lawmakers celebrate, renew commitment to local schools
Jan 22, 2026

Rivera: $650K in state funding for pedestrian safety improvements in Lancaster
Jan 22, 2026

Kazeem announces nearly $2.8M in state funding for community infrastructure projects
Jan 22, 2026

Smith-Wade-El: $600K in state funding awarded for infrastructure improvements
Jan 22, 2026

Kosierowski: Over $2.7M in state funds for infrastructure improvements
Jan 22, 2026

Freeman looks to close Sunshine Act 24-hour notice loophole
Jan 21, 2026

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 21, 2026