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PA House designates Dec. 3, 2025, as ‘10th Anniversary of Women in Combat Day’

(1 day ago) Rep. Jim Haddock

HARRISBURG, Nov. 25 -- The PA House of Representatives this month adopted a resolution introduced by state Rep. Jim Haddock officially designating Dec. 3, 2025, as "10th Anniversary of Women in Combat Day" to honor the groundbreaking contributions and achievements of women in the United States armed forces. The resolution ( H.R. 354 ) commemorates the historic milestone reached on Dec. 3, 2015, when the U.S. Department of Defense opened all combat roles to women, allowing them to serve in positions such as Army Rangers, Green Berets, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps infantry, and Air Force parajumpers. Dec. 3, 2025, marks a decade of recognition for women who have courageously served in combat roles, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of service members. "Women have been integral to our nation's military history from the very beginning, and this designation recognizes their courage, dedication and trailblazing service in roles that were once closed to them," said Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne. The resolution highlights the evolution of women’s service in the U.S. military, beginning with support roles in early wars, formal enlistment during World Wars I and II, and decades of gradual expansion of opportunities. Key milestones include the end of the combat exclusion policy in 2013 and the graduation of the first female Army Rangers in 2015. Today, thousands of women Read more

 

Shapiro signs into law Ciresi legislation to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims, further help heirs following the death of a loved one

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 25 – On Monday, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law state Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation that will make it easier and less expensive for Pennsylvanians to claim property that is rightfully theirs — and reduce the financial burden following the death of a loved. Ciresi’s H.B. 1176 , now Act 50 of 2025: Increases the amount of unclaimed property that heirs can claim from the Pennsylvania Treasury using a notarized relationship affidavit from $11,000 up to $20,000. Raises the amount a financial institution may release to a family member of a deceased individual from $10,000 to $20,000 if the family member presents a receipt verifying funeral expenses have been paid. Redirects the estates of decedents who die with no will and no heirs to an endowed community fund near the place of the decedent’s last residence. “While Pennsylvania’s unclaimed property vault containing more than $4 billion sits there waiting for people to claim what’s rightfully theirs, the process has been too challenging or too expensive for people’s heirs to claim it,” Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said. “That’s because the legislature hadn’t updated the $11,000 limit for simplified heir claims for more than 20 years--since 2002! I am thrilled that my legislation, now law, will help Pennsylvanians access the money that belongs to them with less cost, less paperwork and less delay.” The new law included Read more

 

Takac appointed to Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education

(1 day ago) Rep. Paul Takac

STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 25 – State Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, has been appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education, the body charged with guiding policy, oversight and long-term strategic planning for the commonwealth’s colleges and universities. In this role, Takac will help shape statewide priorities that strengthen educational access, support institutional accountability and ensure that Pennsylvania remains competitive in an evolving global economy. As a member of the board, Takac will also serve on the new standing Policy Committee, which is charged with tracking key state- and federal-level policy issues, ensuring legal compliance and equity, and contributing to policy development and recommendations. Takac has made equitable access to high-quality education a cornerstone of his career and his public service. Before joining the Pennsylvania House, Takac spent nearly 25 years working with K-12 school districts and institutions of higher education across the state and beyond, working with teachers, students and administrators in educational technology consulting. His recent legislative work on economic opportunity, workforce development, and full and fair funding for education mirrors the mission of the board—to expand pathways to high-quality, affordable post-secondary education while fostering innovation across the system. In addition to serving as chair of the Rural Population Revitalization Commission, Takac is Read more

 

Shapiro signs into law Rivera bill to help seniors maintain Rx benefits

(Nov 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 24 — Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law state Rep. Nikki Rivera’s legislation that will ensure older Pennsylvanians do not lose their eligibility for the state’s prescription drug assistance programs due to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. Rivera’s H.B. 923 , now Act 49 of 2025, will shield seniors from losing PACE and PACENET eligibility if their annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment exceeds normal income-eligibility guidelines. This protection is currently in place but was scheduled to expire after Dec. 31. The new law will extend that protection for two more years -- until Dec. 31, 2027. According to Rivera, the Social Security COLA for 2025 is currently 2.5%. If the moratorium had not been extended, 10,039 PACENET enrollees would have lost their eligibility. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would have been moved to PACENET, resulting in the loss of their lower copayments and the PACE-paid Part D premium. “I am so glad that our seniors will have guaranteed continued access to PACE and PACENET in the nick of time thanks to this legislation becoming law,” Rivera said. “These programs are true lifesavers, making medication affordable. Because of this legislation, our seniors won’t have to worry about whether they can pay for medication if a necessary Social Security cost-of-living adjustment would have otherwise made them ineligible for a prescription program. Read more

 

An $8.6 Million Renovation Begins at Philadelphia’s Oldest Recreation Center, Happy Hollow Playground in Germantown

(Nov 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Happy Hallow has been a staple in Germantown for more than a century; the restoration is an investment in our community that preserves our past while shaping our future,” said Darisha Parker, Pennsylvania State Representative (198th District). “I’m always happy to help secure state funding to support neighborhood projects that will uplift and empower our community.” Read more

 

Pa. House lawmakers introduce resolution condemning Trump’s threats of political violence

(Nov 21, 2025) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, Nov. 21 — State Rep. Paul Friel announced today plans to introduce a resolution in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives condemning recent threats of political violence made by President Donald Trump against Democratic elected officials and reaffirming American service members’ long-standing duty to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. The resolution is in response to recent public statements from the President of the United States that have been widely interpreted as a threat of retaliation against those representatives for stating in a video that members of the U.S. Armed Forces can and should refuse unlawful directives. Friel and 29 other state representatives invited their colleagues to join them in supporting the resolution. The co-sponsorship memo states: "We are at a critical moment in American history. “When duly elected members of Congress publicly stated that, according to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the military must only follow lawful orders, the President of the United States declared they committed sedition and deserve death. This threat, and the rhetoric of political violence and retaliation, represents a betrayal of the American People and a threat to our constitutional democracy. “Upon taking office, we each swear an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. We cannot honor the military service members who have given their last full measure of Read more

 

Bill requiring insurance coverage of breast cancer diagnostic imaging sent to governor’s desk

(Nov 21, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I’m proud to see this bill on its way to the governor’s desk,” Curry said. “I’ve dedicated significant time and effort to making this legislation possible and easing the burden on people confronting a breast cancer diagnosis. This will allow more patients to focus on healing rather than the financial strain of essential diagnostic tests.” Read more

 

Briggs bill protecting state agencies from excessive legal requests passes House

(Nov 20, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 20 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, today announced the passage of H.B. 1934 , bipartisan legislation he sponsored with Rep. Rob Kauffman, R-Franklin. The bill, which passed with broad support in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, now heads to the Senate for further consideration. Briggs, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, said the bill provides critical clarity and protections for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and state agencies that have increasingly been subjected to overwhelming discovery demands in civil litigation – despite not being parties to those cases. “House Bill 1934 is a straightforward, bipartisan solution to a growing problem that strains state resources and diverts attention from the core missions of our agencies,” Briggs said. “Federal courts’ recent interpretation of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act has opened the door to excessive discovery requests targeting agencies that have no actual role in a lawsuit. This bill restores the original intent of the act and protects taxpayers from unnecessary burdens.” House Bill 1934: Protects the Office of Attorney General and non-party state agencies from exhaustive and inappropriate discovery requests in civil litigation. Clarifies which entities have a legitimate right to access state agency records when discovery requests are directed at the OAG. The Read more

 

House passes Freeman bill to help with redevelopment

(Nov 20, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Land banks are critical partners in revitalizing communities and returning vacant, abandoned and tax delinquent properties back to productive use," Freeman said. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera to rally for Lancaster Transit Rescheduled to Dec. 9

(Nov 20, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Nov. 20 –State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, together with Transit for All PA, will hold their rescheduled rally for increased bus services in Lancaster from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the Queen Street Station at 225 N. Queen St. According to Smith-Wade-El and Rivera, the South Central Transit Authority will hit its fiscal cliff in January 2027, which will lead to service cuts and fare increases due to state funding shortfalls. “Our South Central Transit Authority, and all transit systems in PA, are at risk due to the state budget failing to fully address the crisis they are facing,” Smith-Wade-El said. “At our rally, local and regional elected officials, labor leaders, transit riders, advocates, and more will come together to demand a dedicated and expanded state funding stream to ensure that Lancastrians have the transit system they need and deserve.” “We're not going to accept the gradual decline of our transit systems in Lancaster,” Rivera said. “Our economy and our quality of life depends on Lancaster having a strong and stable transit system. We are coming together to fight for this essential service on which we all depend.” The rally will feature 8 to 10 people speaking about the importance of public transit in the region. Residents can sign up to attend the rally online at https://www.mobilize.us/ppt/event/862791/ . Read more

 

Rivera encourages residents to attend PUC hearing on PPL’s rate increase

(Nov 20, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Nov. 20 – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will hold an in-person public hearing about PPL’s proposed rate increase for Manheim Township at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 in the Manheim Township Public Library Morgan Center, 595 Granite Run Drive. The hearings are being held due to PPL’s planned substantial rate increases. Under the proposal : The total monthly bill for a residential customer using 918 kWh per month would increase from $177.01 to $189.40 (7%). The changes would produce an overall annual revenue increase of $356.3 million (33.4%). “PPL’s proposed rate hike will have a serious impact on our residents’ wallets,” Rivera said. “I encourage residents to let the PUC know what these significant rate hikes will mean for their household finances.” If residents cannot attend in person, they are encouraged to attend one of two telephonic hearings on Monday, Dec. 15: Telephonic hearing #1 will begin at 1 p.m. Telephonic hearing #2 will begin at 6 p.m. The call-in information for the two telephonic hearings is: Toll-free Conference Number: 866-421-8851. PIN Number: 66640466. People who wish to testify at a telephonic hearing are encouraged to pre-register by 4 p.m. on Dec. 11. Failure to pre-register could result in missing the chance to testify to the PUC judges. To pre-register, those interested can call Pamela McNeal at 215-560-4228 or email Read more

 

Pa. legislature clears Ciresi’s bill to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims, further help heirs following the death of a loved one

(Nov 19, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“While Pennsylvania’s unclaimed property vault containing more than $4 billion sits there waiting for people to claim what’s rightfully theirs, the process to do so is sometimes too challenging or too expensive for people’s heirs to claim it,” Ciresi said. “It’s because the legislature hasn’t updated the $11,000 limit for simplified heir claims for more than 20 years, since 2002. I am delighted my House and Senate colleagues understood the wisdom of this legislation and for Pennsylvania to keep up with the times." Read more

 

Rabb hails Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit

(Nov 19, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“This is a victory worth celebrating as we continue to fight to create a fairer tax system,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “Pennsylvania’s tax system should stop penalizing low-income households while allowing the wealthiest to pay less than their fair share. The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit is a meaningful step toward that vision, and one that will help nearly a million families keep more of what they earn.” Read more

 

Conklin bill to protect small self-storage businesses passes state Senate, heads to governor’s desk

(Nov 19, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – Pennsylvania’s self-storage business owners are poised to gain greater protections against defaulting customers after state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill to bring these small businesses stronger enforcement powers today heads for the governor’s desk. Conklin, who is majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee, said he introduced H.B. 1359 to help small self-storage business owners avoid significant business losses that can result when a customer fails to sign or pay their rental agreement. “Pennsylvania has more than 1,500 self-storage facilities, and most are small businesses,” said Conklin, D-Centre. “Yet our law fails to adequately protect these businesses when a customer fails to sign or pay their rental agreement. Without a timeframe in which the unsigned or unpaid agreement can be enforced, the storage unit sits occupied and unrentable, costing the business valuable income. “It’s not fair to punish these small businesses for a customer’s failure to uphold their end of the bargain. My bill would fix the issue by allowing for the electronic delivery of a rental agreement. This would make the agreement enforceable within 30 days of the document’s delivery – the same as if it had been signed. If the occupant failed to sign the agreement within 30 days, their rent payment or continued use of the unit would be deemed an acceptance of the Read more

 

‘The Bills Are Too High’: PA House leaders confirm commitment to energy affordability

(Nov 19, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Danilo Burgos, both D-Phila., and Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, held a news conference to highlight the growing crisis of energy affordability and the steps PA House Democrats are taking to protect Pennsylvania ratepayers. As chairs of the House Energy Committee, the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee, and the House Majority Caucus, respectively, the representatives shared their commitments to forward-thinking energy policy. Read more

 

Rivera bill to help Pa. seniors maintain Rx benefits to become law

(Nov 19, 2025) Rep. Nikki Rivera

“PACE and PACENET are true lifesavers for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania seniors, and so are Social Security cost-of-living adjustments,” Rivera said. “Our seniors should not have to stress over whether they can maintain eligibility for a program that helps them afford their prescription medications simply because the government has rightfully adjusted Social Security to keep up with the cost of living." Read more

 

House panel considers new process for reinstating parental rights

(Nov 18, 2025) Rep. Rick Krajewski

“Administrators, parents, children, and advocates all understand the need for there to be a standard procedure here. No child should spend another night languishing in foster care because of bureaucracy and outdated laws,” Krajewski said. “Families deserve a fair chance to be reunited, and kids deserve to finally go home.” Read more

 

House committee approves juvenile diversion legislation with bipartisan support

(Nov 18, 2025) Rep. Rick Krajewski

“Diversion helps youth take accountability, saves taxpayer dollars and makes our communities safer,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., prime sponsor of H.B. 144. “It shouldn’t depend on what county you’re from; all of our children should have access to these services. Diversion works.” Read more

 

House approves Steele bill to help Game Commission conserve land

(Nov 18, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

On a bipartisan vote, the PA House today passed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, that would help conserve land and protect vulnerable habitats by making it easier for the Pennsylvania Game Commission to acquire land in certain counties. Read more

 

Conklin, Neilson: House passes bill to boost security for Pa. businesses

(Nov 18, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin, Rep. Ed Neilson

HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Reps. Scott Conklin and Ed Neilson that would make it easier for businesses to install high-tech electrified security systems. House Bill 1871 would eliminate the ambiguity and red tape that often prevents businesses from installing these systems by establishing guidelines for their use. “A good commercial security system can be essential for businesses, and some of the best systems available today use state-of-the-art electrified components that are installed inside barrier fences or walls,” said Conklin, who is majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee. “Unfortunately, many businesses attempting to install and use these systems face regulatory red tape that slows or even prevents their use. “My bill would establish parameters for using these systems, to give Pennsylvania businesses quick, simple access to the technology most effective at protecting employees and safeguarding property. Over 30 other states have already enacted similar legislation to ease use of these systems. It’s time to give our own workers the same level of protection and our businesses the security they need to remain competitive.” Neilson, who is the bill’s co-prime sponsor, said: “Businesses are vulnerable to theft or vandalism, and employees can face violence when they lack adequate protective Read more

 

PA House designates Dec. 3, 2025, as ‘10th Anniversary of Women in Combat Day’
1 day ago

Shapiro signs into law Ciresi legislation to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims, further help heirs following the death of a loved one
1 day ago

Takac appointed to Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education
1 day ago

Shapiro signs into law Rivera bill to help seniors maintain Rx benefits
Nov 24, 2025

An $8.6 Million Renovation Begins at Philadelphia’s Oldest Recreation Center, Happy Hollow Playground in Germantown
Nov 24, 2025

Pa. House lawmakers introduce resolution condemning Trump’s threats of political violence
Nov 21, 2025

Bill requiring insurance coverage of breast cancer diagnostic imaging sent to governor’s desk
Nov 21, 2025

Briggs bill protecting state agencies from excessive legal requests passes House
Nov 20, 2025

House passes Freeman bill to help with redevelopment
Nov 20, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera to rally for Lancaster Transit Rescheduled to Dec. 9
Nov 20, 2025

Rivera encourages residents to attend PUC hearing on PPL’s rate increase
Nov 20, 2025

Pa. legislature clears Ciresi’s bill to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims, further help heirs following the death of a loved one
Nov 19, 2025

Rabb hails Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
Nov 19, 2025

Conklin bill to protect small self-storage businesses passes state Senate, heads to governor’s desk
Nov 19, 2025

‘The Bills Are Too High’: PA House leaders confirm commitment to energy affordability
Nov 19, 2025

Rivera bill to help Pa. seniors maintain Rx benefits to become law
Nov 19, 2025

House panel considers new process for reinstating parental rights
Nov 18, 2025

House committee approves juvenile diversion legislation with bipartisan support
Nov 18, 2025

House approves Steele bill to help Game Commission conserve land
Nov 18, 2025

Conklin, Neilson: House passes bill to boost security for Pa. businesses
Nov 18, 2025