Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus | News Center

News Center

Rivera hails bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education

(2 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – As a high school teacher for over 30 years, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, said she was proud to support this year’s state budget because it makes historic investments in public education, supports Pennsylvania’s working people and industries, protects Pennsylvania’s environment and keeps Pennsylvanians safe without raising taxes or reducing the Rainy Day Fund. “Balancing fiscal discipline with compassion, this compromise budget spends a little over $50 billion to provide stability to Pennsylvanians by ensuring support for critical state services at a time when a totally unpredictable federal government is curtailing or eliminating federal programs on which millions depend,” Rivera said. Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 budget increases total funding for K-12 education by more than $700 million. Rivera said she is extremely pleased to see that the budget is allocating $600 million to ensure that all of Pennsylvania’s students and schools have access to the resources and opportunities needed for academic success. There would also be $178 million in savings for school districts statewide reflecting savings from reforms that adjusted tuition payments that better reflect the actual costs to teach kids. “A budget is a statement of our commonwealth’s priorities, and our top priority is making sure all our students have access to a first-rate education,” Rivera said. “This Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El praises bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education

(3 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 –As a fervent advocate for access to high-quality education for everyone and support for the vulnerable, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, is highlighting historic investments in Pennsylvania’s school districts and support for the food insecure as reasons for his support of this year’s budget, which was signed by the governor today. Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 state budget increases total funding for K-12 education by more than $700 million. Smith-Wade-El said he was extremely pleased to see that the budget is allocating $600 million to ensure that all of Pennsylvania’s students and schools have access to the resources and opportunities needed for academic success. There will also be $178 million in school district savings statewide – reflecting reforms in cyber-charter school funding that will better reflect the actual cost of teaching kids. “Access to a high-quality education is the foundation for our social health and economic success today and in the future,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This budget’s record investments in public education will help level the playing field and open up doors to academic and professional success for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable kids.” Locally, the budget increases funding for Lancaster County school districts, including over $8.2 million in increased funding and cost savings for school districts in the 49th Legislative District: Read more

 

Salisbury votes to pass 2025-26 state budget, citing public education funding, real-world priorities

(3 hours ago) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury cast a “yes” vote Wednesday for Pennsylvania’s new $50.1 billion spending plan, saying that it will deliver critical investments to public schools and essential programs without adding any new tax burden on residents. “With our schools, counties, local government and essential state programs waiting for funding, it took longer than it should have to get to this point,” Salisbury said. “I’m encouraged that the Senate finally came to the table so that we could send a plan to the governor’s desk.” Salisbury said that education is a key focus of the new budget, which includes a $105 million increase for Basic Education, nearly $40 million more for Special Education and $565 million in adequacy and tax equity funding to continue leveling the playing field for students in historically underfunded districts. Woodland Hills School District will see an estimated $2 million increase in Ready to Learn block grant funding. “It was critically important that we deliver on our constitutional duty to fairly fund our public schools, and the new budget does that. The new spending plan also ensures that our schools see the benefits of savings achieved through cyber charter reform. Those savings will mean additional funding of $12 million to the Pittsburgh School Distrct, more than $1.2 million to Woodland Hills School District, and nearly Read more

 

Ciresi highlights historic investment in public education, cyber charter reform savings in PA budget

(3 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – After his vote to approve the 2025-26 state budget today, state Rep. Joe Ciresi said he was proud to support the budget because without raising taxes or reducing the Rainy Day Fund, it makes historic investments in education with record savings in cyber charter school funding, thanks to legislation he championed, and critical funding in mental health services in schools. Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 budget increases total funding for K-12 education by more than $700 million. A longtime champion of cyber charter school funding reform, Ciresi said he was pleased to see that there would be $178 million in cyber charter savings statewide. School districts in the 146th Legislative District alone will save $1.18 million, reflecting savings from adjusting cyber tuition to better reflect the actual costs of teaching kids. Ciresi most recently proposed significant cyber charter funding reforms in his H.B. 1372. “This budget’s record investments in public education are an investment in Pennsylvania’s future, funding more than a billion new dollars in our schools which help relieve overburdened property taxpayers,” Ciresi said. “The $100 million for school safety and mental health services for our students will help schools provide critical services to kids so they don’t slip through the cracks and help foster safe and secure learning environments.” Locally, the budget increases funding for Montgomery Read more

 

Senate version of Rivera’s PACE/PACENET bill increasing eligibility for seniors passes the House

(4 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – The Senate version of state Rep. Nikki Rivera’s bill to make sure older Pennsylvanians do not lose their eligibility for the state’s prescription drug programs (H.B. 923) due to Social Security cost-of-living-increases unanimously passed the House today with overwhelming bipartisan support. Senate Bill 731, which was introduced in the PA House by Rivera and state Rep. Shelby Labs (R-Bucks), would shield seniors from losing PACE and PACENET prescription eligibility due to their annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. This protection currently is in place until Dec. 31, 2025. Senate Bill 731 would extend it for two more years -- until Dec. 31, 2027. According to Rivera, the Social Security COLA for 2025 is currently 2.5%. Not extending the moratorium would result in 10,039 PACENET enrollees losing their eligibility. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would be moved to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium. “I am very glad that the Senate version of the bill passed the House today because these programs—PACE and PACENET—are true lifesavers,” Rivera said. “Thanks to them, a quarter of a million Pennsylvania seniors, many of whom require multiple medications to treat different chronic conditions, can purchase life-saving medications without having to go into medical debt or, even worse, decide they must give up treatment. “Unfortunately, Read more

 

Matzie votes ‘yes’ on new budget, citing public education, jobs, no new taxes

(4 hours ago) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Rob Matzie cast a “yes” vote today on the $50.1 billion 2025-26 Pennsylvania budget, saying the budget invests taxpayer dollars wisely without adding any new tax burden on residents. “This budget was a long time coming this year, but I’m satisfied that the plan we sent to the governor today will deliver critical funding to our schools, counties, and programs and services,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “I supported the new budget because it spends responsibly while delivering strong investments for our public schools and other critical programs – all without adding any new taxes or tapping into the state’s Rainy Day Fund.” Matzie said the new spending plan includes a $105 million increase for basic education, $40 million more for special education, a $565 million increase in Ready to Learn block grant funding for adequacy and tax equity payments and $178 million in savings from cyber charter reform. “The new budget delivers on our constitutional obligation to fairly fund our schools, adding nearly $600 million to help us continue leveling the playing field for students in less-affluent ZIP codes and easing the property tax burden on residents,” Matzie said. “All of our school districts will benefit from those block grants, which will deliver an additional $1.1 million to Ambridge Read more

 

Conklin votes for 2025-26 state budget plan, citing strong investments for Pennsylvania public schools, health care

(4 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Scott Conklin cast a “yes” vote for the state’s $50.1 billion spending plan, which has cleared the General Assembly and is on its way to the governor’s desk. “Although my House colleagues and I were frustrated by the Senate’s failure to come to the table and vote on the budget bills we sent earlier this year, I am encouraged that we are finally moving forward with a solid agreement. The new budget delivers for our students, funds essential programs and services for residents, and will get critical dollars flowing to our schools, counties and municipalities – all without raising taxes.” Conklin said the new spending plan includes a $105 million increase for Basic Education and a nearly $40 million increase for Special Education statewide. District 77 schools will see the following increases in Basic and Special Education funding: Bald Eagle Area School District: $80,273 increase (0.8%) in Basic Education funding and $35,789 increase (2.2%) in Special Education funding. Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District: $136,556 increase (1.0%) in Basic Education funding and $59,289 increase (3.2%) in Special Education funding. State College Area School District: $249,978 increase (1.8%) in Basic Education funding and $59,409 increase (1.6%) in Special Education funding. Tyrone Area School District: $49,539 increase (0.5%) in Basic Education Read more

 

Madden measure to expand treatment programs for opioid use disorder sent to governor’s desk

(5 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation authored by Rep. Maureen Madden (D-Monroe) to expand access to opioid abuse treatment programs across Pennsylvania’s county jails is heading to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. Read more

 

Schlossberg: Compromise budget strengthens region, gets stuff done for PA

(6 hours ago) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“This budget represents our continued efforts to ensure fair funding for Parkland and Allentown schools, invests in critically needed mental health care, reduces costs for Pennsylvanians and gets stuff done in Pennsylvania,” Schlossberg said. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(9 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Agriculture: Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other eligible specialty crops stakeholders. Use: To assist with the growth, certification of seed and marketing of eligible specialty crops. Funds: $460,000 is available for funding Application Deadline: December 19, 2025 More information: PDA Website Department of Agriculture: Federal Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Who May Apply: State and local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations and other eligible specialty crops stakeholders. Use: To enhance the competitiveness of eligible specialty crops. Funds: Approximately $1,000,000 is available for funding Application Deadline: December 19, 2025 More information: PDA 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. Read more

 

Burns bill would require American-made flags at state facilities

(Nov 06, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 6 — As part of his career-long efforts to support American workers and uphold American values, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has introduced bipartisan legislation to require that all American flags purchased and displayed by the commonwealth be made in America. Read more

 

Rabb reintroduces ranked choice voting bill

(Nov 05, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation would create alternative to plurality, first-past-the-post elections Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation, City Councilmembers urge the PUC to commit to ‘No Shutoffs During the Shutdown’

(Nov 05, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 3 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Morgan Cephas, Jordan Harris, Danilo Burgos, and other members of the Philadelphia House Delegation joined City Councilmember Mike Driscoll and to call on the Public Utilities Commission to pause disconnection of heating services during the federal government shutdown.The shutdown has delayed the opening of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program by a month. LIHEAP is a utility assistance service that helps low-income households pay their heating bills, leaving economically and medically vulnerable Pennsylvanians without assistance until Dec. 3. In 2024, over 15,000 crisis grants were issued in the month of November alone to prevent the imminent loss of heat to Pennsylvania homes. Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee discusses AI transparency and digital content provenance

(Nov 03, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 3 – As AI deepfakes and fabricated content proliferate across media, the PA House Communications and Technology Committee, chaired by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, held a timely informational meeting last week on the importance of maintaining digital content provenance to combat misinformation, safeguard intellectual property, and preserve consumer trust. “As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly sophisticated, it’s getting harder for consumers of digital content to tell what’s real and what was generated or altered,” Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said. “Misinformation spread by AI threatens the social fabric, and we need to take necessary steps to protect the public from misleading, fabricated content.” Santiago Lyon, head of Advocacy and Education for the Content Authenticity Initiative, gave a presentation to the committee on how technology can be used to combat misinformation and what leaders in the industry are doing to allow for the labeling and identification of AI-generated or modified content. “At Adobe, we believe transparency is essential to trust in the age of AI,” said Lyon. “As AI becomes a more powerful creative tool, people deserve to know the origins of the content they see online and how it’s made. That’s why we’re proud to work with industry partners, policymakers and creators to advance open standards that protect creative rights, encourage greater Read more

 

It's time to shine a light on the state budget

(Nov 03, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Recently, I was listening to a sermon, and my pastor said something that stayed with me: Shine a light on it.So that’s what I’m going to do: shine a light on the reality of gun violence, shine it on what we’ve done, and shine it on what we need to do. Read more

 

Curry commends Shapiro for supporting local food banks on eve of SNAP freeze

(Oct 31, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I am proud of Governor Shapiro for stepping up today to show the people of Pennsylvania that we hear them and we see them,” said Curry, D-Delaware. “The people don’t deserve to be in the crosshairs of politics." Read more

 

Pa. House Democratic Leadership statement on Gov. Shapiro’s food assistance plan

(Oct 31, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

We thank Governor Shapiro for stepping up to invest state resources into food banks to protect and support Pennsylvanians subjected to these cruel cuts to food assistance by the Trump Administration. One in four Pennsylvania children will go hungry due to these cuts to SNAP. That’s outrageous and unacceptable anytime but especially cruel in the month we’re supposed to celebrate Thanksgiving. Kids can’t learn, play, or stay healthy on an empty stomach. Read more

 

Parker measure to support waterway commerce infrastructure to become law

(Oct 31, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Darisha Parker announced today that the Senate-sponsored companion bill to her legislation ( H.B. 1057 ) that would better support the infrastructure for commerce along the Delaware River and Delaware Bay has passed both chambers and is expected to become law. Senate Bill 748, authored by state Sen. Frank Farry and which mirrors Parker’s bill, will adjust rates for fees paid to river pilots who navigate trade vessels along the Delaware River and its navigable tributaries. “Increasing the rate of pilotage fees will ensure that Pennsylvania is maintaining vital infrastructure along both the Delaware River and Bay,” Parker stated. “The impact of Pennsylvania’s waterway system on our state’s economy cannot be overstated, and this legislation will ensure that critical infrastructure is maintained to prevent catastrophic incidents from happening.” Parker also noted her appreciation to Farry for the bipartisan work on this important legislation that will help keep local waterways safe and continue to benefit the state’s economy. The bill passed the House Wednesday and was sent to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. Read more

 

Pennsylvanians are hurting because of the federal shutdown

(Oct 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Some GOP lawmakers have claimed they don’t know much about the impact of the federal shutdown on Pennsylvania or about how the changes to SNAP and Medicaid have affected their constituents. Well, as state representatives for the 49th and 96th legislative districts in Lancaster, let us share what we’ve heard from our constituents at a Medicaid and SNAP Town Hall this week about the hardships they are experiencing and the terror they are feeling if the federal shutdown continues much longer. (It should be noted that all Lancaster-area state lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats alike, were invited to this important discussion with residents but only state Sen. James Malone joined.) Our constituents told us that they’re not just worried about where their next meal is coming from when SNAP benefits end in early November, but they also don’t know what they are going to do when the supportive services associated with the program dry up, from transportation services, which gets them to their jobs, to extra clothing, to child care (extended through December, but no one knows what will happen in January). We heard about the transportation deserts in some areas of the county that make it impossible to get to work or a community food pantry, about the language barriers that make it difficult for people to fill out paperwork or to understand critical changes to these essential programs. One constituent who doesn’t have his GED told us he does Read more

 

House Energy Committee hold public hearing on benefits of electric school buses

(Oct 29, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 – Today, the PA House Energy Committee held a public hearing on legislation (H.B. 1539) that would create a grant program to help schools transition to electric school buses.The benefits of deploying ESB fleets include reduced costs of ownership and operation, fuel costs savings, maintenance costs savings, and public health benefits. However, the up-front costs associated with ESB fleets have been prohibitive for many Pennsylvania school districts. Read more

 

Rivera hails bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education
2 hours ago

Smith-Wade-El praises bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education
3 hours ago

Salisbury votes to pass 2025-26 state budget, citing public education funding, real-world priorities
3 hours ago

Ciresi highlights historic investment in public education, cyber charter reform savings in PA budget
3 hours ago

Senate version of Rivera’s PACE/PACENET bill increasing eligibility for seniors passes the House
4 hours ago

Matzie votes ‘yes’ on new budget, citing public education, jobs, no new taxes
4 hours ago

Conklin votes for 2025-26 state budget plan, citing strong investments for Pennsylvania public schools, health care
4 hours ago

Madden measure to expand treatment programs for opioid use disorder sent to governor’s desk
5 hours ago

Schlossberg: Compromise budget strengthens region, gets stuff done for PA
6 hours ago

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
9 hours ago

Burns bill would require American-made flags at state facilities
Nov 06, 2025

Rabb reintroduces ranked choice voting bill
Nov 05, 2025

Philadelphia House Delegation, City Councilmembers urge the PUC to commit to ‘No Shutoffs During the Shutdown’
Nov 05, 2025

House Communications & Technology Committee discusses AI transparency and digital content provenance
Nov 03, 2025

It's time to shine a light on the state budget
Nov 03, 2025

Curry commends Shapiro for supporting local food banks on eve of SNAP freeze
Oct 31, 2025

Pa. House Democratic Leadership statement on Gov. Shapiro’s food assistance plan
Oct 31, 2025

Parker measure to support waterway commerce infrastructure to become law
Oct 31, 2025

Pennsylvanians are hurting because of the federal shutdown
Oct 30, 2025

House Energy Committee hold public hearing on benefits of electric school buses
Oct 29, 2025