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Guzman to host annual Black History Month Celebration

(1 hour ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, Feb. 12 — State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, announced today that he will host his annual Black History Month Celebration at the WCR Center for the Arts from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18. This free event will honor the enduring legacy and significant contributions of the Black community while providing an opportunity for engagement, and community pride. “This annual event is growing in the heart of our community, and I could not be prouder,” said Guzman. “The event honors remarkable individuals across the district and provides a meaningful space for connection, reflection and empowerment,” he added. Guzman said that this year, he will honor 32 community leaders, including religious figures, government officials, educators, and business owners. “This celebration will be a vibrant event showcasing culture, history and pride, reminding us all of the power of dedication, resilience and shared progress.” A key component of the festivities is that Guzman’s staff will be available to provide information about state programs and services that support families across Reading and Berks County. For more information, residents may contact Guzman’s office at 610-376-1529. Read more

 

Pair of Briggs bills signed into law

(4 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 12– Legislation introduced by state Rep. Tim Briggs to strengthen Pennsylvania’s judicial system and shield Commonwealth agencies from burdensome federal litigation tactics was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Josh Shapiro. House Bills 331 and 1934 are designed to improve the administration of justice, increase transparency and accountability, and ensure the responsible use of taxpayer resources. “Both bills tackle important challenges in our legal system,” Briggs said. “House Bill 331 enhances court operations and oversight of justice-related funding, while House Bill 1934 shields state agencies from unnecessary and costly legal burdens. Together, they promote fairness, efficiency, and accountability across the Commonwealth.” House Bill 331 (Act 1 of 2026) introduces targeted reforms to improve justice administration and oversight of judicial and legal aid funds. It includes three main provisions: Judicial training: Allows the court system to cover the $400 annual registration fee for special court judges. Court technology: Redirects local court fees to enhance statewide court technology, without reducing county funding, generating about $7.5 million through 2028. Access-to-justice funding transparency: Requires an independent audit of the Access to Justice Fund to verify proper use of funds and identify ways to expand legal services. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to Hold two Student Town Halls at Local Elementary Schools

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Feb. 11 – A strong advocate for civic education, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, said he believes teaching civics equips youth to become informed and engaged members of a democratic society. He will host two student civic town halls in Lancaster this February. The first town hall will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20 in the cafeteria of Washington Elementary School, 545 S. Ann St. Smith-Wade-El will be joined by Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo and School District of Lancaster Board Vice President Katrina Holmes. The second town hall will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26 at Smith-Wade-El Elementary School, 910 Hamilton Park Drive. Smith-Wade-El will be joined by School District of Lancaster Board President Jennifer Eaton. These events will give students the chance to learn about state government, share their ideas for improving their communities, and participate in a Q&A session with Smith-Wade-El. “A truly democratic society relies on an informed and engaged citizenry, and civic education must begin early,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As we approach the United States’ 250th birthday and reflect on Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in its founding, now is the perfect time to teach our students about their rights and responsibilities as American citizens.” The town halls follow Smith-Wade-El's recent participation in Hamilton Elementary School's Celebration Assembly on Wednesday, Read more

 

Lawmakers examine threats to community hospitals

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Access to care is one of the most fundamental promises we make to our constituents, yet for far too many Pennsylvanians – especially those in rural communities – that promise feels increasingly out of reach,” said hearing co-host state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, who represents portions of Lackawanna County and spent more than 25 years as a registered nurse. “When hospitals close, when primary care providers are miles away, and when wait times stretch into weeks or months, people often delay care until an otherwise minor problem becomes a crisis.” Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce $1.2 million in state funds for bicycle and pedestrian improvements

(Feb 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Feb. 10 –State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced that their districts will receive over $1.2 million in state funding to make critical bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements in the City of Lancaster and in Manheim Township. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Automated Red-Light Enforcement (ARLE) program. Established in 2010, ARLE funds improvements at signalized intersections and is primarily supported by fines from red-light violations at 38 intersections currently operational in the commonwealth. The program is designed to reduce congestion, enhance mobility, and improve safety at high-traffic intersections. In Smith-Wade-El’s district, the City of Lancaster will receive $974,544 to improve bicycle safety by installing a bi-directional/two-way separated bike lane on the south and east side on the roadway from South Queen Street to East King Street. “I am very excited to see the City of Lancaster receive this significant investment in bicycle safety,” said Smith-Wade-El. “As someone who learned ride a bike at the old age of 29, I love the freedom and the whole new way of seeing the city that I experience when I’m riding a bike. This investment in our city will make Lancaster a healthier place to live thanks to more people engaging in this heart-healthy activity instead of driving a car, which increases air pollution and traffic Read more

 

PA House environmental committee examines impacts of water pollution

(Feb 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 10 – The state House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee held a public hearing this week at the state Capitol to receive testimony on impaired streams and waterways in Pennsylvania. The recently released draft of DEP’s 2026 Pennsylvania Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report indicated that 37% of PA stream miles are impaired in some way, which is up from 34% two years ago. Stream impairment in PA comes from three main sources: agricultural runoff, acid mine drainage, and urban runoff. Pennsylvania’s large agriculture industry, the significant number of abandoned mines scarring the landscape, and unfettered loss of porous green spaces to suburban sprawl all contribute to intensified siltation, and pathogenic and heavy metal contamination, leading to increased stream impairment. Read more

 

House committee OKs update to public notice advertisements

(Feb 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 10 – Local governments and school districts would be able to publish their public notices in digital newspapers and free publications if no print newspapers are still published in their area, under legislation approved by the PA House Local Government Committee, according to prime sponsor state Rep. Robert Freeman. State law currently requires municipalities and school districts to publish public notices in newspapers of general circulation, which by law must be in print. With fewer and fewer print newspapers remaining, it is difficult for local governments to meet the current statutory requirement for legal notices. Freeman’s legislation would update the state’s nearly 50-year-old Newspaper Advertising Act to require that public notices continue to be published in print newspapers of general circulation, but if such a newspaper does not exist, the notice could be published in a digital newspaper of general circulation that is the decedent of a printed newspaper, an online-only newspaper, or a free newspaper. “The changes proposed in my bill are consistent with various recent public notice statutes adopted across the nation and will update our public notice law while ensuring Pennsylvanians can continue to find public notices in their trusted local newspapers, a disinterested, third-party whose constitutional role is to hold government accountable,” said Freeman, Read more

 

Grant Memo: Transportation, Parks, Pedestrian Safety, School Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrain Vehicle/Snowmobile Grants Who May Apply: County and municipal governments, non-profits, for-profits Use: Planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance of ATV or snowmobile trails and facilities, purchase of equipment, and educational programs related to the use of ATVs or snowmobiles Funds: Grants will range between $25,000 and $1,000,000 Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 More information: DCNR 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 Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Who May Apply: Technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and non-profit organizations. For-profit Read more

 

Policy Committee emphasize fairness in cyber charter reform

(Feb 09, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“People are hurting and affordability is on everyone’s minds,” Haddock said. “Last year I voted for a Pennsylvania budget, which included cyber charter savings of $178 million for our homeowners.” Read more

 

Neilson bill for online insurance verification expected to be signed by Gov. Shapiro

(Feb 06, 2026) Rep. Ed Neilson

Gov. Shapiro this week received Chair of the House Transportation Committee, state Rep. Ed Neilson's bipartisan legislation that will require the Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation (PennDOT) to create an online system for verifying vehicle insurance. The legislation, House Bill 710, co-authored alongside minority Chair of the House Transportation Committee, state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, recently passed both the House and Senate unanimously. Shapiro is expected to sign the bill into law sometime next week. It will take effect in 2027. Currently, if a driver cancels their vehicle insurance within six months of the policy's start date, the insurance company must report the cancellation to PennDOT. PennDOT then sends a written notice requiring the driver to provide proof of insurance or face the suspension of their vehicle registration. "Oftentimes, vehicle owners don't respond to PennDOT's letter because it was lost in the mail, ignored, or misunderstood. As a result, they may face a three-month registration suspension without even knowing it," Neilson said. "In many cases, drivers only learn of the suspension when pulled over by police, which adds an additional three-month driver's license suspension and a fine on top of everything else." Additionally, PennDOT would often send written notices to drivers about non-existent lapses in insurance, where the driver simply changed insurance companies or policies. According to Read more

 

Fiedler applauds bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy economy, looks forward to more from House Energy Committee

(Feb 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 - This week, the PA House passed two bills aimed at driving innovation and investment in Pennsylvania’s energy and manufacturing sectors, earning bipartisan support. One, an advanced clean manufacturing bill sponsored by House Energy Committee Chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and the other, a measure to reduce barriers for emerging nuclear technologies sponsored by Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila. are designed to strengthen the state’s clean energy economy.Additionally, legislation requiring new warehouses to be built solar-ready, sponsored by Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, D-Berks, also advanced in the House this week.“We face a looming energy crisis that could have life-changing impacts on the people of Pennsylvania,” Fiedler said. “We must act with urgency and rise to the moment, building on Pennsylvania’s historic role as an energy leader and innovator.”Fiedler’s H.B. 1556 would incentivize the development of a clean manufacturing economy in PA by offering a tax credit of 30% of qualified production costs for an advanced clean manufacturing project. By covering operational costs, the tax credit would encourage companies to stay and grow in Pennsylvania.An advanced clean manufacturing facility is defined as a site that produces clean steel, clean aluminum, clean cement, clean glass, electric grid modernization equipment, energy-efficient heat pumps and turbines, or hydrogen electrolyzers. With growing demand for these products, this legislation would position... Read more

 

Sunshine Act 24-hour notice bill approved by House committee

(Feb 05, 2026) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“My legislation would strengthen transparency at public meetings by making sure residents have sufficient time to review and understand upcoming meetings that affect their daily lives. An informed and engaged citizenry is essential for a thriving democracy,” Freeman said. Read more

 

Scott celebrates signing of law supporting magisterial district judge education and training

(Feb 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro this week signed into law legislation that includes more financial support for the continued education and training of magisterial district judges, a provision authored by state Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery. Scott, a former Montgomery County magisterial district judge, says the increase in funding reflects inflation rates and widespread rising costs. The current funding rate was set in 1998. “Magisterial district judges are the front lines of our judicial system,” Scott said. “To be knowledgeable and nimble, they must learn and adapt as the judicial system adapts and changes with the world around them. Raising the per-judge allotment for these kinds of educational resources will give judges more support in staying current and successful.” The Scott provision will raise the per-judge administrative costs of the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania from $200 per judge to $400, giving the association more funds to support judges’ participation in quarterly conferences, educational symposiums, technology workshops, safety training and more. “As a former judge, I’m proud to see this measure signed into law,” Scott said. “I know first-hand that continuing to learn and grow helps you shape a successful career, and this update will help our current and future judges stay sharp.” Read more

 

House passes Davidson, Kinkead bill to strengthen Protection from Abuse Orders

(Feb 05, 2026) Rep. Nate Davidson, Rep. Emily Kinkead

Legislation increasing accountability for PFA violations advances to Senate Read more

 

Legislative Latino and Black caucus chairs issue statement on Berks County ICE facility

(Feb 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, Feb. 4 – State Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Napoleon Nelson, chairs of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, respectively, today issued the following statement regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s purchase of a 520,000-square-foot warehouse to be used as an immigration detention facility: “Across this country, ICE enforcement has led to devastating consequences for families and communities -- including family separation, aggressive raids, and the targeting of individuals who pose no threat to public safety. These actions have created fear and instability, particularly within immigrant communities,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “Now, ICE is preparing to establish a detention operation in Berks County. This decision risks provoking fear, disrupting families, and endangering the wellbeing of our neighbors -- regardless of citizenship status. The pattern of cruelty and lack of accountability we have seen from ICE has no place in Berks County or anywhere in Pennsylvania. “Berks County has faced an ICE detention facility before, and after years of sustained community advocacy, that center ultimately closed. That history matters. “While many questions remain about the scope and operations of this proposed facility, I will continue to use every tool available to demand transparency, protect due process, and stand with our Read more

 

Isaacson joins Carpenters’ Hall, America250PA and others to announce yearlong celebration of Pennsylvania’s independence

(Feb 04, 2026) Rep. Mary Isaacson

“I am honored to represent a legislative district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with such deep and meaningful historical roots in the founding of our nation and our great commonwealth,” Isaacson said. “I encourage all Pennsylvanians to learn about the significance of the Pennsylvania Provincial Conference during America’s 250th anniversary, to visit Carpenters’ Hall, and to become more familiar with the vital document that formed -- and continues to govern -- Pennsylvania: our Constitution.” Read more

 

Bellmon, Carroll bill to provide fair sentences for juvenile youth passes PA House

(Feb 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – Today, the Pennsylvania House passed H.B. 1936, a bill that would require courts to account for the total time a child spends in secure detention when determining the duration of their sentence. The bill was introduced by state Reps. Anthony Bellmon and Andre D. Carroll, both Democrats from Philadelphia. Currently, in Pennsylvania, if a youth in the juvenile justice system waits for a bed to open at a treatment facility, the time spent waiting is not counted toward their sentence, even though the youth is already detained. “When I had the opportunity to tour a juvenile justice center, I saw that the state was wasting many young people’s time,” Bellmon said. “Advocates told me that waiting for a bed could take up to 18 months. This practice is cruel, unjust, and unacceptable. Our bill will fix this, providing real justice while keeping our communities safe.” “Our juvenile justice system should prioritize rehabilitation, not prolonged confinement that can cause further harm,” Carroll said. “Too many children are sitting in detention for weeks simply because treatment beds aren’t available -- separated from their families, schools, and communities without receiving the services they need. This legislation ensures courts consider the full impact of those delays and regularly review alternatives to secure detention. It’s a commonsense step Read more

 

Matzie, Mehaffie laud passage of bill to clear the way for construction of small modular nuclear reactors

(Feb 04, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus Co-Chairs Rob Matzie and Tom Mehaffie today hailed the state House’s passage of legislation that would clear the way for the construction of the nuclear industry’s small modular reactors and microreactors to help meet growing demands on Pennsylvania’s energy grid. The lawmakers said H.B. 2017 , introduced by state Rep. Jose Giral, D- Phila., would pave the way for SMRs and microreactors by authorizing a change in fees that have posed an obstacle to construction of these smaller nuclear reactors. “Having an ‘all-everything’ energy strategy strengthens our position as an energy powerhouse and helps us meet the increasing demand coming from cloud computing and AI,” said Matzie, D-Beaver, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus as well as a co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Nuclear Energy Caucus. “Nuclear is an important part of that strategy, and one that would bring new jobs, but the construction costs can be prohibitive. Small, modular reactors, which require less time and money to build, are an excellent solution, but the fees these reactors must pay the state to operate – which were developed with large, traditional reactors in mind – have proven to be an insurmountable obstacle. The new legislation would adjust the fees to remove those barriers.” Mehaffie, R-Dauphin, said SMRs can help the state address an Read more

 

Giral bill encouraging nuclear energy development passes Pa. House

(Feb 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 — Energy developers may soon find advancing smaller, more efficient nuclear reactors more affordable in Pennsylvania, thanks to legislation by state Rep. Jose Giral that passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. House Bill 2017, which passed unanimously, would update the state’s fee structure for operators of nuclear energy sites to reflect how modern small modular reactors and micro reactors differ from traditional light-water reactors. Traditional light-water nuclear reactors typically operate on one site that has multiple reactors. “The nuclear reactors we all recognize today are housed on very large, sprawling sites,” said Giral, D-Phila. “They take extensive time and money to construct and to run. The up-front capital needed to build new ones is prohibitively expensive, and that’s making it harder for us to grow our nuclear power footprint here in Pennsylvania.” In contrast, SMRs require more, smaller sites with fewer reactors per site, which allows them to be built in areas with less access to existing power grids, like rural Pennsylvania. Their small size also allows them to be factory-built, rather than built on-site, so that they can be transported to areas where large-scale construction is difficult. And technological developments have made these smaller reactors more efficient than light-water Read more

 

Pa. House approves expansion of youth diversion programs with broad bipartisan support

(Feb 04, 2026) 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.” Read more

 

Guzman to host annual Black History Month Celebration
1 hour ago

Pair of Briggs bills signed into law
4 hours ago

Smith-Wade-El to Hold two Student Town Halls at Local Elementary Schools
1 day ago

Lawmakers examine threats to community hospitals
1 day ago

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce $1.2 million in state funds for bicycle and pedestrian improvements
Feb 10, 2026

PA House environmental committee examines impacts of water pollution
Feb 10, 2026

House committee OKs update to public notice advertisements
Feb 10, 2026

Grant Memo: Transportation, Parks, Pedestrian Safety, School Mental Health, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 10, 2026

Policy Committee emphasize fairness in cyber charter reform
Feb 09, 2026

Neilson bill for online insurance verification expected to be signed by Gov. Shapiro
Feb 06, 2026

Fiedler applauds bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy economy, looks forward to more from House Energy Committee
Feb 06, 2026

Sunshine Act 24-hour notice bill approved by House committee
Feb 05, 2026

Scott celebrates signing of law supporting magisterial district judge education and training
Feb 05, 2026

House passes Davidson, Kinkead bill to strengthen Protection from Abuse Orders
Feb 05, 2026

Legislative Latino and Black caucus chairs issue statement on Berks County ICE facility
Feb 04, 2026

Isaacson joins Carpenters’ Hall, America250PA and others to announce yearlong celebration of Pennsylvania’s independence
Feb 04, 2026

Bellmon, Carroll bill to provide fair sentences for juvenile youth passes PA House
Feb 04, 2026

Matzie, Mehaffie laud passage of bill to clear the way for construction of small modular nuclear reactors
Feb 04, 2026

Giral bill encouraging nuclear energy development passes Pa. House
Feb 04, 2026

Pa. House approves expansion of youth diversion programs with broad bipartisan support
Feb 04, 2026