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

(2 hours ago) 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

(2 hours ago) 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

(2 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Jan. 22 – The Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved $600,000 in Multimodal Transportation Funding for Millersville Borough’s bridge rehabilitation project, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today. The funding will be used for improvements to Routes 741 and 999 in Millersville. The Route 741 (Millersville Road) project consists of a bridge rehabilitation, including concrete repairs to the substructure and superstructure, expansion dam replacements, a latex modified concrete resurfacing of the deck, bridge barrier coating, guiderail upgrades, and other miscellaneous work. The project is using Route 999 (Millersville Pike) as a detour. “Prior to its closure, Millersville Bridge was a critical lifeline in our community with nearly 13,000 motorists crossing it each day,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This funding will help expedite the completion of this project so motorists can resume travelling on the bridge and ensure that they are able to travel on Route 999 as a detour in the meantime. I am glad that the Shapiro administration and the CFA were receptive to my advocacy of the importance of this project for our area and approved the funding for it.” 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 Read more

 

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

(2 hours ago) 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

(1 day ago) 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

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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

 

As utility bills soar, PA House Energy and Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities committees discuss solutions at joint hearing

(1 day ago) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rep. Danilo Burgos

“I hear from constituents constantly about how hard it is right now, especially this winter, to afford the basics. We’re talking monthly bills in the hundreds of dollars just to keep a small apartment warm,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, majority chair of the House Energy Committee. “We need to look at every possible solution, and it’s my job to make sure the Energy Committee is passing workable, well-researched legislation that lowers prices.” Read more

 

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

(1 day ago) 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. “These grants will make our region more attractive to homeowners and businesses by improving the safety of our roads and sidewalks, while supporting economic growth,” Kosierowski said. “The stormwater and sewer upgrades will also help ensure our residents’ drinking water remains safe from contaminants. I was proud to collaborate with state Senator Marty Flynn to highlight the importance of these projects to the Shapiro administration and the CFA, showing how funding them will provide long-term benefits for community safety and health.” Funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund includes: $250,000 – 717-719 Capouse Avenue LLC, for sidewalk and curbing replacement, plus lighting and landscaping along Capouse Avenue in Scranton. $450,000 – Dickson City Borough for Phase III of roadway safety improvements at the Main Street and Viewmont Drive intersection. $850,000 – Lackawanna County for roadway and pedestrian infrastructure improvements along North Main Avenue and Greenridge Street in Scranton. $250,000 – City of Scranton to enhance the streetscape of Penn Avenue/Capouse Avenue. $400,000 – South Abington Township for improvements to West Grove Street and pedestrian access at Abington Read more

 

Ciresi: Over $1.3 in state funding awarded for community infrastructure projects

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, Jan. 20 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that over $1.3 million in state funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority for infrastructure projects in the 146th Legislative District. “As our communities’ advocate in Harrisburg, I worked with the Shapiro administration and the CFA to explain how these grants would enable our municipalities to make critical improvements on the roads we travel and the streets we walk that otherwise might not be possible,” Ciresi said. “I am very pleased that we’ve also received funding to improve our water infrastructure without raising local taxes.” Funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund includes: $550,000 to Limerick Township for Phase 2 of improving Lightcap Road. $139,025 to Royersford Borough for streetscape improvements along Main Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenue Funding from the Small Water and Sewer Program includes: $190,283 to North Coventry Water Authority for its Riverside Drive water main relocation project $424,589 to Pottstown Borough Authority for Phase 3 of its lead service replacement project The grants were approved Tuesday by the Commonwealth Financing Authority from the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund and Small Water and Sewer program . Read more

 

PA General Assembly’s only elected physician, Rep. Venkat: ‘Kennedy is endangering our health’

(Jan 20, 2026) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Jan. 20 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, M.D., D-Allegheny, the only physician in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, has issued the following statement ahead of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appearance in the state Capitol: “Secretary Kennedy has undertaken a deliberate effort to undermine vaccine access and America’s public health as a whole,” Venkat said. “Since he assumed office, we have seen chaos unfold in federal public health policy because of Kennedy’s anti-science ideology. “From anti-vaccine activists being appointed to vaccine policy boards, to the firing of scientists from leadership positions, to cuts to scientific research funding, to the childhood vaccine schedule being gutted without any scientific evidence or even deliberation, Kennedy’s actions are endangering the health of Pennsylvanians and costing lives. We are seeing the consequences of Kennedy’s dangerous actions in real time, with outbreaks of measles and whooping cough across the nation. More outbreaks are sure to follow. “Our nation has already been greatly harmed by Secretary Kennedy’s actions, and as he comes to Harrisburg, I will continue to use my position as our only physician-legislator to ensure that Pennsylvanians can receive vaccines as they choose and avoid the damage to healthcare and science policy Secretary Kennedy has caused.” Read more

 

Scott, Powell propose legislation to guarantee health care insurance in Pa.

(Jan 16, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

In the face of lost federal Affordable Care Act tax credits and rising health care insurance premiums, the legislators proposed the new bill to ensure that Pennsylvanians can avoid unnecessary health and financial risk – the kind that is experienced without health coverage. Read more

 

Scott introduces bill banning forever chemicals in cosmetics, menstrual products

(Jan 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals linked to a range of serious health risks, including cancer, immune system suppression, pregnancy-related hypertension, reduced fertility, and more. They’re found in many daily-use household products. Read more

 

Universal school meals: Most direct path to stronger schools

(Jan 14, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The goal of this hearing was to identify proven solutions that guarantee every student has access to healthy, high-quality meals, while also eliminating the stigma of meal debt so children can overcome hunger,” said state Rep. Nate Davidson, who hosted the hearing and represents portions of Cumberland and Dauphin counties. “What we heard tonight is that universal school meals support students’ needs and improve classroom environments and academic results for all.” Read more

 

Burgos encouraged by Meta’s power purchase agreement with Pa. nuclear power

(Jan 14, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Danilo Burgos issued the following statement regarding Meta’s power purchase agreement with a Pennsylvania nuclear power plant and two Ohio plants to supply energy for their data centers: Read more

 

Steele to host Jan. 21 town hall on cell phones in schools

(Jan 14, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, will host a town hall on cell phone use in schools from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, 403 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh. Read more

 

State lawmakers introduce legislation to mark Dominican Independence Day

(Jan 09, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – To celebrate the contributions of Pennsylvania’s Dominican community, state Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Manuel Guzman , both D-Berks, and Danilo Burgos , D-Phila. -- all of whom are of Dominican ancestry -- have introduced legislation to designate Feb. 27, 2026, as “Dominican Republic Independence Day.” The legislation, H.R. 387 , seeks to honor the impact Dominicans have made as leaders around the world, including in the United States and the Dominican Republic. The date marks the 182nd anniversary of the Dominican Republic’s independence, following centuries of Spanish colonial rule and 22 years of Haitian governance. “As the proud daughter of Dominican immigrants, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices, resilience and determination that helped my parents -- and so many Dominicans across our commonwealth and beyond -- build better lives,” said Cepeda-Freytiz, chair of the PA Legislative Latino Caucus. “Dominican Independence Day honors a legacy rooted in freedom, self-determination and democratic values -- principles that continue to guide our commonwealth today. It is an honor to lead this effort to recognize the Dominican community’s enduring contributions to civic life, public service and the cultural strength of Pennsylvania.” “In 2018, I became the first Dominican elected to serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. All these years later, it Read more

 

Ciresi proposes legislative solution to provide more seniors with greater financial relief from property tax, rental burdens

(Jan 09, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – At a time of increasing unaffordability – particularly in the housing market – state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, stepped up with a legislative solution: H.B. 2116, which would provide greater financial relief from high property taxes and rent burdens to Pennsylvania’s seniors and people with disabilities. The legislation aims to increase the number of Pennsylvanians eligible for the state Property Tax Rent Relief Program and provide existing rebate recipients more financial support. “In a time of increasing unaffordability, many of our seniors are struggling to stay in their homes due to high property tax or rent burdens,” Ciresi said. “In this time of crisis, we owe it to them and the communities they’ve been a part of for years to increase accessibility and provide more property tax and housing relief through the PTRR program.” Ciresi’s legislation would: Eliminate the $30,000 income cap for supplemental rebates, which was not raised when the eligibility for the PTRR was last expanded. Supplemental PTRR rebates are currently issued automatically to applicants who qualify for PTRR rebates and pay more than 15% of their income in property taxes or live in high-cost locations. Allow homeowners to deduct the amount of property taxes paid from their PTRR eligibility income, both expanding eligibility for the program and offering higher rebates to those who already qualify. Expand Read more

 

Burgos introduces legislation to address statewide physician shortages

(Jan 08, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., recently introduced legislation that would create a supervised pathway for qualified international medical graduates to practice in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 08, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Learn more about the latest grant opportunities. Read more

 

What are signs of human trafficking?

(Jan 07, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 1286, which passed the Pennsylvania House in December, would require hospitality workers to undergo training to recognize those signs.“Not only front desk individuals, but also housekeeping and even the culinary staff, everybody who’s entering into the hospitality space, hospitality space will be trained,” says Rep. Regina Young (D) – Delaware and Philadelphia Counties.She says for online reservations, the goal is to make sure that whoever is trying to make a reservation understands that that host is trained in identifying when something appears to be suspicious and they are mandated reporters. Read more

 

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

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

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

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

Freeman looks to close Sunshine Act 24-hour notice loophole
1 day ago

Community Parks, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
1 day ago

As utility bills soar, PA House Energy and Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities committees discuss solutions at joint hearing
1 day ago

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

Ciresi: Over $1.3 in state funding awarded for community infrastructure projects
1 day ago

PA General Assembly’s only elected physician, Rep. Venkat: ‘Kennedy is endangering our health’
Jan 20, 2026

Scott, Powell propose legislation to guarantee health care insurance in Pa.
Jan 16, 2026

Scott introduces bill banning forever chemicals in cosmetics, menstrual products
Jan 15, 2026

Universal school meals: Most direct path to stronger schools
Jan 14, 2026

Burgos encouraged by Meta’s power purchase agreement with Pa. nuclear power
Jan 14, 2026

Steele to host Jan. 21 town hall on cell phones in schools
Jan 14, 2026

State lawmakers introduce legislation to mark Dominican Independence Day
Jan 09, 2026

Ciresi proposes legislative solution to provide more seniors with greater financial relief from property tax, rental burdens
Jan 09, 2026

Burgos introduces legislation to address statewide physician shortages
Jan 08, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 08, 2026

What are signs of human trafficking?
Jan 07, 2026