News Center

House passes Friel bills to clean up Pennsylvania’s use of FPR fertilizer

(19 hours ago) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania House today voted in broad bipartisan fashion to pass two of state Rep. Paul Friel’s bills changing the way that Pennsylvania handles and safeguards food-processing residuals – creating a statewide tracking process, updating operating procedures, and putting appropriate guardrails in place. Food processing residuals, also known as FPR, are the leftover product created by commercial food processing. Food processing residuals can include vegetable peelings, raw meat scraps, and liquid-like cleaning fluid that includes blood, fat, hair and feathers, and a variety of other vegetable and animal byproducts and chemicals used to process them. While FPR can be used to fertilize the soil, it can create numerous problems if care is not taken. For example, some areas of Pennsylvania have seen groundwater contamination. Many other areas find themselves dealing with consistent, noxious odors. Compounding the issue, surrounding states have heavily restricted or banned the use of FPR, making Pennsylvania a target for cheaply offloading the commercial product. Under H.B. 2393 , the Department of Environmental Protection in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and the State Conservation Commission will update guidance for those who store and apply FPR and would require the creation of a land application system to guide how, when, and in what quantities FPR can be applied. House Bill 2594 Read more

 

Ciresi’s ‘Click to Cancel’ legislation for recurring subscriptions passes House

(19 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation (H.B. 116) that would increase consumer protections by requiring companies to provide a notification before each automatic renewal, to be transparent about renewal terms, and to allow subscribers to cancel subscription services online if they initially subscribed over the Internet unanimously passed the House today. “The situation too many consumers face today is that their online contracts often automatically renew without them being notified or even aware,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Making matters worse is that some subscription services require consumers to jump through hoops just to cancel their subscription, such as by forcing them to call or speak to an online representative before they can end the service. “My legislation, ‘Click to Cancel,’ would make consumers aware of their active subscriptions and their renewal terms and empower them to easily cancel their subscriptions. This bill would require that subscriptions be transparent and easy to understand.” Ciresi’s legislation would amend the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law by requiring businesses which offer automatic renewals to: Provide renewal terms, cancellation policy and how to cancel. Allow a customer who signs up online to be allowed to cancel online. Any material changes in the automatic renewal must be provided in a clear and Read more

 

Kenyatta’s statement regarding mass shooting in North Philadelphia

(22 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., release the following statement after a violent weekend in North Philadelphia’s Hartranft neighborhood: “Once again, what should have been a joyful community celebration in Hartranft ended in tragedy, and my heart is heavy. Too many lives in our city have been cut short by gun violence, leaving families and neighborhoods mourning. As someone who calls North Philly home, I’ve seen both the strength of our communities, and the deep pain violence leaves behind. While we’ve made progress, we can’t be satisfied. There’s still so much work to do to ensure safety for everyone. “We must care for each other. When conflict arises, we must meet it with empathy and understanding—not with violence. Too often, social media turns small disagreements into something much bigger. We are stronger than that, and violence cannot be the way we respond. “I’m thinking of those injured over the weekend and sending my deepest wishes for their recovery, both physically and emotionally. Now is the time for us to come together to focus on what unites us as a community so we can all live with the safety, peace and hope that we deserve.” Read more

 

Rural Pennsylvania impacted the most by medical debt

(1 day ago) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Medical debt is an issue that disproportionately impacts rural Pennsylvanians. Efforts to reduce medical debt have been thwarted by legislators representing those communities. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates one-year anniversary of advocacy, action and impact

(Oct 17, 2024) Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – Members of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus today celebrated the one-year anniversary of its formation with a virtual celebration and live broadcast with stakeholders to discuss the impact of the group’s advocacy and action over the past year. The caucus was formed on Oct. 17, 2023, with state Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, and La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, serving as co-chairs. Building on the momentum of legislative victories and the increasing need for attention to maternal mortality and morbidity issues, particularly affecting Black families, Cephas said the caucus set out to address the disturbing trends of Black maternal mortality and morbidity in Pennsylvania through strategic, intersectional legislation and policy; by creating a collaborative, representative and action-oriented legislative and policy space for Pennsylvania legislators, advocates and stakeholders; and introducing and advancing the PA MOMNIBUS – a legislative package making critical investments and policy changes to improve maternal health outcomes in the state. “I am so grateful to be part of such a dynamic and transformative group of legislators and advocates working toward the important goal of improving maternal health outcomes for Black mothers and their babies in Pennsylvania,” Cephas said. “In this past year and budget season we’ve been able to Read more

 

Ciresi introduces bill to create license plate supporting the arts in PA

(Oct 17, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today introduced H.B. 2636 that would create a license plate celebrating the arts in Pennsylvania. “From Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens to the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, artistic attractions exist in every corner of our great state,” Ciresi said. “To allow Pennsylvanians to show their pride in the arts and spread awareness of their role in our lives, I’ve introduced legislation to allow individuals to purchase a special arts license plate.” According to Ciresi, the creative sector is fourth largest economic sector in Pennsylvania, contributing billions to the state’s economy and employing many Pennsylvanians. Many communities have turned to the arts as a means for new identity and revitalization. Tourists come from around the world to visit Pennsylvania’s world-class artistic institutions, while the arts offer entertainment and enrichment for Pennsylvanians of all classes and backgrounds. “I want supporters of the arts in Pennsylvania to be able to proudly purchase and display these plates, as a show of support for our vibrant arts culture,” Ciresi said. “Proceeds from the purchases of this license plate would support the arts in Pennsylvania, going to the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to add to the grants they award to fund artistic endeavors throughout the state.” As proposed by H.B. 2636, the arts license plate would Read more

 

Neilson applauds newly signed law to enhance street racing penalties

(Oct 17, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, today praised a new law to enhance penalties for illegal street racing. “Younger people see street racing in movies and it’s viewed as a fun and exciting activity that isn’t harmful to people and communities,” Neilson said. “However, we’ve seen time and time again the detrimental effects of illegal street racing in Philadelphia – from quality-of-life issues such as noise, litter and streets completely blocked by the traffic to more serious safety issues such as traffic accidents and even violence stoked by these races.” Neilson said that while illegal street racing is already a crime in Pennsylvania, it was time to update this law to reflect the commonwealth’s dedication to improve safety and order on Pennsylvania roads. The fine will increase from $250 to up to $2,000 per violation. On a second or subsequent violation the driver’s vehicle will be impounded to keep them from attending illegal street races, according to Neilson. The law also prohibits drifting and creates new penalties for people who organize illegal street races. Read more

 

Salisbury to host second annual Nonprofit Symposium Oct. 30

(Oct 17, 2024) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

BRADDOCK, Oct. 17 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury will host the second annual Nonprofit Symposium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 9 PA, 100 Kingston Drive, Pittsburgh. Salisbury said the free event will be a critical resource for Pennsylvania nonprofit groups of all kinds that are working to maximize funding and further their mission. “Nonprofit groups and the work they do – whether it’s fighting hunger, easing homelessness, promoting mental health or connecting residents with other essential services – make a huge impact, and everything we do to support them strengthens their outreach. “Last year’s symposium was a huge success, and I’m even more excited for this year’s event, because we have added new topics and speakers to help these groups succeed. Getting everyone together in the same room to network and share strategies – all with the same mission of empowering residents and helping their community – brings a special energy to this event.” Salisbury said the symposium will feature: A grant workshop and tips for tapping into state funding. A free copy of the latest state grant directory. A board development workshop. Strategies for advocating with elected officials. Updates on nonprofit law developments. Ideas on how to obtain real estate to Read more

 

Young applauds natural hair braider bill becoming law

(Oct 16, 2024) Rep. Regina Young

HARRISBURG, Oct. 16 – Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law Act 100 , introduced by state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware and former state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., creating a license exemption for natural hair braiding in the commonwealth. “Natural hair braiding has been commonplace in the African American community for centuries. The techniques have been passed from generation to generation and are learned from early childhood. It does not take formal training to do,” Young said. “This is a recognition of the distinct cultural richness of natural hair braiding and that all it takes a comb, a brush and a beautiful head full of hair — no license necessary.” The law exempts hair braiders from having to obtain a cosmetology license to practice braiding and brings Pennsylvania in line with the more than 30 other states that have exempted hair braiders from licensing laws. Read more

 

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

(Oct 16, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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

 

Lawmakers present checks, provide update on maternal healthcare efforts

(Oct 16, 2024) Rep. Morgan Cephas

“One of the core missions of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus and Women’s Health Caucus is to ensure that the funding that is needed on the ground for organizations to do the important work of ensuring better maternal health outcomes for mothers and their babies is there for them,” Cephas said. “We worked hard to get $25 million dedicated to maternal health in this year’s state budget and $5 million in state funding dedicated to a Maternal Health Fund to provide needed dollars to organizations coming up with innovative ideas." Read more

 

Ciresi announces $350K grant for Pottstown School District

(Oct 15, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 15 – The Pottstown School District will be granted over $350,000 in federal funding as part of Cohort 12 of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grants, state Rep. Joe Ciresi announced today. The funds, one in a series of 21st Century Community Learning Center grants administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), would help establish and/or support community learning centers that provide academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for students and their families. “This new funding will help ensure students in the Pottstown School District have access to a wide range of programs and services they need, providing academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for students that will help them succeed in school and in life,” Ciresi said. The funded program must occur during non-school hours or periods when schools are not in session to help them meet state and local standards in core academic subjects. Centers must also offer students a broad array of activities that can complement their regular academic programs and literacy and other educational services to families. Other 21st Century CCLC grant recipients in Cohort 12 that were announced earlier this year can be found here . Read more

 

Krajewski welcomes $600K in state funding to promote educational opportunities

(Oct 11, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, state Rep. Rick Krajewski announced that two organizations in his legislative district were awarded a combined $600,000 in state funding. Lincoln University received $500,000 to make technological upgrades and update their Philadelphia facility, The School of Adult and Continuing Education. SACE provides educational opportunities to adult learners who wish to continue their learning journey, before or after earning their bachelor's degree. “Learning is a lifelong journey which should be easily accessible and affordable,” Krajewski said. “I’m proud that historic institutions like Lincoln University choose to bring their reputation for excellence to our community and I will always work to support them however I can.” This grant is from the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program, which is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established by Section 604 of the Social Security Act, as added by Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It is administered by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The second grant of $100,000 was awarded to Workshop U, a postsecondary program for students aged 18-25 that helps students make life-design plans and bring the plan to life through mentorship, internships and training. This grant is from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. “Our young adults need tools to help Read more

 

Let’s address youth mental health issues before they reach a crisis point

(Oct 11, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

As an emergency physician, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of untreated mental health conditions. For far too many young people, the first time they access mental health care is in a moment of crisis – often in the ER, when their symptoms have already escalated beyond what community care could have addressed. Read more

 

Hearing focuses on inclusion of disability community in PA

(Oct 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

As part of Rep. Joe Hohenstein’s 2024 Cities of Inclusion Disability Summit, the House Majority Policy Committee convened a hearing to explore ways to ensure Pennsylvania is more inclusive for those living with disabilities. Read more

 

Fleming applauds passage of legislation to implement evidence-based reading programs in schools: Bill heads to governor’s desk

(Oct 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 10 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, applauded the Senate’s unanimous final passage yesterday of S.B. 801 that mirrors his H.B. 998, which will implement evidence-based reading programs in schools to help students improve their reading proficiency and make learning in other disciplines easier. According to Fleming, Pennsylvania is amid an educational crisis with nearly half of its fourth graders reading below their grade level. The reasons are due to many factors, including inequitable educational opportunities, but the long-term impact is the same: currently, one in five American adults struggles with reading basic sentences, and as a result, find it difficult to do basic tasks like read the mail, complete tax forms, or even engage in civic duties. Senate Bill 801 will provide a tested solution to this societal dilemma by allowing school districts to pursue an evidence-based curriculum called the Science of Reading to help enhance literacy among students, particularly in grades K-4. “We know the Science of Reading works because the state of Mississippi, which once ranked 49th in the country for fourth-grade literacy, enacted this program and several years later ranked 21st,” Fleming said. Fleming explained his drive to improve reading instruction in Pennsylvania as a legislator. “It’s not just my work as a long-time child advocate supporting efforts to improve reading instruction in Pennsylvania Read more

 

Matzie: More than $250,000 secured for renovations to B.F. Jones Memorial Library

(Oct 10, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 10 – New funding of $250,975 approved by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority will support repairs and upgrades to the B.F. Jones Memorial Library in Aliquippa, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is a commissioner on the PBDA, said the funding will support needed maintenance and upgrades to maintain the building’s structural integrity. “The B.F. Jones Library has been serving our community for nearly a century, and its role has only expanded over the years,” Matzie said. “Today, the library provides a wealth of programs as well as critical connections, from high-speed internet to helping residents find jobs and access social services. “The new funding is going to support a wide range of renovations and repairs to this historic building – from painting and resealing windows to fencing, security, and site- and roof-related work – to maintain the building’s structural integrity and ensure visitors remain safe and comfortable.” The funding was awarded through the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program. More information about the funding is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/covid-19-arpa-pennsylvania-multi-purpose-community-facilities-program-grant-approvals?wpdmdl=125147 , and more information about the program is available here: Read more

 

Parker secures $1 million grant for Happy Hollow Recreation Center

(Oct 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Darisha parker, today announced that Happy Hallow Recreation Center was awarded a $1 million grant to upgrade their facilities. “Philadelphia’s recreation centers provide a safe alternative for youth to participate in structured programs instead of wandering the streets,” Parker said. “This investment will go a long way to help foster community connections and give our youth hope.” The funding will help Happy Hollow become a digital access hub for residents who cannot access broadband internet as well as a heating and cooling center for residents in need. “This is such an important tool for the fight against gun violence,” Parker said. Happy Hollow Rec. Center is the oldest recreation center in Philadelphia and has served as a starting place for professional players in the National Basketball Association. The Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established by Section 604 of the Social Security Act, as added by Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) administers the Facilities Program in accordance with U.S. Treasury guidelines and Act 96 of 2021. Read more

 

Dignity for incarcerated women extended to juveniles

(Oct 09, 2024) Rep. Morgan Cephas

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today said she is pleased to see legislation ( H.B. 1509 ) moving in the General Assembly that would build on current law to protect pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women to have it apply to incarcerated pregnant juveniles. Cephas was the sponsor of a new law (H.B. 900, now Act 47 of 2023) that created important protections for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, including restricting shackling and solitary confinement; providing trauma informed care training of corrections officers interacting with pregnant and postpartum women; and providing up to three days of post-delivery bonding time between a mother and newborn child, among other protections. She said the law was unintentionally silent on juveniles involved in the criminal justice system and is glad to see the provision clearly spelled out in H.B. 1509, as amended by the Senate. “For years, my colleagues and I have been fighting to get better prenatal, pregnancy and post-natal protections and support for incarcerated people in Pennsylvania as a matter of compassion and common decency,” Cephas said. “No one should be deprived of compassionate care or respect or be forced to risk the health of their child, even when they are a child themselves under the law.” Cephas is co-chair of the bicameral Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus and former co-chair and current Read more

 

Solomon’s MVP legislation to become law

(Oct 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 2383, authored by state Rep. Jared Solomon, majority chair of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Solomon said his legislation will allow young people and seniors to benefit from mentor/mentee relationships. “Our seniors have knowledge to give and our young people have a thirst for knowledge,” Solomon said. “These mentor/mentee relationships can focus around a trade, job, hobby, or other interest. “Bringing retired volunteers who have this experience will go a long way to help steer youth in making good decisions and gaining valuable knowledge. This will also provide a better understanding of the differences between generations and provide new perspectives for both the youth and our seniors,” Solomon said. Solomon added that any older adult volunteer would be vetted with a required criminal background check and other requirements from school districts. “This would provide a list of already approved volunteers for school districts in Pennsylvania so that interests are matched and mentor/mentee relationships can flourish,” he said. The bill also passed the Senate and now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature to become state law. Read more

 

House passes Friel bills to clean up Pennsylvania’s use of FPR fertilizer
19 hours ago

Ciresi’s ‘Click to Cancel’ legislation for recurring subscriptions passes House
19 hours ago

Kenyatta’s statement regarding mass shooting in North Philadelphia
22 hours ago

Rural Pennsylvania impacted the most by medical debt
1 day ago

Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates one-year anniversary of advocacy, action and impact
Oct 17, 2024

Ciresi introduces bill to create license plate supporting the arts in PA
Oct 17, 2024

Neilson applauds newly signed law to enhance street racing penalties
Oct 17, 2024

Salisbury to host second annual Nonprofit Symposium Oct. 30
Oct 17, 2024

Young applauds natural hair braider bill becoming law
Oct 16, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 16, 2024

Lawmakers present checks, provide update on maternal healthcare efforts
Oct 16, 2024

Ciresi announces $350K grant for Pottstown School District
Oct 15, 2024

Krajewski welcomes $600K in state funding to promote educational opportunities
Oct 11, 2024

Let’s address youth mental health issues before they reach a crisis point
Oct 11, 2024

Hearing focuses on inclusion of disability community in PA
Oct 10, 2024

Fleming applauds passage of legislation to implement evidence-based reading programs in schools: Bill heads to governor’s desk
Oct 10, 2024

Matzie: More than $250,000 secured for renovations to B.F. Jones Memorial Library
Oct 10, 2024

Parker secures $1 million grant for Happy Hollow Recreation Center
Oct 10, 2024

Dignity for incarcerated women extended to juveniles
Oct 09, 2024

Solomon’s MVP legislation to become law
Oct 09, 2024