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Burns bill plays key role in addressing health care worker shortage

(Jul 02, 2025) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, July 2 — Pennsylvania will take a big step forward next week in its efforts to put more health care workers on the job, and a bill sponsored by Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, paved the way for it. Starting July 7, the state will become a full participant in three health care compacts that will make it easier for qualified doctors, nurses, and physical therapists to treat Pennsylvania patients. Health care compacts are multi-state agreements that streamline the licensing process so that professionals can practice in multiple states. Pennsylvania can join those compacts thanks to Burns’ bill to meet a fingerprinting requirement in compacts for criminal background checks. House Bill 2200 of 2023-24 required applicants in health care professions to submit fingerprints as part of their criminal history check and lays out the process that state police and licensing boards must follow in considering them. Previous efforts to join interstate compacts without the use of fingerprinting were not successful. “My bill was the final piece of the puzzle,” Burns said. “My staff and I worked tirelessly to pass this legislation because Pennsylvanians need better access to more health care professionals. Patients deserve to be seen without having to wait days, weeks, or even months to get an appointment.” Burns also said the House Professional Licensure Committee, which he chairs, worked Read more

 

Burgos shares newly launched consumer protection tools

(Jul 02, 2025) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., shared some new consumer protection tools launched by the Shapiro administration to help Pennsylvanians report scams and predatory practices. Burgos is chairman of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee. Among consumer issues, the committee oversees the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and reviews bills related to consumer privacy, utilities, broadband and more. “The federal government continues to erode essential consumer protections and privacy. In Pennsylvania, we’re prioritizing policies that defend consumers, not weaken their safeguards,” said Burgos. “Our state has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country, and whether you’re dealing with a denied claim or problems with a bank or mortgage lender, we’re here to help.” Pennsylvanians can now call 1-866-PACOMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675) , visit pa.gov/consumer , or email consumer@pa.gov to report financial, insurance, and consumer concerns. Whether it’s a denied health insurance claim, a suspicious financial transaction, or a problem with a student loan servicer, help is now just a call or click away. The new tools offer a “no wrong door” approach, meaning no matter the issue -- insurance lending, utilities, or financial scams -- Pennsylvanians will be routed to the right agency for Read more

 

Burns bill to add flexibility for traveling physicians headed to governor

(Jul 02, 2025) Rep. Frank Burns

“This bill, which I expect to be signed into law soon, will permit team doctors, no matter where they are from, to treat their players during their stay in the Commonwealth,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “Implementing this bill will contribute to the state’s economy by removing this obstacle that could hinder Pennsylvania’s attraction as a destination for international sporting events.” Read more

 

Freeman proposal to simplify municipal development passes House

(Jul 01, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

Legislation that would give municipalities another tool to plan their communities and streamline development passed the state House of Representatives today, according to prime sponsor Rep. Robert Freeman. Read more

 

Bipartisan Davis bill to fight property blight passes House

(Jul 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Tina Davis announced today the House has passed her bipartisan legislation, which would establish the Redevelopment Authority Startup Loan Program to combat property blight and spur revitalization in communities across the Commonwealth. The bill now heads to the Senate for its consideration. “This is a major step forward in giving our local communities the tools they need to address blight and revitalize neighborhoods,” Davis said. “I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who supported this legislation. This is a smart, sustainable investment in Pennsylvania’s future.” House Bill 1574 —co-sponsored by lawmakers from both parties—would create a revolving loan fund under the Department of Community and Economic Development. The fund would provide low-interest, long-term loans—up to $500,000—to county redevelopment authorities to acquire, rehabilitate and return blighted residential or commercial properties to productive use. The program is modeled after a highly successful initiative in Bristol Township, Bucks County, which, following a 2016 startup investment, has already led to the rehabilitation of 35 residential properties and sparked over 100 additional private-sector redevelopment projects—all without requiring further government funding. “This bill leverages what Read more

 

House passes Rabb bill to end secret votes that may hike consumers’ electric bills

(Jul 01, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation requiring utility companies who are members of power grid operator PJM to disclose all recorded votes advances to Senate Read more

 

Sanchez’s bill to curb excessive overdraft and non-sufficient fees passes House

(Jul 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 1 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Ben Sanchez, D-Montgomery, to protect working families and seniors from excessive overdraft and nonsufficient fund fees. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. “In a time when every dollar counts, Pennsylvanians shouldn’t be blindsided by unfair fees,” Sanchez said. “This bill puts fairness first and gives people a better chance to stay ahead financially.” House Bill 1553 , also known as the Protecting Your Accounts Act, would cap overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees at $15 or the actual cost of processing a transaction, whichever is lower, and prevent penalties when a transaction is simply declined. “When the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed similar changes, it estimated an average annual savings of $225 per person,” Sanchez said. “That’s meaningful relief, especially as families face rising costs across the board. “In 2024 alone, two major banks collected over $1 billion in overdraft fees,” Sanchez said. “That’s not a service—it’s exploitation. We need to restore trust that financial institutions are here to safeguard, not drain, people’s hard-earned money.” As the bill advances to the Senate, Sanchez called on lawmakers from Read more

 

Kosierowksi’s bill to address PA nursing shortage approved by Labor & Industry Committee

(Jul 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 1 — Legislation to support and sustain a strong, well-trained nursing workforce across Pennsylvania that was introduced by state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski was approved by the House Labor & Industry Committee today. The legislation, H.B. 1676 , addresses Pennsylvania’s growing nursing shortage. According to a Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania survey, Pennsylvania hospitals reported that an average of 14 percent of their nursing positions are unfilled, leaving existing nurses stretched thin and working longer hours. The situation is projected to worsen, with the state expected to face a shortage of 20,000 nurses by 2026. “Nurses are an integral part of our healthcare system, from providing critical bedside care to educating patients and families to advocating for patient needs with hospital staff,” said Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna. “Without them, our healthcare system won’t be able to provide lifesaving care to the public.” According to Kosierowski, fewer people entering the nursing profession has created an untenable workplace situation of longer hours and greater patient loads, causing many nurses to leave the profession due to high stress and burnout. In addition, many nurses are at retirement age and are expected to soon leave the profession. The result of having fewer nurses on hospital staffs has negatively impacted patient care, with increased mortality rates and diminished Read more

 

Relaunched PA Youth & Public Safety Caucus announces public safety initiative

(Jul 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Reps. Carol Kazeem and Heather Boyd, both D-Delaware, and Andre Carroll, D-Phila., of the relaunched bipartisan House PA Youth & Public Safety Caucus on Monday announced a public safety initiative in Harrisburg. Read more

 

Solomon, Gleim Legislation Asks Students ‘What is Your Pennsylvania Story?’

(Jul 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Bipartisan legislation authored by state Reps. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., and Barb Gleim, R-Cumberland, to engage Pennsylvania students in the state’s history and the role they play in it overwhelmingly passed the House Monday. House Bill 354 would create the “What’s Your Pennsylvania Story” Act to celebrate the unique lived experiences of Pennsylvania students and their families in anticipation of the upcoming semi-quincentennial. The bill would require the Department of Education to develop materials that a school entity may incorporate into social studies instruction. “House Bill 354 would essentially ask our young people to consider how they would answer the question ‘What Is Your Pennsylvania Story?’” Solomon said. “The legislation would require the Department of Education to establish guidelines and develop materials which teachers may use to encourage students to share their personal experiences and connections to both Pennsylvania and the United States.” “Our legislation would provide an excellent opportunity to plant seeds for the future as we prepare to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary in 2026,” Gleim added. “Inspiring our young people to research their past and realize the important role they will play in shaping the years ahead is a great way to grow and enrich both our state and our country.” The bill now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Read more

 

Williams celebrates signing of bill to help Pa. improve substance use programs and response

(Jul 01, 2025) Rep. Dan Williams

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, announced that his legislation to ensure the state is meeting its benchmarks with substance use programs was signed into law last night by Gov. Josh Shapiro. House Bill 640 improves the annual report that the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs submits to the General Assembly. Williams said the DDAP has played a critical role in advancing education, intervention, treatment and recovery initiatives across Pennsylvania. As the state continues to fight the opioid crisis and other emerging drug threats, DDAP has strengthened its collaboration with the departments of Health, Corrections, Human Services and other key agencies. Given DDAP’s growing responsibilities and evolving initiatives, HB 640 updates the department’s annual reporting requirements. “Under this law, enhanced reporting allows the General Assembly to better assess program effectiveness, allocate resources where they are most needed and explore new strategies for addressing substance misuse, treatment and recovery,” Williams said. The new law seeks to improve communication and collaboration with the public, advocacy organizations and service providers, providing greater transparency and informed public policy. “With uncertainties surrounding health initiatives and data collection on the federal level under a new administration that does not seem particularly concerned about those things, having the Read more

 

House approves Goughnour bill to spark more historic preservation

(Jun 30, 2025) Rep. Dan Goughnour

HARRISBURG, June 30 – The House today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-Allegheny, to make it easier to rehabilitate and preserve certain historic properties in Pennsylvania. House Bill 1572 would alleviate some of the construction and rehabilitation costs of property preservation by increasing a tax credit available for each project under the state’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit . The tax-credit program provides tax credits to qualified taxpayers who are restoring a qualified historic structure into an income-producing property. Goughnour said that last session, the General Assembly took an important step in protecting the Commonwealth’s rich history by increasing the total tax credits issued per year from $5 million per year to $20 million. However, each qualifying project can only receive a credit of $500,000, and his legislation would increase the per-project cap on the credit to $1.5 million. “Most projects far exceed $500,000 in cost,” Goughnour said. “For instance, of all the projects approved in 2023, only one cost less than $10 million, and the largest totaled $110 million. So, increasing the credit will make preserving these properties more attractive.” The $500,000 credit limit has remained unchanged since 2019. Under the program, no more than 25 percent of the expenditures incurred during the restoration of the Read more

 

Senate passes bipartisan bills to modernize language in state insurance laws

(Jun 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

This is a change that reflects the values of our commonwealth and supports our disability communities. This legislation reflects a collaborative, bipartisan effort with Representative Pickett and our colleagues across the aisle to modernize and improve the language of our laws. Read more

 

Fighting federal abusers, Protecting Pennsylvanians Act introduced

(Jun 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We can’t sit back and let this happen without a fight,” said Bizzarro, who represents Fairview and Millcreek townships in Erie County. “Pennsylvania House Democrats continue to use our majority to protect your health care, economy and right to vote. This act builds on that work with additional protections for working families who are being hurt by the DOGE disaster in D.C.” Read more

 

Pielli celebrates signature of two bills into law

(Jun 27, 2025) Rep. Chris Pielli

“I am beyond proud that these two bills have made it to the finish line,” he said. “So many of my colleagues in the House and Senate provided crucial feedback to ensure bi-partisan support for these bills. I wish to thank everyone who was a part of the legislative process and of course, I wish to thank Governor Shapiro for his approval and signature.” Read more

 

Kosierowski helps secure $413K for local anti-poverty non-profit

(Jun 27, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

SCRANTON, June 27 —State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Scranton, announced today she helped the nonprofit Friends of the Poor secure $413,013 in state infrastructure grants from the PA Department of Agriculture. Friends of the Poor, a Scranton nonprofit whose mission is to alleviate the burden of poverty and help to enhance the quality of life in low- to moderate-income communities, will use the funding to create a centralized cold-storage food distribution hub that will streamline nonprofit and farmer access to fresh food for thousands of residents. “I was honored to be in a position to help Friends of the Poor, a wonderful Scranton-based nonprofit, access critical funding that will enable them to develop the infrastructure that will give thousands of food-insecure members of our community access to fresh, nutritious food for their families and themselves” Kosierowski said. “The funding comes from a new, innovative program, Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure, which is an example of the great good that can be accomplished through federal and state partnerships.” The funding comes through Pennsylvania’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program — a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants to support food processing, distribution, and aggregation from multiple farms to help meet demand for local, seasonal, and fresh food. For qualifying Read more

 

Daley: SEPTA budget vote starts clock ticking to save service cuts, fare hikes

(Jun 27, 2025) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

HARRISBURG, June 26 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, released the following statement following the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s vote to cut services and raise fare prices in their budget. “As a Pennsylvania state lawmaker and elected representative born and raised in Montgomery County, I’m dismayed that SEPTA was forced today to vote for shutting down 45% of its service and raising fare prices more than 21%,” Daley said. “Make no mistake, this development is unprecedented and will send Philadelphia regional transit as we know it into what engineers, city planners and economists have called a death spiral for the region. “What’s more, today’s vote could have been avoided altogether. As a Democrat in the state House of Representatives, we voted not once, but four times to fund transit across Pennsylvania , including for SEPTA. Each bill has gone ignored by Senate Republican leadership. “These service cuts and fare hikes are so far reaching that they will create a ripple effect on economic activity across the state. They will also put people out of jobs and hundreds of thousands of cars onto our already struggling and expensive roads, polluting our air and adding to commute times and congestion. “Many service cuts would begin January 1, 2026, but others are slated to go into effect as soon as August of this year. While this timeline spells disaster for Read more

 

Venkat, Khan, Kosierowski to introduce legislation that would mandate insurance coverage for FDA-approved, medically recommended vaccines

(Jun 27, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat, Rep. Tarik Khan, Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski

HARRISBURG, June 27 – In the wake of major changes to a federal vaccine advisory panel that could threaten Pennsylvanians’ access to life-saving immunizations, state Reps. Arvind Venkat, Bridget Kosierowski and Tarik Khan, all health professionals, are preparing to introduce legislation that would require private insurers and Medicaid to cover FDA-approved vaccines that have been recommended by certain medical organizations. Venkat said the legislation is needed to ensure that critical immunization protections remain available to Pennsylvanians. “As a physician, I know that vaccines are among the most powerful tools we have in our arsenal for preventing disease. The administration of scheduled childhood vaccines and recommended vaccines to adults has protected all Pennsylvanians for decades,” said Venkat. “Unfortunately, recent developments at the federal level – including the firing of all members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and their replacement with at least several known anti-vaccine activists – is a warning sign. “If ACIP fails to continue recommending certain FDA-approved vaccines, insurers will no longer have to cover them, and critical immunizations that protect children and vulnerable Pennsylvanians from deadly diseases would disappear. Beyond the human toll, long-term health care Read more

 

Combined reporting bill to truly close corporate tax loopholes passes for first time in Pa. House

(Jun 27, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 27 – Legislation to close the “ Delaware loophole ” and institute combined reporting was approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Wednesday. HB1610 was introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila., and Rep. Mary Jo Daley , D-Montgomery. This is the first time the House has passed a bill that would truly close the loophole in state law. In Pennsylvania, it is perfectly legal for highly profitable, multi-state corporations to shield their profits in states like Delaware, that have low or no corporate net income taxes. Combined reporting simply closes that loophole by requiring companies making profits in Pennsylvania, report to Pennsylvania. "When 73% of the corporations active in this state pay no corporate taxes at all — and working people struggle to afford the basics — that's not fairness, that's exploitation,” Fiedler said. “It’s ridiculous, puts small businesses at a disadvantage, and leaves our public services without adequate funding. We can generate millions by closing this loophole alone." Thanks in part to corporate tax loopholes, Pennsylvania has one of the most regressive tax structures in the nation. When multi-state corporations pay less than their fair share, a greater tax burden is placed on Pennsylvania-based companies, small businesses, and individual taxpayers. “Just like every hard-working Pennsylvanian has to Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to SEPTA Board approval of budget

(Jun 26, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Following today’s vote by the SEPTA Board to approve their Fiscal Year 2026 Operating and Capital Budget proposal, Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., offered the following reaction:“This is a day that we hoped would not come, but SEPTA has done what they said they would do and approved an operating budget that includes devastating service cuts and fare increases across all modes and lines of travel. We still have an opportunity to avoid this crisis for our region. The state House has passed a plan that would create sustainable funding for SEPTA and transit systems across the state, while funding projects for roads and bridges, as well. We just need Senate leadership to understand the severity of inaction. We cannot afford to dismantle SEPTA. Read more

 

Burns bill plays key role in addressing health care worker shortage
Jul 02, 2025

Burgos shares newly launched consumer protection tools
Jul 02, 2025

Burns bill to add flexibility for traveling physicians headed to governor
Jul 02, 2025

Freeman proposal to simplify municipal development passes House
Jul 01, 2025

Bipartisan Davis bill to fight property blight passes House
Jul 01, 2025

House passes Rabb bill to end secret votes that may hike consumers’ electric bills
Jul 01, 2025

Sanchez’s bill to curb excessive overdraft and non-sufficient fees passes House
Jul 01, 2025

Kosierowksi’s bill to address PA nursing shortage approved by Labor & Industry Committee
Jul 01, 2025

Relaunched PA Youth & Public Safety Caucus announces public safety initiative
Jul 01, 2025

Solomon, Gleim Legislation Asks Students ‘What is Your Pennsylvania Story?’
Jul 01, 2025

Williams celebrates signing of bill to help Pa. improve substance use programs and response
Jul 01, 2025

House approves Goughnour bill to spark more historic preservation
Jun 30, 2025

Senate passes bipartisan bills to modernize language in state insurance laws
Jun 30, 2025

Fighting federal abusers, Protecting Pennsylvanians Act introduced
Jun 30, 2025

Pielli celebrates signature of two bills into law
Jun 27, 2025

Kosierowski helps secure $413K for local anti-poverty non-profit
Jun 27, 2025

Daley: SEPTA budget vote starts clock ticking to save service cuts, fare hikes
Jun 27, 2025

Venkat, Khan, Kosierowski to introduce legislation that would mandate insurance coverage for FDA-approved, medically recommended vaccines
Jun 27, 2025

Combined reporting bill to truly close corporate tax loopholes passes for first time in Pa. House
Jun 27, 2025

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to SEPTA Board approval of budget
Jun 26, 2025