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

(2 hours ago) 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

(2 hours ago) 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

(3 hours ago) 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

(3 hours ago) 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

(3 hours ago) 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

(3 hours ago) 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

 

Pa. House passes Haddock bill to protect food processing workers

(3 hours ago) Rep. Jim Haddock

Workers in the dangerous meat packing and food processing industries would be better protected under legislation passed today by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, according to prime sponsor state Rep. Jim Haddock. Read more

 

Briggs announces advancement of five bills from Judiciary Committee

(4 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, chair of the PA House Judiciary Committee, announced today that five bills have been voted out of committee and will now advance to the full House for further consideration. The legislation addresses a wide range of issues, including workplace protections, cultural institution support, construction law, and estate planning. House Bill 603 , sponsored by state Rep. Mary Isaacson, would extend the time employees have to file complaints under the Whistleblower Law from 180 days to two years, would allow for jury trials, and would permit recovery of punitive damages in cases of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, or other harassment. House Bill 713 , sponsored by state Rep. Kristine Howard, would expand protections under Pennsylvania’s SLAPP law, which shields individuals from meritless lawsuits intended to intimidate or silence them for speaking out on matters of public concern. The bill specifically covers good-faith disclosures of sexual offenses, helping protect victims from costly defamation suits that often discourage reporting of sexual abuse or harassment. House Bill 1541 , sponsored by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, would make it clear that contractors cannot be held responsible for mistakes or accidents caused by other parties. The bill also explains how insurance should cover additional people or companies involved in a project. Read more

 

PA House adopts Matzie resolutions on government transparency, Pennsylvania charter, multiple sclerosis

(4 hours ago) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted two resolutions introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie to highlight the importance of government transparency and the unique history of the commonwealth’s government, and a third resolution to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis. Matzie’s H.R. 398 designates March 15-21 as “Sunshine Week” in Pennsylvania to promote dialogue about the importance of open government and public access to government documents and meetings. “ The framers added freedom of speech and freedom of the press to the U.S. Constitution to ensure people have the power to openly question and challenge government actions and decisions and hold government accountable when it acts irresponsibly,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “People lose that power when actions and decisions are made behind closed doors. “Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act and Right to Know Law ensure that those decisions are made in the light of day and that citizens and the press have access to the meetings and documents that reveal critical information, including where tax dollars are being spent and what interests are being considered when decisions are made. In the digital age, with AI deepfakes and disinformation being used more and more to manipulate and distort the truth, that transparency has never been more Read more

 

Ciresi highlights focus on safeguards and protections for AI use, correcting a legacy of education underfunding and upgrading transit infrastructure in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal

(4 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, reacted to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget unveiled Tuesday before a joint session of the General Assembly. “As Majority Chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee, I was very impressed and pleased to hear the Governor’s plan to position Pennsylvania as a leader in the race for AI supremacy in a way that puts Pennsylvanians first and protects our environment. The Governor is clear about setting strong guardrails and protections, especially for the most vulnerable users, reinforcing the critical role of human judgement in the operation of AI, and expanding digital and AI literacy in the commonwealth. I look forward to our committee’s important work on these issues in the months ahead. “The budget will continue to make historic investments in our schools, with $8.31 billion (a $50 million increase) for Basic Education Funding, $1.58 billion (a $50 million increase) for Special Education Funding and $1.95 billion (a $565 million increase) to fulfill the court-mandated third installment to close the funding gap between wealthy and underfunded districts. “As a longtime advocate of cyber charter reform, I was pleased to hear that the necessary reforms we still need to make, which will save school districts and taxpayers another $75 million each year, remains a priority. This would build on the $178 million in estimated savings from the 2025-2026 Read more

 

Two bills supporting local journalism approved in committee

(5 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – The Pennsylvania House Communications and Technology Committee today advanced two bills aimed at supporting the development of local journalism across the commonwealth. “For the past 20 years, we’ve seen a troubling decline in the number of local newspapers and reporters covering important community issues,” said state Rep. Joseph Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Thousands of newspapers have closed, and the number of newsroom employees has dropped by more than half. Local journalism in Pennsylvania needs support. The first weeks of 2026 underscore the urgency: the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announced it will shut down, the Clinton County Record ceased publication, and the LNP Media Group in Lancaster, along with Lehigh Valley Public Media, announced significant layoffs. “The decline in local news reporting is having a devastating impact on our democracy,” Ciresi added. “If residents don’t know what’s happening in their towns and cities, how can they understand what issues need attention or hold leaders accountable? An informed electorate is the foundation of an engaged one.” Ciresi noted that the proposed bills aim to reduce news deserts by placing journalists in communities where they are needed most, preserving a strong local media environment across Pennsylvania. Introduced by state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., the legislative package addresses the growing shortage of Read more

 

Briggs anti-swatting bill passes House

(9 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, to strengthen penalties for swatting incidents targeting school entities and institutions of higher education passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today and now heads to the Senate for further consideration. House Bill 1935 would increase penalties for anyone convicted of making fake emergency reports—commonly known as “swatting”—that target school entities and institutions of higher education. Specifically, the bill would require the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to provide for a sentencing enhancement in cases involving a terroristic threat against a school entity or an institution of higher education. It also allows judges to order restitution to cover the cost of emergency responses, supplies, equipment and overtime pay for first responders and affected employees. “Swatting is not a prank — it’s a dangerous and costly crime that puts lives at risk, wastes valuable resources, and causes real trauma,” Briggs said. “We saw this firsthand when a false report of an active shooter at Villanova University last year led to a massive police response. Dozens of public schools, colleges and universities across Pennsylvania have faced these types of threats, and it’s time to send a clear message that there will be serious consequences.” In August 2025, Villanova Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation supports Shapiro budget proposal

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – The Philadelphia House Delegation offered their support for the 2026-27 state budget proposed today by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said the proposal is a great starting point that would deliver for all Philadelphians. Read more

 

Conklin: Proposed budget spends responsibly to help students and working families

(1 day ago) Rep. Scott Conklin

“The governor’s plan makes sense to me because it focuses on helping working families thrive, boosting jobs, and strengthening our public schools – all without raising taxes." Read more

 

Steele welcomes governor's support for restricting cell phones in schools

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, today expressed strong support for Gov. Josh Shapiro’s renewed backing of restrictions on cell phone use in Pennsylvania schools, highlighted in his annual budget address. Read more

 

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed

(1 day ago) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Rob Matzie issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address today: “The governor’s address was a positive first step in the budget process,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “The proposed budget plan would deliver needed investments to our public schools, our workforce, and initiatives to make life more affordable for Beaver County residents – all without adding any new taxes. “To continue leveling the playing field for all public school students – regardless of ZIP code – the new budget would invest more than $500 million in additional equity funding that will provide block grants to historically underfunded districts. The new plan would also increase funding for basic and special education by $50 million each. Our Beaver County schools would see across-the-board increases to help our students thrive. “To strengthen our workforce and create more jobs, the plan would increase funding for career and technical education and vocational rehabilitation, childcare recruitment and retention, and teacher professional development and stipends. “Housing costs take the largest chunk out of a family’s budget, so having access to safe, affordable housing is key to financial stability. To increase the availability of affordable housing, the proposed budget would create a Read more

 

Burns welcomes governor’s call to fight waste, fraud, abuse

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

As he works to crack down on financial waste, fraud and abuse, state Rep. Frank Burns today said he welcomes the support Gov. Josh Shapiro announced for protecting taxpayers with a state False Claims Act in his annual budget address. Read more

 

Schlossberg applauds governor’s proposed investments in schools, job creation, mental health care

(1 day ago) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“Pennsylvania needs to be a strong partner for education, job creation and mental health care. Governor Shapiro’s proposal reflects that strong partnership with our schools, businesses and workers, and mental health care providers. This is the first step in the process. Working with my colleagues in the Pennsylvania House, I am eager to get to work on the 2026-27 budget.” Read more

 

House Energy Committee advances bill to address energy affordability

(1 day ago) Rep. Kyle T. Donahue

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – On Monday, the PA House Energy Committee voted to advance legislation aimed at protecting consumers from rising costs associated with data center projects. Separately, the committee heard testimony on bills that would enhance reporting and transparency from data centers and provide local officials with a model ordinance to guide responsible development.Data center projects are rapidly proliferating nationwide due to the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video streaming.As chair of the House Energy Committee, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., has made it a priority to shield consumers from bearing additional costs related to these projects.“People’s bills are too high. We need to do everything we can to keep bills down and ensure the heat and lights come on when Pennsylvanians need them,” said Fiedler. “Affordability and reliability are at the heart of the work we are doing on the Energy Committee, and these bills are a key part of that. Without accountability, big for-profit tech companies could try to push more costs onto everyday consumers.”The Data Center Consumer Protection Bill (H.B. 1834), sponsored by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, was amended and approved by the committee. A public hearing on the bill was held in October 2025. If enacted, the legislation would protect ratepayers by establishing a regulatory framework for data centers operating in Pennsylvania.“Today’s vote brings us one step closer to... Read more

 

House passes Bizzarro bill to bolster representation for drivers with disabilities

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation aimed at giving drivers with disabilities a stronger voice in state licensing decisions passed the Pennsylvania House Tuesday with overwhelming bipartisan support, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie), the bill’s sponsor, announced. Read more

 

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

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

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

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

Giral bill encouraging nuclear energy development passes Pa. House
3 hours ago

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

Pa. House passes Haddock bill to protect food processing workers
3 hours ago

Briggs announces advancement of five bills from Judiciary Committee
4 hours ago

PA House adopts Matzie resolutions on government transparency, Pennsylvania charter, multiple sclerosis
4 hours ago

Ciresi highlights focus on safeguards and protections for AI use, correcting a legacy of education underfunding and upgrading transit infrastructure in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal
4 hours ago

Two bills supporting local journalism approved in committee
5 hours ago

Briggs anti-swatting bill passes House
9 hours ago

Philadelphia House Delegation supports Shapiro budget proposal
1 day ago

Conklin: Proposed budget spends responsibly to help students and working families
1 day ago

Steele welcomes governor's support for restricting cell phones in schools
1 day ago

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed
1 day ago

Burns welcomes governor’s call to fight waste, fraud, abuse
1 day ago

Schlossberg applauds governor’s proposed investments in schools, job creation, mental health care
1 day ago

House Energy Committee advances bill to address energy affordability
1 day ago

House passes Bizzarro bill to bolster representation for drivers with disabilities
1 day ago