Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus | News Center

News Center

Guzman Announces $251,390 Green Light-Go Grant to Modernize Traffic Signals in Reading

(3 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, Aug. 4 – State Rep. Manny Guzman , D-Berks, today announced that a $251, 390 Green Light-Go grant was awarded to the City of Reading to support traffic signal modernization projects. The grant was awarded to: City of Reading - $251,390 to upgrade traffic signals at: Schuylkill Avenue & Buttonwood Street 9th Street & Walnut Street 3rd Street & Franklin Street “I’m pleased to announce that the City of Reading has been awarded $251,390 through Pennsylvania’s Green Light-Go Program to modernize traffic signals at Schuylkill Avenue & Buttonwood Street, 9th & Walnut streets, and 3rd & Franklin streets,” Guzman said. “As a member of the House Transportation Committee, I understand the importance of investing in projects that improve safety, reduce congestion, and strengthen our transportation infrastructure. These upgrades will help create safer and more efficient travel for residents, commuters, and visitors across Reading.” Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El praises more than $945K in state investments in safer intersections

(6 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Aug. 4 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today that Green Light-Go grants totaling $945,186 were awarded to the city of Lancaster and the borough of Millersville to support traffic signal modernization. The city of Lancaster received $494,466 to modernize two signalized intersections in Lancaster—North Broad Street and East Chestnut Street, and North Broad Street and East Walnut Street. A separate award of $494,466 was provided for two additional signalized intersections in Lancaster, which are in state Rep. Nikki Rivera’s district. The borough of Millersville received $450,720 for traffic signal equipment upgrades across six intersections: Millersville Road / Manor Avenue / Millersville Pike Blue Rock Road / Manor Avenue / George Street / Shertzer Lane Millersville Road / Barbara Street / Oak Knoll Circle George Street & Frederick Street Manor Avenue / Herrs Market Driveway / Turkey Hill Driveway Manor Avenue & Leaman Avenue “These investments in transportation safety will create safer intersections, support better traffic flow and improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in our district,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This strategic use of state funding will help Lancaster and Millersville residents get around their communities more easily, whether it’s behind the wheel, on a bike or on foot.” The Greenlight-Go Program is a competitive state grant program designed Read more

 

Rivera celebrates nearly $495K in state investments in traffic safety

(7 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Aug. 4 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today that Lancaster received a Green Light-Go grant of $494,466 to modernize traffic signals at two key intersections to improve safety and increase traffic flow for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. The funding will support upgrades to the traffic signal systems at North Duke Street and East Walnut Street and New Holland Avenue and Franklin Street to modernize aging infrastructure, increase signal reliability and accommodate increased traffic. “I’m thrilled that the City of Lancaster is receiving state funding to make these necessary investments in transportation safety,” Rivera said. “This money will make Lancaster an easier and safer place to navigate for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians while extending the traffic signals’ lifespan and supporting the city’s growing transportation needs.” The Greenlight-Go Program is a competitive state grant program designed to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals in Pennsylvania and is administered by the state Transportation Department. Applicants are required to provide a 20% match. Funding may be used for traffic signal retiming; study and removal of unwarranted traffic-control signals; monitoring of traffic signal corridors; innovative technologies; installation, upgrade or maintenance of traffic signal communication systems; upgrade or installation of detection systems and Read more

 

Testifiers detail need to bolster adult transition services for students with disabilities

(8 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Majority Policy Committee traveled to Phoenixville on Tuesday for a tour and roundtable discussion to identify needs and solutions as it relates to young people with disabilities transitioning out of school years and into adult life. Read more

 

Policy committee examines impact of increased funding for career and technical education

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

On Monday, the House Majority Policy Committee visited Technical College High School’s Downingtown Campus for a tour and roundtable discussion to see firsthand how this investment will help create careers for more people and keep Pennsylvania competitive. Read more

 

Nonprofit Security, Law Enforcement Regionalization, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jul 31, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Read about the latest grant opportunities. Read more

 

Neilson applauds new law to increase penalties for ‘CDL mills’

(Jul 30, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Operating machinery that requires a CDL is an enormous responsibility and drivers must be competently trained in line with state and federal regulatory requirements,” Neilson said. “Letting these so-called training companies take shortcuts or work outside of the law is unacceptable because the smallest mistake can have devastating, life-threatening consequences to anyone who uses Pennsylvania roads. Read more

 

Madden releases statement on H.B. 1042, landmark sentencing legislation in response to Pa Supreme Court decision, Commonwealth V. Lee

(Jul 27, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Madden releases statement on H.B. 1042, landmark sentencing legislation in response to Pa Supreme Court decision, Commonwealth V. Lee Read more

 

Statement from state Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes on Medicaid coverage of abortion care in Pennsylvania

(Jul 24, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Statement from state Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes on Medicaid coverage of abortion care in Pennsylvania Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera note passage of sentencing reform legislation

(Jul 24, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 24 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, praised the actions of the PA House of Representatives in passing legislation that would end mandatory life-without-parole sentences in cases of second-degree felony murder in Pennsylvania. In 2024, Derek Lee, a Black man serving life without parole for second-degree murder, challenged the constitutionality of his sentence before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He argued that since he did not kill or intend to kill anyone in a 2014 Pittsburgh robbery , his sentence is disproportionate and cruel under both the Pennsylvania and U.S. constitutions. This March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Commonwealth v. Lee found that automatically imposing life without parole for all second-degree murder convictions violates the state constitution’s protections against cruel punishment because it does not consider individual responsibility or level of culpability. Currently only five states — Pennsylvania, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Carolina — require mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole for second-degree felony murder convictions. The bill passed by the House (H.B. 1042) would require the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to deliver guidelines to judges while still ensuring judges can examine the facts of each case. It also would allow certain incarcerated people who served more than 30 years of their sentence before Read more

 

Briggs supports legislation addressing unconstitutional sentencing

(Jul 24, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 23 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, today expressed his support for legislation that responds to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in Commonwealth v. Lee by reforming second-degree murder sentencing while advancing additional criminal justice reforms focused on rehabilitation, accountability and fairness. House Bill 1042 , which passed the House with bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate for further consideration, addresses the court’s ruling that automatic life-without-parole sentences for individuals convicted of second-degree murder under the felony murder rule are unconstitutional. “Pennsylvania’s justice system must uphold both public safety and constitutional protections,” Briggs said. “This legislation provides a responsible path forward by ensuring that sentences are based on an individual’s level of culpability while maintaining safeguards to protect our communities.” Under the bill, the automatic life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder would be replaced with sentencing that considers an offender’s specific role and level of culpability. Individuals convicted of second-degree murder who receive a life sentence would become eligible to petition for parole consideration after serving 30 years. Briggs emphasized that parole eligibility is not parole, and the legislation does not guarantee release for Read more

 

Salisbury votes to reform sentencing for second-degree murder

(Jul 23, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, July 23 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury issued the following statement after voting today to pass H.B. 1042 – legislation that would replace the automatic life without parole sentence for second-degree murder with sentencing linked to an offender’s level of culpability: “After finding that an automatic life without parole sentence for second-degree murder violates the state constitution’s prohibition on cruel punishments, our state high court asked lawmakers to develop a fairer system for imposing sentencing in these cases, which involve offenders who commit underlying felonies that result in a death. “I’m satisfied that our response today in passing H.B. 1042 strikes the right balance between maintaining accountability for these crimes and delivering individualized justice that is tailored to a defendant’s culpability. “We can be thoughtful in our sentencing without sacrificing the demands of justice. In fact, sentencing based on an individual, case-by-case analysis of the defendant’s personal role, intent and culpability is already the practice in many states. “The proposed legislation, which would require judges to consider a defendant’s individual culpability and circumstances, would allow for fairer, more responsible sentencing that recognizes that defendants in felony murder cases have widely different degrees of involvement and culpability. Read more

 

$6.5 million in grants awarded to community organizations within Mayes’ district

(Jul 23, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

$6.5 million in grants awarded to community organizations within Mayes’ district Read more

 

Solomon leads effort to fight blight as Shapiro signs transparency reforms into law

(Jul 23, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

On Monday, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed H.B. 858 into law. Authored and championed by state Rep. Jared Solomon, the new law reaffirms his commitment to eliminating blight, revitalizing communities and holding non-resident landlords accountable for the properties they own. The law will require municipalities to collect and maintain contact information for property owners to ensure they’re held responsible for maintaining the upkeep of their property. “Too often, the point of contact for blighted properties is an unreachable LLC. Without a legitimate point of contact, the property will continue to deteriorate, creating serious safety hazards, lowering property values and overall affecting our quality of life. “This is a powerful tool to ensure that there are real consequences for property owners who stall code enforcement, wasting the county’s time, money and resources. Our neighborhoods deserve a recourse that holds property owners accountable for blighted properties – to cultivate safer neighborhoods with higher property values and community pride.” With Shapiro’s signature – the bill is now law. Read more

 

Shapiro signs Curry bill streamlining post-stillbirth paperwork into law

(Jul 23, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law Act 34, legislation introduced by state Rep. Gina H. Curry to streamline fetal death paperwork for families who experience loss during a midwife-led birth. Read more

 

Ciresi, James introduce bill to expand entertainment tax credit, attract more Broadway tour launches to Pennsylvania

(Jul 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 22 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Lee James, R-Venango/Crawford, have introduced House Bill 2709 to increase annual funding for Pennsylvania's Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program (EEEP) by $2 million, from $24 million to $26 million, to attract more touring Broadway productions to the commonwealth. According to Ciresi and James, touring Broadway productions require weeks of technical rehearsals and tour preparations, resulting in extended stays for visiting artists, crew and staff. These long stays generate significant business for local hospitality, restaurant and service businesses. Productions also create new jobs for Pennsylvania workers, including union stagehands, truck drivers, technicians, and other support staff. The EEEP currently provides a tax credit equal to 35% of qualified Pennsylvania expenditures for show design, construction, and operations. If enacted, House Bill 2709 would increase funding to enable venues like the Pittsburgh Cultural District and the Kimmel Center to host more Broadway tour launches. Each production can bring in more than 100 visiting artists and staff where they would work alongside local crews for several weeks. Ciresi and James point to Ohio as an example of the bill’s potential impact. In 2025, Ohio invested $3.5 million in tax incentives to attract four Broadway tours. The funded projects are expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs, generate $150 million in Read more

 

Neilson praises major 2026-27 Pa. budget investments in transportation sector

(Jul 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

I’m proud of the work we accomplished to keep Pennsylvania roads safe and up to par. This was a bipartisan effort that ensures roads, highways and bridges across the commonwealth will be safer and more efficient – for now and future generations.Neilson said that $775 million is coming to shovel-ready projects in all 67 counties on state roads in the next two fiscal years – without raising taxes on hardworking Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

Building starter homes near transit provides greater opportunities

(Jul 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“If workers can’t afford to live near their jobs, everyone pays a price – workers lack mobility in switching jobs, employers struggle to find workers and residents lack the services they need,” said state Rep. Jen Mazzocco, who represents portions of Allegheny County and co-hosted a House Majority Policy Committee roundtable and tour on the topic. “Building location-efficient housing not only unites our neighborhoods but also makes our communities stronger and more economically resilient.” Read more

 

Kenyatta secures $500,000 in state funding for upgrades to OIC training facility

(Jul 21, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Reaffirming his commitment to uplifting North Philadelphia, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta today announced that Opportunities Industrialization Center Inc. was awarded $500,000 in state funding.“As a public servant, my mission is to help North Philly thrive. I’m thrilled that OIC will use this funding to foster sustainability in our community with new solar panels at their training facility,” Kenyatta said. “I will always advocate for funding and policies that improve lives in North Philly and the commonwealth Read more

 

Shusterman’s military sexual trauma bill signed into law

(Jul 21, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 21 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, announced that her legislation to require additional trainings and certifications for County Veteran Assistance Directors regarding trauma-informed care, including Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD and traumatic brain injury, has been signed into law as Act 38 of 2026. Act 38, previously H.B. 2024, ensures that the staff supporting our veterans are best equipped to meet their post-service needs. Shusterman says these requirements come at the suggestion of the commonwealth’s Women Veterans Health Care Task Force. “Pennsylvania is home to nearly 700,000 veterans – so many of whom return home from their service with visible and not-so-visible injuries,” Shusterman said. “As with other forms of trauma, survivors of MST live with their experiences in different ways, and their mental and physical health may be significantly affected for years to come. We owe it to our veterans to ensure that the resources and support we provide them are effective. “I extend my gratitude to my co-prime sponsor Rep. Scheuren and Chair Solomon from the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committee for their work on this bill. This is a small step in continuing to provide for our commonwealth’s veterans. I look forward to finding more ways to continue serving those who sacrificed so much for us.” Governor Josh Shapiro signed the Read more

 

Guzman Announces $251,390 Green Light-Go Grant to Modernize Traffic Signals in Reading
3 hours ago

Smith-Wade-El praises more than $945K in state investments in safer intersections
6 hours ago

Rivera celebrates nearly $495K in state investments in traffic safety
7 hours ago

Testifiers detail need to bolster adult transition services for students with disabilities
8 hours ago

Policy committee examines impact of increased funding for career and technical education
1 day ago

Nonprofit Security, Law Enforcement Regionalization, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 31, 2026

Neilson applauds new law to increase penalties for ‘CDL mills’
Jul 30, 2026

Madden releases statement on H.B. 1042, landmark sentencing legislation in response to Pa Supreme Court decision, Commonwealth V. Lee
Jul 27, 2026

Statement from state Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes on Medicaid coverage of abortion care in Pennsylvania
Jul 24, 2026

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera note passage of sentencing reform legislation
Jul 24, 2026

Briggs supports legislation addressing unconstitutional sentencing
Jul 24, 2026

Salisbury votes to reform sentencing for second-degree murder
Jul 23, 2026

$6.5 million in grants awarded to community organizations within Mayes’ district
Jul 23, 2026

Solomon leads effort to fight blight as Shapiro signs transparency reforms into law
Jul 23, 2026

Shapiro signs Curry bill streamlining post-stillbirth paperwork into law
Jul 23, 2026

Ciresi, James introduce bill to expand entertainment tax credit, attract more Broadway tour launches to Pennsylvania
Jul 22, 2026

Neilson praises major 2026-27 Pa. budget investments in transportation sector
Jul 22, 2026

Building starter homes near transit provides greater opportunities
Jul 22, 2026

Kenyatta secures $500,000 in state funding for upgrades to OIC training facility
Jul 21, 2026

Shusterman’s military sexual trauma bill signed into law
Jul 21, 2026