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Ciresi, Tomlinson introduce bill to require third parties to evaluate charter school students with special needs

(Apr 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 17 – Legislation to strengthen fairness, transparency and accountability in how students are evaluated for special education services in charter schools was introduced on Friday by state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Kathleen C. Tomlinson, D-Bucks. According to the representatives, under current law, charter schools receive additional funding for students identified as needing special education services. While this funding is intended to ensure that students receive appropriate support, the Education Law Center noted in a report that the existing system can create incentives for over-identifying students with mild disabilities while underserving those with more complex or costly needs. According to reports , there are cases in which charter school operators have acknowledged using these funds to support general operations. House Bill 2424 would address this issue by requiring an independent qualified third party – specifically, the student’s school district of residence or an intermediate unit – to perform the initial special-education evaluations for charter school students. “Under the current system, there’s simply too much financial temptation for charter schools to over evaluate their students’ disabilities,” Ciresi said. “By eliminating the funding element from playing a role in evaluations, we will ensure that decisions about a student’s educational needs are made solely in Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation for free cancer screening for firefighters

(Apr 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 17 – Legislation to establish a statewide program providing free annual cancer screenings for firefighters was introduced this week by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery. House Bill 2394 would ensure that firefighters can access annual cancer screening examinations at no cost when those services are not fully covered by their health insurance. The program would apply to both career and volunteer firefighters across the Commonwealth. According to Ciresi, firefighters’ repeated job-related exposure to cancer-causing chemicals has led the disease to become one of the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths. Studies by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found that firefighters face a 9% increase in cancer diagnoses, and a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general population in the U.S. “It is morally wrong that our firefighters are being forced to choose between their health and their finances due to the high cost of deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket expenses for work-related preventive care,” Ciresi said. “By removing the financial barriers to annual cancer screenings, my legislation would improve our firefighters’ health outcomes, reduce long-term health care costs, and demonstrate Pennsylvania’s commitment to protecting those who serve and protect our communities.” Read more

 

Friel bill to guide use of food processing residuals in Pa. passes House

(Apr 16, 2026) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, April 16 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday passed H.B. 586, which would responsibly guide the use of food processing residuals in the state, announced the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester. Food processing residuals, also known as FPR, are the leftover products created by commercial food processing. They can include vegetable peelings, raw meat scraps, and liquid waste from cleaning processes that might contain blood, fat, hair, feathers, and a variety of other vegetable and animal byproducts, as well as chemicals used in processing. Surrounding states have heavily restricted or banned the use of these residuals, making Pennsylvania a target for the cheap disposal of this commercial waste stream. "We don't know what is coming in or how much is being applied,” Friel explained during House debate. “We have more regulation on manure in Pennsylvania than we do on this unknown waste stream coming into our state. We need these guardrails to protect our communities and, most especially, our farms and farmers." The bill passed 172–29, with broad Republican and Democratic support, underscoring just how nonpartisan concerns about noxious odors and water contamination are in Pennsylvania. “I want to thank my many colleagues who have supported this effort, including Rep. Barb Gleim and former Rep. Paul Schemel, who worked with me on this Read more

 

Burgos applauds PECO for withdrawing proposed rate hikes

(Apr 16, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

In the wake of PECO’s decision to retract proposed rate hikes, state Rep. Danilo Burgos thanked Gov. Josh Shapiro, fellow legislators, and Pennsylvanians for speaking up and out. Read more

 

Fiedler reacts to PECO rate case withdrawal, calls out utility price gouging

(Apr 16, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, April 16 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee, issued the following response to PECO’s rate case withdrawal Thursday: “People in my district are already struggling. They’re working multiple jobs, canceling doctors’ appointments, and putting groceries back on the shelf instead of in their cart. It’s painful to think about the choices that Pennsylvanians would face if their bills shot up by another $30 a month, but that was almost their reality. “I am relieved to hear the news that PECO customers will avoid another unnecessary rate hike. The withdrawal of the proposed rate increase will save 1.7 million ratepayers a total of $510 million on their utility bills. PECO’s requested hike would have increased some household bills by up to $34 a month. “This reversal makes evident that a rate hike was never necessary to maintain safe and reliable service. It shows us that utility companies are making extraordinary profits already, at a cost to working people and families. “PECO’s CEO made more than $15 million last year. Meanwhile, utility bills are up 10 to 20 percent. The war in Iran, reckless tariffs, and big tech have worsened the affordability crisis. Pennsylvanians are making impossibly painful choices just to pay their bills and stay afloat. They deserve to thrive – not just survive. Read more

 

PA House Finance Committee hears testimony to support craft beer industry

(Apr 16, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ALLENTOWN, April 16 – Today, the state House Finance Committee heard insight from experts in the state’s craft brewing industry, including local brewers and leaders of the Brewers of Pennsylvania trade association, on legislation that would update Pennsylvania’s Malt Beverage Tax Credit program. The committee met at Sherman Street Beer Company in Allentown for a public hearing on a bill introduced by state Rep. Ana Tiburcio, D-Lehigh, that would allow more local breweries to take advantage of Pennsylvania’s Malt Beverage Tax Credit and provide flexibility to manage their credits. Tiburcio said that supporting the craft brewing industry in Pennsylvania benefits local businesses that encourage community positivity. Read more

 

House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution

(Apr 16, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, April 16 – The Pennsylvania House Wednesday adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2026 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.” Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.R. 403 to make sure Pennsylvanians are aware that the law requires them to call 8-1-1 – the free “Call before You Dig” hotline – before embarking on any digging or excavation project. “Overhead powerlines may be easy to spot, but many of us forget that there is also a huge network of electric, gas, water and communications lines and structures buried beneath us,” Matzie said. “Any digging or excavating – even of the shallow kind – can create major safety hazards, service interruptions and damage requiring extensive repairs. It’s critically important for homeowners, business owners, contractors, excavators – anyone planning any kind of digging – to dial 8-1-1- at least three days before starting to dig, to allow utilities to mark underground structures beforehand. “It’s a free call that takes very little time and can prevent massive problems. It’s also the law.” Matzie said calling 8-1-1 is required even for shallow digging projects and those located directly on a homeowner’s private property. More information is available here: Read more

 

Bucks County lawmakers say public mobilization was instrumental in PECO’s decision to rescind its proposed rate hike

(Apr 16, 2026) Rep. Tim Brennan, Rep. Tina Davis, Rep. Brian Munroe, Rep. Jim Prokopiak, Rep. Perry Warren

“Today, elected officials and everyday Pennsylvanians can stand together knowing their voices were not only heard, but truly listened to. Our delegation is thrilled that PECO backed down from its proposal, and we are incredibly proud of the Bucks County residents who signed the petition, stood with their neighbors, and made their voices count. We fight for working families, lower costs and the people of Bucks County,” they said. “We also extend our thanks to Governor Josh Shapiro for his support — without his leadership, this outcome would have been far more difficult to achieve.” Read more

 

Human Services Committee examines impacts of H.R. 1 on SNAP

(Apr 16, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, held an informational hearing to discuss the impacts of federal legislation, H.R. 1, on Pennsylvania’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El: Nearly $500K to expand Lancaster’s Bench Mark Program

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, April 15 –The Bench Mark Program will receive $499,000 in grant funding to expand its after-school mentoring program for high-risk youth in Lancaster City, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El announced today. The competitive grants, approved today by the School Safety and Security Committee under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, is part of more than $64 million awarded to organizations across the state. The Bench Mark Program’s “Back to School” initiative uses mentoring to stop high-risk adolescents in Lancaster from slipping from chronic absenteeism into school disengagement, juvenile justice involvement, and community violence. The project targets approximately 180 students each year, ages 13-18, who are truant or trending toward chronic absenteeism and are referred by McCaskey High School or Magisterial District Court at the early stages of school withdrawal. “More of Lancaster City’s vulnerable youth will be able to benefit from Bench Mark Program’s holistic mentorship program thanks to this funding,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “Kids need to know someone has their backs and is there to help them build the skills they need to handle life’s challenges. Bench Mark’s team of dedicated mentors have repeatedly proven that they’ve been there for our kids since 2014. “I am grateful to the PCCD for recognizing and supporting Bench Mark’s Read more

 

Kazeem announces nearly $1 million in state funding approved for local youth programs

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

CHESTER, April 15 –Two Chester City organizations, the Chester Education Foundation and the Make a Change Group, were awarded a total of nearly $1 million to expand their after-school programs for at-risk youth in the city, state Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, announced today. Read more

 

Rivera: Over $500,000 awarded for local school programs aimed at reducing student conflict and improving mental health

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, April 15 –Advoz: Mediation & Restorative Services and the Touchstone Foundation were awarded $500,616 in grant funding to help expand their youth programs aimed at reducing student conflict and improving student mental health, respectively, state Rep. Nikki Rivera announced today. Read more

 

To protect Pennsylvanians from skyrocketing energy costs, Pa. House Democrats introduce energy affordability legislation that would lower bills, rein in corporate greed

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 15 – On Wednesday, PA House Democrats launched a bold new bill package to tackle the energy affordability crisis by reining in corporate greed, implementing electric grid efficiency measures, and regulating data centers’ impacts on Pennsylvania communities. This package offers a multifaceted response by:•guaranteeing that costs related to data center development are not shouldered by ratepayers,•reforming Pennsylvania’s broken ratemaking system to ensure customers pay a fair price for the energy they use, and •modernizing the state’s electric grid so growing energy demand can be met at a reasonable cost.Across the commonwealth, Pennsylvanians are facing skyrocketing energy costs. Utility shutoffs were up 38% in 2025 as 1-in-5 Pennsylvania households report having trouble paying their utility bills each month. House Energy Committee chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., said it’s clear that this crisis is reaching a breaking point. Read more

 

Kosierowski secures nearly $17 million for Griffin Dam rehabilitation project

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

SCRANTON, April 15 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced that she secured, with state Sen. Marty Flynn’s support, a $16,922,000 low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority to modernize and rehabilitate the Griffin Dam to preserve it as a water source for the area and prevent flooding. Griffin Dam’s rehabilitation includes the modernization of the outlet works, increasing the principal spillway’s capacity, completion of the seepage collection system, installation of a filter diaphragm around the concrete culvert, and other related work. “Griffin Dam is a critical source of safe drinking water for area residents and businesses, but it also poses a significant environmental hazard to down water communities due to its undersized spillway system that could cause significant flooding,” Kosierowski said. “As we are experiencing increasingly violent rainstorms due to climate change, it is urgent that we modernize the Griffin Dam to secure our drinking water supply and protect our residents from potential disaster. I am grateful to Senator Flynn for his support and Pennvest for selecting the Griffin rehabilitation project for funding.” In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection categorized the Griffin Dam as “unsafe” as its existing spillway system is undersized for flood control. In addition, there are misalignment issues along the Read more

 

Warren bill to reduce plastic bottle waste passes House

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 15 – State Rep. Perry Warren announced today that his legislation to reduce plastic bottle waste by encouraging the use of reusable water bottles has passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and now advances to the Senate for further consideration. House Bill 1139 would require the installation of water bottle filling stations in newly constructed and substantially renovated Pennsylvania government buildings, helping reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles while improving public access to clean drinking water. “This legislation is about reducing waste, improving public health, and setting an example for sustainable practices across Pennsylvania,” Warren said. The concept for the bill began, Warren recalled, with a conversation in his district office with a student intern about the growing prevalence of disposable plastic water bottles. That conversation prompted deeper reflection and research. “Soon after, I traveled to Grand Teton National Park, used a water bottle filling station at Philadelphia International Airport on the way, and visited a display at the national park visitor center highlighting plastic water bottle waste,” Warren said. “Those three experiences led me to conceive a bill that would reduce plastic water bottle waste by encouraging an alternative to disposable bottles.” Discarded plastic Read more

 

Ciresi, Friel: Nearly $1M awarded to YWCA, Trellis for Tomorrow: State program funding will support after-school initiatives

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, April 15 – The YWCA Tri-County Area was awarded a $500,000 grant to expand its intervention-centered programming outside of school time, and Trellis for Tomorrow received $460,451 for its after-school program, Project Thrive, state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Paul Friel, D-Chester, announced today. The competitive grants, approved today by the School Safety and Security Committee under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, is part of more than $64 million awarded to organizations across the state. According to Ciresi, the YWCA Tri-County Area will use the funds to expand its Youth Community Building and Empowerment initiative, a prevention-centered out-of-school-time program serving approximately 200 middle school youth across Montgomery, Berks and Chester counties in the Pottstown, Pottsgrove and Owen J. Roberts school districts. Trellis for Tomorrow will expand its existing Garden Club at Pottstown School District into a structured, prevention focused after-school program serving approximately 30 middle and high school students annually. Funds will be used to support employee pay, travel for field-based learning at Trellis garden sites, and equipment needed for garden expansion, grow towers and safe tool usage. “Helping young people thrive requires looking beyond the school day, and this funding will provide our at-risk youth with the educational, mentoring, and peer-led advocacy supports necessary to help them Read more

 

Pa. House passes bill protecting construction contractors from being held liable for negligence of others

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 15 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation ( H.B. 1541 ) introduced by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., that would protect construction contractors from being held liable for the negligence of others. Hohenstein said many construction contractors are forced to accept liability for another party’s negligence when entering into construction contracts under current law. His legislation would void any provision in new construction contracts in which a party is indemnified, or excused from being held liable, for damages resulting from that party's negligence. “Being held liable for the negligence of others is unfair to contractors and can also enforce a negative reputation on the contractor’s business,” Hohenstein said. “My legislation would help protect Pennsylvania construction contractors from being forced to accept liability for someone else’s negligence. This will promote fairness, better work production, and better business for contractors.” The bill now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Ciresi, Friel: Nearly $1M awarded to YWCA, Trellis for Tomorrow: State program funding will support after-school initiatives

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, April 15 – The YWCA Tri-County Area was awarded a $500,000 grant to expand its intervention-centered programming outside of school time, and Trellis for Tomorrow received $460,451 for its after-school program, Project Thrive, state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Paul Friel, D-Chester, announced today. The competitive grants, approved today by the School Safety and Security Committee under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, is part of more than $64 million awarded to organizations across the state. According to Ciresi, the YWCA Tri-County Area will use the funds to expand its Youth Community Building and Empowerment initiative, a prevention-centered out-of-school-time program serving approximately 200 middle school youth across Montgomery, Berks and Chester counties in the Pottstown, Pottsgrove and Owen J. Roberts school districts. Trellis for Tomorrow will expand its existing Garden Club at Pottstown School District into a structured, prevention focused after-school program serving approximately 30 middle and high school students annually. Funds will be used to support employee pay, travel for field-based learning at Trellis garden sites, and equipment needed for garden expansion, grow towers and safe tool usage. “Helping young people thrive requires looking beyond the school day, and this funding will provide our at-risk youth with the educational, mentoring, and peer-led advocacy supports necessary to help Read more

 

Guzman announces nearly $500,000 Grant for Reading Violence Prevention Initiative

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, April 15 – Today, state Rep. Manuel Guzman announced that $499,984 in grant funding will be allocated to launch EMPOWER Resilience, a new violence prevention initiative serving youth in Reading. Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County will receive the funding from the FY 2025-26 Violence Intervention and Prevention grant, under the direction of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. More than $60 million in state funding was given toward these grants in FY 25-26 to better address community violence throughout the commonwealth. The EMPOWER Resilience initiative aims to serve youth ages 5-18 in Reading, particularly those in neighborhoods with elevated risk factors. The program will engage in mentoring and supervision with children across six club sites, operating during high-risk after-school and summer hours. With the funding, the program would be scaled to serve approximately 1,000 youth annually. “The Boys & Girls Club is a staple in our communities, and I’m ecstatic to see it receive this funding to expand its footprint in Reading,” Guzman said. “After-school and summer programs give our youth structure, community and a place to express themselves in a positive way. I look forward to seeing EMPOWER Resilience make a real difference, and I thank the state for the funding.” Olivet Boys & Girls Club CEO & President Rick Perez also applauds Read more

 

Daley bill to boost student mental health support, train staff passes House

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

HARRISBURG, April 15 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed legislation to strengthen mental health awareness for students and provide critical training for coaches and staff at schools across the commonwealth, announced the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Mary Jo Daley. House Bill 1706 would require that coaches receive mental health awareness training like the training required of other school personnel. The bill would also ensure that all students, their parents or guardians, athletic staff and extracurricular advisors are informed of the availability of mental health services within their school and local community. According to reports , nearly 20% of students have seriously considered suicide, while 75% report struggling with anxiety. Furthermore, while a significant number of students express a need for professional mental health support, roughly 65% say that they are uncomfortable speaking to family or friends about their struggles, often turning to coaches and extracurricular advisors for support. Meanwhile, a study surveying more than 10,000 coaches found that only 18% of youth coaches feel highly confident in their ability to link athletes to mental health resources, and 67% say they want more training and information on the subject. “For many students, school isn't just about classes – it's where they grow, socialize and find their sense of belonging,” said Daley, Read more

 

Ciresi, Tomlinson introduce bill to require third parties to evaluate charter school students with special needs
Apr 17, 2026

Ciresi introduces legislation for free cancer screening for firefighters
Apr 17, 2026

Friel bill to guide use of food processing residuals in Pa. passes House
Apr 16, 2026

Burgos applauds PECO for withdrawing proposed rate hikes
Apr 16, 2026

Fiedler reacts to PECO rate case withdrawal, calls out utility price gouging
Apr 16, 2026

PA House Finance Committee hears testimony to support craft beer industry
Apr 16, 2026

House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution
Apr 16, 2026

Bucks County lawmakers say public mobilization was instrumental in PECO’s decision to rescind its proposed rate hike
Apr 16, 2026

Human Services Committee examines impacts of H.R. 1 on SNAP
Apr 16, 2026

Smith-Wade-El: Nearly $500K to expand Lancaster’s Bench Mark Program
Apr 15, 2026

Kazeem announces nearly $1 million in state funding approved for local youth programs
Apr 15, 2026

Rivera: Over $500,000 awarded for local school programs aimed at reducing student conflict and improving mental health
Apr 15, 2026

To protect Pennsylvanians from skyrocketing energy costs, Pa. House Democrats introduce energy affordability legislation that would lower bills, rein in corporate greed
Apr 15, 2026

Kosierowski secures nearly $17 million for Griffin Dam rehabilitation project
Apr 15, 2026

Warren bill to reduce plastic bottle waste passes House
Apr 15, 2026

Ciresi, Friel: Nearly $1M awarded to YWCA, Trellis for Tomorrow: State program funding will support after-school initiatives
Apr 15, 2026

Pa. House passes bill protecting construction contractors from being held liable for negligence of others
Apr 15, 2026

Ciresi, Friel: Nearly $1M awarded to YWCA, Trellis for Tomorrow: State program funding will support after-school initiatives
Apr 15, 2026

Guzman announces nearly $500,000 Grant for Reading Violence Prevention Initiative
Apr 15, 2026

Daley bill to boost student mental health support, train staff passes House
Apr 15, 2026