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

News Center

Smith-Wade-El announces more than $3.1 million for community projects

(38 minutes ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, today announced that more than $3.1 million in state grants has been awarded for important projects and equipment purchases in the 49th Legislative District. “I am proud to have helped secure this funding for critical community projects that will keep Lancasterians healthier, put roofs over their heads, and increase their educational opportunities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Our municipalities and authorities rely on state dollars to make vital local projects like these happen. I’m thrilled to see these worthwhile projects benefit from this valuable state assistance.” Grant recipients and projects are: $1 million for Lafayette Fire Co. to purchase a ladder truck. $800,000 for Union Community Care to renovate the first floor of the Lancaster Southeast Health Center. $750,000 for Chestnut Housing Corp. and Dinah’s Hill Apartments LLC to construct affordable apartments. $250,000 for Lancaster Public Library to acquire and renovate a property for its Book ReSort program. $190,000 for Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology to purchase equipment for the Stevens Home Building Program. $94,064 for Lancaster City/Tenfold to purchase a passenger van. $29,000 for Lancaster Township to support local law enforcement. The grants awarded today come from Local Share Account funds, which are approved and distributed by the state’s Commonwealth Read more

 

Lehigh County lawmakers announce nearly $2.4 million in funding for Allentown community improvements

(3 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Lehigh County lawmakers announce nearly $2.4 million in funding for Allentown community improvements Read more

 

Pielli announces over $2.2 million in grants to Chester County

(5 hours ago) Rep. Chris Pielli

"One of my biggest priorities is working to make sure our district residents and organizations receive the funding that they not only deserve but need," Pielli said. “These grants will go towards public safety improvements, vital infrastructure projects, the promotion of local tourism which helps bring millions of dollars in revenue to our local businesses, and more. I’m proud to work with community partners, my staff and Sen. Carolyn Comitta to continue bringing home these and other grants for the benefit of our entire community." Read more

 

Shusterman announces $2.47 million in grants for community improvements

(5 hours ago) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“I’m proud to have been able to bring money back to my district,” Shusterman said. “We’re thankful to live in a Commonwealth that continues to invest in our communities. Whether it’s urgent infrastructure needs, upgraded equipment for our first responders, or new innovations for county tourism, our economy works for the people who work hard to contribute to it.” Read more

 

Shusterman’s and Scott’s bill will guard against catastrophic risks of AI

(1 day ago) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“AI has the potential for technological advancements and benefits,” Shusterman said. “However, government must ensure frontier models are not causing catastrophic harm to society. This is my bare minimum expectation. Currently, AI has no federal regulatory standards. Every other industry has governmental safeguards for good reasons -- AI requires the same level, or more. The possibility of rogue AI agents is not acceptable to me, and I urge my fellow legislators of our Commonwealth, as well as officials at every level of government, to take these risks seriously and act quickly. Our citizens are counting on us.” Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to rename Pottstown bridge in honor of fallen serviceman

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Sept. 14 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today introduced legislation ( H.B. 2772 ) that would designate the North Hanover Street Bridge in Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County, as the Commander Job W. Price Memorial Bridge. A graduate of Pottstown High School and a former Navy SEAL, Commander Job W. Price was the recipient of numerous recognitions for valor. After nearly 20 years of service, Price succumbed to non-combat-related injuries in December 2012 while supporting village stability operations in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. “Commander Price represents the best of us -- intelligence, integrity, and love of country dedicated in service to the United States,” Ciresi said. “By renaming the bridge in his honor, we commemorate his life and signal to all who pass over it the virtues by which we should live.” Read more

 

McClinton, State House make history with historic gathering in Philadelphia

(Sep 11, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 9 – Today, the Pennsylvania state House met for a historic legislative session in Independence National Park’s Congress Hall, marking one of the few times the body has met outside of Harrisburg since the early 19th century. Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, presided over the session, which commemorated Pennsylvania’s role in the nation’s founding, as well as the day the new country adopted the official name “United States of America.” Prior to Sept. 9, 1776, it had been known as the United Colonies. During the session, lawmakers voted on two resolutions celebrating the 250th anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which laid the groundwork for the U.S. Constitution nearly a decade later. “Today we put aside the labels that traditionally define our institution. Today, rather than Republicans and Democrats, we stand united as Pennsylvanians as we celebrate our commonwealth’s transformative role in the creation of the United States of America,” McClinton said. “Looking back 250 years, it may be tempting to believe that what happened in these hallowed halls was inevitable — that liberty was destined to triumph. But for 250 years, Americans have continued to sacrifice to attain liberty, opportunity and freedom. “Even during challenging times, we must remain a Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces $67K in museum funding

(Sep 11, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Sept. 11 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, today announced that $67,000 in Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Cultural and Historical Support Grants were awarded to two Lancaster County institutions that preserve history and promote understanding of the county’s rich cultural tapestry. “At a time when the Trump administration is trying to whitewash American history, the Rock Ford Foundation and LancasterHistory.org are bravely preserving and sharing evidence-based history about Black, Latinx, AANHPI and LGBTQIA communities’ contributions to Lancaster’s rich cultural, economic and social landscape,” Smith-Wade-El said. “These grants will help counteract the federal government’s assault on who is and what it means to be an American.” The following organizations received grants: $47,000 Lancaster History.org $20,000 Rock Ford Foundation The PHMC grants provide state funding for the operational costs needed to maintain and preserve local heritage. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El to host Senior Health Fair Sept. 22

(Sep 11, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Sept. 11 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, will host his annual free Senior Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Bright Side Opportunities Center, 515 Hershey Ave. Read more

 

Rivera announces $127K in state funding for local museums

(Sep 11, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Sept. 11 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, today announced more than $127,000 in Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Cultural and Historical Support Grants for four Lancaster County institutions that preserve history, inspire interest in science and nature, engage young children’s imagination, and strengthen cultural identities. “As a former high school teacher, I am so grateful for our local museums, which educate us about the world we live in – a world shaped by the past, by the natural world, and by artists’ imaginations,” Rivera said. “This funding will help these local treasures continue their vital work to sustain lifelong learning, build community, and foster cultural engagement.” The following organizations received grants: $20,000 Hands on House Children’s Museum of Lancaster $30,000 Lancaster Science Center $47,000 Lancaster History.org $30,000 North Museum of Nature and Science The PHMC grants provide state funding for the operational costs needed to maintain and preserve local heritage. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Community Development, Fire & EMS, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(Sep 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Grant Memo: Community Development, Fire & EMS, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District Read more

 

Legislators pushing for healthcare coverage respond to new PENNIE enrollment numbers

(Sep 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Sept. 10 – Following the release of new enrollment numbers under PENNIE, Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace, which show significant disenrollments to date in 2026, state Reps. Jen Mazzocco, Arvind Venkat and Steve Samuelson are calling for action on their legislation to increase affordable healthcare coverage in the state. As of September 2026, 417,000 people are enrolled in PENNIE. In the last nine months, following federal inaction to renew enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, 202,000 people disenrolled. From 2021 to 2025, PENNIE enrollment grew by 150,000, and now net enrollment is down more than 75,000. The legislators introduced H.B. 2550 , legislation that would create a state tax credit for small businesses that contribute to their employees’ health coverage. The bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support and awaits consideration in the Senate Finance Committee. “It’s disheartening to see even more Pennsylvanians losing their health insurance,” said Mazzocco , prime sponsor of the legislation. “No one in the commonwealth should have to disregard their well-being for financial reasons. I will continue to work alongside my colleagues to make quality affordable healthcare accessible to all and reverse this discouraging enrollment trend.” Venkat, a board member of PENNIE and the General Assembly’s only Read more

 

Lawmakers examine service, needs of river pilots

(Sep 08, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Keeping commerce and trade open 24/7 comes with its challenges and obstacles, including preserving domestic security as well as navigating waterways through challenging weather. The Pilots’ Association for the Bay & River Delaware are on call at all hours to ensure the safe navigation of commercial vessels along the Delaware, Schuylkill and Salem rivers as well as Delaware Bay. Read more

 

Fritz, Fleming participate in inaugural Pennsylvania Legislative Exchange

(Sep 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

In the true spirit of bipartisanship, Rep. Jonathan Fritz, R-Susquehanna/Wayne, recently hosted Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, for the first Pennsylvania Legislative Exchange (PLE), an initiative that provides opportunities for legislators to visit districts with constituencies different from their own to learn about the issues facing another lawmaker’s region. Read more

 

Pa. House Consumer Protection Committee receives testimony on utility cybersecurity

(Sep 02, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

On Tuesday, the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee held an informational briefing examining the need to strengthen Pennsylvania’s preparedness for cyber threats to critical utility infrastructure while protecting ratepayers. Read more

 

Venkat to introduce legislation to create fairer healthcare contracts

(Aug 31, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 31 – In an effort to increase transparency in the healthcare insurance industry, state Rep. Arvind Venkat, the General Assembly’s only elected physician, has announced his intention to introduce legislation that will protect healthcare providers from unfair contract changes. Health insurers and healthcare providers periodically negotiate contracts establishing reimbursement rates, payment methodologies and administrative requirements for covered services. However, many contracts contain unilateral amendment provisions that allow insurers to change these terms during the contract period, often with limited notice to providers. Venkat’s proposal would prohibit health insurers from unilaterally modifying, amending, or reinterpreting any material condition during the term of a contract with a healthcare provider – ensuring that reimbursements, covered services and payment terms are not changed mid-contract. “As a physician-legislator who continues to care for patients, I know how critical it is to make sure healthcare is affordable and accessible,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Having our insurers, hospitals and clinicians contracted on an equal basis is crucial in achieving this. This legislation will ensure basic fairness between providers and insurers while protecting healthcare access.” Venkat is currently circulating the proposal among his colleagues seeking Read more

 

Steele: Meta settlement is just one step in right direction

(Aug 26, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, a leading advocate in Pennsylvania of protecting children from digital harm, described today’s settlement in Meta’s major federal lawsuit over youth social media addiction as only one step in the right direction in the effort to create a healthier online environment for children Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera to hold grant workshop for small business and nonprofits Sept. 2

(Aug 26, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Aug. 26 – Strong advocates for bringing state funding home, state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, will hold a workshop to help local small businesses and nonprofits unlock state grant opportunities from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 at the Conference Center at IU-13, 1020 New Holland Ave., Lancaster. At the workshop, representatives from local organizations and state agencies as well as fundraising professionals will speak about available funding opportunities, grant writing tips and relationship building strategies to help organizations submit successful applications. “This workshop’s goal is to give local organizations the tools to craft successful state grant applications,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We hope this workshop will help bring home our taxpayer dollars to support organizations and initiatives strengthening our community.” Rivera agreed, adding, “As a former high school Spanish teacher, I know that using the right grammar and vocabulary is essential to being understood. This workshop will help applicants speak the language of grant writing so reviewers can instantly recognize the value of local projects and organizations.” The representatives will be present to answer questions about state services and agencies. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Economic Development, Nonprofit Security, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 26, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Learn about the latest grant opportunities. Read more

 

Burns: Dolly Parton touched the lives of many local children

(Aug 25, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, who worked to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Cambria County five years ago, today mourned the passing of Dolly Parton, praising her as a champion of child literacy who left a legacy of educating children to achieve their dreams Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces more than $3.1 million for community projects
38 minutes ago

Lehigh County lawmakers announce nearly $2.4 million in funding for Allentown community improvements
3 hours ago

Pielli announces over $2.2 million in grants to Chester County
5 hours ago

Shusterman announces $2.47 million in grants for community improvements
5 hours ago

Shusterman’s and Scott’s bill will guard against catastrophic risks of AI
1 day ago

Ciresi introduces legislation to rename Pottstown bridge in honor of fallen serviceman
1 day ago

McClinton, State House make history with historic gathering in Philadelphia
Sep 11, 2026

Smith-Wade-El announces $67K in museum funding
Sep 11, 2026

Smith-Wade-El to host Senior Health Fair Sept. 22
Sep 11, 2026

Rivera announces $127K in state funding for local museums
Sep 11, 2026

Grant Memo: Community Development, Fire & EMS, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Sep 10, 2026

Legislators pushing for healthcare coverage respond to new PENNIE enrollment numbers
Sep 10, 2026

Lawmakers examine service, needs of river pilots
Sep 08, 2026

Fritz, Fleming participate in inaugural Pennsylvania Legislative Exchange
Sep 04, 2026

Pa. House Consumer Protection Committee receives testimony on utility cybersecurity
Sep 02, 2026

Venkat to introduce legislation to create fairer healthcare contracts
Aug 31, 2026

Steele: Meta settlement is just one step in right direction
Aug 26, 2026

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera to hold grant workshop for small business and nonprofits Sept. 2
Aug 26, 2026

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Economic Development, Nonprofit Security, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2026

Burns: Dolly Parton touched the lives of many local children
Aug 25, 2026