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Sappey encouraged by state’s escalated response to Phorid flies in Chester County

(11 hours ago) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Rep. Christina Sappey today said she is encouraged by actions announced Monday evening by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to combat phorid flies. A quarantine order put in place in January 2025 for mushroom farms in New Garden and Kennett townships will now be expanded to include all of Chester County. The order will also include best management practice requirements and accountability measures. The Shapiro administration has made $1 million in state funds available to those growers in need of resources to comply with the order through the Chester County Conservation District, which includes the creation of an additional local staff position to monitor compliance and accountability. “The increased resources the department is deploying to combat the phorid fly issue in our county demonstrate the high level of commitment necessary to support not only our residents but also our mushroom growers who are in need of resources,” Sappey said. “In particular, the accountability measures included in the order, combined with the continued research being done by Penn State, will deliver positive results for our southern Chester County communities.” According to the updated order, growers must keep records of treatments and the number of insects present. In addition to steam treatment, growers must also implement one of five additional treatments that industry Read more

 

Briggs praises state Supreme Court sentencing decision

(13 hours ago) Rep. Tim Briggs

“Since the felony murder rule has been deemed unconstitutional by the court, we in the legislature must act, and the court has given us 120 days to consider appropriate remedial measures to halt the constitutional violations being experienced by the approximately 1,100 people serving life sentences under this rule. I am especially grateful that the court has made it clear that ‘offenders convicted of second-degree murder must receive a meaningful consideration of release, based upon their individual culpability and the circumstances surrounding their crime.’ Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee chairs introduce legislation to start AI public education campaign

(13 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 26 – Legislation to create a campaign to educate Pennsylvanians about the potential benefits and risks of artificial intelligence was introduced as H.B. 2314 this week by the House Communications & Technology Committee chairs, state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Jason Ortitay, R- Washington/Allegheny. “AI is a double-edged technology offering opportunities for greater productivity while requiring the knowledge to know when it’s misused,” Ciresi said. “Pennsylvania residents, from the very young to our seniors, need to be educated about this constantly evolving technology so that they can leverage its capabilities and protect themselves from being misled or manipulated by it.” According to the chairs, the legislation would create a campaign that would aim at educating the general public and vulnerable populations such as seniors and children about the uses and misuses of AI. The campaign would address various topics, including how to identify AI-generated content, avoiding scams that use AI, understanding responsible behavior when engaging with AI chatbots, protecting personal data when using AI, being aware of bias and misinformation ingrained in AI programs, and protecting children from AI misuses. “Many people do not fully understand AI,” Ortitay said. “This legislation will increase knowledge as it is becoming part of everyday life. While AI has many benefits, it can also be used Read more

 

House approves Family Care Act

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

In bipartisan fashion, the House today approved a bill sponsored by state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, to bring economic stability to more working families by creating a family and medical leave insurance program in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Rusnock bill to boost flood insurance awareness passes House

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, D-Berks, that would require insurance companies to disclose the availability and cost of flood insurance to homeowners has passed the House. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety

(1 day ago) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, March 25 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, to improve rail safety for both workers and the communities trains pass through. “It’s been three years since the catastrophe in East Palestine. We can’t sit around and wait for that to happen again,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “I am glad the House took action to prevent the next rail disaster and make our communities and families safer by passing this bill. H.B. 1191 is a way we can start to reduce derailments and protect workers, first responders and community residents.” Matzie introduced H.B. 1191 to improve public safety at railroad crossings. The bill comes after a February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released toxic chemicals, causing widespread environmental and health concerns. This bill would: Prohibit trains from blocking crossings, which could delay emergency responders. This can ensure faster response times. Limit the length of freight or work trains to 8,500 feet, or approximately 1.6 miles. Require safe staffing levels for trains or light engines, including a minimum of a two-person crew on a train or light engine. Authorize a union representative to monitor safety practices and operations of a railroad, which would allow a representative to take Read more

 

House passes bill to protect disability accommodations under Right-to-Know Law

(1 day ago) Rep. Liz Hanbidge

“This legislation closes a gap in the law and protects individuals who rely on assistive tools to perform their duties,” Hanbidge said. “No one should have to worry that using a device or accommodation to participate fully in public service could expose sensitive or personal information.” Read more

 

Advocates speak out in support of Smith-Wade-El, Neilson’s Legionnaires’ disease legislation

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 25 – Patient advocates, disease experts, and water management officials joined state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Ed Neilson, D-Phila., at a news conference Monday at the Capitol in support of the legislators’ H.B. 2085, which is aimed at stopping the spread of a severe type of pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease, that is on the rise in Pennsylvania. The disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which are found in freshwater, including water that supplies public water systems. Disease symptoms include high fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, headaches, and diarrhea. Smokers, the elderly, those with asthma, and those with chronic lung disease or suppressed immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the disease. “Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of Legionnaires’ infection and illness in the country, with case rates increasing over 65% over a five-year period and claiming 10% of the lives of those infected, according to the CDC,” Smith-Wade-El said. “It’s time for Pennsylvania to step up to protect its residents’ water sources, so we’ve introduced legislation that would require government agencies, public water systems and some building owners to maintain new minimum standards to better prevent, detect, and control cases of Legionnaires’ disease.” At the press conference, Neilson spoke about his personal experience contracting the disease and Gwen Read more

 

Bill would tie Pennsylvania lawmakers’ salaries to minimum wage

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Each year, no matter what they’ve accomplished in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania lawmakers get a raise.State law has required a yearly increase since 1995 as a way to prevent lawmakers from enriching themselves. The increase is based on an annual cost-of-living-adjustment that matches the federal consumer inflation figure for mid-Atlantic urban areas.Last year, that meant a 3.25% increase — making the $113,500 annual salary the highest in the nation for full-time lawmakers.Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, which has sat at $7.25 since 2009, is the lowest in the nation.Rep. Emilky Kinkead (D-Allegheny) and Rep. G. Roni Green (D-Philadelphia) want to change that by tying lawmakers’ salaries to the state’s lowest-paid workers. The two proposed a bill this week that would require the state’s minimum wage to rise at the same rate as salaries in the General Assembly. Read more

 

Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus Launched in Harrisburg

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Republican and Democratic lawmakers launched the Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus today in Harrisburg.Pennsylvania ranks 11th in the nation for most reported cases on the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Shared Hope International, an anti-sex trafficking advocacy group, gave the commonwealth an “F” on their 2025 reportcard.“Government is chaotic right now. Everywhere, including here, let’s be honest. But when we can focus on a singular goal to ensure that we are working towards reestablishing that dignity and humanity– It shows up like this,” said Rep. Regina Young, a Democrat for parts of Philadelphia and Delaware counties. Read more

 

Pa. lawmakers announce caucus to fight human trafficking

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State lawmakers have launched a bipartisan caucus focused on combatting human trafficking. The goal is to facilitate passing legislation to address the issue, according to a statement issued following a news conference to promote the eight-person panel. Read more

 

Pennsylvania lawmakers launch first Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania ranks as one of the top states for human trafficking, and a new bipartisan caucus looks to squash the crime. Lawmakers from both the House and Senate gather Tuesday in Harrisburg to launch the Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus, the first of its kind in the United States. Battling human trafficking has brought Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, together. It’s an uncomfortable topic that most in society avoid, lawmakers fear, which helps bad actors get away with an estimated $150 billion a year worldwide crime.“From my perspective on this, trying to avoid another Epstein situation,” said Rep. Danilo Burgos (D-Philadelphia).“The more we work together, the better the outcome for people, “said State Rep. Regina Young (D-Philadelphia/Delaware). “Because once again, regardless of the titles, we are all people serving people.” Read more

 

First-ever data center regulations in Pennsylvania history pass House

(Mar 24, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 24 – On Tuesday, the PA House passed H.B. 1834, legislation that would create the first-ever regulatory framework for data centers in Pennsylvania. The bill is a multifaceted response that would protect ratepayers from even higher utility bills, increase the construction of renewable energy, and fund low-income energy assistance programs. The bill was introduced by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver.Pennsylvania has become a site of interest for widespread data center development, yet the Commonwealth currently has no statewide standards for data centers and lacks oversight of these facilities.As a result, ratepayers are often left footing the bill for upgrades to grid infrastructure required by large-load projects like data centers. The immense amount of energy needed to power data centers is also a major driver of rising energy prices, which have increased faster than inflation over the past six years. Consequently, one in six Pennsylvania families are struggling to keep up with their bills, and utility shutoffs rose 38% in 2025. Read more

 

PA House passes Dawkins' bill to raise minimum wage

(Mar 24, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 24 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to pass comprehensive legislation to raise the minimum wage for workers across the state. House Bill 2189 , sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dawkins, would increase the statewide minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $11 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2027. The minimum wage would then increase to $13 per hour in 2028 and $15 per hour in 2029, followed by annual cost-of-living adjustments. In addition, the bill would give counties the option to implement a $15-per-hour wage sooner and set the minimum wage for tipped employees at 60% of the statewide minimum wage. “It’s been my mission to provide a living wage for all working Pennsylvanians, and this bill passing the House is a huge step forward in that mission,” Dawkins said. “If you work hard, you shouldn’t have to worry about your next meal or having a roof over your head. Pennsylvania needs a minimum wage suitable for everyone, not just to survive, but to thrive in our state.” The last time Pennsylvania raised its minimum wage was in 2009, when the federal minimum wage increased to $7.25 per hour. Since that time, all neighboring states have raised their wages and inflation has increased more than 50%, all while Pennsylvania has remained stagnant. “Research shows that increasing the minimum wage does not lead to job losses or business Read more

 

Pa. House OK’s Probst plan to extend veterans tax exemption

(Mar 24, 2026) Rep. Tarah Probst

"This is a vital step in expanding access to property tax relief and ensuring no eligible veteran or surviving spouse is left behind,” Probst said. Read more

 

Burns’ American-made flag bill advances in House

(Mar 24, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

A bipartisan bill sponsored by state Rep. Frank Burns that would require all American flags purchased and displayed by the commonwealth to be made in America cleared a key legislative hurdle today. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to protect utility consumers from data center-driven rate hikes

(Mar 24, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, March 24 – With the commonwealth seeing a sharp rise in data center development, the Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie that would ensure the centers’ massive energy demands do not drive up Pennsylvanians’ electricity bills. Matzie, who is chair of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.B. 1834 so the state can get the right regulatory framework in place now, as proposals for new data centers continue to mount. “Normally, if an electric company adds poles and wires or equipment, we all share in the costs. That’s because it’s making the delivery system better for all of us,” Matzie said. “That’s not the case with data centers. No one’s electric bill should ever go up because a data center has located in Pennsylvania, but we need to plan ahead to make sure that doesn’t happen. “It’s possible to protect ratepayers while still allowing the commonwealth to reap the tremendous economic benefits data centers can bring. Those goals are not mutually exclusive – as long as we get the right regulatory framework in place. My bill would do that.” Matzie said his bill would: Make sure that all costs incurred by data centers to get their electricity is paid for by them – not households and small businesses. Require data centers to contribute to universal service programs and supplement Read more

 

Transportation Committee OKs Freeman bill to allow roadside assistance vehicles to use blue safety lights

(Mar 24, 2026) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

"It is important that roadside assistance vehicles be provided the same opportunity to operate blue safety lights as they carry out their often-hazardous duties in aiding stranded motorists along Pennsylvania roads and highways,” Freeman said. Read more

 

Shusterman, Davis honor Mae Krier, Rosie the Riveter Day

(Mar 24, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 24 – State Reps. Melissa Shusterman and Tina Davis honored Bristol resident Mae Krier, a trailblazing member of the “Rosie the Riveter” generation, in celebration of her 100th birthday and her lifelong advocacy on behalf of women who supported the nation during World War II. The recognition took place in conjunction with H.R. 385, which designated March 21, 2026, as “Rosie the Riveter Day” in Pennsylvania. The resolution commemorated the millions of American women who entered the workforce during World War II to support the war effort, filling critical roles in manufacturing, industry, and military support services. These women, many of whom lived and worked across Pennsylvania, played a vital role in securing victory and reshaping the nation’s workforce. “It is my honor to recognize Rosie the Riveter Day here in Pennsylvania,” Shusterman said. “Mae Krier's tireless advocacy for the Rosies to receive the accolades they deserve has always been inspiring to me. At a time when some people are attempting to erase our shared history, it is more important than ever to elevate all the trailblazers and women who have come before us.” Davis emphasized the importance of recognizing both Krier’s legacy and the broader impact of the Rosie the Riveter generation. “Mae Krier represents the very best of this Read more

 

Williams’ bill ensuring juvenile protections on federal property unanimously passes PA House

(Mar 24, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Dan Williams to ensure juveniles on military bases are handled through the appropriate state juvenile justice systems unanimously passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. Read more

 

Sappey encouraged by state’s escalated response to Phorid flies in Chester County
11 hours ago

Briggs praises state Supreme Court sentencing decision
13 hours ago

House Communications & Technology Committee chairs introduce legislation to start AI public education campaign
13 hours ago

House approves Family Care Act
1 day ago

Rusnock bill to boost flood insurance awareness passes House
1 day ago

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety
1 day ago

House passes bill to protect disability accommodations under Right-to-Know Law
1 day ago

Advocates speak out in support of Smith-Wade-El, Neilson’s Legionnaires’ disease legislation
1 day ago

Bill would tie Pennsylvania lawmakers’ salaries to minimum wage
1 day ago

Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus Launched in Harrisburg
1 day ago

Pa. lawmakers announce caucus to fight human trafficking
1 day ago

Pennsylvania lawmakers launch first Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus
1 day ago

First-ever data center regulations in Pennsylvania history pass House
Mar 24, 2026

PA House passes Dawkins' bill to raise minimum wage
Mar 24, 2026

Pa. House OK’s Probst plan to extend veterans tax exemption
Mar 24, 2026

Burns’ American-made flag bill advances in House
Mar 24, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to protect utility consumers from data center-driven rate hikes
Mar 24, 2026

Transportation Committee OKs Freeman bill to allow roadside assistance vehicles to use blue safety lights
Mar 24, 2026

Shusterman, Davis honor Mae Krier, Rosie the Riveter Day
Mar 24, 2026

Williams’ bill ensuring juvenile protections on federal property unanimously passes PA House
Mar 24, 2026