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

News Center

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

(14 hours ago) 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

(14 hours ago) 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

(19 hours ago) 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

(1 day ago) 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

(1 day ago) 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

 

Smith-Wade-El community redevelopment bill signed into law

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 21 – Legislation to authorize the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to transfer the former Witmer Infirmary property in Millersville, Lancaster County, to a nonprofit group was signed into law Monday by Gov. Josh Shapiro, the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced. House Bill 2559, now Act 40 of 2026, will enable Student Lodging, Inc. to demolish the vacant Witmer Infirmary property and convert the site into a surface parking lot to serve students and the broader Millersville community, supporting the planned mixed-use development on the adjacent property. The legislation would also authorize other vacant state-owned properties to be returned to productive use while preserving protections for host communities: a former nursing home on Girard Avenue in Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Housing Authority. a parcel adjacent to I-99 in Centre County to Ferris Land Development. the Peace Church in Cumberland County to Friends of Peace Church. portions of the former Danville State Hospital to the Borough of Danville. part of the former Eastern Pa. Psychiatric Institute on Henry Avenue in Philadelphia to Gaudenzia Foundation. “The transfer of these state properties to nonprofit organizations and other community partners will bring many benefits to our local communities, including historic preservation, community revitalization and blight reduction,” Smith-Wade-El Read more

 

Governor signs Salisbury bill to allow remote work by employees of some state licensed employers

(1 day ago) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, July 21 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury and signed into law Monday will clear the way for employees of certain state licensees to work remotely, improving convenience for consumers and making it easier for employers to hire and retain workers. Act 35 of 2026 – signed by the governor on Monday – will permit employees whose employers are licensed under the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Act to work from off-site locations. “Technology is changing the way we do business, and our state employment laws need to keep pace,” Salisbury said. “Allowing these employees to work remotely will allow consumers to get help when they need it – even if a branch office is closed – and will help employers recruit and retain talented workers. The new law will also help workers in the field by eliminating commuting and other costs and providing them greater flexibility to navigate family and other life responsibilities.” Salisbury introduced the legislation together with state Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-Schuylkill. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Public School Facility Improvements, Multimodal Projects, Community Improvement, and Additional Grant Opportunities for Your District

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Grant Memo: Public School Facility Improvements, Multimodal Projects, Community Improvement, and Additional Grant Opportunities for Your District Read more

 

Pa. House Consumer Protection Committee receives testimony on safe water systems for Pennsylvanians

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, July 21 – On Monday, the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee held a public hearing examining the management of public water systems and prevention of waterborne illness, like Legionnaires’ disease. Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., chairman of the committee, called the hearing to collect the expertise of leaders in the health and science behind epidemiology, public water systems, and prevention of disease to ensure the safety of Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

Legislation to encourage small, efficient nuclear plants in Pa. signed into law

(1 day ago) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, July 21 – Legislation to promote nuclear development in Pennsylvania was signed into law Monday, announced state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., who sponsored the bill. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed H.B. 2017, which also was sponsored by Reps. Nate Davidson, D-Cumberland/Dauphin, Joe McAndrew, D-Allegheny, and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. The new law updates 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. The change will make building smaller, more efficient nuclear reactors more affordable in the commonwealth. “Pennsylvania has long been a national energy leader,” Giral said. “I am proud that the governor has taken swift action on our bill and signed it into law. The faster we can help the industry streamline here, the faster we see return on our investment. “Up-front capital needed to build new traditional reactors is prohibitively expensive, and this law meets the moment by recognizing small modular reactor development as the next important step in nuclear development and updating our current fee structure to make it more affordable for SMR developers to build here.” According to the lawmakers, traditional light-water nuclear reactors have sprawling footprints with multiple reactors per site. They take extensive time and money to construct and run. Read more

 

Carroll bill updating barber board quorum requirements signed into law

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Carroll bill updating barber board quorum requirements signed into law Read more

 

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus chairs applaud over $38 million in maternal health investments incorporated in PA 2026-27 budget

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus chairs applaud over $38 million in maternal health investments incorporated in PA 2026-27 budget Read more

 

Pielli’s bill to incentivize National Guard enlistment is now law

(Jul 20, 2026) Rep. Chris Pielli

“Pennsylvania’s Medical Officer and Health Officer Incentive Program provides additional financial incentives for skilled medical professionals to enlist in the Pennsylvania National Guard. The program was launched nearly a decade ago and since then has proven to be a meaningful tool for bringing highly qualified health professionals into our National Guard,” Pielli said. Read more

 

Film tax credits spur economic development, job growth

(Jul 20, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania offer unique landscapes, neighborhoods and settings that can’t be recreated elsewhere,” said Rep. Emily Kinkead, who represents portions of Allegheny County. “When production companies choose Pennsylvania, they're not just telling stories on screen — they're creating jobs, buying services, supporting local businesses and investing in our communities." Read more

 

Freeman bill to allow roadside assistance vehicles to use blue safety lights signed into law

(Jul 20, 2026) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Roadside assistance workers performing any roadside service while cars quickly pass by are at an increased risk of serious or fatal injuries. They deserve the same protections as tow truck drivers and flashing blue lights would provide motorists with a critical visual cue to slow down and move over. Read more

 

Gov. Shapiro signs Young’s anti-human trafficking bill into law

(Jul 20, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

New law will help combat human trafficking in PA by requiring training for hospitality workers Read more

 

Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes praises bipartisan state budget's investments in education, healthcare and maternal healthcare, and working Pennsylvanians

(Jul 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes praises bipartisan state budget's investments in education, healthcare and maternal healthcare, and working Pennsylvanians Read more

 

Friel, Ciresi introduce bill to create efficient, responsible IT system at Capitol

(Jul 17, 2026) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, July 17 – Two state representatives are introducing a bill to cut unnecessary IT spending across the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s four legislative caucuses to safeguard taxpayer dollars. State Reps. Paul Friel and Joe Ciresi said the UNITE Act would require state House and Senate Republicans and Democrats to work from the same IT providers, saving money and streamlining cybersecurity in Pennsylvania’s Capitol. “Having multiple expensive IT systems and Wi-Fi networks because of partisan mistrust is not a sustainable solution. However, there is an opportunity here – I believe we can save tax dollars and build a better working relationship with our colleagues across the aisle and in the other chamber,” said Friel, D-Chester. “We need to make sure that state government works efficiently for the people, and this is a good first step.” “In order to be better stewards of taxpayer dollars, we need to look for efficiencies and remove redundancies. The cost savings that would be achieved by combining the IT functions of all four caucuses in the House and Senate is something we should not pass up,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. This is not a new issue, the sponsors said. A 2010 statewide investigating grand jury, convened after the Bonusgate corruption scandal, recommended streamlining the legislature’s IT and purchasing operations and found that no witness could offer a Read more

 

Lackawanna legislators announce over $11M in state funding for regional construction projects

(Jul 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

SCRANTON, July 17 – State Reps. Bridget Kosierowski, Kyle Donahue and Kyle Mullins, in partnership with Sen. Marty Flynn , all D-Lackawanna, today announced that more than $11.1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding has been awarded to support critical construction and redevelopment projects throughout Lackawanna County. The funding will strengthen healthcare services, expand access to childcare and addiction recovery programs, improve community infrastructure, and support economic development across the region. The funding includes: $1 million for Wright Center Medical Group to design and construct a medical facility. $500,000 for Allied Services Foundation to replace elevator infrastructure. $400,000 for 712 Harrison LLC to redevelop a former apartment building to provide a women's outpatient and inpatient recovery center. $345,728 for United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania to modernize two of UNC's three childcare centers in Scranton. $1 million for Geisinger System Services to enhance/renovate the Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. $500,000 for Diamon 307 LLC’s construction of a second floor to the Lakeside NEPA Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center. $2 million for P & J Bros. LLC to demolish one existing commercial structure and erect three new steel buildings to increase operational efficiency and storage capacity. $3 million for Read more

 

Deasy announces $5.7 million in RACP grants for construction projects

(Jul 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, announced $5.7 million in state grants for six construction projects in the 27th District. Read more

 

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

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

Building starter homes near transit provides greater opportunities
19 hours ago

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

Shusterman’s military sexual trauma bill signed into law
1 day ago

Smith-Wade-El community redevelopment bill signed into law
1 day ago

Governor signs Salisbury bill to allow remote work by employees of some state licensed employers
1 day ago

Grant Memo: Public School Facility Improvements, Multimodal Projects, Community Improvement, and Additional Grant Opportunities for Your District
1 day ago

Pa. House Consumer Protection Committee receives testimony on safe water systems for Pennsylvanians
1 day ago

Legislation to encourage small, efficient nuclear plants in Pa. signed into law
1 day ago

Carroll bill updating barber board quorum requirements signed into law
1 day ago

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus chairs applaud over $38 million in maternal health investments incorporated in PA 2026-27 budget
1 day ago

Pielli’s bill to incentivize National Guard enlistment is now law
Jul 20, 2026

Film tax credits spur economic development, job growth
Jul 20, 2026

Freeman bill to allow roadside assistance vehicles to use blue safety lights signed into law
Jul 20, 2026

Gov. Shapiro signs Young’s anti-human trafficking bill into law
Jul 20, 2026

Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes praises bipartisan state budget's investments in education, healthcare and maternal healthcare, and working Pennsylvanians
Jul 17, 2026

Friel, Ciresi introduce bill to create efficient, responsible IT system at Capitol
Jul 17, 2026

Lackawanna legislators announce over $11M in state funding for regional construction projects
Jul 17, 2026

Deasy announces $5.7 million in RACP grants for construction projects
Jul 17, 2026