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

(6 hours ago) 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

(7 hours ago) 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

(7 hours ago) 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

(9 hours ago) 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

 

Madden: Coolbaugh Township to receive RACP grant funding for historic structure improvements

(9 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Madden: Coolbaugh Township to receive RACP grant funding for historic structure improvements Read more

 

Cephas announces $2.45 million in RACP grant funding for community

(10 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., announced $2.45 million in funding from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program for three projects in the 192nd Legislative District. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces $6M in state funding to support educational opportunities, create jobs, increase affordable housing

(12 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, July 17 – New funding of $6 million from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will go to schools, affordable housing initiatives and business development in the 49th Legislative District, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today. “These state investments will deliver wide-ranging and long-term benefits for our communities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “From increasing access to quality education at Thaddeus Stevens to creating affordable housing options and local business growth opportunities at the Crossings at Penn Ridge, this funding will help strengthen our workforce, support economic development and improve quality of life. I will continue advocating for state investments that address our communities’ needs and support their long-term goals.” The funding includes: $4 million for Thaddeus Stevens Foundation to renovate the Lancaster Almshouse to include extensive mechanical upgrades, ADA compliance, and outfitting the building to expand classrooms, lab space, and the Workforce Development Center. $2 million for Crossings at Penn Ridge LLC to develop commercial buildings, mixed-use buildings, and multi-family dwelling units in Millersville. RACP funds design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that have a regional impact and generate Read more

 

Rivera welcomes $6.8M for local construction projects: State grants fund affordable housing, educational and business development investments

(12 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, July 17 – New funding of $6.8 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program makes critical investments in affordable housing, educational and business development projects the 96th Legislative District, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today. “I advocated to fund these strategic investments to help fuel our economy, expand opportunities and increase affordable housing,” Rivera said. “By helping companies grow, supporting education and creating more affordable housing options, this funding is planting the seeds for a community where residents thrive and businesses succeed. I will continue to advocate for state investments that strengthen our communities and help our district reach its full potential.” $3.4 million for Ecore International Inc. to transform a 100-plus-year-old building into a modern corporate office. $2 million for Arconic US for its warehouse expansion and replacing its water piping. $1 million for Franklin & Marshall College to construct a wellness center. $400,000 for the College Avenue Property Holding Company LLC to rehabilitate the parking garage and the former UPMC building site to create affordable housing, retail and commercial space. RACP funds design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that have a regional impact and generate substantial Read more

 

Kazeem secures $4.8M for local construction projects: State grants fund community, educational and infrastructure investments

(12 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

CHESTER, July 17 – New funding of $4.8 million from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will support major construction, renovation and community development projects across the 159th Legislative District, state Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, announced today. “I’m beyond proud to have brought these dollars home,” Kazeem said. “The breadth of projects funded reflect our district’s rich diversity and respond to the needs of our communities. Whether it’s expanding educational opportunities, creating community gathering spaces or investing in infrastructure improvements, this funding will strengthen our neighborhoods, enhance our quality of life and energize our local economy. I’m committed to bringing back every single grant dollar to invest in projects that create opportunities for our residents.” $2.5 million for Widener University to renovate and modernize Latham Hall. Improvements will include construction of a masonry retaining wall, site grading to improve drainage, installation of an accessible entrance ramp and landscaping enhancements. $1.5 million for the Chester Upland School District to build a state-of-the-art athletic complex featuring an athletic training facility, grandstands, a concession stand, an eight-lane track, an artificial turf field and designated off-street parking. $500,000 for Monroe Energy LLC to install a new cooling tower to replace Read more

 

Hanbidge: $1.75M in grants secured for revitalization projects

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Hanbidge: $1.75M in grants secured for revitalization projects Read more

 

Waxman, lawmakers, advocates gather to discuss historic HIV decriminalization measure at Philadelphia FIGHT

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Waxman, lawmakers, advocates gather to discuss historic HIV decriminalization measure at Philadelphia FIGHT Read more

 

Design-Build Best Value legislation allows for better construction outcomes

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

We’ve seen rising costs in all walks of life, and construction is no exception,” Neilson said. “Design-build-best-value allows the most qualified teams to be awarded contracts, complete them in a timely manner and ensure Pennsylvania drivers have a safe commute without time-consuming road projects.Currently, because of a 2011 Commonwealth Court decision, all contract construction work must be awarded to the lowest bidder, even if that bidder is the least qualified for the project.DBBV is used successfully in many states and has been shown to speed up construction and reduce costs. Read more

 

Kazeem secures $39M for safer, modern wastewater disinfection system

(Jul 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 15 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, today announced the award of a $34 million low-interest state loan to help Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority replace its current chlorine gas-based disinfection system with a safer, ultraviolet light-based system. The benefits of the UV system will eliminate the need to use chlorine gas for wastewater disinfection, simplifying operations, removing the requirement for DELCORA’s chlorine risk management plan, and substantially improving facility operations and public safety. DELCORA will continue to use sodium hypochlorite for non-disinfection purposes, including return activated sludge treatment, chlorination, odor control, and utility water, as well as for backup disinfection. "This investment will help protect the health and safety of Delaware County residents while modernizing our wastewater treatment infrastructure," Kazeem said. "Replacing chlorine gas with a UV disinfection system reduces potential risks to workers, nearby communities, and the environment. I'm proud to support projects that make our public utilities safer, more efficient, and better equipped to serve our communities for years to come." PENNVEST is an independent agency that provides financial assistance for drinking water, sewer, and stormwater projects across Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Bill streamlining post-stillbirth paperwork headed to governor’s desk

(Jul 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 15 – On Sunday, the General Assembly passed legislation that will streamline fetal death paperwork for families who experience loss during a midwife-led birth. The bill, introduced by state Rep. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. “ This is an important moment for families who choose to have midwife-led birth journeys, or who have limited access to medical doctors because of where they live and the strength of their local healthcare system,” said Curry. “Right now, midwives are not allowed to sign required fetal death reports after a stillbirth delivery or infant death during birth. That means families are being forced to wait through an overly bureaucratic process while they grieve.” Under current law, if a death certificate is needed and no qualifying professional was present during the delivery, the case must be referred to the county coroner for investigation. Qualifying professionals include physicians, certified nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. According to Curry, adding midwives to this list not only streamlines the process, but also alleviates an emotional burden for families while recognizing the professional skills midwives bring to the birthing process. “Imagine going into labor only to experience the death of your expected child and then being asked to sit back and Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera urge Lancaster residents to get vaccinated against measles, stay informed with new dashboard

(Jul 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 15 – As Lancaster County experiences the largest measles outbreak in Pennsylvania in 2026, state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, are encouraging residents to get vaccinated against the disease and to stay informed about outbreaks through the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s new measles online dashboard. “We urge residents to protect themselves against the measles outbreak by getting vaccinated if they are unvaccinated and by staying informed about outbreaks using the Department of Health’s new online dashboard,” Smith-Wade-El and Rivera said in a joint statement. “We are grateful to the Department of Health for expanding public access to information and increasing transparency about measles cases in Pennsylvania.” Since the beginning of the year, Pennsylvania has reported 105 cases of measles. More than half of those cases — 63 — have been reported in Lancaster County. The new online dashboard provides up-to-date information on measles outbreaks across Pennsylvania, including case details by county, age and hospitalizations. The dashboard is updated every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon with the latest available data. The Department of Health currently provides school vaccination data at the county and state levels. In August, school-level vaccination information will be available online, giving families additional information to guide personal Read more

 

Pa.’s Solar for Schools renewed with $25M in new funds, marking 3rd consecutive year of investment

(Jul 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 15 – Pennsylvania’s popular Solar for Schools grant program was renewed for a third year in a row as part of the 2026-27 state budget, with $25 million in new funding allotted for it this year. The program represents a major public investment in clean energy that also delivers financial savings for schools, intermediate units and community colleges. It was introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., in 2024 and enjoys bipartisan support. "I’m so thrilled that more school districts will soon be able to bring home the transformational benefits of solar energy! This would not be possible without the support of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle and many, many advocates,” Fiedler said. “Our schools are not exempt from the affordability crisis facing Pennsylvania. My hope is that Solar for Schools offers a tool to help them combat rising, unpredictable energy costs and put the money toward what matters most: educating our young people.” More than 45 school districts across the commonwealth have already received funding to construct solar panels. The earliest awardees are now preparing to break ground as early as this summer. For the first time, school districts will be permitted to enter into power-purchase agreements (PPAs) with solar developers, which will allow schools to pursue solar arrays quickly and without up-front costs. The developer then installs and maintains Read more

 

Madden: More than $5M in PENNVEST funding coming to Monroe County for wastewater treatment plant

(Jul 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Madden: More than $5M in PENNVEST funding coming to Monroe County for wastewater treatment plant Read more

 

Bipartisan measure from Briggs, Kerwin to help police solve crimes included in state budget

(Jul 14, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 14 – State Reps. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, and Joe Kerwin, R-Dauphin, today announced that key provisions of their bipartisan Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods, to be known as the VICTIM Act, has been signed into law as part of the 2026-27 Fiscal Code. The Fiscal Code, signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on Sunday, establishes a new grant program through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to help local law enforcement agencies improve clearance rates for homicides and other violent crimes. The state budget also includes $2.5 million to fund the initiative. The new program will provide grants to help law enforcement agencies hire and retain detectives and investigators, invest in evidence-analysis technology and other investigative tools, and strengthen support for victims and families impacted by unsolved violent crime. "Every victim deserves justice, and every family deserves answers," Briggs said. "The VICTIM Act is about giving law enforcement the resources they need to solve more violent crimes, hold offenders accountable and make our communities safer. I'm proud to have worked with Rep. Kerwin on this bipartisan effort, and I'm grateful that these provisions are now law. This investment will help departments across Pennsylvania strengthen investigations, improve public safety and provide hope for families who have waited far too long for Read more

 

New guardrails for noxious commercial waste in place for farmland, neighbors

(Jul 14, 2026) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, July 14 – New guardrails regulating the use of food processing residuals are now law in Pennsylvania after being included in the newly passed state budget, establishing necessary oversight for commercial food waste that is disposed of on some farms. State Rep. Paul Friel, who advanced the proposal with bipartisan support, said that he was glad to see the General Assembly take action on a pervasive problem in the state. "For four years I've been working with stakeholders and with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to pass protective legislation. The process was extensive and worthwhile, because it led us to legislation that could pass with wide support, be signed into law, and get the job done," said 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. The results of spreading FPR on farmland have included noxious odors, air quality problems and contaminated drinking water. 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. "By embedding these Read more

 

Kosierowski praises bipartisan budget’s historic investments in education and healthcare in 2026-27 state budget

(Jul 14, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 14 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierwoski, D-Lackawanna, highlighted the 2026-27 state budget’s historic investments in education and support for Pennsylvania’s healthcare system. “A high-quality education is the foundation for life-long success,” Kosierowski said. “This budget will ensure that all Pennsylvania’s students have access to educational opportunities that will help them adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive global workforce.” The budget makes a $670 million investment statewide in education, which includes a $565 million increase to help rectify historic funding discrepancies and a $58 million increase in basic education and $47 increase in special education funding, to ensure every student can succeed. Kosierowski said the school districts in the 114th Legislative District will benefit from significant funding increases: $1.3 million or 10.5% increase for Abington Heights School District $141,000 or 1.7% increase for Lackawanna Trail School District $388,000 or 4.7% increase for Lakeland School District $1 million or 9.3% increase for Mid Valley School District $11.1 million or 9.9% increase for Scranton School District Kosierowski also praised the budget’s increased support for key healthcare programs: $615.2 million or 7% increase, for Medical Assistance managed care program $484.7 million or 16.1% increase, for Medical Assistance Capitation $130.5 Read more

 

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

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

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

Deasy announces $5.7 million in RACP grants for construction projects
9 hours ago

Madden: Coolbaugh Township to receive RACP grant funding for historic structure improvements
9 hours ago

Cephas announces $2.45 million in RACP grant funding for community
10 hours ago

Smith-Wade-El announces $6M in state funding to support educational opportunities, create jobs, increase affordable housing
12 hours ago

Rivera welcomes $6.8M for local construction projects: State grants fund affordable housing, educational and business development investments
12 hours ago

Kazeem secures $4.8M for local construction projects: State grants fund community, educational and infrastructure investments
12 hours ago

Hanbidge: $1.75M in grants secured for revitalization projects
1 day ago

Waxman, lawmakers, advocates gather to discuss historic HIV decriminalization measure at Philadelphia FIGHT
1 day ago

Design-Build Best Value legislation allows for better construction outcomes
1 day ago

Kazeem secures $39M for safer, modern wastewater disinfection system
Jul 15, 2026

Bill streamlining post-stillbirth paperwork headed to governor’s desk
Jul 15, 2026

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera urge Lancaster residents to get vaccinated against measles, stay informed with new dashboard
Jul 15, 2026

Pa.’s Solar for Schools renewed with $25M in new funds, marking 3rd consecutive year of investment
Jul 15, 2026

Madden: More than $5M in PENNVEST funding coming to Monroe County for wastewater treatment plant
Jul 15, 2026

Bipartisan measure from Briggs, Kerwin to help police solve crimes included in state budget
Jul 14, 2026

New guardrails for noxious commercial waste in place for farmland, neighbors
Jul 14, 2026

Kosierowski praises bipartisan budget’s historic investments in education and healthcare in 2026-27 state budget
Jul 14, 2026