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Tiburcio sworn in to serve PA’s 22nd Legislative District after special election

(11 minutes ago) Rep. Ana Tiburcio

Tiburcio was elected to the office on Feb. 24 in a special election. She replaces Josh Siegel, who resigned at the end of 2025 to become Lehigh County executive. Read more

 

PA House OKs Rusnock bill to expand solar energy to warehouses and distribution centers

(18 minutes ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, D-Berks, announced that her bill to expand solar energy through e-commerce growth passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Read more

 

Rivera encourages residents to attend PUC hearing on UGI’s proposed rate increase

(1 hour ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, March 23 – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will hold an in-person public hearing about UGI-Utilities, Inc.-Gas Division’s proposed rate increase at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. March 30 in the Manheim Township Public Library Morgan Center, 595 Granite Run Drive. Rivera will offer comments at the 6 p.m. hearing. Rivera said the hearings are being held in response to UGI’s planned substantial rate increase in operating revenues by 8.5%, or approximately $99.368 million. Under the proposal, the average monthly bill for a residential customer using 68.7 hundred cubic feet of natural gas would increase 8.7%, from $113.64 to $123.55 per month. In September 2025 , the PUC approved a 8.9%, or $69.5 million UGI rate increase--$40.9 million less than the 14.1%, or $110.4 million that the company originally requested. The monthly customer charge rose by 6.7%, or to $110.51 from $103.57. The rate hike took effect Oct. 28, 2025. According to UGI, the requested increase would allow the company to receive a fair return on proposed investments, including PUC-approved infrastructure replacement programs; enhanced information technology systems; recovery of operating expenses associated with providing gas distribution service; extension of its Weather Normalization Adjustment pilot; and incorporation of weather calculation into its rate design. On Feb. 19, the PUC formally suspended the proposed rate Read more

 

Neilson applauds literacy advocates working to endorse literacy programs across the state

(2 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., today thanked the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition, school and district leaders, literacy advocates, and lawmakers from across the commonwealth for reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality, evidence-based literacy programs. Read more

 

Neilson applauds literacy advocates working to endorse literacy programs across the state

(4 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., today thanked the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition, school and district leaders, literacy advocates, and lawmakers from across the commonwealth for reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality, evidence-based literacy programs. Since beginning his career in public service, Neilson has worked on various initiatives to highlight the importance of literacy programs in Pennsylvania. In 2014, Neilson’s legislation to create a dyslexia screening pilot program was signed into law by Gov. Tom Corbett, making it the first program of its kind in the commonwealth. In 2020, a federal bill modeled after this program was introduced in the U.S. Congress. “Every child in the commonwealth deserves to have a strong educational foundation that leads to a secure and successful future. That foundation is literacy. With literacy programs, children aren’t just learning new words; they are learning comprehension and critical thinking skills. Reading introduces them to new concepts, enhances creativity, and encourages them to think outside the box,” Neilson said. Read more

 

Briggs’ radon testing bill approved by committee

(4 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 23 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Tim Briggs that would require radon testing and mitigation in Pennsylvania schools has been approved by the PA House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee. House Bill 289 , which is a bipartisan bill co prime sponsored by state Rep. Jason Ortitay (R- Allegheny/Washington), now advances to the full House for consideration. “Ensuring the safety and health of students and school staff is a fundamental responsibility,” Briggs said. “H.B. 289 establishes clear standards for radon testing and mitigation in our schools, protecting communities across Pennsylvania. I am encouraged by the bipartisan support this bill received and look forward to continued progress in the full House.” Radon is a radioactive, colorless, and odorless gas that forms naturally from decaying radium in the soil and can enter buildings through cracks in foundations. Pennsylvania’s geology places residents at a higher risk of exposure, and the Radon in Schools Workgroup estimates that as many as two in five schools may have unhealthy radon levels. This invisible gas poses a serious long-term health risk, ranking just behind smoking as a leading cause of lung cancer nationwide. Damage can occur gradually and without obvious symptoms, even when concentrations are relatively low. The risk is heightened for children, whose bodies are still developing and Read more

 

Legislators introduce bill to make taxes easier for small businesses

(6 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 23 – After the success of a recent pilot by the PA Department of Revenue, state Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Steve Samuelson have introduced legislation to codify a program that would instantly remit sales tax to the state. The legislation, H.B. 2300 , would officially establish the use of software that collects sales and use tax in real time for each transaction and sends it to the Department of Revenue, taking the burden of handling sales and use tax off the taxpayer. “As a small business owner myself, I know convenience and predictability can be hard to come by when you run a business,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “This legislation would afford our small businesses just that, while ensuring 100% compliance among those who use it. This is a solution that clearly makes work easier for the businesses that fuel our economy and the state government.” Cepeda-Freytiz previously owned Mi Casa Su Casa Café, a breakfast and lunch café in downtown Reading that opened in 2007. The legislation would also allow the Department of Revenue to mandate use of the software for taxpayers with certain arrearages, with the first-year costs covered by the department. After the pilot program, three out of four participants chose to continue using the software at their own expense. House Bill 2300 has been referred to the House Finance Committee, chaired by Samuelson. The Finance Read more

 

Legislators congratulate Wyomissing dispensary on reaching labor agreement

(Mar 19, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

WYOMISSING, March 19 – State Reps. Emily Kinkead, Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, and Napoleon Nelson congratulated the workers of Teamsters Local 429 and their president, Bill Shappell, along with the leadership at Sunnyside Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Wyomissing, on reaching a labor agreement on Tuesday, March 17. The labor agreement comes as the future of cannabis access, employment, and entrepreneurship remains a legislative priority in Harrisburg. Such agreements between labor and cannabis operators are a central component to legislation the legislators said they hope will finally legalize adult-use cannabis in PA, achieving Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget priority and bringing the Commonwealth in line with neighboring states. House Bill 20 , offered by Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Rep. Abby Major, R-Armstrong, presents a bipartisan path to legalizing adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania and includes a requirement that dispensaries execute labor peace agreements in order to receive licenses. These contracts between the employer and a union require employers not to interfere with efforts of employees to organize in exchange for concessions like avoiding labor disruptions through strikes, picketing, or lockouts. “Cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania is estimated to create around 30,000 family-sustaining jobs in our Commonwealth and ensuring that those workers have access to a union if they want one, free from any employer interference, only makes Read more

 

Legislation to reform short-term rentals introduced in state House

(Mar 19, 2026) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, March 19 -- State Reps. Lindsay Powell, Jennifer M. O’Mara and Mary Jo Daley today introduced legislation to establish a statewide regulatory framework for short-term rentals across Pennsylvania. The legislation, H.B. 2303 , is based on recommendations from a nonpartisan, independent study conducted by the Joint State Government Commission, which was directed by a 2024 House Resolution sponsored by Powell and O’Mara. The bill aims to create consistent, baseline standards for short-term rental properties while preserving flexibility for local communities. “On New Year’s Eve, a member of our community was seriously injured in a violent incident at a short-term rental in my district. This was the second such event in the same neighborhood in recent years – the prior taking the lives of two teenagers,” said Powell , D-Allegheny. “That is why, two years ago, Rep. O’Mara and I led passage of a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of the short-term rental industry and develop recommendations for a statewide framework. “Today, we are proud to introduce legislation that turns those recommendations into action. This bill strikes a necessary balance of protecting public safety, supporting responsible operators, and ensuring transparency for local officials and law enforcement. As short-term rentals continue to grow across Pennsylvania, we have a Read more

 

Lancaster County legislators announce state funding to combat sexual violence on college campuses

(Mar 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, March 18 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today highlighted new “It’s On Us PA” funding awarded to combat sexual violence and support survivors on college campuses in their districts. Millersville University in Smith-Wade-El’s district received $40,000 and Franklin and Marshall College in Rivera’s district received $21,795. “Sexual violence is a human rights abuse , a form of discrimination, and a manifestation of unequal power,” Smith-Wade-El and Rivera said. “The ‘It’s On Us’ program plays a critical role in making Pennsylvania a more equal commonwealth by raising awareness among students about consent as a basic human right and providing healing support to survivors. This money helps to ensure that the ‘It’s On Us’ program will continue to help make our higher educational learning environments safe spaces for everyone.” The Shapiro administration awarded more than $1.7 million in this round of funding to 43 institutions statewide. Since 2023, nearly $5 million has been invested in “It’s On Us PA” initiatives focused on education, prevention, and survivor support. The “It’s On Us PA” program builds on a national initiative launched to raise awareness about sexual assault, promote consent education, and encourage bystander intervention. The state-level campaign brings together Read more

 

Testifiers emphasize the role of grid modernization in curbing rising energy costs

(Mar 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 17 – On Monday, PA House Energy Committee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., convened a public hearing to discuss ways to modernize and upgrade Pennsylvania’s electric grid using lower-cost, high-efficiency solutions.Members of the committee heard testimony from industry experts on H.B. 2223, which would encourage the adoption of advanced transmission technologies, and H.B. 2264, which would establish a virtual power plant program in Pennsylvania. ATTs and VPPs offer cost-effective opportunities to strengthen grid reliability, expand capacity, and ensure energy costs are kept as low as possible for consumers and small businessesPennsylvania’s energy demand is being driven higher by the rapid expansion of data centers that support artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the increasing electrification of vehicles and household appliances, and the power needs of advanced manufacturing. This demand shift has already led to record increases in energy bills for regular households, with shutoffs increasing by 38% in 2025. To keep pace, the Commonwealth’s electric grid requires significant and timely capacity upgrades. Read more

 

Legislators, advocates call for Family Care Act passage

(Mar 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, Lisa Borowski, and Napoleon Nelson were joined by child and family advocates this week at a news conference to urge the passage of bipartisan legislation to create a family and medical leave insurance program in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Goughnour sponsors bill to keep more law enforcement officers on the job through binding arbitration

(Mar 12, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-Allegheny, today announced that he has introduced bipartisan legislation that would help keep law enforcement officers on the job by allowing more officers to access binding arbitration Read more

 

Lawmakers discuss expansion of eligibility for prescription assistance program

(Mar 11, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Pa. —House Democrats on Tuesday discussed the idea of raising the income cap for eligible seniors to participate in a prescription drug assistance program, a proposal aimed at preventing many Pennsylvanians from having to make tough choices about affording life-saving drugs or food and other expenses. Read more

 

House Judiciary Committee advances bills to strengthen civil rights and protect LGBTQ+ communities

(Mar 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 10 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee voted to advance legislation aimed at strengthening civil rights protections, modernizing state law, and improving the fairness of Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system. “As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to ensure our laws reflect both our shared values and the realities of today,” said House Judiciary Committee Chair Tim Briggs. “These bills address longstanding gaps in our statutes, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure our justice system treats people fairly while keeping Pennsylvanians safe.” House Bill 300 (Sponsored by Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta) — Also known as the Fairness Act, this legislation would update Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination law to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in areas such as housing, education and public accommodations. “Pennsylvania is better when it’s fairer. That’s not a slogan, that’s who we are at our best. And right now, with hundreds of bills across this country targeting LGBTQ+ Americans just for being who they are, we have a chance to prove it by again passing the Fairness Act with bipartisan support,” Kenyatta said. “In Pennsylvania, every single person deserves to be safe — no matter who you love or who you are.” House Bill 632 (Sponsored by Rep. Ben Waxman) Read more

 

House Judiciary Committee advances bills to strengthen civil rights and protect LGBTQ+ communities

(Mar 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 10 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee voted to advance legislation aimed at strengthening civil rights protections, modernizing state law, and improving the fairness of Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system. “As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to ensure our laws reflect both our shared values and the realities of today,” said House Judiciary Committee Chair Tim Briggs. “These bills address longstanding gaps in our statutes, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure our justice system treats people fairly while keeping Pennsylvanians safe.” House Bill 300 (Sponsored by Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta) — Also known as the Fairness Act, this legislation would update Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination law to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in areas such as housing, education and public accommodations. “Pennsylvania is better when it’s fairer. That’s not a slogan, that’s who we are at our best. And right now, with hundreds of bills across this country targeting LGBTQ+ Americans just for being who they are, we have a chance to prove it by again passing the Fairness Act with bipartisan support,” Kenyatta said. “In Pennsylvania, every single person deserves to be safe — no matter who you love or who you are.” House Bill 632 (Sponsored by Rep. Ben Waxman) Read more

 

PLBC announces Crystal Bird Fauset Award honorees

(Mar 09, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 9 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus has announced four honorees for the 2026 Crystal Bird Fauset Award, which recognizes the contributions of Black women as leaders across Pennsylvania. This year’s honorees include: Ciera Dent , Mayor of Steelton Borough Marita Garrett , former Mayor of Wilkinsburg Borough and current CEO, Civically Inc. La Tasha Williams , Judge of the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Jamila Winder , Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Chair “These phenomenal leaders embody the spirit of service, resilience and dedication to justice and opportunity for all,” said state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, Chair of the PLBC. “Their work continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers and reflects the powerful legacy of public leadership in our communities.” The award is named for former Rep. Crystal Bird Fauset, who was the first Black female state legislator elected in the United States. The award honorees will be recognized online on March 26. The event will be streamed on the PLBC Facebook account . Read more

 

PA House Democratic leaders' statement on PSP trooper death

(Mar 09, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, MARCH 9 – Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders today issued the following statement on the tragic death in the line of duty of Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Timothy O’Connor: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Timothy O'Connor, who was killed during a traffic stop in Chester County. Our hearts are with his wife, child and loved ones, and all PA State Police troopers. We are eternally grateful for the service of our law enforcement, who put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe.” ### Read more

 

Venkat and Powell to introduce legislation to create exemption for state ID renewal fees

(Mar 09, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 9 – Many older Pennsylvanians face health conditions that make it unsafe for them to continue driving, which often leads them to surrender their driver’s licenses and receive a free state photo identification card. However, subsequent renewals of these cards include a fee, which state Reps. Arvind Venkat and Lindsay Powell , both D-Allegheny, intend to remedy. The Pittsburgh-area legislators plan to introduce legislation that would exempt Pennsylvanians age 65 or older that have surrendered their driver’s license for medical reasons from the fees associated with renewing their state photo ID. “Giving up a driver’s license can be difficult, especially when it is due to a medical condition,” said Venkat. “We do not need to add an extra cost for seniors during this challenging situation. This legislation will allow older Pennsylvanians to make the responsible decision to surrender their license without the burden of additional financial hardship.” “When many of our older neighbors live on fixed incomes, we should not be charging them unreasonable fees that could go toward health care, groceries, transportation, or any other costs they may have,” said Powell. The current fee to renew a photo ID, as of July 2025 , is $44.50. Over 20% of Pennsylvanians — nearly 2.6 million people — are aged 65 or older, one of the highest shares in the Read more

 

House Energy Committee advances two bills strengthening transparency and community protections related to data centers

(Mar 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 6 - On Monday, the House Energy Committee, chaired by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., advanced H.B. 2150 and H.B. 2151. If enacted, these bills would strengthen transparency and protections for communities navigating nearby data center proposals.Fiedler said major tech companies have ushered in the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video streaming within the last five years, resulting in a data center development boom. Communities across Pennsylvania are now grappling with proposals from developers to site data centers, which require a tremendous amount of energy and water. Read more

 

Tiburcio sworn in to serve PA’s 22nd Legislative District after special election
11 minutes ago

PA House OKs Rusnock bill to expand solar energy to warehouses and distribution centers
18 minutes ago

Rivera encourages residents to attend PUC hearing on UGI’s proposed rate increase
1 hour ago

Neilson applauds literacy advocates working to endorse literacy programs across the state
2 hours ago

Neilson applauds literacy advocates working to endorse literacy programs across the state
4 hours ago

Briggs’ radon testing bill approved by committee
4 hours ago

Legislators introduce bill to make taxes easier for small businesses
6 hours ago

Legislators congratulate Wyomissing dispensary on reaching labor agreement
Mar 19, 2026

Legislation to reform short-term rentals introduced in state House
Mar 19, 2026

Lancaster County legislators announce state funding to combat sexual violence on college campuses
Mar 18, 2026

Testifiers emphasize the role of grid modernization in curbing rising energy costs
Mar 18, 2026

Legislators, advocates call for Family Care Act passage
Mar 17, 2026

Goughnour sponsors bill to keep more law enforcement officers on the job through binding arbitration
Mar 12, 2026

Lawmakers discuss expansion of eligibility for prescription assistance program
Mar 11, 2026

House Judiciary Committee advances bills to strengthen civil rights and protect LGBTQ+ communities
Mar 10, 2026

House Judiciary Committee advances bills to strengthen civil rights and protect LGBTQ+ communities
Mar 10, 2026

PLBC announces Crystal Bird Fauset Award honorees
Mar 09, 2026

PA House Democratic leaders' statement on PSP trooper death
Mar 09, 2026

Venkat and Powell to introduce legislation to create exemption for state ID renewal fees
Mar 09, 2026

House Energy Committee advances two bills strengthening transparency and community protections related to data centers
Mar 06, 2026