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Statement from state Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes on Medicaid coverage of abortion care in Pennsylvania

(17 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Statement from state Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes on Medicaid coverage of abortion care in Pennsylvania Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera note passage of sentencing reform legislation

(21 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 24 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, praised the actions of the PA House of Representatives in passing legislation that would end mandatory life-without-parole sentences in cases of second-degree felony murder in Pennsylvania. In 2024, Derek Lee, a Black man serving life without parole for second-degree murder, challenged the constitutionality of his sentence before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He argued that since he did not kill or intend to kill anyone in a 2014 Pittsburgh robbery , his sentence is disproportionate and cruel under both the Pennsylvania and U.S. constitutions. This March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Commonwealth v. Lee found that automatically imposing life without parole for all second-degree murder convictions violates the state constitution’s protections against cruel punishment because it does not consider individual responsibility or level of culpability. Currently only five states — Pennsylvania, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Carolina — require mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole for second-degree felony murder convictions. The bill passed by the House (H.B. 1042) would require the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to deliver guidelines to judges while still ensuring judges can examine the facts of each case. It also would allow certain incarcerated people who served more than 30 years of their sentence before Read more

 

Briggs supports legislation addressing unconstitutional sentencing

(23 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 23 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, today expressed his support for legislation that responds to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in Commonwealth v. Lee by reforming second-degree murder sentencing while advancing additional criminal justice reforms focused on rehabilitation, accountability and fairness. House Bill 1042 , which passed the House with bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate for further consideration, addresses the court’s ruling that automatic life-without-parole sentences for individuals convicted of second-degree murder under the felony murder rule are unconstitutional. “Pennsylvania’s justice system must uphold both public safety and constitutional protections,” Briggs said. “This legislation provides a responsible path forward by ensuring that sentences are based on an individual’s level of culpability while maintaining safeguards to protect our communities.” Under the bill, the automatic life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder would be replaced with sentencing that considers an offender’s specific role and level of culpability. Individuals convicted of second-degree murder who receive a life sentence would become eligible to petition for parole consideration after serving 30 years. Briggs emphasized that parole eligibility is not parole, and the legislation does not guarantee release for Read more

 

Salisbury votes to reform sentencing for second-degree murder

(1 day ago) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, July 23 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury issued the following statement after voting today to pass H.B. 1042 – legislation that would replace the automatic life without parole sentence for second-degree murder with sentencing linked to an offender’s level of culpability: “After finding that an automatic life without parole sentence for second-degree murder violates the state constitution’s prohibition on cruel punishments, our state high court asked lawmakers to develop a fairer system for imposing sentencing in these cases, which involve offenders who commit underlying felonies that result in a death. “I’m satisfied that our response today in passing H.B. 1042 strikes the right balance between maintaining accountability for these crimes and delivering individualized justice that is tailored to a defendant’s culpability. “We can be thoughtful in our sentencing without sacrificing the demands of justice. In fact, sentencing based on an individual, case-by-case analysis of the defendant’s personal role, intent and culpability is already the practice in many states. “The proposed legislation, which would require judges to consider a defendant’s individual culpability and circumstances, would allow for fairer, more responsible sentencing that recognizes that defendants in felony murder cases have widely different degrees of involvement and culpability. Read more

 

$6.5 million in grants awarded to community organizations within Mayes’ district

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

$6.5 million in grants awarded to community organizations within Mayes’ district Read more

 

Solomon leads effort to fight blight as Shapiro signs transparency reforms into law

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

On Monday, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed H.B. 858 into law. Authored and championed by state Rep. Jared Solomon, the new law reaffirms his commitment to eliminating blight, revitalizing communities and holding non-resident landlords accountable for the properties they own. The law will require municipalities to collect and maintain contact information for property owners to ensure they’re held responsible for maintaining the upkeep of their property. “Too often, the point of contact for blighted properties is an unreachable LLC. Without a legitimate point of contact, the property will continue to deteriorate, creating serious safety hazards, lowering property values and overall affecting our quality of life. “This is a powerful tool to ensure that there are real consequences for property owners who stall code enforcement, wasting the county’s time, money and resources. Our neighborhoods deserve a recourse that holds property owners accountable for blighted properties – to cultivate safer neighborhoods with higher property values and community pride.” With Shapiro’s signature – the bill is now law. Read more

 

Shapiro signs Curry bill streamlining post-stillbirth paperwork into law

(Jul 23, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law Act 34, legislation introduced by state Rep. Gina H. Curry to streamline fetal death paperwork for families who experience loss during a midwife-led birth. Read more

 

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

(Jul 22, 2026) 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

(Jul 22, 2026) 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

(Jul 22, 2026) 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

(Jul 21, 2026) 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

(Jul 21, 2026) 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

(Jul 21, 2026) 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

(Jul 21, 2026) 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

(Jul 21, 2026) 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

(Jul 21, 2026) 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

(Jul 21, 2026) 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

(Jul 21, 2026) 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

(Jul 21, 2026) 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

 

Statement from state Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes on Medicaid coverage of abortion care in Pennsylvania
17 hours ago

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera note passage of sentencing reform legislation
21 hours ago

Briggs supports legislation addressing unconstitutional sentencing
23 hours ago

Salisbury votes to reform sentencing for second-degree murder
1 day ago

$6.5 million in grants awarded to community organizations within Mayes’ district
1 day ago

Solomon leads effort to fight blight as Shapiro signs transparency reforms into law
1 day ago

Shapiro signs Curry bill streamlining post-stillbirth paperwork into law
Jul 23, 2026

Ciresi, James introduce bill to expand entertainment tax credit, attract more Broadway tour launches to Pennsylvania
Jul 22, 2026

Neilson praises major 2026-27 Pa. budget investments in transportation sector
Jul 22, 2026

Building starter homes near transit provides greater opportunities
Jul 22, 2026

Kenyatta secures $500,000 in state funding for upgrades to OIC training facility
Jul 21, 2026

Shusterman’s military sexual trauma bill signed into law
Jul 21, 2026

Smith-Wade-El community redevelopment bill signed into law
Jul 21, 2026

Governor signs Salisbury bill to allow remote work by employees of some state licensed employers
Jul 21, 2026

Grant Memo: Public School Facility Improvements, Multimodal Projects, Community Improvement, and Additional Grant Opportunities for Your District
Jul 21, 2026

Pa. House Consumer Protection Committee receives testimony on safe water systems for Pennsylvanians
Jul 21, 2026

Legislation to encourage small, efficient nuclear plants in Pa. signed into law
Jul 21, 2026

Carroll bill updating barber board quorum requirements signed into law
Jul 21, 2026

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus chairs applaud over $38 million in maternal health investments incorporated in PA 2026-27 budget
Jul 21, 2026

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