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Every missing child matters: New Ebony Alert System legislation seeks equal urgency for missing black and brown youth

(1 hour ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Children & Youth Committee on Tuesday reported out legislation ( H.B. 434 ) by state Reps. Gina Curry and Carol Kazeem’s that would establish an Ebony Alert System in Pennsylvania dedicated to finding missing Black and Brown youth, including young women and girls. According to the two Delaware County legislators, Black children accounted for 40% of all children under 18 reported missing in the United States in 2023, despite Black Americans comprising only 14% of the nation’s population. Similarly, Black women and girls represent approximately 18% of all missing persons cases while making up just 7% of the population. The lawmakers argue that cases involving missing children of color—particularly Black children—often receive less attention because they are disproportionately classified as runaways . That designation can prevent AMBER Alerts from being issued, reducing the law enforcement and public resources devoted to recovery efforts and limiting media coverage of their disappearances. Lack of media coverage of missing Black children -- just 7% according to one study -- has a devastating impact on the chances of recovery of missing Black children. Media attention raises public awareness and puts law enforcement on alert , resulting in them contributing critical resources to finding children. “Despite making up a significant percentage of missing child cases, Read more

 

House greenlights AI safety education effort

(1 hour ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 3 – Legislation to direct the Office of Attorney General to conduct a public education campaign about artificial intelligence and to improve AI consumer literacy in Pennsylvania overwhelmingly passed the House today (198-3), said the bill’s prime sponsors, House Communications & Technology Committee chairs Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Jason Ortitay, R-Washington/Allegheny. “AI safety starts with informed users,” Ciresi said. “As AI becomes increasingly common in across our daily life, it’s important that we know how to interact with AI safely and responsibly and be educated consumers of online content. Informed public awareness of the risks of AI—from misinformation and hallucinations, emotional dependency, to potentially harmful advice, and more--is essential as we enter this new technological age.” Ciresi believes that while AI has an incredible potential to increase productivity and lead to breakthroughs across countless fields, it is also a Pandora’s box of risks—including bias in outputs, data collection and privacy issues, and “deepfakes” and misinformation—that requires greater public awareness. “Many people don’t yet have a full understanding of AI,” said Ortitay. “As it is becoming a part of everyday life, this legislation will help improve public awareness. Although AI offers significant benefits, it can also be misused. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes bill to provide transparency in PUC records

(1 hour ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The Pennsylvania House has unanimously passed legislation that would provide greater transparency in the release of Public Utility Commission records in response to the 2023 West Reading R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion that killed seven people, announced state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. After the explosion, the PUC, under Act 156 of 2006 , was unable to give inspection reports with confidential security information to federal investigators who were seeking to find out the cause of the accident. The new proposal, H.B. 306 , would authorize the PUC to share records containing such confidential information with federal agencies investigating safety issues. “We should take every step to ensure that a tragedy like what occurred in my district in West Reading never happens again,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “Statutory obstacles delayed the creation and release of the federal report into this tragedy, and we should not have to face any delays of this manner when we are working to solve a life-or-death issue. “I am thankful to my House colleagues for taking action on this legislation, and several other natural gas safety bills I have introduced, so that families in my community are not just given words of support, but action so the loss of their loved ones are not in vain. I hope the Senate takes swift action to bring these bills to the governor’s desk.” The Read more

 

Williams bill to protect SNAP benefits advances through committee

(2 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 2540 would transition the EBT cards Pennsylvanians use to access their SNAP benefits to chip-enabled cards. Read more

 

House committee unanimously approves two child welfare reform bills

(4 hours ago) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The House Children and Youth Committee on Tuesday voted unanimously to report out two pieces of legislation reforming Pennsylvania’s child welfare system. The first bill ( H.B. 133 ) would create a process for reinstating parental rights after they’ve been terminated. Following the lead of 22 states, Pennsylvania would provide the opportunity to petition for the reinstatement of parental rights, in cases where the child has been unable to successfully find an adoptive home and the parent has resolved the cause of their prior termination. “While many states provide an opportunity to reinstate the parent-child relationship under specific conditions, in PA, termination is permanent,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., the prime sponsor of the legislation. “Even when parents do the work to address the issues that resulted in termination – building a career, finding stable housing, recovering from a substance use disorder or ending a period of incarceration – the loss of the parent-child relationship is a punishment that lasts a lifetime. We must be more compassionate, promote second chances and ensure that children are not left needlessly languishing in county care.” “At its core, House Bill 133 is about creating a pathway that represents the best interests of children and families,” said state Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R-Cumberland, the bill’s Read more

 

Transportation, Development, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(6 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Here are the latest grants open for applications. Read more

 

Pa. House unanimously approves Rusnock bill to modernize Career and Technical Education programs

(7 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, D-Berks, announced that her bill to help schools update and strengthen their workforce training opportunities for students unanimously passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Read more

 

As workers face effects of climate change, labor leaders and advocates convene to support first statewide heat protections introduced by Fiedler, Haddock

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 2 – Today, lawmakers, labor leaders, environmental advocates and impacted workers gathered in the state Capitol to call on the legislature to pass Workplace Heat Protections ( H.B. 1580 ). Introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, H.B. 1580 would require employers to implement heat illness prevention plans during extreme heat. The plans would require paid rest breaks, water and access to shade; education on signs and symptoms of heat illness, such as heat stroke; and training on emergency response procedures. "All workers share the desire to earn a good wage and support their families, whether they cook food in kitchens, build our commonwealth’s infrastructure on construction sites, or teach kids in classrooms. But Pennsylvania’s lack of heat protections is threatening that goal and endangering workers,” said Fiedler . “This bill provides basic safety measures for all Pennsylvania workers, regardless of sector or workplace, so they can return home safely to their loved ones at the end of each day.” “Currently workers in Pennsylvania have no workplace heat protections on the federal level or on the state level. Unbelievably, in Pa. we have laws on the books to protect our dogs and cats during extreme heat, but not humans. It is time to pass laws for our Pennsylvania workers, to protect them just like we do our furry Read more

 

PA House passes bipartisan bill to protect homeowners

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 2 – The Pennsylvania State House has passed bipartisan legislation, 190-11, in favor of regulating shared equity agreements, a novel home lending product, according to the bill’s co-prime sponsors, state Reps. Arvind Venkat and Lindsay Powell , both D-Allegheny, and Tim Twardzik , R-Schuylkill. Shared Appreciation Agreements are contracts in which a homeowner receives funds in exchange for granting a third party a future interest in the appreciation, equity, or value of their home. The legislation, H.B. 2120 , would add Shared Equity Agreements to current laws that provide statutory safeguards for other home-secured financial products, such as residential mortgages. “For most Pennsylvanians, their home is their most valuable asset,” Venkat said. “Homeowners may enter into these agreements believing they are making a beneficial decision for their family’s future, but when marketing is unfair or deceptive, they could face significant financial hardship down the road. “Given the importance of homes and their value to so many Pennsylvanians, we must expeditiously bring shared equity agreements into a regulatory framework similar to that of mortgages so that Pennsylvanians can be assured of transparency and protection against predatory lending practices in these products.” The legislation would require shared equity agreements to meet disclosure requirements, Read more

 

Seizure-smart schools save student lives: Pa. House passes legislation requiring mandatory epilepsy training for school nurses, staff

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 2 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed state Rep. Carol Kazeem’s H.B. 1045 , which would require school nurses and staff to complete training approved by the state Department of Health to help them recognize the signs and symptoms of a seizure and how to provide first aid treatment. Currently, state law makes epilepsy training optional for school staff. “More than 129,000 Pennsylvanians have epilepsy, and many of them developed the brain disorder during childhood,” said Kazeem, D-Delaware. “Some even had their first seizure during the school day, far from the safety of their homes and their parents’ loving care. My legislation would increase the safety of our students and give their parents peace of mind by requiring that school nurses and other school personnel have the training that would enable them to quickly identify the signs of an epileptic seizure and provide the correct treatment.” Kazeem noted that incorrect treatment of a seizure can result in serious injury and even death. Kazeem’s legislation, developed in collaboration with the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania, would ensure that school nurses and school professional employees who have direct contact with students complete training approved by the state Department of Health every two years to identify the signs of epileptic seizures and provide seizure first aid. The bill is with the state Senate Read more

 

Tiburcio bill to address Pa. teacher shortage unanimously passes House

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I am glad to see unanimous, bipartisan support for our schools, our educators and our students,” Tiburcio said. “This continues progress made by the House to remove barriers to teacher certification and boost qualified educators across the Commonwealth." Read more

 

PA House approves bill to restrict cell phones in schools

(Jun 01, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Responding to calls from Gov. Josh Shapiro and educators across the state, the state House today passed a bill on a bipartisan vote to restrict cell phone use in Pennsylvania schools. Read more

 

Chairman Harris and Rep. Young Host Community Budget Briefing

(May 29, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris, D-Phila., and state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, hosted a Community Budget Briefing Thursday alongside the Philadelphia House Delegation. Read more

 

Salisbury: Nonprofit Symposium will move to Monroeville Convention Center for expanded 2026 event

(May 27, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

BRADDOCK, May 27 – With nonprofit organizations playing an increasingly critical role in keeping their communities thriving, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today that the fourth annual Nonprofit Symposium will move to the Monroeville Convention Center this fall to accommodate the growing demand by groups seeking to strengthen their impact. Salisbury said the convention center’s 500-person capacity will double the space available for the day-long event. “Last year’s symposium drew 250 participants, which was an overflow crowd for the venue,” Salisbury said. “Having that many people come together to train and network about ways to improve their organization is a pretty amazing thing, and it helps increase the capacity of these organizations to deliver services to their community.” Salisbury said this year’s event, which is set for Oct. 15, will include dynamic training sessions on individual fundraising, social media marketing and legal compliance – with even more topics on the way. She is calling on the nonprofit community to help shape the agenda. “We want this event to reflect what organizations truly need right now,” Salisbury said. “If you have ideas for training areas you would like included, we want to hear from you. We’ll be expanding our schedule of events in the weeks ahead and will provide additional updates. In the meantime, I’m urging everyone Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera embrace free online platform for food help

(May 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, May 22 – Building on their commitment to support food-insecure Lancastrians, state Reps. Ismail Smith Wade El’s and Nikki Rivera’s offices attended a training on an innovative online platform that is increasing food access and sustainability in the region. The Lancaster County Food Exchange uses a mobile web application to allow procurement volunteers at food pantries and community kitchens in Lancaster County to communicate their surplus items and items they are requesting. Each posting is communicated to all participants via email or text twice daily. The service is free and only requires an email address and a cell phone or laptop. Terry Kile, founder and board chair of the non-profit, gave the training. Lancaster County Food Exchange is used by 23 food pantry providers to feed Lancaster County’s estimated 50,000 residents who need more access to food. “At a time when federal government budget cuts have significantly strained food pantries’ and food banks’ abilities to provide nourishment to the food-insecure, these critical organizations have had to become more agile to ensure that our neighbors in need have food to feed their families,” Smith-Wade-El said. “And this app makes that easy by enabling them to support one another’s needs by sharing surplus or requesting additional food with the click of a button.” “There’s no better example of the phrase Read more

 

Benham: Study shows more Pharmacy Benefit Managers reforms needed

(May 21, 2026) Rep. Jessica Benham

Author of PBM overhaul legislation weighs in on new state insurance report Read more

 

PA House Finance Committee addresses healthcare access and affordability for working Pennsylvanians

(May 20, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 20 – Today, the PA House Finance Committee held a public hearing on legislation that would establish a new tax credit for small businesses that contribute to their employees' health insurance premiums. House Bill 2550 would address affordability and accessibility of healthcare insurance plans for working Pennsylvanians, many of whom lost coverage after enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act expired at the end of 2025. Read more

 

Fiedler, Burgos introduce legislation to curb excessive profits for utility corporations, save consumers money

(May 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 18 – Pennsylvania House Energy Committee Majority Chair Elizabeth Fiedler and state House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee Majority Chair Danilo Burgos introduced legislation today that would limit excessive profits for utility corporations. “It’s outrageous that utility companies can make tremendous profits while raising rates on working people. Under Pa. law, rates are supposed to be fair for consumers, while allowing utility companies to recover costs and earn reasonable returns,” said Fiedler, D-Phila. “Yet right now, working people can’t even afford their energy bills – and these companies are making record-breaking profits. That needs to change.”“Our goal here is simple: while utility companies should earn a fair return for keeping the lights on and the water running, that shouldn't come at the expense of Pennsylvanians who are already struggling to make ends meet,” said Burgos, D-Phila. “By fixing the way these rates are set and reviewed, we’re finally pulling back the curtain and making the whole process more honest. We’re making it clear that Pennsylvania is done just 'rubber-stamping' every price hike that comes across the desk.”Burgos and Fiedler emphasized that they are committed to working together to make sure necessities, such as heat and power, stay affordable for every family in the commonwealth. Read more

 

O’Mara, PA Turnpike announce courtesy parking spots for veterans

(May 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today joined officials from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the Pennsylvania American Legion to unveil dedicated parking spaces for veterans at turnpike service plazas. Read more

 

Burgos recognized as PA Rural Electric Association Legislator of the Year

(May 14, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Danilo Burgos was presented with the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association’s (PREA) Legislator of the Year award last week. Read more

 

Every missing child matters: New Ebony Alert System legislation seeks equal urgency for missing black and brown youth
1 hour ago

House greenlights AI safety education effort
1 hour ago

Pennsylvania House passes bill to provide transparency in PUC records
1 hour ago

Williams bill to protect SNAP benefits advances through committee
2 hours ago

House committee unanimously approves two child welfare reform bills
4 hours ago

Transportation, Development, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities
6 hours ago

Pa. House unanimously approves Rusnock bill to modernize Career and Technical Education programs
7 hours ago

As workers face effects of climate change, labor leaders and advocates convene to support first statewide heat protections introduced by Fiedler, Haddock
1 day ago

PA House passes bipartisan bill to protect homeowners
1 day ago

Seizure-smart schools save student lives: Pa. House passes legislation requiring mandatory epilepsy training for school nurses, staff
1 day ago

Tiburcio bill to address Pa. teacher shortage unanimously passes House
1 day ago

PA House approves bill to restrict cell phones in schools
Jun 01, 2026

Chairman Harris and Rep. Young Host Community Budget Briefing
May 29, 2026

Salisbury: Nonprofit Symposium will move to Monroeville Convention Center for expanded 2026 event
May 27, 2026

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera embrace free online platform for food help
May 22, 2026

Benham: Study shows more Pharmacy Benefit Managers reforms needed
May 21, 2026

PA House Finance Committee addresses healthcare access and affordability for working Pennsylvanians
May 20, 2026

Fiedler, Burgos introduce legislation to curb excessive profits for utility corporations, save consumers money
May 18, 2026

O’Mara, PA Turnpike announce courtesy parking spots for veterans
May 18, 2026

Burgos recognized as PA Rural Electric Association Legislator of the Year
May 14, 2026