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PA Legislative Black Caucus announces new leadership

(16 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today announced its new executive board for the 2027-28 legislative session, including newly elected Chair Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny. “I am truly honored and humbled by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me to lead and serve as chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus,” said Mayes. “I recognize that this role carries both a great responsibility and an opportunity to build upon the work of the founders and previous chairs and continue advocating for legislation and investments that create economic empowerment, healthcare access, and affordable housing in Black and Brown communities across the Commonwealth. “I look forward to leading collaboratively with my fellow members to organize for racial, economic, and social justice; expand opportunities for good-paying union jobs; use our power for the greatest good as the moral conscience of the PA General Assembly; and ensure that the voices and concerns of the communities we represent remain at the forefront of our legislative work. “My work thus far in the last four years as a state representative has included the passage of the Pennsylvania CROWN Act to end race-based hair discrimination, working with Speaker Joanna McClinton. The legislation became law on January 24, 2026, and included the building of the statewide PA CROWN Act Coalition; the creation and Read more

 

Morgan Rose’s Law will expand epilepsy knowledge, help prevent deaths

(17 hours ago) Rep. Lisa Borowski

State Rep. Lisa Borowski, D-Delaware, and state Rep. Ann Flood, R-Northampton, were joined by epilepsy advocates at the Pennsylvania Capitol on Monday to celebrate the enactment of their bipartisan bill, which will expand the understanding of and help prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Read more

 

Bizzarro re-elected to House Majority Leadership

(19 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Pennsylvanians sent a clear message: They're tired of political games, obstruction and empty promises. They want leaders who will stand up, get things done and make life more affordable,” said Bizzarro. “People are struggling with rising costs, and they expect us to fight for real solutions – not make excuses for why things can't get done. That's exactly what House Democrats are committed to doing.” Read more

 

PA House Democratic Caucus Announces Leadership Team

(19 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – Pennsylvania House Democrats on Tuesday announced their leadership team for the 2026-27 legislative session: Speaker-designate: Rep. Joanna McClinton, Philadelphia & Delaware counties Leader: Rep. Matt Bradford, Montgomery County Whip: Rep. Mike Schlossberg, Lehigh County Appropriations Chair: Rep. Jordan Harris, Philadelphia Caucus Chair: Rep. Rob Matzie, Beaver County Secretary: Rep. Tina Davis, Bucks County Administrator: Rep. Leanne Krueger, Delaware County Policy Chair: Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, Erie County Read more

 

Guzman Reelected Chair of Central Pennsylvania House Democratic Delegation

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov.11 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr. was reelected chair of the Central Pennsylvania House Democratic Delegation on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Rep. David Madsen was reelected vice chair. The delegation also elected Rep. Nate Davidson as treasurer and Representative-elect Brad Chambers as secretary. Guzman expressed his gratitude for the continued support of his colleagues and said he looks forward to leading the delegation into the next legislative session. “I am grateful to my colleagues for their support and for electing me to another term as chair. I am proud to lead this delegation alongside colleagues who are deeply committed to the work ahead. With Representatives-elect Brad Chambers and Sara Agerton joining us, we are better positioned to serve the communities we represent,” Guzman said. Chambers will represent the 41st Legislative District in Lancaster County, while Agerton will represent the 88th Legislative District in Cumberland County. Their addition expands the delegation’s ability to advocate for more families and deliver results for the communities that count on us. “With a new legislative session ahead and opportunities to advance priorities in both the House and Senate, we are already working hard to hit the ground running,” Guzman added. “We are developing an ambitious agenda to support local growth and address regional priorities. I am confident this leadership team Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation announces leaders for 2027-28

(Nov 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 10 – Today, the Philadelphia House Delegation elected their leadership slate for the 2027-28 legislative session. Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila. was unanimously chosen to serve as chair of the delegation for the first time. The newly elected leaders, all D-Phila., are:•Waxman, chair•Rep. Anthony Bellmon, vice-chair•Rep. Roni Green, treasurer•Rep. Darisha Parker, secretary Read more

 

Borowski event will celebrate Shapiro signature on Morgan Rose’s Law to help prevent epilepsy deaths

(Nov 07, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

On Nov. 9, State Rep. Lisa Borowski, D-Delaware, and state Rep. Ann Flood, R-Northampton, will hold a news conference following a ceremony with Gov. Josh Shapiro, where he will sign into law their bipartisan bill that requires coroners to investigate and report cases of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) as Act 55 of 2026. Read more

 

PA House Energy Committee chair: After historic election, Pennsylvania must act on energy affordability

(Nov 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee, issued the following statement in response to Tuesday’s election:“The results of this week's election have created a historic opportunity to deliver real progress for Pennsylvania families. With Democrats now holding a governing trifecta, voters have entrusted us with the heavy responsibility to act on the pocketbook issues that affect their daily lives: lowering costs, strengthening our economy, creating the next generation of careers, and improving quality of life for working people. With a majority in both chambers, we now must work quickly to transform those campaign slogans into meaningful legislation that betters people’s lives. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Community Violence Prevention, Transportation, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(Nov 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) + Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Combined Grant Program Who May Apply: Community-based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status (VIP or BOOST), municipality, county, or district attorney’s office (VIP only), institute of higher education (VIP only), school district or career and technical center (BOOST only), library (BOOST only). Use: VIP + BOOST funds can be used to support a wide range of eligible activities designed to reduce and respond to community violence Funds: Approximately $58 million in state funding is available, with no less than $11.5 million designated for BOOST funding. Application Deadline: December 10, 2026 More information: PCCD website PennDOT: Green Light-Go Program Who May Apply: Municipalities and planning organizations. Use: To improve existing traffic control signals, such as LED replacement, traffic signal retiming, and studies, among other projects. Funds: Up to $40 million is available and projects require a 20% match. Application Deadline: Pre-application scoping forms will be accepted until January 4, 2027. PennDOT will provide comments by February 26, 2027. The full application window will be between March 1, 2027, and March 31, 2027. More information: PennDOT website Pennsylvania Creative Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer

(Oct 29, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 – In advance of nationally recognized Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month this November, the Pennsylvania House adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution to raise awareness about the disease, which is expected to kill more than 52,000 people in the United States this year. Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus, said he introduced H.R. 538 – designating November 2026 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania – to keep the focus on a disease that remains one of the most difficult forms of cancer to treat. “Although pancreatic cancer isn’t one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer, it’s the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and it has the lowest overall 5-year survival rate – just 13% – among the major cancers,” Matzie said. “The issue is personal to me because my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She was one of the lucky ones. Her cancer was caught early, and she went on to live for eight years. Most patients are not so lucky. Because the disease spreads quickly with few symptoms during the early stages, most cases are not diagnosed until they are too advanced for effective treatment.” Matzie said that although the medical community has struggled to make inroads against the disease, there is some hope on the horizon. “There have been some recent advances. A Read more

 

Fair funding provides better opportunities for every student

(Oct 28, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We’ve wanted to do the right thing for our schools for a long time, and unfortunately it took a lawsuit to get us there,” said Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, who represents portions of Lackawanna County and serves as the Vice Chair of the Northeast Delegation. “We have been able to deliver historic education funding, but our budget negotiations with the Senate remain contentious every year because we are trying to backfill years of inadequate funding.” Read more

 

PA manufacturing growth creates jobs, strengthens economy

(Oct 27, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Manufacturing remains a powerful engine for Pennsylvania’s economy,” said state Rep. Jim Haddock, who represents portions of Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. “When companies invest in our backyard, they create jobs, support local small businesses and bring more opportunities to our community. Pittston Co-Packers shows what’s possible when businesses have the resources and workforce they need to grow.” Read more

 

Steele celebrates signing of bill to ban cell phones in schools

(Oct 26, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, a leading proponent of restricting cell phone use in schools, today celebrated the signing of a bipartisan bill prohibiting cell phone use in Pennsylvania schools so students can learn and grow without harmful digital distractions. Read more

 

Bipartisan bill to strengthen PA’s response to child abuse becomes law

(Oct 26, 2026) Rep. Kyle Mullins

HARRISBURG, Oct. 26 – Bipartisan legislation will strengthen Pennsylvania’s response to child abuse by creating a dedicated fund to support the state’s network of Children’s Advocacy Centers , which deliver crucial services to child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, exploitation, violence, and the resulting trauma, state Reps. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna, and Jim Rigby, R-Cambria, the bill’s co-prime sponsors, announced today. House Bill 2443 received final passage by the PA House on Wednesday on a unanimous vote. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law the following day as Act 84 of 2026. The Child Victim Recovery Fund will be funded entirely by fees paid by offenders, not taxpayers. “At a time when politics so easily divides us, standing up for child victims is a cause that must always unite us. Young survivors of sexual assault deserve justice, compassionate care, and a safe space to heal,” said Mullins. “Enacting House Bill 2443 ensures that our Children’s Advocacy Centers have the financial means to deliver these vital services.” “Anyone who pleads guilty to or refuses to contest an allegation of child abuse and/or exploitation of children fully deserves to pay for their crime, and Act 84 [formerly House Bill 2443] requires them to do so in a literal sense,” said Rigby. “I’m honored to work across the aisle with Rep. Mullins and Read more

 

Firefighter legislation backed by Scott signed into law

(Oct 23, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 - Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Thursday signed into law two bills championed by state Rep. Greg Scott, who serves as a volunteer firefighter. Scott’s H.B. 2014, now law, allows minors to engage in training and firefighting activities until 10 p.m. any night of the year. “The number of Pennsylvania residents volunteering for their local fire companies has been in steady decline since the 1970s,” said Scott, D-Montgomery. “We’re in crisis. Many of our emergency response organizations are chronically understaffed and unable to respond efficiently to calls. This bill helps position us to grow our volunteer base, starting with our youngest volunteers.” Under the state’s Child Labor Act, minors can engage in training or firefighting activities until 10 p.m. the night before a school day. Yet on weekends, holidays and over summer academic breaks, that curfew was only 9 p.m. Scott said that this updated curfew will help support the pipeline of trained volunteers needed to respond to community emergencies. Senate Bill 804 was amended in the state House to include protections Scott fought for regarding PFAS, known as “forever chemicals.” The new law bans firefighting foam containing PFAS. It also requires labels on firefighting gear containing PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are linked to increased risks of cancer, Read more

 

PA Animal Protection Caucus celebrates “Beagle Bill” signature into law

(Oct 23, 2026) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“My colleagues and I in the Animal Protection Caucus have spent years advocating for this vital legislation which gives dogs and cats the chance to be adopted into loving homes after their experiments are over and creates greater transparency in animal testing facilities,” Shusterman said. “This is a tremendous step forward and an historic commitment to animal welfare in our Commonwealth. I want to thank my colleagues in the House and Senate and Governor Shapiro for all coming together to make this bill into a law!” Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution calling attention to Agent Orange impact on Vietnam War veterans, families

(Oct 23, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – The Pennsylvania House on Wednesday unanimously adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie's H.R. 539, designating October 2026 as "Agent Orange Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus, said he introduced the resolution to raise awareness about the devastating impact of Agent Orange exposure and its continuing effects on some Pennsylvania veterans and their families. "While thousands of our troops were fighting in Vietnam, nearly 20 million gallons of Agent Orange and other herbicides were being sprayed to clear trees and other foliage that provided enemy cover,” Matzie said. “Exposure to Agent Orange was later linked to severe health problems, including heart disease, nervous system disorders like Parkinson's disease, birth defects like spina bifida, and various cancers including prostate, blood, bladder, respiratory and other cancers. Because the effects of exposure can take years to show up, many veterans are still discovering and being diagnosed with these conditions. "I introduced this resolution to make sure we remember and honor the sacrifice of those who died as a result of their exposure to this deadly chemical and those who continue to live with the consequences decades after they've served." Matzie said that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes certain conditions as "presumptive" Read more

 

Briggs’ anti-swatting bill signed into law

(Oct 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG , Oct. 22 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, announced today that Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed his anti-swatting legislation into law, giving Pennsylvania schools, colleges and universities stronger protections against false emergency reports that put lives at risk and disrupt campus communities. Act 75 addresses “swatting,” when someone makes a false report of a serious emergency, such as a school shooting, to trigger a large police and emergency response. These hoaxes can force schools to lock down or evacuate, frighten students and families, and pull first responders away from other emergencies. The new law strengthens the consequences for people convicted of making these threats against schools and institutions of higher education. It also allows courts to require those convicted to pay back the costs of the response, including supplies, equipment, employee wages and overtime, and the cost of work by police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other first responders. “Swatting is not a harmless prank. It creates fear, disrupts learning and puts students, educators and first responders in danger,” Briggs said. “When someone makes a false report to convince people there is an active shooter or another serious emergency, the consequences are real. This law makes clear that those who target our schools and college campuses will be held accountable, including for the costs Read more

 

Freeman bill to allow more land banks for community revitalization poised to become law

(Oct 22, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Land banks help affected neighborhoods and business districts to be revitalized. We should be doing everything we can at the state level to encourage economic development, transform communities and improve quality of life in municipalities of all sizes,” said Freeman. Read more

 

Senate passes Salisbury bill to mandate newborn screening for Gaucher disease

(Oct 22, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania Senate today passed state Rep. Abigail Salisbury’s bill to restore newborn testing for Gaucher disease – an inherited genetic disorder that can cause wide-ranging damage in affected children and adults. Salisbury said her H.B. 1652 would give parents the timely information they need for early medical intervention that can alleviate symptoms. “Until recently, Pennsylvania newborns were screened for Gaucher disease, along with a wide array of other diseases, but the condition was dropped from the panel of screened diseases several years ago without good reason,” Salisbury said. “Other states, including neighboring New Jersey, still screen for Gaucher, and it can lead to arbitrary, unfair results for families. For example, a baby born in New Jersey can be diagnosed and taken to Philadelphia for expert treatment, while a baby born right here in the commonwealth would miss that chance for early intervention. “I’m thrilled to know that we’re one step closer to restoring this screening, so parents can have critical information they need as early as possible, and infants born with this condition can get the early treatment they need to give them a better outcome.” Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which a person is missing an enzyme that breaks down lipids, or fatty compounds, in the body. The disease can cause devastating Read more

 

PA Legislative Black Caucus announces new leadership
16 hours ago

Morgan Rose’s Law will expand epilepsy knowledge, help prevent deaths
17 hours ago

Bizzarro re-elected to House Majority Leadership
19 hours ago

PA House Democratic Caucus Announces Leadership Team
19 hours ago

Guzman Reelected Chair of Central Pennsylvania House Democratic Delegation
1 day ago

Philadelphia House Delegation announces leaders for 2027-28
Nov 10, 2026

Borowski event will celebrate Shapiro signature on Morgan Rose’s Law to help prevent epilepsy deaths
Nov 07, 2026

PA House Energy Committee chair: After historic election, Pennsylvania must act on energy affordability
Nov 06, 2026

Grant Memo: Community Violence Prevention, Transportation, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Nov 05, 2026

House adopts Matzie resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer
Oct 29, 2026

Fair funding provides better opportunities for every student
Oct 28, 2026

PA manufacturing growth creates jobs, strengthens economy
Oct 27, 2026

Steele celebrates signing of bill to ban cell phones in schools
Oct 26, 2026

Bipartisan bill to strengthen PA’s response to child abuse becomes law
Oct 26, 2026

Firefighter legislation backed by Scott signed into law
Oct 23, 2026

PA Animal Protection Caucus celebrates “Beagle Bill” signature into law
Oct 23, 2026

House adopts Matzie resolution calling attention to Agent Orange impact on Vietnam War veterans, families
Oct 23, 2026

Briggs’ anti-swatting bill signed into law
Oct 22, 2026

Freeman bill to allow more land banks for community revitalization poised to become law
Oct 22, 2026

Senate passes Salisbury bill to mandate newborn screening for Gaucher disease
Oct 22, 2026