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Kinkead bill for special education funding reform passes PA House

(12 hours ago) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Legislation boosting, improving Special Education Contingency Fund advances to Senate Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Davidson’s Virtual Power Plant legislation

(14 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

"This bill is about practical solutions, affordability and modernizing our infrastructure without placing a burden on ratepayers," said Davidson. "Pennsylvanians are looking for relief when paying their energy bills. By using technologies many families already have in their homes, we can reduce the strain on our electric grid, prevent costly system upgrades and put money directly back into the pockets of consumers who choose to participate." Read more

 

PA House Democratic Leadership issues statement on Pa. Supreme Court ruling on skill games

(14 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 16, 2026 - Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders issued the following statement on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania’s ruling on skill games: “The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling makes it clear: skill games are illegal slot machines. We are encouraged that Senate Republicans may now be ready to proceed on bipartisan legislation to regulate skill games, and we look forward to seeing what they can pass in a bipartisan fashion in their chamber.” Read more

 

Abney applauds state court’s skill game ruling, calls for stronger oversight

(15 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 16 – State Rep. Aerion Abney released the following statement regarding Monday’s ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that skill games are illegal in the commonwealth: “ The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision confirms what many of us have long believed: skill games are illegal under existing Pennsylvania law. This ruling provides long-awaited clarity and presents an opportunity for the Commonwealth to establish a responsible, transparent framework moving forward. “For too long, skill game machines have proliferated across Pennsylvania with little to no meaningful oversight. These machines can be found in communities throughout Pittsburgh and across the Commonwealth, yet there are few safeguards to ensure accountability, consumer protection or transparency regarding how the money generated is managed and distributed. That lack of regulation has created an uneven playing field and left significant revenue on the table. “As the General Assembly considers next steps, we must strike a balance that protects the service organizations, veterans groups, clubs and small businesses that have come to rely on income associated with these machines, while also ensuring appropriate regulation and taxation. Those goals are not mutually exclusive. We can support community organizations and establish the oversight necessary to protect players, strengthen public trust, and ensure revenues Read more

 

Ciresi proposes moratorium on AI chatbots in children’s toys

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 15 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, majority chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee, today continues to demonstrate leadership on emerging technology issues and consumer protection in Pennsylvania through the introduction of H.B. 2637 that would impose a three-year moratorium on the sale of artificial intelligence chatbot-enabled toys for children to allow for more research on its effects. AI-enabled toys use an Internet connection and a microphone and speaker that allow teddy bears, plushies, robots, and other toys to engage in real-time, dynamic conversations. “Talking toys were once the stuff of children’s literature like The Velveteen Rabbit and Winnie-the-Pooh, but AI-enabled toys are turning those children’s fantasy companions into reality—and that reality is disturbing,” Ciresi said. “Technology is developing so rapidly industry and government need time to better understand how AI-powered toys may affect young kids.” Ciresi said reports by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund and NBC News raised his concerns about the technology after some AI-enabled toys, marketed for children between 3 and 12, discussed sexually explicit topics and provided detailed answers on how to find and use potentially dangerous household objects such as matches and knives. The representative pointed out that the developers of most major AI platforms, such as ChatGPT and Read more

 

Ciresi proposes moratorium on AI chatbots in children’s toys

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 15 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, majority chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee, today continues to demonstrate leadership on emerging technology issues and consumer protection in Pennsylvania through the introduction of H.B. 2637 that would impose a three-year moratorium on the sale of artificial intelligence chatbot-enabled toys for children to allow for more research on its effects. AI-enabled toys use an Internet connection and a microphone and speaker that allow teddy bears, plushies, robots, and other toys to engage in real-time, dynamic conversations. “Talking toys were once the stuff of children’s literature like The Velveteen Rabbit and Winnie-the-Pooh, but AI-enabled toys are turning those children’s fantasy companions into reality—and that reality is disturbing,” Ciresi said. “Technology is developing so rapidly industry and government need time to better understand how AI-powered toys may affect young kids.” Ciresi said reports by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund and NBC News raised his concerns about the technology after some AI-enabled toys, marketed for children between 3 and 12, discussed sexually explicit topics and provided detailed answers on how to find and use potentially dangerous household objects such as matches and knives. The representative pointed out that the developers of most major AI platforms, such as ChatGPT and Read more

 

Williams bipartisan bill to protect SNAP benefits unanimously passes House

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The state House of Representatives unanimously passed critical bipartisan legislation sponsored by Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, and Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, to reduce theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Read more

 

Rivera’s bill to close EITC reporting gaps introduced

(Jun 12, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, today introduced H.B. 2632 which would improve transparency in Educational Improvement Tax Credit programs by closing reporting gaps to ensure that funds are directed to their intended recipients. Rivera said EITC programs have grown into a $680 million public investment in nonpublic education in fiscal year 2025-26, more than four times the $150 million cap in place a decade ago. However, the Independent Fiscal Office has found that critical data gaps make it impossible to fully evaluate the program's effectiveness. “While EITC funding has quadrupled over the last decade, key reporting gaps have left lawmakers and taxpayers unable to assess whether public funds have reached the students and schools they were intended to aid,” Rivera said. “That should concern everyone. “My legislation would close these reporting gaps and ensure greater accountability so we know that these scholarships have reached the intended students.” House Bill 2632 would: Reallocate credits in 2026-27 to better align with program demand. Create a new program beginning in 2027-28. The new program would: Increase oversight of scholarship granting organizations. Target resources to students living in the attendance area of a low-achieving public school or attending a nonpublic school in a low-income ZIP code. Increase transparency on how scholarship dollars are used, Read more

 

Rivera’s second BUS IT TO MARKET June 27 Event promotes quick, affordable RRTA bus trip, clean air

(Jun 12, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, June 11 – Building on the success of her May event promoting Red Rose Authority’s services, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, will lead a second “Bus it to Market” trip on Saturday, June 27, to Central Market in Lancaster to raise awareness of the region’s affordable bus transportation system. “Residents on last month’s ‘Bus it to Market’ trip told me how much they enjoyed the ease and affordability of RRTA’s bus ride to Central Market,” Rivera said. “I’m leading a second ride so that more of our residents can experience for themselves how central Lancaster City’s eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind shops and creative restaurants is just a short RRTA bus ride away. And knowledge of how to use our public transportation can lead to new job opportunities.” Rivera said that she hopes her Bus It to Market excursions will show residents that RRTA buses are a fast, reliable, and inexpensive way to get to Lancaster and other places in the region. According to Rivera, Lancaster has unhealthy levels of air pollution. She cited the American Lung Association’s 2025 “State of the Air” report, which listed the Lancaster metro area as rejoining the worst 25 cities in the U.S., at 22nd most polluted in the nation and second worst in the Mid-Atlantic for daily particle pollution. The Lancaster area’s year-round pollution went from bad to worse, from 57th to 45th Read more

 

Rivera’s second BUS IT TO MARKET June 27 Event promotes quick, affordable RRTA bus trip, clean air

(Jun 11, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, June 11 – Building on the success of her May event promoting Red Rose Authority’s services, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, will lead a second “Bus it to Market” trip on Saturday, June 27, to Central Market in Lancaster to raise awareness of the region’s affordable bus transportation system. “Residents on last month’s ‘Bus it to Market’ trip told me how much they enjoyed the ease and affordability of RRTA’s bus ride to Central Market,” Rivera said. “I’m leading a second ride so that more of our residents can experience for themselves how central Lancaster City’s eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind shops and creative restaurants is just a short RRTA bus ride away. And knowledge of how to use our public transportation can lead to new job opportunities.” Rivera said that she hopes her Bus It to Market excursions will show residents that RRTA buses are a fast, reliable, and inexpensive way to get to Lancaster and other places in the region. According to Rivera, Lancaster has unhealthy levels of air pollution. She cited the American Lung Association’s 2025 “State of the Air” report, which listed the Lancaster metro area as rejoining the worst 25 cities in the U.S., at 22nd most polluted in the nation and second worst in the Mid-Atlantic for daily particle pollution. The Lancaster area’s year-round pollution went from bad to worse, from 57th to Read more

 

House Fire & EMS Caucus applauds committee approval of free cancer screenings for firefighters

(Jun 11, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 11 – Members of the Pennsylvania House Fire & EMS Caucus today issued the following statements on the Pennsylvania House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee’s approval of H.B. 2394 : “Our volunteer and professional firefighters put their lives on the line every time they respond to an emergency call. There are obvious risks when your job is to run toward a fire instead of away from it, said Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery. “Still, among the leading causes of death for firefighters is not just fire-related injury, but cancer. Cancer we now know is caused by repeated exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, like PFAS, found in firefighting foams and protective gear. “Today’s committee approval of Representative Ciresi’s legislation to ensure all firefighters have access to annual cancer screenings is an important step in protecting our firefighting community and their families. I applaud the committee’s recognition of this often-invisible occupational hazard and their dedication to our volunteer and professional firefighters statewide.” "Cancer is a devastating diagnosis. But if caught early and treatment can start, outcomes can be greatly improved,” said Rep. Lisa Borowski, co-chair of the caucus. “Our first responders put their lives on the line every time they respond to Read more

 

Salisbury to introduce legislation that would reduce barriers to security grants

(Jun 11, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, June 11 – Saying that residents should never have to fear for their safety where they gather to worship, celebrate shared culture, or collaborate on community projects, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury is preparing to introduce legislation that would eliminate a funding match requirement that makes it difficult for smaller, lower-income organizations to secure funding. Salisbury said she drafted the legislation, which would remove the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund’s 33% funding match requirement for groups below a certain revenue threshold, to address a funding challenge that can be an insurmountable obstacle for smaller groups. “Small faith-based and other nonprofit groups are just as vulnerable as larger organizations to targeted threats of violence, but they often don’t have the resources to come up with the matching funds required for a security grant,” said Salisbury, who is co-chair of the bicameral, bipartisan Pennsylvania Charitable Nonprofit Caucus. “My legislation would remove the 33% match requirement for grants ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 if the nonprofit’s annual revenue is less than $250,000. It’s time to ensure that these smaller groups have the protection they need and deserve.” Salisbury cited the 2024 attempted shooting at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock and the challenges the church has faced in the aftermath of that incident in attempting to raise Read more

 

House OKs two Neilson bills to promote safer roads

(Jun 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 2336 would require PennDOT to include information for new drivers about safe driving habits in work zones, including a question on the driver’s license examination test. House Bill 2337 would give cities in Pennsylvania the option to enact local ordinances with stronger penalties for off-road vehicles used on city streets, improving quality of life and safety for residents. Read more

 

Kinkead bill to combat image-based sexual abuse clears PA House

(Jun 10, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Legislation cracking down on nonconsensual sharing of intimate images advances to Senate Read more

 

Matzie: Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus briefed on nuclear energy ‘roadmap’ for state

(Jun 10, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, June 10 – Lawmakers in the Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus today heard testimony about a strategic plan to modernize and expand the commonwealth’s nuclear energy capacity. Matzie said The “Nuclear Energy Roadmap,” presented by the statewide nonprofit organization Team Pennsylvania, offers a good starting point for the caucus as it works to steer the state’s nuclear power expansion efforts. “We restarted this bipartisan, bicameral caucus two years ago because we recognized the need to expand Pennsylvania’s nuclear footprint and the tremendous opportunities that can bring,” said Matzie, who is co-chair of the caucus and chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “Nuclear energy is clean, it’s sustainable, it’s affordable, and it drives jobs and our economy. Nuclear plants contribute more than $2 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy and support nearly 16,000 direct and second full-time jobs. “Today, we heard a sensible plan to move the commonwealth forward as it expands its nuclear energy capacity, with achievable goals over the next 25 years. Of course, this is just a starting point. We’ll be collaborating with all stakeholders in the weeks and months ahead to determine the best path forward.” Matzie said that the roadmap’s goals include strengthening state leadership and regional collaboration; sustaining, Read more

 

Briggs bill to modernize campaign finance reporting passes Pennsylvania House

(Jun 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 10 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, today announced that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed legislation he introduced to require candidates and political action committees to file campaign finance reports electronically with the Department of State. House Bill 1262 is designed to modernize Pennsylvania's campaign finance reporting system, improve transparency for the public, and reduce administrative costs for taxpayers. "For years, Pennsylvania has offered electronic filing as an option, yet some campaigns continue to submit paper reports," Briggs said. "That outdated process requires Department of State staff to manually enter information before it can be made available to the public, creating unnecessary costs and delays. Requiring electronic filing is a commonsense step that will provide voters with faster access to campaign finance information while making government more efficient." Under the bill, all candidates and political committees required to file periodic campaign finance reports with the Department of State would be required to do so electronically. The legislation also establishes daily penalties for reports that are not filed electronically by the required deadlines. Briggs noted that about 50% of candidates and political committees already use the state's online filing system and that a majority of states now require electronic filing of Read more

 

Scott bill to extend youth firefighting hours approved by committee

(Jun 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 10 – State Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, today announced that his legislation that would extend the working hours for minors serving as volunteer emergency service members was approved by the Pa. House Labor & Industry Committee. Under the state’s current 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 is only 9 p.m. Scott’s bill would extend the training and firefighting curfew for minors to 10 p.m. any night of the year. “This is a small change to our Child Labor Act that will make it easier for minors to get the training they need to excel at emergency response and better serve their communities,” said Scott. “Our volunteer emergency service organizations have historically low membership right now, and it impacts their response times. Adequately training minors who volunteer and show interest in supporting their neighborhoods in this way is vital to the future of these organizations.” Under state law, youth may join a volunteer fire company as young as age 14, with written consent from a parent or guardian. Read more

 

House Health Committee hears testimony on Matzie bill to move Pennsylvania to single Pharmacy Benefit Administrator model

(Jun 10, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, June 10 – The Pennsylvania House Health Committee today heard testimony on legislation ( H.B. 2270 ) introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie that would create a single Pharmacy Benefit Administrator model for all of Pennsylvania's state-funded healthcare programs. Matzie helped lay the groundwork for passage of Act 77 of 2024, which brought greater oversight and transparency to the practices of PBMs – third-party administrators that decide which drugs consumers can receive, at what price, and how much dispensing pharmacies are reimbursed – but said more action is needed as Pennsylvania’s small mom-and-pop pharmacies continue to fail as a result of PBM practices that favor large chains. “Beyond the dollars and cents, we all know that some PBMs – for a variety of reasons – pick winners and losers. And the losers, so to speak, have been not only our community pharmacies but some chain pharmacies, as is apparent from the closure of Rite Aid,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus and co-chair of the Pennsylvania Community Pharmacy Caucus. “Act 77 brought greater accountability and transparency to the practices of these middlemen, but regulating the patchwork network of these administrators remains difficult. “By directing the Department of Human Services to select one single administrator to manage prescription drug benefits statewide, our bill would Read more

 

Ciresi’s legislation for free cancer screenings for firefighters heads to full House

(Jun 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 10 – In a clear demonstration of bipartisan support for the commonwealth’s first responders, the House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee today overwhelmingly approved state Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation to establish a statewide program providing free annual cancer screenings for firefighters. House Bill 2394 would ensure that firefighters can access annual cancer screening examinations at no cost when those services are not fully covered by their health insurance. The program would apply to both career and volunteer firefighters across the Commonwealth. According to Ciresi, firefighters’ repeated job-related exposure to cancer-causing chemicals has led the disease to become one of the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths. Studies by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found that firefighters face a 9% increase in cancer diagnoses, and a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general population in the U.S. “Today’s vote shouts out loud and clear to our firefighters that we recognize the health risk of occupational cancer they uniquely face and that we have their backs,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Currently, many of our firefighters must choose between their health and their families’ finances. That is a moral outrage. My legislation would improve our firefighters’ health outcomes—and shield them from crushing health care Read more

 

Redevelopment, Transportation, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jun 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Learn about the latest grant programs that are accepting applications. Read more

 

Kinkead bill for special education funding reform passes PA House
12 hours ago

Pennsylvania House passes Davidson’s Virtual Power Plant legislation
14 hours ago

PA House Democratic Leadership issues statement on Pa. Supreme Court ruling on skill games
14 hours ago

Abney applauds state court’s skill game ruling, calls for stronger oversight
15 hours ago

Ciresi proposes moratorium on AI chatbots in children’s toys
1 day ago

Ciresi proposes moratorium on AI chatbots in children’s toys
1 day ago

Williams bipartisan bill to protect SNAP benefits unanimously passes House
1 day ago

Rivera’s bill to close EITC reporting gaps introduced
Jun 12, 2026

Rivera’s second BUS IT TO MARKET June 27 Event promotes quick, affordable RRTA bus trip, clean air
Jun 12, 2026

Rivera’s second BUS IT TO MARKET June 27 Event promotes quick, affordable RRTA bus trip, clean air
Jun 11, 2026

House Fire & EMS Caucus applauds committee approval of free cancer screenings for firefighters
Jun 11, 2026

Salisbury to introduce legislation that would reduce barriers to security grants
Jun 11, 2026

House OKs two Neilson bills to promote safer roads
Jun 10, 2026

Kinkead bill to combat image-based sexual abuse clears PA House
Jun 10, 2026

Matzie: Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus briefed on nuclear energy ‘roadmap’ for state
Jun 10, 2026

Briggs bill to modernize campaign finance reporting passes Pennsylvania House
Jun 10, 2026

Scott bill to extend youth firefighting hours approved by committee
Jun 10, 2026

House Health Committee hears testimony on Matzie bill to move Pennsylvania to single Pharmacy Benefit Administrator model
Jun 10, 2026

Ciresi’s legislation for free cancer screenings for firefighters heads to full House
Jun 10, 2026

Redevelopment, Transportation, Environmental and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jun 10, 2026