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Burns: Dolly Parton touched the lives of many local children

(3 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, who worked to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Cambria County five years ago, today mourned the passing of Dolly Parton, praising her as a champion of child literacy who left a legacy of educating children to achieve their dreams Read more

 

PA General Assembly’s only elected physician comments on measles deaths

(8 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 25 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, the only elected physician serving in Pennsylvania’s General Assembly, has issued the following statement after two individuals from Lancaster County died in measles-associated cases : “My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families of these two individuals who have died of measles, the first time in Pennsylvania in 35 years,” Venkat said. “Measles is a serious, highly infections and vaccine-preventable illness, and we are facing a worsening outbreak in our Commonwealth.” Venkat encourages all Pennsylvanians who have not received the measles vaccine to do so, for the safety of themselves and their communities. “Please speak with your physician and receive the measles vaccine if eligible and have not done so,” Venkat said. “The vaccine is safe and the only effective way to prevent you, your family and your community from suffering from measles. “Sadly, vaccine policy has become political. Every elected official and those who aspire to lead our communities and Commonwealth should make clear where they stand on immunizations and how to end the growing measles outbreak in Pennsylvania.” Elected in 2022, Venkat is the first physician to serve in the General Assembly in 60 years. He completed his medical education at Yale University and his emergency medicine residency at the University of Read more

 

Venkat, Grimm Krupa, to introduce legislation to support children of military servicemembers

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 24 – To recognize the extraordinary sacrifices of military servicemembers, state Reps. Arvind Venkat and Charity Grimm Krupa have announced their intention to introduce bipartisan legislation that would expand tuition assistance for the children of those members of the military who were certified 100% disabled due to combat, killed-in-action or died as a result of injuries in the line-of-service, awarded the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart, held as a prisoner-of-war, or declared missing-in-action. Current law, which has not been updated for nearly 40 years, allows the children of veterans with extraordinary service records to receive $500 in tuition assistance for higher education per semester. This new proposal would triple that support to $1,500 per semester and cover gaps in eligibility for federal or state tuition assistance. “Our military servicemembers and their families have made some of the most difficult sacrifices anyone can,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “This legislation will help ease the financial burden on military families and expand access to education while also recognizing the service and sacrifice that protect our freedoms.” Grimm Krupa has a rich family history of military service. Her father served in the Army, and two of her brothers served in the armed forces -- the Army and the Marine Corps, respectively. “Freedom has never been free, and the Read more

 

Solomon and Rabb introduce legislation enhancing penalties for campaign finance violations

(Aug 21, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The foundation for America’s election system lies right here in Pennsylvania. As elected officials, our constituents have trusted us to safeguard the security and integrity of our elections, ensuring that their votes count and their voices are heard. We must do so by being transparent and holding people accountable when they violate that trust.“Unfortunately, there are distorted narratives, misinformation and sometimes blatant untruths being pushed into the commonwealth’s political landscape with significant financial resources that are not documented, registered or disclosed as campaign finance law requires. Pennsylvania voters should be able to walk into a voting booth, confident and informed in their chosen candidate, Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee holds informational meeting on increasing broadband access in Pennsylvania

(Aug 20, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

INDIANA, Aug. 20 – The House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting in Indiana, Pa. Tuesday to learn about broadband affordability and access in Pennsylvania. “Low-cost, high-speed broadband is fundamental to a healthy and prosperous Pennsylvania. From helping Pennsylvania residents get the training necessary to be competitive in the workforce and be able to access essential services that will keep their families healthy to enabling our industries to capitalize on new economic opportunities and support our workforce, broadband equity is central to Pennsylvania’s future,” said Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, House Communications & Technology Committee Majority chair. “As the world hurtles forward along the information superhighway, our low-income and rural residents are being left behind due to the high cost of broadband and a lack of infrastructure. Investment in low-cost, high-speed broadband will help ensure the even development of Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting the growth of strong, healthy communities throughout the commonwealth for years to come.” Speakers included: Sharene Hess, Indiana County commissioner Jody Rainey, principal, Homer-Center Jr/Sr High School John B. Horrigan, Ph.D., senior fellow, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Christopher Ali, Ph.D., pioneers chair in telecommunications, Pennsylvania State University Dustin Bishop, project Read more

 

Nelson to introduce legislation to preserve equitable banking opportunities

(Aug 19, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 19 – Due to the federal government’s recent proposals that would weaken the obligation of banks to invest in low- and middle-income communities, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, has announced his intention to introduce legislation that will preserve equitable banking in Pennsylvania. The legislation will be based on the Community Reinvestment Act , federal legislation passed in 1977 that requires commercial banks and savings associations to meet the needs of all borrowers in the local community – which has led to support for first time homebuyer programs, community health centers, accessibility improvements, land banks, daycare centers and small farmers across Pennsylvania and the nation. “The CRA is a vital tool that has been proven to be essential for small towns and marginalized communities throughout the commonwealth,” said Nelson . “Our Main Streets have historically been economic drivers of their communities, and our goal is to continue providing the much-needed resources. This legislation will ensure that every community in Pennsylvania has financial accessibility that fits their needs so that every one of our neighbors has a chance to shape their own future for the better. “It goes beyond recognizing our communities have needs but also acknowledges that these communities already have great things happening. These hidden gems are waiting for our investment; they Read more

 

Kosierowski announces $1.3 million state infrastructure grant for North Main Avenue and Green Ridge Street redevelopment project

(Aug 19, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

SCRANTON, Aug. 18 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, today announced that Scranton has been awarded $1,311,593 in state funding through Pennsylvania’s Multimodal Transportation Fund for infrastructure improvements on North Main Avenue and Green Ridge Street. The award will help redevelop several recently acquired, contiguous commercial properties along North Main Avenue and Green Ridge Street, provide pedestrian infrastructure improvements and improve traffic access. “The funding will improve the North Main Avenue and Green Ridge Street neighborhood by supporting commercial development and improving safety for drivers and pedestrians,” Kosierowski said. “This investment will make the area more attractive to businesses, helping to drive economic growth and create a more vibrant destination for residents.” The project is part of a statewide investment of $54 million for 50 highway, bridge, aviation, port, bicycle and pedestrian projects across 27 counties through the Multimodal Transportation Fund. The program is designed to improve safety, strengthen local economies and enhance mobility by investing in transportation infrastructure that connects communities and people to opportunity. Read more

 

Ciresi applauds Shapiro’s executive order on data centers, prohibition on NDAs

(Aug 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, Aug. 18 – House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today issued a statement applauding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order holding data center developers accountable and protecting Pennsylvanians: “I applaud Governor Shapiro’s executive order to protect Pennsylvanians from unregulated data center development in the face of Senate Republican inaction on legislation passed by the House. “I was pleased that the executive order incorporates provisions from my bill prohibiting non-disclosure agreements between data centers and public officials. These protections will help ensure that the public is no longer kept in the dark about how data centers could affect their communities, environment and quality of life. “This executive order will foster the accountability, transparency and public involvement Pennsylvania needs for data center development to move forward.” Read more

 

Kinkead, Mazzocco to introduce bill requiring regular property assessments

(Aug 18, 2026) Rep. Emily Kinkead, Rep. Jen Mazzocco

“Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation that does not require regular property reassessments. Some of our counties have gone more than five decades without reassessment. This has created significant disparities between similarly situated properties and unfairly shifted the property tax burden among homeowners, especially in areas where school districts cross county lines.“Regular reassessments would give taxpayers greater transparency and predictability while giving our schools and local governments the information they need to plan for the future. This is an opportunity to finally fix this broken, inequitable system that impacts homeowners, renters, school districts and municipalities statewide.” Read more

 

House Democratic Leadership Commends Gov. Shapiro Action on Data Centers

(Aug 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 18 – Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders issued the following statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order to hold data center developers accountable and protect Pennsylvanians: “Governor Shapiro’s executive order puts strong, commonsense requirements in place that will hold data center developers accountable and protect our communities, utility costs and environment. “This executive action is necessary, given the Senate Republicans’ inability to advance any legislation to rein in this growing industry. It also builds on the work House Democrats have already advanced through the passage of multiple bipartisan bills to give communities more control, prevent electricity rate hikes, protect clean water, and much more. While these measures to hold big tech accountable sit languishing in the Senate, Governor Shapiro is taking strong, meaningful and comprehensive action. We commend him on his leadership and for putting Pennsylvanians first.” Read more

 

Salisbury: Registration now open for Fourth Annual Nonprofit Symposium

(Aug 17, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

BRADDOCK, Aug. 17 – Marking National Nonprofit Day, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced that registration is now open for the Fourth Annual Nonprofit Symposium. Salisbury, who has hosted the event annually for the past three years, said the Oct. 15 symposium at the Monroeville Convention Center will be the largest to date and will feature new sessions tailored to nonprofits’ needs. “Nonprofits and the people who run them are on the front lines of some of our most essential services, from fighting food insecurity and operating afterschool programs to connecting residents with mental health resources and other services that knit our community together and make life better,” Salisbury said. “This year’s symposium will feature expert sessions to help nonprofits access and maximize state funding, cultivate recurring small donors, manage risk, tell their story, make the most of social media and promote staff mental health and wellness, so they can do even more for the community they love. “I’m excited that we are opening registration today to what I know is going to be our most helpful symposium yet.” Salisbury said that registration is required and can be completed by visiting this page: https://www.pahouse.com/salisbury/RSVP/?id=1942 or by going to her webpage at www.RepSalisbury.com and clicking on the link titled “Nonprofit Symposium.” Anyone with Read more

 

Grant memo: Creative Industries, School Safety, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(Aug 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Grant memo: Creative Industries, School Safety, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee holds informational meeting on quantum technologies

(Aug 12, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 12 – The PA House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting in State College Tuesday to learn about the potential benefits that the development of quantum technologies could bring to Pennsylvania. Quantum technology uses quantum physics to create new capabilities in computing, sensing, communications, and cybersecurity that current technologies cannot achieve. “Quantum technologies are the next frontier, and we owe it to Pennsylvania and its people to connect and scale up the tremendous assets we already have -- our universities, manufacturers, technology, and people -- to develop the commonwealth into a world-class leader in the industry,” state Rep. Joe Ciresi, the committee’s chairman, said. “When Pennsylvania leads in innovation, our residents will reap substantial dividends for decades in high-paying jobs and stronger communities. “A key benefit of acting now before the quantum economy arrives is that we can ensure we have the right workforce education and training in place so that our residents can benefit from jobs in emerging and future technologies, but also so that our state and local governments are resilient and prepared for the very real cybersecurity risks that quantum computing will bring.” Speakers included: Matt Brandsema, associate research professor and Quantum & Multiphysics Department head, Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State Jen Read more

 

Rural housing attainability focus of House Majority Policy Roundtable

(Aug 11, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Majority Policy Committee convened a roundtable discussion in Centre County Tuesday to discuss potential solutions to the housing crisis and help more people put a roof over their heads. Read more

 

Main Street, Rail Freight, Workforce Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 11, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Learn more about the latest grant opportunities. Read more

 

Khan and Colleagues Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Pennsylvanians from Misuse of Flock and License Plate Reader Data

(Aug 10, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 10 — State Reps. Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; Robert Leadbeter, R-Columbia; Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware; Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery; and Nate Davidson, D-Cumberland/Dauphin, today announced plans to introduce bipartisan legislation establishing statewide privacy and accountability protections for automated license plate reader systems, including Flock Safety cameras.License plate readers are becoming increasingly common across Pennsylvania. While the technology can assist law enforcement in recovering stolen vehicles and solving crimes, its expansion raises important questions about personal information, privacy, and civil liberties. Reports from around the country have documented concerns about misuse, including instances in which individuals with authorized access allegedly used the data to stalk former partners, track acquaintances, or conduct searches for personal reasons. Read more

 

Rep. Hanbidge Announces More Than $800,000 for Traffic Signal Modernization in Lower Gwynedd and Towamencin

(Aug 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Rep. Hanbidge Announces More Than $800,000 for Traffic Signal Modernization in Lower Gwynedd and Towamencin Read more

 

Kazeem celebrates nearly $63K in state investments in traffic safety

(Aug 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

CHESTER, Aug. 5 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, announced today that Marcus Hook Borough will receive a Green Light-Go grant of $ 62,944 to support traffic signal system modernization upgrades at the intersection of 10th Street and Market Street. “This funding will help make a key community crossroads safer for drivers, pedestrians, and residents by improving the intersection and increasing traffic safety,” Kazeem said. “The state funding will have a long-term positive impact on the continued development of Marcus Hook’s downtown, making it an even more vibrant and welcoming place to live, work and visit.” The Greenlight-Go Program is a competitive state grant program designed to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals in Pennsylvania and is administered by the state Transportation Department. Applicants are required to provide a 20% match. Funding may be used for traffic signal retiming; study and removal of unwarranted traffic-control signals; monitoring of traffic signal corridors; innovative technologies; installation, upgrade or maintenance of traffic signal communication systems; upgrade or installation of detection systems and controllers; modernization upgrades; implementation of intelligent transportation system applications; or to replace traditional or LED bulbs with new LED bulbs. Read more

 

Ciresi praises $632K in state investments in traffic safety in Pottstown

(Aug 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, Aug. 5 – A longtime advocate for infrastructure investments in Pottstown, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that Pottstown will receive a Green Light-Go grant of $ 632,000 to modernize traffic signals and improve pedestrian accessibility. The funding will support upgrades at the intersections of Route 100 and King Street and Route 100 and Shoemaker Road, enhancing pedestrian safety, improving traffic flow and increasing accessibility for residents and visitors. “This funding will make Pottstown a safer, more connected place,” Ciresi said. “Modernized traffic signals and improved pedestrian accessibility will increase safety and improve mobility to create a more welcoming community for those who live and work here while supporting the borough’s continued economic growth.” The Greenlight-Go Program is a competitive state grant program designed to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals in Pennsylvania and is administered by the state Transportation Department. Applicants are required to provide a 20% match. Funding may be used for traffic signal retiming; study and removal of unwarranted traffic-control signals; monitoring of traffic signal corridors; innovative technologies; installation, upgrade or maintenance of traffic signal communication systems; upgrade or installation of detection systems and controllers; modernization upgrades; implementation of intelligent Read more

 

Harm vs. help: AI use in schools topic of House panel

(Aug 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Majority Policy Committee hosted a roundtable discussion on Wednesday to examine the impacts of artificial intelligence on child safety and the issues that need to be addressed. Read more

 

Burns: Dolly Parton touched the lives of many local children
3 hours ago

PA General Assembly’s only elected physician comments on measles deaths
8 hours ago

Venkat, Grimm Krupa, to introduce legislation to support children of military servicemembers
1 day ago

Solomon and Rabb introduce legislation enhancing penalties for campaign finance violations
Aug 21, 2026

House Communications & Technology Committee holds informational meeting on increasing broadband access in Pennsylvania
Aug 20, 2026

Nelson to introduce legislation to preserve equitable banking opportunities
Aug 19, 2026

Kosierowski announces $1.3 million state infrastructure grant for North Main Avenue and Green Ridge Street redevelopment project
Aug 19, 2026

Ciresi applauds Shapiro’s executive order on data centers, prohibition on NDAs
Aug 18, 2026

Kinkead, Mazzocco to introduce bill requiring regular property assessments
Aug 18, 2026

House Democratic Leadership Commends Gov. Shapiro Action on Data Centers
Aug 18, 2026

Salisbury: Registration now open for Fourth Annual Nonprofit Symposium
Aug 17, 2026

Grant memo: Creative Industries, School Safety, Economic Development, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
Aug 17, 2026

House Communications & Technology Committee holds informational meeting on quantum technologies
Aug 12, 2026

Rural housing attainability focus of House Majority Policy Roundtable
Aug 11, 2026

Main Street, Rail Freight, Workforce Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 11, 2026

Khan and Colleagues Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Pennsylvanians from Misuse of Flock and License Plate Reader Data
Aug 10, 2026

Rep. Hanbidge Announces More Than $800,000 for Traffic Signal Modernization in Lower Gwynedd and Towamencin
Aug 05, 2026

Kazeem celebrates nearly $63K in state investments in traffic safety
Aug 05, 2026

Ciresi praises $632K in state investments in traffic safety in Pottstown
Aug 05, 2026

Harm vs. help: AI use in schools topic of House panel
Aug 05, 2026