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Philadelphia House Delegation supports Shapiro budget proposal

(2 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – The Philadelphia House Delegation offered their support for the 2026-27 state budget proposed today by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said the proposal is a great starting point that would deliver for all Philadelphians. Read more

 

Conklin: Proposed budget spends responsibly to help students and working families

(2 hours ago) Rep. Scott Conklin

“The governor’s plan makes sense to me because it focuses on helping working families thrive, boosting jobs, and strengthening our public schools – all without raising taxes." Read more

 

Steele welcomes governor's support for restricting cell phones in schools

(2 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, today expressed strong support for Gov. Josh Shapiro’s renewed backing of restrictions on cell phone use in Pennsylvania schools, highlighted in his annual budget address. Read more

 

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed

(3 hours ago) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Rob Matzie issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address today: “The governor’s address was a positive first step in the budget process,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “The proposed budget plan would deliver needed investments to our public schools, our workforce, and initiatives to make life more affordable for Beaver County residents – all without adding any new taxes. “To continue leveling the playing field for all public school students – regardless of ZIP code – the new budget would invest more than $500 million in additional equity funding that will provide block grants to historically underfunded districts. The new plan would also increase funding for basic and special education by $50 million each. Our Beaver County schools would see across-the-board increases to help our students thrive. “To strengthen our workforce and create more jobs, the plan would increase funding for career and technical education and vocational rehabilitation, childcare recruitment and retention, and teacher professional development and stipends. “Housing costs take the largest chunk out of a family’s budget, so having access to safe, affordable housing is key to financial stability. To increase the availability of affordable housing, the proposed budget would create a Read more

 

Burns welcomes governor’s call to fight waste, fraud, abuse

(3 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

As he works to crack down on financial waste, fraud and abuse, state Rep. Frank Burns today said he welcomes the support Gov. Josh Shapiro announced for protecting taxpayers with a state False Claims Act in his annual budget address. Read more

 

Schlossberg applauds governor’s proposed investments in schools, job creation, mental health care

(5 hours ago) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“Pennsylvania needs to be a strong partner for education, job creation and mental health care. Governor Shapiro’s proposal reflects that strong partnership with our schools, businesses and workers, and mental health care providers. This is the first step in the process. Working with my colleagues in the Pennsylvania House, I am eager to get to work on the 2026-27 budget.” Read more

 

House Energy Committee advances bill to address energy affordability

(8 hours ago) Rep. Kyle T. Donahue

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – On Monday, the PA House Energy Committee voted to advance legislation aimed at protecting consumers from rising costs associated with data center projects. Separately, the committee heard testimony on bills that would enhance reporting and transparency from data centers and provide local officials with a model ordinance to guide responsible development.Data center projects are rapidly proliferating nationwide due to the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video streaming.As chair of the House Energy Committee, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., has made it a priority to shield consumers from bearing additional costs related to these projects.“People’s bills are too high. We need to do everything we can to keep bills down and ensure the heat and lights come on when Pennsylvanians need them,” said Fiedler. “Affordability and reliability are at the heart of the work we are doing on the Energy Committee, and these bills are a key part of that. Without accountability, big for-profit tech companies could try to push more costs onto everyday consumers.”The Data Center Consumer Protection Bill (H.B. 1834), sponsored by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, was amended and approved by the committee. A public hearing on the bill was held in October 2025. If enacted, the legislation would protect ratepayers by establishing a regulatory framework for data centers operating in Pennsylvania.“Today’s vote brings us one step closer to... Read more

 

Salisbury bill would help protect tree canopy for communities

(1 day ago) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – Legislation newly introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury would help preserve the tree canopy in Pennsylvania communities by requiring utility companies to plant a new tree for each one they cut down. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said she introduced H.B. 2161 after residents and environmental advocates in her district expressed growing concerns that trees were being unnecessarily removed, rather than simply pruned or trimmed. “Preserving the tree canopy is critical for urban environments – not just because trees beautify the landscape, but because they provide so many other benefits, from reducing air pollution and stormwater runoff to providing cooling shade and reducing energy costs, to raising property values and increasing pedestrian traffic for local businesses. “Residents recognize the need for utilities to trim and prune trees – and sometimes even remove them – to ensure vegetation does not interfere with power lines. But it’s critical to ensure that those management efforts are done with an eye toward what is best for residents and the environment. My bill would do that by requiring a utility that removes a tree to plant a new one, within two years, in a location of the municipality’s choice.” Salisbury said her bill would align tree removal by electric utilities with existing regulations that require utilities to repair damage Read more

 

Bipartisan lawmakers gather to create a pro-housing agenda for Pennsylvania

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Every person deserves a safe place to call home, yet far too many Pennsylvanians lack access to this basic human right,” Solomon concluded. “Today was a call to action for all of us to work together to solve the housing crisis. This is an issue we can all agree on -- people deserve to live with dignity.” Read more

 

Scott bill requiring stays on evictions during extreme weather approved by committee

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 2023 would require a judge to halt the execution of an eviction order on a day-to-day basis when below-freezing temperatures, winter storm or blizzard warnings, excessive heat warnings, and hurricane or tropical storm warnings are in effect. Read more

 

House passes Freeman bill to allow memorials for first responders

(1 day ago) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“First responders are there whenever we need them in an emergency and they deserve to be honored by their communities,” Freeman said. Read more

 

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Here are the latest grant programs that are open for applications. Read more

 

Conklin bill would lay foundation for new affordable housing when state sells former prison land

(Jan 30, 2026) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – To address the growing shortage of affordable housing, state Rep. Scott Conklin today introduced legislation that would require the state to reserve a portion of any former state prison land it plans to sell and offer that land to the host county for affordable housing. Conklin said his bill, H.B. 2180 , would give the county in which a former state correctional institution is located the option to receive a transfer of up to 2% of the property. “Nearly half of Pennsylvania renter households are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing, and a significant number are severely cost-burdened, spending more than 50%,” Conklin said. “One of the primary drivers of this crisis is the lack of affordable housing. My bill would help ease that shortage by ensuring that whenever the state sells former prison land, a portion is set aside and offered to the county for affordable housing use.” Under the proposal, counties would not be required to accept the land. However, if they do, they would be required to use it for affordable housing and to meet certain requirements and timelines to ensure that housing becomes available. House Bill 2180 is the second measure Conklin has announced following the state’s decision to close SCI-Rockview. Earlier this year, he and state Rep. Dallas Kephart introduced legislation (H.B. 1951) to promote fairness and Read more

 

Rabb bill for restorative justice clears House Judiciary Committee

(Jan 30, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“Too often, our legal system measures success by severity of punishment, rather than if the victims are healed and future violence is prevented,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “Restorative justice gives victims a voice and requires those who caused harm to take responsibility in a more meaningful way. By allowing judges to use these tools, House Bill 1671 would move Pennsylvania toward a criminal legal system that is centered on reducing harm and recidivism.” Read more

 

Munroe introduces consumer protection bill ensuring adequate notice when a fixed-rate energy contract ends

(Jan 30, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

WARMINSTER, Jan. 30 – State Rep. Brian Munroe, D-Bucks, is pushing to help residents avoid surprise energy price hikes by making sure that they know when a fixed-rate contract ends. He introduced H.B. 2183 today to lock current Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission rules into law and require clearer, earlier warnings when energy bills are about to change. “Having a fixed-rate energy bill relieves a lot of stress on working families because it makes a household’s monthly energy costs predictable,” Munroe said. “With the cost of energy continuing to rise across Pennsylvania, it is imperative that families know what to expect to pay at the end of every month.” The PUC currently requires energy providers to twice notify fixed-rate consumers that their rate is soon expiring. If a consumer doesn’t renew their fixed-rate contract by its expiration, they’re forced onto a variable-rate contract that will adjust to energy market conditions. “For a family on a strict monthly budget, a variable-rate contract poses a significant problem,” Munroe said. “Their bill is going to fluctuate month to month based on the energy market, a system that is entirely beyond their individual control. And then they’re stuck paying potentially much higher rates some months, even if they’re using the same amount of energy that they always use.” Read more

 

Briggs measure to expand funding for civil legal aid passes House with bipartisan support

(Jan 29, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D–Montgomery, to strengthen funding for civil legal aid and our justice system advanced today with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. House Bill 331 would enhance Pennsylvania’s commitment to equal access to justice by expanding support for the Access to Justice Account, which provides stable and predictable funding for civil legal aid services across Pennsylvania. The measure builds on the existing court funding structure to ensure more Pennsylvanians can receive help with critical civil legal matters. “Civil legal aid is often the difference between stability and crisis for families,” Briggs said. “Whether it’s preventing an unlawful eviction, protecting access to health care, or helping someone escape an abusive situation, this legislation helps ensure people can get the legal help they need, when they need it.” The legislation broadens participation in an established funding mechanism that supports civil legal aid statewide. Those funds are administered through the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, which helped more than 200,000 Pennsylvanians last year understand and protect their civil legal rights. The bill also modernizes how Pennsylvania supports and funds its courts. It allows the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to cover the annual $400 registration fee that helps Read more

 

Legislators, advocates celebrate opening of popular Solar for Schools Program; Urge Pa. schools to apply now for $25 million in grants

(Jan 29, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – The application period has opened for the second year of the popular Solar for Schools Grant Program, a bipartisan initiative passed into law in 2024. The program received another $25 million in the 2025-26 state budget, following the initial state investment of $25 million. An impressive bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers, along with solar organizations and advocates, applauded the renewed funding. The program comes as consumers and schools are struggling with rising costs: energy prices have outpaced inflation over the past six years and are currently the second highest cost for schools in Pennsylvania. “Schools are facing a massive energy affordability crisis, just like people are at home with their utility bills,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila, who sponsored the initial legislation. “Year one of the Solar for Schools Program was a huge success, and applications are now opening at a perfect time for year two of the program. As prices go up and the federal government continues to slash programs and funding to increase renewable energy supply in PA, our state government must step up to help produce more energy right here in PA. Solar for Schools shows that we have the bipartisan support, in both chambers, to achieve this.” School districts, charter schools, career and technical schools, community colleges, and intermediate units are eligible to apply now on the Department Read more

 

Friel bill to capitalize net operating losses in Pennsylvania passes to Senate

(Jan 28, 2026) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed bipartisan legislation ( 198-1 ) to allow start-ups in the state that are not yet profitable to sell their net losses to profitable corporations in exchange for capital, announced the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester. To help keep these businesses here, Friel’s bill, H.B. 1129 , would allow qualified start-ups to sell net operating losses to other companies. This approach, based on a successful New Jersey law, would turn losses into usable cash and businesses into job creators. “Start-up businesses — especially in technology and biotechnology — play a key role in creating jobs and driving innovation,” Friel said. “However, many young companies struggle to raise enough money to grow, and too often they leave Pennsylvania for states with better options.” The bill would allow the money earned from selling their net losses to be reinvested directly into growing the business, hiring workers and expanding operations in Pennsylvania. This gives start-ups a much-needed source of funding without giving up ownership, Friel said. “Supporting these companies helps build good-paying jobs and keeps Pennsylvania competitive for the future,” he added. “This bill turns tough, hard-fought days into tomorrow’s growth and helps ensure that the next generation of jobs, investment and Read more

 

House passes natural gas safety recommendations after R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion

(Jan 28, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – The Pennsylvania House has passed two bipartisan bills introduced by state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, aimed at addressing natural gas safety concerns in the wake of the 2023 R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion. The bills were introduced after a March 2025 investigation found the explosion, which killed seven people and injured 10 others at the West Reading factory, located in Cepeda-Freytiz’s legislative district, was likely caused by a degraded natural gas connection. “As we approach the three-year anniversary of the devastating R.M. Palmer factory explosion, we continue to feel the impact it had on our community, including the loss of seven of our neighbors,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “The measures outlined in these bills will save lives and ensure that we learn from this tragedy, so no one else has to suffer as our community has.” The bills passed by the House include: House Bill 1525 : Would require all owners and operators of pipelines transporting steam located in public rights-of-way to register with the Pennsylvania One Call System so that property owners and construction workers know where steam lines are located. (183-16) House Bill 1526 : Would require the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission to work with natural gas pipeline operators to develop guidance and management programs to address threats to degrading plastic pipelines. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to help state retirement plans operate more efficiently

(Jan 28, 2026) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 — The state House today unanimously passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Scott Conklin that would allow Pennsylvania’s pension systems for state and public education employees to operate more efficiently by implementing a deadline change requested by the administering agencies. Conklin’s H.B. 1304 would adjust the deadlines for the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System and the Public School Employees’ Retirement System to complete and submit the results of required annual financial testing so that the deadlines better align with the agencies’ fiscal year. “State law requires SERS and PSERS to conduct annual financial stress testing to assess the financial health of their pension funds and the plans’ ability to withstand adverse market conditions,” Conklin said. “The law also sets deadlines for the agencies to complete and submit the test results to state officials and for the Independent Fiscal Office to compile the results into a summary report. “The agencies have told us the current deadlines are not workable and have asked that they be adjusted to provide more time,” Conklin said. “My bill would move the testing and reporting deadlines back by three months to better align with the agencies’ fiscal year and actuarial practices.” Conklin said SERS – which already conducts more rigorous testing than Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation supports Shapiro budget proposal
2 hours ago

Conklin: Proposed budget spends responsibly to help students and working families
2 hours ago

Steele welcomes governor's support for restricting cell phones in schools
2 hours ago

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed
3 hours ago

Burns welcomes governor’s call to fight waste, fraud, abuse
3 hours ago

Schlossberg applauds governor’s proposed investments in schools, job creation, mental health care
5 hours ago

House Energy Committee advances bill to address energy affordability
8 hours ago

Salisbury bill would help protect tree canopy for communities
1 day ago

Bipartisan lawmakers gather to create a pro-housing agenda for Pennsylvania
1 day ago

Scott bill requiring stays on evictions during extreme weather approved by committee
1 day ago

House passes Freeman bill to allow memorials for first responders
1 day ago

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
1 day ago

Conklin bill would lay foundation for new affordable housing when state sells former prison land
Jan 30, 2026

Rabb bill for restorative justice clears House Judiciary Committee
Jan 30, 2026

Munroe introduces consumer protection bill ensuring adequate notice when a fixed-rate energy contract ends
Jan 30, 2026

Briggs measure to expand funding for civil legal aid passes House with bipartisan support
Jan 29, 2026

Legislators, advocates celebrate opening of popular Solar for Schools Program; Urge Pa. schools to apply now for $25 million in grants
Jan 29, 2026

Friel bill to capitalize net operating losses in Pennsylvania passes to Senate
Jan 28, 2026

House passes natural gas safety recommendations after R.M. Palmer chocolate factory explosion
Jan 28, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to help state retirement plans operate more efficiently
Jan 28, 2026