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Rivera secures $125K in state grants for Stauffer Park rehabilitation

(17 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, helped secure $125,000 in grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to rehabilitate Stauffer Park in Manheim Township. The $125,000 grant for the Elizabeth S. Ludgate Trust for Stauffer Park will be used to renovate the internal loop trail; construct walkways and an access drive; and make ADA access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements. “The creation and preservation of green spaces are critical to improving the quality of life in our communities,” Rivera said. “The walkway and trail improvements at Stauffer Park will make it more accessible, improve safety, increase community access and enhance recreational opportunities.” The funding comes from DCNR’s Environmental Stewardship Fund, which supports state parks, conservation and outdoor recreation. More information about the ESF and other Community Conservation Partnership Program funding sources is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/programs-and-services/grants/grant-funding-sources . Read more

 

Kazeem secures over $550K in state grants for Upper Chichester Township

(17 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

CHESTER, Oct. 7 – Two Upper Chichester Township projects will receive $550,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources thanks to state Rep. Carol Kazeem's advocacy. "I am very proud to bring home this state funding that will increase recreational opportunities in Upper Chichester," Kazeem, D-Delaware, said. "Residents will have more space to play and to gather at the expanded Peach Street Park and enjoy more walkways and expanded parking at the rehabilitated Baseball League Park." Upper Chichester Township will receive $300,000 to acquire approximately 6.68 acres for an addition to Peach Street Park and $250,000 to rehabilitate Upper Chichester Baseball League Park, including the construction of pedestrian walkways and a parking area; installation of lights; ADA access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements. The funding comes from DCNR's Environmental Stewardship Fund, which goes to support state parks, conservation and outdoor recreation. More information about the ESF and other Community Conservation Partnership Program funding sources is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/programs-and-services/grants/grant-funding-sources . Read more

 

Kosierowski secures nearly $300K in state grants for public park and nature preserve

(17 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

SCRANTON, Oct. 7 – New funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will rehabilitate a Dickson City park and expand Rowlands Preserve in North Abington Township, state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced today. “This funding serves the public good by rehabilitating and developing a city park and preserving a beautiful natural space,” Kosierowski said. “These spaces provide access to free recreation and improve public health, community well-being and quality of life.” According to Kosierwoski, the Countryside Conservancy will receive $82,200 to help acquire the 29-acre Sagan Property for the Rowlands Preserve, a 65-acre protected natural area that is open to the public for recreation. Dickson City Borough will receive $216,500 to help rehabilitate and develop City Line Park. The project includes a comfort station, a baseball field, pedestrian walkways and parking area; play equipment with required safety surfacing and fencing; ADA access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements. Kosierowski thanked state Sen. Marty Flynn, D-Lackawanna, for his support of the applications for funding. The funding comes from DCNR’s Environmental Stewardship Fund, which goes to support state parks, conservation and outdoor recreation. More information about the ESF and other Community Conservation Partnerships Program funding sources is available here: Read more

 

Ciresi secures over $500K in state funding for local parks

(18 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, Oct. 7 – Two local parks will be rehabilitated and improved thanks to new funding state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, secured from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: $263,000 for Sanatoga Park in Lower Pottsgrove Township and $250,000 for Pollock Park in Pottstown Borough. “This funding will make these two parks even more welcoming spaces for residents of all ages,” Ciresi said. “At Sanatoga Park, it will add walkways and a pavilion for community events. At Pollock Park, it will help advance Phase II of the redevelopment. Both projects will give our communities more opportunities for recreation and spaces for families and friends to gather.” At Sanatoga Park, funding will be used to construct a pavilion and pedestrian walkways; install play equipment with required safety surfacing, stormwater management measures, fencing, lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements. The Pollock Park grant will fund the construction of pedestrian walkways and parking area; install play equipment with required safety surfacing, stormwater management measures and fencing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. The funding comes from DCNR’s Environmental Stewardship Fund, which goes to support state parks, conservation and outdoor recreation. More information about the ESF and other Community Conservation Partnership Read more

 

PA House Communications & Technology Committee advances bills on AI chatbot toys, smart glasses recording

(19 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – Smart glasses would have to indicate when they are recording and would be prohibited from using biometric identification, and AI chatbots would be prohibited in children’s toys for three years, under legislation advanced today by the PA House Communications & Technology Committee, committee chair state Rep. Joe Ciresi announced. Read more

 

‘People over profit margins’: PA House Democrats renew commitment to energy affordability with bill package to protect consumers

(21 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 — As electric costs and household shutoffs reached historic highs this year, PA House Democrats introduced a bold series of bills in April intended to lower costs for everyday Pennsylvanians, hold big corporations accountable and get more energy out of Pennsylvania’s existing infrastructure. On Wednesday, House members gathered again to urge action on this crisis and renew focus on their Energy Affordability bill package. The bills in the package are: H.B. 1834: Data Centers and Consumers (Matzie) H.B. 2131: Promoting Fairness in PA’s Retail Electricity Market (Boyd) H.B. 1457: Prohibiting Weather Normalization Adjustments (Probst) H.B. 2264: Establishing a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Program (Davidson) H.B. 2380: Reducing utility bills by utilizing grid-scale battery storage (Rivera) H.B. 2223: Lowering Electric Bills by Adopting Advanced Transmission Technologies (Fiedler) H.B. 2224: Saving Taxpayers Money by Limiting Excessive Profits for Utility Monopolies (Fiedler) House Bill 1457, introduced by state Rep. Tarah Probst , D-Monroe/Pike, would save consumers money by prohibiting companies from charging Weather Normalization Adjustments, which charge customers for energy they never use. “We’re talking today about energy affordability, but how can we expect Pennsylvanians to afford their utility bills when they Read more

 

Bill to continue bank investments in all communities introduced in state House

(22 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – In response to recent federal proposals that would weaken the obligation of banks to invest in low- and middle-income communities, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, has introduced legislation that will preserve equitable banking in Pennsylvania. The legislation, H.B. 2822 , is modeled after the Community Reinvestment Act , federal law 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 has been critical throughout the post-Civil Rights era in ensuring that banks across our nation, and especially here in Pennsylvania, continue to act as strong community partners for every town, no matter their size, needs or composition,” Nelson said. “Pennsylvania is covered in communities that are hidden gems and already have great things happening but need extra support, or communities that are waiting for the right investments to help them thrive. “This legislation will ensure that every community, not just the most well off or the most populous, have the resources they need so that each of our neighbors can shape the future of their hometown for the better.” Recent federal proposals Read more

 

Industry leaders and energy experts weigh in on Pennsylvania's bleak electric reliability outlook, urge lawmakers to pass pro-consumer reforms

(23 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – Following the September PUC report on Pennsylvania's resource adequacy crisis and its ongoing work to increase grid reliability, the PA House Energy Committee convened for an informational meeting on Pennsylvania's electric reliability outlook Tuesday.Last month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission released an independent analysis, conducted by Synapse Energy Economics, warning that rising energy demand presents significant resource adequacy concerns for Pennsylvania and the broader PJM region. Read more

 

Rivera raises awareness of need for funding for Duchenne muscular dystrophy at Capitol

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 6 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera held a news conference to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy last week at the Capitol. Read more

 

House passes Davidson’s H.B. 2033

(1 day ago) Rep. Nate Davidson

“When the commonwealth assumes custody of an individual, we assume responsibility for their health and well-being. Withholding the most fundamental baseline of public health violates that sacred trust,” said state Rep. Nate Davidson, D-Cumberland/Dauphin. “Compassion does not stop at cell doors, nor does it ignore the correctional officers and facility staff who eat meals from these same kitchens every single shift. By making inspections independent and public, we increase transparence, decency and accountability.” Read more

 

House Transportation Committee unanimously approves e-scooter bill

(1 day ago) Rep. Emily Kinkead, Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

Twenty-six lawmakers vote to advance regulatory framework for e-scooters Read more

 

Pielli’s bill to establish Artificial Intelligence Professional Development Grant Program approved by state House Education Committee

(1 day ago) Rep. Chris Pielli

“Our schools are struggling as to how they should deal with AI in the classroom. AI can be a beneficial tool in the classroom if incorporated correctly,” Pielli said. “Our children don’t need teachers who can create their lesson plans faster thanks to AI software. What they need are educators who are not dependent on AI but instead use it as another tool in their arsenal to help inspire young minds and get their students engaged in their lessons. Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee approves Senate bill requiring disclosure of AI content in advertising

(Oct 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – The House Communications & Technology Committee today advanced a Senate bill that would require the disclosure of content generated or substantially modified by artificial intelligence, or AI, when used to sell consumer goods. Read more

 

PA House passes Kosierowski bill to phase out toxic chemical in IV bags, tubing

(Oct 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – Legislation that would phase out DEHP, a chemical used to soften plastic in some intravenous solution bags and tubing, unanimously passed the PA House today, the bill's sponsor, state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced. "Every day, patients across the commonwealth may be exposed to a toxic additive, DEHP, found in IV bags and tubing," Kosierowski said. "With a growing body of research linking DEHP exposure to numerous health problems, including breast, liver, lung and testicular cancer, it is time to move away from IV bags and tubing containing that chemical." House Bill 2614 would require manufacturers to stop using DEHP in IV bags beginning in 2030 and IV tubing beginning in 2035, with limited exemptions. The bill would reduce patients' exposure to DEHP while giving medical manufacturers time to transition to safer alternatives, which are readily available. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Kosierowski kratom bill unanimously passes PA House

(Oct 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – Legislation that would regulate the sale of natural kratom products and prohibit the sale of synthetic kratom unanimously passed the House today, the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced. Kratom is a plant from southeast Asia used for its psychoactive properties. The Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have recommended that the Drug Enforcement Agency classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 controlled substance – placing it in the same category as heroin and LSD. House Bill 2657 would create a statutory framework for the sale, distribution and quality control of kratom products within Pennsylvania. Retailers registered with the state would be allowed to sell natural-leaf kratom products to people 21 and over. Packaging would have to list the manufacturer's name and address, carry a warning that the products have not been evaluated by the FDA and make no medical claims. Packaging would also have to be child resistant and designed not to appeal to minors. Kratom products would be subject to the tobacco tax. The Pennsylvania Department of Health would enforce standards and collect taxes. The bill would also ban the sale of synthetic or adulterated kratom products, including those that contain more than 0.5% alkaloid composition of 7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, a compound found in only trace amounts in the kratom leaf. Sellers of these illegal products Read more

 

Kosierowski kratom bill unanimously passes PA House

(Oct 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – Legislation that would regulate the sale of natural kratom products and prohibit the sale of synthetic kratom unanimously passed the House today, the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced. Kratom is a plant from southeast Asia used for its psychoactive properties. The Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have recommended that the Drug Enforcement Agency classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 controlled substance – placing it in the same category as heroin and LSD. House Bill 2657 would create a statutory framework for the sale, distribution and quality control of kratom products within Pennsylvania. Retailers registered with the state would be allowed to sell natural-leaf kratom products to people 21 and over. Packaging would have to list the manufacturer's name and address, carry a warning that the products have not been evaluated by the FDA and make no medical claims. Packaging would also have to be child resistant and designed not to appeal to minors. Kratom products would be subject to the tobacco tax. The Pennsylvania Department of Health would enforce standards and collect taxes. The bill would also ban the sale of synthetic or adulterated kratom products, including those that contain more than 0.5% alkaloid composition of 7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, a compound found in only trace amounts in the kratom leaf. Sellers of these illegal products Read more

 

House passes Davidson’s legislation to prevent abrupt child care closures

(Oct 05, 2026) Rep. Nate Davidson

“When a child care provider shuts its doors overnight, the ripple effects tear through entire communities,” said Davidson. “Children lose trusted routines, staff abruptly lose their paychecks, and parents are thrown into a crisis in the middle of an ongoing shortage. This legislation ensures families have a critical window to secure care and gives dedicated workers fair time to transition.” Read more

 

Rivera bill to lower electricity costs, increase reliability through grid-scale battery storage passes House

(Oct 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – Legislation aimed at reducing electricity costs and increasing reliability for Pennsylvania households and small businesses by requiring electric utilities to set targets for and procure grid-stabilizing battery storage passed the House today, the bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced. “Pennsylvania’s aging electricity grid is strained by increasingly violent weather and surging energy demand from cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies,” Rivera said. “My legislation offers a practical, proven solution that will help keep our lights on and our electric bills affordable.” House Bill 2380 would require Pennsylvania’s largest electric utilities to install 3,500 megawatts of battery storage by 2035. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission would assign each utility’s share of 3,500 megawatts based on the service load and annual peak demand of each electric company with more than 600,000 customers. The bill also includes competitive procurement requirements and regulatory oversight to help ensure projects deliver value for ratepayers. Electricity costs are often driven by peak-hour demand, when electric utilities must rely on expensive “peaker” power plants that quickly ramp up to prevent grid failures. Battery storage systems store electricity when demand and prices are low and discharge it when demand is highest. Read more

 

House passes Salisbury bill to restore newborn screening for Gaucher disease

(Oct 05, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury that would require all Pennsylvania newborns to be tested for Gaucher disease, an inherited genetic disorder that can have devastating health consequences. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said H.B. 1652 would allow parents to know at the earliest possible time whether their newborn has the disease so they can obtain timely treatment to help alleviate symptoms. “Pennsylvania screens newborns for a wide array of diseases to ensure that children who are affected can benefit from timely detection and treatment,” Salisbury said. “Until recently, the list of screened diseases included Gaucher disease, a genetic disorder that can cause devastating health problems, including organ, blood, and bone disorders and even certain cancers. “Six years ago, Gaucher was dropped from the list of screened diseases, which means that hospitals and parents are no longer automatically notified if their newborn has the disease, and children are deprived of a vital, early treatment window that can alleviate some health impacts. My bill would reinstate screening for this devastating disease, so parents get the timely information they need to help their children.” Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which a person is missing an enzyme that breaks down lipids – fatty compounds in the body that serve various Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to give residents a voice on high-impact data centers

(Oct 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, last week introduced H.B. 2821 , which would give residents a say in whether high-impact data centers are approved in their communities. “Data centers can have substantial impacts on local infrastructure, electricity demand and water resources,” Ciresi said. “Pennsylvania residents should be able to have a meaningful opportunity to decide whether a large-scale data center development would be appropriate for their community.” The bill would amend the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to require municipalities to put the approval of a proposed high impact data center before voters in a local referendum. To make sure voters are informed, a detailed description of the development would appear on the ballot before the referendum question. “This measure would increase transparency, strengthen local decision-making, and give communities a direct voice in determining whether high impact data center developments are appropriate for their municipality,” Ciresi said. Read more

 

Rivera secures $125K in state grants for Stauffer Park rehabilitation
17 hours ago

Kazeem secures over $550K in state grants for Upper Chichester Township
17 hours ago

Kosierowski secures nearly $300K in state grants for public park and nature preserve
17 hours ago

Ciresi secures over $500K in state funding for local parks
18 hours ago

PA House Communications & Technology Committee advances bills on AI chatbot toys, smart glasses recording
19 hours ago

‘People over profit margins’: PA House Democrats renew commitment to energy affordability with bill package to protect consumers
21 hours ago

Bill to continue bank investments in all communities introduced in state House
22 hours ago

Industry leaders and energy experts weigh in on Pennsylvania's bleak electric reliability outlook, urge lawmakers to pass pro-consumer reforms
23 hours ago

Rivera raises awareness of need for funding for Duchenne muscular dystrophy at Capitol
1 day ago

House passes Davidson’s H.B. 2033
1 day ago

House Transportation Committee unanimously approves e-scooter bill
1 day ago

Pielli’s bill to establish Artificial Intelligence Professional Development Grant Program approved by state House Education Committee
1 day ago

House Communications & Technology Committee approves Senate bill requiring disclosure of AI content in advertising
Oct 05, 2026

PA House passes Kosierowski bill to phase out toxic chemical in IV bags, tubing
Oct 05, 2026

Kosierowski kratom bill unanimously passes PA House
Oct 05, 2026

Kosierowski kratom bill unanimously passes PA House
Oct 05, 2026

House passes Davidson’s legislation to prevent abrupt child care closures
Oct 05, 2026

Rivera bill to lower electricity costs, increase reliability through grid-scale battery storage passes House
Oct 05, 2026

House passes Salisbury bill to restore newborn screening for Gaucher disease
Oct 05, 2026

Ciresi introduces legislation to give residents a voice on high-impact data centers
Oct 05, 2026