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Bipartisan measure from Briggs, Kerwin to help police solve crimes included in state budget

(3 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 14 – State Reps. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, and Joe Kerwin, R-Dauphin, today announced that key provisions of their bipartisan Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods, to be known as the VICTIM Act, has been signed into law as part of the 2026-27 Fiscal Code. The Fiscal Code, signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on Sunday, establishes a new grant program through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to help local law enforcement agencies improve clearance rates for homicides and other violent crimes. The state budget also includes $2.5 million to fund the initiative. The new program will provide grants to help law enforcement agencies hire and retain detectives and investigators, invest in evidence-analysis technology and other investigative tools, and strengthen support for victims and families impacted by unsolved violent crime. "Every victim deserves justice, and every family deserves answers," Briggs said. "The VICTIM Act is about giving law enforcement the resources they need to solve more violent crimes, hold offenders accountable and make our communities safer. I'm proud to have worked with Rep. Kerwin on this bipartisan effort, and I'm grateful that these provisions are now law. This investment will help departments across Pennsylvania strengthen investigations, improve public safety and provide hope for families who have waited far too long for Read more

 

New guardrails for noxious commercial waste in place for farmland, neighbors

(5 hours ago) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, July 14 – New guardrails regulating the use of food processing residuals are now law in Pennsylvania after being included in the newly passed state budget, establishing necessary oversight for commercial food waste that is disposed of on some farms. State Rep. Paul Friel, who advanced the proposal with bipartisan support, said that he was glad to see the General Assembly take action on a pervasive problem in the state. "For four years I've been working with stakeholders and with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to pass protective legislation. The process was extensive and worthwhile, because it led us to legislation that could pass with wide support, be signed into law, and get the job done," said Friel, D-Chester. Food processing residuals, also known as FPR, are the leftover products created by commercial food processing. They can include vegetable peelings, raw meat scraps and liquid waste from cleaning processes that might contain blood, fat, hair, feathers, and a variety of other vegetable and animal byproducts, as well as chemicals used in processing. The results of spreading FPR on farmland have included noxious odors, air quality problems and contaminated drinking water. Surrounding states have heavily restricted or banned the use of these residuals, making Pennsylvania a target for the cheap disposal of this commercial waste stream. "By embedding these Read more

 

Kosierowski praises bipartisan budget’s historic investments in education and healthcare in 2026-27 state budget

(6 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 14 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierwoski, D-Lackawanna, highlighted the 2026-27 state budget’s historic investments in education and support for Pennsylvania’s healthcare system. “A high-quality education is the foundation for life-long success,” Kosierowski said. “This budget will ensure that all Pennsylvania’s students have access to educational opportunities that will help them adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive global workforce.” The budget makes a $670 million investment statewide in education, which includes a $565 million increase to help rectify historic funding discrepancies and a $58 million increase in basic education and $47 increase in special education funding, to ensure every student can succeed. Kosierowski said the school districts in the 114th Legislative District will benefit from significant funding increases: $1.3 million or 10.5% increase for Abington Heights School District $141,000 or 1.7% increase for Lackawanna Trail School District $388,000 or 4.7% increase for Lakeland School District $1 million or 9.3% increase for Mid Valley School District $11.1 million or 9.9% increase for Scranton School District Kosierowski also praised the budget’s increased support for key healthcare programs: $615.2 million or 7% increase, for Medical Assistance managed care program $484.7 million or 16.1% increase, for Medical Assistance Capitation $130.5 Read more

 

Grant Memo: Public Interest, Transportation, Community Development and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(9 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 14, 2026 More information: RAAC Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Local Share Account: Monroe County Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development agencies, or redevelopment authorities within Monroe County or the five contiguous counties to Monroe (Carbon, Lackawanna, Northampton, Pike, and Wayne). Use: Public interest projects, community improvement projects, economic development projects, or roadway improvement projects. Funds: Funded by gross terminal revenues of certain licensed gaming facilities. Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 More information: DCED Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Local Share Account: Category 4 Facilities Program (Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York Counties) Who May Apply: Municipalities, counties, redevelopment authorities, or economic development agencies in a county hosting a Category 4 Read more

 

House Majority Policy Committee helps shape 2026/27 state budget

(10 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This budget demonstrates what’s possible when we listen first, bring people together, and turn good ideas into meaningful action,” Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro said. “The conversations we held across Pennsylvania directly informed many of these investments, and we’ll continue traveling the commonwealth to ensure future policies reflect the needs of the people we serve.” Read more

 

Bill bolstering nuclear energy development sent to governor

(1 day ago) Rep. Joe McAndrew

HARRISBURG, July 13 — Nuclear development in Pennsylvania took a significant step forward this week with the final General Assembly passage of legislation which will make the construction of smaller, more efficient nuclear reactors more affordable in Pennsylvania. The bill (H.B. 2017), prime sponsored by state Reps. Jose Giral, D-Phila., Nate Davidson, D-Cumberland/Dauphin, Joe McAndrew, D-Allegheny, and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila, would update the state’s fee structure for operators of nuclear energy sites to reflect how modern small modular reactors and micro reactors differ from traditional light-water reactors. “Pennsylvania has long been a national energy leader,” said Giral. “I am proud to see the General Assembly committed to ensuring our laws respond to and reflect energy technology as it evolves. The up-front capital needed to build new traditional reactors is prohibitively expensive and this bill meets the moment by recognizing SMR development as the next important step in nuclear development and updating our current fee structure to make it more affordable for SMR developers to build here.” According to the lawmakers, traditional light-water nuclear reactors have sprawling footprints with multiple reactors per site. They take extensive time and money to construct and run. In contrast, SMRs require more, smaller sites with fewer reactors per site, which allows them to be Read more

 

Ciresi celebrates bipartisan state budget delivering on key priorities: Historic education investments, cyber charter school oversight and data center transparency

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 13– State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, celebrated the 2026-27 state budget ’s delivery on three key priorities he has long championed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives: increased education funding, charter school oversight and data center transparency. “I’m gratified that my long-standing advocacy for protections for cyber charter students and data center transparency has been reflected in this budget,” Ciresi said. “Together with historic investments in education, this budget will create a stronger future for our students and a safer, healthier environment for our communities.” The budget makes a $670 million investment statewide in education, which includes a $565 million increase to help rectify historic funding discrepancies and $50 million increases in both basic education and special education funding to ensure every student can succeed. Ciresi said school districts in the 146th Legislative District will benefit from significant funding increases totaling more than $3.5 million: Pottstown School District: $2.5 million (7.9% increase) Pottsgrove School District: $681,000 (4.6% increase) Spring-Ford Area School District: $347,000 (1.8% increase) “This budget will strengthen our schools, ensuring Pennsylvania’s children have access to the education they need to succeed in the 21st century,” Ciresi said. “I am especially pleased that the budget will Read more

 

Rivera applauds historic investments in education and support for working families in 2026-27 state budget

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 13 – Drawing on her 30 years as a public high school teacher, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, highlighted the 2026-27 state budget’s historic investments in education and support for working families as making Pennsylvania a more equitable place to live today and in the future. “I know from my own experience and that as a teacher, a high-quality education opens doors long after graduation,” Rivera said. “This budget will ensure that historically all Pennsylvania’s students have access to the skills and knowledge that will enable them to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive global workforce.” The budget makes a $670 million investment statewide in education, which includes a $565 million increase to help rectify historic funding discrepancies and a $58 million increase in basic education and $47 increase in special education funding, to ensure every student can succeed. Rivera said the school districts in the 96 th Legislative District will benefit from significant funding increases: Lancaster School District $4.2 million (4% increase) Manheim Township School District $1.9 million (11.7% increase) Hempfield School District $900,000 (3.6% increase) Rivera was pleased with the budget’s protections of cyber charter school students. “This budget would ensure that cyber charter schools are accountable for student safety by Read more

 

Kazeem praises bipartisan budget’s historic investments in education and support for working families in 2026-27 state budget

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 13 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, celebrated the 2026-27 state budget’s historic investments in education and support for Pennsylvania’s working families. “Our students deserve a high-quality education, so they have the skills and knowledge to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive global workforce,” Kazeem said. “This budget will ensure that all Pennsylvania’s students have access to educational opportunities that will lay the foundation for life-long success.” The budget makes a $670 million investment statewide in education, which includes a $565 million increase to help rectify historic funding discrepancies and a $58 million increase in basic education and $47 increase in special education funding, to ensure every student can succeed. Kazeem said the school districts in the 159th Legislative District will benefit from significant funding increases: $6.3 million, or 4.9% increase for Chester-Upland School District $1.5 million, or 7.1% increase for Chichester School District $1.3 million, or 5.1% increase for Ridley School District $404,000 or 3.4% increase for Penn-Delco School District Kazeem also praised the budget’s increased support for key healthcare programs: $615.2 million or 7% increase, for Medical Assistance managed care program $484.7 million or 16.1% increase, for Medical Assistance Capitation $130.5 million or 2.3% increase, for Medical Read more

 

Guzman Praises 2026-27 State Budget for Strengthening Education and Delivering Results for Berks County

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 13 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, chairman of the Central Pennsylvania House Delegation and a member of the House Appropriations Committee, on Monday praised Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 state budget for delivering critical investments that will strengthen Reading, Berks County and communities across Pennsylvania. After working alongside his colleagues throughout the weekend to finalize the $50.8 billion spending plan, Guzman highlighted the budget’s investments in public education, affordable housing, tax relief for working families, public safety, mental health, job creation and health care, all without raising taxes. “Our communities deserve a budget that provides the support and resources hardworking families need to navigate everyday challenges,” Guzman said. “I am proud of what we were able to deliver for Reading and communities across the commonwealth by investing in the priorities that matter most and improving affordability.” The budget provides significant increases for local schools. Governor Mifflin School District will receive an additional $1.7 million, a 10.4% increase, while Reading School District will receive an additional $28.5 million, a 9.7% increase. “Education continues to be one of my top priorities,” Guzman said. “These investments will ensure our students and educators reach their full potential while strengthening our public Read more

 

Waxman, Kenyatta celebrate passage of bill modernizing Pennsylvania HIV law

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today the Pennsylvania legislature did something historic -- we have formally repealed the criminalization of HIV in the commonwealth. For years I’ve championed this cause because the felony enhancement on our books lacked common sense and rejected clear science,” Kenyatta said. “This massive bipartisan victory is the direct result of unrelenting advocacy and bringing my colleagues and other advocates together to fight for equality. This victory will ensure that people are not considered felons because of a medical diagnosis. Read more

 

Neilson bill to streamline the ignition interlock program heads to Gov. Shapiro

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Driving under the influence is a serious offense. It can alter lives forever, and offenders should absolutely be held accountable for their reckless decision. However, the program’s goal is to deter future offenses and promote rehabilitation. Once a person has served their time, it shouldn’t be a complicated, time-consuming process to remove the ignition interlock device Read more

 

Pielli bill to help seniors stay in their homes signed into law

(1 day ago) Rep. Chris Pielli

“As a former court-appointed guardianship attorney, I saw clients who lost their homes as a result of unpaid property taxes,” Pielli said. “Too often, these were individuals with cognitive impairment or those who were otherwise incapacitated and could not pay tax bills without assistance. Read more

 

Matzie votes yes on new state budget, citing sensible spending, support for schools, programs to make life more affordable for residents

(1 day ago) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, July 13 – State Rep. Rob Matzie cast a “yes” vote Sunday for Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 budget, saying the plan invests taxpayer dollars sensibly without raising taxes. “I voted for this budget because it spends responsibly, in ways that will strengthen our schools, support our workforce and continue funding programs that help working families – all without adding any new taxes or raising taxes,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “Education is top priority of the new plan, which delivers across-the-board increases to our local school districts.” Matzie highlighted investments to make life more affordable for families, which he said were key to his support for the new budget. “The new plan continues the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which puts money back in people’s pockets,” he said. Matzie said other key features of the budget include increases for Medical Assistance, mental health programs, prescription drug assistance and other programs for seniors, and long-overdue cost-of-living increases to Beaver County’s retired teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public servants. “The budget we sent to the governor’s desk may not be perfect – no spending plan ever is – but it’s a commonsense plan that prioritizes real-life needs without adding new taxes or tapping Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El applauds historic investments in education, pioneering affordable housing initiatives in 2026-27 state budget

(Jul 12, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 12 -- State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, celebrated the passage today of a 2026-27 state budget that he said will help achieve equity in Pennsylvania through historic investments in education and housing. Read more

 

Young bill to increase human trafficking awareness training set to become law

(Jul 12, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 12 – Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, to mandate human-trafficking awareness training for Pennsylvania workers in the hospitality industry, including for online lodging and reservation companies, is set to become law having gained final approval in the state House and Senate today. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes bill to deliver critical education investments

(Jul 12, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania House passes bill to deliver critical education investments Read more

 

Rep. Ed Neilson: Budget Delivers Long-Overdue Pension Relief for Retired Police Officers, Firefighters, Teachers, State Employees

(Jul 12, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

These retirees spent decades serving our communities, educating our children, protecting our neighborhoods, responding to emergencies, and keeping state government running," Neilson said. "Meanwhile, the cost of groceries, utilities, housing and prescription medications has continued to climb. This adjustment recognizes both their service and today's economic reality Read more

 

Shusterman’s military sexual trauma bill passes Senate

(Jul 12, 2026) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“With nearly 700,000 veterans living in our Commonwealth, it’s incredibly important that our legislative body continues our bipartisan work to honor and support our veterans,” Shusterman said. “As with other forms of trauma, survivors of MST live with their experiences in different ways, and their mental and physical health may be significantly affected for years to come. It is imperative to ensure the resources and support we provide to them is effective. Read more

 

Pielli bill to help seniors stay in their homes heads to governor’s desk

(Jul 12, 2026) Rep. Chris Pielli

“As a former court-appointed guardianship attorney, I saw clients who lost their homes as a result of unpaid property taxes,” Pielli said. “Too often, these were individuals with cognitive impairment or those who were otherwise incapacitated and could not pay tax bills without assistance.“Tragically, these same individuals sometimes had the financial means but were so impaired that they were unable to keep up with payments. It is simply unfair to leave these people to try to pay these bills alone. My bill helps to prevent overdue tax payments for those who may be suffering from any number of conditions that hinder their ability to regularly pay bills. I thank my colleagues in both the state House and state Senate for their agreement on this bill.” Read more

 

Bipartisan measure from Briggs, Kerwin to help police solve crimes included in state budget
3 hours ago

New guardrails for noxious commercial waste in place for farmland, neighbors
5 hours ago

Kosierowski praises bipartisan budget’s historic investments in education and healthcare in 2026-27 state budget
6 hours ago

Grant Memo: Public Interest, Transportation, Community Development and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
9 hours ago

House Majority Policy Committee helps shape 2026/27 state budget
10 hours ago

Bill bolstering nuclear energy development sent to governor
1 day ago

Ciresi celebrates bipartisan state budget delivering on key priorities: Historic education investments, cyber charter school oversight and data center transparency
1 day ago

Rivera applauds historic investments in education and support for working families in 2026-27 state budget
1 day ago

Kazeem praises bipartisan budget’s historic investments in education and support for working families in 2026-27 state budget
1 day ago

Guzman Praises 2026-27 State Budget for Strengthening Education and Delivering Results for Berks County
1 day ago

Waxman, Kenyatta celebrate passage of bill modernizing Pennsylvania HIV law
1 day ago

Neilson bill to streamline the ignition interlock program heads to Gov. Shapiro
1 day ago

Pielli bill to help seniors stay in their homes signed into law
1 day ago

Matzie votes yes on new state budget, citing sensible spending, support for schools, programs to make life more affordable for residents
1 day ago

Smith-Wade-El applauds historic investments in education, pioneering affordable housing initiatives in 2026-27 state budget
Jul 12, 2026

Young bill to increase human trafficking awareness training set to become law
Jul 12, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes bill to deliver critical education investments
Jul 12, 2026

Rep. Ed Neilson: Budget Delivers Long-Overdue Pension Relief for Retired Police Officers, Firefighters, Teachers, State Employees
Jul 12, 2026

Shusterman’s military sexual trauma bill passes Senate
Jul 12, 2026

Pielli bill to help seniors stay in their homes heads to governor’s desk
Jul 12, 2026