Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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Venkat, Matzie and Mehaffie introduce legislation to eliminate print statement fees

(Jan 14, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat, Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Jan. 14 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Rob Matzie and Tom Mehaffie have introduced legislation that would ban entities from assessing an additional fee to customers who request a print version of a financial statement. Such fees are as high as $5 per month, and H.B. 81 would also specify that any person or entity would still be allowed to create incentives for a consumer to select an alternative to a paper statement. “In effect, penalizing consumers for a peace of mind measure such as a paper statement runs contrary to keeping a readily accessible means to one’s financial data for a variety of necessary purposes,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Our bill would help keep more dollars in the pockets of Pennsylvanians and reward entities for pursuing options more beneficial to the health and livelihood of the environment.” “No consumer should ever have to pay for a print copy of their bank or credit card statement. Tacking on fees for paper statements takes a simple business expense easily borne by the financial institution and shifts it unfairly onto consumers, where it can take a toll on those who are elderly, low-income, or simple lacking the needed access to technology,” said Matzie, D-Beaver. “By prohibiting these fees, our bill would ensure that any expenses remain with the party best able to bear them – the business that maintains the records.” “Charging fees for consumers who want Read more

Legislators introduce consumer privacy rights a fourth time

(Jan 14, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvanians should be able to interact online without worrying how their information is used; they deserve the option to protect themselves from targeted advertising and other nefarious ways their information can be used Read more

Madsen announces House committees for 2025-26 session

(Jan 13, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Dave Madsen today announced his state House committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session. Madsen said he looks forward to serving on the following committees: Appropriations. Housing & Community Development. Intergovernmental Affairs & Operations. Local Government. Transportation. Madsen took the oath of office Tuesday and was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to serve his second term representing the 104th Legislative District. “I want to thank Speaker Joanna McClinton and Leader Matt Bradford for the honor of serving on these committees,” said Madsen, D-Dauphin. “I look forward to bringing an informed perspective drawn from my experiences as a union leader, community activist and state representative to the bipartisan crafting of critical legislation that will impact millions of Pennsylvanians.” The 104 th Legislative District comprises part of the City of Harrisburg and Lower Swatara and Swatara and Highspire, Paxtang and Steelton boroughs. Read more

Venkat and Mihalek introduce bipartisan food allergy safety bill

(Jan 13, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Natalie Mihalek have introduced legislation that would promote food allergy safety in multiple ways. House Bill 77 would mandate that menus in restaurants and food establishments contain a disclaimer regarding food allergies, posters to make servers aware of food allergies must be present in food preparation and staff areas, and establishment staff would be required to undergo food allergy safety training. “The last thing anyone should worry about while enjoying a meal with their family and friends is having a medical emergency brought on by a food allergy,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Rep. Mihalek and I want to help ensure there are measures in place to keep Pennsylvanians protected from accidental food allergen exposures and their hazardous health effects.” “The scariest part is that someone with food allergies could do everything right, such as carrying EpiPens and asking questions, and still have a serious problem. A little information can go a long way in avoiding future catastrophes,” added Mihalek, R-Allegheny. “I’m happy to be working with Rep. Venkat on this bipartisan bill.” More than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and it is estimated that food allergies lead to 200 deaths per year. Over a 13-year period, nearly half of fatal food allergy reactions were caused by accidental food allergen exposure at a restaurant or other food Read more

Ciresi announces over $115,000 in career and technical education grants for Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery CTC

(Jan 13, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi today announced that $115,314 in competitive grant funding was awarded to Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help augment their career and technical education programs. The schools were awarded the following grants: Pottstown School District – $30,314 Western Montgomery CTC – $85,000 The Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center serves students from the Spring-Ford Area, Pottsgrove, and Upper Perkiomen school districts. “I’m thrilled that the Education Department has recognized and decided to support the Pottstown and Western Montgomery CTC students’ potential through these grant awards,” Ciresi said. “This money will help enhance the career and technical education programs in the Pottstown School District and at Western Montgomery, providing students with the skills and knowledge to obtain high-priority occupations through a combination of classes and hands-on learning experiences. Thanks to this money, students will leave school even more prepared to apply what they learned at school to real-world problems.” Under the program, grants of up to $85,000 are awarded to school entities to update or purchase equipment used in the training of students in Read more

Pielli re-introduces artificial intelligence content disclosure bill

(Jan 13, 2025) Rep. Chris Pielli

“The bill is simple. If it’s AI, it has to say it’s AI,” Pielli said. “People deserve to know if what they’re looking at is real or not when making purchases. This disclosure will be clear and conspicuous in the same medium as the content generated to help consumers make better-informed and more secure purchases. We also hope to curb possible misinformation by malicious authors who knowingly or recklessly generate and spread this content with the goal of fooling the public." Read more

Pielli re-introduces bill to help seniors stay in their homes

(Jan 13, 2025) 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 have these folks lose their homes. This bill helps avoid the sad occurrence of missed property tax payments for those who are aging and might be suffering from any number of conditions that hinders their ability to regularly pay bills.” Read more

Ciresi begins new term, will focus on property tax relief for seniors and the middle class

(Jan 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning a new term serving the 146th Legislative District, and was named as majority chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee. “This session I am going to build on my work in the House to fully and fairly fund education, achieve property tax relief for seniors and the middle class, make higher education more affordable and continue to work to restore passenger train service to western Montgomery County,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “I know there is a lot of work to be done to meet these goals in these challenging times. By working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I hope to see this new session as a productive one. “I am proud that in my second term that three pieces of legislation I introduced were signed into law and I brought home $13.8 million in state grant money to the district. In this term, I aim to introduce, support and pass legislation that will build up our educational system, spur our local economies, reduce property taxes and improve our quality of life.” Ciresi’s legislation that was enacted into law was: Act 64 of 2024 to simplify the process of claiming unclaimed property as an heir. Act 29 of 2024 to prohibit companies from charging early termination fees to a deceased person’s family or estate when canceling certain service contracts. Act 60 of 2024 Read more

Fleming begins new term

(Jan 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 8 – State Rep. Justin Fleming was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Tuesday, beginning a new term serving the 105th Legislative District. “I am both honored and humbled that my constituents have once again trusted me to advocate for them at the Capitol,” said Fleming, D-Dauphin. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to work to deliver continued investments in public education, support for working families by raising the minimum wage and instituting paid sick/family leave, investments in mental health services and top-notch constituent services to our residents. In his first term, Fleming had legislation enacted into law to enable homeowners to disavow restrictive covenants on their property deeds and incentivize redevelopment of shopping malls. A Senate version of his bill to implement a tested literacy program to improve reading rates for school children was also passed into law last year. He additionally introduced legislation to simplify Miranda Rights for juvenile suspects and co-sponsored dozens of other legislative proposals. Fleming has been appointed to serve on the following committees during the 2025-26 term: Appropriations, Children & Youth, Environmental & Natural Resources Protection, Finance and Local Government. “I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle on these House committees to craft and steward critical legislation impacting Read more

Smith-Wade-El announces House committee assignments

(Jan 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El today announced his new committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session. The assignments were handed out Tuesday after Smith-Wade-El was sworn in for another term representing the 49th Legislative District. Smith-Wade-El said he looks forward to serving on the following committees: House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. House Education Committee. House Housing & Community Development Committee. House Local Government Committee. Professional Licensure Committee. “I want to thank Speaker Joanna McClinton and Leader Matt Bradford for the honor of serving on these committees,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “I look forward to drawing on my experience as a legislator, local government official and community activist to the bipartisan crafting of legislation that will improve the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians.” The 49th District includes parts of the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Township, and Millersville Borough. Read more

Smith-Wade-El begins second term, will focus on affordable housing, education and fair wages for PA workers

(Jan 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning his second term serving the 49th Legislative District. “I’m honored that the people of the 49th District have once again invested their trust in me to fight for their interests in Harrisburg,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “In this term, I’m going to work to ensure that all our residents have a home to call their own, that our kids go to learn in schools where they feel safe and valued, and that Pennsylvania’s working families benefit from lower taxes and fair wages – two issues that haven’t gotten a fair deal in four decades. Now’s the time to get it done.” In his first term, Smith-Wade-El had two of his pieces of legislation signed into law and brought in $28.7 in state grants to the district. The Pennsylvania General Assembly is currently in its 209th consecutive legislative session, which began on Jan. 1, 2025, and will run through Nov. 30, 2026. The Oath of Office was administered by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd, and the invocation was given by Bishop Maureen L. Davis, who is pastor of the Open Door Mission True Light Church, located in Philadelphia. The 49th District includes parts of the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Township, and Millersville Borough. Read more

Williams sworn in for fourth term and named majority chair of Human Services Committee

(Jan 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Dan Williams was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning his fourth term serving the 74th Legislative District, and was named the majority chair of the House Human Services Committee. “I am proud that the people of the 74th District have once again entrusted me to be their voice in Harrisburg,” Williams said. “I will continue to be a champion in the House for the common good in Chester County and throughout Pennsylvania, fighting to ensure working families have the support they need from ensuring they are paid a living wage to having affordable housing to providing their children with a great education. I will advocate for programs that enable them to keep them in their homes when they retire after a long life of work and sacrifice. “I take seriously the opportunities my position affords me to bring home funding that will improve our roads, increase and improve our healthcare system and support our local businesses, non-profits and municipalities,” Williams said. “Building our communities up, brick by brick, will ensure a better tomorrow for all. A rising tide lifts all boats.” In his fourth term, Williams will be focused on the following issues to improve the quality of life in the 74th District: Continued repairs and repaving of area state roads. Increasing and improving health care options in the 74th District. Support and funding for local Read more

Venkat and Marcell introduce legislation to ease restrictions on physician assistants; add PA to a health professional interstate compact

(Jan 09, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Kristin Marcell have introduced bills that would enhance licensure flexibility for physician assistants related to their supervising physicians and allow Pennsylvania to join an interstate medical compact. The legislative package, H.B. 75 and H.B. 76 , would amend the physician licensure acts in Pennsylvania to allow physician assistants to work with either classification of physician -- a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine -- without having to align with the physician’s license type. Current law requires that physician assistants and supervising physicians must be licensed by the same state board. “Something as innocuous as red tape can mean the difference between life and death for patients, and it’s my duty as a physician-legislator to eliminate such unnecessary barriers,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “Representative Marcell and I are steadfast in our resolve to get these bills signed into law and safeguard the health of all Pennsylvanians.” “This legislation is a practical step toward reducing administrative burdens, allowing physician assistants and their supervising doctors to collaborate more effectively for the benefit of patients," Marcell, R-Bucks, added. "By streamlining licensing requirements, we can help healthcare professionals dedicate more time to delivering high-quality care and less time navigating unnecessary red Read more

Neilson introduces legislation to protect consumer’s online data

(Jan 09, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – Today, state Rep. Ed Neilson introduced legislation (H.B. 78) along with state Rep. Stephenie Scialabba to establish a Consumer Data Privacy Act, which would ensure that consumers are able to make informed decisions about how their data is being used online or sold to a third party. “Unlike other states, Pennsylvania has no safeguard to protect our constituents’ privacy,” Neilson said. “Pennsylvanians should be able to interact online without worrying how their information is used; they deserve the option to protect themselves from targeted advertising and other nefarious ways their information can be used.” Neilson added that it’s unfair to consumers who expect their private information to be safely stored with one business, but they are incentivized to sell it to third parties for targeted advertising purposes. “Many other states have protections for consumer data, but we are falling behind in Pennsylvania,” Neilson continued. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to establish important privacy laws.” House Bill 78 is based on similar legislation from last session (formerly H.B.1201), which received bipartisan support in the House but failed to receive a vote in the Senate before the end of the year. Read more

Rivera announces House committee assignments

(Jan 09, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera today announced her committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session. Rivera took the oath of office Tuesday and was sworn in to serve her first term representing the 96th Legislative District. Rivera said she looks forward to serving on the following House committees: Communications & Technology Aging & Older Adult Services Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Human Services Intergovernmental Affairs & Operations Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development “I want to thank Speaker Joanna McClinton and Leader Matt Bradford for the honor of serving on these committees,” said Rivera, D-Lancaster. “I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the bipartisan crafting of legislation that will impact millions of Pennsylvanians. I am committed to learning about the unique issues surrounding state government.” The 96 th District includes parts of the city of Lancaster and Manheim Township, and East Petersburg Borough. Read more

Madsen sworn in for second term as state representative for 104th District

(Jan 09, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning his second term serving the 104th Legislative District. “I’m honored that my constituents here in Dauphin County once again chose me as their advocate in the Capitol,” Madsen said. “As in my first term, my guiding principle as their legislator will be introducing, supporting and passing legislation that will create jobs that pay, schools that teach, and government that works, to borrow a phrase. “In my work last term as a member of Appropriations Committee, I helped craft and pass a budget supporting these key pillars,” Madsen said. “As state representative for my communities, I’ve collaborated with my fellow legislators and local and state stakeholders to advance initiatives that helped to improve the quality of life here in our communities in Dauphin County through strategic investments in our local schools, small businesses and municipalities. “I am looking forward this term to continuing this critical work on behalf of the people of the 104th District.” In his second term, Madsen said he will be focused on the following issues to improve life in his home communities and throughout Pennsylvania: Bringing in more good paying union jobs, which is the surest route to the middle class. Increasing investments in quality education for all Pennsylvania’s Read more

Guzman: I am laser-focused on Reading and Berks County transportation needs

(Jan 08, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 8 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, announced today that one of his top priorities for the 2025-26 legislative session is to help address transportation issues impacting Berks County. In alignment with this goal, he has been appointed to the PA House Transportation committee. “I am glad and proud to share that I am now a member of the Transportation Committee,” said Guzman. “I am excited about the opportunity to bring solutions to critical concerns in our community regarding transportation and infrastructure,” he added. Guzman, who has been vocal and diligent about the proposed Schuylkill River Train to re-establish passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia, highlighted that he is looking forward to diving deeper into the current efforts to restore passenger rail service for the first time in more than 40 years with the support of the committee, chaired by state Rep. Ed Neilson. “Berks County will have in me a committed advocate in this committee; I will be bold in my efforts. I want Reading and Berks County to boost its economic growth across all sectors and scales, and transportation and infrastructure are certainly crucial indicators of economic development of a region” he explained. Guzman has also been appointed to four other PA House standing committees. He remains a member of the Appropriations, Gaming Oversight, Liquor Control Read more

Salisbury takes oath of office to begin second term in state House

(Jan 08, 2025) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury took the oath of office today at the state Capitol in Harrisburg to begin her second term representing the 34 th Legislative District. Salisbury said that as she joins her colleagues to begin the 2025-26 session, she will continue working to strengthen resources for residents and small businesses. “I’m excited to begin a new term building on the progress we made last session,” Salisbury said. “Over the past two years, we saw more than $40 million come back to our district to bolster critical programs and services, expand affordable housing and help our small businesses thrive. In the year ahead, I’ll be working to keep that momentum going. I’ll also be continuing my efforts to fight blight and transform more vacant lots for productive community use. “Our local nonprofits have a critical role to play in all of this, as their work delivers essential resources that improve quality of life for residents, from mental health supports to afterschool programs to essential living needs. In the months ahead, I’ll continue working to help these vital community organizations thrive so they can continue working to empower residents.” During the 2023-24 legislative session, Salisbury helped bring $42 million back to the district; introduced legislation to make it easier for municipalities to fight blight, among other bills; and together with Read more

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 08, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Parent Pathways Grant Who May Apply: Postsecondary institutions that award an associate degree or higher and private licensed schools. Use: To provide funding to institutions to directly support parenting students through tuition assistance, emergency funding, and wrap-around services. Funds: $1.6 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: February 3, 2025 More information: PDE Website Historical & Museum Commission: Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program Who May Apply: Certified local governments, colleges and universities, conservancies, historic preservation organizations, historical societies, local governments, museums, religious institutions, and other historical organizations. Use: Applications may apply for one construction-related or planning-related grant (not both) for sites that are listed in or eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Construction related grants are available for rehabilitation, preservation, and restoration activities for historic resources that are publicly accessible and under nonprofit or local government ownership. Planning related grants are available for planning and development initiatives that enhance historic preservation in communities. Please note, special consideration will be given to projects that promote the United States Semiquincentennial celebration in 2026 . Funds: Construction grants are available Read more

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Venkat, Matzie and Mehaffie introduce legislation to eliminate print statement fees Jan 14, 2025

Legislators introduce consumer privacy rights a fourth time Jan 14, 2025

Madsen announces House committees for 2025-26 session Jan 13, 2025

Venkat and Mihalek introduce bipartisan food allergy safety bill Jan 13, 2025

Ciresi announces over $115,000 in career and technical education grants for Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery CTC Jan 13, 2025

Pielli re-introduces artificial intelligence content disclosure bill Jan 13, 2025

Pielli re-introduces bill to help seniors stay in their homes Jan 13, 2025

Ciresi begins new term, will focus on property tax relief for seniors and the middle class Jan 10, 2025

Fleming begins new term Jan 10, 2025

Smith-Wade-El announces House committee assignments Jan 10, 2025

Smith-Wade-El begins second term, will focus on affordable housing, education and fair wages for PA workers Jan 10, 2025

Williams sworn in for fourth term and named majority chair of Human Services Committee Jan 10, 2025

Venkat and Marcell introduce legislation to ease restrictions on physician assistants; add PA to a health professional interstate compact Jan 09, 2025

Neilson introduces legislation to protect consumer’s online data Jan 09, 2025

Rivera announces House committee assignments Jan 09, 2025

Madsen sworn in for second term as state representative for 104th District Jan 09, 2025

Guzman: I am laser-focused on Reading and Berks County transportation needs Jan 08, 2025

Salisbury takes oath of office to begin second term in state House Jan 08, 2025

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities Jan 08, 2025

Rep. Dawkins takes oath of office to start legislative session Jan 08, 2025

Venkat, Matzie and Mehaffie introduce legislation to eliminate print statement fees
Jan 14, 2025

Legislators introduce consumer privacy rights a fourth time
Jan 14, 2025

Madsen announces House committees for 2025-26 session
Jan 13, 2025

Venkat and Mihalek introduce bipartisan food allergy safety bill
Jan 13, 2025

Ciresi announces over $115,000 in career and technical education grants for Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery CTC
Jan 13, 2025

Pielli re-introduces artificial intelligence content disclosure bill
Jan 13, 2025

Pielli re-introduces bill to help seniors stay in their homes
Jan 13, 2025

Ciresi begins new term, will focus on property tax relief for seniors and the middle class
Jan 10, 2025

Fleming begins new term
Jan 10, 2025

Smith-Wade-El announces House committee assignments
Jan 10, 2025

Smith-Wade-El begins second term, will focus on affordable housing, education and fair wages for PA workers
Jan 10, 2025

Williams sworn in for fourth term and named majority chair of Human Services Committee
Jan 10, 2025

Venkat and Marcell introduce legislation to ease restrictions on physician assistants; add PA to a health professional interstate compact
Jan 09, 2025

Neilson introduces legislation to protect consumer’s online data
Jan 09, 2025

Rivera announces House committee assignments
Jan 09, 2025

Madsen sworn in for second term as state representative for 104th District
Jan 09, 2025

Guzman: I am laser-focused on Reading and Berks County transportation needs
Jan 08, 2025

Salisbury takes oath of office to begin second term in state House
Jan 08, 2025

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 08, 2025

Rep. Dawkins takes oath of office to start legislative session
Jan 08, 2025