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Davis, Santarsiero present funding to Bristol to help commemorate Lincoln’s 1861 visit to the borough

(May 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

This project will not only preserve a significant moment in our national and local history, but it will also draw visitors and residents alike to experience Bristol’s rich cultural heritage. I’m proud to help support a community-driven initiative that highlights our town’s role in one of the most consequential chapters in American history. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El holds news conference to encourage state investment in small businesses

(May 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, May 1 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El held a news conference Wednesday to draw attention to the critical importance of state investments in small businesses as drivers of local economies. The news conference at ASSETS in Lancaster specifically highlighted the role that the PA Department of Community & Economic Development’s Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program has played in helping minority-owned businesses succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. Historically disadvantaged small businesses are defined under this program as minority businesses generating annual revenues of $1 million or less and employing fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees. According to DCED, disadvantaged businesses on average have less access to capital, are three times more likely to be denied loans, are more likely to pay a higher interest rate and are more likely to receive lower loan amounts than non-minority owned firms. To rectify this historical economic inequity, Gov. Josh Shapiro secured $20 million in state funds for historically disadvantaged small businesses for the first time in the 2023-24 state budget. The new state-funded Historically Disadvantaged Business program opened in 2024, disbursing microgrants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to qualifying minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses. “As we prepare to pass another budget — a moral statement of Read more

 

Kenyatta joins Legislators for a Guaranteed Income

(May 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta has joined 23 other legislators from 17 states as part of Legislators for a Guaranteed Income, a major national effort, to reaffirm his commitment to advancing bold, people-first policies that promote economic equity and close the growing gap between the ultra-wealthy and working families. This newly expanded network -- building on the work of mayors and county officials --has already launched 72 pilot programs delivering over $335 million in direct economic relief to families across the country. “Poverty is the moral and economic issue of our lifetime,” said Kenyatta. “And too often, it’s treated like a personal failure instead of a policy choice. We have the resources -- we just haven’t had the political will. Basic income flips that script.” Kenyatta, who has long championed guaranteed income policies, emphasized that millions of Pennsylvanians work full-time jobs -- or multiple jobs -- and still struggle to cover necessities like rent, groceries and childcare. “Living paycheck to paycheck is not a character flaw. It’s the byproduct of rigged systems that reward billionaires while families fight to survive,” Kenyatta said. “A guaranteed income is not just about stability—it’s a tool to make the economy work for working people again. “At a time when federal programs are getting slashed while tax breaks for Read more

 

Guzman announces $450K grant for Alvernia University

(Apr 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, April 30 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that Alvernia University will benefit from nearly half a million dollars through the PAsmart Advancing Grants for Career and Technical Education programs and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Guzman explained that the funds are aimed at supporting efforts to improve STEM education and workforce development in Berks County. The funding comes as part of a $10.35 million investment that expands access to computer science and science, technology, engineering and math education for learners across Pennsylvania. The grant was awarded to: Alvernia University. - $450,000 for innovative projects to expand access to CTE computer science and STEM experiences for both students and adults. “I welcomed these grants with great enthusiasm. This state funding will create more opportunities for professional development in our community and help students keep pace with a constantly evolving job market,” Guzman said. “I believe it is crucial to equip students with the necessary tools and skills to match industry needs and these high-demand careers paths,” he said. Read more

 

Arts and culture breathing new economic life into PA communities

(Apr 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Too often conversations about economic development overlook the arts and cultural sector, a sector that is deeply woven into the fabric of our community,” said Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Fretiz, who hosted the roundtable and represents portions of Berks County. “The arts and culture sector is a powerful economic engine, breathing life into our community by generating more than $25 billion annually in Pennsylvania.” Read more

 

Local communities ask for state, federal help after devastating floods

(Apr 29, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Our community suffered incredible damage to homes, businesses and schools in recent years, and our residents continue to pick up the pieces from the devastating losses that continue to affect all the families touched by recent floods,” said state Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, who represents portions of Berks County. “Experts attempting to repair and alleviate flood risks acknowledged this problem is bigger than they can solve at the local level, and they are asking for more help at the state and federal level.” Read more

 

Ciresi reintroduces legislation to bolster film production in PA

(Apr 28, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 28 – A longtime advocate of making Pennsylvania attractive to film productions, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, has reintroduced his legislation, House Bill 1317, to expand the Film Production Tax Credit from $100 million to $125 million to make Pennsylvania more competitive as a site of potential film projects. “The film and TV industries have been huge economic engines for Pennsylvania,” Ciresi said. “Not only do they directly employ tens of thousands of workers and support countless local businesses, but the movies and TV shows filmed here market our state’s cities, small towns and countryside to millions of people across the globe, becoming key drivers for tourism, generating significant revenue and creating long-term jobs for many years after a film’s release.” According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, since the inception of Pennsylvania’s Film Production Tax Credit in 2007, through the end of FY 2023-24, a total of 592 projects have been approved for tax credits – which in turn have injected over $4 billion in direct expenditures into the state’s economy. Projects across the state that have benefited from the Film Production Tax Credit include “Creed” (Philadelphia, Delaware), “Concussion” (Allegheny), “Southpaw” (Indiana, Washington), “Unstoppable” (Allegheny, Blair, Beaver, Cameron, Centre, Read more

 

Funding remains a challenge for in-demand career training

(Apr 28, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I am encouraged by the fact we heard about a growing number of students and families desperately seeking training for in-demand careers,” said state Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, who represents portions of York County and hosted a House Majority Policy Committee hearing on community-based workforce centers. “I called for this hearing to highlight our community workforce centers and explore their vital role. Investing in workforce development is an investment in people, and it’s clear based on the testimony we heard today, that supporting programs like these across the state will lead to economic resiliency for people and communities.” Read more

 

PA House Communications & Technology Committee unanimously approves measure calling on Congress to protect creative sector workers against displacement by AI

(Apr 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 24 –The newly formed PA House Communications & Technology Committee, in its first voting meeting today, unanimously approved a resolution (H.R. 81) that would call on Congress to amend the copyright law to clarify that works generated by machine are not copyrightable, according to the committee’s majority chair, state Rep. Joe Ciresi. The resolution, sponsored by state Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, would urge the U.S. Congress to provide protections for workers in the creative sector against displacement by artificial intelligence, or AI, technology. This includes making changes to U.S. copyright law to emphasize the importance of human authorship and to act against “data scraping,” or feeding copyrighted data into AI programs for training purposes without the author’s or creator’s permission. “Precious little has been done to address the myriad issues raised by the rapid development and adoption of a technology that is radically altering our society, our daily lives,” Howard said. “With every passing day, more companies are building businesses upon AI generated content, and they desperately need clarification regarding rights and potential liabilities.” “This was a great first meeting where we addressed a critical issue that will be a focus of the committee’s work: the institution of responsible protections for workers and consumers from AI while still encouraging Read more

 

Munroe bill prohibiting the use of toxic PFAS in firefighting foam advances from committee with unanimous support

(Apr 24, 2025) Rep. Brian Munroe

House Bill1261 would prohibit the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firefighting foam that contains toxic PFAS chemicals. PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are manmade “forever chemicals” that have been linked to a wide range of serious health issues, including cancer. Read more

 

Munroe resolution honoring fallen police officers adopted by Pa. House

(Apr 24, 2025) Rep. Brian Munroe

House Resolution 176 honors Pennsylvania law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2024 and 2025. Munroe, a Navy veteran, retired police officer and former firefighter, sponsored the resolution in formal recognition of the men and women who lost their lives in pursuit of keeping their communities safe. Read more

 

House adopts two resolutions to make Pennsylvania roads safer

(Apr 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, the Pennsylvania House adopted resolutions authored by House Transportation Committee Chairman Ed Neilson and state Rep. Brandon Markosek to help make Pennsylvania roads safer. House Resolution 196, introduced by Neilson, designates April 2025 as “Distracted Driving Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. During the 2023-2024 legislative session, Neilson was instrumental in the passage of Senate Bill 37, which prohibits driving while using handheld devices in Pennsylvania. House Resolution 95, introduced by Markosek, designates the week of April 21 through 25, 2025 as “National Work Zone Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania. “Spring marks the beginning of construction season, with crews improving 120,000 miles of roads and thousands of bridges across Pennsylvania,” Markosek, D-Allegheny, said. “I introduced this resolution for "National Work Zone Awareness Week" to remind everyone that safe driving saves lives, particularly in work zones. Let's all do our part to slow down to protect the workers who are improving our roads and to ensure everyone, workers and travelers, make it home safely.” Neilson said that more protection for road workers is necessary because since 1970, 90 PennDOT employees have lost their lives while working on roads and highways. “Both of these resolutions will remind drivers to slow down, put down their phones and pay attention to the road, especially when they see the flashing Read more

 

PA House passes Dougherty bill Increasing aid for affordable housing

(Apr 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 24 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation ( H.B. 643 ) introduced by state Rep. Sean Dougherty that would increase aid for affordable housing in Pennsylvania. The bill would allow a future increase in funding for the PA Housing and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, enabling more people to have safe, affordable housing. PHARE revenue from the state’s Realty Transfer Tax will reach a statutory cap of $100 million in the 2027-28 fiscal year. Starting in 2028 and going forward, the bill would raise this cap to $110 million to help PHARE keep up with high demand for this source of housing aid. “Affordable housing is a necessity that all Pennsylvanians deserve easy access to,” said Dougherty, D-Phila. “This bill takes a very necessary step to making more affordable housing options a real opportunity for many Pennsylvanians who are in need of it.” The bill now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for future consideration. Read more

 

Young bill to streamline energy efficiency plans passed in PA House

(Apr 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The PA House passed legislation today sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, that would allow for energy efficiency plans for electric distribution companies such as PECO or Penelec to be approved regardless of whether they use mechanical insulation. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Houses passes Conklin bill to regulate virtual currency

(Apr 23, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, April 23 – The Pennsylvania House today passed state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would authorize the state to regulate virtual currency. Conklin, who is majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee, said he introduced H.B. 881 to ensure consumer confidence that exchanges made with digital currency are as safe and reliable as money transactions and are regulated in the same manner. “With technology creating new forms of virtual currencies such as cryptocurrency, our laws need to keep pace with those changes to protect Pennsylvanians,” Conklin said. “Consumers deserve to know that the transactions they conduct using digital currencies are as safe and secure as those involving traditional forms of money. “Under current state law, virtual currency is not subject to the state’s Money Transmission Licensing Law, which regulates businesses that transmit money or credit. My bill would expand the law so that it covers virtual currency and requires that it be treated similarly to money transmissions under the act.” Conklin said a number of other states already regulate virtual currency. “It’s time for Pennsylvania to join the other states that are already regulating virtual currency and bringing greater consistency to the way these transactions are conducted.” The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

House passes Salisbury bill to help communities fight blight

(Apr 23, 2025) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, April 23 – Pennsylvania communities are one step closer to having a powerful new tool to fight blight after the state House today passed Rep. Abigail Salisbury’s bill that would make it easier for land banks to acquire abandoned properties. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said she introduced H.B. 743 – which would allow a municipality to designate a blighted or abandoned property for acquisition by a land bank – to address a longstanding issue that frustrates residents and small businesses and poses economic problems for municipalities. “When a property owner abandons or severely neglects their property over the years, the entire community pays the price – in higher crime, health and safety hazards, lower property values and the exodus of small businesses and residents,” Salisbury said. “It’s an issue that has frustrated residents, business owners and local officials for decades, but municipalities have had their hands tied. “One way we can attack the problem is by giving communities new tools to deal with properties that have a long history of safety or code violations. By allowing local governments to designate these properties for acquisition by land banks, we can free up these blighted lots for productive use – for parks and green spaces, for construction of affordable housing, for small businesses – for all the beneficial uses that make communities Read more

 

House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution

(Apr 23, 2025) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, April 23 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2025 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.” Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.R.34 to remind Pennsylvanians that they have a legal responsibility to call the 8-1-1 “Call before You Dig” hotline before doing any kind of digging. “Most of us rarely think about the extensive network of utilities, pipes and cables buried beneath our feet, but we do need to remember them any time we are planning a project involving digging – from the smallest backyard projects to major excavations,” Matzie said. “State law requires everyone – homeowners and contractors alike – to dial 8-1-1 at least three days before doing any digging so that utilities can mark underground structures beforehand. “It’s a free call that keeps workers safe, protects underground structures from costly damage and prevents service interruptions.” Matzie said calling 8-1-1 is required even for shallow digging projects and those located directly on a homeowner’s private property. More information is available here: https://www.puc.pa.gov/pipeline-safety/pa-one-call/#:~:text=Homeowners%20and%20contractors%20must%20call,begins%20to%20disturb%20the%20earth . Before being appointed to House Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution recognizing April 2025 as ‘Limb Loss Awareness Month’ in Pennsylvania

(Apr 23, 2025) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, April 23 – The Pennsylvania House has adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2025 as “Limb Loss Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he introduced H.R. 33 to recognize the challenges and accomplishments of Pennsylvanians living without a limb and to raise awareness about preventable causes of limb loss. “There are more than 2 million Americans of all ages, races and genders who navigate the world courageously and successfully without a limb,” Matzie said. “We see many of them working, playing, providing for their families and giving back to their community. What we don’t always see are the many physical, psychological and logistical challenges they face and overcome every day. “I introduced this resolution to celebrate them and the example of courage and strength they provide for all of us.” Matzie said he also introduced H.R. 33 to raise awareness about the preventable causes of limb loss. “The main cause of surgical amputations is not trauma, but vascular diseases like diabetes and peripheral artery disease,” Matzie said. “But limb loss doesn’t have to be an unavoidable consequence of these conditions. With lifestyle changes to control risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, excess weight and inactivity, it’s Read more

 

Ciresi measure to replace state song adopted by PA House

(Apr 23, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 23 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s resolution to study replacing the state song was adopted with bipartisan support Tuesday by the PA House of Representatives. “A compelling state song drives tourism,” Ciresi said. “Our state song should extoll all the things that make Pennsylvania great in a catchy, memorable way. “Think about it: Ray Charles singing Georgia is always on his mind, John Denver about West Virgina’s country roads and the millions of songs extolling New York. These songs have lodged themselves in the public’s mind about these states. And Pennsylvania? We have an utterly forgettable song that does not represent the dynamic state we are living in. With the 250th anniversary of the United States coming up in 2026, the Keystone State of our country should have a song worth singing, that represents who we are as a people.” In 1990, the state legislature adopted the current state song, “Pennsylvania” by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner. State law established this as Pennsylvania’s official song for all public purposes, and the song is often performed at public events, such as gubernatorial inaugurations. “State symbols bring us together,” Ciresi said. “When we see our state flag and hear our state song, we should be able to share our commonality and celebrate our heritage as fellow Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, our current state song is known by few and does Read more

 

Reps. Bizzarro, Madden introduce bill to end nursing homes’ crisis

(Apr 23, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We have a crisis in Pennsylvania. More than 30 nursing homes and long-term care facilities have closed since the pandemic,” said Bizzarro, who serves on the House Democratic Leadership team and works as the chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee. “Pennsylvania has a lower reimbursement rate than all its neighboring states, but we can fix this problem, protect our seniors and preserve the care they need.” Read more

 

Davis, Santarsiero present funding to Bristol to help commemorate Lincoln’s 1861 visit to the borough
May 01, 2025

Smith-Wade-El holds news conference to encourage state investment in small businesses
May 01, 2025

Kenyatta joins Legislators for a Guaranteed Income
May 01, 2025

Guzman announces $450K grant for Alvernia University
Apr 30, 2025

Arts and culture breathing new economic life into PA communities
Apr 30, 2025

Local communities ask for state, federal help after devastating floods
Apr 29, 2025

Ciresi reintroduces legislation to bolster film production in PA
Apr 28, 2025

Funding remains a challenge for in-demand career training
Apr 28, 2025

PA House Communications & Technology Committee unanimously approves measure calling on Congress to protect creative sector workers against displacement by AI
Apr 24, 2025

Munroe bill prohibiting the use of toxic PFAS in firefighting foam advances from committee with unanimous support
Apr 24, 2025

Munroe resolution honoring fallen police officers adopted by Pa. House
Apr 24, 2025

House adopts two resolutions to make Pennsylvania roads safer
Apr 24, 2025

PA House passes Dougherty bill Increasing aid for affordable housing
Apr 24, 2025

Young bill to streamline energy efficiency plans passed in PA House
Apr 24, 2025

Pennsylvania Houses passes Conklin bill to regulate virtual currency
Apr 23, 2025

House passes Salisbury bill to help communities fight blight
Apr 23, 2025

House adopts Matzie ‘Safe Digging Month’ resolution
Apr 23, 2025

House adopts Matzie resolution recognizing April 2025 as ‘Limb Loss Awareness Month’ in Pennsylvania
Apr 23, 2025

Ciresi measure to replace state song adopted by PA House
Apr 23, 2025

Reps. Bizzarro, Madden introduce bill to end nursing homes’ crisis
Apr 23, 2025