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Philadelphia House Delegation elects new leaders

(Jan 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

This week the Philadelphia House Delegation elected their new slate of leadership for the 2025-26 legislative session. In addition, the group also voted to amend their bylaws for the separation of the treasurer and secretary as two elected officers. State Rep. Morgan Cephas was re-elected chairwoman for a second term. State Rep. Joe Hohenstein was elected vice-chair; state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, secretary; and state Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila., treasurer. Read more

 

Bipartisan bill to ease unemployment process for domestic violence victims approved by PA House Labor Committee

(Jan 29, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Bill will create an ‘express lane’ for claimants impacted by domestic violence Read more

 

Frankel bill to boost oversight of medical marijuana testing clears House Health Committee

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 29 – State Rep. Dan Frankel’s bill to bolster safety and confidence in the commonwealth’s medical marijuana products won bipartisan approval from the House Health Committee Wednesday, paving the way for stronger patient protections overseen by the Department of Health. Frankel, who is majority chairman of the House Health Committee, said weaknesses in consumer protections were revealed in a series of hearings held by the Health Committee in the previous session, and by incidences of contamination , inaccurate labeling and deceptive practices in other states. “We need to make sure that patients have the same level of confidence in medical marijuana products as they do in the prescriptions that they fill at their local pharmacies,” Frankel said. “Patients deserve to know that these products are what they say they are in terms of THC levels and that they are uncontaminated by mold, pesticides or heavy metals.” House Bill 33 would provide for improved compliance testing, product audits, statistical analyses, transparency and inspections of labs, which serve as the last line of defense to prevent patients from unknowingly consuming substances that can have both immediate and long-term health consequences. The bill would direct the Department of Health to ensure that labs report accurate results and would also require stability testing in some circumstances to ensure the Read more

 

Pa. House committee advances bill requiring food allergy warnings

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

A Pennsylvania House committee advanced a bill that would require restaurants and other establishments to post warnings about the dangers of food allergies. Read more

 

Warren Ready to Lead Insurance Committee

(Jan 28, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Perry Warren, D-Bucks, announced today that the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee is reorganized and focused on new ways to protect consumers. “As chairman of the Insurance Committee, I look forward to passing laws that make insurance better for all Pennsylvanians,” Warren said. “Earlier today, the committee unanimously voted in support of three important proposals that will hopefully become law.” The first proposal, H.B. 111 , would prohibit life insurance companies from discriminating against individuals who have obtained naloxone or another medication to reverse an opioid overdose. Because of a standing order from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, anyone can walk up to a pharmacy counter and receive naloxone. Warren noted the story of one mother who received naloxone so she could save her son’s life if he experienced an opioid overdose. She applied for a life insurance policy, but the life insurance company refused to give her a policy because they saw that she received naloxone and presumed that she had an addiction. House Bill 111 would protect consumers like this mother by prohibiting life insurance companies from denying coverage based on an individual’s prior purchase or acquisition of naloxone, Warren said. House Bills 211 and 261 update outdated language in Read more

 

Fleming announces $121,000 in state grants for Black Run Park Trails

(Jan 28, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Justin Fleming has helped to secure $121,000 in state funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program for Hawthorne SPE LLC Susquehanna Union Green project. The funds will be used to install accessible walking trails at Susquehanna Union Green and to install stairs to the pedestrian bridge installed over Black Run tributary. "This funding will help Susquehanna Union Green fulfill its promise as an outdoor experience destination for our communities," Fleming said. “Offering over 19 acres of green space, Susquehanna Union Green offers area residents of all ages beautiful areas to explore and enjoy.” In 2022, Susquehanna Union Green received an award from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The award provided financial assistance for construction of the public parks and greens making up the heart of the Susquehanna Union Green master plan. This latest grant funding comes through the Act 13 of 2012, which established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program. The funds are allocated to projects involving the development, rehabilitation and improvement of public parks, recreation Read more

 

Ciresi, Marcell bipartisan bill to allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional use reported out of committee

(Jan 28, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – Bipartisan legislation ( H.B. 201 ) introduced by state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, which would allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional space was reported out of the House Education Committee and is now headed to the full House for a vote. Last session, the legislation, introduced as H.B. 1526, passed the House and was sent to the Senate for consideration. However, the Senate did not act on it. IUs are regional educational service agencies that were created by the legislature in 1970. They provide special education, professional development and technical assistance services to public school districts and non-public/private schools. They also serve as liaisons between school districts and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Every year, more than 175,000 students and 50,000 educators receive services and training from IUs. Currently, IUs are only permitted to own office space and warehouse facilities, not facilities used for instructional space. This limitation does not apply to school districts, area career and technical schools, or charter schools, even though many IUs operate classrooms and other instructional spaces. As a result, all of their instructional facilities must be leased, burdening IUs with rental costs that sometimes greatly exceed what it would cost the IU to purchase and own the facility themselves. “As a former school board member, I know that Read more

 

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

(Jan 28, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. Application Deadline: April 2, 2025 More information: DCNR Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 Read more

 

Kazeem announces $325,000 in state grants for local development

(Jan 28, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, secured $325,000 in state funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program for area projects. The following projects in her legislative district will receive funding: Eddystone Delaware River Waterfront Park -- Awarded $125,000 for the development of the Delaware River Waterfront Park, including the construction and installation of a boardwalk, bridge, playground, splash pad, dog park, kayak launch, bathrooms, and install benches, tables, and trash receptacles. Market Square Memorial Park -- Awarded $200,000 to complete construction plans for the Delaware River Pier Replacement located at the Market Square Memorial Park in Marcus Hook Borough, Delaware County. "These grants are vital to improving the quality of life in our communities in the 159th District here in Delaware County by providing recreational spaces where our residents can come together," said Kazeem. “Investments in our area parks will help create or enhance healthier and more vibrant spaces, benefitting everyone in our communities.” The funding comes from the Act 13 of 2012, which established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails, Read more

 

Ciresi announces $53,000 in state funding for Schuylkill River Trail improvements

(Jan 28, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28– State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, is pleased to announce he secured $53,000 in state grant funding for the Schuylkill River Trail Grosstown Road crossing in West Pottsgrove Township through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. Provco Pinegood Stowe, LLC has received $53,000 to install a new crosswalk and rectangular rapid flashing beacons at the crossing of Grosstown Road and the Schuylkill River Trail, providing a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. Ciresi said the improvements will make access to the trail safer and more welcoming for current and additional trail users. “We are fortunate to have the Schuylkill River Trail, a key part of our natural and historic heritage, in our area,” Ciresi said. “Improvements proposed as part of this project would improve the experience for current trail users and support the growing popularity of this major trail. Upgrading the crossing of Grosstown Road and the Schuylkill River Trail will improve the quality of life for many residents, providing better access to safe and healthy outdoor recreation, while leaving a lasting legacy for generations to use.” Act 13 of 2012 established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Read more

 

As Pennsylvania legislators reintroduce medical debt relief legislation, Pittsburgh's program stalls

(Jan 24, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

A bipartisan group of state legislators have re-introduced a proposal to create a medical debt relief program that could erase hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid medical bills. Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to provide unemployment compensation to school employees in summer

(Jan 23, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would deliver unemployment benefits to educational assistance workers throughout the course of the summer break. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 265 ) would make it possible for bus drivers, janitors, lunch staff and related positions to apply for unemployment compensation during the summer months. Currently, these staff members are forced to rely on temporary positions over the summer to afford necessities. “Our educational support professionals are the unsung heroes of schools and school districts across Pennsylvania and the entire nation. My bill would help remove significant obstacles to them providing for themselves and their families year-round,” Powell said. “They’re the backbone of our schools and it’s time we treat them like it.” Retaining such employees has proven difficult for Pennsylvania schools and school districts. According to the Pennsylvania School Bus Association , there were approximately 3,500 unfilled school bus driver positions, and 70% of superintendents reported a shortage of instructional aides. This survey, conducted by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association , took place at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. The bill has been referred to the House Labor and Industry Committee. Read more

 

Central Pennsylvania House Delegation to discuss labor force growth in Midstate counties with leaders of Tec Centro Workforce Network

(Jan 23, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr., chair of the Central Pennsylvania House Democratic Delegation, today announced that the group will join directors and leaders of Tec Centro Workforce Network to discuss labor force development in Midstate counties. The event will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Jan. 27 at Tec Centro Capital Region, the newest extension of the network, located at 1426 N. Third Street, Harrisburg. Guzman said the delegation is looking forward to the meeting. He explained that one of the top priorities of the delegation during the 2025-26 legislative term is to help strengthen workforce and skill development in central Pennsylvania. “Our delegation is invested in fortifying resources and services that will help empower underserved communities and, in this sense, the role of Tec Centro in each of the counties that they serve is remarkable,” he highlighted. “These institutions are enabling individuals to break language and economic barriers to education. They are helping people to navigate the state’s system and place themselves in a path toward a better future,” he added. Carlos Graupera, CEO of Tec Centro Workforce, expressed that Tec Centro Workforce Network was founded on the mission of empowering individuals with the skills they need to transform their lives and drive the economic vitality of the region. Read more

 

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

(Jan 22, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Victims of Crime Act 2025-2027 Who May Apply: Agencies currently receiving federal Victims of Crime Act funding. Use: The federal VOCA guidelines classify eligible activities/costs into three categories: direct service costs, activities supporting direct services, and subrecipient administrative costs. The federal VOCA guidelines can be found in the Federal Register at: Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Program . Funds: This solicitation is for approximately $53.9 million in federal VOCA funds for the first year with year two amounts being determined at the November 2025 Victims Services Advisory Committee (VSCA) meeting. PCCD expects to fund approximately 157 grants. Applicants will be required to submit a continuation application for year two. Application Deadline: March 14, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Department of Health: WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning Program Who May Apply: Municipalities and metropolitan and rural planning organizations. Priority will be given to communities located in PA DOH State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) priority counties or with an overall percentile rating above 60 in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) PennEnviroScreen Tool. The 10 current SPAN target counties are: Clearfield, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Northumberland, and Philadelphia. Use: Funds will be Read more

 

Venkat, Flick introduce bipartisan legislation to raise awareness on opioid overdoses and save lives

(Jan 22, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Jamie Flick have introduced a bipartisan bill that would create and disseminate materials integral to recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose to empower Pennsylvanians to save the lives of their fellow citizens. House Bill 269 would require Pennsylvania’s Department of Health to develop a poster explaining: the signs of an opioid-related overdose. what to do in the event of an opioid-related overdose. where to find an opioid antagonist such as Naloxone. where to find additional resources and information. The poster would be made available online to download for private use and displayed in public places to increase awareness of how to recognize and respond to opioid-related overdoses. “Our country and state remain mired in the deadly grip of opioid addiction, so providing resources to decrease loss of life is essential,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’ve treated countless patients suffering from overdoses as an emergency physician, and informing family members that their loved ones have passed is truly heartbreaking. “I want to thank Rep. Flick for being a co-prime sponsor on this legislation, which strives to save the lives of as many Pennsylvanians as possible, and the Stop the Judgement Project , led by neighbors of mine in Franklin Park , for their tireless advocacy that led to this legislation.” “I could not be more thrilled to work Read more

 

Madsen announces $150,000 emergency grant to combat homelessness in Dauphin County

(Jan 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 17 – State Rep. Dave Madsen today said Dauphin County is receiving $150,000 in Emergency Grant Funds from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development to address homelessness in the county. “The pandemic supercharged the affordable housing crisis, leaving many Pennsylvanians without a home to call their own,” Madsen said. “This money will help Dauphin County combat homelessness and provide safe, affordable housing through a three-pronged approach with their partner, Christian Churches United: homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing and street outreach.” The county was also awarded funding to operate its Homeless Management Information System with both hardware, software and training costs to ensure accurate collection of data about the homeless population. Priority for funding is given to groups that represent areas of Pennsylvania that do not already receive a direct allocation of Emergency Solutions Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed an Executive Order mandating the first comprehensive Housing Action Plan to address the state’s housing shortage, homelessness, and to expand affordable housing options. DCED is leading the plan’s development and is working with stakeholders across Pennsylvania to identify housing needs and devise a strategic response. Read more

 

Venkat, Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik introduce bipartisan legislation to help Pennsylvanians overcome medical debt

(Jan 16, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat, Rep. Nate Davidson, Rep. Tarik Khan, Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski

HARRISBURG, Jan. 16 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Nate Davidson, Tarik Khan, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Andrew Kuzma, Jim Rigby and Tim Twardzik have introduced a bipartisan bill that would create the Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program. The legislation ( H.B. 79 ) would target the medical debt of low-income Pennsylvania residents for relief. The Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program would also improve the finances of health care institutions and providers, concentrated largely in rural Pennsylvania, that regularly carry debt that is less likely to be repaid. Furthermore, the legislation would enact provisions to ensure transparency in existing hospital charity care programs and provide assistance in applying for charity care to prevent the accumulation of new medical debt. “Medical debt has been dubbed a ‘uniquely American problem,’ so it’s my hope that our bill will help provide relief to as many Pennsylvanians as possible,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’m proud to partner with bipartisan colleagues on this legislation that reduces the burden of affording medical care and allows families to put more food on the table.” “This legislation is more than just a policy – it's a lifeline that restores dignity, empowers families, and ensures that health does not come at the cost of hardship. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan measure so that vulnerable Pennsylvanians can focus on their Read more

 

Ciresi announces $152,400 in state funding for affordable housing and community development

(Jan 15, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi today announced that three community projects have been approved for $152,400 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program. NAP helps low-income individuals and improves distressed areas in PA communities through the provision of tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities. “This state funding will provide critical support to some of our communities’ most vulnerable, from financially distressed individuals struggling to meet basic needs to low-income families requiring rehab grants to stay in their homes to at-risk students needing math and reading support so they can do well in school,” Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said. “This money will make sure our neighborhoods are healthy and flourishing by ensuring that some of the most vulnerable have the help they need to succeed.” The applicants receiving grant money and the NAP subprograms providing the funding are the following: Neighborhood Assistance Program, which supports affordable housing, community services, crime prevention, education, job training and neighborhood assistance: TriCounty Community Network – Pottstown, Montgomery County – $3,900. Funding will support emergency basic needs including transportation support, utility assistance, family assistance and housing Read more

 

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

(Jan 15, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Learn more about the multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more

 

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

(Jan 15, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program Who May Apply: Public institutions of higher education. Use: Funding may be used to offer college coursework to high school students enrolled in eligible school entities. Funds: $14 million in state funding was allocated through the 2024 School Code. Application Deadline: February 10, 2025 More information: PDE Website Department of Environmental Protection: Abandoned Mine Land and Abandoned Mine Draining Grant Program Who May Apply: An authority, incorporated nonprofit, political subdivision, or conservation district. Use: Funds may be used for abandoned mine land reclamation and abandoned mine drainage treatment or abatement. Funds: $75 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: April 25, 2025. Applicants must contact DEP ( ra-epamgrantprogram@pa.gov ) prior to applying for an initial project consultation. More information: DEP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Physical health care providers, hospitals, rural health centers, or federally qualified health clinics. Use: To promote full integration and collaboration in clinical practice between behavioral health care and primary physical health care. Funds: $3 million in funding is available from the Publicis Health Opioid Settlement. Application Deadline: January 24, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation elects new leaders
Jan 30, 2025

Bipartisan bill to ease unemployment process for domestic violence victims approved by PA House Labor Committee
Jan 29, 2025

Frankel bill to boost oversight of medical marijuana testing clears House Health Committee
Jan 29, 2025

Pa. House committee advances bill requiring food allergy warnings
Jan 29, 2025

Warren Ready to Lead Insurance Committee
Jan 28, 2025

Fleming announces $121,000 in state grants for Black Run Park Trails
Jan 28, 2025

Ciresi, Marcell bipartisan bill to allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional use reported out of committee
Jan 28, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 28, 2025

Kazeem announces $325,000 in state grants for local development
Jan 28, 2025

Ciresi announces $53,000 in state funding for Schuylkill River Trail improvements
Jan 28, 2025

As Pennsylvania legislators reintroduce medical debt relief legislation, Pittsburgh's program stalls
Jan 24, 2025

Powell introduces bill to provide unemployment compensation to school employees in summer
Jan 23, 2025

Central Pennsylvania House Delegation to discuss labor force growth in Midstate counties with leaders of Tec Centro Workforce Network
Jan 23, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 22, 2025

Venkat, Flick introduce bipartisan legislation to raise awareness on opioid overdoses and save lives
Jan 22, 2025

Madsen announces $150,000 emergency grant to combat homelessness in Dauphin County
Jan 17, 2025

Venkat, Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik introduce bipartisan legislation to help Pennsylvanians overcome medical debt
Jan 16, 2025

Ciresi announces $152,400 in state funding for affordable housing and community development
Jan 15, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 15, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 15, 2025