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Krajewski welcomes $600K in state funding to promote educational opportunities

(Oct 11, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, state Rep. Rick Krajewski announced that two organizations in his legislative district were awarded a combined $600,000 in state funding. Lincoln University received $500,000 to make technological upgrades and update their Philadelphia facility, The School of Adult and Continuing Education. SACE provides educational opportunities to adult learners who wish to continue their learning journey, before or after earning their bachelor's degree. “Learning is a lifelong journey which should be easily accessible and affordable,” Krajewski said. “I’m proud that historic institutions like Lincoln University choose to bring their reputation for excellence to our community and I will always work to support them however I can.” This grant is from the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program, which is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established by Section 604 of the Social Security Act, as added by Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It is administered by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The second grant of $100,000 was awarded to Workshop U, a postsecondary program for students aged 18-25 that helps students make life-design plans and bring the plan to life through mentorship, internships and training. This grant is from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. “Our young adults need tools to help Read more

 

Let’s address youth mental health issues before they reach a crisis point

(Oct 11, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

As an emergency physician, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of untreated mental health conditions. For far too many young people, the first time they access mental health care is in a moment of crisis – often in the ER, when their symptoms have already escalated beyond what community care could have addressed. Read more

 

Hearing focuses on inclusion of disability community in PA

(Oct 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

As part of Rep. Joe Hohenstein’s 2024 Cities of Inclusion Disability Summit, the House Majority Policy Committee convened a hearing to explore ways to ensure Pennsylvania is more inclusive for those living with disabilities. Read more

 

Fleming applauds passage of legislation to implement evidence-based reading programs in schools: Bill heads to governor’s desk

(Oct 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 10 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, applauded the Senate’s unanimous final passage yesterday of S.B. 801 that mirrors his H.B. 998, which will implement evidence-based reading programs in schools to help students improve their reading proficiency and make learning in other disciplines easier. According to Fleming, Pennsylvania is amid an educational crisis with nearly half of its fourth graders reading below their grade level. The reasons are due to many factors, including inequitable educational opportunities, but the long-term impact is the same: currently, one in five American adults struggles with reading basic sentences, and as a result, find it difficult to do basic tasks like read the mail, complete tax forms, or even engage in civic duties. Senate Bill 801 will provide a tested solution to this societal dilemma by allowing school districts to pursue an evidence-based curriculum called the Science of Reading to help enhance literacy among students, particularly in grades K-4. “We know the Science of Reading works because the state of Mississippi, which once ranked 49th in the country for fourth-grade literacy, enacted this program and several years later ranked 21st,” Fleming said. Fleming explained his drive to improve reading instruction in Pennsylvania as a legislator. “It’s not just my work as a long-time child advocate supporting efforts to improve reading instruction in Pennsylvania Read more

 

Matzie: More than $250,000 secured for renovations to B.F. Jones Memorial Library

(Oct 10, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 10 – New funding of $250,975 approved by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority will support repairs and upgrades to the B.F. Jones Memorial Library in Aliquippa, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is a commissioner on the PBDA, said the funding will support needed maintenance and upgrades to maintain the building’s structural integrity. “The B.F. Jones Library has been serving our community for nearly a century, and its role has only expanded over the years,” Matzie said. “Today, the library provides a wealth of programs as well as critical connections, from high-speed internet to helping residents find jobs and access social services. “The new funding is going to support a wide range of renovations and repairs to this historic building – from painting and resealing windows to fencing, security, and site- and roof-related work – to maintain the building’s structural integrity and ensure visitors remain safe and comfortable.” The funding was awarded through the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program. More information about the funding is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/covid-19-arpa-pennsylvania-multi-purpose-community-facilities-program-grant-approvals?wpdmdl=125147 , and more information about the program is available here: Read more

 

Parker secures $1 million grant for Happy Hollow Recreation Center

(Oct 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Darisha parker, today announced that Happy Hallow Recreation Center was awarded a $1 million grant to upgrade their facilities. “Philadelphia’s recreation centers provide a safe alternative for youth to participate in structured programs instead of wandering the streets,” Parker said. “This investment will go a long way to help foster community connections and give our youth hope.” The funding will help Happy Hollow become a digital access hub for residents who cannot access broadband internet as well as a heating and cooling center for residents in need. “This is such an important tool for the fight against gun violence,” Parker said. Happy Hollow Rec. Center is the oldest recreation center in Philadelphia and has served as a starting place for professional players in the National Basketball Association. The Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established by Section 604 of the Social Security Act, as added by Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) administers the Facilities Program in accordance with U.S. Treasury guidelines and Act 96 of 2021. Read more

 

Dignity for incarcerated women extended to juveniles

(Oct 09, 2024) Rep. Morgan Cephas

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today said she is pleased to see legislation ( H.B. 1509 ) moving in the General Assembly that would build on current law to protect pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women to have it apply to incarcerated pregnant juveniles. Cephas was the sponsor of a new law (H.B. 900, now Act 47 of 2023) that created important protections for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, including restricting shackling and solitary confinement; providing trauma informed care training of corrections officers interacting with pregnant and postpartum women; and providing up to three days of post-delivery bonding time between a mother and newborn child, among other protections. She said the law was unintentionally silent on juveniles involved in the criminal justice system and is glad to see the provision clearly spelled out in H.B. 1509, as amended by the Senate. “For years, my colleagues and I have been fighting to get better prenatal, pregnancy and post-natal protections and support for incarcerated people in Pennsylvania as a matter of compassion and common decency,” Cephas said. “No one should be deprived of compassionate care or respect or be forced to risk the health of their child, even when they are a child themselves under the law.” Cephas is co-chair of the bicameral Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus and former co-chair and current Read more

 

Solomon’s MVP legislation to become law

(Oct 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 2383, authored by state Rep. Jared Solomon, majority chair of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Solomon said his legislation will allow young people and seniors to benefit from mentor/mentee relationships. “Our seniors have knowledge to give and our young people have a thirst for knowledge,” Solomon said. “These mentor/mentee relationships can focus around a trade, job, hobby, or other interest. “Bringing retired volunteers who have this experience will go a long way to help steer youth in making good decisions and gaining valuable knowledge. This will also provide a better understanding of the differences between generations and provide new perspectives for both the youth and our seniors,” Solomon said. Solomon added that any older adult volunteer would be vetted with a required criminal background check and other requirements from school districts. “This would provide a list of already approved volunteers for school districts in Pennsylvania so that interests are matched and mentor/mentee relationships can flourish,” he said. The bill also passed the Senate and now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature to become state law. Read more

 

Frankel celebrates House passage of his bill to prohibit health insurance coverage caps, urges state Senate to act swiftly

(Oct 09, 2024) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – The Pennsylvania House today passed landmark legislation introduced by state Rep. Dan Frankel that would prohibit annual and lifetime limits on health insurance policies across the commonwealth. Frankel, who is majority chair of the House Health Committee, said his H.B. 2562 would ensure that all Pennsylvanians are guaranteed access to essential health care, regardless of federal actions or court decisions that could impact existing protections. “No family should be forced to choose between life-saving treatment and financial ruin because their insurance arbitrarily cuts them off when they need it most,” said Frankel. “By passing House Bill 2562, we are taking a stand to ensure that Pennsylvanians are protected, no matter what happens in Washington or the courts.” Currently, protections against annual and lifetime limits are in place under the Affordable Care Act. However, with ongoing legal challenges and political threats to the ACA, the passage of H.B. 2562 is a crucial step toward enshrining these protections into Pennsylvania state law, providing residents peace of mind and ensuring that health care remains a right, not a privilege. The legislation passed as part of a three-bill legislative package to enshrine ACA protections into state law. The other bills include: H.B. 2563 , by Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, which would allow parents to keep their adult Read more

 

Pre-existing conditions would remain covered by health insurance under Haddock bill passed by the PA House

(Oct 09, 2024) Rep. Jim Haddock

"This would ensure that everyone has access to health care, and it would protect people from being denied health insurance or facing higher premiums due to their medical history," Haddock said. Read more

 

Isaacson, Bellmon legislation enhancing judicial protections passes PA General Assembly

(Oct 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – Today, legislation authored by state Reps. Mary Isaacson and Anthony Bellmon, both D-Phila., to enhance protections for federal judges, judicial officers and their families, passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly. House Bill 1700 would prohibit disclosing the personally identifiable information of federal judges, judicial officers and their families when there is intent to cause harm or interrupt the person from carrying out their duties. “Judges and judicial officers serve a crucial role as arbiters of a fair and balanced justice system,” Isaacson said. “In recent years, we have seen core pillars of our democracy attacked, which causes irreputable harm to our democracy and society. This legislation will serve to provide additional protections so judges can uphold their duty without threats of violence or intimidation.” "The justice system serves as a pillar of American Democracy. Threats and acts of violence against the judicial branch affect each and every one of us," Bellmon said. “As the number of threats against the judiciary continues to rise, we must ensure judges are protected from retaliation so that they can properly serve justice in our commonwealth." The bill passed the PA House unanimously in December and passed the state Senate unanimously today. It now heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk for his signature to become state law. Read more

 

Bill to designate Diwali as an official Pa. holiday passes General Assembly

(Oct 09, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – Legislation that would make Diwali an official holiday in Pennsylvania passed the General Assembly with a bipartisan majority today and will soon become law. Senate Bill 402 was introduced by state Sens. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry, and Nikil Saval, D-Phila., and would not require school, government or employer closings. “Thousands of Pennsylvanians celebrate Diwali each year, as a time of reflection and gathering,” Rothman said. “Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday upholds and celebrates our commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity.” “Wherever we’re from and whatever our background, all of us deserve to have our cultures recognized and honored. As the number of Asian Americans grows steadily here in Pennsylvania and across the country, our commonwealth’s official recognition of Diwali sends a clear message of inclusion,” Saval added. “I am so proud to have worked with my colleagues in the state legislature to put Pennsylvania at the forefront by acknowledging Diwali’s deep cultural significance and inviting all people to reflect on the endless struggle of light over darkness.” State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s companion legislation, House Bill 436 , passed the Pennsylvania House in April of last year. “Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by over a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists worldwide, including hundreds Read more

 

Neilson committee advances legislation to increase transit funding in all 67 PA counties

(Oct 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, announced today that the committee has advanced legislation (H.B. 2625) to increase state funding for transit agencies in all 67 counties. “Residents of all 67 counties rely on public transportation for their employment, education or health care, all of which play a part to keep our economy strong,” Neilson said. “Rural, suburban, and urban communities all need reliable and accessible transit services.” This bill would increase the allocation of existing sales tax revenue going to transit agencies from 4.4% to 6.15% without raising taxes. This increase will provide an additional $1.5 billion over the next five years to transit agencies across Pennsylvania. This amount of funding was recommended by Gov. Josh Shapiro during his 2024-25 budget address last February. The House previously approved two other proposals this session to increase transit funding, but they have not been considered by the state Senate. “I am hopeful that the House and Senate can come together to reach a solution as soon as possible,” Neilson said. The legislation was introduced after Neilson led the House Transportation Committee on a statewide tour, listening to Pennsylvanians and transit experts speak about the importance of a robust and reliable public transportation system throughout Pennsylvania. “We visited Read more

 

Rabb disappointed at lack of perceptible change in Juvenile Justice Task Force-informed legislation

(Oct 09, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed S.B. 169 , which would accept certain recommendations put forth by Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice Task Force that state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., said represent little to no real change when compared to the breadth and scope of the task force’s full recommendations . The bill would require courts to hold disposition review hearings at least every three months for the purpose of ensuring that each child committed to out-of-home placement is receiving necessary services and treatment. “I can’t help but to feel like this legislation represents reform in only the most minimalist of ways,” Rabb said. “The Juvenile Justice Task Force put forth recommendations that would represent substantial change to the commonwealth’s juvenile legal system. We must act as a legislative body to enact the more substantive proposed reforms in service of justice for adjudicated youth of Pennsylvania.” Recommendation 9 from the task force, which stated that the commonwealth should narrow the criteria for trying youth as adults by eliminating statutory exclusion — also known as “direct file” — from juvenile court, echoed part of legislation, H.B. 1551 , that Rabb introduced this session that would end the charging of youths as adults. That legislation is Read more

 

Howard’s horseracing regulation extension bill passes House

(Oct 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Sadly, the prior safety standards of racehorses in Pennsylvania were lacking and threatened the health of horses,” Howard said. “These standards adopted by the State Horse Racing Commission ensure horseracing is safe for the horses involved until the new federal requirements are known and can be incorporated into the industry. I thank my colleagues for uniting on this issue to keep these great standards in place, instead of allowing horseracing to fall by the wayside.” Read more

 

Warren measure advances Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force’s recommendation

(Oct 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Perry Warren D-Bucks County www.pahouse.com/ Warren Warren measure advances Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force’s recommendation HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – Acting on a recommendation from the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force, state Rep. Perry Warren successfully amended Senate legislation (S.B. 1241) to add two hours of flood insurance training to the continuing education requirements of insurance brokers. The bulk of S.B. 1241 , sponsored by state Sen. Chris Gebhard, R-Berks/Lancaster/Lebanon, deals with pre-examination education requirements for insurance producer licensees. The bill passed the House today and heads back to the state Senate for a concurrence vote. Warren, the vice-chair of the House Insurance Committee, proposed the flood insurance continuing education amendment in the committee. “The House passed this bill as Hurricane Milton is approaching landfall in the United States. The Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force met throughout the first half of this year to work to lower the rates of flood insurance and mitigate the impact of floods for residents and municipalities,” Warren said. “This amendment implements one of the recommendations of the task force and I look forward to working Read more

 

Ciresi presents $50K check for The Carousel at Pottstown’s renovations

(Oct 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, presented a mock check representing the $50,000 grant he secured from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for renovations to The Carousel at Pottstown. Read more

 

Pa. House passes legislation freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners

(Oct 08, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – The Pennsylvania House on Monday unanimously passed a bill aimed at freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners. House Bill 2536 would amend the state constitution by removing the limitation permitting Longtime Owner-Occupant Programs only in Allegheny and Philadelphia counties, thereby enabling future legislation to allow all local taxing authorities the option to adopt such a program to provide greater levels of tax relief to seniors. LOOPs provide property tax relief to homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least 10 years by exempting or deferring property tax increases – even if their home assessment values increase in future years. “We’ve been hearing about the impact high property taxes have, particularly on our senior citizens, for decades, so I am very pleased that my colleagues in the House unanimously supported our bill,” said state Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester , who sponsored the bill. “This legislation would provide local governments a way to help those who have lived in their homes over a decade and have felt the burden of rapidly rising property taxes the most. Our state constitution already allows Philadelphia and Allegheny counties the option of creating LOOPs. It’s time to make this mechanism available to the whole state. I believe creating options to address property tax burdens on an ever-aging state is a worthwhile endeavor.” Read more

 

Children & Youth Committee hosts informational meeting on protecting public benefits for foster youth

(Oct 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The PA House Children & Youth Committee held an informational meeting today to discuss legislation (H.B. 2617) recently introduced by state Reps. Rick Krajewski and Sheryl Delozier. By requiring counties to screen for and conserve foster youth benefits in a savings account for when a foster youth exits care, the bill would ensure that foster youths receive the public benefits to which they are legally entitled, such as Social Security, disability and veterans’ benefits. Under existing state regulations, and despite efforts for reform in Philadelphia , county foster care agencies regularly intercept and spend tens of thousands in benefits intended for foster youth. “Orphaned and disabled foster youth are some of the most vulnerable children in the state and have extremely limited resources. Just like other foster youth, children who receive public benefits should not be charged for their own care,” said Krajewski . “This legislation will give our counties the go-ahead they need to fully advocate for the youth in their care and provide many children life-altering financial support when they age out of the system.” “The children in the foster care system deserve for their government to do everything they can to help them,” said Delozier . “The testimony we heard at our informational meeting will help us craft a bill to make sure the youth in our foster system get the benefits Read more

 

House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee advances Senate bills mirroring House PA One Call, motorcycle lemon law bills

(Oct 07, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – The PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee today advanced two Senate bills that match or closely track previously approved House bills, moving the proposed laws closer to the governor’s desk, Majority Chair Rob Matzie announced. Matzie said he was encouraged by the alignment of the House and Senate bills – which deal with reauthorizing PA’s One Call safe digging law and establishing Lemon Law protections for motorcycle consumers – because that meeting of the minds promises speedy enactment of both measures. “We’re always glad when we can successfully negotiate both across the aisle and across chambers with our colleagues in the state Senate,” Matzie said. “Today, our committee advanced two important pieces of legislation – one that closely mirrors my bill the House recently passed to reauthorize PA One Call and a second that is identical to my House colleague’s bill to establish a motorcycle Lemon Law in PA. “It’s great to have that meeting of the minds, because it allows us to get important legislation across the finish line quickly, where it can go to work protecting folks.” The bills are S.B. 1237 and H.B. 2189 (reauthorizing PA One Call) and S.B. 155 and H.B. 360 (amending the state Lemon Law Read more

 

Krajewski welcomes $600K in state funding to promote educational opportunities
Oct 11, 2024

Let’s address youth mental health issues before they reach a crisis point
Oct 11, 2024

Hearing focuses on inclusion of disability community in PA
Oct 10, 2024

Fleming applauds passage of legislation to implement evidence-based reading programs in schools: Bill heads to governor’s desk
Oct 10, 2024

Matzie: More than $250,000 secured for renovations to B.F. Jones Memorial Library
Oct 10, 2024

Parker secures $1 million grant for Happy Hollow Recreation Center
Oct 10, 2024

Dignity for incarcerated women extended to juveniles
Oct 09, 2024

Solomon’s MVP legislation to become law
Oct 09, 2024

Frankel celebrates House passage of his bill to prohibit health insurance coverage caps, urges state Senate to act swiftly
Oct 09, 2024

Pre-existing conditions would remain covered by health insurance under Haddock bill passed by the PA House
Oct 09, 2024

Isaacson, Bellmon legislation enhancing judicial protections passes PA General Assembly
Oct 09, 2024

Bill to designate Diwali as an official Pa. holiday passes General Assembly
Oct 09, 2024

Neilson committee advances legislation to increase transit funding in all 67 PA counties
Oct 09, 2024

Rabb disappointed at lack of perceptible change in Juvenile Justice Task Force-informed legislation
Oct 09, 2024

Howard’s horseracing regulation extension bill passes House
Oct 09, 2024

Warren measure advances Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force’s recommendation
Oct 09, 2024

Ciresi presents $50K check for The Carousel at Pottstown’s renovations
Oct 08, 2024

Pa. House passes legislation freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners
Oct 08, 2024

Children & Youth Committee hosts informational meeting on protecting public benefits for foster youth
Oct 08, 2024

House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee advances Senate bills mirroring House PA One Call, motorcycle lemon law bills
Oct 07, 2024