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House Communications & Technology Committee discusses economic potential of emerging technologies in Pittsburgh

(May 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, MAY 30 – The newly formed House Communications & Technology Committee this week held a committee meeting in Pittsburgh which focused on emerging technologies’ benefits to the Pittsburgh region’s economy and how to make Pennsylvania a leader in the field. “The visit to Pittsburgh offered us a vision of how the commonwealth can partner with these emerging technology companies to make Pennsylvania a leader in the field while ensuring that protections are in place so the state’s residents are protected from unethical uses of AI and other technologies,” Ciresi said. “One of the issues brought up was workforce readiness, which is an area that the legislature can support by expanding opportunities for educational and training opportunities in emerging technology fields. I am looking forward to advocating for legislation that will help Pennsylvania take the lead in the field of AI, robotics and the development of new technologies.” At the committee’s informational meeting on May 27, the committee heard from expert faculty at the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University who provided an overview of developments in artificial intelligence and social media technologies and their public policy implications. In addition, the committee held other discussions and heard from industry leaders on the impact of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and Read more

 

Abney, Benham formally introduce bills to fund Pennsylvania’s transit systems

(May 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PITTSBURGH, May 30 – As operating costs for public transit skyrocket and agencies like Pittsburgh Regional Transit warn of significant service cuts and fare hikes, state Reps. Aerion A. Abney and Jessica Benham announced that they have officially introduced legislation designed to increase state funding for public transportation. The “Transit for All PA” Funding Package, now introduced as H.B.s 1523 and 1524 , would provide a long-overdue, dedicated funding source to PRT and transit agencies across the state. The package builds on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal to increase the allocation of existing sales taxes to public transit. With this increased stream of revenue, transit systems across Pennsylvania would be able to stabilize their budgets, move beyond current austerity measures, and better serve the needs of riders. The legislation includes provisions to: Raise the state’s rental car fee from $2 to $6.50. Increase the car lease fee from 3% to 5%. Establish a 6% excise tax on ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. The state’s car rental and lease fees have not been increased in over 30 years and are among the lowest in the nation. Currently, there is no statewide excise tax on ride-hailing services. “Pennsylvanians deserve a public transportation system that is safe, reliable and Read more

 

State Legislators Announce PA Home Preservation Program in Bipartisan Effort to Tackle Pennsylvania’s Housing Crisis

(May 29, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell, Rep. Brandon Markosek

The PA Home Preservation Program addresses the need by homing in on the most successful aspect of previous programs: the delivery of critical health and safety repairs for homeowners. This program will allow thousands of households across the commonwealth to repair their homes each year, simultaneously fighting disrepair and community displacement. Read more

 

Rabb unveils bipartisan bill preventing forced sale of inherited property

(May 27, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation to help Pennsylvanians hold onto financial wealth when a property owner in their family dies intestate Read more

 

Rabb introduces bill to end charging children as adults

(May 22, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation to repeal direct file law, reform the juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania Read more

 

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

(May 22, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Here are the latest grant opportunities that are open for applications. Read more

 

Steele, Policy Committee ask energy providers about power outages

(May 21, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Our region suffered a major hit during this unprecedented storm,” said Steele, who hosted the hearing and represents portions of Allegheny County. “The sustained power outages were more than an inconvenience. We had older residents in life-and-death situations, unable to use life-sustaining medical devices in their homes, and we experienced major roadway closures.” Read more

 

Kosierowski helps secure over $1.2M in state grants for legislative district

(May 21, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 21 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, today announced that more than $1.2 million in state grants have been awarded in her legislative district to be used for economic and community development. “I worked very hard with Senator Marty Flynn and my fellow state representatives to bring these dollars to our communities,” Kosierowski said. “This state funding demonstrates a commitment to supporting and enhancing the quality of life here -- from providing funding for equipment for a cultural festival to restoring a cultural center’s floor to purchasing necessary equipment for our local police forces. Thanks to this funding, life here will continue to be vibrant and safe.” The grants awarded include: $49,140 Clarks Green Municipal Building Emergency Generator Project To purchase and install an emergency generator at the municipal building. $66,211 Clarks Summit New Patrol Vehicle To purchase a new vehicle for the police department. $80,000 Dickson City Commercial Enforcement Vehicle To purchase a vehicle for the police department. $42,393 Ballet Theater of Scranton Equipment Project To purchase new equipment for theatre presentations. $120,000 South Abington Griffin Pond Animal Shelter ERU Replacement For the purchase and installation of a new HVAC system for the animal shelter. $51,143 Indo American Community of Scranton Equipment Project To Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates first-ever Solar for Schools grant recipients; $22.6 million awarded

(May 21, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 20 – Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Financing Authority today announced that 74 schools across Pennsylvania will receive a total more than $22.6 million for solar installations through the Solar for Schools grant program. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., who introduced the Solar for Schools bill in 2024, applauded the announcement. “I am so happy for each of these schools and excited to see names from nearly every corner of the state,” said Fiedler , who is also chair of the state House Energy Committee. “I’ve heard from rural schools who plan to include their solar panels in agricultural education and from city schools that are thinking strategically about rooftop solar with limited space. I have no doubt that the recipients will benefit from the program’s flexibility to meet their school’s needs and to make the most of their strengths." Solar for Schools was designed as a creative way to address the school funding crisis, rising utility costs, and climate change at once. It is estimated that solar installations can save school districts millions of dollars over the life of one project. As such, the program has gained support across geographic and party lines. It was one of very few bills to pass through the divided legislature last session with broad, bipartisan support. "The Solar for Schools program is a smart investment in Read more

 

House Environmental Committee hears need for developing updated renewable energy standards

(May 19, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The state House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee held a public hearing today at the state Capitol on legislation (H.B. 501) that would create the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard. Read more

 

Ciresi and Hohenstein tour Pottstown SMART home

(May 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, May 16 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Joe Hohenstein joined staff members from service provider KenCrest today to discuss how SMART homes can help more people with disabilities to live independently. Equipped with voice-activated features, plenty of maneuverability for wheelchairs, and small robots that can feed people and offer remote monitoring, a SMART home’s technology can help people with disabilities live on their own. “At a time when there is a critical home care worker shortage, SMART homes are the smart investment in assisted living as they help people with disabilities live independently,” Ciresi said. “Unfortunately, the home’s technology can be cost-prohibitive. For example, a device that can assist with eating independently costs approximately $8,600. Under current Pennsylvania law, there is an individual lifetime cap of $10,000 for assistive technology purchases. That outdated limit poses a big obstacle to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from fulfilling their desire live more independent, safe and fulfilling lives.” “SMART homes provide essential necessities for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to live on their own,” Hohenstein said. "The technology from SMART homes empowers individuals, promotes safety and wellbeing and enhances overall quality of life. I’m proud to be here today to advocate for lifting the $10,000 cap Read more

 

Testifiers urge sustainable state support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities

(May 15, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have faced years of chronic underfunding, prompting the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee and PA Legislative Black Caucus to convene a joint policy hearing Thursday to discuss how the state can provide sustainable support to these institutions of higher education. Read more

 

Sen. Tim Kearney & Rep. Lisa Borowski introduce legislation to safeguard PA’s healthcare systems

(May 14, 2025) Rep. Lisa Borowski

“This is one of those pivotal moments for us as lawmakers elected by the people to represent their interests. How we choose to respond to the crisis private equity firms are inflicting on our healthcare system will speak volumes to Pennsylvanians about our courage to do what’s right,” Rep. Borowski said. Read more

 

Venkat, Williams: House passes bipartisan bill to extend Military Family Education benefits

(May 14, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, May 14 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation that would allow family of members of the Pennsylvania National Guard to claim additional education benefits each time the Guard member reenlists or renews their service commitment, the bill’s co-prime sponsors, state Reps. Arvind Venkat and Craig Williams, announced. House Bill 865 would amend the state’s Military Family Education Program – also known as the Pennsylvania GI Bill – to clarify that the program’s education benefit is renewable each time a Guard member reenlists or renews their service obligation for an additional six-year term. “Our military men and women sacrifice so much when they commit to serve, and their families also sacrifice each time they say goodbye to a loved one leaving for duty,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “The Military Family Education Program is an excellent way of giving back to these families while also boosting Guard recruitment and retention. “As written, the existing law leaves some uncertainty regarding whether the education benefit is renewable. By making clear that the benefit is available each time a Guard member reenlists or renews their service commitment, our bill would give greater effect to this powerful program.” “House Bill 865 honors the full scope of service that Guard members and their families provide,” said Williams, Read more

 

PA House passes Inglis bill to drive billions toward energy projects

(May 14, 2025) Rep. John Inglis

EDGE 2.0 tax credit expansion leveraging Shapiro’s Lightning Plan advances Read more

 

House Judiciary Committee approves bipartisan medical release bill

(May 14, 2025) Rep. Rick Krajewski

The Department of Corrections spent more than $426 million on medical care in the 2023-24 fiscal year, with $40.5 million spent on medical care for incarcerated elderly people who were at risk of death. “When our corrections system is spending tens of millions of dollars to incarcerate people who are slowly dying, we must ask ourselves who is this really benefiting? We’ve seen states take serious action on this, it is time for Pennsylvania to do the same,” Krajewski said. Read more

 

Sappey highlights impact of public gardens at state Capitol

(May 14, 2025) Rep. Christina Sappey

“Pennsylvania’s public gardens and public horticulture institutions preserve thousands of acres of natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds and healthy private working lands and bring together a wide array of expertise, approaches and solutions that are essential for biodiversity in food and agriculture,” Sappey said. “They bring many benefits, including education, community partnerships and development, research, agricultural cultivation, tourism and conservation. They also provide a place of beauty as they connect all of us with life affirming plants.” Read more

 

Solomon, Rabb call for open primaries in PA

(May 14, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation to open Pennsylvania’s primaries, H.B. 280, authored by state Reps. Jared Solomon and Chris Rabb, both D-Phila., was voted out of the House State Government Committee yesterday. “One-point-four million independent voters in Pennsylvania provide tax dollars to pay for primaries but have no vote,” Solomon said. “This must end. We must welcome veterans, young people, and other independents into our democratic process.” Pennsylvania has a closed primary system, meaning that only voters registered with a given party can vote in that party’s primary election. Voters who are unaffiliated or registered as a third party are prohibited from voting in a primary election. “There should be no second class among Pennsylvania’s electorate,” said Rabb, D-Phila., and co-sponsor of the bill. “Over 1 million voters are unduly disenfranchised in our state because they have chosen to exercise their right to remain unaffiliated with our restrictive political duopoly.” Read more

 

Pielli bill to help increase funding for first responders approved by PA House

(May 14, 2025) Rep. Chris Pielli

“Funding struggles can result in staffing shortages and increased response times, which can make the difference between life and death. This legislation is a simple but important step in increasing funding opportunities for our first responders,” he said. “With this funding, our first responders can increase staffing and upgrade equipment. This option should also be extended to all townships of the second class.” Read more

 

PA House Judiciary Committee approves four measures

(May 14, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 14 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, chaired by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery), advanced bills today aimed at strengthening public safety, supporting working families, and protecting vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth. The legislation addresses compassionate release for seriously ill incarcerated individuals, parental rights, child exploitation laws and oversight of illicit vapor products. “Today’s committee action reflects our commitment to practical, thoughtful and bipartisan solutions that respond to real needs in our communities,” Briggs said. “These bills tackle everything from criminal justice reform to public health and safety, and I’m proud to move them forward with support from both sides of the aisle.” House Bill 150 , sponsored by state Reps. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., and Torren Ecker, R-Adams/Cumberland, would reform Pennsylvania’s current compassionate release program. It would establish an expanded process for seriously ill incarcerated individuals to petition the court for sentence modification modeled after the federal First Step Act. The bill includes strong public safety measures and would relieve strain on state correctional medical resources. House Bill 526 , introduced by state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, would update Pennsylvania’s law that protects parents who breastfeed in public by making it clear Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee discusses economic potential of emerging technologies in Pittsburgh
May 30, 2025

Abney, Benham formally introduce bills to fund Pennsylvania’s transit systems
May 30, 2025

State Legislators Announce PA Home Preservation Program in Bipartisan Effort to Tackle Pennsylvania’s Housing Crisis
May 29, 2025

Rabb unveils bipartisan bill preventing forced sale of inherited property
May 27, 2025

Rabb introduces bill to end charging children as adults
May 22, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
May 22, 2025

Steele, Policy Committee ask energy providers about power outages
May 21, 2025

Kosierowski helps secure over $1.2M in state grants for legislative district
May 21, 2025

Fiedler celebrates first-ever Solar for Schools grant recipients; $22.6 million awarded
May 21, 2025

House Environmental Committee hears need for developing updated renewable energy standards
May 19, 2025

Ciresi and Hohenstein tour Pottstown SMART home
May 16, 2025

Testifiers urge sustainable state support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities
May 15, 2025

Sen. Tim Kearney & Rep. Lisa Borowski introduce legislation to safeguard PA’s healthcare systems
May 14, 2025

Venkat, Williams: House passes bipartisan bill to extend Military Family Education benefits
May 14, 2025

PA House passes Inglis bill to drive billions toward energy projects
May 14, 2025

House Judiciary Committee approves bipartisan medical release bill
May 14, 2025

Sappey highlights impact of public gardens at state Capitol
May 14, 2025

Solomon, Rabb call for open primaries in PA
May 14, 2025

Pielli bill to help increase funding for first responders approved by PA House
May 14, 2025

PA House Judiciary Committee approves four measures
May 14, 2025