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Legislation to encourage small, efficient nuclear plants in Pa. signed into law

(Jul 21, 2026) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, July 21 – Legislation to promote nuclear development in Pennsylvania was signed into law Monday, announced state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., who sponsored the bill. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed H.B. 2017, which also was sponsored by Reps. Nate Davidson, D-Cumberland/Dauphin, Joe McAndrew, D-Allegheny, and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. The new law updates the state’s fee structure for operators of nuclear energy sites to reflect how modern small modular reactors and micro-reactors differ from traditional light-water reactors. The change will make building smaller, more efficient nuclear reactors more affordable in the commonwealth. “Pennsylvania has long been a national energy leader,” Giral said. “I am proud that the governor has taken swift action on our bill and signed it into law. The faster we can help the industry streamline here, the faster we see return on our investment. “Up-front capital needed to build new traditional reactors is prohibitively expensive, and this law meets the moment by recognizing small modular reactor development as the next important step in nuclear development and updating our current fee structure to make it more affordable for SMR developers to build here.” According to the lawmakers, traditional light-water nuclear reactors have sprawling footprints with multiple reactors per site. They take extensive time and money to construct and run. Read more

 

Carroll bill updating barber board quorum requirements signed into law

(Jul 21, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Carroll bill updating barber board quorum requirements signed into law Read more

 

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus chairs applaud over $38 million in maternal health investments incorporated in PA 2026-27 budget

(Jul 21, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus chairs applaud over $38 million in maternal health investments incorporated in PA 2026-27 budget Read more

 

Pielli’s bill to incentivize National Guard enlistment is now law

(Jul 20, 2026) Rep. Chris Pielli

“Pennsylvania’s Medical Officer and Health Officer Incentive Program provides additional financial incentives for skilled medical professionals to enlist in the Pennsylvania National Guard. The program was launched nearly a decade ago and since then has proven to be a meaningful tool for bringing highly qualified health professionals into our National Guard,” Pielli said. Read more

 

Film tax credits spur economic development, job growth

(Jul 20, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania offer unique landscapes, neighborhoods and settings that can’t be recreated elsewhere,” said Rep. Emily Kinkead, who represents portions of Allegheny County. “When production companies choose Pennsylvania, they're not just telling stories on screen — they're creating jobs, buying services, supporting local businesses and investing in our communities." Read more

 

Freeman bill to allow roadside assistance vehicles to use blue safety lights signed into law

(Jul 20, 2026) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Roadside assistance workers performing any roadside service while cars quickly pass by are at an increased risk of serious or fatal injuries. They deserve the same protections as tow truck drivers and flashing blue lights would provide motorists with a critical visual cue to slow down and move over. Read more

 

Gov. Shapiro signs Young’s anti-human trafficking bill into law

(Jul 20, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

New law will help combat human trafficking in PA by requiring training for hospitality workers Read more

 

Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes praises bipartisan state budget's investments in education, healthcare and maternal healthcare, and working Pennsylvanians

(Jul 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes praises bipartisan state budget's investments in education, healthcare and maternal healthcare, and working Pennsylvanians Read more

 

Friel, Ciresi introduce bill to create efficient, responsible IT system at Capitol

(Jul 17, 2026) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, July 17 – Two state representatives are introducing a bill to cut unnecessary IT spending across the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s four legislative caucuses to safeguard taxpayer dollars. State Reps. Paul Friel and Joe Ciresi said the UNITE Act would require state House and Senate Republicans and Democrats to work from the same IT providers, saving money and streamlining cybersecurity in Pennsylvania’s Capitol. “Having multiple expensive IT systems and Wi-Fi networks because of partisan mistrust is not a sustainable solution. However, there is an opportunity here – I believe we can save tax dollars and build a better working relationship with our colleagues across the aisle and in the other chamber,” said Friel, D-Chester. “We need to make sure that state government works efficiently for the people, and this is a good first step.” “In order to be better stewards of taxpayer dollars, we need to look for efficiencies and remove redundancies. The cost savings that would be achieved by combining the IT functions of all four caucuses in the House and Senate is something we should not pass up,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. This is not a new issue, the sponsors said. A 2010 statewide investigating grand jury, convened after the Bonusgate corruption scandal, recommended streamlining the legislature’s IT and purchasing operations and found that no witness could offer a Read more

 

Lackawanna legislators announce over $11M in state funding for regional construction projects

(Jul 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

SCRANTON, July 17 – State Reps. Bridget Kosierowski, Kyle Donahue and Kyle Mullins, in partnership with Sen. Marty Flynn , all D-Lackawanna, today announced that more than $11.1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding has been awarded to support critical construction and redevelopment projects throughout Lackawanna County. The funding will strengthen healthcare services, expand access to childcare and addiction recovery programs, improve community infrastructure, and support economic development across the region. The funding includes: $1 million for Wright Center Medical Group to design and construct a medical facility. $500,000 for Allied Services Foundation to replace elevator infrastructure. $400,000 for 712 Harrison LLC to redevelop a former apartment building to provide a women's outpatient and inpatient recovery center. $345,728 for United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania to modernize two of UNC's three childcare centers in Scranton. $1 million for Geisinger System Services to enhance/renovate the Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. $500,000 for Diamon 307 LLC’s construction of a second floor to the Lakeside NEPA Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center. $2 million for P & J Bros. LLC to demolish one existing commercial structure and erect three new steel buildings to increase operational efficiency and storage capacity. $3 million for Read more

 

Deasy announces $5.7 million in RACP grants for construction projects

(Jul 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, announced $5.7 million in state grants for six construction projects in the 27th District. Read more

 

Madden: Coolbaugh Township to receive RACP grant funding for historic structure improvements

(Jul 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Madden: Coolbaugh Township to receive RACP grant funding for historic structure improvements Read more

 

Cephas announces $2.45 million in RACP grant funding for community

(Jul 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., announced $2.45 million in funding from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program for three projects in the 192nd Legislative District. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El announces $6M in state funding to support educational opportunities, create jobs, increase affordable housing

(Jul 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, July 17 – New funding of $6 million from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will go to schools, affordable housing initiatives and business development in the 49th Legislative District, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today. “These state investments will deliver wide-ranging and long-term benefits for our communities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “From increasing access to quality education at Thaddeus Stevens to creating affordable housing options and local business growth opportunities at the Crossings at Penn Ridge, this funding will help strengthen our workforce, support economic development and improve quality of life. I will continue advocating for state investments that address our communities’ needs and support their long-term goals.” The funding includes: $4 million for Thaddeus Stevens Foundation to renovate the Lancaster Almshouse to include extensive mechanical upgrades, ADA compliance, and outfitting the building to expand classrooms, lab space, and the Workforce Development Center. $2 million for Crossings at Penn Ridge LLC to develop commercial buildings, mixed-use buildings, and multi-family dwelling units in Millersville. RACP funds design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that have a regional impact and generate Read more

 

Rivera welcomes $6.8M for local construction projects: State grants fund affordable housing, educational and business development investments

(Jul 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, July 17 – New funding of $6.8 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program makes critical investments in affordable housing, educational and business development projects the 96th Legislative District, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today. “I advocated to fund these strategic investments to help fuel our economy, expand opportunities and increase affordable housing,” Rivera said. “By helping companies grow, supporting education and creating more affordable housing options, this funding is planting the seeds for a community where residents thrive and businesses succeed. I will continue to advocate for state investments that strengthen our communities and help our district reach its full potential.” $3.4 million for Ecore International Inc. to transform a 100-plus-year-old building into a modern corporate office. $2 million for Arconic US for its warehouse expansion and replacing its water piping. $1 million for Franklin & Marshall College to construct a wellness center. $400,000 for the College Avenue Property Holding Company LLC to rehabilitate the parking garage and the former UPMC building site to create affordable housing, retail and commercial space. RACP funds design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that have a regional impact and generate substantial Read more

 

Kazeem secures $4.8M for local construction projects: State grants fund community, educational and infrastructure investments

(Jul 17, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

CHESTER, July 17 – New funding of $4.8 million from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will support major construction, renovation and community development projects across the 159th Legislative District, state Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, announced today. “I’m beyond proud to have brought these dollars home,” Kazeem said. “The breadth of projects funded reflect our district’s rich diversity and respond to the needs of our communities. Whether it’s expanding educational opportunities, creating community gathering spaces or investing in infrastructure improvements, this funding will strengthen our neighborhoods, enhance our quality of life and energize our local economy. I’m committed to bringing back every single grant dollar to invest in projects that create opportunities for our residents.” $2.5 million for Widener University to renovate and modernize Latham Hall. Improvements will include construction of a masonry retaining wall, site grading to improve drainage, installation of an accessible entrance ramp and landscaping enhancements. $1.5 million for the Chester Upland School District to build a state-of-the-art athletic complex featuring an athletic training facility, grandstands, a concession stand, an eight-lane track, an artificial turf field and designated off-street parking. $500,000 for Monroe Energy LLC to install a new cooling tower to replace Read more

 

Hanbidge: $1.75M in grants secured for revitalization projects

(Jul 16, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Hanbidge: $1.75M in grants secured for revitalization projects Read more

 

Waxman, lawmakers, advocates gather to discuss historic HIV decriminalization measure at Philadelphia FIGHT

(Jul 16, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Waxman, lawmakers, advocates gather to discuss historic HIV decriminalization measure at Philadelphia FIGHT Read more

 

Design-Build Best Value legislation allows for better construction outcomes

(Jul 16, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

We’ve seen rising costs in all walks of life, and construction is no exception,” Neilson said. “Design-build-best-value allows the most qualified teams to be awarded contracts, complete them in a timely manner and ensure Pennsylvania drivers have a safe commute without time-consuming road projects.Currently, because of a 2011 Commonwealth Court decision, all contract construction work must be awarded to the lowest bidder, even if that bidder is the least qualified for the project.DBBV is used successfully in many states and has been shown to speed up construction and reduce costs. Read more

 

Kazeem secures $39M for safer, modern wastewater disinfection system

(Jul 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 15 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, today announced the award of a $34 million low-interest state loan to help Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority replace its current chlorine gas-based disinfection system with a safer, ultraviolet light-based system. The benefits of the UV system will eliminate the need to use chlorine gas for wastewater disinfection, simplifying operations, removing the requirement for DELCORA’s chlorine risk management plan, and substantially improving facility operations and public safety. DELCORA will continue to use sodium hypochlorite for non-disinfection purposes, including return activated sludge treatment, chlorination, odor control, and utility water, as well as for backup disinfection. "This investment will help protect the health and safety of Delaware County residents while modernizing our wastewater treatment infrastructure," Kazeem said. "Replacing chlorine gas with a UV disinfection system reduces potential risks to workers, nearby communities, and the environment. I'm proud to support projects that make our public utilities safer, more efficient, and better equipped to serve our communities for years to come." PENNVEST is an independent agency that provides financial assistance for drinking water, sewer, and stormwater projects across Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Legislation to encourage small, efficient nuclear plants in Pa. signed into law
Jul 21, 2026

Carroll bill updating barber board quorum requirements signed into law
Jul 21, 2026

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus chairs applaud over $38 million in maternal health investments incorporated in PA 2026-27 budget
Jul 21, 2026

Pielli’s bill to incentivize National Guard enlistment is now law
Jul 20, 2026

Film tax credits spur economic development, job growth
Jul 20, 2026

Freeman bill to allow roadside assistance vehicles to use blue safety lights signed into law
Jul 20, 2026

Gov. Shapiro signs Young’s anti-human trafficking bill into law
Jul 20, 2026

Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes praises bipartisan state budget's investments in education, healthcare and maternal healthcare, and working Pennsylvanians
Jul 17, 2026

Friel, Ciresi introduce bill to create efficient, responsible IT system at Capitol
Jul 17, 2026

Lackawanna legislators announce over $11M in state funding for regional construction projects
Jul 17, 2026

Deasy announces $5.7 million in RACP grants for construction projects
Jul 17, 2026

Madden: Coolbaugh Township to receive RACP grant funding for historic structure improvements
Jul 17, 2026

Cephas announces $2.45 million in RACP grant funding for community
Jul 17, 2026

Smith-Wade-El announces $6M in state funding to support educational opportunities, create jobs, increase affordable housing
Jul 17, 2026

Rivera welcomes $6.8M for local construction projects: State grants fund affordable housing, educational and business development investments
Jul 17, 2026

Kazeem secures $4.8M for local construction projects: State grants fund community, educational and infrastructure investments
Jul 17, 2026

Hanbidge: $1.75M in grants secured for revitalization projects
Jul 16, 2026

Waxman, lawmakers, advocates gather to discuss historic HIV decriminalization measure at Philadelphia FIGHT
Jul 16, 2026

Design-Build Best Value legislation allows for better construction outcomes
Jul 16, 2026

Kazeem secures $39M for safer, modern wastewater disinfection system
Jul 15, 2026