Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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Conklin, Neilson: House passes bill to boost security for Pa. businesses

(Nov 18, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin, Rep. Ed Neilson

HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Reps. Scott Conklin and Ed Neilson that would make it easier for businesses to install high-tech electrified security systems. House Bill 1871 would eliminate the ambiguity and red tape that often prevents businesses from installing these systems by establishing guidelines for their use. “A good commercial security system can be essential for businesses, and some of the best systems available today use state-of-the-art electrified components that are installed inside barrier fences or walls,” said Conklin, who is majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee. “Unfortunately, many businesses attempting to install and use these systems face regulatory red tape that slows or even prevents their use. “My bill would establish parameters for using these systems, to give Pennsylvania businesses quick, simple access to the technology most effective at protecting employees and safeguarding property. Over 30 other states have already enacted similar legislation to ease use of these systems. It’s time to give our own workers the same level of protection and our businesses the security they need to remain competitive.” Neilson, who is the bill’s co-prime sponsor, said: “Businesses are vulnerable to theft or vandalism, and employees can face violence when they lack adequate protective Read more

Burgos bill to increase electric load forecasting accountability included in Pa. budget

(Nov 18, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – Legislation created by state Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., to strengthen Pennsylvania’s oversight on electric load forecasting was included in the state budget package enacted last week. House Bill 1924 addresses recent reports from PJM Interconnection that electricity demand across the PJM footprint – including Pennsylvania – is projected to grow significantly due to data centers, electrification of vehicles and buildings, and other large load additions. “Currently, PJM relies on load forecasts submitted by Pennsylvania’s electric distribution companies to establish system planning needs and capacity requirements,” Burgos said. “However, that process is opaque, and policymakers, regulators and stakeholders are doubtful of the data’s reliability.” Burgos’ bill allows the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to review and validate load forecasts submitted by Pennsylvania utilities to PJM, coordinate with PJM and other state regulators to ensure accuracy, and access all relevant materials necessary to carry out this oversight. “This legislation is about ensuring transparency, accountability and consumer protection, and I’m proud to see it included in the compromised budget we passed. Pennsylvania’s energy landscape is rapidly evolving, and by enhancing oversight we can protect ratepayers while strengthening Read more

House adopts Fleming resolution recognizing ‘Diabetes Awareness Month in Pennsylvania’

(Nov 18, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – The state House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted a resolution sponsored by state Reps. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, and Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington, commemorating November 2025 as “Diabetes Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.” Diabetes is a leading cause of death in Pennsylvania and the costliest chronic condition in the U.S. Individuals with this disease face serious health risks, including kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes and even lower-limb amputations. In Pennsylvania, more than 1.1 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes. Total direct medical expenses across the state are estimated at $12.3 billion, with an additional $4.1 billion in indirect costs from lost productivity due to the disease. “My daughter is one of 34 million people across the U.S. living with diabetes. She was diagnosed in June 2020 after a visit to her pediatrician led to a trip to the emergency department at Penn State Hershey,” said Fleming. “Raising awareness is incredibly important and personal to me. By recognizing ‘Diabetes Awareness Month in Pennsylvania,’ we highlight the reality so many face and stand in solidarity with them.” "Diabetes continues to be a leading cause of death in Pennsylvania, and raising awareness plays a vital role in helping those diagnosed seek proper care," Mihalek said. "I am proud to work with Read more

House Energy Committee approves SMR fee reduction bill unanimously, advances solar-ready warehouse bill

(Nov 18, 2025) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Rep. Jose Giral, Rep. Josh Siegel

HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 - Today, the House Energy Committee voted on two bills intended to advance clean energy generation in Pennsylvania. House Bill 2017, sponsored by Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila, would authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to reduce annual fees for Small Modular Nuclear systems. The bill passed unanimously. “I’m proud of the unanimous vote on H.B. 2017: it’s a testament to the Energy Committee’s bipartisan efforts to support commonsense legislation that removes barriers to investment to the Commonwealth,” said House Energy Committee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. “Soaring energy costs make it clear that we need to get more generation on the grid. Since SMRs are less costly to construct than traditional nuclear projects and are just as reliable, I’m eager to see projects break ground in Pennsylvania within the next decade.” This vote follows yesterday’s informational meeting on Small Modular Nuclear technology. Expert testifiers from the Nuclear Energy Institute, Pittsburgh Technical, Westinghouse, and North Carolina State University stressed the importance of passing legislation offering incentives for SMR built out in the Commonwealth without delay. Over a dozen states have already enacted or introduced legislation incentivizing the deployment of advanced nuclear technology. “Our communities are seeing sharp increases in energy costs Read more

Steele: Educators, experts explain benefits of restricting cell phones in schools

(Nov 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Two House committees heard testimony today from several educators and experts who explained the benefits of restricting cell phone use in schools, according to state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny. Read more

Fiedler celebrates renewed funding for Solar for Schools, urges schools to apply in its second year

(Nov 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 17 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the PA House Energy Committee, issued the following statement today on the inclusion of a $25 million appropriation for the Solar for Schools grant program in the 2025–26 state budget: “I am so excited to see a second year of funding in the budget for the Solar for Schools program! After the overwhelming interest in the program during its first year, we now have the opportunity to invest in even more schools across the Commonwealth. “Renewed funding for Solar for Schools is a huge win for education, labor, environmental interests, and savings for taxpayers! Energy costs are the second-highest expense for schools, regardless of region, so when schools save on energy, they can reinvest those savings elsewhere. Another $25 million means more schools benefiting from solar savings, more jobs, more energy on the grid, and a cleaner planet for everyone. “This second year of funding is a testament to the bipartisan coalition we have built over the years to ensure this legislation’s passage and success. I’m thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for recognizing the value of investing in our schools to generate new energy and prevent cost increases for taxpayers. The first round of school grant recipients -- in rural, suburban, and urban districts -- will soon begin seeing the financial and environmental benefits of Read more

House Communications & Technology Committee holds public hearing on school panic alarms legislation

(Nov 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 17 – In a step to increase school safety for students and teachers, the PA House Communications & Technology Committee held a public hearing Monday on legislation ( H.B. 634 ) introduced by state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, that would require schools to consider implementing silent panic alarm buttons in classrooms during the annual review of their safety and security practices. The alarms would be linked directly with law enforcement responders and could be used to signal a life-threatening emergency. The legislation is modeled after “Alyssa’s Law,” named for 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff, who was murdered along with 17 others in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018. In the wake of the shooting, Alyssa’s parents and fellow advocates have fought for the passage of laws to require or permit schools to install silent panic alarm buttons in classrooms. “At today’s hearing, Alyssa Alahadeff’s mother, Lori, movingly advocated for the implementation of silent panic alarms in our schools as a necessary step to prevent the unthinkable—the murder of a child in a school shooting,” said state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, who chairs the House Communications & Technology Committee. “At a time when it seems like there is a school shooting every day in our country, we must take concrete steps to make our schools as safe as possible. Read more

House Majority Policy Committee demonstrates how hearings help impact state budget

(Nov 14, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

From Erie to Philadelphia, the House Majority Policy Committee traveled the Commonwealth this year to hear directly from workers, researchers, organizers, and business leaders about the challenges facing Pennsylvania communities Read more

Sappey’s Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit proposal becomes law

(Nov 13, 2025) Rep. Christina Sappey

“All across Pennsylvania, working families are doing everything they can to make ends meet,” said Sappey, D-Chester. “Many are dual-income households earning modest wages, juggling rent or mortgage payments, child care, health care and everyday essentials. When those basic costs outpace paychecks, families struggle — and our entire economy feels the impact. Read more

Conklin proposal would open door to affordable housing when state sells former prison land

(Nov 13, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Scott Conklin today unveiled a proposal that would address a major quality-of-life issue for Pennsylvanians by requiring the state to reserve a portion of any former correctional facility land it plans to sell and make that portion available to the county for affordable housing. Speaking at a news conference at his State College district office, Conklin said his soon-to-be-introduced bill would give the county where a former SCI is located the option to receive a transfer of up to 2% of the land. “Safe, affordable housing is a major factor in quality of life, but shortages here at home and statewide are driving up housing costs and increasing the burden on lower-income families,” Conklin said. “My bill would help ease the shortage by ensuring that any time the state decides to sell former prison land, a small portion of that land is set aside and offered to the county for affordable housing use.” Under Conklin’s proposal, counties would not be required to accept the land, but if they did, they would be required to use it for affordable housing and to take certain steps within certain timeframes to ensure availability of that housing. Conklin is currently in the process of gathering co-sponsors for the proposal, which will then be introduced in the state House. This is the second measure Conklin has announced in the wake of the state’s decision to close Read more

Judiciary Committee advances cornucopia of bills

(Nov 13, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – The House Judiciary Committee Wednesday advanced a series of bipartisan measures aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s justice system, protecting victims of abuse, and expanding tools available to law enforcement and prosecutors. Committee Chair Tim Briggs said the bills represented “a strong step forward in ensuring that our laws meet the real needs of Pennsylvanians—whether that’s improving safety, supporting victims, or providing opportunities for accountability and rehabilitation. “We’re giving prosecutors and law enforcement more tools in the toolbox to keep our communities safe, while also making sure courts have the flexibility to address complex issues like addiction and mental health.” The committee voted to move the following legislation to the full House for consideration: H.B. 384 (Rep. Jason Ortitay): Helps individuals who violate the casino or video gaming terminal self-exclusion list by providing courts with discretion to refer them for gambling treatment rather than only imposing penalties. H.B. 458 (Rep. Carol Hill-Evans): Allows veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury after incarceration to present those conditions as mitigating factors in post-conviction proceedings. H.B. 490 (Rep. Ben Waxman): Expands Pennsylvania’s media shield law to protect journalists from being compelled to disclose any Read more

Guest column: Tighter protections of Pennsylvanians’ financial data needed in age of open banking

(Nov 13, 2025) Rep. Lisa Borowski & Rep. Danilo Burgos

Consumers generally grant access to their bank accounts so a budgeting or payment app can work. But aggregators frequently collect far more data than necessary and use it in ways consumers never intended. Read more

Rivera hails bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education

(Nov 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – As a high school teacher for over 30 years, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, said she was proud to support this year’s state budget because it makes historic investments in public education, supports Pennsylvania’s working people and industries, protects Pennsylvania’s environment and keeps Pennsylvanians safe without raising taxes or reducing the Rainy Day Fund. “Balancing fiscal discipline with compassion, this compromise budget spends a little over $50 billion to provide stability to Pennsylvanians by ensuring support for critical state services at a time when a totally unpredictable federal government is curtailing or eliminating federal programs on which millions depend,” Rivera said. Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 budget increases total funding for K-12 education by more than $700 million. Rivera said she is extremely pleased to see that the budget is allocating $600 million to ensure that all of Pennsylvania’s students and schools have access to the resources and opportunities needed for academic success. There would also be $178 million in savings for school districts statewide reflecting savings from reforms that adjusted tuition payments that better reflect the actual costs to teach kids. “A budget is a statement of our commonwealth’s priorities, and our top priority is making sure all our students have access to a first-rate education,” Rivera said. “This Read more

Smith-Wade-El praises bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education

(Nov 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 –As a fervent advocate for access to high-quality education for everyone and support for the vulnerable, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, is highlighting historic investments in Pennsylvania’s school districts and support for the food insecure as reasons for his support of this year’s budget, which was signed by the governor today. Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 state budget increases total funding for K-12 education by more than $700 million. Smith-Wade-El said he was extremely pleased to see that the budget is allocating $600 million to ensure that all of Pennsylvania’s students and schools have access to the resources and opportunities needed for academic success. There will also be $178 million in school district savings statewide – reflecting reforms in cyber-charter school funding that will better reflect the actual cost of teaching kids. “Access to a high-quality education is the foundation for our social health and economic success today and in the future,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This budget’s record investments in public education will help level the playing field and open up doors to academic and professional success for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable kids.” Locally, the budget increases funding for Lancaster County school districts, including over $8.2 million in increased funding and cost savings for school districts in the 49th Legislative District: Read more

Salisbury votes to pass 2025-26 state budget, citing public education funding, real-world priorities

(Nov 12, 2025) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury cast a “yes” vote Wednesday for Pennsylvania’s new $50.1 billion spending plan, saying that it will deliver critical investments to public schools and essential programs without adding any new tax burden on residents. “With our schools, counties, local government and essential state programs waiting for funding, it took longer than it should have to get to this point,” Salisbury said. “I’m encouraged that the Senate finally came to the table so that we could send a plan to the governor’s desk.” Salisbury said that education is a key focus of the new budget, which includes a $105 million increase for Basic Education, nearly $40 million more for Special Education and $565 million in adequacy and tax equity funding to continue leveling the playing field for students in historically underfunded districts. Woodland Hills School District will see an estimated $2 million increase in Ready to Learn block grant funding. “It was critically important that we deliver on our constitutional duty to fairly fund our public schools, and the new budget does that. The new spending plan also ensures that our schools see the benefits of savings achieved through cyber charter reform. Those savings will mean additional funding of $12 million to the Pittsburgh School Distrct, more than $1.2 million to Woodland Hills School District, and nearly Read more

Ciresi highlights historic investment in public education, cyber charter reform savings in PA budget

(Nov 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – After his vote to approve the 2025-26 state budget today, state Rep. Joe Ciresi said he was proud to support the budget because without raising taxes or reducing the Rainy Day Fund, it makes historic investments in education with record savings in cyber charter school funding, thanks to legislation he championed, and critical funding in mental health services in schools. Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 budget increases total funding for K-12 education by more than $700 million. A longtime champion of cyber charter school funding reform, Ciresi said he was pleased to see that there would be $178 million in cyber charter savings statewide. School districts in the 146th Legislative District alone will save $1.18 million, reflecting savings from adjusting cyber tuition to better reflect the actual costs of teaching kids. Ciresi most recently proposed significant cyber charter funding reforms in his H.B. 1372. “This budget’s record investments in public education are an investment in Pennsylvania’s future, funding more than a billion new dollars in our schools which help relieve overburdened property taxpayers,” Ciresi said. “The $100 million for school safety and mental health services for our students will help schools provide critical services to kids so they don’t slip through the cracks and help foster safe and secure learning environments.” Locally, the budget increases funding for Montgomery Read more

Senate version of Rivera’s PACE/PACENET bill increasing eligibility for seniors passes the House

(Nov 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – The Senate version of state Rep. Nikki Rivera’s bill to make sure older Pennsylvanians do not lose their eligibility for the state’s prescription drug programs (H.B. 923) due to Social Security cost-of-living-increases unanimously passed the House today with overwhelming bipartisan support. Senate Bill 731, which was introduced in the PA House by Rivera and state Rep. Shelby Labs (R-Bucks), would shield seniors from losing PACE and PACENET prescription eligibility due to their annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. This protection currently is in place until Dec. 31, 2025. Senate Bill 731 would extend it for two more years -- until Dec. 31, 2027. According to Rivera, the Social Security COLA for 2025 is currently 2.5%. Not extending the moratorium would result in 10,039 PACENET enrollees losing their eligibility. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would be moved to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium. “I am very glad that the Senate version of the bill passed the House today because these programs—PACE and PACENET—are true lifesavers,” Rivera said. “Thanks to them, a quarter of a million Pennsylvania seniors, many of whom require multiple medications to treat different chronic conditions, can purchase life-saving medications without having to go into medical debt or, even worse, decide they must give up treatment. “Unfortunately, Read more

Matzie votes ‘yes’ on new budget, citing public education, jobs, no new taxes

(Nov 12, 2025) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Rob Matzie cast a “yes” vote today on the $50.1 billion 2025-26 Pennsylvania budget, saying the budget invests taxpayer dollars wisely without adding any new tax burden on residents. “This budget was a long time coming this year, but I’m satisfied that the plan we sent to the governor today will deliver critical funding to our schools, counties, and programs and services,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “I supported the new budget because it spends responsibly while delivering strong investments for our public schools and other critical programs – all without adding any new taxes or tapping into the state’s Rainy Day Fund.” Matzie said the new spending plan includes a $105 million increase for basic education, $40 million more for special education, a $565 million increase in Ready to Learn block grant funding for adequacy and tax equity payments and $178 million in savings from cyber charter reform. “The new budget delivers on our constitutional obligation to fairly fund our schools, adding nearly $600 million to help us continue leveling the playing field for students in less-affluent ZIP codes and easing the property tax burden on residents,” Matzie said. District 16 schools will see the following increases: Aliquippa SD: Nearly $129,000 (0.9%) increase for basic Read more

Conklin votes for 2025-26 state budget plan, citing strong investments for Pennsylvania public schools, health care

(Nov 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Scott Conklin cast a “yes” vote for the state’s $50.1 billion spending plan, which has cleared the General Assembly and is on its way to the governor’s desk. “Although my House colleagues and I were frustrated by the Senate’s failure to come to the table and vote on the budget bills we sent earlier this year, I am encouraged that we are finally moving forward with a solid agreement. The new budget delivers for our students, funds essential programs and services for residents, and will get critical dollars flowing to our schools, counties and municipalities – all without raising taxes.” Conklin said the new spending plan includes a $105 million increase for Basic Education and a nearly $40 million increase for Special Education statewide. District 77 schools will see the following increases in Basic and Special Education funding: Bald Eagle Area School District: $80,273 increase (0.8%) in Basic Education funding and $35,789 increase (2.2%) in Special Education funding. Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District: $136,556 increase (1.0%) in Basic Education funding and $59,289 increase (3.2%) in Special Education funding. State College Area School District: $249,978 increase (1.8%) in Basic Education funding and $59,409 increase (1.6%) in Special Education funding. Tyrone Area School District: $49,539 increase (0.5%) in Basic Education Read more

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Conklin, Neilson: House passes bill to boost security for Pa. businesses Nov 18, 2025

Burgos bill to increase electric load forecasting accountability included in Pa. budget Nov 18, 2025

House adopts Fleming resolution recognizing ‘Diabetes Awareness Month in Pennsylvania’ Nov 18, 2025

House Energy Committee approves SMR fee reduction bill unanimously, advances solar-ready warehouse bill Nov 18, 2025

Steele: Educators, experts explain benefits of restricting cell phones in schools Nov 17, 2025

Fiedler celebrates renewed funding for Solar for Schools, urges schools to apply in its second year Nov 17, 2025

House Communications & Technology Committee holds public hearing on school panic alarms legislation Nov 17, 2025

House Majority Policy Committee demonstrates how hearings help impact state budget Nov 14, 2025

Sappey’s Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit proposal becomes law Nov 13, 2025

Conklin proposal would open door to affordable housing when state sells former prison land Nov 13, 2025

Judiciary Committee advances cornucopia of bills Nov 13, 2025

Guest column: Tighter protections of Pennsylvanians’ financial data needed in age of open banking Nov 13, 2025

Rivera hails bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education Nov 12, 2025

Smith-Wade-El praises bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education Nov 12, 2025

Salisbury votes to pass 2025-26 state budget, citing public education funding, real-world priorities Nov 12, 2025

Ciresi highlights historic investment in public education, cyber charter reform savings in PA budget Nov 12, 2025

Senate version of Rivera’s PACE/PACENET bill increasing eligibility for seniors passes the House Nov 12, 2025

Matzie votes ‘yes’ on new budget, citing public education, jobs, no new taxes Nov 12, 2025

Conklin votes for 2025-26 state budget plan, citing strong investments for Pennsylvania public schools, health care Nov 12, 2025

Madden measure to expand treatment programs for opioid use disorder sent to governor’s desk Nov 12, 2025

Conklin, Neilson: House passes bill to boost security for Pa. businesses
Nov 18, 2025

Burgos bill to increase electric load forecasting accountability included in Pa. budget
Nov 18, 2025

House adopts Fleming resolution recognizing ‘Diabetes Awareness Month in Pennsylvania’
Nov 18, 2025

House Energy Committee approves SMR fee reduction bill unanimously, advances solar-ready warehouse bill
Nov 18, 2025

Steele: Educators, experts explain benefits of restricting cell phones in schools
Nov 17, 2025

Fiedler celebrates renewed funding for Solar for Schools, urges schools to apply in its second year
Nov 17, 2025

House Communications & Technology Committee holds public hearing on school panic alarms legislation
Nov 17, 2025

House Majority Policy Committee demonstrates how hearings help impact state budget
Nov 14, 2025

Sappey’s Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit proposal becomes law
Nov 13, 2025

Conklin proposal would open door to affordable housing when state sells former prison land
Nov 13, 2025

Judiciary Committee advances cornucopia of bills
Nov 13, 2025

Guest column: Tighter protections of Pennsylvanians’ financial data needed in age of open banking
Nov 13, 2025

Rivera hails bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education
Nov 12, 2025

Smith-Wade-El praises bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education
Nov 12, 2025

Salisbury votes to pass 2025-26 state budget, citing public education funding, real-world priorities
Nov 12, 2025

Ciresi highlights historic investment in public education, cyber charter reform savings in PA budget
Nov 12, 2025

Senate version of Rivera’s PACE/PACENET bill increasing eligibility for seniors passes the House
Nov 12, 2025

Matzie votes ‘yes’ on new budget, citing public education, jobs, no new taxes
Nov 12, 2025

Conklin votes for 2025-26 state budget plan, citing strong investments for Pennsylvania public schools, health care
Nov 12, 2025

Madden measure to expand treatment programs for opioid use disorder sent to governor’s desk
Nov 12, 2025