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Abney introduces bills for cyber charter school reform, reproductive health care

(Apr 16, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, April 16 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, introduced bills today that would keep Pennsylvania cyber charter schools uniform from a staffing qualification standpoint and get Commonwealth fathers more involved in the birth of their children. House Bill 1209 would mandate that 100% of cyber charter school instructors are certified to teach by the state. Currently, only 75% of educators are required to be certified. “H.B. 1209 is a simple requirement that has the success of cyber charter school students squarely in its focus,” Abney said. “Having certified teachers across the board means every single pupil receives the same quality level of instruction they deserve.” House Bill 1212 , the PA Dads Matter Act, would direct the Pennsylvania Department of Health to conduct a public awareness campaign about the importance of including fathers to improve outcomes during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The legislation, co-authored by Rep. Morgan Cephas, would also encourage health care providers to engage fathers during prenatal care and the birthing process. “Bringing a baby into the world is a team effort between a mother and father, so it makes perfect sense to get dads up to speed on the care and needs of their child and partner alike,” Abney said. “I want to thank Rep. Cephas for partnering with me on H.B. 1212 and look forward to helping families across the Commonwealth.” A Read more

 

Beverly’s PGH illustrates need for help in PA communities

(Apr 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We included this event during the Black Maternal Health Week Summit because we have introduced Momnibus 2.0, which includes a variety of bills and legislation connected to the work of Beverly’s PGH,” said state Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, who co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus and co-hosted the event. Read more

 

Advocating for Black maternal health remains focus of lawmakers

(Apr 15, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Maternal health care deserts are creating a cascade of consequences for expecting mothers,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, who represents portions of Philadelphia and co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “Expecting mothers are being asked to drive up to 45 minutes to deliver babies, and – while in ideal situations that might not always pose an issue – deliveries cannot always be scheduled and do not always occur when expected.” Read more

 

Burns proposing standardized testing of voting machines in PA

(Apr 15, 2025) Rep. Frank Burns

“Current state law gives county election officials too much discretion on how and when testing is performed on voting machines. We need to bring greater standardization to pre-election preparations to ensure machines will function on Election Day,” Burns said. Read more

 

McAndrew, committee examine importance of life sciences

(Apr 14, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The ability to support and retain trained and skilled workers in the highest growing industries is only possible because of the strength of life sciences,” said McAndrew, who represents portions of Allegheny County. “From cutting-edge medical innovations in devices to our innovative hospital systems, our region is doing the type of work that will power Pennsylvania’s economy for years to come.” Read more

 

Powell’s bill to prohibit remote stalking passes PA House with a near unanimous vote

(Apr 14, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, April 14 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell’s bill that would ban the unauthorized tracking of victims using AirTags and similar programs passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives 201-2. House Bill 407 would forbid the misuse of this technology for purposes like stalking. There have been cases where individuals placed AirTags on vehicles to pinpoint the location of victims, but Pennsylvania still hasn’t outlined penalties for abusing this technology. “My bill not only gives neighbors their peace of mind and privacy back, but it would protect them from those seeking to do them harm. It's crucial that the legislature stays proactive when it comes to preventing bad actors from misusing this technology,” Powell said. “Thank you to my House colleagues for voting to keep Pennsylvanians safe.” Multiple plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple in December 2022 for remote stalking and despite the company’s attempt to dismiss the case, it is moving forward. AirTags, launched more than three years ago, are intended to help individuals find items that are often misplaced, such as keys, wallets or bookbags. House Bill 407, previously H.B. 416, passed with a near unanimous vote in last year’s session as well. The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Warren supports transit funding in light of proposed SEPTA service cuts

(Apr 11, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LOWER MAKEFIELD, April 11 – State Rep. Perry Warren, D-Bucks today expressed his support for continued state funding for public transit. “Without restored state public transit funding, SEPTA’s budget would include significant fare increases and reductions in service -- cuts that would directly impact the West Trenton Regional Rail Line and the broader region,” Warren said. “Public transportation connects our communities, supports our economy, and helps reduce traffic and pollution,” Warren said. “When service is cut, it affects how people get to work, school, and vital appointments -- it impacts everyday lives.” Warren emphasized that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has repeatedly taken steps to support transit funding, including SEPTA. “I voted for, and the House passed, legislation to fund SEPTA and other mass transit systems three times over the past year,” Warren said. “The House Democratic Caucus is ready to do the right thing again, and I’m hopeful the Senate will join us in delivering the support our communities need.” Without enhanced state funding, SEPTA service cuts would include reducing service on the West Trenton Line, which serves Yardley Station -- a station that received a $5 million renovation, completed in 2018. “I was there for the dedication and ribbon cutting,” Read more

 

Frankel, Costa reintroduce Hate Crimes and Victims’ Rights package of legislation

(Apr 10, 2025) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

PITTSBURGH, April 10 – State Rep. Dan Frankel joined state Sen. Jay Costa today to announce the reintroduction of a package of bills meant to strengthen law enforcement’s response to hate crimes, improve tracking, advocate for victims and prevent future hate-based crimes. This legislation is a direct response to the 2018 mass shooting at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life building, during which a white supremacist murdered eleven worshippers in three Jewish congregations. To this day, this was the single deadliest act of antisemitic violence in American history. However, since then, the instance of hate crimes has only risen against racial minorities, religious groups, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. As noted in the Senate co-sponsorship memorandum , “According to the Pennsylvania State Policy Uniform Crime Reporting System, between 2020 and 2021, hate crime incidents in Pennsylvania more than doubled statewide. Between 2021 and 2023, the Department of Justice reports hate crimes almost doubled again in Pennsylvania. Worse, hate crimes are often misreported because of a lack of training or tracking.” Already, Frankel and Costa have championed the creation and growth of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Signed into law in 2019, Act 83 directs PCCD to administer grants to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime Read more

 

Prokopiak expresses concern about proposed SEPTA service cuts

(Apr 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LEVITTOWN, April 10 – State Rep. Jim Prokopiak today strongly condemned SEPTA's newly released fiscal year 2026 budget proposal, which includes the elimination of the Trenton Regional Rail Line — a profitable service that connects Lower Bucks County residents to Philadelphia and New Jersey and includes the recently modernized Levittown-Tullytown Station. SEPTA's proposal also includes the elimination of bus lines 127 and 128 within Prokopiak's district. "These cuts are a direct consequence of inaction in the Pennsylvania State Senate," Prokopiak said. "House Democrats are committed to working to securing a future where public transit is expanded, not gutted. The ball is now in the Senate's court." Prokopiak joins Governor Josh Shapiro and House Democratic leaders in calling on the Pennsylvania Senate to support the governor's statewide public transit funding plan — legislation that the House has already passed three times and intends to pass again next month. "Public transportation is a public good — and it's time the legislature treats it that way. We need long-term, sustainable funding for SEPTA and transit systems across the state, not a death spiral of service cuts and fare hikes. If SEPTA's goal is to attract new riders, eliminating service is the absolute wrong way to do it," Prokopiak said. "The elimination Read more

 

Davis raises concerns over proposed SEPTA rail and bus cuts, fare increase

(Apr 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

BRISTOL, April 10 – State Rep. Tina Davis today expressed serious concern about SEPTA’s proposed elimination of the Trenton Regional Rail Line and key bus routes that serve Lower Bucks County, calling the proposal “deeply troubling” and urging state and regional leaders to work toward a sustainable funding solution. Under SEPTA’s recently released Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget proposal, the Trenton Line—which serves Levittown, Bristol, and Croydon—would be discontinued beginning Jan. 1. Bus Routes 127 and 128 are also slated for elimination, leaving only Route 129 to serve the area. “These proposed service reductions would have a significant impact on Lower Bucks County residents who rely on SEPTA to get to work, school, medical appointments, and other essential destinations,” Davis said. “The Trenton Line, in particular, is not only well-utilized—it’s also a profitable line. Eliminating it would reduce access and opportunity for thousands of commuters.” The proposed cuts come as SEPTA faces a projected $213 million structural budget deficit in Fiscal Year 2026, the result of rising operating costs and the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Without new state funding, SEPTA has warned it may need to eliminate five Regional Rail lines, discontinue 50 bus routes, and impose fare increases averaging 21.5%, along with a 9 p.m. Read more

 

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s service cuts and fare increase

(Apr 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

After the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority today announced unprecedented service cuts and fare increases, state Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, released the following statement: “SEPTA’s announced fare increases and service cuts will have a rippling and devastating effect. It will not just affect Philadelphia dramatically, but the commonwealth as a whole. “Nine out of every 10 people throughout PA rely on public transit when traveling for school or work; for some it’s the only option. These service cuts and fare increases will create barriers for hardworking Pennsylvanians who are already having trouble making ends meet. “But the impact spans far past a lack of services or unaffordable costs, it will rob our state of economic vitality. Every dollar invested in transit returns five dollars back into our economy. SEPTA employs more than 10,000 direct employees who would suffer but even people who have never seen a SEPTA bus will feel these cuts and fare increases. Companies in more than 41 Pennsylvania counties will lose money because SEPTA cannot purchase supplies and building materials, exacerbating the economic pressure of SEPTA’s $213 million budget deficit. “I will continue to advocate for all transit agencies in Pennsylvania to receive critical funding they need to keep Pennsylvanians moving forward.” Read more

 

PA House Democratic Leaders' statement on SEPTA Funding Crisis

(Apr 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders today issued the following statement on the potentially devastating service cuts and fare hikes proposed by SEPTA if the state fails to provide funding through the state budget: Read more

 

PA House OKs Williams bill to enhance reporting on state drug and alcohol initiatives

(Apr 10, 2025) Rep. Dan Williams

HARRISBURG, April 10 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Dan Williams to improve the annual report that the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs submits to the General Assembly passed the Pennsylvania House Wednesday. Williams said that since its inception, DDAP has played a critical role in advancing education, intervention, treatment and recovery initiatives across Pennsylvania. As the state continues to fight the opioid crisis and other emerging drug threats, DDAP has strengthened its collaboration with the departments of Health, Corrections, Human Services and other key agencies. Given DDAP’s growing responsibilities and evolving initiatives, H.B. 640 would update the department’s annual reporting requirements. “Enhancing reporting would allow the General Assembly to better assess program effectiveness, allocate resources where they are most needed and explore new strategies for addressing substance misuse, treatment and recovery,” Williams said. Williams said updating the reports would improve communication and collaboration with the public, advocacy organizations and service providers, providing greater transparency and informed public policy. “With uncertainties surrounding health initiatives and data collection on the federal level under a new administration that does not seem particularly concerned about those things, having the Department of Drug and Alcohol Read more

 

Madden bill to expand jail access to opioid addiction treatment medication clears committee with unanimous bipartisan support

(Apr 09, 2025) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

"Advancements in science have led to other medications that work to effectively and humanely allow people to detox and begin recovery without going through the painful withdrawal that is often associated with other opioid medications like methadone,” Madden said. Read more

 

Bizzarro’s bill to provide free driver’s licenses to homeless youth passes House

(Apr 09, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation that would help more than 40,000 Pennsylvania youth identified as homeless obtain a driver’s license for free passed the Pennsylvania House Wednesday, prime sponsor Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) announced. Read more

 

PA House OKs Burgos bill to provide more fresh food options to underserved areas

(Apr 09, 2025) Rep. Danilo Burgos, Rep. Morgan B. Cephas, Rep. Nate Davidson, Rep. Greg Scott

HARRISBURG, April 9 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Danilo Burgos to re-establish the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative passed the PA House today. House Bill 764 would restore the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, which originally operated from 2004 to 2010. The program would once again provide grants for the construction, rehabilitation or expansion of grocery stores, farmers markers and other healthy food retail establishments in low- to moderate-income areas in need. “Restarting this program would allow us to help people who continue to suffer from hunger and malnourishment, as well as improve the quality of fresh produce available to people and promote local agricultural products throughout Pennsylvania,” Burgos said. “Food deserts continue to be serious problem in urban and rural areas alike. This program is proven to help with food insecurity, and it is time to restore it.” State Reps. Morgan Cephas, Nathan Davidson and Greg Scott joined Burgos in authoring the bill and advocating for its passage. Cephas, D-Phila., who serves as the Chairwoman of the Philadelphia House Delegation, said, “I’m very supportive of re-establishing the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative which was a successful lifeline for so many communities in Philadelphia. Rampant health issues including malnutrition and obesity can be linked to a lack of access to fresh foods and Read more

 

Munroe announces formation of bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus

(Apr 09, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 9 – State Rep Brian Munroe announced the formation of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Caucus at a news conference in the state Capitol today. Munroe said bipartisan initiative aims to foster collaboration between policymakers and the law enforcement community to create legislative solutions to enhance public safety and support the dedicated men and women in uniform. The Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Caucus is dedicated to advancing policies that enhance public safety, improve training and resources for law enforcement personnel, and bridge the gap between officers and the communities they protect. By bringing together lawmakers, active and retired law enforcement professionals, and community leaders, the caucus aims to strengthen public safety and build better relationships between law enforcement and the public. "As a former police officer, I understand the challenges that law enforcement professionals face on a daily basis,” Munroe said. “But it’s equally important to recognize the need for greater trust and understanding between law enforcement and the communities they serve. This caucus will not only provide critical support for law enforcement but will also help foster stronger ties with the public, ensuring that our safety initiatives benefit everyone.” Munroe, D-Bucks, a former Radnor Township Police Department corporal, will chair the caucus along with Read more

 

PA House passes bill creating criminal offense for tracking device-based stalking

(Apr 09, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell

Lawmakers in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted Tuesday to pass legislation that would make stalking using an Apple AirTag or other electronic tracking devices a misdemeanor offense under the state’s stalking statute as policymakers look to stem the growing misuse of such items. Read more

 

Chester County lawmakers to introduce bill that would require approval from the Department of Health before hospitals can be purchased

(Apr 09, 2025) Rep. Dan Williams, Rep. Kristine C. Howard, Rep. Melissa Shusterman

HARRISBURG, April 9 – State Rep. Dan Williams is introducing legislation alongside Reps. Kristine Howard and Melissa Shusterman, all D-Chester, that would require approval from the Department of Health before a hospital or hospital system can be purchased. One in three hospital mergers and acquisitions lead to a full or partial hospital closure . In Chester County , Tower Health purchased Jennersville and Brandywine Hospitals, which both closed less than 5 years after the acquisition. These sales often lead to broken promises, unexpected closures and reduced services to customers, Williams said. “When hospitals close, jobs disappear and patients are forced to travel further distances for potentially lifesaving care. These closures create major challenges for our communities,” Williams said. “When a life is on the line, the miles and minutes matter, which is why we are introducing this bill to protect residents and frontline workers from such abrupt closures.” The bill would require the Department of Health to review applications, hold public hearings and prepare impact statements on the effect of the buying and selling of the healthcare services that the hospital or hospital system provides. We cannot allow our health to be dictated by business interests,” said Howard. “Department of Health approval will ensure continued access to quality care and keep the focus on patients, not profits.” Read more

 

Pennsylvania bill proposes limiting politicians from taking gifts, cash above $50

(Apr 09, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced a gift ban bill and trumpeted the need for good government and public trust, but the bill disappeared and was never passed. That “rinse and repeat” cycle continued today at the State Capitol. Read more

 

Abney introduces bills for cyber charter school reform, reproductive health care
Apr 16, 2025

Beverly’s PGH illustrates need for help in PA communities
Apr 16, 2025

Advocating for Black maternal health remains focus of lawmakers
Apr 15, 2025

Burns proposing standardized testing of voting machines in PA
Apr 15, 2025

McAndrew, committee examine importance of life sciences
Apr 14, 2025

Powell’s bill to prohibit remote stalking passes PA House with a near unanimous vote
Apr 14, 2025

Warren supports transit funding in light of proposed SEPTA service cuts
Apr 11, 2025

Frankel, Costa reintroduce Hate Crimes and Victims’ Rights package of legislation
Apr 10, 2025

Prokopiak expresses concern about proposed SEPTA service cuts
Apr 10, 2025

Davis raises concerns over proposed SEPTA rail and bus cuts, fare increase
Apr 10, 2025

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s service cuts and fare increase
Apr 10, 2025

PA House Democratic Leaders' statement on SEPTA Funding Crisis
Apr 10, 2025

PA House OKs Williams bill to enhance reporting on state drug and alcohol initiatives
Apr 10, 2025

Madden bill to expand jail access to opioid addiction treatment medication clears committee with unanimous bipartisan support
Apr 09, 2025

Bizzarro’s bill to provide free driver’s licenses to homeless youth passes House
Apr 09, 2025

PA House OKs Burgos bill to provide more fresh food options to underserved areas
Apr 09, 2025

Munroe announces formation of bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus
Apr 09, 2025

PA House passes bill creating criminal offense for tracking device-based stalking
Apr 09, 2025

Chester County lawmakers to introduce bill that would require approval from the Department of Health before hospitals can be purchased
Apr 09, 2025

Pennsylvania bill proposes limiting politicians from taking gifts, cash above $50
Apr 09, 2025