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Human Services Committee examines impacts of H.R. 1 on SNAP

(Apr 16, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, held an informational hearing to discuss the impacts of federal legislation, H.R. 1, on Pennsylvania’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El: Nearly $500K to expand Lancaster’s Bench Mark Program

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, April 15 –The Bench Mark Program will receive $499,000 in grant funding to expand its after-school mentoring program for high-risk youth in Lancaster City, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El announced today. The competitive grants, approved today by the School Safety and Security Committee under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, is part of more than $64 million awarded to organizations across the state. The Bench Mark Program’s “Back to School” initiative uses mentoring to stop high-risk adolescents in Lancaster from slipping from chronic absenteeism into school disengagement, juvenile justice involvement, and community violence. The project targets approximately 180 students each year, ages 13-18, who are truant or trending toward chronic absenteeism and are referred by McCaskey High School or Magisterial District Court at the early stages of school withdrawal. “More of Lancaster City’s vulnerable youth will be able to benefit from Bench Mark Program’s holistic mentorship program thanks to this funding,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “Kids need to know someone has their backs and is there to help them build the skills they need to handle life’s challenges. Bench Mark’s team of dedicated mentors have repeatedly proven that they’ve been there for our kids since 2014. “I am grateful to the PCCD for recognizing and supporting Bench Mark’s Read more

 

Kazeem announces nearly $1 million in state funding approved for local youth programs

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

CHESTER, April 15 –Two Chester City organizations, the Chester Education Foundation and the Make a Change Group, were awarded a total of nearly $1 million to expand their after-school programs for at-risk youth in the city, state Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, announced today. Read more

 

Rivera: Over $500,000 awarded for local school programs aimed at reducing student conflict and improving mental health

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, April 15 –Advoz: Mediation & Restorative Services and the Touchstone Foundation were awarded $500,616 in grant funding to help expand their youth programs aimed at reducing student conflict and improving student mental health, respectively, state Rep. Nikki Rivera announced today. Read more

 

To protect Pennsylvanians from skyrocketing energy costs, Pa. House Democrats introduce energy affordability legislation that would lower bills, rein in corporate greed

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 15 – On Wednesday, PA House Democrats launched a bold new bill package to tackle the energy affordability crisis by reining in corporate greed, implementing electric grid efficiency measures, and regulating data centers’ impacts on Pennsylvania communities. This package offers a multifaceted response by:•guaranteeing that costs related to data center development are not shouldered by ratepayers,•reforming Pennsylvania’s broken ratemaking system to ensure customers pay a fair price for the energy they use, and •modernizing the state’s electric grid so growing energy demand can be met at a reasonable cost.Across the commonwealth, Pennsylvanians are facing skyrocketing energy costs. Utility shutoffs were up 38% in 2025 as 1-in-5 Pennsylvania households report having trouble paying their utility bills each month. House Energy Committee chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., said it’s clear that this crisis is reaching a breaking point. Read more

 

Kosierowski secures nearly $17 million for Griffin Dam rehabilitation project

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

SCRANTON, April 15 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, announced that she secured, with state Sen. Marty Flynn’s support, a $16,922,000 low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority to modernize and rehabilitate the Griffin Dam to preserve it as a water source for the area and prevent flooding. Griffin Dam’s rehabilitation includes the modernization of the outlet works, increasing the principal spillway’s capacity, completion of the seepage collection system, installation of a filter diaphragm around the concrete culvert, and other related work. “Griffin Dam is a critical source of safe drinking water for area residents and businesses, but it also poses a significant environmental hazard to down water communities due to its undersized spillway system that could cause significant flooding,” Kosierowski said. “As we are experiencing increasingly violent rainstorms due to climate change, it is urgent that we modernize the Griffin Dam to secure our drinking water supply and protect our residents from potential disaster. I am grateful to Senator Flynn for his support and Pennvest for selecting the Griffin rehabilitation project for funding.” In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection categorized the Griffin Dam as “unsafe” as its existing spillway system is undersized for flood control. In addition, there are misalignment issues along the Read more

 

Warren bill to reduce plastic bottle waste passes House

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 15 – State Rep. Perry Warren announced today that his legislation to reduce plastic bottle waste by encouraging the use of reusable water bottles has passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and now advances to the Senate for further consideration. House Bill 1139 would require the installation of water bottle filling stations in newly constructed and substantially renovated Pennsylvania government buildings, helping reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles while improving public access to clean drinking water. “This legislation is about reducing waste, improving public health, and setting an example for sustainable practices across Pennsylvania,” Warren said. The concept for the bill began, Warren recalled, with a conversation in his district office with a student intern about the growing prevalence of disposable plastic water bottles. That conversation prompted deeper reflection and research. “Soon after, I traveled to Grand Teton National Park, used a water bottle filling station at Philadelphia International Airport on the way, and visited a display at the national park visitor center highlighting plastic water bottle waste,” Warren said. “Those three experiences led me to conceive a bill that would reduce plastic water bottle waste by encouraging an alternative to disposable bottles.” Discarded plastic Read more

 

Ciresi, Friel: Nearly $1M awarded to YWCA, Trellis for Tomorrow: State program funding will support after-school initiatives

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, April 15 – The YWCA Tri-County Area was awarded a $500,000 grant to expand its intervention-centered programming outside of school time, and Trellis for Tomorrow received $460,451 for its after-school program, Project Thrive, state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Paul Friel, D-Chester, announced today. The competitive grants, approved today by the School Safety and Security Committee under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, is part of more than $64 million awarded to organizations across the state. According to Ciresi, the YWCA Tri-County Area will use the funds to expand its Youth Community Building and Empowerment initiative, a prevention-centered out-of-school-time program serving approximately 200 middle school youth across Montgomery, Berks and Chester counties in the Pottstown, Pottsgrove and Owen J. Roberts school districts. Trellis for Tomorrow will expand its existing Garden Club at Pottstown School District into a structured, prevention focused after-school program serving approximately 30 middle and high school students annually. Funds will be used to support employee pay, travel for field-based learning at Trellis garden sites, and equipment needed for garden expansion, grow towers and safe tool usage. “Helping young people thrive requires looking beyond the school day, and this funding will provide our at-risk youth with the educational, mentoring, and peer-led advocacy supports necessary to help them Read more

 

Pa. House passes bill protecting construction contractors from being held liable for negligence of others

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 15 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation ( H.B. 1541 ) introduced by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., that would protect construction contractors from being held liable for the negligence of others. Hohenstein said many construction contractors are forced to accept liability for another party’s negligence when entering into construction contracts under current law. His legislation would void any provision in new construction contracts in which a party is indemnified, or excused from being held liable, for damages resulting from that party's negligence. “Being held liable for the negligence of others is unfair to contractors and can also enforce a negative reputation on the contractor’s business,” Hohenstein said. “My legislation would help protect Pennsylvania construction contractors from being forced to accept liability for someone else’s negligence. This will promote fairness, better work production, and better business for contractors.” The bill now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Ciresi, Friel: Nearly $1M awarded to YWCA, Trellis for Tomorrow: State program funding will support after-school initiatives

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, April 15 – The YWCA Tri-County Area was awarded a $500,000 grant to expand its intervention-centered programming outside of school time, and Trellis for Tomorrow received $460,451 for its after-school program, Project Thrive, state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Paul Friel, D-Chester, announced today. The competitive grants, approved today by the School Safety and Security Committee under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, is part of more than $64 million awarded to organizations across the state. According to Ciresi, the YWCA Tri-County Area will use the funds to expand its Youth Community Building and Empowerment initiative, a prevention-centered out-of-school-time program serving approximately 200 middle school youth across Montgomery, Berks and Chester counties in the Pottstown, Pottsgrove and Owen J. Roberts school districts. Trellis for Tomorrow will expand its existing Garden Club at Pottstown School District into a structured, prevention focused after-school program serving approximately 30 middle and high school students annually. Funds will be used to support employee pay, travel for field-based learning at Trellis garden sites, and equipment needed for garden expansion, grow towers and safe tool usage. “Helping young people thrive requires looking beyond the school day, and this funding will provide our at-risk youth with the educational, mentoring, and peer-led advocacy supports necessary to help Read more

 

Guzman announces nearly $500,000 Grant for Reading Violence Prevention Initiative

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, April 15 – Today, state Rep. Manuel Guzman announced that $499,984 in grant funding will be allocated to launch EMPOWER Resilience, a new violence prevention initiative serving youth in Reading. Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County will receive the funding from the FY 2025-26 Violence Intervention and Prevention grant, under the direction of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. More than $60 million in state funding was given toward these grants in FY 25-26 to better address community violence throughout the commonwealth. The EMPOWER Resilience initiative aims to serve youth ages 5-18 in Reading, particularly those in neighborhoods with elevated risk factors. The program will engage in mentoring and supervision with children across six club sites, operating during high-risk after-school and summer hours. With the funding, the program would be scaled to serve approximately 1,000 youth annually. “The Boys & Girls Club is a staple in our communities, and I’m ecstatic to see it receive this funding to expand its footprint in Reading,” Guzman said. “After-school and summer programs give our youth structure, community and a place to express themselves in a positive way. I look forward to seeing EMPOWER Resilience make a real difference, and I thank the state for the funding.” Olivet Boys & Girls Club CEO & President Rick Perez also applauds Read more

 

Daley bill to boost student mental health support, train staff passes House

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

HARRISBURG, April 15 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed legislation to strengthen mental health awareness for students and provide critical training for coaches and staff at schools across the commonwealth, announced the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Mary Jo Daley. House Bill 1706 would require that coaches receive mental health awareness training like the training required of other school personnel. The bill would also ensure that all students, their parents or guardians, athletic staff and extracurricular advisors are informed of the availability of mental health services within their school and local community. According to reports , nearly 20% of students have seriously considered suicide, while 75% report struggling with anxiety. Furthermore, while a significant number of students express a need for professional mental health support, roughly 65% say that they are uncomfortable speaking to family or friends about their struggles, often turning to coaches and extracurricular advisors for support. Meanwhile, a study surveying more than 10,000 coaches found that only 18% of youth coaches feel highly confident in their ability to link athletes to mental health resources, and 67% say they want more training and information on the subject. “For many students, school isn't just about classes – it's where they grow, socialize and find their sense of belonging,” said Daley, Read more

 

Matzie: $650,000 secured to boost training opportunities for Beaver County workers

(Apr 15, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

AMBRIDGE, April 15 – New funding of $650,000 to the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board will strengthen training and apprenticeship opportunities for Beaver County workers in the steel and construction industries, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said the new training opportunities will help workers maintain cutting-edge skills amidst changing industry demands. “Industry standards and practices are constantly changing as companies embrace newer technologies like AI and robotics and cleaner technologies like induction heating,” Matzie said. “The new funding will provide workers with the apprenticeship opportunities and innovative training models they need to keep pace and will ensure that our local industries have the talented workforce pool they need to stay competitive.” Matzie said the funding includes: $350,000 to support the Southwest Corner Building and Construction Industry Partnership’s efforts to upskill workers through registered apprenticeship programs and recruit workers from communities that are underrepresented in the construction trades. The grant will serve workers in Beaver County and several other counties. $300,000 to support the Pennsylvania Steel Alliance Industry Partnership’s efforts to upskill and reskill the existing steel workforce, expand access to innovative Read more

 

PA House passes third natural gas safety bill after R.M. Palmer factory tragedy

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 15 – The Pennsylvania House today passed a bill introduced by state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, that would address safety concerns in workplaces that use natural gas, in response to the R.M. Palmer factory tragedy that occurred in West Reading in March 2023. The legislation, H.B. 1522 , would require the installation of natural gas alarms in businesses, residences and other buildings that use natural gas. This measure follows findings that a natural gas leak was a root cause of the explosion at the West Reading chocolate factory—an explosion that claimed seven lives and injured 10 others in Cepeda-Freytiz’s legislative district. “Three years after this tragedy, and one year after the investigation concluded, we have now passed the final bill addressing its cause,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “There is an empty space in our community left by the seven lives we lost that day. Their families deserve action—action that ensures no other community has to endure the same heartbreak. I will continue to push for these bills as they move through the Senate.” House Bill 1522 is the third and final piece of a legislative package introduced by Cepeda-Freytiz in response to the causes of the West Reading tragedy. The other two bills are H.B. 1525 , which would require the owners and operators of pipelines transporting steam in public rights-of-way to Read more

 

Transportation, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 15, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The latest grant applications are available. Read more

 

House Majority Appropriations Chairman Jordan A. Harris Statement on House Passage of General Appropriations Bill

(Apr 14, 2026) Rep. Jordan A. Harris

Today’s passage of the proposed state budget is an important step in moving the General Appropriations bill process forward and keeping us on track to deliver an on-time budget for the people of Pennsylvania. This bill passed the House with bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment to moving this budget forward and getting a budget done on time. Read more

 

Lawmakers demand more action after shocking testimony

(Apr 14, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This is not a hearing about a single point of failure,” said state Rep. Morgan Cephas, who co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus and represents portions of Philadelphia. “This hearing amplifies the layered challenges across the entire continuum of maternal care—from implicit bias in clinical settings to limited access to prenatal and postpartum services to maternity care deserts in too many communities. The challenges are systemic. No family in Pennsylvania should be forced to worry about losing their life due to pregnancy complications or living with lasting effects because of a failed system.” Read more

 

House votes to provide workers’ comp to volunteer firefighters, ambulance corps members injured during fundraising

(Apr 14, 2026) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Without fundraising, many of our volunteer fire departments and ambulance corps would struggle to perform their lifesaving services for their communities. These volunteers shouldn’t have to worry about how they’ll support themselves and their families because they were injured while trying to support their community,” said Freeman. Read more

 

Bizzarro introduces legislation to prohibit gas price gouging

(Apr 14, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvanians are feeling pain at the pump as the price of a barrel of oil continues to increase and the war in Iran rages on. State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) wants to help provide relief by introducing a bill to stop companies from gas price gouging. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to address shortage of baby diaper changing stations in men’s restrooms

(Apr 14, 2026) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, April 14 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Scott Conklin that would expand access to baby diaper-changing stations in men’s restrooms by requiring these stations to be installed in certain public buildings when a restroom is newly constructed or fully renovated. Conklin said he introduced H.B. 1558 to address a growing logistical problem facing fathers and other male child caregivers. “The modern American family looks much different than it used to, with many men playing a central or sole role in child care, including diaper changing,” Conklin said. “Despite this, most men’s public restrooms in the state still lack diaper-changing stations, creating unnecessary logistical problems for male caregivers. “My bill would remedy this by requiring baby diaper-changing stations in new or fully renovated public restrooms, with a few exceptions. The commonwealth needs to keep pace with the realities of modern parenting, and that includes making sure that men have public access to this essential child care resource.” Conklin said that the federal government has passed legislation requiring baby diaper-changing stations in all public restrooms located in federal buildings and that at least nine states have passed laws requiring changing stations in both men’s and women’s restrooms. The bill would exempt industrial Read more

 

Human Services Committee examines impacts of H.R. 1 on SNAP
Apr 16, 2026

Smith-Wade-El: Nearly $500K to expand Lancaster’s Bench Mark Program
Apr 15, 2026

Kazeem announces nearly $1 million in state funding approved for local youth programs
Apr 15, 2026

Rivera: Over $500,000 awarded for local school programs aimed at reducing student conflict and improving mental health
Apr 15, 2026

To protect Pennsylvanians from skyrocketing energy costs, Pa. House Democrats introduce energy affordability legislation that would lower bills, rein in corporate greed
Apr 15, 2026

Kosierowski secures nearly $17 million for Griffin Dam rehabilitation project
Apr 15, 2026

Warren bill to reduce plastic bottle waste passes House
Apr 15, 2026

Ciresi, Friel: Nearly $1M awarded to YWCA, Trellis for Tomorrow: State program funding will support after-school initiatives
Apr 15, 2026

Pa. House passes bill protecting construction contractors from being held liable for negligence of others
Apr 15, 2026

Ciresi, Friel: Nearly $1M awarded to YWCA, Trellis for Tomorrow: State program funding will support after-school initiatives
Apr 15, 2026

Guzman announces nearly $500,000 Grant for Reading Violence Prevention Initiative
Apr 15, 2026

Daley bill to boost student mental health support, train staff passes House
Apr 15, 2026

Matzie: $650,000 secured to boost training opportunities for Beaver County workers
Apr 15, 2026

PA House passes third natural gas safety bill after R.M. Palmer factory tragedy
Apr 15, 2026

Transportation, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 15, 2026

House Majority Appropriations Chairman Jordan A. Harris Statement on House Passage of General Appropriations Bill
Apr 14, 2026

Lawmakers demand more action after shocking testimony
Apr 14, 2026

House votes to provide workers’ comp to volunteer firefighters, ambulance corps members injured during fundraising
Apr 14, 2026

Bizzarro introduces legislation to prohibit gas price gouging
Apr 14, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes Conklin bill to address shortage of baby diaper changing stations in men’s restrooms
Apr 14, 2026