Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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These 7 Philly schools just got millions in state money for these projects

(Oct 23, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Seven Philadelphia schools are getting building upgrades thanks to a $175 million state program that helps districts across Pennsylvania fix up facilities.The money will replace windows and doors, remove asbestos and lead paint, put on new roofs, renovate bathrooms, and more; it will be matched by district funds. Read more

Smith-Wade-El brings home $4.14M in state grants for community improvements

(Oct 23, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that he helped to secure $4,145,502 in state grants for the 49th District to build affordable housing and renovate a school into a community center for children, families and seniors. “Our area’s families need and deserve housing in which to raise their families,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only does having a roof over one’s head provide a sense of security, but a home makes a family healthier, makes a student perform better in school, helps a worker keep a job. Every family deserves a chance to get ahead, not just get by, and that starts with a home. My team is proud to work to bring home millions to secure homes, fight homelessness, provide our kids with places to play and our neighbors with places to thrive.” $500,000 Franklin Street Project Thaddeus Stevens Foundation is partnering with South Ann Concerned Neighbors Inc. for the purpose of constructing affordable housing. The funds will go towards constructing a mixed-use facility that will house two three-bedroom loft-style affordable apartments on the second floor for low-income families. In addition, a pizza shop and a fresh food market, selling healthy essentials such as fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk and bread, will be constructed on the first floor. $500,000 Breaking Barriers of Poverty to Build Better Futures Installation of a new HVAC system, bathrooms, a Read more

Ciresi announces $855k in grants for emergency response, school improvements, and downtown revitalization

(Oct 23, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that he secured $855,333 in state government grants for projects in the 146 th legislative district. “These grants will help meet the important needs of our first responders, invest in our local school facilities, and help beautify downtown Pottstown, contributing to its ongoing revitalization,” Ciresi said. “This is a prime example of taxpayer money being brought back home to improve the quality of life here in a variety of different ways.” The following grants are from Statewide Local Share Account funding. It comes from the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest in Pennsylvania: $150,270 Lower Pottsgrove Township Municipal Radio System The funds will be used to purchase a radio system for the municipality, which will include the purchase of 45 mobile radios, the purchase and installation of a VHF repeater and professional services costs. $90,000 Pottstown Downtown Streetscape Plan The funds will be used to help develop a comprehensive plan to improve Pottstown’s streetscape, including strategies to beautify vacant storefronts, design outdoor areas for recreation and social gatherings, and give the walking corridor a safe and welcoming atmosphere. The project will Read more

House OKs Probst bill to increase awareness of 988 hotline

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Tarah Probst

“Many people experiencing a mental health crisis may not be aware of the critical resource available to them by dialing 988 or may not feel comfortable accessing it. We should do everything we can to make sure people know that help is available 24 hours a day,” said Probst. Read more

O’Mara lauds passage of bill to include PTSI in Workers’ Compensation for emergency responders

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara is heralding the final passage of legislation she wrote to provide Workers’ Compensation coverage for emergency responders who sustain post-traumatic stress injuries in the line of duty. The legislation has been a passion project for O’Mara, who lost her father – a Philadelphia firefighter – to suicide. “In the aftermath of suicide, we're haunted not just by the loss, but by the silence of what might have been prevented,” said O’Mara, D-Delaware. “That feeling has driven me to see this legislation through, so that it can majorly reduce harm to our emergency-responder community in Pennsylvania.” O’Mara’s bill language from her H.B. 1632 was amended into S.B. 365 , which, upon its final passage today, will be sent to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature into law. An estimated 30% of emergency responders develop behavioral health conditions, including depression and PTSI. “While individuals in many other professions can already qualify for Workers’ Compensation for a mental-mental injury like PTSI, Pennsylvania Supreme Court determined first responders do not qualify because witnessing tragedy after tragedy is part of their normal working conditions,” O’Mara said. “But nothing about what first responders experience during an emergency is normal, and this legislation corrects Read more

House adopts Matzie resolution directing comprehensive study of PIAA policy, practices, finances

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – The Pennsylvania House yesterday adopted Rep. Rob Matzie’s H.R. 318 , which directs the state Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to perform a comprehensive study of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. Matzie, who is the vice chairman and longest-serving member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee, said a thorough study of PIAA’s decision-making processes and operations is needed because of concerns that the association – and particularly the way it classifies schools for competition – puts student athletes in harm’s way and forces them to compete against wealthier schools with bigger budgets and larger rosters. “For too long, we have been hearing from parents and student athletes across the state that the PIAA’s policies are jeopardizing student health and creating a dangerous and uneven playing field,” Matzie said. “We have taken those concerns to the PIAA, but they have gone unanswered. It’s time to move the ball on this issue, and we start by taking a closer look at the association, its structure and its decision-making.” Matzie’s resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to perform a comprehensive study and make recommendations regarding: PIAA’s competition classification formula and transfer policy. Read more

PA Senate passes Freeman bill to help Main Street program; sends it to governor’s desk

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“I am hopeful that the governor will sign my legislation into law because of how important added time in the Main Street program could be for communities to ensure that the plan is fully implemented, and the revitalization objectives are met,” Freeman said. Read more

Abney’s bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs passes PA Senate

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Aerion Abney’s bill that would exclude a portion of a person’s potential revenue when determining their financial eligibility for senior prescription programs in Pennsylvania passed the state Senate yesterday. Abney’s legislation ( H.B. 2378 ) would not count the total dollar amount, including face value and interest earned, of redeemed savings bonds as part of older Pennsylvanians’ income when they apply for either the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly or PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, otherwise known as PACE and PACENET. “Keeping prescription coverage in place for our seniors not only ensures they continue to receive the medications they need to maintain and improve their health and well-being, but excluding savings bond assets will keep more money in their pockets for other necessities,” Abney, D-Allegheny, said. “Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate and everyone for their personal and financial investments in older Pennsylvanians.” PACE is funded entirely by the Pennsylvania Lottery and has helped more than 1.6 million PA seniors pay for more than 360 million prescriptions. PACE and PACENET currently serve more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. Abney’s bill now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. Read more

Smith-Wade-El brings home $4.14M in state grants for community improvements

(Oct 23, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that he helped to secure $4,145,502 in state grants for the 49 th District to build affordable housing and renovate a school into a community center for children, families and seniors. “Our area’s families need and deserve housing in which to raise their families,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only does having a roof over one’s head provide a sense of security, but a home makes a family healthier, makes a student perform better in school, helps a worker keep a job. Every family deserves a chance to get ahead, not just get by, and that starts with a home. My team is proud to work to bring home millions to secure homes, fight homelessness, provide our kids with places to play and our neighbors with places to thrive.” $500,000 Franklin Street Project Thaddeus Stevens Foundation is partnering with South Ann Concerned Neighbors Inc. for the purpose of constructing affordable housing. The funds will go towards constructing a mixed-use facility that will house two three-bedroom loft-style affordable apartments on the second floor for low-income families. In addition, a pizza shop and a fresh food market, selling healthy essentials such as fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk and bread, will be constructed on the first floor. $500,000 Breaking Barriers of Poverty to Build Better Futures Installation of a new Read more

Neilson applauds passage of funding for public transit

(Oct 23, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

After months of negotiations and informational meetings regarding Pennsylvania’s transportation sector, state Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, today announced the passage of House Bill 2625. House Bill 2625, authored by Neilson, would increase the share of the state’s sales tax revenue designated to transit funding from 4.4% to 6.15%, resulting in approximately $282 million in new transit funding for all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties without raising taxes. “We’ve voted three times on legislation that would allow mass transit agencies across the commonwealth to continue providing vital services to urban, rural and suburban communities,” Neilson said. “Reliable public transit is a vital service that many Pennsylvanians rely on, especially our seniors and people with disabilities who require a robust public transit system to reach important medical appointments and much more. “There is still time for the Senate leadership to do the right thing and fund public transit for all 67 counties,” he said. House Bill 2625 now moves to the Republican-controlled Senate. Read more

NEWS RELEASE: State Rep. Howard's filial responsibility bill passes House

(Oct 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“It’s a shame that Pennsylvania has accepted its status as an outlier when it comes to filial law,” Howard said. “The commonwealth needs to get caught up to the 21st century and eliminate this antiquated practice. I thank my colleagues in the House for their support and I hope the Senate adds their approval so that this may get signed into law by the governor.” Read more

Guzman secures more than $2 million in LSA grants for five local projects

(Oct 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that five local projects will benefit from more than $2 million statewide Local Share Account grants. The funds are aimed at creating a senior housing project in Reading and replacing a sanitary sewer main along Brobst Street in Shillington Borough, Berks County. The grants were awarded to: Reading Development Authority. - $1,000,000. To demolish structures and complete environmental remediation for the eventual construction of an affordable housing community for seniors in Reading, Berks County. The housing units will be restricted based on the median income in the area for people aged 62 or older. The property will feature a community room with a kitchen, offices for staff and healthcare providers. Shillington Borough - $250,000. For the replacement of sanitary sewer main along Brobst Street. Shillington Borough - $56,390 -- to purchase a valve-turning trailer. The Reading Public Museum - $636,022 -- to replace two air handling units and controllers needed to maintain and preserve the museum’s permanent collection. Reading Area Water Authority - $191,647 -- to purchase a fully equipped dump truck. “I am thrilled to welcome these grants to my district. Guzman said. “Combating housing insecurity and supporting our seniors are top Read more

Lawmakers, advocates discuss urgent need for legislation to protect pets in domestic violence situations

(Oct 22, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – House lawmakers and advocates today held a news conference at the state Capitol to urge for the passage of bipartisan legislation that would better protect victims’ pets and further protect victims in domestic violence situations. House Bill 1210 , introduced by state Reps. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, and Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington, would amend Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order the defendant to refrain from possessing, abusing or harming the petitioner’s companion animal. Sappey said Pennsylvania’s current Protection from Abuse Act gives judges the ability to order many kinds of relief to prevent further abuse. However, judges have no explicit authority to order protective measures of a victim’s pets. “We have seen through data the horrific link between domestic violence and animal abuse,” Sappey said. “Abusers will often abuse or threaten the abuse of pets to further torment the victim or keep them from leaving, exacerbating an already traumatic situation. Strengthening the law to address and prevent this clear and devastating form of abuse is needed now. We have the time in the current legislative session to make this right.” Mihalek, a former county prosecutor, said she’s seen the situation occur in countless numbers. “We know through studies and statistics Read more

Fleming brings home $1.69M for community improvements

(Oct 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, today announced that he secured $1,699,995 in state funding for community improvements in the 105th District. “I’m glad I was able to secure this funding to ensure our kids’ school roof is leak proof, the life-saving Central PA Food Bank will be able to store frozen food, and to plan and design a new public safety building for the Progress Fire Company,” Fleming said. “I brought this essential taxpayer money back home to keep our kids’ school buildings in good condition, our food-insecure families fed and our community safe from fire.” The following grants are from the Statewide Local Share Account, which comes from the PA Racehorse Development and Gaming Act, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. $550,000 Central Pennsylvania Food Bank The funding will help purchase and install a custom-made generator for the Central PA Food Bank Harrisburg Healthy Food Hub. This crucial investment protects the expanded cold chain equipment storing over 22.8 million pounds of fresh and frozen food. $350,000 Susquehanna Township The funds will be used to cover engineering costs of the planning and design for a new Public Safety Building for the Progress Fire Company. The following funding comes from the Read more

Williams announces more than $2.3 Million in state funding

(Oct 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, today announced that he has brought in more than $2.3 million in Local Share Account grants for public safety improvements in the 74th district. “I’m very proud to have secured more than $2.3 million in funding to strengthen our police force and first responder services,” Williams said. “Thanks to funds that will go to purchasing new ambulances to license plate readers to a new fire engine and responder trucks, our district’s fire, police and EMS teams will be able to more quickly come to our aid in times of crisis. Our families can feel safer knowing that this state funding is going to ensuring their safety and welfare.” $50,000 Valley Township Municipal Complex The funding will help provide enhanced safety and security at the Valley Township municipal complex by installing 1,035 linear feet of 8-foot-high aluminum black coated security fencing. $57,345 South Coatesville Borough Police Department The money will be used to help purchase a printer, replace five outdated computers and buy a license plate reader which will aid the department in ticketing speeding vehicles without having an officer in pursuit. $93,863 Modena EMS The funds will help purchase medical and safety equipment for emergency medical service first responders. Equipment includes ballistic vests, power gurneys, bilateral splints, suction unit, backboards, stretchers, restraint Read more

Governor Shapiro Signs Bipartisan Bill into Law Recognizing Diwali as an Official State Holiday in Pennsylvania

(Oct 22, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 402(opens in a new tab) into law — officially recognizing Diwali as a state holiday in Pennsylvania while attending a Diwali, Tihar, and Bandi Chhor Diwas celebration hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs in the atrium of the Keystone Building in downtown Harrisburg. Read more

House passes Friel bills to clean up Pennsylvania’s use of FPR fertilizer

(Oct 21, 2024) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania House today voted in broad bipartisan fashion to pass two of state Rep. Paul Friel’s bills changing the way that Pennsylvania handles and safeguards food-processing residuals – creating a statewide tracking process, updating operating procedures, and putting appropriate guardrails in place. Food processing residuals, also known as FPR, are the leftover product created by commercial food processing. Food processing residuals can include vegetable peelings, raw meat scraps, and liquid-like cleaning fluid that includes blood, fat, hair and feathers, and a variety of other vegetable and animal byproducts and chemicals used to process them. While FPR can be used to fertilize the soil, it can create numerous problems if care is not taken. For example, some areas of Pennsylvania have seen groundwater contamination. Many other areas find themselves dealing with consistent, noxious odors. Compounding the issue, surrounding states have heavily restricted or banned the use of FPR, making Pennsylvania a target for cheaply offloading the commercial product. Under H.B. 2393 , the Department of Environmental Protection in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and the State Conservation Commission will update guidance for those who store and apply FPR and would require the creation of a land application system to guide how, when, and in what quantities FPR can be applied. House Bill 2594 Read more

Ciresi’s ‘Click to Cancel’ legislation for recurring subscriptions passes House

(Oct 21, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation (H.B. 116) that would increase consumer protections by requiring companies to provide a notification before each automatic renewal, to be transparent about renewal terms, and to allow subscribers to cancel subscription services online if they initially subscribed over the Internet unanimously passed the House today. “The situation too many consumers face today is that their online contracts often automatically renew without them being notified or even aware,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Making matters worse is that some subscription services require consumers to jump through hoops just to cancel their subscription, such as by forcing them to call or speak to an online representative before they can end the service. “My legislation, ‘Click to Cancel,’ would make consumers aware of their active subscriptions and their renewal terms and empower them to easily cancel their subscriptions. This bill would require that subscriptions be transparent and easy to understand.” Ciresi’s legislation would amend the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law by requiring businesses which offer automatic renewals to: Provide renewal terms, cancellation policy and how to cancel. Allow a customer who signs up online to be allowed to cancel online. Any material changes in the automatic renewal must be provided in a clear and Read more

Kenyatta’s statement regarding mass shooting in North Philadelphia

(Oct 21, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., release the following statement after a violent weekend in North Philadelphia’s Hartranft neighborhood: “Once again, what should have been a joyful community celebration in Hartranft ended in tragedy, and my heart is heavy. Too many lives in our city have been cut short by gun violence, leaving families and neighborhoods mourning. As someone who calls North Philly home, I’ve seen both the strength of our communities, and the deep pain violence leaves behind. While we’ve made progress, we can’t be satisfied. There’s still so much work to do to ensure safety for everyone. “We must care for each other. When conflict arises, we must meet it with empathy and understanding—not with violence. Too often, social media turns small disagreements into something much bigger. We are stronger than that, and violence cannot be the way we respond. “I’m thinking of those injured over the weekend and sending my deepest wishes for their recovery, both physically and emotionally. Now is the time for us to come together to focus on what unites us as a community so we can all live with the safety, peace and hope that we deserve.” Read more

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These 7 Philly schools just got millions in state money for these projects Oct 23, 2024

Smith-Wade-El brings home $4.14M in state grants for community improvements Oct 23, 2024

Ciresi announces $855k in grants for emergency response, school improvements, and downtown revitalization Oct 23, 2024

House OKs Probst bill to increase awareness of 988 hotline Oct 23, 2024

O’Mara lauds passage of bill to include PTSI in Workers’ Compensation for emergency responders Oct 23, 2024

House adopts Matzie resolution directing comprehensive study of PIAA policy, practices, finances Oct 23, 2024

PA Senate passes Freeman bill to help Main Street program; sends it to governor’s desk Oct 23, 2024

Abney’s bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs passes PA Senate Oct 23, 2024

Smith-Wade-El brings home $4.14M in state grants for community improvements Oct 23, 2024

Neilson applauds passage of funding for public transit Oct 23, 2024

NEWS RELEASE: State Rep. Howard's filial responsibility bill passes House Oct 22, 2024

Guzman secures more than $2 million in LSA grants for five local projects Oct 22, 2024

Lawmakers, advocates discuss urgent need for legislation to protect pets in domestic violence situations Oct 22, 2024

Fleming brings home $1.69M for community improvements Oct 22, 2024

Williams announces more than $2.3 Million in state funding Oct 22, 2024

Governor Shapiro Signs Bipartisan Bill into Law Recognizing Diwali as an Official State Holiday in Pennsylvania Oct 22, 2024

House passes Friel bills to clean up Pennsylvania’s use of FPR fertilizer Oct 21, 2024

Ciresi’s ‘Click to Cancel’ legislation for recurring subscriptions passes House Oct 21, 2024

Kenyatta’s statement regarding mass shooting in North Philadelphia Oct 21, 2024

Rural Pennsylvania impacted the most by medical debt Oct 21, 2024

These 7 Philly schools just got millions in state money for these projects
Oct 23, 2024

Smith-Wade-El brings home $4.14M in state grants for community improvements
Oct 23, 2024

Ciresi announces $855k in grants for emergency response, school improvements, and downtown revitalization
Oct 23, 2024

House OKs Probst bill to increase awareness of 988 hotline
Oct 23, 2024

O’Mara lauds passage of bill to include PTSI in Workers’ Compensation for emergency responders
Oct 23, 2024

House adopts Matzie resolution directing comprehensive study of PIAA policy, practices, finances
Oct 23, 2024

PA Senate passes Freeman bill to help Main Street program; sends it to governor’s desk
Oct 23, 2024

Abney’s bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs passes PA Senate
Oct 23, 2024

Smith-Wade-El brings home $4.14M in state grants for community improvements
Oct 23, 2024

Neilson applauds passage of funding for public transit
Oct 23, 2024

NEWS RELEASE: State Rep. Howard's filial responsibility bill passes House
Oct 22, 2024

Guzman secures more than $2 million in LSA grants for five local projects
Oct 22, 2024

Lawmakers, advocates discuss urgent need for legislation to protect pets in domestic violence situations
Oct 22, 2024

Fleming brings home $1.69M for community improvements
Oct 22, 2024

Williams announces more than $2.3 Million in state funding
Oct 22, 2024

Governor Shapiro Signs Bipartisan Bill into Law Recognizing Diwali as an Official State Holiday in Pennsylvania
Oct 22, 2024

House passes Friel bills to clean up Pennsylvania’s use of FPR fertilizer
Oct 21, 2024

Ciresi’s ‘Click to Cancel’ legislation for recurring subscriptions passes House
Oct 21, 2024

Kenyatta’s statement regarding mass shooting in North Philadelphia
Oct 21, 2024

Rural Pennsylvania impacted the most by medical debt
Oct 21, 2024