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Ciresi highlights investment in property tax relief, education in PA budget

(Jul 06, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 6 – After his vote to approve the state budget this week, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, highlighted its progress in education funding and significant expansion of property tax relief as the reasons for his support. Pennsylvania’s 2023-24 budget includes $717 million in funding for public schools statewide, including $100 million in “Level Up” funding dedicated for the most underfunded school districts that Ciresi had pushed to include in the budget. “While this budget doesn’t finish the job in addressing education underfunding, we’ve now come farther than ever before in shrinking the funding gap for our underfunded districts, especially our most-underfunded districts like Pottstown,” Ciresi said. “With the help of supplemental ‘Level Up’ funding to help these districts catch up, I’m proud that we’ve delivered almost $10 million in new, recurring state funding for Pottstown School District in the past three years. This funding is helping our schools and led to Pottstown residents even getting a local tax rebate this year.” Locally, the budget increases funding for Montgomery County school districts, including $6 million in increased funding for school districts in the 146th Legislative District: Pottstown School District: $3,363,052 increase. Spring-Ford Area School District: $1,588,175 increase. Pottsgrove School District: Read more

 

Pennsylvania bill adds requirements to catalytic converter sale process

(Jul 05, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

According to the bill, a scrap processor or recycling facility operator who fails to collect the information required … is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $5,000. Read more

 

Neilson rallies successful effort to keep I-95 work on schedule, continues to check on reconstruction progress

(Jul 03, 2023) Rep. Ed Neilson

HARRISBURG, July 3 – State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., led a last-minute effort on Friday to enact legislation allowing Interstate 95 reconstruction work to continue by extending the governor’s emergency proclamation before it expired. After a truck tanker caught fire and the extreme heat caused a portion of I-95 to collapse, Gov. Josh Shapiro issued an emergency proclamation on June 12 to acquire federal emergency funds and cut through red tape to expedite the rebuilding of the collapsed road. Due to a 2021 constitutional amendment, the governor’s proclamation would have expired after 21 days, July 3, unless the General Assembly voted to extend it. Neilson said this limitation on proclamations was enacted to stop supposed overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The emergency declaration was due to expire today, July 3, which would have brought the entire project to a halt and could have jeopardized the federal funding needed to complete it in an expedited manner,” Neilson said. The House of Representatives previously adopted Neilson’s H.R. 154 on June 26, which would have extended the governor’s emergency declaration by one year to give the Shapiro administration enough time and resources to complete the permanent reconstruction. However, the Senate never considered it. As time was running out and it appeared that budget negotiations would continue beyond the Read more

 

Burns introduces legislation to protect Pennsylvania drivers

(Jul 03, 2023) Rep. Frank Burns

Intent on protecting the state’s drivers from unnecessary tickets and fines, state Rep. Frank Burns introduced two measures that would do just that. Read more

 

Pennsylvania lawmakers want to crack down on catalytic converter thefts

(Jul 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

"One of the unfortunate things is it's very easy to steal one of these converters out from a car without even having to break into the car," the lawmaker said. "It's problems in parking lots and in individual communities and neighborhoods, right on the streets." Read more

 

Abney issues statement regarding U.S. Supreme Court LGBTQIA+ ruling

(Jun 30, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 30 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision on 303 Creative Inc. v. Elenis: “In the face of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling negatively impacting the LGBTQIA+ community, we find ourselves deeply disappointed for the second day in a row. It is disheartening to witness the erosion of civil rights and liberties for specific groups of people. Today, on the final day of Pride Month, our LGBTQIA+ friends must endure the reality of a country where businesses have legal protection to discriminate against them. “The Supreme Court, which once stood as a safeguard for existing rights, now appears to be driven by an agenda to strip them away. The court's attempt to conceal exclusivity under the guise of inclusivity only serves to expose the divisive nature of its ideology. This is undeniably a slippery slope that should concern us all, regardless of whether we identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community or not. “The decision made today contributes to the growing uncertainty and chaos surrounding the direction our country is headed. Adversity, however, often presents us with an opportunity for unity and course correction. We now face the task of coming together, rectifying this situation, and ensuring that order prevails over chaos. It is our collective responsibility to foster a society where all individuals are protected, respected and Read more

 

Cephas slams recent SCOTUS decisions

(Jun 30, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 30 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today expressed her disagreement with three U.S. Supreme Court decisions recently announced on affirmative action, LGBTQ rights and students loan forgiveness. Cephas condemns the rulings of the Supreme Court and described the decisions as an unfortunate series of obstacles thrown in the way of social justice and equality. “In light of yet another wrongful outcome from the Supreme Court, I raise my voice on behalf of the underrepresented communities that have been systematically harmed with these decisions”, Cephas said. Cephas explained that minorities, people of color and people of low-income backgrounds have been fighting relentlessly for fairness, but the Supreme Court has chosen to ignore decades of struggles. “It was a dark day yesterday when the Supreme Court ruled on affirmative action. The Supreme Court is banning race-conscious admissions, in the cases of Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College. The race component won’t be taken into consideration for college admissions,” Cephas continued. Today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis is a ruling that Cephas regards as a threat to the freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country, she said. “This decision simply grants a green light for Read more

 

Neilson’s automated speed enforcement legislation passes PA House

(Jun 30, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation authored by state Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., chair of the House Transportation Committee, that would renew and expand automated enforcement programs throughout Philadelphia, passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today with bipartisan support. House Bill 1284 would eliminate the December 2023 expiration date of the Automated Speed Enforcement Program along Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia. It would also expand the ASE program to all roads in Philadelphia, contingent on PennDOT’s approval and the city’s adoption of a local ordinance and make necessary improvements to the ASE program. The ASE program on Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia, first implemented in June 2020, uses cameras to detect and record motorists exceeding the posted speed limit by 11 miles per hour or more along the boulevard. Crashes along Roosevelt Boulevard have declined by 36% since speed cameras were deployed, while total crashes in the rest of the city, where there are no speed cameras, have only declined by 6%. According to the Philadelphia Parking Authority, the ASE program has reduced speeding along Roosevelt Boulevard by a staggering 95%. Finally, and most importantly, Neilson said, the bill would protect schoolchildren on their walks through busy school zones by making fixes to the current law that authorizes school districts to use automated school bus stop-arm cameras and establishing a five-year pilot program for speed cameras in active Read more

 

LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus denounces SCOTUS ruling in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis

(Jun 30, 2023) LGBTQ Equality Caucus

“Whether it’s a bakery or a media production company, no business should possess the right to refuse services to individuals based on sexual identity. Simultaneously, requiring a business that serves the public to offer services equally to members of the public does not violate their first amendment rights. Read more

 

Pa. nurses celebrate passage of Patient Safety Act in state House

(Jun 30, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Long-awaited legislation that would limit the number of patients that hospitals can assign to an individual nurse passed in the Pennsylvania House on Wednesday with bipartisan support. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House approves bill to require nurse staffing minimums in hospitals

(Jun 30, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved a bill that would require nurse staffing minimums in hospitals, bringing the state closer to enacting a measure that proponents said will address patient safety and help retain nurses in bedside jobs. Read more

 

Pa House passes bill to counter catalytic converter thefts

(Jun 30, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Car owners should not have to foot the bill for someone stealing from them, and for many households, the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter is burdensome,” Isaacson said. “For many Pennsylvanians, their car is a part of their livelihood. This legislation provides several important deterrents to ensure that consumers in the commonwealth have the highest level of protection from theft.” Read more

 

Brown’s legislation to protect law enforcement passes Pa. House

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Our law enforcement officers provide a critical service throughout the commonwealth,” Brown said. “They deserve the highest level of our protection, and I will always help facilitate that protection for our men and women in blue.” Read more

 

Salisbury bill to help communities apply for grants passes PA House

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury’s bill that would aid communities lacking grant writing capacity passed the Pennsylvania House along party lines today. The legislation ( H.B. 1216 ) would create a Municipal Grant Assistance Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development . Eligible municipalities would be able to access free grant writing services when seeking state funding and would receive instruction in writing future grant proposals. “Current law only benefits those municipalities with funding in place for grant writing services,” Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said. “My bill is about equity. It's time to level the playing field so that municipalities with extreme need are not kept out of the state grant-making process due to capacity issues." Salisbury developed the bill after receiving feedback from local elected officials in her district that they were struggling to access state funding programs. The legislation now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Ciresi legislation to replace state song adopted by PA House

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 – A resolution (H.R. 41) sponsored by State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, to replace the state song was adopted by the House this afternoon. “The problem is this: most Pennsylvanians don’t know we have a state song, but they’ll probably recognize the state songs of Georgia, West Virginia, or New York,” Ciresi said. “State symbols are supposed to bring us together and be part of our identity. We should have a state song that everyone knows and loves because it reflects who we are as a people, and it should work to represent and market Pennsylvania and help bring in tourism.” In 1990, the state legislature adopted the current state song, “Pennsylvania,” by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner. State law establishes this as Pennsylvania’s official song for all public purposes, and the song is often performed at public events, such as gubernatorial inaugurations. “I’m very glad that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle voted to pass this resolution. We need a song that we take pride in singing because it reflects our pride in Pennsylvania, the cradle of liberty and home to today’s dynamic industries and diverse communities,” Ciresi said. The resolution will establish an independent commission to study the history of the state song, solicit submissions from the public, and recommend changes to the state song. The legislature will then have the option of passing Read more

 

Abney issues statement regarding U.S. Supreme Court affirmative action ruling

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision against affirmative action programs at the University of North Carolina and Harvard University: “I must express that although I am disappointed by the Supreme Court's recent ruling striking down affirmative action, their decision comes as no surprise. The existence of structural and systemic racism in our country is an unfortunate reality that, while not revelatory, has become increasingly evident in the times we live in today. “Affirmative action was established to confront both implicit and explicit biases which prevented individuals from accessing opportunities available to others solely based on their race. It recognized race as one among many factors considered when evaluating an applicant, rather than the sole determining factor. Unfortunately, using a sole determining factor was often used to deny applicants prior to this policy. This policy, however, successfully dismantled barriers that countless people faced and continue to face due to racial discrimination. “Today's ruling serves as another reminder that the system is not broken, and it operates exactly as it was designed to operate. Regardless, we will continue to work with our colleges and universities to help ensure that these institutions reflect the diversity that makes those institutions and our commonwealth a vibrant and Read more

 

Green Safe Community Grant bill approved by Judiciary Committee

(Jun 29, 2023) Rep. Roni Green

HARRISBURG, June 29 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee held a voting meeting Tuesday, where it reported House Bill 1130 out of committee and to the House floor. This legislation would establish the Safe Communities Grant Program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to provide grant funding to communities to install lighting and security cameras around schools, playgrounds, community centers and high crime areas. The legislation also would add a $10 fee to be paid by applicants for a license to carry a firearm that will go toward funding the program. “Violent crime is harming our communities here in Pennsylvania, and it’s time we take some innovative steps toward curbing it,” state Rep. Roni Green, the bill’s sponsor, said. “There’s robust evidence that taking care of the physical space — fixing broken windows and doors, trimming yards — and putting up lights and cameras in previously dimly lit public spaces helps to reduce violent crime in areas experiencing high crime rates. “This program will help communities in Pennsylvania afford to put in lights and cameras that will deter criminals and is a part of our commitment to the commonwealth’s residents to make the state a safe place to live.” Read more

 

Pa. Legislative Latino Caucus condemns Supreme Court affirmative action decision

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus today released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, banning race-conscious admissions, in the cases of Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College: “We stand for diversity. We have focused our work on policies that would improve minority representation in all facets of life in our state. This is why we feel compelled to raise our voices against a decision that is clearly a setback in our fight for racial justice. “This ends decades of precedent that granted schools access to programs aimed at boosting diversity on their campuses. “This ruling will have a harmful impact for underrepresented minorities now that the race factor was eliminated from the equation; we fear the selection process of students with no race consideration. “Affirmative action has been a crucial tool in addressing historical and ongoing disparities faced by underrepresented groups, including women, people of color and individuals from low-income backgrounds. It has played a pivotal role in leveling the playing field and opening doors of opportunity for those who have been historically disadvantaged, particularly for our sons and daughters here in Pennsylvania. “The Supreme Court's decision disregards the Read more

 

Pa. House passes legislation expanding access to menstrual hygiene products

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This legislation would remove barriers for those who menstruate and utilize these programs. Period poverty disproportionately affects communities of color, so this bill would address that systemic problem,” Parker said. “We need to provide dignity amongst women and girls. It’s sad many have to deal with scarcity of feminine products and diapers.” Read more

 

Merski bill to help police departments afford fleet upgrades heads to House

(Jun 29, 2023) Rep. Robert Merski

“Every dollar we can save government is a windfall for taxpayers, and that includes large-ticket expenditures like police fleet upgrades, which can pose major obstacles for stretched department budgets,” Merski said. Read more

 

Ciresi highlights investment in property tax relief, education in PA budget
Jul 06, 2023

Pennsylvania bill adds requirements to catalytic converter sale process
Jul 05, 2023

Neilson rallies successful effort to keep I-95 work on schedule, continues to check on reconstruction progress
Jul 03, 2023

Burns introduces legislation to protect Pennsylvania drivers
Jul 03, 2023

Pennsylvania lawmakers want to crack down on catalytic converter thefts
Jul 03, 2023

Abney issues statement regarding U.S. Supreme Court LGBTQIA+ ruling
Jun 30, 2023

Cephas slams recent SCOTUS decisions
Jun 30, 2023

Neilson’s automated speed enforcement legislation passes PA House
Jun 30, 2023

LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus denounces SCOTUS ruling in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis
Jun 30, 2023

Pa. nurses celebrate passage of Patient Safety Act in state House
Jun 30, 2023

Pennsylvania House approves bill to require nurse staffing minimums in hospitals
Jun 30, 2023

Pa House passes bill to counter catalytic converter thefts
Jun 30, 2023

Brown’s legislation to protect law enforcement passes Pa. House
Jun 29, 2023

Salisbury bill to help communities apply for grants passes PA House
Jun 29, 2023

Ciresi legislation to replace state song adopted by PA House
Jun 29, 2023

Abney issues statement regarding U.S. Supreme Court affirmative action ruling
Jun 29, 2023

Green Safe Community Grant bill approved by Judiciary Committee
Jun 29, 2023

Pa. Legislative Latino Caucus condemns Supreme Court affirmative action decision
Jun 29, 2023

Pa. House passes legislation expanding access to menstrual hygiene products
Jun 29, 2023

Merski bill to help police departments afford fleet upgrades heads to House
Jun 29, 2023