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Munroe bill to address teacher, police and nurse shortages passes PA House

(Jun 20, 2023) Rep. Brian Munroe

Nurses, teachers and police officers are three of the most vital professions to the quality of life in Pennsylvania. This bill helps to remedy the shortages and understaffing situation Read more

 

PA House passes Pisciottano, Green bill to protect hotel workers

(Jun 20, 2023) Rep. Nick Pisciottano

Legislation to require hotel staff be equipped with panic buttons Read more

 

PA House passes Freeman land bank legislation

(Jun 20, 2023) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Land banks are a transformative resource that allow affected neighborhoods and business districts to be revitalized. We should be doing everything we can as a state to encourage economic development and improve quality of life in all municipalities, big and small,” said Freeman. Read more

 

State Government Committee approves resolution on Juneteenth

(Jun 20, 2023) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, June 20 – The Pennsylvania House State Government Committee held a voting meeting Tuesday, where it reported H.R. 152 out of committee and to the House chamber. This resolution would recognize June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth in Pennsylvania. The first Juneteenth was June 19, 1865, when the last of the enslaved people located in Galveston, Texas, were informed of the Emancipation Proclamation. “Juneteenth is a beautiful day and a celebration of self-improvement, of African culture and respect for all cultures. The holiday’s meteoric rise in recent years goes to show just how important it is to people throughout the country and how important it is to continue to help spread this important tradition,” state Rep. Donna Bullock said. “This day of pride is incredibly significant to many Pennsylvanians, and as such, it deserves to be recognized in the commonwealth.” Read more

 

Neilson introduces resolution to extend Gov. Shapiro’s emergency declaration

(Jun 16, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, has introduced House Resolution 154, which seeks to extend Gov. Josh Shapiro’s emergency proclamation for the safe and prompt rebuilding of Interstate 95, one of the busiest highways in Pennsylvania, carrying an average of 160,000 vehicles daily. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El issues statement on Pittsburgh synogogue shooting trial verdict

(Jun 16, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, June 16 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, released a statement on the guilty verdict issued against the shooter in the Pittsburgh synogogue shooting in 2018. “ With the news that the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter has been found guilty on all charges, our office wishes to extend our solidarity to the Jewish communities of Allegheny County, Lancaster County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the entire United States. “Our thoughts and prayers as an office, and more importantly, my will and vote as a legislator are with those who summoned the will to testify in this trial. “For years, our Jewish friends and neighbors have been sounding the alarm about the ever-increasing rise of antisemitic hatred, the growing threat of Christian nationalism to American democracy, and the cultural hegemony that dominates and oppresses vulnerable minority communities. “The arc of the moral universe does not bend toward justice on its own. It takes the bravery of those who have acted in defense of human rights in a world that would harm them for it. “While hate may begin in the margins, in the shadows, it grows and multiplies in broad daylight thanks to the passive acceptance of the majority. Finally, hate reaches its monstrous apotheosis as an irreversible force, sweeping away millions in its wake. The time is now to stop the rising tide of antisemitism Read more

 

Frankel speaks at courthouse as jury returns guilty verdict against Pittsburgh synagogue shooter

(Jun 16, 2023) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

“Let us remember that the survivors reopened these wounds for us, for humanity,” Frankel said. “Because there has to be a record. The work to hold back hateful ideologies and violence stands on history.” Read more

 

Pennsylvania House OKs bills to increase phone bill fees to support 911, 988

(Jun 16, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Measures to raise fees on millions of phone bills in Pennsylvania passed the state House of Representatives on Wednesday in a bid to bolster funding for county-run emergency communication centers and the state’s 988 suicide hotline. Read more

 

Philadelphia wants harsher penalties for illegal dirt bikes than state allows

(Jun 16, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

In Philadelphia, the regulations cause problems for a pre-existing local ordinance. Before the state law passed, Philadelphia’s off-road vehicle law had stronger provisions, but that has now been superseded by the legislature.One way to find a compromise would be to exempt the city and let it reimplement its more-stringent law — a policy advocated by Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia. Read more

 

Mayes, McClinton advocate for ending hair discrimination

(Jun 15, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The CROWN Act (H.B. 1394) would update Pennsylvania’s current anti-discrimination law to prohibit discrimination based on hair type, hair texture or hairstyle. Read more

 

Cephas and Daley taking Pa. reproductive rights conversation to White House

(Jun 15, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 15 – State Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., and Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, announced that they will be representing the commonwealth at today’s Legislative Convening on Reproductive Rights at the White House. They will be two of three Pennsylvania state representatives participating in the panel. Cephas and Daley will join 83 legislators from 41 states across the country to highlight state-level attacks on reproductive rights, as well as state efforts to protect and expand access to abortion care. Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton will also be in attendance. Cephas said the panel, which will be held ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, signifies a singular opportunity to talk about her extensive work on the subject and how the commonwealth stands in the face of other states. “I am excited to join colleagues to discuss legislation that we have advanced to secure reproductive rights in our state and the challenges we have faced along the way,” Cephas said. “We have been tirelessly working to keep abortion safe and legal for all Pennsylvanians against extremist attacks on reproductive rights and we will continue championing the state to provide resources, access, and funding to improve services. We are determined to protect patients and providers.” Daley, co-chair of the Pa. Women’s Health Caucus, expressed that it is her honor to join Read more

 

Kinsey 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline bill passes House

(Jun 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 14 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1305 ) introduced by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and will head to the state Senate for future consideration. Kinsey said the bill would establish sustainable funding for Pennsylvania’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in line with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal. The lifeline was launched in July of 2022 and allows anyone in the U.S. to call, chat or text 988 to receive support and resources during a suicide, mental health or substance use crisis. The proposed legislation would be similar to how communities fund 911 by creating a monthly fee on all wireless devices to ensure these emergency services will not experience any funding gaps. “With the ongoing mental health crisis affecting Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth, it’s crucial we ensure such a critical resource in 988 is funded sustainably so they can be reliable to help folks suffering with their mental health,” Kinsey said. “Today, we took a step toward strengthening and solidifying this lifeline that can help so many. I now urge my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill to the governor’s desk so it can be signed into law.” Read more

 

State Reps. Fiedler, Schweyer, Merski, Hill-Evans and advocates urge PA Legislature to fund school facilities in 2023-24 state budget

(Jun 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., hosted a news conference in the state Capitol Rotunda Wednesday and called on legislators to fund school facilities in Pennsylvania. “We have a unique opportunity to finally invest in fixing toxic schools across Pennsylvania,” said Fiedler. “It’s long past time we prioritize the health of our students, teachers and school staff. We have some of the oldest schools in the nation right here in Pennsylvania, and many of them have unsafe conditions that are simply unacceptable. I am committed to investing state dollars to remediate and repair our schools.” Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, chair of the House Education Committee, reminded everyone that school buildings are learning environments. “The quality of a school building has a direct impact on a child's ability to learn,” he said. “This year's House budget begins to address our toxic schools, but there's much more work to be done. We can't delay any longer -- our children deserve better.” State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York County, commended the bipartisan support behind funding school facilities. “We are building bipartisan support for funding school facilities within this year’s budget,” she said. “The House sent a version of the budget to the Senate last week. Our proposal used Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal as a starting point Read more

 

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22

(Jun 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, June 14 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and state Sen. Art Haywood, D-Montgomery/Phila. will hold a virtual town hall from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 22. Following their successful “Raise the Wage” rally in Lancaster in June, the legislators are holding the virtual town hall to further raise awareness of efforts to increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania, focusing on Haywood’s “ Raise the Wage ” legislation, S.B. 772. “I am looking forward to teaming up with my colleague, state Senator Art Haywood, to raise awareness about legislative efforts to raise the minimum wage, especially his Raise the Wage bill,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Raising the minimum wage would help reverse decades of pay inequality and narrow the racial pay gap for workers of color. Raising the minimum wage also benefits our economy as working families will be able to spend more, injecting revenue into Pennsylvania’s economy, and strengthening our overall financial health.” "Raising the minimum wage is a form of respect for the dignity of hardworking people,” Haywood said. "Right now, the minimum wage doesn’t justly compensate our people for the work they do and doesn’t allow them to live a decent life. Our working people deserve a living wage, which allows them to have a roof over their heads and food on the table. My legislation would establish a $15-per-hour minimum wage for Read more

 

House Health Committee reports out key bill to improve Black maternal health

(Jun 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The realities for women in this country are grave, the legislators said. Among resource-rich nations, the United States is the least-safest country to have a baby. Furthermore, Pennsylvania falls in the bottom half of the nation for maternal mortality rates – ranking 26th in the country. Nearly 19 out of 100,000 live births in Pennsylvania result in the death of the mother. In 2021, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. And Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Read more

 

Kinkead: PSEA calls for universal school meals

(Jun 14, 2023) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Joins 20 school districts in supporting bills to provide free school meals Read more

 

Kim’s bill to extend PACE/PACENET benefits passes House unanimously

(Jun 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 14 – Legislation (H.B. 1184) introduced by state Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, to extend the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment moratorium when determining eligibility for the state’s prescription drug programs for seniors passed the House unanimously yesterday. “This bill would help safeguard Pennsylvania's seniors’ health and wellness by ensuring they can continue to access essential medications through the PACE and PACENET programs without undue financial burden,” Kim said. “My bill would enable nearly 29,400 more seniors to remain eligible for these lifesaving programs.” Currently, PACE and PACENET programs benefit approximately 231,000 older Pennsylvanians, offering critical support and access to vital medications. When Social Security COLA increases occur, some older Pennsylvanians discover they exceed income eligibility thresholds and are no longer eligible for these programs. Thanks to the last extension in 2021, approximately 10,000 PACE and PACENET cardholders were able to retain their benefits despite Social Security COLA increases. Unfortunately, that moratorium is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2023. According to Kim, the projected 8.7% Social Security COLA for 2023 could result in almost 29,400 older adults losing their benefits due to exceeding the eligibility limits. In response to this imminent threat to Pennsylvania’s seniors, Kim proposed extending the current Social Read more

 

Waxman celebrates House passage of his measure to reduce cell phone bills

(Jun 13, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 13 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., today celebrated the passage of his legislation that would reduce cell phone bills for families across the state. “ This is about providing financial relief to individuals and families across the entire state ,” Waxman said. “ We all rely on cell phones for communication, work, and staying connected to loved ones. They have become an essential part of our lives, and it’s only fair that we work to alleviate the excessive tax burdens placed on Pennsylvanians.” Waxman’s legislation would exempt cell phone service from the 6% sales and use tax, as well as the 5% gross receipts tax. This legislation follows Gov. Josh Shapiro’s state budget plan and would save Pennsylvania families an estimated $124 million per year. According to Waxman, Pennsylvania has the seventh highest combined rate of taxes and other government fees and surcharges on cell phone bills at 16.62%. At this time, 68% of American households do not have a landline and rely solely on cell phones for voice communication. Waxman said lower-income households and younger individuals are more likely to be wireless-only. Further, 15% of Americans use cellular data on their smartphones as their only method of accessing the internet, as these families do not have broadband internet service. For more information, those interested can contact Waxman’s Read more

 

Salisbury’s bill to reduce blight advances out of committee

(Jun 13, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 13 – A bill introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, that would reduce blight and revitalize community properties advanced out of the PA House Housing & Community Development Committee today. The legislation ( H.B. 1163 ) would update current property law to allow communities to make vacant blighted or abandoned properties subject to potential acquisition by land banks. Owners of such properties would be granted a set amount of time to make the repairs needed to reverse the designation and could appeal the designation. "In my five years as a borough council member, I saw firsthand how these neglected properties can become safety hazards and sources of frustration for communities,” Salisbury said. “As a council member, however, my ability to help neighbors deal with problem properties was limited by what the law allowed. My goal with this legislation is to add another tool to local governments' toolboxes and help put properties back to productive use. My bill delivers a ‘use it or lose it’ message to urge property owners into action and improve communities' ability to address blight.” Salisbury said her legislation does not require land banks to acquire vacant properties designated as abandoned and/or distressed but, instead, allows them to do so if they wish. House Bill 1163 is Salisbury’s first bill as a state representative. It now heads to the full House for consideration. Read more

 

House passes Merski bill to help Pennsylvania fight blight

(Jun 13, 2023) Rep. Robert Merski

"Today’s House action brings us a step closer to addressing a major urban enemy,” Merski said. “Vacant, distressed properties have been a persistent problem for Erie and other communities, but many lack a dedicated budget for code enforcement, so these efforts often go by the wayside. “My bill would help us break that cycle by giving local governments the resources they need to turn things around." Read more

 

Munroe bill to address teacher, police and nurse shortages passes PA House
Jun 20, 2023

PA House passes Pisciottano, Green bill to protect hotel workers
Jun 20, 2023

PA House passes Freeman land bank legislation
Jun 20, 2023

State Government Committee approves resolution on Juneteenth
Jun 20, 2023

Neilson introduces resolution to extend Gov. Shapiro’s emergency declaration
Jun 16, 2023

Smith-Wade-El issues statement on Pittsburgh synogogue shooting trial verdict
Jun 16, 2023

Frankel speaks at courthouse as jury returns guilty verdict against Pittsburgh synagogue shooter
Jun 16, 2023

Pennsylvania House OKs bills to increase phone bill fees to support 911, 988
Jun 16, 2023

Philadelphia wants harsher penalties for illegal dirt bikes than state allows
Jun 16, 2023

Mayes, McClinton advocate for ending hair discrimination
Jun 15, 2023

Cephas and Daley taking Pa. reproductive rights conversation to White House
Jun 15, 2023

Kinsey 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline bill passes House
Jun 14, 2023

State Reps. Fiedler, Schweyer, Merski, Hill-Evans and advocates urge PA Legislature to fund school facilities in 2023-24 state budget
Jun 14, 2023

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22
Jun 14, 2023

House Health Committee reports out key bill to improve Black maternal health
Jun 14, 2023

Kinkead: PSEA calls for universal school meals
Jun 14, 2023

Kim’s bill to extend PACE/PACENET benefits passes House unanimously
Jun 14, 2023

Waxman celebrates House passage of his measure to reduce cell phone bills
Jun 13, 2023

Salisbury’s bill to reduce blight advances out of committee
Jun 13, 2023

House passes Merski bill to help Pennsylvania fight blight
Jun 13, 2023