Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus | News Center

News Center

Central PA Delegation calls on PA Senate to take action to end hair discrimination in the state by passing the Crown Act

(Oct 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – After a recent incident where leaders of a Catholic School in Penbrook, Dauphin County, allegedly concluded that the hair length of a 5-year-old student violated the student conduct policies of the institution, members of the Central Pa Delegation today said episodes like this must force the PA Senate to take action and help end hair discrimination in the state by passing the Crown Act. Delegation Chair state Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr. explained that the group condemns any form of discrimination based on a person’s hair type, hair texture or hairstyle in the state and emphasized the need for the Senate to pass H.B. 1394 ( The Pennsylvania CROWN Act ), legislation that has been stuck in the Senate for more than a year and a half. The bill passed the PA House of Representatives on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 182-21 on July 7, 2023. “ This incident exemplifies one of the million reasons why the Senate needs to stop the arbitrary delays, face the elephant in the room and provide hair discrimination protections in Pennsylvania. This is certainly one of many ways we can better the quality of life in our communities,” said Guzman about the act, which is modeled on and inspired by the National CROWN Coalition and its ongoing efforts to pass a federal CROWN Act. “Today we are talking about a 5-year-old student, but on a regular basis we also hear of stories of explicit and Read more

 

Salisbury joins health advocates at Capitol news conference to raise awareness about at-birth genetic testing, Gaucher disease

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury joined health advocates and lawmakers today at a Capitol news conference to raise awareness that the state provides newborn screening for a wide range of genetic diseases and to urge that Gaucher disease be added to the list of screened diseases. “It’s important for parents to know that Pennsylvania already performs genetic screening for a wide range of listed genetic diseases right at birth,” Salisbury said. “As of now, Gaucher disease is not on that list, which means that hospitals and parents don’t automatically receive information on whether their newborn has the disease. “We’re here to raise awareness about that and to ask the state to reconsider adding Gaucher disease to the list so parents can know from the start whether their child needs treatment.” Also speaking at the event were Aviva Fisher Rosenberg, who is co-founder of the Gaucher Community Alliance; Majority House Health Committee Chairman Rep. Dan Frankel; and Rep. Tarik Khan, who is a member of the House Health Committee and the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus. Gaucher disease is an inherited disorder that is most common in Jewish people of Eastern and Central European descent. The disease can impair organ function, weaken bones and damage bone marrow, resulting in multiple complications, including blood cancers. The disease can appear at any age. A rare Read more

 

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates progress on legislation

(Oct 01, 2024) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 -- #MOMNIBUS update! Two of our MOMNIBUS bills were approved in the PA Senate Health and Human Services Committee today, putting them in position to be considered by the full Senate as early as next week! We’re so close to getting these important measures across the finish line! House Bill 1608 , introduced by PA Black Maternal Health Caucus co-chair Morgan Cephas , would extend Medicaid coverage to doula services while also creating a Doula Advisory Board. Under the bill, Medicaid would reimburse certified doulas for providing childbirth education and support services, including physical and emotional support, during pregnancy, labor and delivery and up to one year postpartum. House Bill 2127 , introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler , PA Black Maternal Health Caucus co-chair Gina H. Curry and state Rep. Lisa Borowski , would empower the Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign about the symptoms and effects of postpartum depression and DOH to centralize access to organizations that provide counseling for PPD on their website and on fact sheets available in doctor’s offices. The bills now go to the full Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Conklin highlights bills at Capitol news conference to combat domestic violence

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – As Pennsylvania and the nation begin observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, state Rep. Scott Conklin held a Capitol news conference today to highlight legislation he has introduced to prevent domestic abuse and protect survivors. Conklin, D-Centre, discussed his bill that would allow electronic monitoring of domestic abusers and his newly introduced legislation that would bar convicted abusers from holding public office. “The statistics involving domestic violence are grim,” Conklin said. “According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women, one in four men and nearly half of LGBTQ+ people will experience this abuse in their lifetime. Sometimes, that abuse will turn deadly. Worse still, the statistics have been moving in the wrong direction.” Conklin discussed how a friend’s murder prompted him to introduce H.B. 1982 , which would permit the use of electronic ankle bracelets to monitor the movements of someone with a protection from abuse order. “My long-time family friend – Traci Ann Raymond – was stalked and murdered by her estranged husband,” Conklin said. “If she had had more warning regarding his presence, Traci might still be alive today.” Conklin also discussed his newly introduced legislation – H.B. 2580 – that would prohibit those convicted of domestic violence from Read more

 

Venkat legislation to regulate use of artificial intelligence in processing health insurance claims discussed in committee

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bill that would provide greater oversight to the implementation of artificial intelligence by health insurance companies when determining the appropriateness of claims was the subject of an informational hearing today in the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee. “The rapid growth in the use of artificial intelligence in the health industry may help improve the efficiency of processing insurance claims, but streamlining this process may deprive people of the human connection essential in doctor-patient relationships,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “My bill would not only keep that bond intact, but it would ensure that the deciding determination of claims is in the hands of qualified medical professionals and out of the hands of software programmed to make that call.” House Bill 1663 would place several requirements regarding AI that insurers must follow. They are: Disclosing to clinicians, subscribers and the public that claims evaluations use AI algorithms. Defining “algorithms used in claims review” as clinical review criteria and, therefore, ensuring they are subject to existing laws and regulations that such criteria is grounded in clinical evidence. Requiring specialized health care professionals who review claims for health insurance companies and rely on initial AI algorithms for such reviews to individually open each clinical record or clinical Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Oct 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: November 5, 2024 More information: PennDOT website Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Who May Apply: Volunteer and career fire, EMS, and rescue companies in counties where unconventional gas well drilling is permitted and counties that directly border permitted counties and respond to related emergencies. Use: Funds may be used for certification, equipment, and Read more

 

Warren named chair of House Human Services Committee

(Oct 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Perry Warren has been appointed by House Speaker Joanna McClinton as majority chairman of the PA House of Representatives’ Human Services Committee. The House Human Services Committee addresses issues relating to Pennsylvania's social services, including behavioral health, intellectual disabilities and autism services, medical assistance, and more. It oversees the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. “I am honored that Speaker McClinton has confidence in me and my ability to chair this important committee,” Warren said. “The Human Services Committee through legislation and action addresses important issues facing many Pennsylvania individuals and families.” Warren, D-Bucks, succeeds former Chairman Stephen Kinsey, who resigned from the House this summer to pursue other opportunities. “Representative Warren is a thoughtful leader and a proven collaborator,” McClinton said. “As a legislator he has worked alongside his colleagues and stakeholders to promote policies to keep Pennsylvanians healthy and safe, and his experience and leadership are assets that will make him an effective chairman of the Human Services Committee.” Serving in his fourth term in the House, Warren will continue to serve as vice chair of the House Insurance Read more

 

OPINION: Pennsylvania Needs to Properly Fund Its Transportation System

(Oct 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania has more roads and bridges than New York, New Jersey, and all the New England states combined. We have roads that we must police, plow and pave. Yet currently, PennDOT is facing an annual budget shortfall of $9.4 billion. This doesn’t include all the local roads and bridges that are maintained by local governments, which need relief as well. Act 89 of 2013 marked the last time the state legislature attempted to address transportation funding. It’s time to address it again – and make sure we include all aspects of transportation, especially public transit. The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee just wrapped up a series of public hearings across the state to discuss how our transportation infrastructure impacts communities and what we need to address in the state legislature. This series of public meetings focused on many aspects of transportation. We spoke of ways to properly fund our infrastructure, workforce, public transit, and airports. All these areas have a great impact on Pennsylvania’s economy, and we must do everything as state legislators to keep Pennsylvanians connected. From Philadelphia’s busy streets to the quiet towns of central Pennsylvania, a reliable and well-funded transit system is crucial for keeping our state connected. A lack of reliable public transportation would have a devastating effect in all 67 counties of the commonwealth. Yet, despite its importance, public transit funding is Read more

 

Committee OKs Haddock bill to modernize PA sign language law

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Jim Haddock

"In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state lost many ASL interpreters, and they are not being replaced with enough qualified incoming interpreters due to changes in the testing system for interpreters,” said Haddock. Read more

 

Harris sworn in, ready to get to work

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Keith S Harris

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Today, state Rep. Keith S. Harris, D-Phila., was sworn in to serve as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 195th Legislative District, located in north Philadelphia and encompassing the neighborhoods of Stanton, Brewerytown, Girard and parts of Strawberry Mansion. Harris was elected to office when he won a special election on Sept. 17, and he now has officially taken office. “I am beyond humbled and grateful to my neighbors in the 195 th Legislative District for allowing me to represent them in Harrisburg. I will do everything in my power to earn their trust and ensure that their faith in me is well-founded,” Harris said. “Whether it is providing constituent services or passing legislation that addresses issues affecting our community and the state at large, I am ready to get to work.” Harris stated that his priorities include addressing criminal justice, mental health, education, workers’ rights and housing. Video from Harris’ swearing-in can be viewed here . Read more

 

Carroll sworn in to serve Pennsylvania’s 201st Legislative District in Philadelphia

(Sep 30, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Today, state Rep. Andre D. Carroll, D-Phila., was sworn in to serve as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 201 st Legislative District, located in Northwest Philadelphia and encompassing the neighborhoods of Germantown, Logan and West Oak Lane. Carroll was elected to office when he won a special election on Sept. 17, and he now has officially taken office. “I am beyond blessed for this opportunity to serve as state representative for the community I grew up in,” Carroll said. “I’m ready to hit the ground running with providing my constituents state government-related services and addressing key issues affecting Northwest Philadelphia and many communities across Pennsylvania.” Carroll said that the key issues he looks to address include criminal justice, health care, education, environmental justice, workers’ rights and housing. “For far too long, communities like mine have been neglected and in return greatly affected by these issues,” Carroll said. “I personally have been affected by many of these issues and I am committed to working tirelessly so they can be resolved and Northwest Philadelphians, and all Pennsylvanians, can have a greater quality of life.” Video from Carroll’s swearing-in can be viewed here . More information about Carroll can be found in his biography . Read more

 

Venkat’s legislation for prompt processing of Medical Assistance applications and long-term care facility reimbursement discussed in committee

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bill that would establish timelines for Medical Assistance applications to be approved or renewed for eligible individuals transitioning to long-term care facilities and compensate those facilities for all services provided during the application processing period was the subject of an informational hearing today in the Pennsylvania House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee. As proposed, H.B. 2320 would require the state Department of Human Services and county assistance offices meet said benchmarks. Long-term care facilities could receive part of the funds owed to them faster and request a status update on pending application(s). The department could also end reimbursement to facilities if a person’s Medical Assistance request is denied and claw back any previous interim payments in such circumstances. “Long-term care facilities are vital pillars of the health community in more ways than one. This includes maintaining quality and quantity of care as an individual’s eligibility for Medical Assistance is determined,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “We must, however, compensate these institutions in a timely manner so they can continue to perform their great work. My bill holds state and county offices accountable, in terms of MA application turnaround, and benefits patient and provider alike.” House Bill 2320 will be the subject of further deliberation in the Read more

 

Neilson committee advances legislation on parking-protected bicycle lanes

(Sep 30, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee, chaired by state Rep. Ed Neilson, advanced legislation that would give local authorities the option to install parking-protected bicycle lanes between the curb and parking lanes on roadways under their jurisdiction. Senate Bill 1147 was amended by the committee today to add the provisions regarding parking-protected bicycle lanes. “My priority as transportation chair is to ensure the safety and well-being of anyone who uses Pennsylvania roads,” Neilson said. “You can see that reflected in the legislation we’ve passed this year, a lot of which surrounds the safety of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in Pennsylvania.” The House previously passed legislation on parking protected bicycle lanes in June 2023 with overwhelming bipartisan support, but it was never considered in the Senate. Neilson said he felt compelled to make another push for this legislation after Dr. Barbara Friedes, a pediatrician with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, was tragically struck and killed while riding her bicycle in a bike lane over the summer in Philadelphia. “I’ve got five kids and three grandkids; I can’t imagine having to bury one of my own over something which could have been prevented with a protected bike lane.” Neilson said. “I hope this bill moves quickly and we can avoid more tragic fatalities in Pennsylvania.” Neilson thanked his colleagues, Read more

 

Consumer protection committee advances multiple bills to help consumers and ratepayers, safeguard workers

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – In a voting meeting on multiple bills today, the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee approved measures to protect consumers from unfair sales and marketing tactics and reauthorize soon-to-expire protections for ratepayers and utility workers, Majority Chairman Rob Matzie announced. “We moved some common-sense bills today that address real-world problems, from the need for greater flexibility in utility payment plans to protecting consumers from unfair solicitation and subscription tactics,” Matzie said. “We also advanced bills to reauthorize some important laws that are expiring, including the PA One Call safe digging law. I’m looking forward to getting all these measures up for a full House vote and across the finish line.” The specific bills advanced include: H.B. 1077 (Matzie) , which would re-authorize and update Pennsylvania’s utility shutoff protection law to provide more flexibility to consumers. H.B. 2189 (Matzie) , which would re-authorize the soon-to-expire PA One Call law that safeguards workers and prevents major damage to underground utility lines. H.B. 116 (Ciresi) , which would give consumers signed up for recurring subscriptions a simple, one-click option to cancel. H.B. 2557 (Borowski) , which would bring greater transparency and consumer Read more

 

McNeill appointed chair of PA House Children & Youth Committee

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

“It is an honor to be named the chair of the House Children and Youth Committee allowing me the opportunity to continue to fight for the maximization of our future leaders’ experiences,” said McNeill. Read more

 

Pa. House Dems hold public budget briefing in Allegheny County

(Sep 27, 2024) Appropriations

Lawmakers detail state budget process, answer questions from community Read more

 

Matzie joins Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to highlight new budget resources for workforce training

(Sep 27, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

MONACA, Sept. 27 – State Rep. Rob Matzie joined Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Thursday at Beaver County Career & Technology Center to highlight how funding in the new state budget will strengthen workforce development for Beaver County. Matzie, who recently announced more than $1 million in new funding to expand area apprenticeships, said investments in the 2024-25 state budget will ensure those opportunities continue for area grads. “We’re fortunate here in Beaver County to have excellent schools like BCCTC, whose programs turn out talented, motivated grads,” Matzie said. “We worked hard to pass a budget that will fortify those programs by providing a $30 million increase for career and technical education and equipment. “These are dollars that ensure our schools can continue providing state-of-the-art tools and training, so our next generation of young workers have paths to success – in the skilled trades, in teaching, in nursing – in wherever their interests and talents and dreams take them.” On Monday, Matzie announced nearly $1.2 million in new funding to expand apprenticeships in the skilled trade and early childhood education fields. Read more

 

Williams announces $1.6 million in state funding for regional apprenticeship programs

(Sep 27, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

COATESVILLE, Sept. 27 – Regional southeastern Pennsylvania organizations with branches in Chester County will receive $1,596,635 in state funding to create and expand apprenticeship programs, state Rep. Dan Williams announced today. “This nearly $1.6 million in state funding will help young people gain critical workforce skills while earning a paycheck in these in-demand fields in Chester County such as the medical, biomedical and transportation industries,” Williams said. “The new and expanded apprenticeship programs are a win-win for our jobseekers and employers alike. They will provide opportunities for talented young people to be trained in lucrative, growing fields and for companies to fill critical positions with highly qualified individuals from a diverse talent pool.” The funding will be allocated to the following organizations: $600,000 to Drexel University for its existing registered apprenticeship, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, and will leverage LPN and RN bridge models to build and register an Associate of Registered Nurse program. Drexel University works in partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit. $596,989.70 for the Wistar Institute to expand its Biomedical Technician Training program to create a sustainable apprenticeship network for Quality Control Analysts. This program is available for students at Delaware County Community College, which serves Chester County. $399,645.26 for the Southeastern Read more

 

Rabb highlights bold legislation to crack down on school book bans during Banned Book Week

(Sep 25, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Sept. 25 – In line with National Banned Books Week , state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., is highlighting legislation he reintroduced in 2023 that would establish procedures to protect public school students’ right to read and learn. “Book bans are an attempt to censor educators and restrict the information and educational materials that students can have access to in school,” Rabb said. “In addition, these effectively unilateral decisions made by school boards are extremely harmful to LGBTQ+ youth and students of color, given that the subjects discussed in these so-called ‘inappropriate’ and ‘explicit’ books often discuss many serious and real issues impacting these communities.” Efforts taken to ban books are often unpopular among both teachers and students, Rabb said. However, misinformed, politically motivated members of school boards continue to run roughshod despite protests by education professionals and students themselves. Pennsylvania has the dubious distinction of being the state with the second highest number of books banned from school libraries and curriculum by school boards. And at a time when the prospects of right-wing censorship efforts loom large, such initiatives as Project 2025 would force librarians and teachers to be registered as sex offenders for making available and teaching books that extremists simply don’t Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to ensure spouses of PA’s fallen first responders receive all the benefits they deserve

(Sep 24, 2024) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, Sept. 24 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would provide financial assistance to the spouses of Pennsylvania first responders killed in the line of duty. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 2559 ) would clarify a provision in the state Workers’ Compensation Act and ensure surviving spouses of emergency personnel continue to receive death benefits, even if they choose to remarry. Current law does keep retirement pensions in place at 50% for surviving spouses, but death benefits cease upon remarriage. “Our first responders risk everything to protect us and some make the ultimate sacrifice. Standing with them means standing with their families,” Powell said. “It’s only right to have their backs, and my bill would help give them the financial stability to rebuild their lives.” The bill has been referred to the PA House Labor & Industry Committee. Read more

 

Central PA Delegation calls on PA Senate to take action to end hair discrimination in the state by passing the Crown Act
Oct 01, 2024

Salisbury joins health advocates at Capitol news conference to raise awareness about at-birth genetic testing, Gaucher disease
Oct 01, 2024

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus celebrates progress on legislation
Oct 01, 2024

Conklin highlights bills at Capitol news conference to combat domestic violence
Oct 01, 2024

Venkat legislation to regulate use of artificial intelligence in processing health insurance claims discussed in committee
Oct 01, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 01, 2024

Warren named chair of House Human Services Committee
Oct 01, 2024

OPINION: Pennsylvania Needs to Properly Fund Its Transportation System
Oct 01, 2024

Committee OKs Haddock bill to modernize PA sign language law
Oct 01, 2024

Harris sworn in, ready to get to work
Sep 30, 2024

Carroll sworn in to serve Pennsylvania’s 201st Legislative District in Philadelphia
Sep 30, 2024

Venkat’s legislation for prompt processing of Medical Assistance applications and long-term care facility reimbursement discussed in committee
Sep 30, 2024

Neilson committee advances legislation on parking-protected bicycle lanes
Sep 30, 2024

Consumer protection committee advances multiple bills to help consumers and ratepayers, safeguard workers
Sep 30, 2024

McNeill appointed chair of PA House Children & Youth Committee
Sep 30, 2024

Pa. House Dems hold public budget briefing in Allegheny County
Sep 27, 2024

Matzie joins Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to highlight new budget resources for workforce training
Sep 27, 2024

Williams announces $1.6 million in state funding for regional apprenticeship programs
Sep 27, 2024

Rabb highlights bold legislation to crack down on school book bans during Banned Book Week
Sep 25, 2024

Powell introduces bill to ensure spouses of PA’s fallen first responders receive all the benefits they deserve
Sep 24, 2024