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Pennsylvania bill looks to remove PSP from Motor License Fund to rebuild roads, bridges

(Apr 09, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Funding PA's roads and bridges is an investment in our economic strength, every $1 spent on transportation generates up to $3.60 in economic activity. Read more

 

PA House passes Benham, Miller bill for 911 dispatchers

(Apr 08, 2025) Rep. Jessica Benham, Rep. Dan Miller

Proposal to recognize 911 telecommunicators as first responders clears House Read more

 

Pielli’s concurrent jurisdiction unanimously bill passes House

(Apr 08, 2025) Rep. Chris Pielli

“When military installations are under exclusive federal jurisdiction, military children who find themselves in trouble are often forced through a federal justice system that does not offer as many rehabilitative options as does our Commonwealth,” Pielli said. “This system lacks appropriate juvenile-focused resources and may result in military-connected juveniles being tried more harshly while their peers off-base may be steered into more appropriate channels. Read more

 

House OKs Kosierowski medical test results bill

(Apr 07, 2025) Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski

"The goal of my bill is to reduce undue anxiety while ensuring patients have control over their own health care information,” said Kosierowski. Read more

 

Goughnour sworn in as new state representative of PA’s 35th Legislative District

(Apr 07, 2025) Rep. Dan Goughnour

HARRISBURG, April 7 – State Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-Allegheny, took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to become the new state representative of Pennsylvania’s 35th Legislative District. “I’m honored and privileged to advocate for the rights and needs of western Pennsylvanians and those across the Commonwealth. I would also be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the great achievements and example set by my predecessor, Matt Gergely,” Goughnour said. “I want to honor his legacy and do my part to institute positive change. I look forward to working with my new colleagues in the House to make this goal possible.” Goughnour’s legislative priorities include strengthening public safety measures and increasing funding for them, boosting job training programs to provide more opportunities for residents, continuing to support public schools, and working to reduce the cost of everyday essentials for families. He previously served for more than 16 years as a law enforcement officer with the McKeesport Police Department and, most recently, as captain of police detectives. His public service career also includes being on the McKeesport Area School District board, and he is a current member of Teamsters Local 205. Goughnour won March’s Legislative District 35 special election, necessitated by the passing of the late Rep. Matthew R. Gergely at the beginning of the year. Read more

 

Lawmakers launch bipartisan Fire & EMS Caucus

(Apr 07, 2025) Rep. Lisa Borowski

“We’ve been listening to firefighters, chiefs, and EMS workers not only in our own communities, but traveling to others across the commonwealth to hear their most pressing concerns. From those serving our cities to our townships, one message was consistent: fire and EMS systems are stretched thin,” Borowski said. Read more

 

Pittsburgh state rep. pushes new protections for Pennsylvania’s abortion clinics

(Apr 07, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell

Pittsburgh-area state Rep. Lindsay Powell is rallying in Harrisburg today, urging lawmakers to enshrine into Pennsylvania law a federal act that protects abortion clinics from threats and damages. Powell’s bill comes on the heels of a Trump administration memo directing the Department of Justice to dismiss several cases against those accused of obstructing care at reproductive health clinics. Read more

 

An Open Letter to the Lawyers and Law Firms the Trump Administration Seeks to Silence

(Apr 02, 2025) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton, Rep. Emily Kinkead

We, the undersigned lawyer-legislators of the Pennsylvania state House of Representatives, are appalled though tragically not surprised by President Trump's latest attack on the rule of law. As outlined in the Presidential Memorandum of March 22, 2025, SUBJECT: Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court, the President instructed the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to weaponize the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and any other regulations governing attorney conduct and discipline to silence the zealous advocacy of lawyers and law firms across the nation. We will not allow the Trump Administration’s attempt with this memorandum to chill legal representation that inconveniences its efforts to undermine the Constitution, gut essential programs, attack vulnerable groups and individuals, and otherwise subvert the rule of law to go unchallenged. Read more

 

Venkat, Cerrato, Giral, Kosierowski, Marcell, Mihalek, Shaffer, & Warner introduce bipartisan legislation to update statutes on the use of epinephrine to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis

(Apr 02, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat, Rep. Melissa Cerrato, Rep. Jose Giral, Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski

HARRISBURG, April 2 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Melissa Cerrato, Jose Giral, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Kristin Marcell, Natalie Mihalek, Jeremy Shaffer and Ryan Warner have introduced two bipartisan bills that would ensure all Food and Drug Administration-approved formulations of epinephrine – used to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis – can be administered in Pennsylvania schools and other settings as currently codified in state law. The legislative package (H.B.s 1043 and 1044 ) would replace “epinephrine auto-injector” with “epinephrine delivery system” in current statutes related to the use of epinephrine under state law. In August 2024, the FDA approved a nasal formulation of epinephrine for treatment of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, necessitating an update of current state law. “A quick and decisive response often means the difference between life and death for patients suffering from an allergic reaction, and epinephrine is the definitive treatment for this serious or even life-threatening condition. By making a simple change in statutory terminology, other FDA-approved formulations of epinephrine will be recognized under Pennsylvania law and ensure that we can rapidly treat serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in schools and other settings across the Commonwealth,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I’m so grateful to all my legislative partners for their collaboration Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta, Policy Committee examine chaotic federal maneuvers

(Apr 02, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Thousands of Pennsylvania workers have had their lives turned upside down, and the loss of the critical services they provide will have devastating consequences for Pennsylvania,” Kenyatta said. “DOGE continues to try and hide its many errors through dishonest and messaging about what it’s doing to eliminate ‘fraud.’ What they are really doing is trying to find any way to slide billionaires more tax cuts at the expense of working people.” Read more

 

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Here are the latest grant opportunities that are open for applications. Read more

 

Abney introduces bill to ensure landlords are transparent with tenants on utility bills

(Mar 31, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, March 31 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, today introduced a bill that would require landlords to share, upon request, utility bills with tenants. The legislation ( H.B. 1034 ) would only apply to tenants who pay their landlords directly for utilities and whose fees are not determined by unit usage meters. “When paying landlords directly for utilities, tenants deserve the assurance that what they’re asked to pay is the same amount reflected on the actual utility bill,” Abney said. “My legislation would create more access and transparency and would minimize landlord tenant disputes over utility costs.” Residents in Abney’s district have been affected by this issue, which a similar law in Maryland has already addressed. Abney’s bill was referred to the Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee. Read more

 

House passes Borowski bill to simplify rules for ordinances adopted by townships

(Mar 27, 2025) Rep. Lisa Borowski

“This is homegrown legislation that provides a simple fix to a pervasive issue brought to my attention by Newtown Township Supervisor Leonard Altieri,” Borowski said. “The current five-day restriction is unique to second-class townships, which are our most common local government type in Pennsylvania, and it hinders their governing effectiveness." Read more

 

State lawmakers release plans to protect PA immigrant communities

(Mar 27, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 26 – Today, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Welcoming Caucus united at the Capitol to announce legislative initiatives to support families, fortify communities, protect workers and uphold the integrity of the legal system. The Welcoming Caucus is a bicameral group of legislators dedicated to ensuring Pennsylvania remains a welcoming place of opportunity and connection. Members recognize the enormous contributions of immigrant communities and advocate for policies that promote social and economic justice and protect civil rights and freedoms. As the Trump administration ramps up attacks on immigrant communities across the country, members of the Welcoming Caucus have introduced a suite of bills that seek to uphold and protect the rights of all Pennsylvanians. The press conference to highlight the legislation was hosted by Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila, who chairs the Welcoming Caucus in the House, and Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Phila, who chairs the Welcoming Caucus in the Senate. “My support for immigrant rights is based on my belief in the value of all working people. Organized labor was born in immigrant communities from the coal mines in Pennsylvania, sweatshops in New York and the grape harvests in California,” Hohenstein said. “I consider my work for immigrants to be the same as my work on behalf of the people of my neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Everyone wants safer Read more

 

Kinkead, Munroe push DNA privacy bill amid 23andMe bankruptcy

(Mar 27, 2025) Rep. Emily Kinkead, Rep. Brian Munroe

Legislation would strengthen genetic data protections for Pennsylvanians Read more

 

Venkat and Kuzma introduce bipartisan legislation to give pharmaceutical professionals greater representation on PA board

(Mar 26, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Andrew Kuzma have introduced a bipartisan bill that would update the membership of the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy . The legislation ( H.B. 980 ) would add a second pharmacist working in hospitals and health systems and a pharmacy technician to the board, increasing professional representation from five to seven. “Adding these medical specialists to the state pharmacy board strengthens its pool of knowledge and widens its scope of perspectives. This translates into the implementation of more informed, inclusive and insightful oversight of pharmacy practice in Pennsylvania,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “Thank you to Rep. Kuzma for partnering with me on this legislation that would give pharmacists across the Commonwealth more tools and resources to meet the needs of patients.” “By adding professional representation to the board, a wider variety of viewpoints can be weighed when making decisions and implementing policies,” Kuzma, R-Allegheny/Washington, added. “I’m pleased to join with Rep. Venkat on this matter. We are committed to bipartisan efforts to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.” House Bill 980 amends the Pharmacy Act of 1961 and has been referred to the PA House Professional Licensure Committee. Read more

 

Abney’s bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs ceremonially signed into law

(Mar 26, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Rep. Aerion Abney’s bill that excludes a portion of a person’s potential revenue when determining their financial eligibility for senior prescription programs was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro at the state Capitol today. Act 118 of 2024 , formerly H.B. 2378, went into effect October 2024 and does 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. “Older Pennsylvanians need to stay connected to the medications they need to maintain and improve their health and well-being. Excluding savings bond earnings also allows them to get the most out of such a proactive investment by keeping more money in their pockets,” said Abney, D-Allegheny. “I want to thank Governor Shapiro, my colleagues in the House and Senate, and all other stakeholders for helping to support PA’s seniors through my legislation.” PACE is funded entirely by the Pennsylvania Lottery and has helped more than 1.6 million Pennsylvania seniors pay for more than 360 million prescriptions. PACE and PACENET serve more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. Act 118 of 2024 is Abney’s first bill as a state representative to become law. Read more

 

House passes Freeman bill to allow more land banks to revitalize communities

(Mar 25, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Land banks help affected neighborhoods and business districts to be revitalized. We should be doing everything we can at the state level to encourage economic development, transform communities and improve quality of life in municipalities of all sizes,” said Freeman. Read more

 

PA House Passes Affordable Care Act Protections

(Mar 25, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Democrats voted unanimously for the bills, which would ensure that these essential protections remain in place for Pennsylvanians despite threats to dismantle the ACA at the federal level. Read more

 

Bills aimed at helping businesses, people impacted by Northeast Philly jet crash advance in PA House

(Mar 25, 2025) Rep. Jared G. Solomon

HARRISBURG, March 25 - Two bills that would help people and businesses impacted by the medical jet crash in Northeast Philadelphia cleared the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today, according to the bills’ sponsor, state Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila. On Jan. 31, Med Jets Flight 056 crashed in and around the Castor Gardens neighborhood, immediately reshaping the lives of many residents. Solomon, who serves as the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee’s chairman, introduced legislation ( H.B. 1001 and H.B. 877 ) in response to the tragic crash. House Bill 877 would provide targeted grants and loans to businesses impacted by the crash. Under the bill, the Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority would issue grants to community development financial institutions to provide technical assistance, training and other support to affected businesses. CDFIs would also be able to provide loans to those businesses to help them repair and reopen. “As we look to rebuild a thriving thoroughfare of our city, we are focused on many recovery efforts, including ensuring our businesses can reclaim their footing and reopen as quickly as possible,” Solomon said. Additionally, H.B. 1001 would exclude recovery payments related to the Med Jets Flight 056 crash from state income for tax purposes. “It’s important that impacted residents Read more

 

Pennsylvania bill looks to remove PSP from Motor License Fund to rebuild roads, bridges
Apr 09, 2025

PA House passes Benham, Miller bill for 911 dispatchers
Apr 08, 2025

Pielli’s concurrent jurisdiction unanimously bill passes House
Apr 08, 2025

House OKs Kosierowski medical test results bill
Apr 07, 2025

Goughnour sworn in as new state representative of PA’s 35th Legislative District
Apr 07, 2025

Lawmakers launch bipartisan Fire & EMS Caucus
Apr 07, 2025

Pittsburgh state rep. pushes new protections for Pennsylvania’s abortion clinics
Apr 07, 2025

An Open Letter to the Lawyers and Law Firms the Trump Administration Seeks to Silence
Apr 02, 2025

Venkat, Cerrato, Giral, Kosierowski, Marcell, Mihalek, Shaffer, & Warner introduce bipartisan legislation to update statutes on the use of epinephrine to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Apr 02, 2025

Rep. Kenyatta, Policy Committee examine chaotic federal maneuvers
Apr 02, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 01, 2025

Abney introduces bill to ensure landlords are transparent with tenants on utility bills
Mar 31, 2025

House passes Borowski bill to simplify rules for ordinances adopted by townships
Mar 27, 2025

State lawmakers release plans to protect PA immigrant communities
Mar 27, 2025

Kinkead, Munroe push DNA privacy bill amid 23andMe bankruptcy
Mar 27, 2025

Venkat and Kuzma introduce bipartisan legislation to give pharmaceutical professionals greater representation on PA board
Mar 26, 2025

Abney’s bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs ceremonially signed into law
Mar 26, 2025

House passes Freeman bill to allow more land banks to revitalize communities
Mar 25, 2025

PA House Passes Affordable Care Act Protections
Mar 25, 2025

Bills aimed at helping businesses, people impacted by Northeast Philly jet crash advance in PA House
Mar 25, 2025