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

News Center

Ciresi highlights focus on safeguards and protections for AI use, correcting a legacy of education underfunding and upgrading transit infrastructure in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Feb 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, reacted to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget unveiled Tuesday before a joint session of the General Assembly. “As Majority Chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee, I was very impressed and pleased to hear the Governor’s plan to position Pennsylvania as a leader in the race for AI supremacy in a way that puts Pennsylvanians first and protects our environment. The Governor is clear about setting strong guardrails and protections, especially for the most vulnerable users, reinforcing the critical role of human judgement in the operation of AI, and expanding digital and AI literacy in the commonwealth. I look forward to our committee’s important work on these issues in the months ahead. “The budget will continue to make historic investments in our schools, with $8.31 billion (a $50 million increase) for Basic Education Funding, $1.58 billion (a $50 million increase) for Special Education Funding and $1.95 billion (a $565 million increase) to fulfill the court-mandated third installment to close the funding gap between wealthy and underfunded districts. “As a longtime advocate of cyber charter reform, I was pleased to hear that the necessary reforms we still need to make, which will save school districts and taxpayers another $75 million each year, remains a priority. This would build on the $178 million in estimated savings from the 2025-2026 Read more

 

Two bills supporting local journalism approved in committee

(Feb 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – The Pennsylvania House Communications and Technology Committee today advanced two bills aimed at supporting the development of local journalism across the commonwealth. “For the past 20 years, we’ve seen a troubling decline in the number of local newspapers and reporters covering important community issues,” said state Rep. Joseph Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Thousands of newspapers have closed, and the number of newsroom employees has dropped by more than half. Local journalism in Pennsylvania needs support. The first weeks of 2026 underscore the urgency: the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announced it will shut down, the Clinton County Record ceased publication, and the LNP Media Group in Lancaster, along with Lehigh Valley Public Media, announced significant layoffs. “The decline in local news reporting is having a devastating impact on our democracy,” Ciresi added. “If residents don’t know what’s happening in their towns and cities, how can they understand what issues need attention or hold leaders accountable? An informed electorate is the foundation of an engaged one.” Ciresi noted that the proposed bills aim to reduce news deserts by placing journalists in communities where they are needed most, preserving a strong local media environment across Pennsylvania. Introduced by state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., the legislative package addresses the growing shortage of Read more

 

Briggs anti-swatting bill passes House

(Feb 04, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, to strengthen penalties for swatting incidents targeting school entities and institutions of higher education passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today and now heads to the Senate for further consideration. House Bill 1935 would increase penalties for anyone convicted of making fake emergency reports—commonly known as “swatting”—that target school entities and institutions of higher education. Specifically, the bill would require the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing to provide for a sentencing enhancement in cases involving a terroristic threat against a school entity or an institution of higher education. It also allows judges to order restitution to cover the cost of emergency responses, supplies, equipment and overtime pay for first responders and affected employees. “Swatting is not a prank — it’s a dangerous and costly crime that puts lives at risk, wastes valuable resources, and causes real trauma,” Briggs said. “We saw this firsthand when a false report of an active shooter at Villanova University last year led to a massive police response. Dozens of public schools, colleges and universities across Pennsylvania have faced these types of threats, and it’s time to send a clear message that there will be serious consequences.” In August 2025, Villanova Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation supports Shapiro budget proposal

(Feb 03, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – The Philadelphia House Delegation offered their support for the 2026-27 state budget proposed today by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said the proposal is a great starting point that would deliver for all Philadelphians. Read more

 

Conklin: Proposed budget spends responsibly to help students and working families

(Feb 03, 2026) Rep. Scott Conklin

“The governor’s plan makes sense to me because it focuses on helping working families thrive, boosting jobs, and strengthening our public schools – all without raising taxes." Read more

 

Steele welcomes governor's support for restricting cell phones in schools

(Feb 03, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, today expressed strong support for Gov. Josh Shapiro’s renewed backing of restrictions on cell phone use in Pennsylvania schools, highlighted in his annual budget address. Read more

 

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed

(Feb 03, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Rob Matzie issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address today: “The governor’s address was a positive first step in the budget process,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “The proposed budget plan would deliver needed investments to our public schools, our workforce, and initiatives to make life more affordable for Beaver County residents – all without adding any new taxes. “To continue leveling the playing field for all public school students – regardless of ZIP code – the new budget would invest more than $500 million in additional equity funding that will provide block grants to historically underfunded districts. The new plan would also increase funding for basic and special education by $50 million each. Our Beaver County schools would see across-the-board increases to help our students thrive. “To strengthen our workforce and create more jobs, the plan would increase funding for career and technical education and vocational rehabilitation, childcare recruitment and retention, and teacher professional development and stipends. “Housing costs take the largest chunk out of a family’s budget, so having access to safe, affordable housing is key to financial stability. To increase the availability of affordable housing, the proposed budget would create a Read more

 

Burns welcomes governor’s call to fight waste, fraud, abuse

(Feb 03, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

As he works to crack down on financial waste, fraud and abuse, state Rep. Frank Burns today said he welcomes the support Gov. Josh Shapiro announced for protecting taxpayers with a state False Claims Act in his annual budget address. Read more

 

Schlossberg applauds governor’s proposed investments in schools, job creation, mental health care

(Feb 03, 2026) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“Pennsylvania needs to be a strong partner for education, job creation and mental health care. Governor Shapiro’s proposal reflects that strong partnership with our schools, businesses and workers, and mental health care providers. This is the first step in the process. Working with my colleagues in the Pennsylvania House, I am eager to get to work on the 2026-27 budget.” Read more

 

House Energy Committee advances bill to address energy affordability

(Feb 03, 2026) Rep. Kyle T. Donahue

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – On Monday, the PA House Energy Committee voted to advance legislation aimed at protecting consumers from rising costs associated with data center projects. Separately, the committee heard testimony on bills that would enhance reporting and transparency from data centers and provide local officials with a model ordinance to guide responsible development.Data center projects are rapidly proliferating nationwide due to the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video streaming.As chair of the House Energy Committee, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., has made it a priority to shield consumers from bearing additional costs related to these projects.“People’s bills are too high. We need to do everything we can to keep bills down and ensure the heat and lights come on when Pennsylvanians need them,” said Fiedler. “Affordability and reliability are at the heart of the work we are doing on the Energy Committee, and these bills are a key part of that. Without accountability, big for-profit tech companies could try to push more costs onto everyday consumers.”The Data Center Consumer Protection Bill (H.B. 1834), sponsored by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, was amended and approved by the committee. A public hearing on the bill was held in October 2025. If enacted, the legislation would protect ratepayers by establishing a regulatory framework for data centers operating in Pennsylvania.“Today’s vote brings us one step closer to... Read more

 

House passes Bizzarro bill to bolster representation for drivers with disabilities

(Feb 03, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation aimed at giving drivers with disabilities a stronger voice in state licensing decisions passed the Pennsylvania House Tuesday with overwhelming bipartisan support, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie), the bill’s sponsor, announced. Read more

 

Salisbury bill would help protect tree canopy for communities

(Feb 02, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – Legislation newly introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury would help preserve the tree canopy in Pennsylvania communities by requiring utility companies to plant a new tree for each one they cut down. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said she introduced H.B. 2161 after residents and environmental advocates in her district expressed growing concerns that trees were being unnecessarily removed, rather than simply pruned or trimmed. “Preserving the tree canopy is critical for urban environments – not just because trees beautify the landscape, but because they provide so many other benefits, from reducing air pollution and stormwater runoff to providing cooling shade and reducing energy costs, to raising property values and increasing pedestrian traffic for local businesses. “Residents recognize the need for utilities to trim and prune trees – and sometimes even remove them – to ensure vegetation does not interfere with power lines. But it’s critical to ensure that those management efforts are done with an eye toward what is best for residents and the environment. My bill would do that by requiring a utility that removes a tree to plant a new one, within two years, in a location of the municipality’s choice.” Salisbury said her bill would align tree removal by electric utilities with existing regulations that require utilities to repair damage Read more

 

Bipartisan lawmakers gather to create a pro-housing agenda for Pennsylvania

(Feb 02, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Every person deserves a safe place to call home, yet far too many Pennsylvanians lack access to this basic human right,” Solomon concluded. “Today was a call to action for all of us to work together to solve the housing crisis. This is an issue we can all agree on -- people deserve to live with dignity.” Read more

 

Scott bill requiring stays on evictions during extreme weather approved by committee

(Feb 02, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 2023 would require a judge to halt the execution of an eviction order on a day-to-day basis when below-freezing temperatures, winter storm or blizzard warnings, excessive heat warnings, and hurricane or tropical storm warnings are in effect. Read more

 

House passes Freeman bill to allow memorials for first responders

(Feb 02, 2026) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“First responders are there whenever we need them in an emergency and they deserve to be honored by their communities,” Freeman said. Read more

 

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 02, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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

 

Conklin bill would lay foundation for new affordable housing when state sells former prison land

(Jan 30, 2026) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – To address the growing shortage of affordable housing, state Rep. Scott Conklin today introduced legislation that would require the state to reserve a portion of any former state prison land it plans to sell and offer that land to the host county for affordable housing. Conklin said his bill, H.B. 2180 , would give the county in which a former state correctional institution is located the option to receive a transfer of up to 2% of the property. “Nearly half of Pennsylvania renter households are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing, and a significant number are severely cost-burdened, spending more than 50%,” Conklin said. “One of the primary drivers of this crisis is the lack of affordable housing. My bill would help ease that shortage by ensuring that whenever the state sells former prison land, a portion is set aside and offered to the county for affordable housing use.” Under the proposal, counties would not be required to accept the land. However, if they do, they would be required to use it for affordable housing and to meet certain requirements and timelines to ensure that housing becomes available. House Bill 2180 is the second measure Conklin has announced following the state’s decision to close SCI-Rockview. Earlier this year, he and state Rep. Dallas Kephart introduced legislation (H.B. 1951) to promote fairness and Read more

 

Rabb bill for restorative justice clears House Judiciary Committee

(Jan 30, 2026) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“Too often, our legal system measures success by severity of punishment, rather than if the victims are healed and future violence is prevented,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “Restorative justice gives victims a voice and requires those who caused harm to take responsibility in a more meaningful way. By allowing judges to use these tools, House Bill 1671 would move Pennsylvania toward a criminal legal system that is centered on reducing harm and recidivism.” Read more

 

Munroe introduces consumer protection bill ensuring adequate notice when a fixed-rate energy contract ends

(Jan 30, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

WARMINSTER, Jan. 30 – State Rep. Brian Munroe, D-Bucks, is pushing to help residents avoid surprise energy price hikes by making sure that they know when a fixed-rate contract ends. He introduced H.B. 2183 today to lock current Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission rules into law and require clearer, earlier warnings when energy bills are about to change. “Having a fixed-rate energy bill relieves a lot of stress on working families because it makes a household’s monthly energy costs predictable,” Munroe said. “With the cost of energy continuing to rise across Pennsylvania, it is imperative that families know what to expect to pay at the end of every month.” The PUC currently requires energy providers to twice notify fixed-rate consumers that their rate is soon expiring. If a consumer doesn’t renew their fixed-rate contract by its expiration, they’re forced onto a variable-rate contract that will adjust to energy market conditions. “For a family on a strict monthly budget, a variable-rate contract poses a significant problem,” Munroe said. “Their bill is going to fluctuate month to month based on the energy market, a system that is entirely beyond their individual control. And then they’re stuck paying potentially much higher rates some months, even if they’re using the same amount of energy that they always use.” Read more

 

Briggs measure to expand funding for civil legal aid passes House with bipartisan support

(Jan 29, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Tim Briggs, D–Montgomery, to strengthen funding for civil legal aid and our justice system advanced today with overwhelming bipartisan support in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. House Bill 331 would enhance Pennsylvania’s commitment to equal access to justice by expanding support for the Access to Justice Account, which provides stable and predictable funding for civil legal aid services across Pennsylvania. The measure builds on the existing court funding structure to ensure more Pennsylvanians can receive help with critical civil legal matters. “Civil legal aid is often the difference between stability and crisis for families,” Briggs said. “Whether it’s preventing an unlawful eviction, protecting access to health care, or helping someone escape an abusive situation, this legislation helps ensure people can get the legal help they need, when they need it.” The legislation broadens participation in an established funding mechanism that supports civil legal aid statewide. Those funds are administered through the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, which helped more than 200,000 Pennsylvanians last year understand and protect their civil legal rights. The bill also modernizes how Pennsylvania supports and funds its courts. It allows the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to cover the annual $400 registration fee that helps Read more

 

Ciresi highlights focus on safeguards and protections for AI use, correcting a legacy of education underfunding and upgrading transit infrastructure in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal
Feb 04, 2026

Two bills supporting local journalism approved in committee
Feb 04, 2026

Briggs anti-swatting bill passes House
Feb 04, 2026

Philadelphia House Delegation supports Shapiro budget proposal
Feb 03, 2026

Conklin: Proposed budget spends responsibly to help students and working families
Feb 03, 2026

Steele welcomes governor's support for restricting cell phones in schools
Feb 03, 2026

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed
Feb 03, 2026

Burns welcomes governor’s call to fight waste, fraud, abuse
Feb 03, 2026

Schlossberg applauds governor’s proposed investments in schools, job creation, mental health care
Feb 03, 2026

House Energy Committee advances bill to address energy affordability
Feb 03, 2026

House passes Bizzarro bill to bolster representation for drivers with disabilities
Feb 03, 2026

Salisbury bill would help protect tree canopy for communities
Feb 02, 2026

Bipartisan lawmakers gather to create a pro-housing agenda for Pennsylvania
Feb 02, 2026

Scott bill requiring stays on evictions during extreme weather approved by committee
Feb 02, 2026

House passes Freeman bill to allow memorials for first responders
Feb 02, 2026

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 02, 2026

Conklin bill would lay foundation for new affordable housing when state sells former prison land
Jan 30, 2026

Rabb bill for restorative justice clears House Judiciary Committee
Jan 30, 2026

Munroe introduces consumer protection bill ensuring adequate notice when a fixed-rate energy contract ends
Jan 30, 2026

Briggs measure to expand funding for civil legal aid passes House with bipartisan support
Jan 29, 2026