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

News Center

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Dec 11, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia. Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia. Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum request/award of $500,000. Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: 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 Read more

 

Kosierowski announces over $1.5 million investment for programs supporting children and women

(Dec 11, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, DEC. 11 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski today announced over $1.5 million in state grants to support crime victims, young children and justice-involved individuals with substance abuse disorders, reduce crimes against women, train mental health professionals and bolster local justice system services throughout Lackawanna County. The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency . “These grants will provide needed resources to programs that support some of our county’s most vulnerable—from crime victims to vulnerable children to individuals in the justice system with substance use disorders,” Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, said. “These grant awards are case examples of state funding providing for the public good.” The state investments announced today for Lackawanna County are: $50,000 to the Children's Advocacy Center of Northeastern PA to continue providing Children’s Advocacy Center services to a four-county service area in Northeastern Pennsylvania. $180,000 to Lackawanna County commissioners to provide certified recovery supports to individuals at the Lackawanna County Prison and upon release to the community. $494,530 to Geisinger Clinic to implement “Project PATH -Partnership for Access, Treatment, and Health for Justice-Involved Individuals with substance use disorders.” $125,000 to Lackawanna Women’s Resource Center for program to help reduce Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $1.2M in state grants for community services

(Dec 11, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Dec. 11 -- State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced $1,227,352 in state grants was awarded to support crime victims, young children, justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders, and firearm suicide prevention in Lancaster County. “This smart use of state funding will go far into providing lifelines to our residents, from helping to prevent firearm suicides to giving non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems another chance at life,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I will continue to advocate strongly in Harrisburg for targeted state investments in our people.” The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency : $150,000 to Lancaster General Hospital to implement a firearm suicide prevention initiative in Lancaster County. $50,000 to Lancaster General Hospital to help maintain compliance with the National Child Alliance standards for child abuse support: multi-disciplinary investigative team, forensic interview, victim support and advocacy, medical evaluation, case review and coordination, and child safety and protection. $95,000 to support county Intermediate Punishment Treatment Programs that treat non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems. $543,901 to reimburse Lancaster County for costs incurred by counties for adult probation and parole services. $388,451 to Lancaster County Commissioners for crime victim and witness Read more

 

Giral celebrates state investment in local manufacturing training programs

(Dec 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This is a clear investment in our future workers and therefore an investment in the families and young people who live in our communities,” said Giral. “When we support the growth of skilled workers and technical education, we ensure more people have a pathway to success." Read more

 

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

(Dec 09, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Read about the latest grant opportunities open for applications. Read more

 

Giral welcomes bilingual credit union to Port Richmond

(Dec 08, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Giral said Finanta Credit Union, also known as Cooperativa Finanta, aims to serve workers and small business owners who often rely on check-cashing services, money orders, or high-risk lenders instead of traditional banks. Read more

 

Kinkead, Prokopiak announce bill to regulate opioid-mimicking plant

(Dec 05, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 5 – State Reps. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Jim Prokopiak, D-Bucks, have introduced legislation to regulate kratom — a substance with psychoactive effects that mimic those of opioids — which is currently unregulated in Pennsylvania. Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, is often consumed to reduce fatigue, manage pain or withdrawal symptoms, and to alleviate anxiety or depression. It can be ingested as teas, powders, capsules, liquids, or by chewing or smoking the leaves. However, because kratom can activate the same neurotransmitter receptors as opioids, prolonged or heavy use may lead to addiction, and independent tests have repeatedly shown that kratom products sometimes contain undisclosed or harmful additives. New synthetic kratom products, known as 7-OH, are particularly harmful and addictive. While the federal government has not formally regulated kratom, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration designates it as a “drug and chemical of concern.” In response to growing health and safety concerns, several states have enacted regulatory schemes or bans. Currently, Pennsylvania does not have a comprehensive regulatory framework and kratom is currently readily available – and often marketed – to children and young adults. House Bill 2058 , which is similar to the successful kratom regulation law in Utah, would: Prohibit the sale or distribution of kratom products to individuals under the age Read more

 

NEWS RELEASE: Kenyatta honors lives lost, acknowledges strength and resistance on World AIDS Day

(Dec 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Today, we remember the millions of lives lost to AIDS and recognize the incredible resilience of communities who fought through the AIDS crisis with compassion and dignity for the sick being the top priority Read more

 

PA House designates Dec. 3, 2025, as ‘10th Anniversary of Women in Combat Day’

(Nov 25, 2025) Rep. Jim Haddock

HARRISBURG, Nov. 25 -- The PA House of Representatives this month adopted a resolution introduced by state Rep. Jim Haddock officially designating Dec. 3, 2025, as "10th Anniversary of Women in Combat Day" to honor the groundbreaking contributions and achievements of women in the United States armed forces. The resolution ( H.R. 354 ) commemorates the historic milestone reached on Dec. 3, 2015, when the U.S. Department of Defense opened all combat roles to women, allowing them to serve in positions such as Army Rangers, Green Berets, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps infantry, and Air Force parajumpers. Dec. 3, 2025, marks a decade of recognition for women who have courageously served in combat roles, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of service members. "Women have been integral to our nation's military history from the very beginning, and this designation recognizes their courage, dedication and trailblazing service in roles that were once closed to them," said Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne. The resolution highlights the evolution of women’s service in the U.S. military, beginning with support roles in early wars, formal enlistment during World Wars I and II, and decades of gradual expansion of opportunities. Key milestones include the end of the combat exclusion policy in 2013 and the graduation of the first female Army Rangers in 2015. Today, thousands of women Read more

 

Shapiro signs into law Ciresi legislation to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims, further help heirs following the death of a loved one

(Nov 25, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 25 – On Monday, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law state Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation that will make it easier and less expensive for Pennsylvanians to claim property that is rightfully theirs — and reduce the financial burden following the death of a loved. Ciresi’s H.B. 1176 , now Act 50 of 2025: Increases the amount of unclaimed property that heirs can claim from the Pennsylvania Treasury using a notarized relationship affidavit from $11,000 up to $20,000. Raises the amount a financial institution may release to a family member of a deceased individual from $10,000 to $20,000 if the family member presents a receipt verifying funeral expenses have been paid. Redirects the estates of decedents who die with no will and no heirs to an endowed community fund near the place of the decedent’s last residence. “While Pennsylvania’s unclaimed property vault containing more than $4 billion sits there waiting for people to claim what’s rightfully theirs, the process has been too challenging or too expensive for people’s heirs to claim it,” Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said. “That’s because the legislature hadn’t updated the $11,000 limit for simplified heir claims for more than 20 years--since 2002! I am thrilled that my legislation, now law, will help Pennsylvanians access the money that belongs to them with less cost, less paperwork and less delay.” The new law included Read more

 

Takac appointed to Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education

(Nov 25, 2025) Rep. Paul Takac

STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 25 – State Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, has been appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education, the body charged with guiding policy, oversight and long-term strategic planning for the commonwealth’s colleges and universities. In this role, Takac will help shape statewide priorities that strengthen educational access, support institutional accountability and ensure that Pennsylvania remains competitive in an evolving global economy. As a member of the board, Takac will also serve on the new standing Policy Committee, which is charged with tracking key state- and federal-level policy issues, ensuring legal compliance and equity, and contributing to policy development and recommendations. Takac has made equitable access to high-quality education a cornerstone of his career and his public service. Before joining the Pennsylvania House, Takac spent nearly 25 years working with K-12 school districts and institutions of higher education across the state and beyond, working with teachers, students and administrators in educational technology consulting. His recent legislative work on economic opportunity, workforce development, and full and fair funding for education mirrors the mission of the board—to expand pathways to high-quality, affordable post-secondary education while fostering innovation across the system. In addition to serving as chair of the Rural Population Revitalization Commission, Takac is Read more

 

Shapiro signs into law Rivera bill to help seniors maintain Rx benefits

(Nov 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 24 — Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law state Rep. Nikki Rivera’s legislation that will ensure older Pennsylvanians do not lose their eligibility for the state’s prescription drug assistance programs due to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. Rivera’s H.B. 923 , now Act 49 of 2025, will shield seniors from losing PACE and PACENET eligibility if their annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment exceeds normal income-eligibility guidelines. This protection is currently in place but was scheduled to expire after Dec. 31. The new law will extend that protection for two more years -- until Dec. 31, 2027. According to Rivera, the Social Security COLA for 2025 is currently 2.5%. If the moratorium had not been extended, 10,039 PACENET enrollees would have lost their eligibility. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would have been moved to PACENET, resulting in the loss of their lower copayments and the PACE-paid Part D premium. “I am so glad that our seniors will have guaranteed continued access to PACE and PACENET in the nick of time thanks to this legislation becoming law,” Rivera said. “These programs are true lifesavers, making medication affordable. Because of this legislation, our seniors won’t have to worry about whether they can pay for medication if a necessary Social Security cost-of-living adjustment would have otherwise made them ineligible for a prescription program. Read more

 

An $8.6 Million Renovation Begins at Philadelphia’s Oldest Recreation Center, Happy Hollow Playground in Germantown

(Nov 24, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Happy Hallow has been a staple in Germantown for more than a century; the restoration is an investment in our community that preserves our past while shaping our future,” said Darisha Parker, Pennsylvania State Representative (198th District). “I’m always happy to help secure state funding to support neighborhood projects that will uplift and empower our community.” Read more

 

Pa. House lawmakers introduce resolution condemning Trump’s threats of political violence

(Nov 21, 2025) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, Nov. 21 — State Rep. Paul Friel announced today plans to introduce a resolution in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives condemning recent threats of political violence made by President Donald Trump against Democratic elected officials and reaffirming American service members’ long-standing duty to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. The resolution is in response to recent public statements from the President of the United States that have been widely interpreted as a threat of retaliation against those representatives for stating in a video that members of the U.S. Armed Forces can and should refuse unlawful directives. Friel and 29 other state representatives invited their colleagues to join them in supporting the resolution. The co-sponsorship memo states: "We are at a critical moment in American history. “When duly elected members of Congress publicly stated that, according to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the military must only follow lawful orders, the President of the United States declared they committed sedition and deserve death. This threat, and the rhetoric of political violence and retaliation, represents a betrayal of the American People and a threat to our constitutional democracy. “Upon taking office, we each swear an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. We cannot honor the military service members who have given their last full measure of Read more

 

Bill requiring insurance coverage of breast cancer diagnostic imaging sent to governor’s desk

(Nov 21, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I’m proud to see this bill on its way to the governor’s desk,” Curry said. “I’ve dedicated significant time and effort to making this legislation possible and easing the burden on people confronting a breast cancer diagnosis. This will allow more patients to focus on healing rather than the financial strain of essential diagnostic tests.” Read more

 

Briggs bill protecting state agencies from excessive legal requests passes House

(Nov 20, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 20 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, today announced the passage of H.B. 1934 , bipartisan legislation he sponsored with Rep. Rob Kauffman, R-Franklin. The bill, which passed with broad support in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, now heads to the Senate for further consideration. Briggs, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, said the bill provides critical clarity and protections for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and state agencies that have increasingly been subjected to overwhelming discovery demands in civil litigation – despite not being parties to those cases. “House Bill 1934 is a straightforward, bipartisan solution to a growing problem that strains state resources and diverts attention from the core missions of our agencies,” Briggs said. “Federal courts’ recent interpretation of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act has opened the door to excessive discovery requests targeting agencies that have no actual role in a lawsuit. This bill restores the original intent of the act and protects taxpayers from unnecessary burdens.” House Bill 1934: Protects the Office of Attorney General and non-party state agencies from exhaustive and inappropriate discovery requests in civil litigation. Clarifies which entities have a legitimate right to access state agency records when discovery requests are directed at the OAG. The Read more

 

House passes Freeman bill to help with redevelopment

(Nov 20, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Land banks are critical partners in revitalizing communities and returning vacant, abandoned and tax delinquent properties back to productive use," Freeman said. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera to rally for Lancaster Transit Rescheduled to Dec. 9

(Nov 20, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Nov. 20 –State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, together with Transit for All PA, will hold their rescheduled rally for increased bus services in Lancaster from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the Queen Street Station at 225 N. Queen St. According to Smith-Wade-El and Rivera, the South Central Transit Authority will hit its fiscal cliff in January 2027, which will lead to service cuts and fare increases due to state funding shortfalls. “Our South Central Transit Authority, and all transit systems in PA, are at risk due to the state budget failing to fully address the crisis they are facing,” Smith-Wade-El said. “At our rally, local and regional elected officials, labor leaders, transit riders, advocates, and more will come together to demand a dedicated and expanded state funding stream to ensure that Lancastrians have the transit system they need and deserve.” “We're not going to accept the gradual decline of our transit systems in Lancaster,” Rivera said. “Our economy and our quality of life depends on Lancaster having a strong and stable transit system. We are coming together to fight for this essential service on which we all depend.” The rally will feature 8 to 10 people speaking about the importance of public transit in the region. Residents can sign up to attend the rally online at https://www.mobilize.us/ppt/event/862791/ . Read more

 

Rivera encourages residents to attend PUC hearing on PPL’s rate increase

(Nov 20, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Nov. 20 – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will hold an in-person public hearing about PPL’s proposed rate increase for Manheim Township at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 in the Manheim Township Public Library Morgan Center, 595 Granite Run Drive. The hearings are being held due to PPL’s planned substantial rate increases. Under the proposal : The total monthly bill for a residential customer using 918 kWh per month would increase from $177.01 to $189.40 (7%). The changes would produce an overall annual revenue increase of $356.3 million (33.4%). “PPL’s proposed rate hike will have a serious impact on our residents’ wallets,” Rivera said. “I encourage residents to let the PUC know what these significant rate hikes will mean for their household finances.” If residents cannot attend in person, they are encouraged to attend one of two telephonic hearings on Monday, Dec. 15: Telephonic hearing #1 will begin at 1 p.m. Telephonic hearing #2 will begin at 6 p.m. The call-in information for the two telephonic hearings is: Toll-free Conference Number: 866-421-8851. PIN Number: 66640466. People who wish to testify at a telephonic hearing are encouraged to pre-register by 4 p.m. on Dec. 11. Failure to pre-register could result in missing the chance to testify to the PUC judges. To pre-register, those interested can call Pamela McNeal at 215-560-4228 or email Read more

 

Pa. legislature clears Ciresi’s bill to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims, further help heirs following the death of a loved one

(Nov 19, 2025) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“While Pennsylvania’s unclaimed property vault containing more than $4 billion sits there waiting for people to claim what’s rightfully theirs, the process to do so is sometimes too challenging or too expensive for people’s heirs to claim it,” Ciresi said. “It’s because the legislature hasn’t updated the $11,000 limit for simplified heir claims for more than 20 years, since 2002. I am delighted my House and Senate colleagues understood the wisdom of this legislation and for Pennsylvania to keep up with the times." Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Dec 11, 2025

Kosierowski announces over $1.5 million investment for programs supporting children and women
Dec 11, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $1.2M in state grants for community services
Dec 11, 2025

Giral celebrates state investment in local manufacturing training programs
Dec 10, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 09, 2025

Giral welcomes bilingual credit union to Port Richmond
Dec 08, 2025

Kinkead, Prokopiak announce bill to regulate opioid-mimicking plant
Dec 05, 2025

NEWS RELEASE: Kenyatta honors lives lost, acknowledges strength and resistance on World AIDS Day
Dec 01, 2025

PA House designates Dec. 3, 2025, as ‘10th Anniversary of Women in Combat Day’
Nov 25, 2025

Shapiro signs into law Ciresi legislation to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims, further help heirs following the death of a loved one
Nov 25, 2025

Takac appointed to Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education
Nov 25, 2025

Shapiro signs into law Rivera bill to help seniors maintain Rx benefits
Nov 24, 2025

An $8.6 Million Renovation Begins at Philadelphia’s Oldest Recreation Center, Happy Hollow Playground in Germantown
Nov 24, 2025

Pa. House lawmakers introduce resolution condemning Trump’s threats of political violence
Nov 21, 2025

Bill requiring insurance coverage of breast cancer diagnostic imaging sent to governor’s desk
Nov 21, 2025

Briggs bill protecting state agencies from excessive legal requests passes House
Nov 20, 2025

House passes Freeman bill to help with redevelopment
Nov 20, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera to rally for Lancaster Transit Rescheduled to Dec. 9
Nov 20, 2025

Rivera encourages residents to attend PUC hearing on PPL’s rate increase
Nov 20, 2025

Pa. legislature clears Ciresi’s bill to expand access to simplified unclaimed property claims, further help heirs following the death of a loved one
Nov 19, 2025