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Pennsylvania’s 2024 presidential primary could move to as early as March 19

(Sep 05, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D., Philadelphia) introduced a proposal with Rep. Jared Solomon (D., Philadelphia) to move the primary to April 2. This is the earliest that the state could move the election while still allowing candidates to begin collecting petitions to get on the ballot after the Christmas holiday. Read more

 

Testifiers detail opportunities for passenger rail expansion in Pennsylvania

(Aug 30, 2023) Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, Rep. Kyle T. Donahue, Policy Committee

Testifiers detailed potential projects for the House Majority Policy Committee during a hearing Wednesday morning to discuss the importance of passenger rail in Pennsylvania, and what leaders can do to get the commonwealth back on track. Read more

 

Mullins introduces legislation to expand much-needed access to dental care

(Aug 29, 2023) Rep. Kyle Mullins

“There’s a growing body of evidence showing that poor oral health is tied to several serious health conditions, which is why I’m concerned that many Pennsylvanians are going without the dental care they desperately need,” Mullins said. “In many parts of the state, there simply are not enough dentists and dental hygienists to meet the demand for services. If passed, this bill would be an important step forward in addressing our dental workforce shortages.” Read more

 

Policy Committee shines spotlight on career and technical education

(Aug 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Technical education continues to experience growth throughout Pennsylvania, but the increase in students has still not met the demands for skilled workers in our economy,” said Rep. Jim Haddock, who hosted the hearing and is a graduate of Wilkes-Barre Vo Tech. “We heard testimony about the millions of well-paying unfilled technical jobs in our workforce, and we also heard how introducing younger students – in middle school – to career and technical education could help fill gaps in our workforce. It not only builds interest in these fields at a younger age, but it helps end the stigma of not attending a traditional four-year college.” Read more

 

Policy Committee highlights supply chain solutions

(Aug 28, 2023) Rep. Kyle Mullins, Policy Committee

“In the wake of the pandemic, supply chain disruptions dominated the news,” roundtable host state Rep. Kyle Mullins said. “Today, we had a firsthand look at the local operation of a national leader that delivers to nearly every ZIP code in the United States. We also continued the conversation about how the supply chain has improved since the first days of 2020 and the positive effects distribution centers can have on a state or regional economy.” Read more

 

Cephas laments 40 percent increase in severe maternal morbidity

(Aug 24, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 24 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas lamented that a report released today by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council shows an alarming 40% increase in severe maternal morbidity rates in the state. The PHC4 report indicates a rise in severe maternal morbidity among patients hospitalized in Pennsylvania for a delivery from 2016 through 2022. Severe maternal morbidity includes sudden outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant consequences to a woman’s health. “I am overly concerned about this report because it clearly states that we have not done enough to protect women’s health in Pennsylvania,” Cephas said. “We have tirelessly worked to advance legislation aimed at preventing maternal morbidity, but we must do more,” said Cephas, former chair of the Women’s Health Caucus who has championed this issue for years. Cephas, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, said that in order to improve maternal and pregnancy results it is necessary to emphasize prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. “Maternal morbidity can affect any woman regardless their ZIP Code, but I want to point out that not all women in the commonwealth have the means to access good, unbiased, maternal health care. According to the report, women insured by Medicaid and who live in areas with poverty rates over 25% are impacted the most,” she said, adding that Read more

 

Frankel hails fracking studies as the ‘beginning of an overdue conversation’

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

“Some folks will act like environmental research is bad for business and bad for Pennsylvania’s economy. But, no – it’s pollution that’s bad for business. It’s poor health outcomes that are bad for business,” Frankel said. “Let’s get every ounce of information that we can and use it to protect our constituents.” Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz will lead rally to push passage of Educator Certification bill

(Aug 15, 2023) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Cepeda-Freytiz said passing the proposal would expand essential access to teacher certification and open opportunities for quality teachers who are non-US. citizens. Read more

 

Addressing the use of AI in the health insurance claims process

(Aug 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Venkat will introduce legislation to disclose the use of AI algorithms in health care claim evaluations, define such algorithms to subject them to current laws and regulations related to clinical evidence, and require specialized health care professionals that review claims and rely upon initial AI algorithms to document their review of the records and data prior to their individualized documented decision to deny a claim. Read more

 

House Majority Policy Committee holds hearing on business diversity

(Aug 11, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The region, state and nation is better served – and only capable of reaching its economic potential – when all parties have a seat at the table," Policy Chairman Representative Ryan Bizzarro said. Read more

 

Merski: America250PA committee hears testimony on local projects proposed for nation’s Semiquincentennial

(Aug 10, 2023) Rep. Robert Merski

“I’m honored to sit on the committee, and I was inspired by testimony we heard today about proposed projects here at home and in surrounding regions, from interpreting the history of Three Forts Presque Isle, to bringing Wi-Fi connectivity to the Erie Zoo, to projects that highlight the rich historical culture that Grove City has to offer in our area," Merski said. Read more

 

Policy hearing highlights how diversity strengthens supply chain

(Aug 09, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Expanding diversity within the supply chain not only improves economic possibilities, but it also has the ability to enhance the quality of life within our communities,” said Rep. Aerion Abney, who represents a portion of Allegheny County and hosted the hearing. “If we embrace diversity in the supply chain, what we are really embracing is a stronger supply chain less susceptible to disruptions and a more secure economic future.” Read more

 

House Majority Policy Committee talks organ donation, education during roundtable discussion

(Aug 08, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Majority Policy Committee hosted a roundtable discussion Tuesday morning to discuss the importance of organ donation and education, along with finding ways to increase opportunities to register as a donor. Read more

 

Cephas praises end of contract with Real Alternatives

(Aug 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 7 – Following the announcement that the Shapiro administration is terminating state funding for the organization Real Alternatives, state Rep. Morgan Cephas today expressed satisfaction for the decision and indicated that it signifies a step forward in the fight to protect freedom to choose for all Pennsylvanians. Cephas, Chair of the House Philadelphia Delegation and former co-chair of the Legislative Women’s Health Caucus, said that the decision to cut ties with the program that partners with crisis pregnancy centers was needed. The legislator explained that Real Alternatives was just a pricey obstacle for taxpayers that did not provide the impartial reproductive health services that she and her colleagues have been advocating for in Pennsylvania. “This is a long-awaited triumph; our efforts have paid off,” Cephas said. “It is no secret that these crisis pregnancy centers operating under the guidance of Real Alternatives were part of a radical agenda to strengthen restrictions on abortion access at the expense of taxpayers. “A person must be free to decide what they want to do with their own body, but as soon as you walk in to one of these centers you realize that your particular situation or need might not fit the core mission of this organization: ‘to provide life-affirming pregnancy.’ This means that they already decided for their patients in advance. No feedback Read more

 

West Mifflin police chief describes for lawmakers the need for juvenile detention facility

(Aug 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

"It's important to recognize why Shuman was closed. It's because it was not providing the services that it needed to juveniles, and the state stepped in and shut it down. That being said, there needs to be someplace where kids who are committing crimes have a place to go to get rehabilitation or get the services they may not have access to," Pisciottano said. Read more

 

McClinton, Shapiro, state officials celebrate expansion of Property Tax Rent Rebate Program

(Aug 04, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

SCRANTON, Aug. 4 – Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, joined Governor Josh Shapiro and several state officials at the United Neighborhood Center in Scranton today, as the governor signed an expansion in the state’s popular Property Tax Rent Rebate Program. The PTRR benefits hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania seniors, widowed people 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older by providing them a rebate on their property taxes or rent paid, if their income is below a specified threshold. Under the expansion nearly 175,000 additional Pennsylvanians will qualify, and the rebate amount is being increased. “Far too often I hear from my wisest neighbors that they no longer qualify for their property tax rebate because they have received modest increases in their Social Security payments over the years,” Speaker McClinton said. “But they still need the rebate money to help them pay bills, put fuel in the car, or purchase medication. “Expanding the income eligibility for the Property Tax Rent Rebate program and the increased rebate amounts, will provide our seniors more security as our economy continues to recover.” McClinton added that the income eligibility limits hadn’t been increased in nearly two decades. Under the new guidelines, eligible Pennsylvanians earning up to $45,000 a year will qualify for a rebate, and Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls out Sen. Devlin Robinson for disrespecting Pennsylvania firefighter

(Aug 04, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 4 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today said a recent incident where a firefighter was verbally disrespected is an outrageous act that demands more than a mere apology. State Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny, referred to Ken Pagurek, a first responder from Pennsylvania Task Force 1, as a “dick,” using the slur during a committee meeting on Tuesday. A video shows Robinson, who serves as the chair of the Labor and Industry Committee, leaning towards Sen. Doug Mastriano, making the disgraceful comment, presumably and wrongfully assuming that the microphone was off. The delegation noted that Mastriano seemed amused by the observation. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the group is outraged by the confrontation and the lack of empathy shown towards the hardworking men and women who risk their lives every single day protecting communities across our commonwealth. “We are not going to let these types of degrading remarks go unchecked because of your proximity and disregard for the City of Philadelphia,” said chairwoman Cephas. “This is not a joke; it just shows the type of leadership that we have in the Pennsylvania Senate. As senators they are supposed to represent all Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, neither Robinson nor Mastriano embody the moral values that their positions require. House Democrats support the Read more

 

Pa. House Democrats rally at Carrick High School in push for public education funding

(Aug 04, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“State government has failed you,” state Rep. Jessica Benham, D-South Side, said. “We still live in a commonwealth where your ZIP code determines your educational opportunities. … These kids learn as early as kindergarten and first grade that our community has few safeguards for them.” Read more

 

PA House Democrats wrap up ‘Save Our Schools’ tour with stop in Allegheny Co.

(Aug 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Majority leadership team and Policy Committee wrapped up the statewide “Save Our Schools” tour Thursday morning with a stop at Carrick High School in Pittsburgh to tour the building, discuss the need for fair funding for public education and rally with education advocates. Read more

 

Lawmakers hold roundtable to discuss improving education in rural areas

(Aug 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This is almost historic. The first woman speaker, individuals from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, Allentown, Scranton, and all across the state are here because we know how important it is that every child, no matter their zip code or where they grow up, have that equal chance,” said State Rep. Scott Conklin. Read more

 

Pennsylvania’s 2024 presidential primary could move to as early as March 19
Sep 05, 2023

Testifiers detail opportunities for passenger rail expansion in Pennsylvania
Aug 30, 2023

Mullins introduces legislation to expand much-needed access to dental care
Aug 29, 2023

Policy Committee shines spotlight on career and technical education
Aug 29, 2023

Policy Committee highlights supply chain solutions
Aug 28, 2023

Cephas laments 40 percent increase in severe maternal morbidity
Aug 24, 2023

Frankel hails fracking studies as the ‘beginning of an overdue conversation’
Aug 16, 2023

Cepeda-Freytiz will lead rally to push passage of Educator Certification bill
Aug 15, 2023

Addressing the use of AI in the health insurance claims process
Aug 14, 2023

House Majority Policy Committee holds hearing on business diversity
Aug 11, 2023

Merski: America250PA committee hears testimony on local projects proposed for nation’s Semiquincentennial
Aug 10, 2023

Policy hearing highlights how diversity strengthens supply chain
Aug 09, 2023

House Majority Policy Committee talks organ donation, education during roundtable discussion
Aug 08, 2023

Cephas praises end of contract with Real Alternatives
Aug 07, 2023

West Mifflin police chief describes for lawmakers the need for juvenile detention facility
Aug 07, 2023

McClinton, Shapiro, state officials celebrate expansion of Property Tax Rent Rebate Program
Aug 04, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation calls out Sen. Devlin Robinson for disrespecting Pennsylvania firefighter
Aug 04, 2023

Pa. House Democrats rally at Carrick High School in push for public education funding
Aug 04, 2023

PA House Democrats wrap up ‘Save Our Schools’ tour with stop in Allegheny Co.
Aug 03, 2023

Lawmakers hold roundtable to discuss improving education in rural areas
Aug 03, 2023