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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Munroe introduces bill to keep children safe on social media

(Feb 07, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

WARRINGTON, Feb. 7 – State Rep. Brian Munroe introduced a bill today at Tamanend Middle School that would help make social media safer to navigate for children. House Bill 2017 , is bipartisan legislation that would put the following safeguards in place: Require social media companies to monitor the chats of two or more minors on the platform and notify parents or legal guardians of flagged sensitive or graphic content. Strengthen proof of age verification on social media platforms by requiring consent from a parent or legal guardian for anyone under 16 to open a social media account and notify parents or legal guardians if a child under 16 opens a social media account without consent. Prohibit data mining for users under the age of 18 and allow any individual to request the deletion of data that was mined while they were under the age of 18. Munroe crafted the legislation after meeting Max Jin, Luka Jonjic and Dylan Schwartz when they were students at Tamanend Middle School in 2023. The three, who are now freshmen at Central Bucks High School South, won an award from C-SPAN for their documentary, America’s Silent Struggle: Social Media’s Impact on Teens’ Mental Health . The documentary featured a fictional newly elected congressman working to pass legislation on social media and its impact on the mental health of youth. After seeing the documentary, Munroe suggested turning fiction into Read more

 

Ciresi highlights record education funding, call for charter reform in Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Feb 06, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, released the following statement regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 budget proposal, unveiled today before the General Assembly: “Today’s budget address included a strong plan for public education that will help our students, taxpayers, and communities,” Ciresi said. “In addition to proposing a historic investment in education, I was glad to hear the governor’s support for cyber charter reform that would align payments to the actual cost of cyber education. These changes level the playing field for all schools and students, invest in public education, and give a much-needed break to our property taxpayers.” Ciresi said the proposed budget includes an additional $1.1 billion for basic and special education statewide, delivering an increase of almost $9 million to school districts in the 146th Legislative District, including: Pottsgrove School District: $2.9 million. Pottstown School District: $4.8 million. Spring-Ford Area School District: $1.3 million. This includes savings from setting a standardized statewide cyber charter tuition rate, which would return $262 million to public school districts and taxpayers. The reform was part of Ciresi’s legislation (H.B. 1422) that passed in the House with bipartisan support last year. “These investments in education are a first step on a path to making sure every school has the resources Read more

 

Powell hails budget proposal outlined by Gov. Shapiro

(Feb 06, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, applauded Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget address today, hailing it as a transformative vision for Pennsylvania. "What we heard from the governor was a bold blueprint to make our Commonwealth one of the most welcoming, accessible, competitive and equitable states in the country, all without costing Pennsylvanians a cent more in taxes,” Powell said. "Among the governor’s proposals are a $40 million increase for Pittsburgh Regional Transit, a $600 million investment in economic development projects, and a $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding, which includes $900 million for catch-up investments to support underfunded districts like Pittsburgh Public Schools. “We must better support our schools to ensure a high-quality education for our children because we're falling short right now. I am hopeful that the governor will also commit to opposing the diversion of public school resources toward charter schools and voucher programs. “I was also pleased to hear the governor call for the legalization of recreational adult-use cannabis with an emphasis on restorative justice. This will not only serve to generate millions in additional tax revenue for the Commonwealth but will also be a long-overdue first step to undoing the decades of damage caused primarily to Black and brown communities, who have been disproportionately impacted by its prohibition.” Read more

 

House Democratic Leaders Praise Governor’s Budget Proposal

(Feb 06, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, February 6 – Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders today issued the following statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 state budget proposal, which makes important investments in education, jobs and communities, creating new opportunities for strengthening Pennsylvania without raising taxes: “Governor Shapiro laid out a comprehensive proposal that builds on last year’s historic investments in education while recognizing the important work of the Basic Education Funding Commission. House Democrats remain committed to fulfilling our constitutional and moral obligation to fund our public schools to ensure that every child, regardless of their ZIP code, has access to a quality public education. We look forward to working with the governor and our colleagues to deliver on that obligation. “As our economy continues to strengthen, this is a critical moment in time to invest in our workforce and economy. Governor Shapiro’s proposal prioritizes investments that will attract and retain businesses while growing our workforce. “We’re very encouraged that this plan makes key investments without raising taxes or diminishing our healthy surpluses. “To be clear, House Democrats insist that we fulfill our constitutional and moral obligation to fund our public schools; that we do more to invest in our colleges and universities; that we make smart investments to attract and retain businesses Read more

 

Schlossberg likes Shapiro’s proposed investments in education, mental health, mass transit

(Feb 06, 2024) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

"I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to do our part to unlock student potential throughout Pennsylvania with what could be history-altering commitment to public education,” said Schlossberg. Read more

 

Rabb highlights Emancipation Day legislation

(Feb 05, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., on this day, the first Monday of February, is highlighting his legislation, H.B. 296 , which would establish the first Monday of February as “Emancipation Day” in the commonwealth. “In theory, the passage of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments — otherwise known as the Reconstruction Amendments — should have led to the expansion of civil rights for Black Americans, but in practice we know that not to be the case. Black Americans have had to fight every step of the way and are still fighting to this day for true emancipation,” Rabb said. “As the axiom goes: ‘nobody’s free until everybody’s free.’” Rabb said the bill would acknowledge the ongoing struggle for Black liberation in a society that still poses threats and allows barriers to persist against the advancement of Black people and allied communities of struggle. Rabb reintroduced the bill on Feb. 2, 2023, and it was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support by the House State Government Committee on Nov. 14, 2023. It awaits a vote on the House floor. Read more

 

Matzie applauds PUC proposals to enhance public notice and application review procedures for sale of water/wastewater systems

(Feb 02, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Feb. 2 – State Rep. Rob Matzie today lauded action by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to advance proposals that would increase public awareness about the sale of municipal water and wastewater systems and bring greater consistency to the process by which sale applications are evaluated. Matzie, who is majority chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, said that if adopted, the proposals would bolster the requirements for public meetings and hearings, require rate impact notices and place more stringent standards on appraisals and valuations. “I applaud Chairman DeFrank and the other commissioners for this action that, if adopted, will help to ease the burden on ratepayers in the aftermath of a water/wastewater sale,” Matzie said. “This is, without a doubt, a pro-consumer positive step in the right direction. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on the still needed legislative fixes to provide the commission with even more and better tools to protect consumers.” The proposed revisions are contained in a Tentative Supplemental Implementation Order. Commission chair Stephen DeFrank offered a motion to support issuance of the order, which the commission voted 5-0 to approve, advancing the process to a notice and comment period. Read more

 

Rabb urges passage of body camera resolution following Fairhill corner store shooting

(Feb 01, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 1 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., said it’s imperative the House pass legislation ( H.R. 113 ) that would study and bring accountability to the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement, following the Tuesday release of surveillance footage of the shooting death of Alexander Spencer. “The people of the commonwealth deserve accountability from law enforcement, and body-worn cameras are vital to the protection of both civilians and officers,” Rabb said. “Pennsylvania deserves to know how body cameras are being used by our law enforcement agencies across the state, which departments are utilizing body-worn cameras, and how we can continue to support the individuals that have sworn to protect and serve us.” The resolution would direct the Joint State Government Commission to study how body-worn camera footage is currently used and stored in this Commonwealth and require the commission to prepare a report assessing the cost of filming, storing and reviewing complete body-worn camera footage, provide recommendations on how to ensure that footage is used for the justice of all and shielded from cyber threats, and establish an advisory committee comprising individuals who have expertise and experience fields, positions and situations relating to criminal justice, cyber security, ethics and law enforcement. House Resolution 113 was approved by the House Judiciary Read more

 

Bizzarro bill aims to modernize PA Treasury’s unclaimed property process

(Feb 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) is introducing legislation to modernize the process and make it easier for Pennsylvania residents to collect what’s theirs. Read more

 

House Democratic Leaders Commend Governor Shapiro's Plan to Strengthen Our Workforce and Economy

(Jan 30, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania House Democratic Leaders' statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s comprehensive economic development plan for Pennsylvania: Read more

 

Frankel hails Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision on reproductive rights

(Jan 30, 2024) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – State Rep. Dan Frankel hailed Monday’s decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that will allow a challenge to the state’s ban on Medicaid coverage for abortion care to move forward. Frankel said the decision – which reversed 40-year-old caselaw prohibiting a challenge to the ban – provides a key foundation to solidify the right to reproductive autonomy, including the right to decide whether to have an abortion or to carry a pregnancy to term. "In the opinion released yesterday, justices on our highest state court told the world what the vast majority of Pennsylvanians know in their hearts: that the right to make decisions for your own pregnancy should be yours alone,” Frankel said. “If there’s anything we have learned in recent years, it’s that our work to protect abortion rights is never done, but Pennsylvanians can breathe a little easier today, because there’s another brick in the wall to hold back relentless efforts to block access to abortion health care.” Frankel said that although the court did not rule on the merits of the case, remanding that question to the Commonwealth Court, two of the three justices explicitly stated that Pennsylvania’s Constitution protects the fundamental right of pregnant people to make choices for their families, their futures and their bodies. “That’s Read more

 

Fleming’s historic bill to repudiate racially restricted deed covenants becomes law

(Jan 29, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Gov. Josh Shapiro today held the ceremonial bill signing for state Rep. Justin Fleming’s H.B. 1289, which was signed into law as Act 54 of 2023 in December. The law helps rectify the legacy of biased housing practices by making it easier for property owners to repudiate discriminatory deed covenants. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by public transit funding proposal

(Jan 29, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation said that they are encouraged by the announcement by Gov. Josh Shapiro that he will include a major investment in public transportation in his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Shapiro said that he will include a proposal to increase of the state’s share of public transit funding by 1.75%, which would be an investment of nearly $300 million into transit companies across the state. Read more

 

Schweyer issues statement on Gov. Shapiro’s plan to streamline higher education and put students first

(Jan 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania House Education Committee Majority Chairman, state Rep. Peter Schweyer today issued the following statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s plan to build a student-first streamlined higher education system. Read more

 

House Democratic Leaders Praise Governor Shapiro’s Plan to Build a Student-first Streamlined Higher Education System

(Jan 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Democratic Leaders' statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s plan to build a student-first streamlined higher education system to ensure higher education is affordable and accessible to all.   Read more

 

Guzman to chair the Central PA Delegation

(Jan 25, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, Jan. 25 – State Rep. Manny Guzman today announced that he has been appointed to serve as chair of the Pennsylvania House Central Pennsylvania Democratic Delegation. Guzman indicated that he is overjoyed with the appointment as it represents a new platform to amplify his efforts for the region, as well as represents a vote of trust from his colleagues. “My colleagues in Harrisburg know that I am a tireless and persistent advocate for the needs and wants of my district here in Reading and Berks County,” he said. “l am looking forward to continuing to be that voice not only for Reading and Berks County, but for all the members of the Central PA Delegation,” he added. “I am ready to embrace the new challenges and responsibilities that this position entails.” The legislator also explained the fact that he is now chair of the Central PA Delegation can be seen as a positive indicator of the Latino community advancement in the Commonwealth. “As a proud Latino, I feel that I reflect a growing, diverse community. I want to make it easier for kids in Reading and all across the state to see themselves in roles like this one; I want to empower them through my work,” he said. “I hope that seeing someone who looks just like them, who attended their school and ran around on the same playgrounds, will encourage them Read more

 

Matzie introduces bill to tackle problems with how schools are classified for athletic competition

(Jan 24, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Jan. 24 – As the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association meets to consider the Aliquippa School District’s appeal of the PIAA’s decision to bump Aliquippa High School’s football team to a 5A classification, state Rep. Rob Matzie today introduced legislation to resolve problems with the way Pennsylvania’s 1,400 public, private and charter schools are classified to compete in athletic competitions. Matzie – who is vice chairman and the longest-serving member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee – said he introduced H.B. 1972 to address longstanding concerns that PIAA’s procedure for classifying schools places student athletes in harm’s way and skews competitions in favor of wealthier schools and those with larger enrollment numbers. “When the PIAA determines the athletic level at which our high schools compete, they use a competition classification formula based on enrollment, success and transfers,” Matzie said. “Based on the formula, PIAA can force schools to move up a classification. But there is a dangerous flaw in PIAA’s formula that they have been stubbornly unwilling to address. “When considering enrollment as part of the formula, schools that voluntarily play up in a higher classification are pigeonholed by the PIAA into that higher classification used for the formula – regardless of the school’s Read more

 

Shapiro signs Krajewski kinship care legislation H.B. 1058 into law

(Jan 24, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, Jan. 24 – Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro today signed into law Act 48 , introduced as H.B. 1058 by Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., which makes child custody proceedings more inclusive of potential kinship care providers by requiring courts to solicit and consider the opinions of those who engaged with family finding and kinship care programs. “Countless relatives and caregivers provide full-time nurturing and protection for children who cannot safely remain in the care of their biological parents,” said Kari King, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. “It has been an honor to work with Rep. Krajewski on policy that prioritizes kinship placements, which will allow more children and youth to be raised by and connected to their family.” “Community Legal Services commends Rep. Krajewski and Gov. Shapiro for this new legislation that champions kinship care for Pennsylvania children. Giving families a voice in child welfare proceedings means that more relatives will have a chance to step forward to care for children who might otherwise be placed in foster care,” said Kathleen Creamer, managing attorney for the Family Advocacy Unit at Community Legal Services of Philadelphia. “Every child deserves to be with their own family whenever possible, and this legislation will help make Pennsylvania a national leader in supporting kinship placement.” Read more

 

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District

(Jan 23, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. The 2023 funding round provided over $52 million in awards. Application Deadline: April 3, 2024 More information: DCNR Website Community and Economic Development: COVID-19 ARPA PA Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program Who May Apply: Units of local government and community anchor institutions ( as defined in Act 96 of 2021 ). Use: Funding is to be used for community projects that construct, acquire, or improve facilities (shared office space, recreation centers, schools, libraries, etc.) Read more

 

State lawmakers roll out legislation to facilitate safe abortion access

(Jan 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – Today, on the 51st anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade , state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Philadelphia, hosted a news conference at the state Capitol announcing the introduction of legislation regarding abortion rights. Rep. Khan was joined by fellow legislators and abortion-rights advocates. The legislation aims to remove unnecessary obstacles to safe abortion access by eliminating the requirement that abortion facilities meet the same regulations as ambulatory surgical centers. It would also remove the excessive mandate that abortion providers maintain admitting privileges or have transfer agreements at hospitals, which only blocks access to care. The legislators who have also prime-sponsored Khan’s bill are state Reps. La'Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny; Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery; Mary Issacson, D-Phila.; Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester; Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester; Tara Probst, D-Monroe/Pike; Heather Boyd, D-Delaware; Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery; Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware; and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia. "As a nurse, I know that restrictive abortion laws do not lower abortion rates — they just make them less safe," Khan said. "We must remove any unnecessary requirements from facilities that provide this care. Our bill increases access to safe abortion by increasing people's access to safe abortion Read more

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Munroe introduces bill to keep children safe on social media
Feb 07, 2024

Ciresi highlights record education funding, call for charter reform in Shapiro’s budget proposal
Feb 06, 2024

Powell hails budget proposal outlined by Gov. Shapiro
Feb 06, 2024

House Democratic Leaders Praise Governor’s Budget Proposal
Feb 06, 2024

Schlossberg likes Shapiro’s proposed investments in education, mental health, mass transit
Feb 06, 2024

Rabb highlights Emancipation Day legislation
Feb 05, 2024

Matzie applauds PUC proposals to enhance public notice and application review procedures for sale of water/wastewater systems
Feb 02, 2024

Rabb urges passage of body camera resolution following Fairhill corner store shooting
Feb 01, 2024

Bizzarro bill aims to modernize PA Treasury’s unclaimed property process
Feb 01, 2024

House Democratic Leaders Commend Governor Shapiro's Plan to Strengthen Our Workforce and Economy
Jan 30, 2024

Frankel hails Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision on reproductive rights
Jan 30, 2024

Fleming’s historic bill to repudiate racially restricted deed covenants becomes law
Jan 29, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by public transit funding proposal
Jan 29, 2024

Schweyer issues statement on Gov. Shapiro’s plan to streamline higher education and put students first
Jan 26, 2024

House Democratic Leaders Praise Governor Shapiro’s Plan to Build a Student-first Streamlined Higher Education System
Jan 26, 2024

Guzman to chair the Central PA Delegation
Jan 25, 2024

Matzie introduces bill to tackle problems with how schools are classified for athletic competition
Jan 24, 2024

Shapiro signs Krajewski kinship care legislation H.B. 1058 into law
Jan 24, 2024

Grant Memo: Cultural, Educational, Environmental, Public Safety, and Redevelopment Opportunities For Your District
Jan 23, 2024

State lawmakers roll out legislation to facilitate safe abortion access
Jan 22, 2024