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House Dems hear from rural school admins about challenges to public education

(Aug 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Challenges with housing insecurity. Students struggling with homelessness and mental health challenges since the pandemic. Learning loss and the ability for our districts, especially right here, to even be able to get our younger students interested in a pathway toward becoming educators to solve our shortage. We have work to do and we recognize that by fairly funding our public schools,” McClinton said, “we will have better jobs and have better communities.” Read more

 

Frankel issues statement after Pittsburgh synagogue shooter is sentenced to death

(Aug 02, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 2 – State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, released the following statement on the Tree of Life synagogue shooter being sentenced to death today: “I’m grateful that the trial is over, so our community can move forward in recovery. I respect the wisdom of a jury who has found this act of hate and violence abhorrent and beyond the bounds of rehabilitation. “This verdict doesn’t restore the lives of the people lost to hate. We will forever mourn them, and the loss is sewn into the fabric of our community, just as the building on the corner of Shady and Wilkins avenues attests to both the tragedy – and hopefully – the path forward in healing and education. “My small part in this is to continue to fight against hate, against hate crimes, and try to compel the full force of our government against this viciousness, this antisemitism, and these attacks against targeted communities.” Today’s sentence comes after a jury found the perpetrator guilty of all 63 counts against him and deemed the death penalty to be an appropriate punishment. Frankel is the co-chair of the PA Jewish Legislative Caucus and has introduced several anti-hate bills in the state House. Read more

 

House Majority Leadership sound SOS on education in Centre County

(Aug 02, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“As we’ve visited communities around Pennsylvania, one thing is clear: every community – rural, urban or suburban – they all want the best opportunities for their students,” Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, said. “And as a state we owe them that much. It is enshrined in our Constitution. We need to start living up to the promise we make our students and the promise we’ve made in our state’s future.” Read more

 

Pa. House Reps sound the alarm for school resources

(Aug 02, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“From front-line teachers to administrators and school board members, they simply need a hand up so that they can deliver the high-quality education that their students need and deserve,” Rep. Paul Takac (D-Centre) said. Read more

 

Urban search and rescue hearing held in Coraopolis

(Aug 01, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislators discuss efforts to enhance capabilities of western PA search and rescue. Read more

 

PA House Democrats’ ‘Save Our Schools’ tour makes stop in Berks County

(Aug 01, 2023) Policy Committee, Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Democratic leadership team and Policy Committee joined students, teachers, and education advocates in Reading Tuesday morning for a tour of two local high school buildings and a discussion on education inequality in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

House Majority Leadership joins community to sound education SOS in Philadelphia

(Jul 31, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue, and it is not a city issue or a rural issue – it’s a Pennsylvania issue,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, said. “Equitably funding schools is about investing in Pennsylvania’s future and ensuring that every student regardless of the neighborhood they live in has the tools to thrive academically, socially, and civically. Our state’s future starts now, and it’s time to equitably and adequately fund our public schools.” Read more

 

Schlossberg, Collett rally mental health professionals and advocates for restoration of $100 million in adult mental health funding

(Jul 27, 2023) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, said the event provided a space to display the importance of mental health resources and funding for people throughout Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Salisbury introduces bill to permit remote work capabilities

(Jul 20, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 20 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, introduced legislation today that would allow employees of licensees in the sales finance industry to work remotely. The legislation, H.B. 1580 , would apply to workers at licensees who qualify under the Consumer Discount Company Act and the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Act. “COVID-19 forever changed the landscape and approach that businesses take to maximize their productivity and stay competitive,” Salisbury said. “My bill would foster job retention amongst licensees by offering this flexibility option and allow their employees to deliver the same optimal quality and quantity of service from any offsite location they choose.” State Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-Schuylkill, is co-sponsoring Salisbury’s legislation, which does not change any requirements pertaining to licensing, examination or regulation by the Department of Banking and Securities. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for bold changes in eviction process

(Jul 20, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 20 – After the third eviction-related shooting since March in Philadelphia, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today said the organization is determined to help end the practice of private contractors performing eviction services in the city to avoid more violent incidents. “The imminent threat of being displaced from home can put anybody into a rage and despair mode. If you add to this scenario people without the proper training, carrying guns to handle evictions, the outcome can be fatal,” said Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, who is organizing upcoming hearings in August about the evictions with state Rep. Mike Sturla, chair of the PA House Housing & Community Development Committee. “Philadelphia’s landlord-tenant officer has temporarily stopped evictions, but this is a turning point: evictions must be handled by public officials and our delegation will be working to introduce legislation to regulate this process. We are ready to establish policies that would support critical demands in this system, like proper protocol and de-escalations practice to protect the safety and integrity of the tenants,” she added. State Rep. Rick Krajewski, who will be introducing a bill addressing the subject, explained that the mercenary mentality of private contractors working for the city's landlord-tenant officer serves no public good. Krajewski indicated that Read more

 

No Signs of Compromise Between Pa. House Lawmakers Over Funding for State Related Universities

(Jul 19, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Putting restrictions on any sort of funding from the state- where we should be making these investments in our institutions- is not what our role in government is. They’re premier universities, and we are very lucky to have them in our communities being a workforce as well as an education force and setting Pennsylvania aside as a place of excellent higher learning,” said Rep. Mary Isaacson (D-Philadelphia). “We can have our debates about different issues, but we certainly shouldn't be dictating to higher education institutions what they should and should not be doing,” Isaacson added. Read more

 

Ciresi introduces downtown revitalization bill to bring older buildings up to code

(Jul 13, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 13 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation this week that would create a two-year pilot program administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development to help renovate and redevelop historic and older buildings across the commonwealth. “Pennsylvania is rich in history,” Ciresi said. “Just walk down a neighborhood street, you can find historic homes and older buildings recalling our commonwealth’s storied past. Unfortunately, as too many of them require expensive renovations to bring them up to code, many people have been forced to abandon them and leave our downtowns filled with vacant buildings.” House Bill 1573 would create a two-year pilot program administered by DCED to help renovate and redevelop historic and older buildings across Pennsylvania. The program, the “Historic and Older Building Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program,” would address the greater challenges and higher costs involved in bringing older buildings up to code. Grant funds could be used to bring mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems up to code through the installation of modern equipment such as sprinklers, efficient HVAC systems, elevators, and extra stairs, as well as to make entryways and other building features more accessible for people with disabilities. These improvements would be intended for and evaluated based on their ability to Read more

 

Opinion: A million reasons to open up primaries in Pennsylvania

(Jul 12, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

In these divided times, it feels increasingly difficult to find common political ground on just about anything. But we – a conservative Republican from Lawrence County and a Democrat from Philadelphia – have come together to support a commonsense proposal whose time has come. It’s time to end closed primaries and bring back independent voters to primary elections. Read more

 

Ciresi cyber charter reform bill passes the House

(Jul 08, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 8 – In a bipartisan vote, the PA House yesterday passed state Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation (H.B 1422) that would modernize Pennsylvania’s charter school law to specifically address cyber charter schools to ensure transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility. “The vast majority of the commonwealth’s elected school boards have told legislators PA’s charter school law is in desperate need of reform,” Ciresi said. “Today we passed a comprehensive reform bill that holds cyber charter schools to the same standards we expect of anyone who receives public funds, including transparency, ethical standards and greater oversight of spending. By ending $455 million in overpayments and making sure that taxpayer dollars are being properly spent on their intended purpose – educating students – this reform bill will help all our students and taxpayers.” In 2015, the General Assembly passed a law to create an education funding formula based on actual student enrollment and cost factors to address an outdated, flawed and inequitable system of funding school districts. However, the bill did not address cyber charter schools, which continue to receive the same funding as brick-and-mortar charter schools despite having materially lower costs, leading Ciresi to sponsor H.B. 1422 to address this issue. Ciresi’s legislation would set a single statewide tuition rate for non-special Read more

 

Madden bill to expand jail access to opioid addiction treatment medication passed by House

(Jul 07, 2023) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

“My bill opens the grant program so that county jails, if they choose to do so, have greater flexibility in terms of medication options for individuals who are overcoming addiction while incarcerated and before release,” she said. Read more

 

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill passes House

(Jul 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 7 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1448 ) introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, passed the House and is headed to the Senate for consideration. The bill would r equire public schools to provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. The instruction would include topics such as skills of conflict resolution; respect for different cultures, races, and beliefs; effectively managing emotions; and how to resolve differences peacefully. The bill also would require the instruction to be age-appropriate and incorporated into an appropriate area of study. The Department of Education would compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools could use to provide this instruction to students. Bellmon said that teaching conflict resolution in schools can help reduce violence. “In areas across the commonwealth, such as Philadelphia, we’re seeing far too many young lives taken by gun violence,” Bellmon said. “It’s imperative that our children know that conflicts can be resolved in a non-violent way, and that’s why I introduced this bill that can help prevent unnecessary violence and even save lives.” McClinton echoed Bellmon’s sentiment. “Everyone has a role in keeping our communities healthy and safe, and by equipping our youngest Read more

 

PA House passes legislation to create Safe Communities Grant Program

(Jul 07, 2023) Rep. Roni Green

HARRISBURG, July 7 – A bill ( H.B. 1130 ) sponsored by state Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila., which would create the Safe Communities Grant Program passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today by a vote of 102-101. The legislation would establish the Safe Communities Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which would provide grant funding to communities to install lighting and security cameras around schools, playgrounds, community centers, and high crime areas. “By passing this bill, we are embracing an evidence-based approach to reducing violent crime in Pennsylvania,” Green said. “Studies have shown that taking care of the physical space in which we live — something as simple as cutting the grass or putting up lights — can have a positive effect on reducing violent crime. “This program will light up dimly lit public spaces and make criminals think twice about committing crime. We want a safe commonwealth for all Pennsylvanians, and this is a program that will help us achieve that goal.” The bill now goes to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation pleased with increased funding on budget priorities

(Jul 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 7 – As we close out this week with the passage of the 2023-24 state budget, the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed that the spending plan is far from ideal, but still delivers major support to disadvantaged families in Pennsylvania. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the delegation is pleased to see the inclusion of some of their top priorities for Philadelphia. “We certainly praise the nearly $1.7 billion (7.6% increase) for the School District of Philadelphia,” Cephas said. “We also voted to support $7.5 million to fund indigent defense for the first time in Pennsylvania history, ensuring public defenders have the resources they need to provide legal representation to defendants who cannot pay for it on their own, among other wins. We are moving the state in the right direction,” she added. State Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice-chair of the delegation, pointed out that the budget showcases the commitment of the House Democratic majority with Pennsylvanians, while managing to evade the unnecessary impasses of a bipartisan legislature. “Not a perfect budget; we wished it could have gone further in some areas and programs, but I am proud to say that we didn’t bargain our principles and that we prioritized our school system,” Burgos said. “I am appreciative of the investments in apprenticeships Read more

 

Howard’s Juvenile DNA collection bill passes PA House

(Jul 06, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 6 – State Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, said she is proud to announce the passage of her legislation (H.B. 841) in the state House of Representatives today. House Bill 841 would restrict DNA collection from juveniles to those convicted, or adjudicated delinquent of, serious sexual and violent offenses such as murder and rape. The bill would also require the automatic expungement of DNA previously collected for juveniles at the time the applicable offense becomes eligible for expungement. Currently, DNA is collected from juveniles for a host of felonies and misdemeanors, many minor. Howard said that DNA expungement is not automatic, leaving the burden on individuals whose requests are rarely granted, unlike the sealing of juvenile records as a matter of course. “The juvenile justice system was intended to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment,” Howard said. “However, the overuse of juvenile DNA collection conflicts with the rehabilitative purposes of the juvenile system. My legislation gets rid of this conflict and instead further promotes rehabilitation, which is what our justice system should be focused on. I thank my colleagues for sharing this goal and pushing this bill to the state Senate.” The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

House adopts Conklin resolution designating Sept. 18, 2023 as ‘State Grange Day’

(Jul 06, 2023) Rep. Scott Conklin

“From the time of its first meeting in September 1873, when members of 25 local Granges united in their mission to strengthen rural communities, the Grange has evolved from a small farmer's fraternity into a multifaceted organization with thousands of members, all united by the same spirit of fellowship and a desire to see their communities thrive,” Conklin said. Read more

 

House Dems hear from rural school admins about challenges to public education
Aug 03, 2023

Frankel issues statement after Pittsburgh synagogue shooter is sentenced to death
Aug 02, 2023

House Majority Leadership sound SOS on education in Centre County
Aug 02, 2023

Pa. House Reps sound the alarm for school resources
Aug 02, 2023

Urban search and rescue hearing held in Coraopolis
Aug 01, 2023

PA House Democrats’ ‘Save Our Schools’ tour makes stop in Berks County
Aug 01, 2023

House Majority Leadership joins community to sound education SOS in Philadelphia
Jul 31, 2023

Schlossberg, Collett rally mental health professionals and advocates for restoration of $100 million in adult mental health funding
Jul 27, 2023

Salisbury introduces bill to permit remote work capabilities
Jul 20, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for bold changes in eviction process
Jul 20, 2023

No Signs of Compromise Between Pa. House Lawmakers Over Funding for State Related Universities
Jul 19, 2023

Ciresi introduces downtown revitalization bill to bring older buildings up to code
Jul 13, 2023

Opinion: A million reasons to open up primaries in Pennsylvania
Jul 12, 2023

Ciresi cyber charter reform bill passes the House
Jul 08, 2023

Madden bill to expand jail access to opioid addiction treatment medication passed by House
Jul 07, 2023

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill passes House
Jul 07, 2023

PA House passes legislation to create Safe Communities Grant Program
Jul 07, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation pleased with increased funding on budget priorities
Jul 07, 2023

Howard’s Juvenile DNA collection bill passes PA House
Jul 06, 2023

House adopts Conklin resolution designating Sept. 18, 2023 as ‘State Grange Day’
Jul 06, 2023