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Pa. House passes legislation expanding access to menstrual hygiene products

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This legislation would remove barriers for those who menstruate and utilize these programs. Period poverty disproportionately affects communities of color, so this bill would address that systemic problem,” Parker said. “We need to provide dignity amongst women and girls. It’s sad many have to deal with scarcity of feminine products and diapers.” Read more

 

Merski bill to help police departments afford fleet upgrades heads to House

(Jun 29, 2023) Rep. Robert Merski

“Every dollar we can save government is a windfall for taxpayers, and that includes large-ticket expenditures like police fleet upgrades, which can pose major obstacles for stretched department budgets,” Merski said. Read more

 

House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus & Philadelphia House Delegation condemn Moms for Liberty event in Phila.

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 – The Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and Philadelphia House Delegation are condemning the upcoming Moms for Liberty summit that’s scheduled to take place in center city Philadelphia today through July 2. Moms for Liberty is a right-wing hate group that advocates against school curriculum that mentions LGBTQ+ rights, race and ethnicity, critical race theory and discrimination. LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Co-Chairs Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, and Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., who also serves as Philadelphia House Delegation treasurer, each issued comments condemning this summit. “I’m extremely disappointed to see this summit take place in our city. Our city shouldn’t be a backdrop for hate,” Kenyatta said. “We can’t allow the type of rhetoric and ideology that far-right groups, like Moms for Liberty, promote prevent us from becoming a more fair and equal society.” “Hate has no home in Pennsylvania,” Benham said. “I believe most of our state’s residents find it embarrassing that Pennsylvania’s largest city will host one of the nation’s most hostile anti-LGBTQ+ groups during the month of Pride. Alongside my colleagues in the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, I am eager to continue fighting back against the hateful rhetoric and policies pushed by groups like Moms for Liberty.” Philadelphia House Delegation Read more

 

Pa. House Dems. roll out good government reform measures.

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Reps. Jared Solomon and Malcolm Kenyatta, both Philadelphia Democrats, called Tuesday for a suite of good government reform measures that included a citizens' redistricting commission; campaign contribution limits; and more transparency on the way House lawmakers spend public money. Read more

 

Salisbury bill to reduce blight passes PA House

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury’s bill that would reduce severe blight and revitalize community properties passed the PA House yesterday. The legislation ( H.B. 1163 ) would update current property law to allow municipal governments to make vacant properties that have been severely blighted for five or more years subject to potential acquisition by land banks. Owners of such properties would be granted a set amount of time to make the repairs needed to reverse the designation and could appeal the designation. "In my five years as a borough council member, I saw firsthand how these neglected vacant properties can become safety hazards and sources of frustration for communities,” said Salisbury, D-Allegheny. “Residents begged me to do something about these unused properties and asked if I could force the owners to use them or sell them, but I was powerless to do anything under state law. Now as a state representative, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to amend the current law so that local elected officials are able to respond to these residents with action. “My goal with this legislation is to add another tool to local governments' toolboxes and help put properties back to productive use,” she added. “Today’s passage means that municipalities are that much closer to providing their residents with affordable housing and space for small businesses.” Salisbury said her legislation Read more

 

PA House passes legislation to increase penalties for Child Labor Act violations

(Jun 28, 2023) Rep. Regina Young

HARRISBURG, June 28 – A bill ( H.B. 1354 ) sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila., that would increase the penalties for employers found to be violating Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today by a vote of 180-23. The legislation would increase the penalties for Child Labor Act violations from $500 to $1,000 for initial violations. The fine for repeat violations would be raised from $1,500 to $3,000. “We cannot have companies thinking that violating Child Labor Act laws is just the cost of doing business here in the commonwealth,” Young said. “There are efforts in state legislatures across the country to weaken child labor laws, and this comes at a time when the U.S. Department of Labor reported a 283% increase in child labor law violations between 2015 and 2022. Here in Pennsylvania, we must make it clear: there will be penalties for exploiting the state’s children.” The bill now goes to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Bill to repudiate racially restricted deed covenants passes PA House

(Jun 28, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 28 – A bill sponsored by Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, that would make it easier for property owners to repudiate discriminatory deed covenants passed the House today. A covenant stipulates what existing or future owners can and cannot do to the property. Racially discriminatory real estate covenants were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1948 under the Shelley v. Kraemer decision, ruling that these covenants are unenforceable under the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution. In addition, the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibited deed covenants that discriminate against protected classes. Although these covenants are no longer enforceable, Fleming said this harmful and discriminatory language still exists in many property deeds. Fleming’s bill ( H.B. 1289 ) impacts all restrictive covenants for classes of individuals covered under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and would allow a property owner to repudiate the covenant. Under the bill, a property owner or homeowner association could file a form with the county’s recorder of deeds office to repudiate a restrictive covenant at little or no cost. "The shameful legacy of restrictive covenants and practices like redlining have created massive inequality in wealth and home ownership rates among people of different races,” Fleming said. “This legislation would make it Read more

 

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill approved by Education Committee

(Jun 28, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 28 – Today, H.B. 1448 introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, was voted out of the House Education Committee and is headed to the full House for future consideration. The bill would r equire public schools to provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. This 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 can 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 save lives.” This is Bellmon’s first bill to be voted out of a House standing committee. He is urging quick passage in the full House. Read more

 

PA House Labor & Industry Committee approves resolution condemning exclusion of mandated water breaks for workers

(Jun 28, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 28 – During a voting meeting today, the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee reported a resolution ( H.R. 159 ) out of committee and to the full House that would condemn the elimination of local rules in Texas mandating water breaks for construction workers. State Rep. Jose Giral introduced the resolution after Texas recently eliminated local ordinances mandating water breaks for construction workers, undermining their safety and well-being. “I believe it is appallingly brutal to institute legislation that would disregard the basic needs of any human being. I wholeheartedly condemn the Texas legislation that eliminates mandated water breaks for construction workers,” Giral said. “People are not machines; these decisions impact the health and mental wellness of human lives. We need to protect all workers’ rights and collectively raise our voices against this irrational and inhumane legislation in Texas.” Read more

 

Pa. House votes to extend I-95 disaster proclamation until next June

(Jun 28, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

A resolution that would extend to next June Gov. Josh Shapiro’s emergency disaster declaration issued in the response to the collapse of a bridge on I-95 in Philadelphia passed the state House of Representatives. Read more

 

Neilson’s automated speed enforcement legislation passes PA House

(Jun 27, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation authored by state Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., chair of the House Transportation Committee, that would renew and expand automated enforcement programs throughout Philadelphia, passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today with bipartisan support. House Bill 1284 would eliminate the December 2023 expiration date of the Automated Speed Enforcement Program along Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia. It would also expand the ASE program to all roads in Philadelphia, contingent on PennDOT’s approval and the city’s adoption of a local ordinance and make necessary improvements to the ASE program. The ASE program on Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia, first implemented in June 2020, uses cameras to detect and record motorists exceeding the posted speed limit by 11 miles per hour or more along the boulevard. Crashes along Roosevelt Boulevard have declined by 36% since speed cameras were deployed, while total crashes in the rest of the city, where there are no speed cameras, have only declined by 6%. According to the Philadelphia Parking Authority, the ASE program has reduced speeding along Roosevelt Boulevard by a staggering 95%. Finally, and most importantly, Neilson said, the bill would protect schoolchildren on their walks through busy school zones by making fixes to the current law that authorizes school districts to use automated school bus stop-arm cameras and establishing a five-year pilot program for speed cameras in active Read more

 

PA House passes legislation allowing recycled materials in stuffed toys

(Jun 27, 2023) Rep. Jason Dawkins

HARRISBURG, June 27 – A bill sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., that would allow recycled materials to be used in stuffed toys passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a vote of 163-40. This legislation ( H.B. 1333 ) would bring Pennsylvania in line with all other global stuffed toy requirements, enabling manufacturers and retailers to make and sell stuffed toys with recycled materials in the commonwealth. “This is really just commonsense legislation,” said Dawkins, chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. “Not only is the use of recycled materials commonplace because it is safe and the materials undergo the same extensive testing as new materials, but it also allows toy manufacturers to reach their sustainability goals and is better for the environment.” House Bill 1333 is a companion bill to S.B. 756 , introduced by Pennsylvania Sens. Devlin Robinson, John Kane and Art Haywood. The bill now goes to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Giral doubles up efforts to reduce opioid and prescription drug abuse

(Jun 27, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 27 – Today, bills (H.B. 817 and H.B. 818) introduced by state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The bills represent Giral’s dual effort to educate and support pharmacies to help reduce opioid and prescription drug abuse in communities. House Bill 817 (Educate pharmacies about drug takeback locations) would direct the State Board of Pharmacy to educate pharmacies about drug takeback programs. Pharmacies can institute takeback programs now, but many do not because they lack the necessary guidance and logistics plan. Giral highlights that the educational component in his bills is essential because educating pharmacies on the option to aid Pennsylvanians with safely and responsibly disposing of their unwanted or expired medications is crucial to preventing the misuse and diversion of prescription drugs. House Bill 818 (Provide support for drug takeback locations at pharmacies) would establish the Pharmaceutical Collection Sites Educational Program within the Department of State to assist pharmacy board efforts. The program would help pharmacies meet the cost and complete the necessary steps of setting up a takeback location. “I am proud to say today that we are moving legislation forward to address this issue,” Giral said. “We are now a step closer to take control of this serious public problem in our state. I am thankful to Read more

 

House passes Benham, Ortitay bill to help kids in kinship care

(Jun 27, 2023) Rep. Jessica Benham

Would expand foster care tuition waiver program Read more

 

Solomon and Kenyatta introduce a series of good government transparency legislation

(Jun 27, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Reps. Jared Solomon and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., reaffirmed their commitment to good government and transparency by introducing several bills that would reform redistricting, campaigns and elections, as well as accountability after a candidate is elected. Read more

 

Pa. House passes bill to address inadequate school facilities

(Jun 27, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 1408 would enact PlanCon 2.0, legislation that was recommended by the Pennsylvania Public School Building Construction and Reconstruction Advisory Committee, and has not been invested in since 2016. It is a reimbursement program for school construction. Read more

 

Pa. House recognizes LGBTQ+ Pride Month

(Jun 27, 2023) Rep. Jessica Benham

“As levels of LGBTQ+ hate and discrimination continue to rise, we must also recognize that the fight for full equality is far from over. My colleagues and I in the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus stand in solidarity with members of the LGBTQ+ community and will continue advocating for policies like the Fairness Act that move us toward a more accepting, loving, and inclusive society.” Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s resolution to study the impact of housing and health quality adopted by House

(Jun 27, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 27 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that his resolution, H.R. 66, that directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the impact of housing on health in Pennsylvania passed the House on Monday. “We have a housing crisis in Pennsylvania,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only is there not enough affordable housing, but most housing dates from before 1978 and exposes residents to lead contamination, poor ventilation, ill-constructed waste systems, and other unsafe and toxic conditions. “Bad housing is having a devastating impact on people’s health and on our health services,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We’ve got to use our resources to find a remedy for a literally toxic situation by studying the health care costs associated with substandard housing and building affordable housing connected to local health care and social service systems.” According to Smith-Wade-El, studies have shown that substandard housing is a contributing factor to negative health outcomes and can perpetuate economic struggle and housing insecurity for some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. The LBFC will reach out to relevant stakeholders to gain insight on the impact housing has on residents’ health and provide recommendations for housing solutions. “Everyone deserves a safe and healthy home,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz praises passage of bill that would lessen teacher shortages

(Jun 26, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 26 – State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, today praised House passage of her bill, which would provide educator certification and employment for immigrants in Pennsylvania. The bill ( H.B. 1067 ), now on its way to the Senate for consideration, would amend the qualifications of a teacher by adding that department-certified or permitted teachers who hold a valid immigrant visa, work visa, or valid employment authorization document which allows them to work in the United States are eligible to teach in the public schools of the Commonwealth. Cepeda-Freytiz said enactment of this bill would expand much-needed access to teacher certification. The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Teacher Information Management System prevents non-U.S. citizens from completing an application for certification unless they are applying for a certificate to teach a foreign language or hold an immigrant visa (Green Card) and sign an affidavit of intent to become a U.S citizen. “Education is the foundation of progress. We need a commonsense approach that can help us put Pennsylvania back on track. I am proud to champion this issue and I cannot wait until this bill is signed into law,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) participants are unable to attain educator certification in Pennsylvania. The removal of this barrier could help the Commonwealth address its teacher shortage areas, including one of the Read more

 

Pa. House passes Isaacson’s legislation regarding community college

(Jun 26, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Community college is an affordable path to a great future,” Isaacson said. “We need to embrace community college students by ensuring that they have every opportunity to transfer to a four-year college or university with ease.” Read more

 

Pa. House passes legislation expanding access to menstrual hygiene products
Jun 29, 2023

Merski bill to help police departments afford fleet upgrades heads to House
Jun 29, 2023

House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus & Philadelphia House Delegation condemn Moms for Liberty event in Phila.
Jun 29, 2023

Pa. House Dems. roll out good government reform measures.
Jun 29, 2023

Salisbury bill to reduce blight passes PA House
Jun 29, 2023

PA House passes legislation to increase penalties for Child Labor Act violations
Jun 28, 2023

Bill to repudiate racially restricted deed covenants passes PA House
Jun 28, 2023

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill approved by Education Committee
Jun 28, 2023

PA House Labor & Industry Committee approves resolution condemning exclusion of mandated water breaks for workers
Jun 28, 2023

Pa. House votes to extend I-95 disaster proclamation until next June
Jun 28, 2023

Neilson’s automated speed enforcement legislation passes PA House
Jun 27, 2023

PA House passes legislation allowing recycled materials in stuffed toys
Jun 27, 2023

Giral doubles up efforts to reduce opioid and prescription drug abuse
Jun 27, 2023

House passes Benham, Ortitay bill to help kids in kinship care
Jun 27, 2023

Solomon and Kenyatta introduce a series of good government transparency legislation
Jun 27, 2023

Pa. House passes bill to address inadequate school facilities
Jun 27, 2023

Pa. House recognizes LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Jun 27, 2023

Smith-Wade-El’s resolution to study the impact of housing and health quality adopted by House
Jun 27, 2023

Cepeda-Freytiz praises passage of bill that would lessen teacher shortages
Jun 26, 2023

Pa. House passes Isaacson’s legislation regarding community college
Jun 26, 2023