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

News Center

Energy, labor leaders join Fiedler to encourage legislative action unlocking Pennsylvania’s $156 million in federal Solar for All Funds

(Mar 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Leaders in energy, the solar industry, and organized labor called on the state legislature to approve H.B. 362, a bill authorizing a Solar for All program, which was introduced by House Energy Committee Chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. The bill was approved in committee Monday morning with bipartisan support. Read more

 

Frankel’s medical marijuana oversight bill passes Pennsylvania House with bipartisan support

(Mar 17, 2025) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, March 17 – Pennsylvania House Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel’s bill to strengthen oversight of medical marijuana testing and enhance patient safety passed the House Monday with broad bipartisan support, marking a significant step toward ensuring the integrity and reliability of medical marijuana products statewide. House Bill 33 , which aims to bolster compliance testing, product audits, statistical analyses and lab inspections, now moves to the Senate for consideration. The bill is designed to provide stronger safeguards against contamination, inaccurate labeling and deceptive practices, ensuring that medical marijuana patients have confidence in the safety and efficacy of the products they use. “This legislation will help ensure that testing labs remain independent, transparent and accountable, so that we can prevent the types of issues that have undermined patient trust in other states,” Frankel said. Weaknesses in consumer protections were described in a series of hearings held by the Health Committee in the previous session and have also come to light through incidences of contamination , inaccurate labeling and deceptive practices in other states. Video of the Dec. 13, 2023, hearing on the regulatory landscape of cannabis can be found here . The legislation directs the Pennsylvania Department of Health to oversee lab testing with greater scrutiny, require stability testing to monitor Read more

 

Legislators propose additional benefits for National Guard service

(Mar 17, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Service in the Pennsylvania National Guard could soon come with additional incentives for military families. Read more

 

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus Celebrates Legacy of Black Midwives

(Mar 14, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

As part of their Brunch and Learn series of virtual meetings, the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus today held a celebration in recognition of the legacy of Black midwives on Black Midwifery Day. Read more

 

Venkat, Williams introduce bipartisan legislation to help put military family members through college

(Mar 13, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, March 13 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Craig Williams have introduced a bipartisan bill that would award an additional college education grant to family members of Pennsylvanians serving in the state National Guard upon reenlistment or renewal of their service obligation. The legislation ( H.B. 865 ) would amend the Military and Veterans Code of the Commonwealth so that each time a guard member reenlists or renews their service obligation for an additional six-year term, the Military Family Education Program would again cover the cost of attending a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education school for a military family dependent. “Pennsylvania National Guard members exemplify the best of our Commonwealth, and they and their loved ones deserve the kind of support available through the MFEP,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’m proud to partner with Representative Williams on this bill that helps young people receive a higher education and recognizes the service of those who protect all Pennsylvanians.” "Those of us who have served, especially on deployment, know with our whole heart that military service is a full family commitment. Anything we can do to recognize, acknowledge and value that family sacrifice must be pursued. House Bill 865 extends education benefits to the families of those who continue their service in the Pennsylvania National Guard,” added Williams, R-Delaware/Chester. “I want our Read more

 

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

(Mar 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to state, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $785,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund four to six grants with budgets not to exceed $185,000 over the 15-month project period. Application Deadline: April 10, 2025 More information: PCCD 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 More information: DCED Website Department Read more

 

Public hearing testimony reveals need for Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit

(Mar 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, the state House Finance Committee heard testimony at the Kennett Library from area organizations and advocates about how an additional state-level tax credit would allow Pennsylvanians to better manage their personal finances and plan for their family’s financial and educational future. Read more

 

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

(Mar 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to state, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $785,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund four to six grants with budgets not to exceed $185,000 over the 15-month project period. Application Deadline: April 10, 2025 More information: PCCD 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 More information: DCED Website Department of Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El introduces bill protecting net neutrality in Pa.

(Mar 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, along with state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia, today introduced a bill to protect net neutrality in Pennsylvania. Net neutrality is the rule that all internet service providers (ISP) cannot block, slow down, or speed up content delivery based on the content, user or device. With only a handful of companies providing these services, the rule is necessary to ensure fair practices. According to Smith-Wade-El, federal protections protecting net neutrality were removed on January 2, 2025, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a decision striking down the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality rule that required all Internet service providers (ISPs) to treat all consumers equally. This decision is expected to change the way Internet and streaming services work, resulting in increased costs for consumers. “The Internet is not a luxury but a daily necessity,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The tech oligarchy is trying to drive up our internet costs, making a “fair and fast” internet available only to the rich. My legislation would fight back against their monopoly, making it illegal for ISPs to block lawful Internet content, impede Internet traffic or otherwise engage in any activity that would negatively affect the Internet experience of Pennsylvania subscribers. A new chapter would be added to Title 66 (Public Utilities) Read more

 

Debt from childbirth, other medical care would be relieved under new bill

(Mar 12, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Medical debt harms people in different ways. It can lead them to seek payday loans, take money out of their retirement accounts, or delay medical care. Read more

 

Freeman proposes tutoring program for PA public schools

(Mar 12, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Tutoring is a time-honored and cost-effective way to enhance academic performance for both the student being tutored and the student who serves as a tutor," Freeman said. Read more

 

We need hard conversations, even if they make people uncomfortable

(Mar 11, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

By: State Rep. Darisha Parker Vice Chair of Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Recently, I was honored to stand in solidarity with students, teachers represented by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Service Employees International Union, Teamsters from the Commonwealth of School Administration and their dedicated President, Dr. Robin Cooper, for a Day of Action to protect Philadelphia students and their constitutional right to a free and efficient education. I’m disheartened by the injustices looming over our children’s future. I’m overwhelmed from seeing the strides and progress we have made struck down with the vindictive stroke of pen, but at the same time, it’s reassuring to see people across the country standing up to make their voices heard. The Day of Action, facilitated by the American Federation of Teachers, was a national movement where leaders all over the country stood up and made our point clear: We won’t step down, there’s too much at stake for apathy and inaction. These movements show our strength and resilience, but the most profound effect of collective action is igniting a spark that motivates spectators to stand with us. Many people are walking on eggshells because of the uncertainty we face as a country and while it’s imperative to be informed and engaged with the political sphere, we have to act strategically. If you haven’t already, register to vote. Remember that Read more

 

Steele: Time to end Sunday hunting ban in Pennsylvania

(Mar 10, 2025) Rep. Mandy Steele

HARRISBURG, March 10 -- Continuing her efforts to conserve Pennsylvania’s wildlife resources, state Rep. Mandy Steele has introduced a bill to repeal the prohibition on Sunday hunting and require at least one member of the Pennsylvania Game Commission to have a background in agriculture. Read more

 

Freeman bill would let housing authorities set up police departments

(Mar 10, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

"A public housing police force would greatly enhance community policing efforts, making public housing projects safer for their residents and their families, especially children and the elderly," Freeman said. Read more

 

Rivera’s pre-K public policy hearing elicits a rich discussion from community education experts

(Mar 07, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, March 7 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, held a public policy hearing Thursday to explore the impact of pre-K programming in Lancaster. Education experts and stakeholders explored and discussed the impact of pre-K education on children’s K-12 educational experiences and the challenges and needs of these programs. Presenters included representatives from Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster, Manheim Township School District, Pennsylvania Child Care Association, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Pennsylvania, School District of Lancaster, YWCA of Lancaster, Lancaster Recreation Commission, Pennsylvania School Library Association, Pennsylvania School Counselors Association and the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. Presenters spoke and attendees, which included state representatives, Deputy Secretary Shante Brown from the state Office of Child Development and Early Learning, and Lancaster County Commissioner Alice Yoder, were able to ask questions of each presenter. “After 30 years of teaching experience, there’s one big thing that I know is true: early investments in childhood education pay dividends for decades in a student’s life,” Rivera said. “You want a child with sharp cognitive and social skills, then you want to spend the money and the time making sure they get the holistic pre-K education they need to thrive during their formative years and beyond. Read more

 

Pa. House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee holds public meeting on reducing food waste and insecurity

(Mar 06, 2025) House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee

PHILADELPHIA, March 6 – The Pennsylvania House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee convened a critical informational meeting at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative today to address the interconnected issues of food waste and food insecurity. Representatives from state agencies, private businesses and nonprofit organizations gathered to discuss ongoing efforts to make Pennsylvania’s food systems more efficient and ensure that surplus food reaches those in need. “As we heard today, food insecurity and waste hurt our residents, our economy and our environment,” said House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chair Eddie Day Pashinski. “In a country and commonwealth abundant with high-quality, nutritious food, it is unconscionable that so much is wasted. Thankfully, organizations, private businesses and our state government are all stepping up to take on these interconnected issues. “By encouraging increased efficiency and innovation to reduce food waste and keep our PA families fed, we are also supporting our farmers and producers. I thank all our speakers for sharing their expertise with the committee, and I look forward to working together to ensure edible food ends up on Pennsylvanians’ plates and not our landfills.” According to Feeding Pennsylvania, one in eight Pennsylvanians – including one in six children – faces hunger. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Read more

 

Frankel vows action as private equity shuts down Crozer Health hospitals

(Mar 06, 2025) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, March 6 – Pennsylvania House Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel condemned the long-anticipated closure of Delaware County’s Crozer Health hospital system on Thursday, vowing to push legislation aimed at preventing similar crises in the future. “These hospitals were ransacked, robbed and plundered for profit, and now their private equity owner gets to ride out of town, leaving communities with diminished access to health care and employment,” Frankel said. “It’s devastating, and we have the power to make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Last year, the House Health Committee passed a bill by Rep. Lisa Borowski that would empower the PA Attorney General to review health care acquisitions before they occur and determine if such sales serve the public interest . The bill was crafted in response to the growing role of private equity in the health care market – and the troubling consequences that have followed . Prospect Medical Holdings bought the then-Crozer Keystone Health System, now Crozer Health, in 2016. In April 2020, the company closed Springfield Hospital and in 2022 ceased operations at Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Upper Darby. The remaining two hospitals will close their doors next week. Frankel pledged to again take up the bill in his committee and to work with Borowski and legislative leaders to fast-track it through the General Assembly. “Medical Read more

 

Cephas, Policy Committee focus on moving PA economy forward

(Mar 05, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“With the continued uncertainty in Washington, it’s more important than ever for us to ensure our state’s economy is strong,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “Today's hearing was a great opportunity to hear from the voices of our communities – to give them a seat at the table to discuss their needs for an economically strong Pennsylvania. From SEPTA, to our teachers, health care workers and more. We heard loud and clear that we must find ways to ensure economic protections and relief for hardworking Philadelphians, as well as our small businesses and the public services that keep our economy moving.” Read more

 

Freeman proposes fairer property tax system

(Mar 05, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

"A property tax circuit breaker would help stabilize neighborhoods and communities across the commonwealth. By reducing the tax burden, more Pennsylvanians could purchase and maintain family homes,” Freeman said. Read more

 

Elected officials, union leaders join national day of action against proposed federal education cuts

(Mar 05, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

One day after the U.S. Senate confirmed former wrestling executive Linda McMahon to head the U.S. Department of Education, Philadelphia activists rallied against the Trump administration's proposed cuts in federal education funding. Read more

 

Energy, labor leaders join Fiedler to encourage legislative action unlocking Pennsylvania’s $156 million in federal Solar for All Funds
Mar 17, 2025

Frankel’s medical marijuana oversight bill passes Pennsylvania House with bipartisan support
Mar 17, 2025

Legislators propose additional benefits for National Guard service
Mar 17, 2025

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus Celebrates Legacy of Black Midwives
Mar 14, 2025

Venkat, Williams introduce bipartisan legislation to help put military family members through college
Mar 13, 2025

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 12, 2025

Public hearing testimony reveals need for Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
Mar 12, 2025

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 12, 2025

Smith-Wade-El introduces bill protecting net neutrality in Pa.
Mar 12, 2025

Debt from childbirth, other medical care would be relieved under new bill
Mar 12, 2025

Freeman proposes tutoring program for PA public schools
Mar 12, 2025

We need hard conversations, even if they make people uncomfortable
Mar 11, 2025

Steele: Time to end Sunday hunting ban in Pennsylvania
Mar 10, 2025

Freeman bill would let housing authorities set up police departments
Mar 10, 2025

Rivera’s pre-K public policy hearing elicits a rich discussion from community education experts
Mar 07, 2025

Pa. House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee holds public meeting on reducing food waste and insecurity
Mar 06, 2025

Frankel vows action as private equity shuts down Crozer Health hospitals
Mar 06, 2025

Cephas, Policy Committee focus on moving PA economy forward
Mar 05, 2025

Freeman proposes fairer property tax system
Mar 05, 2025

Elected officials, union leaders join national day of action against proposed federal education cuts
Mar 05, 2025