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

(Jul 08, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Read more about the latest grant opportunities that are open for applications. Read more

 

Venkat, Williams: Bipartisan bill to extend Military Family Education benefits signed into law

(Jul 08, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, July 7 – After unanimously passing through the Pennsylvania General Assembly, legislation that would allow family of members of the Pennsylvania National Guard to claim additional education benefits each time the Guard member reenlists or renews their service commitment has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro, the bill’s co-prime sponsors, state Reps. Arvind Venkat and Craig Williams, announced. Act 32 of 2025 (formerly H.B. 865) amends the state’s Military Family Education Program, also known as the Pennsylvania GI Bill, to clarify that the program’s education assistance is a renewable benefit each time a Guard member reenlists or renews their service obligation for an additional six-year term. “The work of our military members comes with many sacrifices, including some taken on by their families as their loved one leaves to serve,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Now that it is clear the education benefit is renewable with each enlistment, the Military Family Education Program will now be able to give back an even greater amount to these resilient families while also boosting retention within the Guard.” “Every reenlistment is a sacrifice. Not just for the service member, but for their entire family,” said Williams, R-Delaware/Chester. “As a Marine Colonel and combat veteran, I know what that continued commitment requires. House Bill 865 reflects our promise to Read more

 

House unanimously passes Venkat, Marcell bill to allow Pennsylvania to join Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact

(Jul 07, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, July 7 – On the heels of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s announcement that Pennsylvania has officially joined interstate compacts to expand access to physicians, nurses and physical therapists, the state House today unanimously passed legislation introduced by Reps. Arvind Venkat and Kristin Marcell that would enable Pennsylvania to enter a similar compact for audiologists and speech-language pathologists. Venkat, D-Allegheny, said he introduced H.B. 80 to address the growing shortage of professionals in these fields. “Thousands of Pennsylvanians of all ages require treatment for hearing, speech and language-related disorders, but increasing demand for these services has led to a shortage of professionals that can make it difficult to access these services,” Venkat said. “Today, we move a step closer to closing those gaps with the House’s passage of my legislation, with Representative Marcell, that would enable Pennsylvania to join Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. “Joining the compact would allow audiologists and speech-language pathologists licensed through the ASLP-IC in 36 states and one territory, including our neighboring states of Delaware, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia, to practice here in the Commonwealth. It’s an important way we can ease the shortage of these health care professionals in our state and ensure that patients get the services they need.” Read more

 

Bill to ensure continuity of pre-K for Pa. children passes House

(Jul 07, 2025) Rep. Liz Hanbidge

“This bill ensures that Intermediate Units can maintain their Pre-K Counts grants even without a Head Start affiliation. Our children deserve uninterrupted, high quality early education, and Pennsylvania must act to secure it,” Hanbidge said. “If the federal government eliminates or defunds Head Start, as many as an additional 2,500 Pennsylvania children could lose access to Pre-K Counts programming and it’s essential we take this step to help them.” Read more

 

Conklin introduces resolution urging governor, department of corrections not to close Rockview Penitentiary and Quehanna Boot Camp

(Jul 07, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, July 7 – In response to the proposed closure of Rockview Penitentiary and Quehanna Boot Camp, state Rep. Scott Conklin is introducing a resolution urging Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections not to close these facilities. “Closing Rockview Penitentiary and Quehanna Boot Camp would have immediate, negative consequences for our residents, our community and our economy,” Conklin said. “Beyond serving a critical public safety role in securing and rehabilitating offenders, these facilities have served our region for more than a century and are major area employers. The closure would have a devastating impact on nearly 850 workers and their families, with ripple effects throughout our entire economy. The closures would also place an untenable burden on other correctional facilities receiving an influx of new inmates for which they are unprepared. “Beyond the effects to our workforce and regional economy, closing these facilities would upend the progress of rehabilitation efforts that are working to help people in the justice system return to their families and productive lives in the community. Before these institutions are closed for good, I implore the governor and state correctional officials to consider the very real human costs to our region and the impact on lives. “This resolution will clearly demonstrate to the administration where lawmakers stand and can be used as another Read more

 

Burns bill plays key role in addressing health care worker shortage

(Jul 02, 2025) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, July 2 — Pennsylvania will take a big step forward next week in its efforts to put more health care workers on the job, and a bill sponsored by Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, paved the way for it. Starting July 7, the state will become a full participant in three health care compacts that will make it easier for qualified doctors, nurses, and physical therapists to treat Pennsylvania patients. Health care compacts are multi-state agreements that streamline the licensing process so that professionals can practice in multiple states. Pennsylvania can join those compacts thanks to Burns’ bill to meet a fingerprinting requirement in compacts for criminal background checks. House Bill 2200 of 2023-24 required applicants in health care professions to submit fingerprints as part of their criminal history check and lays out the process that state police and licensing boards must follow in considering them. Previous efforts to join interstate compacts without the use of fingerprinting were not successful. “My bill was the final piece of the puzzle,” Burns said. “My staff and I worked tirelessly to pass this legislation because Pennsylvanians need better access to more health care professionals. Patients deserve to be seen without having to wait days, weeks, or even months to get an appointment.” Burns also said the House Professional Licensure Committee, which he chairs, worked Read more

 

Burgos shares newly launched consumer protection tools

(Jul 02, 2025) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., shared some new consumer protection tools launched by the Shapiro administration to help Pennsylvanians report scams and predatory practices. Burgos is chairman of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee. Among consumer issues, the committee oversees the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and reviews bills related to consumer privacy, utilities, broadband and more. “The federal government continues to erode essential consumer protections and privacy. In Pennsylvania, we’re prioritizing policies that defend consumers, not weaken their safeguards,” said Burgos. “Our state has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country, and whether you’re dealing with a denied claim or problems with a bank or mortgage lender, we’re here to help.” Pennsylvanians can now call 1-866-PACOMPLAINT (1-866-722-6675) , visit pa.gov/consumer , or email consumer@pa.gov to report financial, insurance, and consumer concerns. Whether it’s a denied health insurance claim, a suspicious financial transaction, or a problem with a student loan servicer, help is now just a call or click away. The new tools offer a “no wrong door” approach, meaning no matter the issue -- insurance lending, utilities, or financial scams -- Pennsylvanians will be routed to the right agency for Read more

 

Burns bill to add flexibility for traveling physicians headed to governor

(Jul 02, 2025) Rep. Frank Burns

“This bill, which I expect to be signed into law soon, will permit team doctors, no matter where they are from, to treat their players during their stay in the Commonwealth,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “Implementing this bill will contribute to the state’s economy by removing this obstacle that could hinder Pennsylvania’s attraction as a destination for international sporting events.” Read more

 

Freeman proposal to simplify municipal development passes House

(Jul 01, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

Legislation that would give municipalities another tool to plan their communities and streamline development passed the state House of Representatives today, according to prime sponsor Rep. Robert Freeman. Read more

 

Bipartisan Davis bill to fight property blight passes House

(Jul 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Tina Davis announced today the House has passed her bipartisan legislation, which would establish the Redevelopment Authority Startup Loan Program to combat property blight and spur revitalization in communities across the Commonwealth. The bill now heads to the Senate for its consideration. “This is a major step forward in giving our local communities the tools they need to address blight and revitalize neighborhoods,” Davis said. “I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who supported this legislation. This is a smart, sustainable investment in Pennsylvania’s future.” House Bill 1574 —co-sponsored by lawmakers from both parties—would create a revolving loan fund under the Department of Community and Economic Development. The fund would provide low-interest, long-term loans—up to $500,000—to county redevelopment authorities to acquire, rehabilitate and return blighted residential or commercial properties to productive use. The program is modeled after a highly successful initiative in Bristol Township, Bucks County, which, following a 2016 startup investment, has already led to the rehabilitation of 35 residential properties and sparked over 100 additional private-sector redevelopment projects—all without requiring further government funding. “This bill leverages what Read more

 

House passes Rabb bill to end secret votes that may hike consumers’ electric bills

(Jul 01, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation requiring utility companies who are members of power grid operator PJM to disclose all recorded votes advances to Senate Read more

 

Sanchez’s bill to curb excessive overdraft and non-sufficient fees passes House

(Jul 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 1 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Ben Sanchez, D-Montgomery, to protect working families and seniors from excessive overdraft and nonsufficient fund fees. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. “In a time when every dollar counts, Pennsylvanians shouldn’t be blindsided by unfair fees,” Sanchez said. “This bill puts fairness first and gives people a better chance to stay ahead financially.” House Bill 1553 , also known as the Protecting Your Accounts Act, would cap overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees at $15 or the actual cost of processing a transaction, whichever is lower, and prevent penalties when a transaction is simply declined. “When the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed similar changes, it estimated an average annual savings of $225 per person,” Sanchez said. “That’s meaningful relief, especially as families face rising costs across the board. “In 2024 alone, two major banks collected over $1 billion in overdraft fees,” Sanchez said. “That’s not a service—it’s exploitation. We need to restore trust that financial institutions are here to safeguard, not drain, people’s hard-earned money.” As the bill advances to the Senate, Sanchez called on lawmakers from Read more

 

Kosierowksi’s bill to address PA nursing shortage approved by Labor & Industry Committee

(Jul 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 1 — Legislation to support and sustain a strong, well-trained nursing workforce across Pennsylvania that was introduced by state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski was approved by the House Labor & Industry Committee today. The legislation, H.B. 1676 , addresses Pennsylvania’s growing nursing shortage. According to a Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania survey, Pennsylvania hospitals reported that an average of 14 percent of their nursing positions are unfilled, leaving existing nurses stretched thin and working longer hours. The situation is projected to worsen, with the state expected to face a shortage of 20,000 nurses by 2026. “Nurses are an integral part of our healthcare system, from providing critical bedside care to educating patients and families to advocating for patient needs with hospital staff,” said Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna. “Without them, our healthcare system won’t be able to provide lifesaving care to the public.” According to Kosierowski, fewer people entering the nursing profession has created an untenable workplace situation of longer hours and greater patient loads, causing many nurses to leave the profession due to high stress and burnout. In addition, many nurses are at retirement age and are expected to soon leave the profession. The result of having fewer nurses on hospital staffs has negatively impacted patient care, with increased mortality rates and diminished Read more

 

Relaunched PA Youth & Public Safety Caucus announces public safety initiative

(Jul 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Reps. Carol Kazeem and Heather Boyd, both D-Delaware, and Andre Carroll, D-Phila., of the relaunched bipartisan House PA Youth & Public Safety Caucus on Monday announced a public safety initiative in Harrisburg. Read more

 

Solomon, Gleim Legislation Asks Students ‘What is Your Pennsylvania Story?’

(Jul 01, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Bipartisan legislation authored by state Reps. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., and Barb Gleim, R-Cumberland, to engage Pennsylvania students in the state’s history and the role they play in it overwhelmingly passed the House Monday. House Bill 354 would create the “What’s Your Pennsylvania Story” Act to celebrate the unique lived experiences of Pennsylvania students and their families in anticipation of the upcoming semi-quincentennial. The bill would require the Department of Education to develop materials that a school entity may incorporate into social studies instruction. “House Bill 354 would essentially ask our young people to consider how they would answer the question ‘What Is Your Pennsylvania Story?’” Solomon said. “The legislation would require the Department of Education to establish guidelines and develop materials which teachers may use to encourage students to share their personal experiences and connections to both Pennsylvania and the United States.” “Our legislation would provide an excellent opportunity to plant seeds for the future as we prepare to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary in 2026,” Gleim added. “Inspiring our young people to research their past and realize the important role they will play in shaping the years ahead is a great way to grow and enrich both our state and our country.” The bill now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Read more

 

Williams celebrates signing of bill to help Pa. improve substance use programs and response

(Jul 01, 2025) Rep. Dan Williams

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, announced that his legislation to ensure the state is meeting its benchmarks with substance use programs was signed into law last night by Gov. Josh Shapiro. House Bill 640 improves the annual report that the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs submits to the General Assembly. Williams said the DDAP has played a critical role in advancing education, intervention, treatment and recovery initiatives across Pennsylvania. As the state continues to fight the opioid crisis and other emerging drug threats, DDAP has strengthened its collaboration with the departments of Health, Corrections, Human Services and other key agencies. Given DDAP’s growing responsibilities and evolving initiatives, HB 640 updates the department’s annual reporting requirements. “Under this law, enhanced reporting allows the General Assembly to better assess program effectiveness, allocate resources where they are most needed and explore new strategies for addressing substance misuse, treatment and recovery,” Williams said. The new law seeks to improve communication and collaboration with the public, advocacy organizations and service providers, providing greater transparency and informed public policy. “With uncertainties surrounding health initiatives and data collection on the federal level under a new administration that does not seem particularly concerned about those things, having the Read more

 

House approves Goughnour bill to spark more historic preservation

(Jun 30, 2025) Rep. Dan Goughnour

HARRISBURG, June 30 – The House today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-Allegheny, to make it easier to rehabilitate and preserve certain historic properties in Pennsylvania. House Bill 1572 would alleviate some of the construction and rehabilitation costs of property preservation by increasing a tax credit available for each project under the state’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit . The tax-credit program provides tax credits to qualified taxpayers who are restoring a qualified historic structure into an income-producing property. Goughnour said that last session, the General Assembly took an important step in protecting the Commonwealth’s rich history by increasing the total tax credits issued per year from $5 million per year to $20 million. However, each qualifying project can only receive a credit of $500,000, and his legislation would increase the per-project cap on the credit to $1.5 million. “Most projects far exceed $500,000 in cost,” Goughnour said. “For instance, of all the projects approved in 2023, only one cost less than $10 million, and the largest totaled $110 million. So, increasing the credit will make preserving these properties more attractive.” The $500,000 credit limit has remained unchanged since 2019. Under the program, no more than 25 percent of the expenditures incurred during the restoration of the Read more

 

Senate passes bipartisan bills to modernize language in state insurance laws

(Jun 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

This is a change that reflects the values of our commonwealth and supports our disability communities. This legislation reflects a collaborative, bipartisan effort with Representative Pickett and our colleagues across the aisle to modernize and improve the language of our laws. Read more

 

Fighting federal abusers, Protecting Pennsylvanians Act introduced

(Jun 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We can’t sit back and let this happen without a fight,” said Bizzarro, who represents Fairview and Millcreek townships in Erie County. “Pennsylvania House Democrats continue to use our majority to protect your health care, economy and right to vote. This act builds on that work with additional protections for working families who are being hurt by the DOGE disaster in D.C.” Read more

 

Pielli celebrates signature of two bills into law

(Jun 27, 2025) Rep. Chris Pielli

“I am beyond proud that these two bills have made it to the finish line,” he said. “So many of my colleagues in the House and Senate provided crucial feedback to ensure bi-partisan support for these bills. I wish to thank everyone who was a part of the legislative process and of course, I wish to thank Governor Shapiro for his approval and signature.” Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jul 08, 2025

Venkat, Williams: Bipartisan bill to extend Military Family Education benefits signed into law
Jul 08, 2025

House unanimously passes Venkat, Marcell bill to allow Pennsylvania to join Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact
Jul 07, 2025

Bill to ensure continuity of pre-K for Pa. children passes House
Jul 07, 2025

Conklin introduces resolution urging governor, department of corrections not to close Rockview Penitentiary and Quehanna Boot Camp
Jul 07, 2025

Burns bill plays key role in addressing health care worker shortage
Jul 02, 2025

Burgos shares newly launched consumer protection tools
Jul 02, 2025

Burns bill to add flexibility for traveling physicians headed to governor
Jul 02, 2025

Freeman proposal to simplify municipal development passes House
Jul 01, 2025

Bipartisan Davis bill to fight property blight passes House
Jul 01, 2025

House passes Rabb bill to end secret votes that may hike consumers’ electric bills
Jul 01, 2025

Sanchez’s bill to curb excessive overdraft and non-sufficient fees passes House
Jul 01, 2025

Kosierowksi’s bill to address PA nursing shortage approved by Labor & Industry Committee
Jul 01, 2025

Relaunched PA Youth & Public Safety Caucus announces public safety initiative
Jul 01, 2025

Solomon, Gleim Legislation Asks Students ‘What is Your Pennsylvania Story?’
Jul 01, 2025

Williams celebrates signing of bill to help Pa. improve substance use programs and response
Jul 01, 2025

House approves Goughnour bill to spark more historic preservation
Jun 30, 2025

Senate passes bipartisan bills to modernize language in state insurance laws
Jun 30, 2025

Fighting federal abusers, Protecting Pennsylvanians Act introduced
Jun 30, 2025

Pielli celebrates signature of two bills into law
Jun 27, 2025