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

News Center

Cephas praises end of contract with Real Alternatives

(Aug 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 7 – Following the announcement that the Shapiro administration is terminating state funding for the organization Real Alternatives, state Rep. Morgan Cephas today expressed satisfaction for the decision and indicated that it signifies a step forward in the fight to protect freedom to choose for all Pennsylvanians. Cephas, Chair of the House Philadelphia Delegation and former co-chair of the Legislative Women’s Health Caucus, said that the decision to cut ties with the program that partners with crisis pregnancy centers was needed. The legislator explained that Real Alternatives was just a pricey obstacle for taxpayers that did not provide the impartial reproductive health services that she and her colleagues have been advocating for in Pennsylvania. “This is a long-awaited triumph; our efforts have paid off,” Cephas said. “It is no secret that these crisis pregnancy centers operating under the guidance of Real Alternatives were part of a radical agenda to strengthen restrictions on abortion access at the expense of taxpayers. “A person must be free to decide what they want to do with their own body, but as soon as you walk in to one of these centers you realize that your particular situation or need might not fit the core mission of this organization: ‘to provide life-affirming pregnancy.’ This means that they already decided for their patients in advance. No feedback Read more

 

West Mifflin police chief describes for lawmakers the need for juvenile detention facility

(Aug 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

"It's important to recognize why Shuman was closed. It's because it was not providing the services that it needed to juveniles, and the state stepped in and shut it down. That being said, there needs to be someplace where kids who are committing crimes have a place to go to get rehabilitation or get the services they may not have access to," Pisciottano said. Read more

 

McClinton, Shapiro, state officials celebrate expansion of Property Tax Rent Rebate Program

(Aug 04, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

SCRANTON, Aug. 4 – Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, joined Governor Josh Shapiro and several state officials at the United Neighborhood Center in Scranton today, as the governor signed an expansion in the state’s popular Property Tax Rent Rebate Program. The PTRR benefits hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania seniors, widowed people 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older by providing them a rebate on their property taxes or rent paid, if their income is below a specified threshold. Under the expansion nearly 175,000 additional Pennsylvanians will qualify, and the rebate amount is being increased. “Far too often I hear from my wisest neighbors that they no longer qualify for their property tax rebate because they have received modest increases in their Social Security payments over the years,” Speaker McClinton said. “But they still need the rebate money to help them pay bills, put fuel in the car, or purchase medication. “Expanding the income eligibility for the Property Tax Rent Rebate program and the increased rebate amounts, will provide our seniors more security as our economy continues to recover.” McClinton added that the income eligibility limits hadn’t been increased in nearly two decades. Under the new guidelines, eligible Pennsylvanians earning up to $45,000 a year will qualify for a rebate, and Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls out Sen. Devlin Robinson for disrespecting Pennsylvania firefighter

(Aug 04, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 4 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today said a recent incident where a firefighter was verbally disrespected is an outrageous act that demands more than a mere apology. State Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny, referred to Ken Pagurek, a first responder from Pennsylvania Task Force 1, as a “dick,” using the slur during a committee meeting on Tuesday. A video shows Robinson, who serves as the chair of the Labor and Industry Committee, leaning towards Sen. Doug Mastriano, making the disgraceful comment, presumably and wrongfully assuming that the microphone was off. The delegation noted that Mastriano seemed amused by the observation. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the group is outraged by the confrontation and the lack of empathy shown towards the hardworking men and women who risk their lives every single day protecting communities across our commonwealth. “We are not going to let these types of degrading remarks go unchecked because of your proximity and disregard for the City of Philadelphia,” said chairwoman Cephas. “This is not a joke; it just shows the type of leadership that we have in the Pennsylvania Senate. As senators they are supposed to represent all Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, neither Robinson nor Mastriano embody the moral values that their positions require. House Democrats support the Read more

 

Pa. House Democrats rally at Carrick High School in push for public education funding

(Aug 04, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“State government has failed you,” state Rep. Jessica Benham, D-South Side, said. “We still live in a commonwealth where your ZIP code determines your educational opportunities. … These kids learn as early as kindergarten and first grade that our community has few safeguards for them.” Read more

 

PA House Democrats wrap up ‘Save Our Schools’ tour with stop in Allegheny Co.

(Aug 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Majority leadership team and Policy Committee wrapped up the statewide “Save Our Schools” tour Thursday morning with a stop at Carrick High School in Pittsburgh to tour the building, discuss the need for fair funding for public education and rally with education advocates. Read more

 

Lawmakers hold roundtable to discuss improving education in rural areas

(Aug 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This is almost historic. The first woman speaker, individuals from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, Allentown, Scranton, and all across the state are here because we know how important it is that every child, no matter their zip code or where they grow up, have that equal chance,” said State Rep. Scott Conklin. Read more

 

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

 

Cephas praises end of contract with Real Alternatives
Aug 07, 2023

West Mifflin police chief describes for lawmakers the need for juvenile detention facility
Aug 07, 2023

McClinton, Shapiro, state officials celebrate expansion of Property Tax Rent Rebate Program
Aug 04, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation calls out Sen. Devlin Robinson for disrespecting Pennsylvania firefighter
Aug 04, 2023

Pa. House Democrats rally at Carrick High School in push for public education funding
Aug 04, 2023

PA House Democrats wrap up ‘Save Our Schools’ tour with stop in Allegheny Co.
Aug 03, 2023

Lawmakers hold roundtable to discuss improving education in rural areas
Aug 03, 2023

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