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Ciresi introduces bill to boost electric vehicle charging infrastructure

(Jun 21, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, June 21 – With over two million electric vehicles (EV) already on the road and projections forecasting continued growth in EV adoption, state Rep. Joseph Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation that would help to create more charging stations throughout Pennsylvania. House Bill 1474 would add electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects as an eligible project type under Pennsylvania’s Property-Assessed Clean Energy program (C-PACE). C-PACE, which was created by Act 30 of 2018 , has facilitated over $250 million in investments in energy efficiency, clean energy, conservation, and other projects by connecting property owners with long-term financing. The investments are funded entirely through private capital, so it would not impose any financial burden on the commonwealth or local governments, according to Ciresi. “As electric vehicles become increasingly common, we need to make sure we have a developed statewide infrastructure with access to convenient charging stations,” Ciresi said. “This bill will unlock financing that would help businesses, workplaces, apartment buildings, and more locations install EV charging stations, offering important access for EV drivers and helping businesses that want to make these types of investments.” Read more

 

New bill to expand Philly's speed cam program beyond Roosevelt Boulevard

(Jun 21, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The program, which is currently in use on Roosevelt Boulevard, is set to expire in December, but Philadelphia Democrat Ed Neilson is looking to change that with a bill that would not only get rid of the expiration date, but allow Philadelphia to expand the use of speed cameras beyond the boulevard. Read more

 

CROWN Act reported out of committee

(Jun 20, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I am thankful that the House State Government Committee reported the CROWN Act out of committee today,” Mayes, D-Allegheny, said. “Previously introduced by Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, the CROWN Act did not receive consideration under a House Republican majority in 2021 and 2019. With the new House Democratic majority, we can now make progress to ensure all Pennsylvanians are equal by prohibiting hair discrimination.” Read more

 

Neilson’s legislation advances out of House Transportation Committee

(Jun 20, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I am grateful for my colleagues on the House Transportation Committee who voted to help all of Pennsylvania by ensuring the speedy and safe reconstruction of I-95,” Neilson said. “I-95 is such an important road, not only in Philadelphia, but the entire East Coast, and we need to extend the emergency proclamation for at least a year to ensure the project is fully funded and completed.” Read more

 

Neilson praises workers of I-95 and Gov. Shapiro

(Jun 20, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Ninety-five is such an important artery here in the Northeast,” Neilson said. “Everyone came out to help when we needed it and I’m full of gratitude for each and every person who made a difference on this.” Read more

 

Munroe bill to address teacher, police and nurse shortages passes PA House

(Jun 20, 2023) Rep. Brian Munroe

Nurses, teachers and police officers are three of the most vital professions to the quality of life in Pennsylvania. This bill helps to remedy the shortages and understaffing situation Read more

 

PA House passes Freeman land bank legislation

(Jun 20, 2023) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Land banks are a transformative resource that allow affected neighborhoods and business districts to be revitalized. We should be doing everything we can as a state to encourage economic development and improve quality of life in all municipalities, big and small,” said Freeman. Read more

 

Neilson introduces resolution to extend Gov. Shapiro’s emergency declaration

(Jun 16, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, has introduced House Resolution 154, which seeks to extend Gov. Josh Shapiro’s emergency proclamation for the safe and prompt rebuilding of Interstate 95, one of the busiest highways in Pennsylvania, carrying an average of 160,000 vehicles daily. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El issues statement on Pittsburgh synogogue shooting trial verdict

(Jun 16, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, June 16 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, released a statement on the guilty verdict issued against the shooter in the Pittsburgh synogogue shooting in 2018. “ With the news that the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter has been found guilty on all charges, our office wishes to extend our solidarity to the Jewish communities of Allegheny County, Lancaster County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the entire United States. “Our thoughts and prayers as an office, and more importantly, my will and vote as a legislator are with those who summoned the will to testify in this trial. “For years, our Jewish friends and neighbors have been sounding the alarm about the ever-increasing rise of antisemitic hatred, the growing threat of Christian nationalism to American democracy, and the cultural hegemony that dominates and oppresses vulnerable minority communities. “The arc of the moral universe does not bend toward justice on its own. It takes the bravery of those who have acted in defense of human rights in a world that would harm them for it. “While hate may begin in the margins, in the shadows, it grows and multiplies in broad daylight thanks to the passive acceptance of the majority. Finally, hate reaches its monstrous apotheosis as an irreversible force, sweeping away millions in its wake. The time is now to stop the rising tide of antisemitism Read more

 

Frankel speaks at courthouse as jury returns guilty verdict against Pittsburgh synagogue shooter

(Jun 16, 2023) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

“Let us remember that the survivors reopened these wounds for us, for humanity,” Frankel said. “Because there has to be a record. The work to hold back hateful ideologies and violence stands on history.” Read more

 

Philadelphia wants harsher penalties for illegal dirt bikes than state allows

(Jun 16, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

In Philadelphia, the regulations cause problems for a pre-existing local ordinance. Before the state law passed, Philadelphia’s off-road vehicle law had stronger provisions, but that has now been superseded by the legislature.One way to find a compromise would be to exempt the city and let it reimplement its more-stringent law — a policy advocated by Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia. Read more

 

Mayes, McClinton advocate for ending hair discrimination

(Jun 15, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The CROWN Act (H.B. 1394) would update Pennsylvania’s current anti-discrimination law to prohibit discrimination based on hair type, hair texture or hairstyle. Read more

 

Cephas and Daley taking Pa. reproductive rights conversation to White House

(Jun 15, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 15 – State Reps. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., and Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, announced that they will be representing the commonwealth at today’s Legislative Convening on Reproductive Rights at the White House. They will be two of three Pennsylvania state representatives participating in the panel. Cephas and Daley will join 83 legislators from 41 states across the country to highlight state-level attacks on reproductive rights, as well as state efforts to protect and expand access to abortion care. Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton will also be in attendance. Cephas said the panel, which will be held ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, signifies a singular opportunity to talk about her extensive work on the subject and how the commonwealth stands in the face of other states. “I am excited to join colleagues to discuss legislation that we have advanced to secure reproductive rights in our state and the challenges we have faced along the way,” Cephas said. “We have been tirelessly working to keep abortion safe and legal for all Pennsylvanians against extremist attacks on reproductive rights and we will continue championing the state to provide resources, access, and funding to improve services. We are determined to protect patients and providers.” Daley, co-chair of the Pa. Women’s Health Caucus, expressed that it is her honor to join Read more

 

State Reps. Fiedler, Schweyer, Merski, Hill-Evans and advocates urge PA Legislature to fund school facilities in 2023-24 state budget

(Jun 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., hosted a news conference in the state Capitol Rotunda Wednesday and called on legislators to fund school facilities in Pennsylvania. “We have a unique opportunity to finally invest in fixing toxic schools across Pennsylvania,” said Fiedler. “It’s long past time we prioritize the health of our students, teachers and school staff. We have some of the oldest schools in the nation right here in Pennsylvania, and many of them have unsafe conditions that are simply unacceptable. I am committed to investing state dollars to remediate and repair our schools.” Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, chair of the House Education Committee, reminded everyone that school buildings are learning environments. “The quality of a school building has a direct impact on a child's ability to learn,” he said. “This year's House budget begins to address our toxic schools, but there's much more work to be done. We can't delay any longer -- our children deserve better.” State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, D-York County, commended the bipartisan support behind funding school facilities. “We are building bipartisan support for funding school facilities within this year’s budget,” she said. “The House sent a version of the budget to the Senate last week. Our proposal used Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal as a starting point Read more

 

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22

(Jun 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, June 14 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and state Sen. Art Haywood, D-Montgomery/Phila. will hold a virtual town hall from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 22. Following their successful “Raise the Wage” rally in Lancaster in June, the legislators are holding the virtual town hall to further raise awareness of efforts to increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania, focusing on Haywood’s “ Raise the Wage ” legislation, S.B. 772. “I am looking forward to teaming up with my colleague, state Senator Art Haywood, to raise awareness about legislative efforts to raise the minimum wage, especially his Raise the Wage bill,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Raising the minimum wage would help reverse decades of pay inequality and narrow the racial pay gap for workers of color. Raising the minimum wage also benefits our economy as working families will be able to spend more, injecting revenue into Pennsylvania’s economy, and strengthening our overall financial health.” "Raising the minimum wage is a form of respect for the dignity of hardworking people,” Haywood said. "Right now, the minimum wage doesn’t justly compensate our people for the work they do and doesn’t allow them to live a decent life. Our working people deserve a living wage, which allows them to have a roof over their heads and food on the table. My legislation would establish a $15-per-hour minimum wage for Read more

 

House Health Committee reports out key bill to improve Black maternal health

(Jun 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The realities for women in this country are grave, the legislators said. Among resource-rich nations, the United States is the least-safest country to have a baby. Furthermore, Pennsylvania falls in the bottom half of the nation for maternal mortality rates – ranking 26th in the country. Nearly 19 out of 100,000 live births in Pennsylvania result in the death of the mother. In 2021, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. And Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Read more

 

Kinkead: PSEA calls for universal school meals

(Jun 14, 2023) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Joins 20 school districts in supporting bills to provide free school meals Read more

 

Waxman celebrates House passage of his measure to reduce cell phone bills

(Jun 13, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 13 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., today celebrated the passage of his legislation that would reduce cell phone bills for families across the state. “ This is about providing financial relief to individuals and families across the entire state ,” Waxman said. “ We all rely on cell phones for communication, work, and staying connected to loved ones. They have become an essential part of our lives, and it’s only fair that we work to alleviate the excessive tax burdens placed on Pennsylvanians.” Waxman’s legislation would exempt cell phone service from the 6% sales and use tax, as well as the 5% gross receipts tax. This legislation follows Gov. Josh Shapiro’s state budget plan and would save Pennsylvania families an estimated $124 million per year. According to Waxman, Pennsylvania has the seventh highest combined rate of taxes and other government fees and surcharges on cell phone bills at 16.62%. At this time, 68% of American households do not have a landline and rely solely on cell phones for voice communication. Waxman said lower-income households and younger individuals are more likely to be wireless-only. Further, 15% of Americans use cellular data on their smartphones as their only method of accessing the internet, as these families do not have broadband internet service. For more information, those interested can contact Waxman’s Read more

 

Salisbury’s bill to reduce blight advances out of committee

(Jun 13, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 13 – A bill introduced by state Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, that would reduce blight and revitalize community properties advanced out of the PA House Housing & Community Development Committee today. The legislation ( H.B. 1163 ) would update current property law to allow communities to make vacant blighted or abandoned properties 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 properties can become safety hazards and sources of frustration for communities,” Salisbury said. “As a council member, however, my ability to help neighbors deal with problem properties was limited by what the law allowed. My goal with this legislation is to add another tool to local governments' toolboxes and help put properties back to productive use. My bill delivers a ‘use it or lose it’ message to urge property owners into action and improve communities' ability to address blight.” Salisbury said her legislation does not require land banks to acquire vacant properties designated as abandoned and/or distressed but, instead, allows them to do so if they wish. House Bill 1163 is Salisbury’s first bill as a state representative. It now heads to the full House for consideration. Read more

 

House passes Merski bill to help Pennsylvania fight blight

(Jun 13, 2023) Rep. Robert Merski

"Today’s House action brings us a step closer to addressing a major urban enemy,” Merski said. “Vacant, distressed properties have been a persistent problem for Erie and other communities, but many lack a dedicated budget for code enforcement, so these efforts often go by the wayside. “My bill would help us break that cycle by giving local governments the resources they need to turn things around." Read more

 

Ciresi introduces bill to boost electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Jun 21, 2023

New bill to expand Philly's speed cam program beyond Roosevelt Boulevard
Jun 21, 2023

CROWN Act reported out of committee
Jun 20, 2023

Neilson’s legislation advances out of House Transportation Committee
Jun 20, 2023

Neilson praises workers of I-95 and Gov. Shapiro
Jun 20, 2023

Munroe bill to address teacher, police and nurse shortages passes PA House
Jun 20, 2023

PA House passes Freeman land bank legislation
Jun 20, 2023

Neilson introduces resolution to extend Gov. Shapiro’s emergency declaration
Jun 16, 2023

Smith-Wade-El issues statement on Pittsburgh synogogue shooting trial verdict
Jun 16, 2023

Frankel speaks at courthouse as jury returns guilty verdict against Pittsburgh synagogue shooter
Jun 16, 2023

Philadelphia wants harsher penalties for illegal dirt bikes than state allows
Jun 16, 2023

Mayes, McClinton advocate for ending hair discrimination
Jun 15, 2023

Cephas and Daley taking Pa. reproductive rights conversation to White House
Jun 15, 2023

State Reps. Fiedler, Schweyer, Merski, Hill-Evans and advocates urge PA Legislature to fund school facilities in 2023-24 state budget
Jun 14, 2023

DATE UPDATED: Smith-Wade-El and Haywood to hold virtual town hall June 22
Jun 14, 2023

House Health Committee reports out key bill to improve Black maternal health
Jun 14, 2023

Kinkead: PSEA calls for universal school meals
Jun 14, 2023

Waxman celebrates House passage of his measure to reduce cell phone bills
Jun 13, 2023

Salisbury’s bill to reduce blight advances out of committee
Jun 13, 2023

House passes Merski bill to help Pennsylvania fight blight
Jun 13, 2023