News Center

Neilson applauds Shapiro signature to enact SB 37 into state law

(Jun 05, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, State Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro as he signed S.B. 37, or “Paul Miller’s Law.” The bill, named after a Pennsylvania man who was tragically struck and killed by a distracted driver, would allow law enforcement to issue a ticket when a driver uses their cell phone while driving. “Today is a step toward mitigating a major safety issue when driving,” Neilson said. “Distracted driving has replaced driving while intoxicated as the most significant cause of accidents in Pennsylvania; I’m proud to work with my colleagues and thankful to Governor Shapiro for ensuring the safety of everyone who travels on Pennsylvania roads.” I n 2023, there were more than 11,262 distracted-driving crashes in 2023, compared to 8,330 alcohol-related crashes, according to PennDOT. Read more

 

Kim bill offering Pennie enrollees help for premiums passes House

(Jun 05, 2024) Rep. Patty Kim

HARRISBURG, June 5 – Pennsylvanians who buy health insurance through Pennie would receive financial assistance to help pay premiums under a bill that passed the House today. House Bill 2234 , introduced by House Insurance Committee Chair Patty Kim, would award financial assistance to Pennie customers to help pay their premiums. Pennie provides excellent health care coverage for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who fall outside of traditional work-related coverage options, Kim said, but many families still struggle to meet their deductibles or pay their premiums. “Pennie and the reinsurance program have been very successful – this past open enrollment period, a record 435,000 Pennsylvanians bought their health insurance through Pennie,” said Kim, D-Cumberland/Dauphin. “But many Pennsylvanians – especially those coming off Medicaid – cannot afford a Pennie plan. Many other Pennsylvanians technically have coverage through Pennie, but that coverage has a deductible in the thousands of dollars.” Additionally, more than two-thirds of uninsured people who applied for, but did not purchase, Pennie coverage said it was too expensive. Moreover, according to Federal Reserve data, 13% of adults are unable to pay a $400 unexpected expense at any given time – meaning many Pennie customers cannot afford their coverage. “House Bill 2234 has two goals in mind: Read more

 

Matzie lauds passage of ‘Max Manufacturing Initiative Act’ to boost industry through public-private partnerships

(Jun 05, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Rep. Rob Matzie lauded yesterday’s concurrence vote by the House that will send an innovative manufacturing bill to the governor’s desk. Speaking in support of S.B. 497 – which would establish the Max Manufacturing Initiative Act – Matzie said that by facilitating public-private partnerships, the bill would encourage investment in fields like advanced manufacturing, agriculture, medical technology and biotechnology to create jobs, spur innovation and attract new high-tech industries to the state. “In southwestern Pennsylvania, the regional impact will be significant,” Matzie said. “The potential for the University of Pittsburgh, the city of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Airport and private businesses to partner with each other in building the next wave of new manufacturing and technologies is limitless. “For our county, it means jobs, jobs, jobs. Good, stable, family-sustaining jobs that we often talk about but rarely have the opportunity to legislate. This is one of those opportunities.” Introduced by Sen. Devlin Robinson, the bill would make it easier for state universities to partner with industry by providing grants and loans to applicants engaged in advanced manufacturing. After the state Senate passed the bill in June 2023, the House passed the bill with amendments in December 2023. The Senate concurred in the House amendments earlier this year and added its own Read more

 

Parker and Hill-Evans’ menstrual equity legislation passes House

(Jun 05, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation authored by State Rep. Darisha Parker to establish a grant program for schools to provide free menstrual products to students on Tuesday passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “We have fought tirelessly for menstrual equity for women and girls in Pennsylvania and House Bill 851’s passage is a step closer to that goal,” Parker, D-Phila., said. “I never want another young girl entering womanhood to experience embarrassment or consider themselves as less than because of a natural biological process.” Parker said she was extremely motivated by the advocacy of Gov. Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro for menstrual equity in Pennsylvania, referring to Shapiro’s call for $3 million to provide menstrual products for students in his annual budget proposal. “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped move Pennsylvania women forward by fighting for and passing menstrual hygiene legislation,” Parker said. “I want to thank my colleagues and advocates, especially Lynette Medley, founder of No More Secrets, who stood with me to advocate for women across the commonwealth, not just during menstrual awareness month or on Tampon Tuesday – but every day!” Parker said this bill will move to the state Senate Health and Human Services Committee as did her previous menstrual hygiene bill, House Bill 850. That bill would allow women who participate in Read more

 

Abney introduces bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs

(Jun 05, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would exclude one portion of a person’s potential revenue when determining their financial eligibility for senior prescription programs in Pennsylvania. Abney’s legislation ( H.B. 2378 ) would not count the total dollar amount, including face value and interest earned, of savings bonds as part of an older Pennsylvanian’s income when they apply for either the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly or PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, otherwise known as PACE and PACENET. “Ever rising prescription drug costs have resulted in many seniors cashing in their savings bonds in order to afford the medications they need on a daily basis,” Abney said. “Our older neighbors should not risk disqualification from PACE or PACENET coverage simply because such transactions take place, and my bill would help ensure they remain enrolled.” PACE is funded entirely by the Pennsylvania Lottery and has helped more than 1.6 million PA seniors pay for more than 360 million prescriptions. PACE and PACENET currently serve more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. The bill has been referred to the PA House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee. Read more

 

Solomon, Kenyatta urge colleagues to vote to hold elected officials accountable

(Jun 05, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Reps. Jared Solomon and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., stood together once again at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to demand accountability in government by advocating for their legislation, H.B. 485, to require elected officials in Pennsylvania convicted of a crime to resign upon conviction. “There’s an important distinction that needs to be addressed,” Solomon said. “A conviction should mean immediate resignation, not waiting for the appellate process to play out before we allow a convicted felon take any form of office.” The lawmakers introduced the legislation in previous years but said the recent conviction of former President Donald Trump on 34 felonies is a chance to call on their colleagues to set an example of integrity by voting for this legislation. Solomon and Kenyatta said that H.B. 485 is just one part of their packaged “Good Government” legislation written to help restore faith and trust and reduce skepticism amongst the general public. “We have a unique chance to restore hope in our democracy and show that anyone convicted of a felonious crime has no place in the Pennsylvania statehouse or any other level of government,” Kenyatta said. “When we are lucky enough to win elections, it means that the people have put their faith in us and expect us to uphold that to the highest standards; it’s time we honor that responsibility.” Read more

 

House passes Daley bill expanding mental health care training for school staff

(Jun 05, 2024) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

HARRISBURG, June 5 – A bill that would require high school coaches to receive training on student mental health passed the House Tuesday, announced the measure’s sponsor, state Rep. Mary Jo Daley. House Bill 1367 would help ensure that students, parents and guardians, athletic coaches and extracurricular advisers are all made aware of the availability of mental health services within a school and local community. The bill would also require that athletic coaches receive mental health awareness training similar to training required of other school personnel. A recent study surveying more than 10,000 coaches found only 18% of youth coaches feel highly confident in their ability to link athletes to mental health resources, and 67% want more training and information on the subject. “School professionals already serve a big role in a student’s life, so it only makes sense that we provide critical, lifesaving training to everyone we can on school grounds. For when things are not OK, we need to know that every adult is available to identify and take the steps to help a student find solid ground,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “It takes training to know when and how to be there for a student especially at a time when nearly half of America’s youth are, in fact, struggling with their mental health.” Specifically, the bill would: Direct the Pennsylvania Department of Education to revise standards for Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein’s legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians reported out of committee

(Jun 05, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia, announced that their bill, House Bill 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth, was reported out of House State Government Committee on Monday. “It is thanks to our immigrant communities that Pennsylvania is the dynamic economic and cultural powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “It is an incredible injustice that despite foreign-born workers comprising over 8% of our state’s workforce and paying $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes, they are scapegoated and bear the brunt of punitive policies that drive them from our state. But it is Pennsylvania that’s the biggest loser when this happens—losing skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers, and community leaders. “I am very glad that the House State Government Committee agreed there is need for an Office of New Pennsylvanians that would support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth,” he said. “Immigration is what makes Pennsylvania strong,” Hohenstein said. “Our collective ability to come together from all different backgrounds and perspectives for the betterment of the commonwealth is truly wonderful. That’s why it’s particularly unfortunate that so often our immigrant communities face the brunt of regressive and restrictive Read more

 

Mayes, McClinton join advocates to rally for passage of PA CROWN Act

(Jun 04, 2024) Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes

Call for state Senate to act on legislation to fight hair discrimination Read more

 

Rep. O’Mara and Taiwan Caucus chairs welcome Ambassador Lee from Taiwan to Harrisburg

(Jun 04, 2024) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

“Pennsylvania’s partnership with Taiwan has brought immense economic, cultural and social benefits to both sides. As we commemorate the 45-year anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and the adoption of House Resolution 439, we reaffirm our commitment to the values of democracy, mutual respect and shared success,” O’Mara said. Read more

 

Venkat’s health care reimbursement legislation passes House

(Jun 04, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, June 4 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bill that would require health insurers to offer multiple payment options to in-network health care providers for payment for clinical services and disclose any associated fees with each method of payment passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with bipartisan support today. The legislation, H.B. 1867 , would eliminate electronic credit card reimbursements being the sole method of payment and allow health care providers to choose the payment option best suited to their needs. Electronic credit card reimbursements with mandatory fees would only be permitted if the in-network health care provider agrees to that arrangement. “Today, PA doctors, nurses and medical professionals alike are a step closer to receiving the full compensation they deserve for the high quality of care they provide every day,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their affirmative votes, both as a fellow legislator and as a practicing physician.” According to a ProPublica article , almost 60% of medical practices said they were compelled to pay fees for electronic payment at least some of the time. These fees can cost larger medical practices $1 million a year, and small clinics can lose as much as $100,000 due to the fees. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Curry’s tow truck legislation passes PA House

(Jun 04, 2024) Rep. Gina H. Curry

“Our first responders need to lean on every resource necessary in order to help others with efficiency and safety,” Curry said. “There is no time for tow truck drivers to consider every legal repercussion they may face when trying to help our police officers, firefighters and paramedics. This bill will give tow truck drivers peace of mind that, as long as they are following the directions of a police officer, they can take the necessary risks to help others without penalty.” Read more

 

Neilson bill to expedite abandoned vehicle processing passes House

(Jun 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Right now, it can take months for PennDOT to process junk titles, which leaves tow truck operators responsible for the non-working vehicle,” Neilson said. “Ensuring the reasonable processing and delivery of junk titles will greatly assist tow truck operators who don’t have the space or resources to store vehicles for an extended period of time.” Read more

 

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on bill to accelerate state’s energy production

(Jun 03, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, June 3 – The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee heard testimony today about legislation that would help expand the state’s energy production by modernizing the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, announced Rep. Rob Matzie, majority chairman. Matzie, D-Beaver, said H.B. 2338 aims to ensure that the state’s public financing agency is positioned to tap an unprecedented influx of funding from the federal government under the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. “This is about jobs, jobs and jobs,” Matzie said. “We have talked for a long time about the importance of having a diverse, all-in energy portfolio and the job creation and energy independence that brings. This bill moves us closer to that goal by positioning us to take advantage of hundreds of billions in federal funding coming to the states. “We need to act sooner, rather than later. Fortunately, we don’t have to reinvent the wheel – Pennsylvania already has a mechanism in place with PEDA. Now, we just need to make sure the agency is ready to hit the ground running and seize every bit of our share.” Matzie noted that stakeholders testifying voiced unanimous support for the legislation, which was introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. Other prime Read more

 

Benham, Nelson hear concerns from Westmoreland pharmacists

(May 30, 2024) Rep. Jessica Benham

Pharmacy owners say PBM reform needed to lower drug prices, drive market competition Read more

 

Powell introduces resolution to draw attention to elder abuse

(May 30, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 30 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell has introduced a resolution that would designate June 15, 2024 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Pennsylvania. “Mistreatment of our senior neighbors is not limited to what we can physically observe. Abuse encompasses psychological, emotional and financial manipulation and is made easier through widespread internet access,” said Powell, D-Allegheny. “They are our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles who were there for us when we needed support. Now, we need to be present for them. We must keep them healthy and safe in their advanced age, and my resolution would help further this important conversation.” At least 10% of adults aged 65 and older will experience some form of elder abuse in a given year, according to one statistic compiled by the U.S. Department of Justice. In Pennsylvania , reports of elder abuse rose from 39,820 cases in fiscal year 2020-21 to 44,352 cases in fiscal year 2021-22. The resolution ( H.R. 453 ) was referred to the PA House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee, of which Powell is a member. Read more

 

Rabb highlights legislation protecting against predatory rent-to-own companies

(May 30, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, March 30 – State Rep. Chris Rabb has introduced legislation that would provide protections for consumers against predatory rent-to-own companies. “These predatory companies often use the taxpayer-subsidized criminal court system as a de facto collection agency to take money they claim is owed to them for household and other items, which they leased to people who could not afford to purchase the items in full at point of sale,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “And often even despite the fact that the company has recovered the cost of the property, they will seek criminal charges and use threats of jail time to collect money in excess of the value of the leased property. “It is just another way that companies use institutional violence to squeeze as much as they can out of our most vulnerable populations,” Rabb said. The legislation ( H.B. 2359 ) would ensure that these predatory practices would be prohibited by giving the courts the ability to cap the demand at $50 if the lease of property has exceeded the retail value. Read more

 

BuxMont legislators recognize mothers of those deployed in the Armed Forces

(May 28, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

WARMINSTER, May 28 – Legislators from both Bucks and Montgomery counties today recognized the sacrifices made by the mothers of soldiers and sailors deployed in the United States Armed Forces in a ceremony held at the Warminster VFW Post 6493 . State Reps. Brian Munroe, Nancy Guenst, Ben Sanchez and Melissa Cerrato recognized area Blue Star Mothers as May is Blue Star Mothers Month. A Blue Star Mother is any woman living in the United States who has a son or daughter (and in some cases, stepchildren) in the United States Armed Forces, or who has had a son or daughter in the U.S. Armed Forces who was honorably discharged. “As a Navy veteran, I know the difficulties and uncertainties that my family, and in particular, my mother faced while I was deployed,” Munroe said. “Families serve in their own way as they play an important part of keeping morale high and supporting our soldiers and sailors. Thank you to my mother and all the Blue Star Mothers through Pennsylvania and our nation.” “Blue Star Mothers show us what it means to support our troops with unwavering love and strength,” Guenst, an Army veteran, said. “Their sacrifice is a reminder of the heart behind our nation's defenders. In their quiet strength, they inspire us all to honor and cherish those who serve, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.” Read more

 

Matzie lauds grant of preliminary injunction to keep Quips in Class 4A

(May 23, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, May 23 – State Rep. Rob Matzie issued the following statement today in response to news that Beaver County Common Pleas Judge James Ross has granted Aliquippa School District’s request for a preliminary injunction that will stop the Aliquippa High School football team from being bumped from Class 4A to 5A under the PIAA’s competitive-balance rule: “Today’s ruling is a temporary victory not just for Aliquippa football, but for all student athletes across our commonwealth. The court clearly identified player safety as the primary factor in its determination. This is the core issue that I, and many others, have cited as the overriding reason for the Quips to remain in 4A. “In addition, the court found that Aliquippa ‘has established a likelihood of success on the merits’ of their case, which further speaks to the need for an overhaul of the PIAA competition classification formula. In that light, I will continue to work – through the legislative process if necessary – toward a more fair and equitable method of classifying our schools for athletic competition.” The preliminary injunction was granted pending a final determination on the merits of the case. The team was moved to Class 5A after winning the state title. After losing an appeal with the PIAA, the school district filed suit to prevent the move. Read more

 

Venkat introduces bill to prohibit price spikes on travel service websites

(May 23, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 23 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, has introduced legislation that would prohibit travel service websites from hiking prices at the last minute and moments before customers in Pennsylvania make their payment. The bill ( H.B. 2321 ) would forbid travel services, defined as any form of transportation that is available to the public for purchase through an Internet website or application, from changing service prices for at least 30 minutes from when the consumer first visits the Internet website. If a price change must be instituted, however, the travel service would be required to inform customers five minutes prior to the 30-minute window expiring. “Travel companies playing a game of bait-and-switch with prospective consumers is not only deceptive at face value, but they also risk losing considerable revenue due to such tactics,” Venkat said. “The bottom line is that people want to pay the price advertised on a given website, and my bill would benefit both the individuals looking to travel and the companies who market those opportunities.” Read more

 

Neilson applauds Shapiro signature to enact SB 37 into state law
Jun 05, 2024

Kim bill offering Pennie enrollees help for premiums passes House
Jun 05, 2024

Matzie lauds passage of ‘Max Manufacturing Initiative Act’ to boost industry through public-private partnerships
Jun 05, 2024

Parker and Hill-Evans’ menstrual equity legislation passes House
Jun 05, 2024

Abney introduces bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs
Jun 05, 2024

Solomon, Kenyatta urge colleagues to vote to hold elected officials accountable
Jun 05, 2024

House passes Daley bill expanding mental health care training for school staff
Jun 05, 2024

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein’s legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians reported out of committee
Jun 05, 2024

Mayes, McClinton join advocates to rally for passage of PA CROWN Act
Jun 04, 2024

Rep. O’Mara and Taiwan Caucus chairs welcome Ambassador Lee from Taiwan to Harrisburg
Jun 04, 2024

Venkat’s health care reimbursement legislation passes House
Jun 04, 2024

Curry’s tow truck legislation passes PA House
Jun 04, 2024

Neilson bill to expedite abandoned vehicle processing passes House
Jun 03, 2024

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on bill to accelerate state’s energy production
Jun 03, 2024

Benham, Nelson hear concerns from Westmoreland pharmacists
May 30, 2024

Powell introduces resolution to draw attention to elder abuse
May 30, 2024

Rabb highlights legislation protecting against predatory rent-to-own companies
May 30, 2024

BuxMont legislators recognize mothers of those deployed in the Armed Forces
May 28, 2024

Matzie lauds grant of preliminary injunction to keep Quips in Class 4A
May 23, 2024

Venkat introduces bill to prohibit price spikes on travel service websites
May 23, 2024