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Abney introduces bill for PA to join Social Work Licensure Compact

(Feb 19, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, Feb. 19 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, introduced a bill today that would add Pennsylvania to the list of states that are members of the Social Work Licensure Compact. The legislation ( H.B. 554 ) would allow licensed commonwealth social workers or those eligible for a license to apply for the ability to provide their services across multiple states. A comprehensive data system would also be created, so the public could be kept safe and informed regarding social worker license status and any adverse actions associated with a licensed social worker. “As a social worker, I know firsthand how hard they work for their fellow citizens and how their efforts are often overlooked by others,” Abney said. “My bill would help social workers provide for themselves and their families, while ensuring that those in need of their services can improve their own circumstances by seeking them out.” Abney holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. The bill has been referred to the PA House Professional Licensure Committee. Read more

 

Abney appointed to Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Board of Directors

(Feb 13, 2025) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, Feb. 13 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that he has been appointed to Pittsburgh Regional Transit ’s Board of Directors by Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna E. McClinton. “I want to thank Speaker McClinton for entrusting me with the responsibility to address transportation needs across Pittsburgh. This role, complemented by serving on the House Appropriations Committee, is a tremendous opportunity to help secure dollars that keep residents connected to home, work and other destinations through this year’s budget and future budgets,” Abney said. “I look forward to collaborating with government colleagues, community leaders and stakeholders on solutions that get neighbors where they need to go every day.” Abney’s term on the board will officially begin on March 1 and run exactly four years. PRT is comprised of 2,600 employees who operate, maintain and support bus, light rail, incline and paratransit services, which translates into providing 60 million rides per year. Until 2022, the agency was known as Port Authority. Read more

 

PA House Democrats Praise Gov. Shapiro for Fighting Back Against Unconstitutional Federal Funding Freeze

(Feb 13, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Federal funding is vital to ensuring that Pennsylvania has the resources needed to continue critical work. The fact that we still don’t have access to $2.1 billion in congressionally appropriated funds is unconstitutional, unacceptable and immoral.  Read more

 

Salisbury: Nearly $185K in new funding for local fire and EMS resources

(Feb 12, 2025) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

BRADDOCK, Feb. 12 – Grants totaling $184,790 will bring new resources to fire and EMS companies in the 34 th Legislative District, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. “Our fire and EMS workers answer the call 24/7, despite staffing and budgetary issues that make their jobs even more challenging,” Salisbury said. “The new funding will help keep critical resources flowing to these frontline heroes.” The funding includes the following: The funding was awarded through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner and is available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, fire companies were permitted to apply for construction savings accounts for the purposes of new facility construction. A full list of funding awarded statewide is available here . Read more

 

Rivera announces nearly $100K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies

(Feb 11, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, today announced local fire and EMS companies have been awarded $98,328 in grants through the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. “I’m very glad to see our tax dollars being spent on such critical services,” Rivera said. “Our fire and EMS companies are struggling to provide lifesaving services in spite of dwindling resources and a lack of recruits. I will advocate in Harrisburg for funding to support our fire and emergency responders so that our communities remain safe.” Local fire and EMS companies that were awarded grants include: East Petersburg Fire Co. No. 1 $16,322 City of Lancaster Bureau of Fire $16,322 Manheim Township Ambulance Association $13,362 Manheim Township Fire Rescue $52,322 The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner and is available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, fire companies were permitted to apply for construction savings accounts for the purposes of new facility construction. Read more

 

Ciresi announces nearly $162K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies

(Feb 11, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – A longtime proponent for community safety and first responders, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced local fire and EMS companies have been awarded $161,876 in grants through the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. “Our fire and emergency responders are with us in our time of greatest need, but they have been struggling to respond to emergencies with limited resources and fewer recruits,” Ciresi said. “These funds are critical so they can continue to provide the life-saving services they do, day in, day out. I continue to advocate for funding to support our fire and emergency responders so that our communities remain safe.” Local fire and EMS companies that were awarded grants include: Friendship HLH&A Inc – Royersford – $15,000. Goodwill Steam Fire Engine Co No 1 – Pottstown – $31,106.84. Limerick Fire Department – Limerick – $40,000. North End Fire Company Num 1 of Pottstown – Pottstown – $15,000. Philadelphia Steam Fire Engine Co 1 – Pottstown – $15,461.31. Ringing Hill Fire Company – Pottstown – $15,461.31. Royersford Fire Department – Royersford – $14,815.77. Sanatoga Fire Co – Pottstown – $15,030.95. The Fire Company and Emergency Read more

 

Fleming announces over $88K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies

(Feb 11, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – A strong advocate for robust local safety infrastructures, state Rep. Fleming, D-Dauphin, today announced local fire and EMS companies have been awarded $88,218 in grants through the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. “Our lives literally depend on our fire and emergency responders, but they have been struggling to respond to emergencies with limited resources and fewer recruits,” Fleming said. “Fundraising initiatives can only do so much. This funding will allow our fire and EMS companies to continue providing life-saving services. I will continue to advocate for funding to support our fire and emergency responders to keep our communities safe.” Local fire and EMS companies that were awarded grants include: Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Fire Fire $12,233.63 Susquehanna Township Emergency Medical Services Inc. EMS $15,000.00 Citizens Fire Co. 1, of Penbrook Fire $12,879.17 Progress Fire Company Fire $16,322.02 Rescue Fire No. 1 Fire $15,461.31 Colonial Park Fire Co. No. 1 Fire $16,322.02 The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner and is available Read more

 

Allegheny County lawmakers propose House bill to require food allergy warnings in restaurants

(Feb 10, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

A bipartisan Pennsylvania House bill on food allergy safety authored by two Allegheny County lawmakers could see a floor vote this week. Read more

 

Two state lawmakers in Allegheny County working on legislation to require restaurants to add allergy warnings

(Feb 10, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Two Pennsylvania lawmakers who serve Allegheny County are trying to advance a proposed bill that would require restaurants to add allergy warnings for customers and employees. Read more

 

Kazeem applauds Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget plan

(Feb 06, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, issued this statement in support of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal: “The budget plan that Governor Shapiro unveiled yesterday would change life for the better for many residents in the communities I represent, and I am excited to help push it over the finish line. “I wholeheartedly support Governor Shapiro’s increased investments in our public school system. Countless studies have shown that a strong public school system can lift up individuals and their communities, but historic inequality in our funding system left richer school districts better funded at the expense of poorer ones, creating a legacy of structural inequality in our schools and across our commonwealth. Though last year’s historic investments in education made headway in rectifying this imbalance, there’s still a lot of work to be done to roll back years of neglect. This budget would deliver a needed $75 million increase in basic education and a $40 million increase in special education. “The governor’s plan to recruit and retain teachers lays the foundation for a great school system. I approve his plan to provide stipends to student teachers and invest in professional development for current teachers to help them stay on the cutting edge of education. “Studies have also shown that starting to educate kids in daycare helps them to acquire the social and Read more

 

Madsen comes out in support of Shapiro’s 2025-2026 budget plan

(Feb 06, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – State Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, today released his statement in support of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-2026 budget plan: “Governor Shapiro’s 2025-2026 budget plan is a smart, people-focused plan to improve Pennsylvanians’ lives by making strategic investments in education, housing and our workforce. “I wholeheartedly support Governor Shapiro’s increased investments in our public school system. Studies have shown that a strong public school system can lift up individuals and their communities, but historic inequality in our funding system left richer school districts better funded at the expense of poorer ones, creating a legacy of structural inequality in our schools and across our commonwealth. Though last year’s historic investments in education made headway in rectifying this imbalance, there’s still a lot of work to be done to roll back years of neglect. This budget would deliver a needed $75 million increase in basic education and a $40 million increase in special education. “The governor’s plan to recruit and retain teachers lays the foundation for a great school system. I approve of his plan to provide stipends to student teachers and invest in professional development for current teachers to help them stay on the cutting edge of education. “One issue plaguing Pennsylvania is a lack of affordable housing. People should not have to spend their entire paychecks on Read more

 

Isaacson aims to slash fees charged to consumers by ticket resellers

(Feb 06, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., is reaching across the aisle to cut costs for Pennsylvanians who buy event tickets through resellers. Issacson joined her House colleague, Rep. Thomas Mehaffie, R-Dauphin, in a plan to introduce legislation that would cap extra fees at 5% for buyers and 5% for sellers, letting event goers save money while still allowing ticket resellers to profit. According to the lawmakers, these fees can be as much as 55% on top of ticket costs and Isaacson cited the upcoming Superbowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs as an example of high ticket fees – some tickets had fees that were nearly $3,000 on top of the actual price of a ticket. “These extremely high and arbitrary fees cause too many hardworking Pennsylvanians to be priced out of event tickets purchased through resellers,” Isaacson said. “For example, in Philadelphia, we pride ourselves on celebrating our beloved sports and we will cheer on our beloved Eagles in the Superbowl this weekend. These outrageous fees have robbed dedicated fans from the opportunity to support the team in person.” “Nobody is saying hardworking people can’t buy and sell tickets to events, particularly if they can’t attend those events, but we are saying there needs to be a reasonable limit on the fees an electronic middleman charges the buyers and sellers,” Mehaffie said. Isaacson added that while companies deserve to make a Read more

 

Madsen congratulates LocalDutch USA LLC on $40K state grant

(Feb 05, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, today congratulated LocalDutch USA LLC on its award of $40,000 in state grant funding from the nation’s first Agricultural Innovation Program. LocalDutch USA LLC’s community-driven Urban Farm Shops offer locally grown food in food deserts. Urban Farm Shops aim to reshape the local food landscape by resolving issues with the availability of fresh and nutritious produce. LocalDutch USA LLC will use the funds to plan an indoor urban farming facility. “For people living in food deserts, access to fresh, affordable produce is rare,” Madsen said. “Harrisburg-based LocalDutch USA LLC offers an innovative and sustainable community-based farming model: an indoor farming facility that will increase a locality’s availability of healthy produce for residents year round. It’s exciting to see Harrisburg lead the way with this revolutionary idea that will have a positive impact on our communities.” The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program was proposed as part of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2024-2025 budget, and the corresponding legislation passed with broad bipartisan support. The program’s goal is to help Pennsylvania agricultural businesses adopt innovative technologies and practices that will benefit not only farmers but the long-term sustainability and productivity of the entire region. Agriculture is critical to Pennsylvania’s economy, with more Read more

 

Health Committee OKs Kosierowski medical test results bill

(Feb 05, 2025) Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski

Kosierowski said the bill aims to strike a balance between patient’s right to access their health information with the important role of providers to provide context helping patients understand the implications of their results. Read more

 

Conklin: Proposed budget boosts education, real-world needs

(Feb 05, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Scott Conklin issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget speech yesterday. “The governor’s budget proposals would deliver some powerful investments, and ones I believe we need to keep us moving in the right direction,” Conklin said. “The plan proposes investing more than a half-billion dollars into our schools and communities to continue our commitment to ensuring that students in less affluent ZIP codes get the same quality education as their peers in wealthier districts. The proposed budget also includes more than $100 million to ensure students have the mental health and safety resources they need to stay safe and thrive. “I was especially pleased to see the proposal to continue the $25 million set-aside for the Solar for Schools program I helped pass. With energy bills representing some of the largest expenses our school districts face, the program is an important way to help districts cut costs while reducing harm to the environment. I urge all districts to apply once the next round of grants opens. “To boost higher education, the proposed plan would keep last year’s scholarships in place and include a $60 million increase to fully fund the performance-based formula for Penn State, Pitt and Temple. It would also include a $40 million increase for PASSHE to continue keeping tuition flat. “Beyond Read more

 

Venkat and Mihalek food allergy safety bill passes House

(Feb 05, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Natalie Mihalek’s legislation that would promote food allergy safety in multiple ways passed the Pennsylvania House today. House Bill 77 would mandate that menus in restaurants and food establishments contain a disclaimer regarding food allergies and that there are posters to make servers aware of food allergies present in food preparation and staff areas. “This bill would put in place commonsense food safety practices focused on preventing food allergy exposures and, most importantly, saving as many lives as possible,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Thank you to Rep. Mihalek for her partnership on this legislation and to my fellow House members for putting the lives of Pennsylvanians first with your affirmative votes.” “Food safety continues to be an important topic, and for good reason, as our citizens deserve to have confidence that the food they are eating doesn’t pose a threat. This bill is just one important step in providing that confidence,” added Mihalek, R-Allegheny. “Rep. Venkat has been a strong advocate on this issue, and it was an honor to work with him.” More than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and it is estimated that food allergies lead to 200 deaths per year. Over a 13-year period, nearly half of fatal food allergy reactions were caused by accidental food allergen exposure at a restaurant or other food service Read more

 

PA Animal Protection Caucus announces ’25-’26 leadership team, legislative priorities

(Feb 05, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Animals across Pennsylvania will continue to have a voice in Harrisburg as the PA Animal Protection Caucus on Wednesday announced its leadership team for the 2025-2026 legislative session and laid out its legislative priorities. Read more

 

Ahead of Pa.’s 344th birthday, House adopts Matzie’s Charter Day resolution

(Feb 05, 2025) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – With Pennsylvania’s 344 th birthday approaching, the House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution to mark that anniversary and remind Pennsylvanians of the special significance of the charter that serves as its birth certificate. Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus and sits on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, said he introduced H.R. 35 – designating March 9, 2025, as “Charter Day” in Pennsylvania – to highlight the meaning underlying the 344-year-old document. “The charter symbolizes freedom,” Matzie said. “Williams Penn’s goal in petitioning King Charles II for a land grant was to create a colony where people could worship freely, without the threat of religious persecution. The charter is the result of that effort and an important reminder that Pennsylvania’s birth is rooted in ideals of freedom and tolerance.” Matzie said Charter Day also celebrates the early “Frame of Government” Penn drafted for the new colony, which incorporated democratic concepts such as freedom of worship, balance of powers and a check on the abuse of authority and would go on to inspire the framers of the U.S. Constitution. Written on parchment using iron gall ink, the charter is stored in a high-security vault, where it is preserved under special conditions. Read more

 

Ahead of Pa.’s 344th birthday, House adopts Matzie’s Charter Day resolution

(Feb 05, 2025) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – With Pennsylvania’s 344 th birthday approaching, the House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution to mark that anniversary and remind Pennsylvanians of the special significance of the charter that serves as its birth certificate. Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus and sits on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, said he introduced H.R. 35 – designating March 9, 2025, as “Charter Day” in Pennsylvania – to highlight the meaning underlying the 344-year-old document. “The charter symbolizes freedom,” Matzie said. “Williams Penn’s goal in petitioning King Charles II for a land grant was to create a colony where people could worship freely, without the threat of religious persecution. The charter is the result of that effort and an important reminder that Pennsylvania’s birth is rooted in ideals of freedom and tolerance.” Matzie said Charter Day also celebrates the early “Frame of Government” Penn drafted for the new colony, which incorporated democratic concepts such as freedom of worship, balance of powers and a check on the abuse of authority and would go on to inspire the framers of the U.S. Constitution. Written on parchment using iron gall ink, the charter is stored in a high-security vault, where it is preserved under special conditions. Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to prohibit remote stalking

(Feb 05, 2025) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has reintroduced a bill that would ban the unauthorized tracking of victims using AirTags and similar devices. House Bill 407 would forbid the use of AirTags and similar technology for any nefarious motive, with an emphasis on remote stalking. Bad actors have utilized AirTags to put trackers on vehicles and pinpoint the location of their victims, but Pennsylvania still hasn’t outlined penalties for abusing this technology. “This bill cannot undo the damage—physical and mental—that victims have endured, but it is a step in the right direction to ensuring that would-be stalkers will never again be able to perpetrate such abuse in Pennsylvania without being held accountable by the law,” Powell said. “By embracing a proactive approach to regulating technology, we can harness its potential to foster a society where innovation thrives, and our neighbors remain safe.” Multiple plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple in December 2022 for remote stalking and despite the company’s attempt to dismiss the case, it is moving forward. AirTags, launched more than three years ago, is intended to help individuals find items that are often misplaced, such as keys, wallets or bookbags. House Bill 407, previously H.B. 416, passed with a near unanimous vote in last year’s session. The bill has been referred to the body’s Judiciary Read more

 

Abney introduces bill for PA to join Social Work Licensure Compact
Feb 19, 2025

Abney appointed to Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s Board of Directors
Feb 13, 2025

PA House Democrats Praise Gov. Shapiro for Fighting Back Against Unconstitutional Federal Funding Freeze
Feb 13, 2025

Salisbury: Nearly $185K in new funding for local fire and EMS resources
Feb 12, 2025

Rivera announces nearly $100K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies
Feb 11, 2025

Ciresi announces nearly $162K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies
Feb 11, 2025

Fleming announces over $88K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies
Feb 11, 2025

Allegheny County lawmakers propose House bill to require food allergy warnings in restaurants
Feb 10, 2025

Two state lawmakers in Allegheny County working on legislation to require restaurants to add allergy warnings
Feb 10, 2025

Kazeem applauds Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget plan
Feb 06, 2025

Madsen comes out in support of Shapiro’s 2025-2026 budget plan
Feb 06, 2025

Isaacson aims to slash fees charged to consumers by ticket resellers
Feb 06, 2025

Madsen congratulates LocalDutch USA LLC on $40K state grant
Feb 05, 2025

Health Committee OKs Kosierowski medical test results bill
Feb 05, 2025

Conklin: Proposed budget boosts education, real-world needs
Feb 05, 2025

Venkat and Mihalek food allergy safety bill passes House
Feb 05, 2025

PA Animal Protection Caucus announces ’25-’26 leadership team, legislative priorities
Feb 05, 2025

Ahead of Pa.’s 344th birthday, House adopts Matzie’s Charter Day resolution
Feb 05, 2025

Ahead of Pa.’s 344th birthday, House adopts Matzie’s Charter Day resolution
Feb 05, 2025

Powell introduces bill to prohibit remote stalking
Feb 05, 2025