News Center

Women’s Health Caucus: Facts matter in discussion about abortion

(Apr 08, 2021) Women’s Health Caucus

Highlighting the personal health care rights of pregnant individuals, the Democratic members of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus were appreciative of the opportunity to hear from some expert testifiers but were also concerned with unproven and discredited science shared by some members and testifiers at Thursday’s House Health Committee hearing on abortion. Read more

 

Investment in health, safety and jobs focus of Policy Committee hearing on Pa. toxic schools

(Apr 08, 2021) Policy Committee, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

The public virtual hearing, hosted by Subcommittee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler and state Sen. Vincent Hughes, brought together educators from across the state, healthcare and legal professionals, and labor experts to discuss the implications of inaction and benefits of investment in school safety. Read more

 

Krajewski, Daley introduce bill to protect insured dependents’ privacy

(Apr 08, 2021) Rep. Rick Krajewski, Rep. Mary Jo Daley

“Imagine forgoing pursuit of potentially life-saving health care simply because you're worried that information you want kept private might get shared," said Daley, D-Montgomery. "That's a sad reality in Pennsylvania right now, and it's why Representative Krajewski and I are hopeful this bill to protect the medical information of insured dependents across the commonwealth receives the attention it deserves." Read more

 

Sanchez, Schlossberg aim to close LGBTQ+ Panic Defense loophole

(Apr 08, 2021) Rep. Ben Sanchez, Rep. Mike Schlossberg

While similar bills have been introduced in previous legislative sessions, the Sanchez/Schlossberg legislation would extend beyond the “gay” and “trans” terminology to include all members of this marginalized community by prohibiting the court system from allowing a defense of this nature in consideration of serious provocation or insanity. Read more

 

Rabb reintroduces legislation that would repeal the death penalty in Pa.

(Apr 06, 2021) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Noting that capital punishment is not only an ineffective way to deter crime, but is also very costly to taxpayers and deeply flawed because people sentenced to death have later been exonerated, state Rep. Chris Rabb has reintroduced legislation that would repeal the death penalty in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Parker introduces bill to combat human trafficking

(Apr 05, 2021) Rep. Darisha Parker

Parker said the legislation also creates an admission fee for all live adult-entertainment establishments. These fees would go directly to grant funding for organizations that fight human trafficking and child exploitation. Read more

 

Rep. Joe Ciresi: Pa. charter school law is old and broken — and it’s time we fix it

(Apr 05, 2021) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

We can save taxpayers a quarter-billion dollars each year and make our current system better, and there’s a plan to do that — the Charter School Reform Act of 2021, H.B. 272. Read more

 

County Recycling Coordinator and Host Municipality Inspector grant programs now open for applications

(Apr 05, 2021) Appropriations

Find information about state grant programs that are now open. Read more

 

Merski bill would bring pandemic relief to state’s alcohol producers

(Apr 01, 2021) Rep. Robert Merski

Merski, D-Erie, said his H.B. 1069 would provide a helping hand to local alcohol producers that fail to qualify for relief under the existing COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program because they are not classified as businesses that provide accommodations or serve food or drink on the premises. Read more

 

Expanding digital connection key for PA development, advancement

(Apr 01, 2021) Policy Committee, Rep. Robert Matzie

“Quick, reliable Internet access isn’t a luxury in today’s world – it’s a necessity,” said Matzie. “Those without it face major disadvantages when it comes to competing for jobs, accessing health and education services and connecting to state programs." Read more

 

Rep. Bizzarro partnering with new app to connect with constituents

(Apr 01, 2021) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

Be the Change launched as a pilot in 2020 and connects community members with their local policy makers. The app is a free and nonpartisan platform aimed to improve advocacy efforts. Read more

 

Schlossberg seeks to help child victims of domestic abuse

(Mar 31, 2021) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“Domestic violence touches many families in our communities. Victims include abused spouses and kids,” said Schlossberg, D-Lehigh. “Domestic violence not only includes physical abuse, but it also includes emotional trauma that compounds mental and behavioral health." Read more

 

Pa. Legislative Black Caucus holds budget information session with state Budget Secretary Jen Swails

(Mar 31, 2021) Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

The discussion centered on state budget priorities for Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color communities across the commonwealth and concerns as well as suggestions for how the state budget could be fair and equitable. Read more

 

Webster: Today is Transgender Day of Visibility!

(Mar 31, 2021) Rep. Joe Webster

Transgender and gender nonconforming individuals experience daily discrimination and even violence for living their lives. Always be accepting, including, and understanding when advocating to protect all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Read more

 

Reps. Rozzi, Gregory encourage survivors to show support for PA legislative action

(Mar 31, 2021) Rep. Mark Rozzi, Rep. Jim Gregory

For years, Reps. Jim Gregory and Mark Rozzi have worked together on a bipartisan compromise after previous efforts to pass similar legislation for a retroactive window for victims failed repeatedly. Read more

 

Conklin: It’s time to let independent voters participate in primary elections

(Mar 30, 2021) Rep. Scott Conklin

Conklin, D-Centre, said while there have been several proposals over the years to allow these voters to participate in primary elections, most have only raised legal questions and haven’t led to any substantive changes. Read more

 

Ciresi resolution urges HHS to send more vaccine to PA

(Mar 29, 2021) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“Because of vaccinations, many are envisioning a return to a sense of normalcy. But to truly get there, we need the federal government to supply sufficient doses of the available vaccines.” Read more

 

PA House Democrats Launch Effort to Defend Democracy

(Mar 29, 2021) Policy Committee

A website was launched that summarizes policy proposals to defend democracy as well as links to more information and the ability for people to quickly email their elected officials, noting their support of the bills. Read more

 

Pashinski introduces Delayed Payment Plan for burden-free community college

(Mar 26, 2021) Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski

Once established, the Delayed Payment Plan program would pay up-front for the community college education of participating PA students attending one of 15 state community colleges or the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology who pursue a degree in a high-need career path and agree to stay in Pennsylvania after graduating until their tuition is repaid. Read more

 

McNeill: It’s time to address the fireworks issue

(Mar 25, 2021) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

Co-sponsored by state Reps. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, Steve Samuelson and Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, and Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, the bill would address growing complaints of inappropriate fireworks usage that have been rampant across Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Women’s Health Caucus: Facts matter in discussion about abortion
Apr 08, 2021

Investment in health, safety and jobs focus of Policy Committee hearing on Pa. toxic schools
Apr 08, 2021

Krajewski, Daley introduce bill to protect insured dependents’ privacy
Apr 08, 2021

Sanchez, Schlossberg aim to close LGBTQ+ Panic Defense loophole
Apr 08, 2021

Rabb reintroduces legislation that would repeal the death penalty in Pa.
Apr 06, 2021

Parker introduces bill to combat human trafficking
Apr 05, 2021

Rep. Joe Ciresi: Pa. charter school law is old and broken — and it’s time we fix it
Apr 05, 2021

County Recycling Coordinator and Host Municipality Inspector grant programs now open for applications
Apr 05, 2021

Merski bill would bring pandemic relief to state’s alcohol producers
Apr 01, 2021

Expanding digital connection key for PA development, advancement
Apr 01, 2021

Rep. Bizzarro partnering with new app to connect with constituents
Apr 01, 2021

Schlossberg seeks to help child victims of domestic abuse
Mar 31, 2021

Pa. Legislative Black Caucus holds budget information session with state Budget Secretary Jen Swails
Mar 31, 2021

Webster: Today is Transgender Day of Visibility!
Mar 31, 2021

Reps. Rozzi, Gregory encourage survivors to show support for PA legislative action
Mar 31, 2021

Conklin: It’s time to let independent voters participate in primary elections
Mar 30, 2021

Ciresi resolution urges HHS to send more vaccine to PA
Mar 29, 2021

PA House Democrats Launch Effort to Defend Democracy
Mar 29, 2021

Pashinski introduces Delayed Payment Plan for burden-free community college
Mar 26, 2021

McNeill: It’s time to address the fireworks issue
Mar 25, 2021