HARRISBURG, Dec. 23 – Today, the Philadelphia House Delegation announced that two projects in the city have been awarded $1,275,963 in funding through the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund.The following projects have received funding:•Center City District: $328,295 to rehabilitate transit shelters in preparation for Philadelphia250.•City of Philadelphia Department of Streets: $947,668 to acquire right-of-way to complete a gap in the Schuylkill River Trail.Delegation chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said that these investments come at a critical point in time for the city. “These projects are key to preparing Philadelphia for the influx of tourism and visitors in 2026, connecting communities and increasing pedestrian safety,” Cephas said. “Improvements to transit shelters will beautify and secure these areas for residents and guests using SEPTA, while enhancing the Schuylkill River Trail will allow for increased recreation and alternative commuting through our region. We’re thankful to the Shapiro administration for these investments in our city at a crucial time.”The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grant funding to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets and enhance communities. The projects support the safety and accessibility of Pennsylvania’s infrastructure. More information about the program and... Read more

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania lawmakers unanimously approved legislation Wednesday that would require human trafficking awareness training for workers across the hospitality industry, a move supporters say is urgently needed as the state prepares for a wave of global events and increased travel.House Bill 1286, sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young, a Democrat representing Philadelphia and Delaware County, would mandate state-approved trafficking awareness training for employees at hotels, motels, short-term rentals, and online lodging and reservation platforms. The bill now advances to the state Senate.Young said the legislation reflects harsh realities on the ground, particularly in regions crisscrossed by major highways and transportation hubs. Read more

State House lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill that would require lodging operators to ensure workers undergo training meant to improve recognizing and reporting human trafficking. The vote comes just before the start of 2026, when several major events – including the FIFA World Cup, America250 and the NFL draft – promise to draw “record-breaking numbers of visitors” to the state, noted Zakary Pyzik, senior director of public affairs for the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. Bill sponsor Rep. Regina Young’s district includes the Philadelphia International Airport, in addition to an adjacent section of Delaware County. “This is bigger than 2026, but the time really is now,” said Young, a Democrat who introduced a similar proposal during the last legislative session as well. Young and Pyzik spoke during a press conference Wednesday along with state Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia) and Philadelphia City Councilwoman Nina Amad before the House took up the measure for third and final consideration. It now goes to the Senate, which reconvenes on Jan. 6. Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, on Thursday announced more than $2.1 million in state funding for community projects and infrastructure improvements in the 185th Legislative District, awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – State Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila. announced that four projects in her district have been awarded a total of nearly $1.6 million in funding through the Local Share Account program from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Read more

“Investing in green infrastructure is an investment in public health and neighborhood vitality,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “I was proud to advocate for this funding and help ensure that our community benefits from this new gathering space.” Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., announced that three projects in her district have been awarded grants in Local Share Account funding totaling $1,493,000. Philadelphia was awarded $675,000 for renovation of an underutilized community recreation center at Granahan Playground. The renovated building will include a multi-use space, a kitchenette, updated restrooms, and office and storage space. Granahan Playground functions as a town square and a renovated community space will support the programming and activities at the park. Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – The Philadelphia House Delegation announced that $64,313 in Local Share Account funding was awarded to implement a recycling and trash program at 35 City-owned recreation centers within Philadelphia. Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – Today, state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware hosted a news conference to celebrate House passage of her bill that would mandate human trafficking awareness training for Pennsylvania workers in the hospitality industry, including online lodging and reservation companies.House Bill 1286 would amend Act 197 of 2012 to include training requirements approved through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for employees of public lodging establishments who have contact with guests or access to guest rooms, and for operators of short-term rentals. Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – Today, the Pennsylvania House passed a resolution introduced by State Rep. Anthony Bellmon (D-Phila.) urging Congress to take action to reduce health insurance costs for Pennsylvanians who purchase coverage through Pennie, the state’s ACA marketplace. When Congress passed the American Rescue Plan in 2021, it expanded tax credits that allowed many Pennsylvanians to purchase health insurance through Pennie, contributing to the marketplace’s record-breaking open enrollment in 2025. However, these credits expire on Dec. 31 and, as a result, health insurance costs for Pennie customers will, on average, double. “During the 2025 open enrollment period for Pennie, nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians—the most ever—purchased health insurance,” Bellmon said. “With these federal tax credits set to expire at the end of the year, these individuals could face real consequences, including having to choose between paying for housing, food, utilities, or health care. “Only Congress can stop the bleed and keep people covered by extending these credits. That’s why we must urge them to take action to lower health insurance costs for Pennsylvanians who purchase coverage through Pennie.” Read more