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Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to SEPTA Board approval of budget

Philadelphia House Delegation

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Fighting federal abusers, Protecting Pennsylvanians Act introduced

(5 hours ago) Philadelphia House Delegation

“This act will increase our effort to protect Pennsylvania taxpayers from the haphazard actions and unlawful abuses at the federal level,” said Cephas, who represents portions of Philadelphia. “We can’t let Washington promise to fund and invest in health care, services and Pennsylvania businesses, only to have contracts canceled because of a change in administration and the extremist actions inside the D.C. Beltway.” Read more

 

Philadelphia’s Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy, the last living WWII Tuskegee Airman, honored in Harrisburg

(Jun 27, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 27 - On Wednesday, June 25, the office of State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, along with the offices of PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton, State Reps. Jordan Harris and Napoleon Nelson honored Lt. Col. George Hardy, the last living Tuskegee Airman of World War II. Hardy was born in Philadelphia and attended Walter George Smith School and South Philadelphia High School . He completed his pilot training at the Tuskegee Institute, earning his wings in September 1944. While stationed in Italy between February and September of 1945, Hardy flew 21 high-altitude combat missions escorting bombers over Germany. Hardy was also deployed during the Korean and Vietnam wars, completing 45 flight missions in Korea and 70 in Vietnam. On Wednesday, Hardy’s descendants, including grandchildren Jessamyn and Julian Bryce, niece Lee Hardy Trotter, and grandnephew Jospeh Trotter, were recognized on the PA House floor by McClinton. The family was given a tour of the state Capitol and met with lawmakers, including Fiedler, Nelson, Harris, State Sens. Nikil Saval and Anthony Williams, and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. Hardy, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, currently resides in Florida. He was not able to make the trip but watched the livestream from his home. The PA General Assembly also recently passed a resolution designating June 8, 2025, as “Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy Day” in Read more

 

Venkat, Khan, Kosierowski to introduce legislation that would mandate insurance coverage for FDA-approved, medically recommended vaccines

(Jun 27, 2025) Rep. Tarik Khan

HARRISBURG, June 27 – In the wake of major changes to a federal vaccine advisory panel that could threaten Pennsylvanians’ access to life-saving immunizations, state Reps. Arvind Venkat, Bridget Kosierowski and Tarik Khan, all health professionals, are preparing to introduce legislation that would require private insurers and Medicaid to cover FDA-approved vaccines that have been recommended by certain medical organizations. Venkat said the legislation is needed to ensure that critical immunization protections remain available to Pennsylvanians. “As a physician, I know that vaccines are among the most powerful tools we have in our arsenal for preventing disease. The administration of scheduled childhood vaccines and recommended vaccines to adults has protected all Pennsylvanians for decades,” said Venkat. “Unfortunately, recent developments at the federal level – including the firing of all members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and their replacement with at least several known anti-vaccine activists – is a warning sign. “If ACIP fails to continue recommending certain FDA-approved vaccines, insurers will no longer have to cover them, and critical immunizations that protect children and vulnerable Pennsylvanians from deadly diseases would disappear. Beyond the human toll, long-term health care Read more

 

Combined reporting bill to truly close corporate tax loopholes passes for first time in Pa. House

(Jun 27, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 27 – Legislation to close the “ Delaware loophole ” and institute combined reporting was approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Wednesday. HB1610 was introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila., and Rep. Mary Jo Daley , D-Montgomery. This is the first time the House has passed a bill that would truly close the loophole in state law. In Pennsylvania, it is perfectly legal for highly profitable, multi-state corporations to shield their profits in states like Delaware, that have low or no corporate net income taxes. Combined reporting simply closes that loophole by requiring companies making profits in Pennsylvania, report to Pennsylvania. "When 73% of the corporations active in this state pay no corporate taxes at all — and working people struggle to afford the basics — that's not fairness, that's exploitation,” Fiedler said. “It’s ridiculous, puts small businesses at a disadvantage, and leaves our public services without adequate funding. We can generate millions by closing this loophole alone." Thanks in part to corporate tax loopholes, Pennsylvania has one of the most regressive tax structures in the nation. When multi-state corporations pay less than their fair share, a greater tax burden is placed on Pennsylvania-based companies, small businesses, and individual taxpayers. “Just like every hard-working Pennsylvanian has to Read more

 

Cephas bill to cut mortgage interest rates heads to governor’s desk

(Jun 26, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously approved legislation sponsored by state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., that would permit mortgage lenders to offer discount points to borrowers to lower their interest rate and monthly payments. House Bill 1103 now awaits the signature of Gov. Josh Shapiro for it to be enacted into law. Read more

 

Parker bill to get period products to people in need passes House

(Jun 26, 2025) Rep. Darisha Parker

“I continue to fight vigorously for menstrual equity for women and girls in Pennsylvania because equity for this basic necessity in life does not currently exist,” Parker said. “More than half of the world’s population are menstruating individuals, and they should not have to miss work, school or other life events, or put their personal health in jeopardy, due to not having access to essential, clean and sanitary period products. These products are readily available in grocery and convenience stores because they are considered essential necessities, along with food. With this legislation, we are sending a clear signal to the federal government that Pennsylvania government has put a priority on ending period poverty for our residents and that they should respond in kind." Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to SEPTA Board approval of budget

(Jun 26, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

“Properly funding SEPTA is an investment in all communities across PA. Our regional economy is a main driver for statewide prosperity. What benefits Philadelphia, benefits all of Pennsylvania, and SEPTA is a crucial key to our success. The cost of allowing mass transit to wither will be seen in additional traffic and longer commutes on already over-burdened roads and bridges; a weakened economy across the state, not just in Philly; environmental impacts from more cars on the road; and a less competitive job market for our region." Read more

 

House passes Isaacson’s Cyber Charter School reform bill

(Jun 24, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed H.B. 1500, authored by state Rep. Mary Isaacson, which would provide meaningful reform to cyber charter schools while enhancing transparency and accountability. Read more

 

Fiedler, Pisciottano ‘Pay The Price You See’ bill to eliminate deceptive ‘junk fees’ passes House with bipartisan support

(Jun 23, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 23 – Today, legislation that would require platforms for event tickets, lodging, and food delivery to list the full, final price of their products upfront, passed the House. The bill was introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila, with a companion bill introduced by state Sen. Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny. Junk fees are the unexpected, mandatory fees added to the price of a good or service at checkout, often associated with online purchases for items like concert tickets. These fees can add up to 30% more to the original price, and they cost the average American family more than $3,000 per year. “Pennsylvanians are trying to make plans with their budgets in mind, but these hidden fees prevent people from making informed decisions,” said Fiedler. “It's more than frustrating to be scouring for hours to plan your family vacation only to get to the checkout page to see the price skyrocket. Whether it's a special occasion like a concert or a trip, we all deserve better treatment from these corporations.” House Bill 1216 would protect Pennsylvania consumers against “bait and switch” pricing practices, while allowing small businesses to compete with the artificially lowered prices used by dominant, national corporations. In 2023, the legislation was previously authored by then-Rep. Pisciottano and passed the House with significant bipartisan support. It was Read more

 

Bellmon, Harris present check to organization tackling racial, gender inequities in mathematics

(Jun 20, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, June 20- Today, state Rep. Anthony Bellmon and Pennsylvania House Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris, both D-Phila., presented a check worth $125,000 in state funding to the organization Black Girls Love Math. BGLM was founded five years ago by Atiyah Harmon, who had spent two decades in the education system as a math teacher, principal and administrator. Harmon noticed that many Black girls in Philadelphia were struggling in school with mathematics and that these results stemmed from an increasing disinterest in the subject. To combat this issue, she started BGLM and committed their work to eradicating racial and gender inequity in mathematics. Her findings were backed up by a 2024 Vanderbilt University study, which found that 71% of Black girls expressed a negative math identity. Additionally, this study found that 86% of Black girls were unaware of the necessity of advanced math for their future aspirations. “When you couple the inequities that predominantly Black schools face with findings of massive disinterest and unawareness of the importance of such a crucial subject, it could spell a recipe for disaster for our youth,” Bellmon said. “We are very fortunate to have a dedicated, aspirational leader in our community in Ms. Harmon, who is constantly working to put an end to this cycle. Her organization is paving pathways to success for so many young Black girls in our community, and I Read more

 

House Transportation Committee approves Dougherty bill punishing interference of public transit operators

(Jun 18, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 17 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee approved legislation introduced by state Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Phila., that would create stronger penalties for interference with the operation or movement of a public transit vehicle. Under this legislation ( H.B. 1416 ), any interference that causes the serious bodily injury or death of an operator would be punishable as a felony. Any interference that results in bodily injury or the fear of imminent serious bodily injury or death would also be subject to significant penalties. “As public officials, it is our duty to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of all Pennsylvanians, especially those who provide essential services in our communities,” Dougherty said. “Nobody should have to fear not making it home after a day of work. I sincerely believe that this legislation will safeguard the well-being of transit operators and their passengers by strongly discouraging any form of violence against these individuals.” On the morning of Oct. 26, 2023, longtime Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority employee Bernard Gribbin was tragically shot and killed while on duty and operating a Route 23 bus in Philadelphia. Dougherty said his legislation intends to more strongly punish those who commit these acts, and hopefully prevent these acts in the future. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates House passage of mass transit funding proposal

(Jun 17, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

The Philadelphia House Delegation reacted this afternoon to House passage of a proposal to fund mass transit systems and transportation projects across the commonwealth. House Bill 1364 sponsored by Chairman of the House Transportation Committee Ed Neilson, D-Phila., would mirror Governor Shapiro’s proposal to increase the transfer of existing sales tax revenue to the Public Transportation Trust Fund from 4.4% to 6.15% providing an expected additional $1.5 billion for transit systems over the next five years. Read more

 

Judiciary Committee OK’s Hohenstein bill to protect transit workers

(Jun 17, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 17 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee approved legislation introduced by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., to help protect transit workers. In the wake of increased attacks on transit workers in the workplace, this legislation ( H.B. 1145 ) would help transit agencies install improved security measures. It would do so by establishing a grant program to help fund and support increased security measures. These measures may include capital improvements (e.g., security cameras, bullet-proof partitions, security equipment, safety-related technology) and other initiatives (e.g., security training and security staffing). “Transit workers play a massive role in Philadelphia and communities across Pennsylvania getting mass amounts of people where they need to go,” Hohenstein said. “Ensuring their safety is imperative, as it allows them to properly do their jobs without fearing for their well-being, and it keeps riders and the general public safe.” House Bill 1145 now heads to the full House for consideration. Read more

 

Dougherty, community members rally for SEPTA funding

(Jun 12, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, June 12 – Today, state Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Phila., hosted a news conference at SEPTA’s Fox Chase Station in his legislative district to reinforce the need to properly fund SEPTA. He was joined by residents and people who work in his district to speak about the ways public transit helps them day to day. Dougherty was joined by a dozen individuals who voiced their support for SEPTA funding and detailed how important public transit is to them and the Commonwealth at large. “SEPTA is the lifeline of Philadelphia and the surrounding area as nearly 1 million people use their services every day,” Dougherty said. “It was impactful to hear from the incredible folks who joined me today to discuss how crucial SEPTA’s transportation services are to them. I will continue my work in Harrisburg to ensure we properly fund SEPTA and keep Southeast PA moving.” In addition to his constituents, Dougherty was joined by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., as well as individuals from the offices of state Reps. Jared Solomon and Joe Hohenstein, both D-Phila. In total, more than 50 people showed up this morning to show their support for SEPTA funding. Dougherty noted that dozens of others expressed well wishes while they were working or taking SEPTA transit to work. Read more

 

Rabb: All workers deserve a living wage

(Jun 11, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Files amendment to minimum wage legislation passed by state House Read more

 

House Committee OKs two bipartisan Rabb bills protecting homeowners

(Jun 06, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation to address deed fraud, safeguard ownership of inherited property clears committee Read more

 

Philadelphia legislators celebrate Solar for Schools grant recipients at Community College of Philadelphia

(Jun 06, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

A celebration and check ceremony Thursday hosted by the Philadelphia House and Senate delegations honored the Philadelphia schools and community colleges that received Solar for Schools grants. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation supports new SEPTA general manager

(Jun 03, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

The Philadelphia House Delegation today offered supportive reaction to the recent appointment of Scott A. Sauer as the new general manager of SEPTA. Sauer has served as interim general manager since November 2024. Read more

 

Rabb unveils bipartisan bill preventing forced sale of inherited property

(May 27, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation to help Pennsylvanians hold onto financial wealth when a property owner in their family dies intestate Read more

 

Rabb introduces bill to end charging children as adults

(May 22, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Legislation to repeal direct file law, reform the juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania Read more

 

Fighting federal abusers, Protecting Pennsylvanians Act introduced
5 hours ago

Philadelphia’s Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy, the last living WWII Tuskegee Airman, honored in Harrisburg
Jun 27, 2025

Venkat, Khan, Kosierowski to introduce legislation that would mandate insurance coverage for FDA-approved, medically recommended vaccines
Jun 27, 2025

Combined reporting bill to truly close corporate tax loopholes passes for first time in Pa. House
Jun 27, 2025

Cephas bill to cut mortgage interest rates heads to governor’s desk
Jun 26, 2025

Parker bill to get period products to people in need passes House
Jun 26, 2025

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to SEPTA Board approval of budget
Jun 26, 2025

House passes Isaacson’s Cyber Charter School reform bill
Jun 24, 2025

Fiedler, Pisciottano ‘Pay The Price You See’ bill to eliminate deceptive ‘junk fees’ passes House with bipartisan support
Jun 23, 2025

Bellmon, Harris present check to organization tackling racial, gender inequities in mathematics
Jun 20, 2025

House Transportation Committee approves Dougherty bill punishing interference of public transit operators
Jun 18, 2025

Philadelphia House Delegation celebrates House passage of mass transit funding proposal
Jun 17, 2025

Judiciary Committee OK’s Hohenstein bill to protect transit workers
Jun 17, 2025

Dougherty, community members rally for SEPTA funding
Jun 12, 2025

Rabb: All workers deserve a living wage
Jun 11, 2025

House Committee OKs two bipartisan Rabb bills protecting homeowners
Jun 06, 2025

Philadelphia legislators celebrate Solar for Schools grant recipients at Community College of Philadelphia
Jun 06, 2025

Philadelphia House Delegation supports new SEPTA general manager
Jun 03, 2025

Rabb unveils bipartisan bill preventing forced sale of inherited property
May 27, 2025

Rabb introduces bill to end charging children as adults
May 22, 2025