HARRISBURG, Sept. 28 – The Pennsylvania House Communications & Technology Committee held a public hearing today on state Rep. Joe Ciresi’s H.B. 2637 that would bar manufacturing, distributing, selling or leasing a children’s toy with a generative AI chatbot in Pennsylvania for three years. “There is too much that we don’t know yet about the effects of AI companions on children, but the early warning signs are severe,” Ciresi said. “The toys that we’ve already seen on the market have been found to say things that could put children in danger, produce sexually explicit outputs, and violate the privacy of children and their families with irresponsible data collection and storage practices - without even getting into the long-term effects on child development. The risks are too high to treat our children as test subjects for this developing technology.” The committee heard from subject matter experts supporting and challenging the legislation. Supporters of the bill included: Dr. Mitch Prinstein, John Van Seters distinguished professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and co-director of the Winston Center on Technology and Brain Development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Dana Suskind, professor of surgery and pediatrics and founder and co-director of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health, University of Chicago. Rachel Franz, Young Read more

$250K grant to address behavioral health workforce shortage Read more

“When we invest in our public schools, students win and our communities win,” said Prokopiak, who represents portions of Bucks County, including Morrisville. “More dollars mean smaller school sizes and more resources for greater academic and mental health support – something that’s not possible when schools are underfunded.” Read more

HARRISBURG, Sept. 16 – State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that four projects in her legislative district have been awarded state funding for a total of $1,071,224. The funds were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Local Share Account, which distributes money for eligible community and economic development projects from state gaming revenues. Read more

KENNETT SQUARE, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced over $1.2 million in state grant funding from the Local Share Account program that will support one countywide project and seven projects in the 158th Legislative District. LSA funding is generated by gaming proceeds and is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects that enhance economic development, public infrastructure and community vitality. “LSA funding is vital to our local governments and first responders, so I am always happy to join my Chester County colleagues in advocating for these projects,” Sappey said. “AED batteries expire every 10 years for example. Technology changes and the way we respond to community needs shifts. This grant funding helps meet the needs.” “These investments strengthen the everyday fabric of our communities,” said state Sen. John I. Kane. “From safety improvements at Longwood Gardens that protect visitors, to modern cardiac monitors and AEDs that help first responders save lives in Kennett Square, this funding supports safer neighborhoods, more reliable services, and the kind of shared spaces and infrastructure that allow families to feel secure, connected, and supported in their daily lives.” LSA Awards in the 158 th include: $245,063 to Longwood Fire Company in Kennett Square Borough to purchase cardiac monitors, Read more

ROYERSFORD, Sept. 16 - State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that that $1.8 million in state grants has been awarded for worthwhile projects and equipment purchases in the 49th Legislative District. “I am proud that my advocacy has secured funding that will help enhance community life and protect public safety,” Ciresi said. “These grants will fund critical community projects—without raising taxes on residents,” Ciresi said. Grant recipients and projects are: $1,000,000 for Lower Pottsgrove Township to create an inclusive playground at Sanatoga Park. $550,000 for Pottstown Borough/Good Will Steam Fire Engine Company #1 to purchase a fire engine. $250,000 for Pottstown Borough to repair the stormwater arch at 657 Beech Street at the intersection of Grant Street. The grants awarded today come from Local Share Account funds which are approved and distributed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority . Read more

CHESTER, Sept. 16 - State Rep. Carol Kazeem announced that that more than $2.4 million in state grants has been awarded for worthwhile projects and equipment purchases in the159th Legislative District. “I am proud to bring home this state money that’s going straight to what matters most—support for our emergency services, our community life and our health,” Kazeem said. “These state grants will fund critical community projects without raising taxes on residents.” Grant recipients and projects are: $650,000 for Chester City’s multi-departmental vehicle fleet. $400,000 for The Minority Center for Participation and Empowerment to rehabilitate a Multipurpose Community Building. $350,000 for Southern Delaware County Authority for SDCA I&I Sanitary Sewer improvements in Upper Chichester Township. $200,000 for Parkside Borough to enhance Woodlot Park with upgrades. $200,000 for Upper Chichester Township/Southeastern PA Stormwater Authority to complete storm sewer improvements in Boothwyn Town Center. $200,000 for Marcus Hook to renovate its community center. $100,000 for Marcus Hook Trainer Fire Department to replace self-contained breathing apparatuses. $196,463 for Upper Chichester Township to purchase an ambulance. $100,000 for Trainer Borough to acquire and construct a new public works garage and salt shed. $50,399 for the Marcus Hook Borough Police Department for public safety equipment. The grants Read more

State Rep. David Delloso today announced that more than $2.5 million in state Local Share Account funding has been awarded to projects in the 162nd Legislative District, including $1 million to help reopen emergency services at Taylor Hospital. Read more