HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, that would require the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to explicitly consider the public interest when making decisions that affect utility customers across the commonwealth. Friel Otten’s legislation, H.B. 2184 , would establish a statutory definition of "public interest" and require the PUC to consider factors such as affordability, reliability, resilience, economic impacts, energy efficiency, sustainability, transparency, public safety and equitable treatment of customers in utility proceedings. The bill would also require the commission to explain how its decisions align with the public interest. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support by a vote of 150-53. Today's action reflects growing concern among lawmakers about rising utility costs and the need for greater transparency and accountability in decisions that directly affect utility customers, businesses and communities across Pennsylvania. "The increasing cost of almost everything in life right now is one of the first things people bring up to me, whether it's at the grocery store, the soccer sideline, or the carpool group chat," Friel Otten said. "According to United Way's ALICE report, 40% of Pennsylvania households are already living on the financial edge. For those families, a sudden spike Read more
Standing alongside a powerful collection of portraits of gun-violence victims, legislators and advocates gathered in the state Capitol Monday to call for policies aimed at putting an end to the violence. Read more
“The revolutionary potential of AI and the positive impacts this technology will have on business, government and society is undeniable,” Shusterman said. “Far too many children and adults are creating unhealthy emotional attachments with chatbots -- and are experiencing terrifying interactions. As AI chatbots continue to advance, our society is coming to a bipartisan consensus: we need government to step up. I’m determined to provide commonsense and reasonable safety guardrails.” Read more
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
The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania has been awarded a state grant of $250,000 to expand an effective program that helps victims of human trafficking. 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
HARRISBURG, Sept. 14 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today introduced legislation ( H.B. 2772 ) that would designate the North Hanover Street Bridge in Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County, as the Commander Job W. Price Memorial Bridge. A graduate of Pottstown High School and a former Navy SEAL, Commander Job W. Price was the recipient of numerous recognitions for valor. After nearly 20 years of service, Price succumbed to non-combat-related injuries in December 2012 while supporting village stability operations in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. “Commander Price represents the best of us -- intelligence, integrity, and love of country dedicated in service to the United States,” Ciresi said. “By renaming the bridge in his honor, we commemorate his life and signal to all who pass over it the virtues by which we should live.” Read more
Keeping commerce and trade open 24/7 comes with its challenges and obstacles, including preserving domestic security as well as navigating waterways through challenging weather. The Pilots’ Association for the Bay & River Delaware are on call at all hours to ensure the safe navigation of commercial vessels along the Delaware, Schuylkill and Salem rivers as well as Delaware Bay. Read more
State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, announced today that a total of $80,000 in state grants has been awarded for two important projects benefitting a local healthcare program and outdoor recreation. Read more
State funds to support architectural planning for library redesign Read more
State funding to provide dental care to veterans, low-income adults Read more
INDIANA, Aug. 20 – The House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting in Indiana, Pa. Tuesday to learn about broadband affordability and access in Pennsylvania. “Low-cost, high-speed broadband is fundamental to a healthy and prosperous Pennsylvania. From helping Pennsylvania residents get the training necessary to be competitive in the workforce and be able to access essential services that will keep their families healthy to enabling our industries to capitalize on new economic opportunities and support our workforce, broadband equity is central to Pennsylvania’s future,” said Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, House Communications & Technology Committee Majority chair. “As the world hurtles forward along the information superhighway, our low-income and rural residents are being left behind due to the high cost of broadband and a lack of infrastructure. Investment in low-cost, high-speed broadband will help ensure the even development of Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting the growth of strong, healthy communities throughout the commonwealth for years to come.” Speakers included: Sharene Hess, Indiana County commissioner Jody Rainey, principal, Homer-Center Jr/Sr High School John B. Horrigan, Ph.D., senior fellow, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Christopher Ali, Ph.D., pioneers chair in telecommunications, Pennsylvania State University Dustin Bishop, project Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 19 – Due to the federal government’s recent proposals that would weaken the obligation of banks to invest in low- and middle-income communities, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, has announced his intention to introduce legislation that will preserve equitable banking in Pennsylvania. The legislation will be based on the Community Reinvestment Act , federal legislation passed in 1977 that requires commercial banks and savings associations to meet the needs of all borrowers in the local community – which has led to support for first time homebuyer programs, community health centers, accessibility improvements, land banks, daycare centers and small farmers across Pennsylvania and the nation. “The CRA is a vital tool that has been proven to be essential for small towns and marginalized communities throughout the commonwealth,” said Nelson . “Our Main Streets have historically been economic drivers of their communities, and our goal is to continue providing the much-needed resources. This legislation will ensure that every community in Pennsylvania has financial accessibility that fits their needs so that every one of our neighbors has a chance to shape their own future for the better. “It goes beyond recognizing our communities have needs but also acknowledges that these communities already have great things happening. These hidden gems are waiting for our investment; they Read more
ROYERSFORD, Aug. 18 – House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today issued a statement applauding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order holding data center developers accountable and protecting Pennsylvanians: “I applaud Governor Shapiro’s executive order to protect Pennsylvanians from unregulated data center development in the face of Senate Republican inaction on legislation passed by the House. “I was pleased that the executive order incorporates provisions from my bill prohibiting non-disclosure agreements between data centers and public officials. These protections will help ensure that the public is no longer kept in the dark about how data centers could affect their communities, environment and quality of life. “This executive order will foster the accountability, transparency and public involvement Pennsylvania needs for data center development to move forward.” Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates...
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.