Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Southeast Delegation | News Center

News Center

Warren Ready to Lead Insurance Committee

(Jan 28, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Perry Warren, D-Bucks, announced today that the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee is reorganized and focused on new ways to protect consumers. “As chairman of the Insurance Committee, I look forward to passing laws that make insurance better for all Pennsylvanians,” Warren said. “Earlier today, the committee unanimously voted in support of three important proposals that will hopefully become law.” The first proposal, H.B. 111 , would prohibit life insurance companies from discriminating against individuals who have obtained naloxone or another medication to reverse an opioid overdose. Because of a standing order from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, anyone can walk up to a pharmacy counter and receive naloxone. Warren noted the story of one mother who received naloxone so she could save her son’s life if he experienced an opioid overdose. She applied for a life insurance policy, but the life insurance company refused to give her a policy because they saw that she received naloxone and presumed that she had an addiction. House Bill 111 would protect consumers like this mother by prohibiting life insurance companies from denying coverage based on an individual’s prior purchase or acquisition of naloxone, Warren said. House Bills 211 and 261 update outdated language in Read more

 

Fleming announces $121,000 in state grants for Black Run Park Trails

(Jan 28, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Justin Fleming has helped to secure $121,000 in state funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program for Hawthorne SPE LLC Susquehanna Union Green project. The funds will be used to install accessible walking trails at Susquehanna Union Green and to install stairs to the pedestrian bridge installed over Black Run tributary. "This funding will help Susquehanna Union Green fulfill its promise as an outdoor experience destination for our communities," Fleming said. “Offering over 19 acres of green space, Susquehanna Union Green offers area residents of all ages beautiful areas to explore and enjoy.” In 2022, Susquehanna Union Green received an award from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The award provided financial assistance for construction of the public parks and greens making up the heart of the Susquehanna Union Green master plan. This latest grant funding comes through the Act 13 of 2012, which established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program. The funds are allocated to projects involving the development, rehabilitation and improvement of public parks, recreation Read more

 

Ciresi, Marcell bipartisan bill to allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional use reported out of committee

(Jan 28, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – Bipartisan legislation ( H.B. 201 ) introduced by state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, which would allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional space was reported out of the House Education Committee and is now headed to the full House for a vote. Last session, the legislation, introduced as H.B. 1526, passed the House and was sent to the Senate for consideration. However, the Senate did not act on it. IUs are regional educational service agencies that were created by the legislature in 1970. They provide special education, professional development and technical assistance services to public school districts and non-public/private schools. They also serve as liaisons between school districts and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Every year, more than 175,000 students and 50,000 educators receive services and training from IUs. Currently, IUs are only permitted to own office space and warehouse facilities, not facilities used for instructional space. This limitation does not apply to school districts, area career and technical schools, or charter schools, even though many IUs operate classrooms and other instructional spaces. As a result, all of their instructional facilities must be leased, burdening IUs with rental costs that sometimes greatly exceed what it would cost the IU to purchase and own the facility themselves. “As a former school board member, I know that Read more

 

House committee approves Cerrato’s PA Korean VALOR Act bill

(Jan 28, 2025) Rep. Melissa Cerrato

“Hundreds of Korean Americans who became naturalized U.S. citizens served bravely alongside American troops during the Vietnam War, yet many have been denied access to the benefits they deserve,” Cerrato said. Read more

 

Kazeem announces $325,000 in state grants for local development

(Jan 28, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, secured $325,000 in state funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program for area projects. The following projects in her legislative district will receive funding: Eddystone Delaware River Waterfront Park -- Awarded $125,000 for the development of the Delaware River Waterfront Park, including the construction and installation of a boardwalk, bridge, playground, splash pad, dog park, kayak launch, bathrooms, and install benches, tables, and trash receptacles. Market Square Memorial Park -- Awarded $200,000 to complete construction plans for the Delaware River Pier Replacement located at the Market Square Memorial Park in Marcus Hook Borough, Delaware County. "These grants are vital to improving the quality of life in our communities in the 159th District here in Delaware County by providing recreational spaces where our residents can come together," said Kazeem. “Investments in our area parks will help create or enhance healthier and more vibrant spaces, benefitting everyone in our communities.” The funding comes from the Act 13 of 2012, which established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails, Read more

 

Ciresi announces $53,000 in state funding for Schuylkill River Trail improvements

(Jan 28, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28– State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, is pleased to announce he secured $53,000 in state grant funding for the Schuylkill River Trail Grosstown Road crossing in West Pottsgrove Township through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. Provco Pinegood Stowe, LLC has received $53,000 to install a new crosswalk and rectangular rapid flashing beacons at the crossing of Grosstown Road and the Schuylkill River Trail, providing a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. Ciresi said the improvements will make access to the trail safer and more welcoming for current and additional trail users. “We are fortunate to have the Schuylkill River Trail, a key part of our natural and historic heritage, in our area,” Ciresi said. “Improvements proposed as part of this project would improve the experience for current trail users and support the growing popularity of this major trail. Upgrading the crossing of Grosstown Road and the Schuylkill River Trail will improve the quality of life for many residents, providing better access to safe and healthy outdoor recreation, while leaving a lasting legacy for generations to use.” Act 13 of 2012 established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Read more

 

Venkat, Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik introduce bipartisan legislation to help Pennsylvanians overcome medical debt

(Jan 16, 2025) Rep. Nate Davidson

HARRISBURG, Jan. 16 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Nate Davidson, Tarik Khan, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Andrew Kuzma, Jim Rigby and Tim Twardzik have introduced a bipartisan bill that would create the Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program. The legislation ( H.B. 79 ) would target the medical debt of low-income Pennsylvania residents for relief. The Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program would also improve the finances of health care institutions and providers, concentrated largely in rural Pennsylvania, that regularly carry debt that is less likely to be repaid. Furthermore, the legislation would enact provisions to ensure transparency in existing hospital charity care programs and provide assistance in applying for charity care to prevent the accumulation of new medical debt. “Medical debt has been dubbed a ‘uniquely American problem,’ so it’s my hope that our bill will help provide relief to as many Pennsylvanians as possible,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’m proud to partner with bipartisan colleagues on this legislation that reduces the burden of affording medical care and allows families to put more food on the table.” “This legislation is more than just a policy – it's a lifeline that restores dignity, empowers families, and ensures that health does not come at the cost of hardship. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan measure so that vulnerable Pennsylvanians can focus on their Read more

 

Ciresi announces $152,400 in state funding for affordable housing and community development

(Jan 15, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi today announced that three community projects have been approved for $152,400 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program. NAP helps low-income individuals and improves distressed areas in PA communities through the provision of tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities. “This state funding will provide critical support to some of our communities’ most vulnerable, from financially distressed individuals struggling to meet basic needs to low-income families requiring rehab grants to stay in their homes to at-risk students needing math and reading support so they can do well in school,” Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said. “This money will make sure our neighborhoods are healthy and flourishing by ensuring that some of the most vulnerable have the help they need to succeed.” The applicants receiving grant money and the NAP subprograms providing the funding are the following: Neighborhood Assistance Program, which supports affordable housing, community services, crime prevention, education, job training and neighborhood assistance: TriCounty Community Network – Pottstown, Montgomery County – $3,900. Funding will support emergency basic needs including transportation support, utility assistance, family assistance and housing Read more

 

State lawmakers launch bipartisan Competitiveness Caucus

(Jan 14, 2025) Rep. Paul Friel

HARRISBURG, Jan. 14 – Today, Pennsylvania state Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York; and Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton; along with state Reps. Paul Friel, D-Chester; and Josh Kail, R-Beaver; announced the formation of a new bipartisan, bicameral group within the state General Assembly: the Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus. The legislators said the new caucus aims to unify efforts across the Capitol and party lines to strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness and ensure a robust, dynamic economy today and into the future. The formation of the Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus comes at a crucial time for the commonwealth. As the state faces challenges in retaining businesses, attracting new investment, and reversing stagnant population growth, the caucus will serve as a dedicated platform for lawmakers to collaborate on policies that drive economic growth and make Pennsylvania an attractive place to live and work. “Although we sit on opposite sides of the aisle, we are united in our belief that making Pennsylvania more economically competitive through the advancement of pro-growth policies will benefit working-class families, reverse our stagnant population growth, and ensure our commonwealth is an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come,” Phillips-Hill said. “I am thrilled to be joining this bipartisan group of my colleagues to elevate this vital conversation and focus on Read more

 

Ciresi announces over $115,000 in career and technical education grants for Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery CTC

(Jan 13, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi today announced that $115,314 in competitive grant funding was awarded to Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help augment their career and technical education programs. The schools were awarded the following grants: Pottstown School District – $30,314 Western Montgomery CTC – $85,000 The Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center serves students from the Spring-Ford Area, Pottsgrove, and Upper Perkiomen school districts. “I’m thrilled that the Education Department has recognized and decided to support the Pottstown and Western Montgomery CTC students’ potential through these grant awards,” Ciresi said. “This money will help enhance the career and technical education programs in the Pottstown School District and at Western Montgomery, providing students with the skills and knowledge to obtain high-priority occupations through a combination of classes and hands-on learning experiences. Thanks to this money, students will leave school even more prepared to apply what they learned at school to real-world problems.” Under the program, grants of up to $85,000 are awarded to school entities to update or purchase equipment used in the training of students in Read more

 

Pielli re-introduces artificial intelligence content disclosure bill

(Jan 13, 2025) Rep. Chris Pielli

“The bill is simple. If it’s AI, it has to say it’s AI,” Pielli said. “People deserve to know if what they’re looking at is real or not when making purchases. This disclosure will be clear and conspicuous in the same medium as the content generated to help consumers make better-informed and more secure purchases. We also hope to curb possible misinformation by malicious authors who knowingly or recklessly generate and spread this content with the goal of fooling the public." Read more

 

Pielli re-introduces bill to help seniors stay in their homes

(Jan 13, 2025) Rep. Chris Pielli

“As a former court-appointed guardianship attorney, I saw clients who lost their homes as a result of unpaid property taxes,” Pielli said. “Too often, these were individuals with cognitive impairment or those who were otherwise incapacitated and could not pay tax bills without assistance. Tragically, these same individuals sometimes had the financial means but were so impaired that they were unable to keep up with payments. It is simply unfair to have these folks lose their homes. This bill helps avoid the sad occurrence of missed property tax payments for those who are aging and might be suffering from any number of conditions that hinders their ability to regularly pay bills.” Read more

 

Ciresi begins new term, will focus on property tax relief for seniors and the middle class

(Jan 10, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning a new term serving the 146th Legislative District, and was named as majority chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee. “This session I am going to build on my work in the House to fully and fairly fund education, achieve property tax relief for seniors and the middle class, make higher education more affordable and continue to work to restore passenger train service to western Montgomery County,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “I know there is a lot of work to be done to meet these goals in these challenging times. By working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I hope to see this new session as a productive one. “I am proud that in my second term that three pieces of legislation I introduced were signed into law and I brought home $13.8 million in state grant money to the district. In this term, I aim to introduce, support and pass legislation that will build up our educational system, spur our local economies, reduce property taxes and improve our quality of life.” Ciresi’s legislation that was enacted into law was: Act 64 of 2024 to simplify the process of claiming unclaimed property as an heir. Act 29 of 2024 to prohibit companies from charging early termination fees to a deceased person’s family or estate when canceling certain service contracts. Act 60 of 2024 Read more

 

Williams sworn in for fourth term and named majority chair of Human Services Committee

(Jan 10, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Dan Williams was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning his fourth term serving the 74th Legislative District, and was named the majority chair of the House Human Services Committee. “I am proud that the people of the 74th District have once again entrusted me to be their voice in Harrisburg,” Williams said. “I will continue to be a champion in the House for the common good in Chester County and throughout Pennsylvania, fighting to ensure working families have the support they need from ensuring they are paid a living wage to having affordable housing to providing their children with a great education. I will advocate for programs that enable them to keep them in their homes when they retire after a long life of work and sacrifice. “I take seriously the opportunities my position affords me to bring home funding that will improve our roads, increase and improve our healthcare system and support our local businesses, non-profits and municipalities,” Williams said. “Building our communities up, brick by brick, will ensure a better tomorrow for all. A rising tide lifts all boats.” In his fourth term, Williams will be focused on the following issues to improve the quality of life in the 74th District: Continued repairs and repaving of area state roads. Increasing and improving health care options in the 74th District. Support and funding for local Read more

 

Young takes oath of office for new legislative term

(Jan 07, 2025) Southeast Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, was sworn in to office today for the 2025-26 legislative session, launching her third term as the state representative for the 185th Legislative District in the PA House of Representatives. Young took the oath of office administered by PA Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd in the House Chamber at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. Read more

 

Chester County lawmakers laud grant funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed

(Dec 12, 2024) Chester County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – Members of the Chester County state legislative delegation are pleased to report a state and federal investment in keeping the Chesapeake Bay Watershed clean from its tributaries in Chester County. The Chester County Conservation District was awarded more than $67,000 in funding directed by the Department of Environmental Protection. "Investing in cleaning the waterways that flow into the Chesapeake Bay is more than an environmental effort – it's a commitment to safeguarding a vital ecosystem, supporting local economies and preserving a legacy of natural beauty and abundance for generations to come," said state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester. The DEP awarded grants through the 2025 Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Grants to county teams across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. “Stormwater runoff and agricultural runoff remain leading sources of water quality impairment in Chester County and Pennsylvania,” said state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “These investments will help prevent pollution and restore and protect the local watersheds that are crucial to environmental health, public health, and the strong quality of life in our communities.” Pennsylvania has made historic progress in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Earlier this year, the Read more

 

$2M Grant to Help Fund New Poultry Science Center at Delaware Valley

(Dec 04, 2024) Patch

"This project is important to Bucks County, not only in terms of education and research, but also in promoting economic growth and sustainability," said Rep. Brennan. Read more

 

Bill to protect pets in domestic violence situations signed into law

(Nov 22, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, Nov. 22 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced that bipartisan legislation ( Act 146 of 2024 ) to better protect victims’ pets in domestic violence situations has been signed into law. The bill (H.B. 1210), introduced by Sappey with state Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R- Allegheny/Washington, amends Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order defendant to refrain from possessing, abusing or harming a petitioner’s companion animal. Previously, Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act gave judges the ability to order many kinds of relief to prevent further abuse but did not give explicit authority to order protective measures for a victim’s pets. “We have known for some time the horrific link between domestic violence and animal abuse, Sappey said. “Abusers will use harming pets to further torment the victim or keep them from leaving, exacerbating an already traumatic situation.” According to the Humane Society of the United States, data on domestic violence and child abuse cases reveal that a staggering number of animals are targeted by those who abuse their children or spouses. In one survey, 71% of domestic violence victims reported their abuser also targeted pets. Researchers have found links between coercive control and the abuse of pets, with abusers often using family pets as leverage in the torment of their victims, threatening to harm or kill Read more

 

Pielli chosen as next Legislative Fellow at West Chester University

(Nov 21, 2024) Rep. Chris Pielli

“I am excited for this new opportunity,” Pielli said. “West Chester University houses some of the best and brightest students in all of Pennsylvania. I consider this a great honor to be chosen as the next legislative fellow. Describing the storied history of the legislature is no easy task, but I look forward to tackling this challenge together with the students of Dr. John Kennedy’s class.” Read more

 

O’Mara unanimously re-elected as chairwoman of the House Democratic Caucus’ Southeast Delegation

(Nov 21, 2024) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara will commence her second term as chairwoman of the Pennsylvania House Democrats’ powerful Southeast Delegation. Read more

 

Warren Ready to Lead Insurance Committee
Jan 28, 2025

Fleming announces $121,000 in state grants for Black Run Park Trails
Jan 28, 2025

Ciresi, Marcell bipartisan bill to allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional use reported out of committee
Jan 28, 2025

House committee approves Cerrato’s PA Korean VALOR Act bill
Jan 28, 2025

Kazeem announces $325,000 in state grants for local development
Jan 28, 2025

Ciresi announces $53,000 in state funding for Schuylkill River Trail improvements
Jan 28, 2025

Venkat, Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik introduce bipartisan legislation to help Pennsylvanians overcome medical debt
Jan 16, 2025

Ciresi announces $152,400 in state funding for affordable housing and community development
Jan 15, 2025

State lawmakers launch bipartisan Competitiveness Caucus
Jan 14, 2025

Ciresi announces over $115,000 in career and technical education grants for Pottstown School District and Western Montgomery CTC
Jan 13, 2025

Pielli re-introduces artificial intelligence content disclosure bill
Jan 13, 2025

Pielli re-introduces bill to help seniors stay in their homes
Jan 13, 2025

Ciresi begins new term, will focus on property tax relief for seniors and the middle class
Jan 10, 2025

Williams sworn in for fourth term and named majority chair of Human Services Committee
Jan 10, 2025

Young takes oath of office for new legislative term
Jan 07, 2025

Chester County lawmakers laud grant funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Dec 12, 2024

$2M Grant to Help Fund New Poultry Science Center at Delaware Valley
Dec 04, 2024

Bill to protect pets in domestic violence situations signed into law
Nov 22, 2024

Pielli chosen as next Legislative Fellow at West Chester University
Nov 21, 2024

O’Mara unanimously re-elected as chairwoman of the House Democratic Caucus’ Southeast Delegation
Nov 21, 2024