Pa. state Rep. Mary Jo Daley, co-chair of the Women's Health Caucus, encourages Governor Wolf to allocate the $302 million allocated for PA for child care in December's federal relief package during a recent forum with Public Citizens for Children & Youth. Read more
As a founder of the bipartisan Student Debt Caucus, O’Mara said that finding solutions to Pennsylvanians’ rising student debt balance is among her top priorities as a legislator. She added that mounting student debt could impact not only the borrowers’ finances, but also the finances of their families, partners and grandparents. Read more
State Rep. Napoleon Nelson hosts Montgomery County Commissioner Dr. Val Arkoosh and Rev. Marshall Mitchell online to answer questions about Pennsylvania's vaccination operations. Read more
“I am grateful to be given the opportunity to serve on the Education Committee and look forward to working on many important priorities, including achieving real fair funding for education, charter school reform, comprehensive education reform, cost savings and shared services, and more.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – House Republicans rammed a proposed constitutional amendment that threatens the independence of the judiciary system through a newly formed committee today, with little notice and no public hearing, said state Rep. Tim Briggs, Democratic chairman of the Judiciary Committee. House Bill 38 would amend the state constitution so that appellate judges would be elected by district rather than statewide. It advanced from the Judiciary Committee by a 13-12 vote. “This bill would have a devastating effect on the balance of power in our government. It shows a fundamental lack of understanding of the independent role of our judiciary and further politicizes our courts. Some Republicans want to rig the system, and they want to do it quickly – without public input,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “A vote on legislation that would substantially change our courts should be given proper consideration and discussion. And yet, the Judiciary Committee was given less than 24 hours’ notice that our reorganization meeting would take place today and would include a vote on this constitutional amendment, which amounts to judicial gerrymandering.” Briggs added that the bill will disenfranchise all Pennsylvania voters. Under the current system, voters have an opportunity to vote on all 31 statewide judges and justices, but under H.B. 38, voters would only have the opportunity to vote for three judges and justices. Today, Briggs made Read more
“I am looking forward to continuing to work with the Policy Committee, now as one of its vice chairs,” Ciresi said. “The committee’s policy agenda is one that will help us lead the way out of this pandemic and create a better, stronger economy for all Pennsylvanians. I look forward to working on these important issues – the work we were sent to Harrisburg to do – with my fellow committee members.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 12 – The House Democratic Caucus’ Southeast Delegation elected Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, as the delegation’s chair for this legislative session. As chairwoman, O’Mara will lead the 35-member delegation on legislative initiatives and negotiations. The southeast delegation is the caucus’ largest and fastest-growing delegation, consisting of members from Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and York counties. “I’m humbled that my colleagues chose me to lead the southeast delegation for the next two years,” O’Mara said. “As someone who doesn’t come from a political family -- my dad was a firefighter and my mom a school bus driver-- my experiences growing up are the reality of many hard-working Pennsylvanians. I am honored to lead the delegation and look forward to lifting up the voices of not just my constituents, but every Pennsylvanian in need of social and economic equity.” O’Mara took the oath of office on Jan. 5 to begin her second term. She said that she will continue to focus in the new term on supporting first responders, addressing the student debt crisis and removing the stigma surrounding mental health. Questions may be directed to O’Mara’s office by calling 610-544-9878. Read more
“I am grateful to our House Democratic leadership for entrusting me with the great responsibility of serving on these outstanding committees," Webster said. "The work we do as legislators is largely determined by what takes place in committee. I look forward to offering my perspective and identifying ways to help important pieces of legislation get the bipartisan votes that they deserve.” Read more
“I hope to be able to fight for our seniors and their abilities to age in the right place, to fight for fair tax policies for our residents and small businesses, and to invest in our youth, the future of our communities and society.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – State Rep. Nancy Guenst today announced her appointments to the PA House Agriculture, Children & Youth, Game & Fisheries, and Human Services committees. “I am honored be in a position to influence legislation supporting Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable communities -- our seniors and our financially disadvantaged -- on these powerful committees,” Guenst, D-Montgomery/Phila., said. “Agriculture is a leading economic driver in our state,” Guenst said. “On this vitally important committee, I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to formulate legislation that will both grow opportunities and ensure that the necessary regulatory oversight needed to protect human, livestock, environmental and plant health is in place. “And, as a sporting aficionado, I’ll make sure that our sportsmen and women can easily hunt and fish in Pennsylvania,” Guenst added. “I take to heart my role as a public servant in Harrisburg, as I did first when I was in the military and later when I was in local government in Hatboro,” Guenst continued. “I am here to be your voice in Harrisburg, and I will make sure that your concerns and your needs are heard and heeded.” The descriptions of the committee functions are as follows: The Agriculture & Rural Affairs Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – State Rep. Kristine Howard announced today her committee appointments for the 2021-22 session are to the Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Children & Youth, State Government and the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committees. “I am proud to have these opportunities to use my expertise and experience to shape and advocate for legislation that will improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians, from our youngest citizens to our esteemed veterans,” said Howard, D-Chester. “I’ll be a voice for our farmers who grow the food on our tables, and for every single Pennsylvanian by ensuring the security of our elections. “As a former child welfare investigator, I’m very glad I will continue serving on the Children & Youth Committee, as the well-being and safety of the most vulnerable members of our society are very close to my heart. “As an American committed to our constitutional right to free and fair elections, I will work to ensure that our elections are safe, secure and beyond question. As a supporter of Pennsylvania’s great agriculture industry, I will guarantee we have legislation that both regulates and protects agriculture in PA. As someone who cares deeply about the welfare of our veterans, I will strive to pass legislation that addresses their needs.” The description of the committees on which Howard will serve are the Read more
“I am encouraged by these assignments, and I am very much looking forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help the people of Pennsylvania, local businesses and municipalities push forward during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest,” Sanchez said. “These committees, I feel, are a great fit for me, and I am confident in our collective ability to achieve progress for the greater good of the commonwealth.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – State Rep. Dan Williams announced today his committee assignments for the 2021-2022 session are Aging and Older Adult Services, Human Services, Urban Affairs and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness. Williams, D-Chester, said, “I am humbled to have these opportunities to influence legislation that will improve the welfare of our society’s most vulnerable communities like our seniors, our low-income communities, our veterans, our housing insecure individuals and families, and our communities plagued by violence. “As a member of these important committees, I have a chance to make sure that legislation that will better the lives of the powerless gets heard on the House floor,” Williams continued. “This is what representative democracy is all about. I speak for you, in your name, about your concerns and your needs in the halls of Harrisburg. That’s what being a public servant is all about.” The House committees’ descriptions are: The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee deals with a wide range of issues to improve the lives of Pennsylvania's senior citizens. The committee works with the Department of Aging and reviews bills which affect senior citizens of the commonwealth. The Human Services Committee reviews bills pertaining to social service issues in Pennsylvania. The committee reviews the Office of Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 11 – State Rep. Perry Warren announced today that he has been named to the PA House of Representatives’ Commerce, Insurance, Local Government and Transportation committees for the 2021-22 session. “I am pleased to be named to these influential and diverse committees, as I will be able to influence legislation in the important areas of commerce, insurance, local government and transportation,” Warren, D-Bucks, said. The roles of the committees are as follows: The Commerce Committee reviews legislation involving the banking and financial services industries, economic development agencies and programs, and housing agencies and programs, as well as provides legislative oversight for regulations proposed for those areas of the economy. The Insurance Committee has jurisdiction over the state Department of Insurance, the State Workers’ Insurance Fund and the Underground Storage Indemnification Fund. The committee reviews bills that regulate home, auto and health insurance, as well as fraternal society group benefits. The Local Government Committee reviews legislation that affects counties, cities, boroughs and townships. Statewide zoning regulations, municipal pensions and other rules pertaining to local government are all within the committee’s scope. The committee has oversight of the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System. The Read more
This was insurrection. It was a violent attempt to subvert the legitimate functioning of our government led by a defeated president seeking any means possible to hold onto power. These individuals – including and especially President Trump – have shamed and embarrassed the United States, and history will not forget it. Nor should we. Read more
Ciresi has long been a proponent of returning rail service to Berks and western Montgomery counties. Passenger rail service operated from Philadelphia to Reading starting in the mid-1800s and lasting until its suspension in 1981 during SEPTA’s transition to an all-electric network. Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Tina Davis took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin her sixth term representing the 141 st Legislative District in Bucks County. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Davis is also serving her first term as secretary of the House Democratic Caucus. Davis said she will focus on economic development and opportunity, job creation, pay equity, property tax reform, and programs assisting families, seniors and veterans in the new term. She will receive committee assignments later in the month. “I am honored that the residents of the 141 st District have once again chosen me to be their advocate in Harrisburg,” Davis said. “I will use my extensive legislative experience working across the aisle to achieve the bipartisan solutions needed to address the unprecedented crisis posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. My time in the House has taught me that when the legislature comes together to tackle a problem, all Pennsylvanians benefit.” Davis said her office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program assistance. Her office phone number is 267-580-2660 . Residents also can learn more about Davis’ legislative priorities and the Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Dan Williams took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to begin his second term representing the 74th District in Chester County. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Williams said he will focus on COVID-19 relief; economic development and job creation; maintaining public infrastructure; improving public safety; revitalizing local schools; preventing gun violence; and curbing the opioid epidemic in the new term. He will receive committee assignments later in the month. “I’m honored that the people of the 74 th District have sent me back to Harrisburg to continue to be their advocate,” Williams said. “Our society faces many challenges today, which have been intensified by the pandemic. I’ll bring needed resources to our community by building bridges with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and local leaders. I know from experience that when we work together, we can achieve the social and economic justice we all seek.” Williams said his office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. The phone number is 484-200-8256 . Residents also can learn more about Williams’ legislative priorities and the services his office Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Kristine Howard took the oath of office at the state Capitol today, beginning her second term representing the 167th District in Chester County. The noon swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the 2021-22 session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Washington County Judge Brandon Neuman, a former House member, administered the oath of office. Howard served as Democratic secretary of the House Children & Youth Committee during the 2019-20 legislative session. Howard said she will focus on access to COVID-19 relief, affordable health care and prescription medication, environmental protection, opioid disaster relief, women’s reproductive rights, affordable higher education, and government transparency in the new term. She will receive committee assignments later in the month. “So many people are struggling right now,” Howard said. “I’m here to serve you and make sure that you, your family, your business and your community have the resources needed, not just to survive this pandemic, but to thrive. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me.” Howard said her office can help with a variety of state-related services, including home heating, children’s health insurance, prescription drug and property tax/rent rebate assistance. Her office phone number is 610-251-1070 . Residents also can learn more about Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Tim Briggs was sworn in today at the state Capitol to begin his seventh term representing the 149 th District in Montgomery County. “It’s an honor to continue to represent the 149 th District, and I’m eager to dig back in for another legislative session working on issues that matter to members of my community,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many problems that we needed to address even before the health crisis began – the need for affordable quality health care, equitable education funding, and an economy that works for everyone. It’s also critical that we address the impacts of the pandemic and get help to the frontline workers, small businesses, and others who have been hit the hardest.” Briggs has been reappointed to serve as Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which reviews all legislation relating to aspects of the civil and criminal court systems, law enforcement and corrections . Briggs continues to prioritize constituent service. His staff has worked remotely during the pandemic, available by phone and email, and helped many residents with unemployment compensation and other pandemic-related issues. His office remains available by phone at 610-768-3135 or email at RepBriggs@pahouse.net . “My staff and I can help navigate a number of state-related issues, and it’s my goal to remain Read more
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