News Center

Rozzi, Capelletti introduce legislation to outlaw so-called ‘skill’ slot machines

(Oct 31, 2023) Southeast Delegation

“In addition to preying on users of the machines, skill games also steal money that should be going to Pennsylvania Lottery programs that support programs for our senior citizens,” Rozzi said. Read more

 

A bill under consideration in the Pa. House would make it easier to recycle electronic waste

(Oct 31, 2023) Pennsylvania Capital-Star

As of 2022, just nine waste collection sites offer unrestricted access to electronic waste recycling out of the 443 total e-waste collection sites across the commonwealth. Read more

 

House passes Ciresi bill to expand EV charging infrastructure

(Oct 30, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 30 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s, D-Montgomery, legislation that would help create more EV charging stations throughout Pennsylvania at no cost to the Pennsylvania taxpayer passed the House today. House Bill 1474 would add electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects as an eligible project type under Pennsylvania’s Property-Assessed Clean Energy program (C-PACE). C-PACE, which was created by Act 30 of 2018 , has facilitated over $250 million in investments in energy efficiency, clean energy, conservation, and other projects by connecting property owners with long-term financing. The investments are funded entirely through private capital, so it would not impose any financial burden on the commonwealth or local governments, according to Ciresi. “My House Bill 1474 would help develop Pennsylvania’s EV charging infrastructure at no cost to the taxpayer at a time when electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent on our roads and highways,” Ciresi said. “This legislation would unlock financing to install charging stations throughout the commonwealth—from places of employment, restaurants, apartments, hotels, shopping centers to tourist attractions. More charging stations makes it easier for everyone to operate these energy-efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles in Pennsylvania, whether you’re a resident running errands or business traveler or tourist visiting our state.” The bill has Read more

 

Union health center offers services for workers and their families

(Oct 25, 2023) Southeast Delegation

“We saw firsthand how the union has taken the proactive step of delivering fundamental needs for its workers and their families,” said event co-host Ben Sanchez, who represents portions of Upper Dublin Township and surrounding municipalities. “For over a century, we’ve stood up for unions because of the tireless work they do to improve the lives of workers in our communities, and with the opening of this facility we witnessed yet another example of their dedication.” Read more

 

Committee tours, discusses pedestrian safety options in Delco

(Oct 24, 2023) Southeast Delegation

“Communities thrive when pedestrian safety improves,” said state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, who hosted the policy event and represents Media and surrounding municipalities in Delaware County. “When we have safe streets, we increase the number of environmentally friendly transportation options. If people can walk with their children down Main Street or in the neighborhood, they can drop into stores and parks they might have missed if they had been in their car – and we reduce the number of cars on clogged roadways. Pedestrian safety is a win for everyone.” Read more

 

Anti-trans policies in Pa. schools don’t just impact LGBTQ kids

(Oct 24, 2023) Philadelphia Inquirer

On the rare occasions when LGBTQ issues do come up at school, they serve to educate, not influence. Read more

 

Cephas, Curry, Mayes launch Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus

(Oct 18, 2023) PA Black Maternal Health Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – State Reps. Morgan Cephas , D-Phila.; Gina H. Curry , D-Delaware; and La’Tasha D. Mayes , D-Allegheny, today launched the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus at a news conference in the Capitol Media Center. Joining the launch event were advocates from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Community Health Workers and AmeriHealth Caritas/Keystone First, along with a series of other stakeholders from across the state. The Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus seeks to address disturbing trends of Black maternal mortality and morbidity and pass the Pennsylvania MOMNIBUS, a legislative package modeled after the federal MOMNIBUS legislation to change the trajectory of maternal health outcomes in Pennsylvania. “I am thrilled to be a part of the Black Maternal Health Caucus as this is a subject close to my heart, a cause that I have been championing for years,” Cephas said. “We join forces to bring visibility to Black maternal health as a critical issue and cause of action. We want to advance legislation and solutions by working with our colleagues in both the House and Senate. One of the keys focuses of our work will be proper data collection, as initiated with Act 5 of 2023 signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro. Accurate and regular tracking is essential for comprehensive research on medical issues linked to Black maternal health. We need Read more

 

Ciresi bill to outlaw early termination fees for deceased people passes House

(Oct 17, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s bill that would protect a deceased person’s family or estate from being charged early termination fees for canceling certain service contracts and vehicle leases passed the PA House today unanimously. “It’s hard enough to lose a family member, but it is just salt in the wound for a grieving relative to have to pay an early termination fee because the customer has died,” Ciresi said. “ Death shouldn’t come with fees, and companies shouldn’t be making money off a customer’s death. My legislation would prohibit cable, phone, telecommunication, utility and other companies from imposing early termination fees on a recently deceased person’s family for services that would no longer be used.” The bill would require that written notice along with a death certificate be provided to end such leases or contracts without financial penalty. Ciresi has championed the legislation in previous sessions. This session, the bill had 24 co-sponsors, including both Democrats and Republicans. The bill is on its way to be considered by the Senate. Read more

 

Pielli' wiretap bill passes PA House

(Oct 17, 2023) Southeast Delegation

State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, announced today that his legislation (H.B. 1278) to extend the expiration date of Pennsylvania’s wiretap law has passed the state House of Representatives. Read more

 

Central Bucks Lawmaker Moving Legislation Forward, Joins L&I Committee

(Oct 10, 2023) Patch

Rep. Brennan's bills range from Right To Know requests to school board reapportionment, costly SLAPP lawsuits and the preservation of agricultural lands. Read more

 

Ciresi announces nearly $385K in state funding for park improvements

(Oct 05, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that Royersford Borough has been awarded $184,800 and West Pottsgrove Township, $200,000 in state funding by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “These well-deserved awards will improve Royersford’s Victory Park and West Pottsgrove Township’s Old Timer’s Park to enhance the experience for all of their visitors and make sure they can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of ability,” Ciresi said. “Continued state support for our local parks will have visible impacts in our communities, including an improved baseball field for West Pottsgrove and accessible pathways, tables and benches, and play surfaces throughout Royersford’s Victory Park.” The grant money will be used for the following projects: $184,800 for Royersford Borough to rehabilitate Victory Park. The funds will help renovate the outdoor stage, construct a pedestrian walkway, install play equipment with required safety surfacing and fencing, install ADA access, landscape, install project signage and make other related site improvements. $200,000 for West Pottsgrove Township to rehabilitate the Old Timer’s Field Park. The funds will be used to renovate the baseball field and parking area, construct stormwater management measures, install fencing and lighting and ADA access, landscaping, project signage and make other related site Read more

 

House passes Ciresi signage bill for land development

(Oct 03, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 3 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation (H.B. 123) to create signage requirements for proposed subdivision and land development projects passed the House today. “All too often, residents are left unaware of development happening near them because property developers can provide ‘notice’ with nothing more than an 8½-inch by 11-inch sheet of paper, which is often easy to miss,” Ciresi said. “My bill would require greater transparency by creating specific requirements for posted signage on property proposed for development, giving residents a better understanding of what is happening in their community before final decisions are made.” The legislation would amend the Municipalities Planning Code to ensure that posted signs are a minimum of nine square feet in surface area and can be read from a viewing distance of 50 feet, are conspicuously posted along external road frontage, and include a description of the proposed project and which local governmental entity is reviewing the development application. Developers would be required to keep the signage posted until after the application has been considered and acted on by the local government. The legislation was introduced as H.B. 2374 in the previous legislative session. Read more

 

Ciresi anti-littering bill passes PA House

(Oct 02, 2023) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation (H.B. 1044) today passed the PA House of Representatives. The legislation would update and simplify littering language that appears on vehicle registration cards and applications for driver’s licenses and learner’s permits. “Pennsylvania is a beautiful state, but all too often litter degrades our streets and countryside, threatens public health and negatively impacts community pride,” Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said. “With this bill, I wanted to turn the current, technical wording used on PennDOT documents into something that everyone could understand, make sure drivers clearly understand the penalties for littering, and update the penalty language to include community service. We are all stewards of our commonwealth, and I hope the updated and simplified language on vehicle registration and applications will make Pennsylvanians step up and take responsibility for its care.” Ciresi said littering is a major problem in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Litter Research Study -- conducted in 2018-2019 by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful -- found more than 500 million pieces of litter on roadways statewide. Ciresi pointed out that a significant portion of taxpayer money is being used to clean up litter, citing one 2019 study by Keep Pennsylvania Read more

 

Climate Week in Pennsylvania is Oct. 1-7

(Sep 29, 2023) Climate Caucus

HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – October 1-7, 2023, is Climate Week in Pennsylvania, and the bicameral Pennsylvania Legislative Climate Caucus today announced a schedule of events taking place during the week, as well as information about resources and legislation related to climate action in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States. This year’s Climate Week theme, “Empower Local Climate Action,” reflects the importance of addressing the costs and effects of the climate crisis in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the commonwealth. Climate Caucus members in the House and Senate have introduced more than 50 pieces of climate-related legislation this session, including several bills that would empower and support climate action at the residential, municipal, and regional level. Climate Caucus co-chairs state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, and state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester, shared their thoughts on the importance of empowering local climate action and the work that the Climate Caucus is doing during Climate Week and every week. “The impacts of the climate crisis are felt first and foremost at the local level, as municipalities struggle to cope with the costs and challenges associated with stormwater, flooding, extreme weather events, and excessive heat,” Otten said. “We as state legislators have a responsibility to do everything in our power to support local communities and Read more

 

House passes O’Mara bill to increase access to photo identification for people living with disabilities

(Sep 27, 2023) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

"My bill would allow those living with persistent, specific health conditions to renew their license/ID from home. Everyone deserves access to a state-issued ID, and this legislation will help ensure that,” O'Mara said. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application (09/05/2023)

(Sep 05, 2023) Southeast Delegation

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Regional Policing Assistance Program Who May Apply: Applicants for the Regional Policing Assistance Program may be any municipality – a city, borough, township, home-rule municipality, or county. Applicants may also be a public or quasi-public body, or its representative, duly authorized to act on behalf of one or more municipalities. All applications must be accompanied by fully executed Articles of Agreement or an Intergovernmental Agreement that establishes a Regional Police Department. Use: Funding will support efforts in establishing or expanding regional police departments that would improve the following: uniformity and consistency of enforcement across municipalities; recruitment; distribution and deployment of police personnel; training and personnel efficiency; career enhancement opportunities; enhanced professionalism; and reduction of costs. Funds: A total of approximately $1,000,000 in federal funds is being announced to support this initiative. Applicants may apply for up to $150,000 for the formation of a new regional police department or up to $50,000 for the expansion of an existing regional police department by adding a chartered municipality(ies). Application Deadline: September 6, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Legal Standing Video Read more

 

Pa.’s Democratic-controlled House passed 2 gun safety laws. Now it’s in the Senate’s hands

(Aug 22, 2023) Southeast Delegation

Pa. State Rep. Lisa Borowski, (D., Radnor) said the House wants to revisit two pieces of gun legislation that didn’t make it through the House this year. One would require safe storage of firearms when not in use, and the other would require the tracking of lost and stolen firearms. Read more

 

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

(Aug 22, 2023) Southeast Delegation

PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development: Keystone Communities Program Who May Apply : Units of local government, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, nonprofit organizations to include economic development organizations, housing corporations, etc., community development corporations, business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities. Use : Multiple uses, including: Planning grants (address a particular need or circumstance within a community, undertake a study relevant to an identified need, or study the results of implementing a specific activity) Implementation grants (assist designated KC program communities in implementing critical components of their approved Five-Year Strategy) Façade grants (to stimulate private investment in properties, foster an attractive environment, and preserve the architectural heritage of properties and communities. The grant funds may be used for primary street-facing, exterior building improvements in a defined target area of a downtown or neighborhood such as storefront signs, exterior façade painting, design assistance, etc.) Development grants (available to fund a variety of physical improvements, see program guidelines for full list) Public improvement grants (available to assist communities in a variety of development projects to help Read more

 

Amid book banning efforts, House bill takes aim at stopping PA school library censorship

(Jul 28, 2023) Southeast Delegation

Rep. Paul Friel, of the 26th District, says his state House Bill 1506 could go a long way in meeting the concerns of parents rights groups while also preserving the First Amendment rights of students. Read more

 

Pisciottano, Rozzi rally with Pittsburgh UPS workers

(Jul 21, 2023) Southeast Delegation

"In the event of a strike, it’s crucial that Congress stays out of it and allows the union to do its work. If by August 1, UPS employees are on strike, I’ll continue to stand by them and support their right to a fair employment deal,” Rozzi said. Read more

 

Rozzi, Capelletti introduce legislation to outlaw so-called ‘skill’ slot machines
Oct 31, 2023

A bill under consideration in the Pa. House would make it easier to recycle electronic waste
Oct 31, 2023

House passes Ciresi bill to expand EV charging infrastructure
Oct 30, 2023

Union health center offers services for workers and their families
Oct 25, 2023

Committee tours, discusses pedestrian safety options in Delco
Oct 24, 2023

Anti-trans policies in Pa. schools don’t just impact LGBTQ kids
Oct 24, 2023

Cephas, Curry, Mayes launch Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus
Oct 18, 2023

Ciresi bill to outlaw early termination fees for deceased people passes House
Oct 17, 2023

Pielli' wiretap bill passes PA House
Oct 17, 2023

Central Bucks Lawmaker Moving Legislation Forward, Joins L&I Committee
Oct 10, 2023

Ciresi announces nearly $385K in state funding for park improvements
Oct 05, 2023

House passes Ciresi signage bill for land development
Oct 03, 2023

Ciresi anti-littering bill passes PA House
Oct 02, 2023

Climate Week in Pennsylvania is Oct. 1-7
Sep 29, 2023

House passes O’Mara bill to increase access to photo identification for people living with disabilities
Sep 27, 2023

State Grant Programs Open For Application (09/05/2023)
Sep 05, 2023

Pa.’s Democratic-controlled House passed 2 gun safety laws. Now it’s in the Senate’s hands
Aug 22, 2023

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Aug 22, 2023

Amid book banning efforts, House bill takes aim at stopping PA school library censorship
Jul 28, 2023

Pisciottano, Rozzi rally with Pittsburgh UPS workers
Jul 21, 2023