Speaker of the House highlights Delco Health Department

(May 15, 2023)

EDDYSTONE, May 15 – Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton highlighted the positive contributions the Delaware County Health Department has accomplished and ways it has impacted the community just a year after being launched in April 2022. “From West Nile Virus to tracking Delco health trends, the Delaware County Health Department is laying the foundation for a healthier county” said Speaker McClinton, who represents portions of Delaware County and Philadelphia. “With new threats to public health emerging every day, I’m proud to support the work of the Health Department to identify, educate, and lead in protecting our community” said McClinton, who brought the House Majority Policy Committee in for a roundtable and tour Monday in Delaware County. During the first days of the pandemic in Pennsylvania, on March 6, 2020, the governor held a press conference to announce two confirmed presumptive COVID-19 cases – including one case in Delaware County. The county had not yet developed its own health department, and it relied on neighboring Chester County to help inform citizens. It exposed a weakness in Delco and for many of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Before it created its own health department, Delco was the largest county – by population – without its own health department. Even after its creation, only Bucks, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia run their own county-wide health departments. Other counties Read more

 

Dire situation: PA needs to expand access to contraceptives

(May 12, 2023)

“Since the fall of Roe v. Wade, states throughout the nation stripped the rights to access to reproductive health care and limited what had previously been readily available for nearly 50 years,” said Krueger, who represents portions of Delaware County and is a member of the House Majority Leadership Team, serving as the House Majority Caucus Administrator. “This decision not only threatens public health in states that limited access to reproductive health care, but it also threatens public health in states like Pennsylvania – where abortion is safe and legal – by overwhelming health systems with the increased demand coming from out of state to receive essential health care.” Read more

 

Roundtable highlights work by Family Promise to support families

(May 10, 2023)

“Homelessness and its devastating aftereffects on families and children can no longer be overlooked,” said Rep. Melissa Cerrato, who co-hosted the event. “We know figures for children experiencing homelessness are under reported, so it’s promising to see the success of Family Promise, an organization that accepts and provides service to all people.” Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to pay down unfunded liabilities in state pension systems

(May 09, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 9 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, yesterday introduced legislation (H.B. 1137) to pay down the unfunded liabilities in the state and school employees’ pensions systems using state surplus funds to relieve tax burdens on local taxpayers and school districts. “While our teachers and state employees deserve the retirements they were promised, the unfunded liabilities in our state pension systems – accumulated years and decades ago – increases costs for our taxpayers and school districts as we work to pay that down,” Ciresi said. “My bill would help provide relief by using our state’s surplus funds to reduce these unfunded liabilities, saving taxpayers money in the long term and speeding up progress on addressing our public pensions.” According to Ciresi, the state pension systems— the Public School Employees’ Retirement System and the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System —generate billions of dollars for the economy every year. In 2020 for example, PSERS and SERS supported about 55,000 jobs and provided about $1.2 billion in state tax revenue . Although the pension systems provide a yearly financial windfall, local taxpayers and school districts are required to pay down the pension systems’ unfunded liabilities. These payments significantly increased since pension reforms in 2010 which, in addition to reforming benefits, prompted expanded pension Read more

 

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis visits Delco Tech

(May 08, 2023)

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis visited Delco Tech to discuss ways the Shapiro Administration's proposed budget would benefit the school. He was joined by state Reps. Leanne Krueger, D-161, of Nether Providence; Dave Delloso, D-162, of Ridley Park; Gina Curry, D-164, of Upper Darby; Jennifer O’Mara, D-165, of Springfield; and Lisa Borowski, D-168, of Middletown. Read more

 

Munroe proposes sending Philly wage tax to home communities of commuters

(May 05, 2023)

“Because of the Wage Tax, many surrounding suburban areas are losing significant tax revenue to support their police, fire, EMS and schools,” Munroe said. “My legislation would spread revenue across the region, which is home to many commuters and where their contributions ought to be shared.” Read more

 

Representatives host Delta Day at state Capitol

(May 03, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 3 – State Reps. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, and Morgan Cephas, D-Philadelphia, said that they were proud to host Delta Day at the state Capitol on Tuesday. Delta Day is celebrated by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, which was founded in 1913 by 22 collegiate women on the campus of Howard University. Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated is one of the preeminent service-based sororities, with predominantly more than 300,000 Black members and more than 1,000 chapters worldwide. The sorority has maintained a commitment to social activism, academic excellence and civic engagement. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated has 29 chapters in Pennsylvania. On Delta Day, members from throughout the commonwealth come to the Capitol to connect with elected officials, advance legislation and serve as a voice for others. “The women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated continue to be magnificent examples of servant-leaders with their commitment to their communities,” Curry said. “That is why I introduced H.R. 100 to recognize and honor the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated on Delta Day.” “This was the first year back after three years of meeting virtually for Delta Days in Harrisburg,” Mayes said. “It was a great opportunity for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated members to come to our Capitol to lead the conversations Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El celebrates House passage of the PA Fairness Act

(May 03, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 3 – State Rep. Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, praised yesterday’s passage in the House of the PA Fairness Act, which would outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “I’m honored to be a co-prime sponsor of this important legislation—The PA Fairness Act,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This moment is 22 years and hundreds of elections in the making as Democrats have repeatedly tried to pass legislation that would make Pennsylvania a more equitable place to live and work for our LGBTQ+ community. During this time, many LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians have found themselves to be second-class citizens, at best, in the commonwealth—worried if they would lose housing or a job or their lives because of who they love or who they are. “Pennsylvania for too long has lagged behind other states in outlawing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. That must stop. Thanks to the Democratic majority in the House, we have been able to pass this historic legislation. We’ve got to keep fighting so this legislation passes the Senate. The Fairness Act gets Pennsylvania closer to a place where everyone's rights are protected, where citizens would be wrapped in freedom, equality, fairness and justice which is love spoken out loud. I look forward to that day when the Act is signed into law, and Read more

 

Fairness Act passes PA House

(May 02, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 2 – Today, the Fairness Act (H.B. 300) passed out of the Pennsylvania House and is headed to the Senate for a future vote. Below is a quote that can be attributed to the co-prime sponsors of this bill: Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila; Jessica Benham, Dan Frankel and La’Tasha D. Mayes, all D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery. “Today is a historic day, as we take a critical step to make Pennsylvania fairer. The Fairness Act is as simple as it is substantive. H.B. 300 would protect LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians from facing discrimination and allow all individuals in the commonwealth to file complaints with the PA Human Relations Commission. “Now, we call on the Senate to quickly consider and pass this legislation and send it to Governor Shapiro’s desk.” Read more

 

Ciresi legislation to simplify unclaimed property claims for heirs passes House

(May 02, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 2 – The House yesterday passed state Rep. Joe Ciresi’s red-tape cutting legislation that would make it easier for relatives to claim a deceased person’s property being held by the state. According to Ciresi, the Pennsylvania treasury holds some $4 billion in unclaimed property, such as uncashed checks, lost stocks or bonds, or closed bank accounts. Due to an inconsistency in inheritance law, some categories of relatives have a harder time legitimately claiming that property on behalf of their deceased relatives. Under current law, surviving spouses, children, parents and siblings can file for unclaimed property using a notarized sworn relationship affidavit, saving them the effort and expense of having to open or re-open the deceased’s estate. But grandchildren, nephews, nieces and others cannot claim by affidavit even if they are the closest surviving relative. “My legislation would change Pennsylvania’s law for claiming unclaimed property to match the existing intestate succession law, making it easier for grandchildren and other relatives to claim money held in the name of their deceased relatives,” Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said “This would only apply to situations where an affidavit can already be used to claim: for properties under $11,000 and when no estate was ever opened or five years have passed since it was opened.” Ciresi learned about this issue from the work his staff was doing trying to Read more

 

Kim to host Asian American and Pacific Islander Month celebration on May 1

(Apr 28, 2023)

HARRISBURG, April 28 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, will join legislators, community members and fellow Asian Americans to celebrate the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month on Monday, May 1, in the Capitol’s East Wing Rotunda. Dancing will precede the opening remarks at 10:40 a.m. The program will officially begin at 11 a.m. The following is the run of show. Pennsylvania Legislative Asian Pacific American Caucus RUN OF SHOW – AAPI Heritage Month Celebration/PLAPAC Formation 11 a.m. Monday, May 1, 2023, PA Capitol Building, East Wing Rotunda TIME ACTIVITY 10:40-10:50 AM Performance - Nandanik Dance Troupe 10:50-11:00 AM Performance - Nandanik Dance Troupe 11:00-11:05 AM Chair. Kim – Welcome/Resolution/Caucus Announcement 11:10-11:15 AM LT. Governor Austin Davis – Brief Remarks 11:20-11:25 AM House Speaker Joanna McClinton – Brief Remarks 11:30-11:35 AM Secretary Akbar Hossain – Personal Story/Acknowledge Staff 11:35-11:40 AM Senator Saval/Senator Maria Collett - AAPI Curriculum 11:40-11:45 AM Representative Tarik Khan – Legislation/Personal 11:45-11:50 AM Read more

 

Ciresi and Webster dedicate Trooper Branden T. Sisca Highway in Trappe

(Apr 28, 2023)

HARRISBURG, April 28 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi and Joe Webster, both D-Montgomery, held a road dedication ceremony today in Trappe to unveil a memorial sign in honor of Trooper Branden T. Sisca, who was killed in the line of duty in 2022. “Branden Sisca dedicated his life to protecting others in service of the community he loved,” Ciresi said. “Although nothing can fill the void that Branden’s tragic passing left, Rep. Webster and I thought weaving Branden’s legacy into the fabric of the community through the road dedication would help us all heal. From this day forward, everyone traveling through Trappe will be reminded of Branden’s life of public service as a volunteer firefighter and Pennsylvania State Trooper. Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to make today’s ceremony a tremendous success.” The memorial sign designates a portion of State Route 4031 (Main Street) between Fifth Avenue and State Route 4048, also known as Seventh Avenue, in Trappe as the Trooper Branden T. Sisca Memorial Highway. “Today we honor the life and service of Trappe Fire Chief and PA State Trooper Branden Sisca who dedicated his life to public service and protection of our community,” Webster said. “This dedication stands as a show of our sincere gratitude for his service and our pledge to honor his memory and sacrifice. Thank you to everyone who ensured today’s ceremony was a fitting tribute.” Read more

 

Sanchez legislation to modernize the home care hiring process unanimously passes House

(Apr 26, 2023)

“My legislation simply aims to modernize the home care industry’s hiring process and have a further reach when attracting quality care providers,” Sanchez said. Read more

 

Rozzi’s teacher scholarship bill clears House Education Committee

(Apr 25, 2023)

“Teacher Pipeline Scholarship recipients would be required to stay here in Pennsylvania for however many years they received the scholarship. This ensures that these state dollars go hard at work for local K-12 students while simultaneously addressing our state’s worsening teacher shortage,” Rozzi said. Read more

 

Ciresi introduces bill to ensure proper use of electric vehicle charging spots

(Apr 25, 2023)

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced the introduction of legislation that would ensure the proper use of electric vehicle charging spots in Pennsylvania. There are currently more than 2 million electric vehicles on the road nationwide, with more sold each year, but there is a limited availability of public charging stations. According to Ciresi, the blocking of charging stations for reasons other than charging is a common frustration among many EV owners and has been cited by planners in Pennsylvania as a challenge to EV deployment. His legislation, H.B. 1043, would ensure that spots clearly marked as reserved for electric vehicle charging are properly utilized and cannot be used by non-electric vehicles or vehicles not connected for charging, similar to existing laws restricting improper use of reserved disability parking spaces. “We want to make it easy for people to adopt electric vehicles to alleviate our reliance on fossil fuels to support a clean environment and reduce the impact of climate change,” Ciresi said. “Unfortunately, too often EV drivers find the reserved and marked EV charging stations blocked when they need it, leaving many electric vehicle owners struggling to find places to charge their vehicles. The lack of charging station availability is a serious impediment, impacting EV owners from everything from planning a trip to going about daily errands.” Eighteen states, including Read more

 

Roundtable examines negative impact of selling public water systems

(Apr 20, 2023)

“The sale of this public water authority is bad news for any resident of Pennsylvania who values their ability to access clean water and open green spaces,” said state Rep. Carol Kazeem, who hosted the event and represents portions of Delaware County – including the city of Chester. “For the more than 200,000 paying customers of Chester Water Authority, this sale could result in skyrocketing rate hikes. People who enjoy the outdoors can also expect access to the 2,000 acres of land currently owned by Chester Water Authority to change dramatically – including access for boaters, hikers and anglers. The bottom line is the only one who benefits from this sale is the for-profit company trying to purchase Chester Water Authority.” Read more

 

Hearing explores vision for Black maternal health

(Apr 13, 2023)

“This is a very serious conversation about a crisis happening across our country and throughout Pennsylvania,” said hearing host Rep. Gina H. Curry, who represents portions of Delaware County. “The purpose of today’s hearing is to shine a light on this issue. We are asking people to listen and take this issue to heart, realize action is needed and make transformation possible. Our end goal is to save lives.” Read more

 

O’Mara applauds DDAP investment in new recovery services for southeast PA

(Apr 13, 2023)

MARPLE, April 13 – State House Democratic Southeast Delegation Chair Jennifer O’Mara said today that she welcomes the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs’ investment of $4 million into regional recovery hubs across the commonwealth. Announced by DDAP on Wednesday , The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania Inc. will receive $500,000 for the establishment of a regional recovery hub covering Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Lancaster, Delaware and Schuylkill counties as part of the investment. “As we fight new stronger drugs with fentanyl and other deadly characteristics, addiction services are sorely needed across Southeast PA,” said O’Mara, D-Delaware. “DDAP’s investment of state funding brings our tax dollars back to our communities – providing hope in recovery for not only individuals but entire communities now reeling from the effects of addiction. “On behalf of the region’s state government representatives, I applaud the Shapiro administration for its forward-thinking approach to a problem facing us all.” Each grantee will create a hub-and-spoke model to provide recovery supports in their region. The “hubs” will support community-driven services that will serve as “spokes.” The hubs will provide technical assistance and collaborate with a variety of community entities, sectors and systems to enhance a Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to support child mental health workforce

(Mar 31, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 31 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced H.B. 725 and H.B. 726 to support the mental health workforce. “Pennsylvania’s children need adequate mental health support, but the mental health profession has been depleted by underfunding, provider and staffing shortages, and insufficient programs and access,” Ciresi said. “Especially as the need for mental health services challenges the system’s capacity, we need to address the profession’s recruitment and burnout. My two bills would help retain and recruit highly qualified individuals into the mental health field and ensure that our children receive the quality care they need.” The bills were produced in response to the Joint State Government Commission’s study on the shortage of mental health care professionals in Pennsylvania. The commission reported that Pennsylvania has a below-average number of mental health care providers per capita, and the trend is worsening. The commission recommended greater financial assistance for mental health professionals to reduce the cost barrier of higher education and attract more individuals to the field. The issues highlighted in the commission’s 2020 report only worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw higher demand for mental health services and added to the workforce shortage. H.B. 725 would establish a student loan forgiveness program specifically for students seeking undergraduate or Read more

 

Benham, Kenyatta and Smith-Wade-El introduce bill to protect minors from conversion therapy in PA

(Mar 31, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 31 – State Reps. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny; Izzy Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Malcom Kenyatta, D-Phila., have introduced legislation (H.B. 575) to protect minors from conversion therapy. “There is an overwhelming amount of evidence that tells us efforts to change an individual’s sexual identity through so-called ‘therapy’ causes serious harm to their mental health,” said state Benham, who co-chairs the PA LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. “It is shameful that in 2023 Pennsylvania still allows the abhorrent practice known as conversion therapy to occur, and I am looking forward to outlawing it to protect and affirm LGBTQ+ youth across our Commonwealth.” “Conversion therapy is anti-gay bias masquerading as science,” said Smith-Wade-El. “This abusive practice has caused immense harm on patients, including depression, trauma, drug use, homelessness and suicide. It reinforces the idea that there is something psychologically wrong with LGBTQ people because of their sexual identity. It’s long past time that PA joins 20 other states and the District of Columbia in banning this abhorrent practice to protect the physical and psychological well-being of LGBTQ minors.” The legislation, the Protection of Minors from Conversion Therapy Act, seeks to address harms associated with conversion therapy by prohibiting a mental health professional from engaging in this archaic treatment with an Read more

 

Speaker of the House highlights Delco Health Department
May 15, 2023

Dire situation: PA needs to expand access to contraceptives
May 12, 2023

Roundtable highlights work by Family Promise to support families
May 10, 2023

Ciresi introduces legislation to pay down unfunded liabilities in state pension systems
May 09, 2023

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis visits Delco Tech
May 08, 2023

Munroe proposes sending Philly wage tax to home communities of commuters
May 05, 2023

Representatives host Delta Day at state Capitol
May 03, 2023

Smith-Wade-El celebrates House passage of the PA Fairness Act
May 03, 2023

Fairness Act passes PA House
May 02, 2023

Ciresi legislation to simplify unclaimed property claims for heirs passes House
May 02, 2023

Kim to host Asian American and Pacific Islander Month celebration on May 1
Apr 28, 2023

Ciresi and Webster dedicate Trooper Branden T. Sisca Highway in Trappe
Apr 28, 2023

Sanchez legislation to modernize the home care hiring process unanimously passes House
Apr 26, 2023

Rozzi’s teacher scholarship bill clears House Education Committee
Apr 25, 2023

Ciresi introduces bill to ensure proper use of electric vehicle charging spots
Apr 25, 2023

Roundtable examines negative impact of selling public water systems
Apr 20, 2023

Hearing explores vision for Black maternal health
Apr 13, 2023

O’Mara applauds DDAP investment in new recovery services for southeast PA
Apr 13, 2023

Ciresi introduces legislation to support child mental health workforce
Mar 31, 2023

Benham, Kenyatta and Smith-Wade-El introduce bill to protect minors from conversion therapy in PA
Mar 31, 2023