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Young announces grant for Tinicum Township Fire Co.

(Feb 21, 2025) Southeast Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware announced today that a grant of $15,246 has been awarded to the Tinicum Township Fire Co.“Our volunteer fire and emergency companies are the backbone of our communities,” said Young. “A grant like this means that our volunteers at Station 48 can be better equipped to serve and protect our neighborhoods and spend less time fundraising to be able to do their vital work. I want to emphasize the value and importance of our local first responders to our communities.” Read more

 

It’s time to get serious about cyber charter school reform

(Feb 21, 2025) Southeast Delegation

We’ve got to get serious about cyber charter school reform. Don’t just take my word for it. This week, Republican Auditor General Timothy DeFoor released a blockbuster report that called for comprehensive charter school reform. And you know what, the report says the same things I’ve said for YEARS about cyber charter schools and makes the same calls for reform that I’ve tried to enact through legislative initiatives: A single statewide tuition rate for cyber charter schools that’s more related to the actual cost of cyber education. Additional oversight of cyber charter schools by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Limits on excessive cyber charter school fund balances. Despite all that I know about how cyber charter schools rip off Pennsylvania taxpayers, my blood still boiled when I read this audit of five PA cyber charter schools showing that from 2020 to 2023 the schools legally increased their revenues by $425 million and reserves by 144%. And what did the schools do with this extra taxpayer money? While our kids struggled in underfunded traditional public schools, these cyber charter schools legally used taxpayer dollars on staff bonuses, gift cards, vehicle payments and fuel stipends. While our seniors fought to pay property taxes so they could stay in their homes, one of the audited schools, Commonwealth Charter Academy, spent $196 million to purchase and/or renovate 21 buildings. What does a Read more

 

Fleming, Policy Committee highlight childcare crisis

(Feb 21, 2025) Southeast Delegation

“Childcare has overwhelming positive benefits, including preparing children to learn in a school setting as well as shaping expectations for behavior and interactions with adults and other children,” said state Rep. Justin Fleming, who represents portions of Dauphin County. “It’s nearly impossible for parents and guardians to make a living without childcare, so it’s important for the state to explore solutions to the childcare staffing crisis.” Read more

 

Student-athlete who survived cardiac arrest, local lawmaker push to get AEDs at all athletic fields

(Feb 20, 2025) WPXI-TV

“To save a human life is worth the cost of preparation and this is a bill that will save lives,” said Rep. Brennan, (D) Bucks County. Read more

 

Ciresi announces nearly $162K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies

(Feb 11, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – A longtime proponent for community safety and first responders, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced local fire and EMS companies have been awarded $161,876 in grants through the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. “Our fire and emergency responders are with us in our time of greatest need, but they have been struggling to respond to emergencies with limited resources and fewer recruits,” Ciresi said. “These funds are critical so they can continue to provide the life-saving services they do, day in, day out. I continue to advocate for funding to support our fire and emergency responders so that our communities remain safe.” Local fire and EMS companies that were awarded grants include: Friendship HLH&A Inc – Royersford – $15,000. Goodwill Steam Fire Engine Co No 1 – Pottstown – $31,106.84. Limerick Fire Department – Limerick – $40,000. North End Fire Company Num 1 of Pottstown – Pottstown – $15,000. Philadelphia Steam Fire Engine Co 1 – Pottstown – $15,461.31. Ringing Hill Fire Company – Pottstown – $15,461.31. Royersford Fire Department – Royersford – $14,815.77. Sanatoga Fire Co – Pottstown – $15,030.95. The Fire Company and Emergency Read more

 

Kazeem applauds Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget plan

(Feb 06, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, issued this statement in support of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal: “The budget plan that Governor Shapiro unveiled yesterday would change life for the better for many residents in the communities I represent, and I am excited to help push it over the finish line. “I wholeheartedly support Governor Shapiro’s increased investments in our public school system. Countless studies have shown that a strong public school system can lift up individuals and their communities, but historic inequality in our funding system left richer school districts better funded at the expense of poorer ones, creating a legacy of structural inequality in our schools and across our commonwealth. Though last year’s historic investments in education made headway in rectifying this imbalance, there’s still a lot of work to be done to roll back years of neglect. This budget would deliver a needed $75 million increase in basic education and a $40 million increase in special education. “The governor’s plan to recruit and retain teachers lays the foundation for a great school system. I approve his plan to provide stipends to student teachers and invest in professional development for current teachers to help them stay on the cutting edge of education. “Studies have also shown that starting to educate kids in daycare helps them to acquire the social and Read more

 

Ciresi highlights continued progress on cyber charter reform, addressing education underfunding in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Feb 04, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, reacted to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget unveiled today before a joint session of the General Assembly. “This budget proposal from Governor Shapiro continues the significant progress we’ve made in bringing state funding to our long-underfunded school districts.” Ciresi said. “Building on the historic investments in our public schools and steps to reform our broken charter school law that we achieved in the previous budget, this proposal would continue that work on education funding and cyber charter reform. The result will be lower property taxes, more resources for our public schools, and a fairer education system for all students and taxpayers.” Ciresi said the proposed budget includes an additional $641 million in education funding, mostly directed to school districts like Pottstown and Pottsgrove that have been identified as most in need of additional state aid. The proposal also includes $265 million in savings for school districts by setting a statewide cyber charter school tuition rate of $8,000 per student per year, aligning these payments of tax dollars from school districts with the actual expenses of providing an online education. This was a key component of comprehensive cyber charter reform legislation proposed by Ciresi last session. The combined education funding increases and cost savings from cyber charter reform would mean an Read more

 

Legislative Audit Advisory Commission accepts audit of General Assembly’s 2024 finances

(Feb 04, 2025) Rep. Ben Sanchez

“Transparency and accountability are essential when it comes to public funds,” Sanchez said. Read more

 

Ciresi, Marcell bipartisan bill to allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional use passes House

(Feb 03, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – 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 overwhelmingly passed the House today (155-47). Read more

 

Daley celebrates House passage of bike lane protections

(Feb 03, 2025) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, said she is pleased to report that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed her bill creating parking-protected bike lanes today. These special lanes would allow street parking to be reconfigured with vehicles parked further from the curb to leave space for a protected bike lane. “Under current law, a vehicle has to park within 12 inches of a curb,” Daley said. “This bill will update the law and allow vehicles to park farther away from these curbs, creating a bike lane between the curb and the parked car. “This change has been a long time coming, and I hope that the Senate picks up this critical work soon. Lives are depending on it.” House Bill 291 is also referred to as Susan’s and Emily’s Law. In October 2015, Susan Hicks was struck from behind and killed at the corner of Forbes and Bigelow in Pittsburgh. In November 2017, Emily Fredricks was riding her bike to work on Spruce Street in Philadelphia when she was struck and killed by a sanitation truck. This measure is supported by PennDOT’s Pedalcycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, BikePGH, and the Pennsylvania Municipal League, among others. This bill does not require changes to be made; it simply provides local authorities with a legal option to consider, Daley said. For more information, Read more

 

Nelson introduces bill to ensure accuracy in use of AI in state government and public schools

(Jan 31, 2025) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, Jan. 31 – State Rep. Napoleon Nelson, joined by state Reps. Paul Friel, Steven Malagari, Chris Pielli and Robert E. Merski, announced this week forthcoming legislation aimed at curbing the use of artificial intelligence tools in schools and by state government agencies. "As technology continues to evolve, we must ensure that it is used responsibly -- especially when it directly impacts the people we serve," said Nelson, who serves on both the House Education Committee and the House Communications & Technology Committee. "Pennsylvania taxpayers and students have the right to expect factual and reliable information when they interact with government officials or educators. AI tools are already incredibly powerful and often deliver significant workplace efficiencies, but they are prone to, frankly, making stuff up. If a student is in a classroom to learn or a resident is reaching out to their government seeking assistance, the worst thing we could do is put someone in front of them that speaks with authority and but is not speaking in truth." The legislation, which has yet to be formally introduced, would require that any AI tool or agent used in direct communication with Pennsylvania residents or students -- whether in state government offices or public schools -- meets a minimum standard of factual accuracy. It would also introduce an audit process to regularly assess AI-generated content and ensure any Read more

 

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

 

Young announces grant for Tinicum Township Fire Co.
Feb 21, 2025

It’s time to get serious about cyber charter school reform
Feb 21, 2025

Fleming, Policy Committee highlight childcare crisis
Feb 21, 2025

Student-athlete who survived cardiac arrest, local lawmaker push to get AEDs at all athletic fields
Feb 20, 2025

Ciresi announces nearly $162K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies
Feb 11, 2025

Kazeem applauds Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget plan
Feb 06, 2025

Ciresi highlights continued progress on cyber charter reform, addressing education underfunding in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal
Feb 04, 2025

Legislative Audit Advisory Commission accepts audit of General Assembly’s 2024 finances
Feb 04, 2025

Ciresi, Marcell bipartisan bill to allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional use passes House
Feb 03, 2025

Daley celebrates House passage of bike lane protections
Feb 03, 2025

Nelson introduces bill to ensure accuracy in use of AI in state government and public schools
Jan 31, 2025

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