Rep. Roni Green (D., Philadelphia), one of 12 co-sponsors on Dawkins’ current bill, said in an interview that she “can't think of anything better or quicker that would impact working families and the lives of working families more than raising the minimum wage.”“I hear from my constituents how a minimum wage increase of at least $15 an hour … will allow them to continue to put food on the table, pay for housing, expenses, pay for gas that has increased, pay for childcare that is increasing,” she said.Green started her minimum wage advocacy while working as a Philadelphia human services caseworker and serving as a shop steward for her then-union, SEIU Local 668. The union represents about 20,000 workers in Pennsylvania, many of whom work for state, county, and local government. Read more

HARRISBURG, July 2 – The House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting on Tuesday on space exploration and Pennsylvania’s leadership in space technology, scientific research, and airspace security. “Today’s meeting stressed the need for increased technological development to protect our airspace,” state Rep. Joe Ciresi, House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair, said. “Pennsylvania has the talent and the resources to lead the charge in developing technology to explore space and protect our airspace.” The committee heard from three speakers: Dr. Jason Wright, Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Penn State University on astronomical and scientific research, Ryan Graves, Founder/Executive Director, Americans for Safe Aerospace on aerospace and aviation perspectives, and Chris Mellon, Chairman of the Board, The Disclosure Foundation; Former Deputy Secretary of Defense; and Former Minority Staff Director, US Senate Intelligence Committee. “Exploration begins with curiosity,” state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila. said. “Pennsylvania has the talent and institutions to help push the boundaries of scientific discovery, and today's hearing was an important step in that direction — wherever the evidence leads" Wright said that the search for the means to find extraterrestrial intelligence is leading the development of detection technology, Read more

HARRISBURG, June 24 – B ipartisan legislation sponsored by state Reps. Rick Krajewski and Sheryl Delozier that would end the practice of intercepting public benefits intended for foster youth was reported out of committee today with a unanimous vote and is ready for a vote by the full House . The bill (H.B. 151) would prevent PA agencies from intercepting the Social Security benefits intended foster youth receive, such as survivors benefits, and instead require those benefits to be conserved in a savings account for when a foster youth exits care. The federal Office of Administration for Children and Families in December demanded that states no longer intercept benefits, and 10 states have already worked to prohibit it. “These are funds that for many could mean the difference between homelessness and stable housing, between needing to work multiple jobs and having time to attend college, between lacking healthcare and receiving necessary treatment. These youth are not asking for handouts, they’re asking for what’s already theirs,” said Delozier, R-Cumberland, the co-prime sponsor of the bill. “It’s a bipartisan issue. Not one that’s defined by Republicans or Democrats, urban or rural. This is an issue that affects children in the foster care system no matter where they live.” “What makes up a fraction of our state’s spending could make a huge difference in the lives of foster youth, who often Read more

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Today, the House voted with strong bipartisan support to pass two bills introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., that would establish a legal petition process to reinstate parental rights (H.B. 133) and protect the rights of incarcerated parents (H.B. 138). Under federal law, when a child has been in the custody of the state for more than 15 months, the Department of Human Services is required to petition for the involuntary termination of parental rights. Krajewski said that Pennsylvania must take measures to provide second chances and support more families. House Bill 133 , which passed 191 to 11, would establish a standard legal framework and procedure for parents whose rights have been terminated to petition to have their rights reinstated. “Even when parents do the work to address the issues that resulted in the termination of their rights – building a career, finding stable housing, recovering from a substance use disorder or ending a period of incarceration – the loss of the parent-child relationship is a punishment that lasts a lifetime,” Krajewski said. “Parents can change. They deserve a fair chance to be reunited with their children, and kids deserve to finally go home.” “At its core, House Bill 133 is about creating a pathway that represents the best interests of children and families,” said state Rep. Sheryl Delozier, Read more

HARRISBURG, June 9 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee voted 17-9 to advance the Return on Equity bill, which is co-sponsored by Committee Chair Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., and House Energy Committee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.House Bill 2224 would create a default, formula-based return on equity for investor-owned utilities that reflects the true market-based cost of equity. It would ensure that ratepayers pay no more than what is necessary to attract capital investments. Read more

PHILADELPHIA, June 8 – On Saturday, state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, state Sen. Sharif Street, PA House Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris, all D-Phila., and Councilmember Anthony Phillips held a news conference where they presented a $4 million check to the Lawncrest Recreation Center. Bellmon and Street helped secure this $4 million in state funding that will be used to construct a new pool at the Lawncrest Recreation Center. Construction has begun. “Lawncrest Recreation Center is a centerpiece of the Lawncrest community, providing a safe space for children to grow, families to gather, and neighbors to build connections,” Bellmon said. “This pool is another reason for members of our community to gather at the rec center during the summers to cool off, stay active and interact with neighbors. I was proud to secure this funding, and as construction is currently underway, I look forward to seeing the finished product.” “Investing in safe places for children and families to gather is of the utmost importance, especially in the summer when school is not in session,” Street said. “I am proud to work with Representative Bellmon to provide support for the pillars of our community like Lawncrest Rec Center. This funding is about more than a pool, it is about showing folks that they are deserving of beautiful spaces to enjoy themselves. I will continue to work for them and fight for those spaces Read more