LEHIGH, Aug. 30 – The benefits of Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Improvement Zone program will be on display for policy makers at a Democratic Policy Committee tour hosted by state Rep. Peter Schweyer. The tour -- from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31 -- will begin at the IBEW Local 375, 101 S. 7 th St., Allentown. The media is encouraged to attend. Lawmakers from across the state, including Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, will join Schweyer for a look at how the NIZ -- currently funded by 97% state tax revenue and 3% local revenue -- has worked to attract developers and revitalize downtown Allentown. Media inquiries may be submitted to policy@pahouse.net . Read more
WHITEHALL, Aug. 26 -- Updates to the state fireworks law have had many unintended consequences that impact public safety and are putting a strain on law enforcement throughout the state, and state Rep. Jeanne McNeill is hosting a public hearing to discuss what the legislature can do. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30 at the Teamsters Local 773 Union Hall, 3614 Lehigh St., Whitehall. The public is welcome, and the media is encouraged to attend. McNeill, D-Lehigh, will be joined by Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee, many of whom have similar concerns amidst increases in community concerns and pyrotechnic related accidents. McNeill, along with state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, has introduced H.B. 988 aimed at repealing the most recent changes to the fireworks law and reinstating provisions as they existed pre-Act 43. Media inquiries may be submitted to policy@pahouse.net . Read more
ERIE, Aug. 18 – The Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a $10,000 grant to increase community protection from wildfires, state Representative Ryan Bizzarro announced today. “Our fire departments respond to so many calls each year, and the specialized training and equipment they need comes at a cost,” Rep. Bizzarro explained. “I’m glad to see this money coming to Edinboro to ease the financial burden of keeping us all safe.” The EVFD can use the money for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires. This includes purchasing protective clothing or equipment, radios, installing dry hydrants, wildfire prevention and mitigation work, training wildfire fighters, or converting and maintaining vehicles. “I’m always grateful to our neighbors who volunteer their time to answer the community calls for help," Rep. Bizzarro said. “This grant will help continue their need to be properly equipped and trained to protect people and property in and around our forests and open spaces.” Edinboro was one of three Erie County Departments to be awarded the grant; Albion Volunteer Fire Department was also awarded $10,000, with $5670 awarded to Greenfield Township Volunteer Fire Company. The grant program targeted local firefighting forces in rural areas and communities with fewer than 10,000 people. 109 departments Read more
Philadelphia, Aug. 17 – State Rep. Donna Bullock is convening a meeting of the House Democratic Policy Committee and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus to discuss the role of labor in police reforms. The hearing will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 18 at Temple University, Fox Gittis Room, 1776 N. Broad St., Philadelphia . The Fox Gittis Room is located just off the Broad Street Lobby, Alumni Hall at the Liacouras Center. The media and public are encouraged to attend. Masks are required. Additional information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings is available at www.pahouse.com/policy . Read more
YORK, Aug. 13 – State Rep. Carol Hill-Evans will host a public hearing to discuss legislative efforts to support veterans, especially those experiencing homelessness and PTSD. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16 at the York County Fairgrounds, Verandah Room, 334 Carlisle Ave. The public and media are invited to attend. Hill-Evans will be joined by members of the House Democratic Policy Committee to learn more about H.B.s 688 and 698 and other issues faced by veterans. State Sen. Katie Muth, who has companion legislation in the Senate, will also attend the hearing. Media inquiries may be submitted to policy@pahouse.net . Read more
ERIE, Aug. 12 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, said he is thrilled to invite seniors and their caregivers to his Ninth Annual Senior Fair and Older Living Expo next week. The event will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16 at McDowell Intermediate High School, 3320 Caughey Rd, Erie. This year, more than 50 vendors and exhibitors will be on site to share valuable information with Erie’s senior residents on vital state information, programs and services. “I’m excited to be able to bring this event to seniors. My staff and I have been working hard to make this year a really great opportunity to connect and help as many people as possible. In addition to the great information to help seniors live healthy and happy lives right here in Erie, Elvis is making a return!” Bizzarro said. More information is available by calling Bizzarro’s office at 814-835-2880 or visiting the office at 1101 Peninsula Dr., Suite 213, in the Peninsula Plaza. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 11 – Reopening Philadelphia’s schools was the focus of a tour and roundtable of the House Democratic Policy Committee hosted by state Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., on Wednesday. Philadelphia School District Chief Information Officer Melanie Harris led the tour of Kensington Health Sciences followed by a roundtable with legislators to discuss the challenges faced this year and beyond. “Over the last 18 months, we have invested in solutions for students to safely learn virtually from home, and now, with COVID-19 still very much with us and variants on the rise, we are asking school districts — not just in Philadelphia but across the Commonwealth — to create the answers for how our students can safely return to schools and keep them open," Isaacson said. "This is a question that we've never had to answer, one that the CDC is constantly revising as the virus mutates. Today, we heard concerns and sought answers as to how our students will return to classrooms and be provided a quality education in a structured, safe and welcoming classroom when so much is uncertain and ever-changing. Much needs to be done to help our schools navigate these uncharted waters or our children and the next generation are the ones who will be lost.” “The flexibility and resilience of the Philadelphia School District has been impressive,” said Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro. Read more
PHILA., Aug. 8 – Philadelphia Delegation Chairman Jason Dawkins is hosting the House Democratic Policy Committee for a tour and roundtable discussion of the former Cancer Centers of America facility, Temple Health's Juniata Park Campus. The tour will begin at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9 at 1331 E. Wyoming Ave., Philadelphia. The hearing is open to the media and inquiries may be submitted to policy@pahouse.net . Chairman Dawkins will be joined by Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee for a tour of their recently-purchased facility and discuss how the acquisition will impact patient care, healthcare access, and jobs in the region. Visit www.pahouse.com/policy for more information about this and other committee events. ### Read more
Don't miss my 2021 Summer Newsletter! Read more
Local investments to fight blight, plan trails and revitalize buildings Read more
ERIE, Aug. 2 – State Representatives Pat Harkins, Bob Merski and Ryan Bizzarro are welcoming members of the House Democratic Policy Committee for a tour of Lake Erie College of Medicine, the nation’s most applied-to medical school. The tour will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 3 at 1858 W. Grandview, Blvd., Erie. The media is encouraged to attend and can submit inquiries to policy@pahouse.net . A roundtable discussion will follow the facility tour, aimed at learning more about LECOM’s impact on education, medical care and Erie’s economy. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more
The House Policy Committee visits Presque Isle State Park for a tour of the park's project needs and to learn more about its economic impact on the region. Read more
ERIE, Aug. 2 – State Representatives Bob Merski and Ryan Bizzarro are hosting a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing where local breweries, distilleries and wineries will share how they are providing jobs, getting creative in their respective crafts and adapting to regulatory changes. The hearing will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 4 at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507. The media and public are encouraged to attend and can submit inquiries to policy@pahouse.net . Legislators from across the state will join Merski and Bizzarro for a discussion on how businesses have partnered with other local industries, adapted during the pandemic and what the state can do to support growth and recovery efforts for the industry. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more
ERIE, July 30 – In an effort to highlight the economic and environmental beauty that is Presque Isle State Park, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro is welcoming DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee for a tour of the 3000+ acre state park. The tour will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, August 2 at Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr., Tom Ridge Center. The media is encouraged to attend. Inquiries may be submitted to policy@pahouse.net . Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more
PHILADELPHIA, July 20 – Carbon capture and its place in limiting greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to the green economy will be explored at a hearing hosted by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein. The hearing will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 21 at the Port of Philadelphia, 3460 N. Delaware Ave., 19134. The media is invited to attend and media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Hohenstein, D-Phila., will be joined by Vice Chair Mary Isaacson and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee to discuss nationwide efforts to support carbon capture and its impact on the economy and environment. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . ### CONTACT: Nicole Brunner The Office of State Representative Ryan Bizzarro Phone: 717-645-7316 Email: nbrunner@pahouse.net Read more
LANDENBERG, July 20 – The intricacies of Pennsylvania’s mushroom industry, which provides most of the mushrooms consumed across the United States and millions in economic benefits to the state, is the focus of a scheduled hearing to be hosted by state Rep. Christina Sappey. The hearing will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 20 at the New Garden Township Building, 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. Media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Sappey, D-Chester, will be joined by Vice-Chair Mary Isaacson and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee to discuss the difficulties faced by the mushroom industry in meeting demand, growing their facilities, and educating the next generation of leaders. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . ### Read more
HARRISBURG, July 19 – Emerging digital and cryptocurrency, and positioning Pennsylvania to be an innovator for a digital currency future, was the focus of state Rep. Napoleon Nelson ’s House Democratic Policy Committee hearing. Nelson recently established the bipartisan House Emerging Technologies Caucus in Pennsylvania and has an extensive background in finance and technology. He brought together the following cast of world-renowned digital currency experts to inform the committee on what is blockchain and cryptocurrency and how Pennsylvania can position itself as a leader in adapting new technologies: Andrew Bull , esquire | Bull Blockchain Law. Gerard Dache , Government Blockchain Association – Global. Tonya Evans , founder | Advantage Evans Academy; professor, Penn State Dickinson School of Law. Brian Knight , director of innovation and governance/ senior research fellow | Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Scott Nissenbaum , president & CEO | Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA Kevin Werbach , professor | University of Pennsylvania. Miller Whitehouse-Levine , director of policy | Blockchain Association. Additionally, written testimony was submitted by Blockchain Innovation Group of PA, an organization aimed at developing an environment that fosters innovation, employment and investment in the state. "Technology advances quickly in this internet age – so quickly, in fact, that it's Read more
ERIE, July 19 -- In an effort to more easily help residents navigate state programs and services, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro has launched a new feature on his website to help residents on their timeline – the Community Help Center. The form – available 24/7 at http://www.pahouse.com/bizzarro -- is a starting point where residents can input their name and address, and note how Bizzarro and his staff can help them with services, including birth and death certificate requests, state health insurance coverage, PennDOT documentation, unemployment compensation and more. “I am all about improving access to state government for Erie residents. My Erie offices are among the busiest constituent service offices in the state and we are consistently helping people across district and party lines, especially through the pandemic,” Bizzarro explained. “Creating this online starting point to help residents is just one more way we’re making it easier for people access to their state government and I am thrilled to be the first in the House to bring this level of service to our community.” After filling out the online form, applicants can expect to receive a response from Bizzarro’s team within two business days. For urgent matters, the representative encourages residents to call his office at 814-835-2880. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Peninsula Plaza Office Read more
HARRISBURG, July 16 -- As blockchain and cryptocurrency become part of the mainstream conversation, Pennsylvania must prepare its digital future and state Rep. Napoleon Nelson is hosting a House Democratic Policy Committee discussion with industry experts to discover how the state can do so. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 19 in the House Democratic Caucus Room, 4th Floor, Main Capitol Building. Nelson, D-Montgomery, who recently introduced the bipartisan House Emerging Technologies Caucus, said he is eager to begin this conversation and have his colleagues at the table to discuss the nuances of cryptocurrencies. He also intends to introduce sandbox legislation aimed at testing how to responsibly adopt such new and innovative technologies and to implement regulations. Testifiers will include some of Pennsylvania's blockchain industry leaders, including: Andrew Bull , founder, Bull Blockchain Law. Gerard Dache , executive director, Government Blockchain Association – Global. Tonya Evans , founder | Advantage Evans Academy, and professor, Penn State Dickinson School of Law. Brian Knight , director of innovation and governance/ senior research fellow | Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Scott Nissenbaum , president & CEO | Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA. Kevin Werbach , professor, legal Read more
HARRISBURG, July 12 -- State Representatives Emily Kinkead and Eddie Day Pashinski today hosted a public hearing to discuss the need for drastic reforms to drive down the costs of prescription drugs for the well-being of Pennsylvanians who rely on medications for an improved quality of life. The hearing, a meeting of the Policy Committee’s Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People, included testimony on how prescription drug pricing is calculated, some of the cost drivers and legislative action needed to regulate pricing. Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the subcommittee, and legislators from across the state joined both in person and online for the discussion. Sean Zmenkowski, a constituent services advisor for Rep. Kinkead, shared his experience as a type one diabetic reliant on insulin to survive and the career choices he has had to make in order to maintain access to life-sustaining medication. “Far too many Pennsylvanians have to make painful choices regarding life-saving medications – going without or rationing their medicine – either option is inexcusable,” said state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny. “I remain committed to working with my colleagues to come up with solutions, including a prescription drug importation program, to ensure the prescription drugs our residents need are accessible and affordable. It’s clear we need long-term solutions to help our residents, and we can make it happen.” Read more
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