Briggs announces more than $217K in grants to protect nonprofits from violence, terrorist acts

(Apr 14, 2022)

“Started in 2019, the year after the mass shooting at a synagogue in Squirrel Hill that resulted in the murder of 11 innocent people, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program releases funds to improve security at nonprofits that are at high risk of terrorist or violent attacks,” Briggs said. “Sadly, in today’s political climate, these funds are needed to protect our citizens’ rights guaranteed in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I’m pleased to see funds being used to support and protect the freedom of religion.” Read more

 

US Senate: Letter asking President Biden to limit junk plans

(Feb 28, 2022)

Now is the time to issue new regulations limiting the sale and availability of short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI) plans, also known as “junk plans” because of their failure to provide adequate coverage. Read more

 

Briggs supports budget that invests in education

(Feb 08, 2022)

“The governor highlighted the need for the state to properly fund the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, which has been – and remains – a reliable pathway to higher education and a better way of life for the children of working-class and middle-class parents,” said Briggs, who is a graduate of West Chester University and serves on the PASSHE Board of Governors. Read more

 

Kinsey seeks solutions for problems in Pa. prison system

(Jan 26, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 26 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., held a news conference today with House and Senate colleagues and prison-reform advocates to discuss legislation to help address systemic problems in Pennsylvania’s prison system. Kinsey was joined by House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Phila., House Minority Whip Jordan Harris, D-Phila., state Reps. Amen Brown, Danilo Burgos, Joe Hohenstein, Darisha Parker and Brian Sims, all D-Phila.; Tim Briggs, Napoleon Nelson, Ben Sanchez and Joe Webster, all D-Montgomery; Bob Brooks, R-Westmoreland/Allegheny; Gina Curry, D-Delaware; Manuel Guzman, D-Berks; Dianne Herrin, D-Chester; Carol Hill-Evans, D-York; Patty Kim, D-Dauphin; Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny; Maureen Madden, D-Monroe; Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery; and Regina Young, D-Delaware/Phila.; along with state Sen. Sharif Street, D-Phila. and Anton Andrew from PA Prison Society. “Right now, in Pennsylvania and the entire United States, we have a prison system that does not work,” Kinsey said. “We must pass legislation to reform this system, so that those incarcerated have a chance to live dignified lives when they’re serving their sentence and when they’ve completed it.” The lawmakers are seeking enactment of several bills that would improve the prison system for incarcerated people and their families as well as save taxpayer dollars, including: Probation and Parole Reform: Earned Compliance Read more

 

Judiciary Committee Newsletter 2021

(Dec 13, 2021)

News from the House Judiciary Committee Read more

 

Briggs announces grants for West Conshohocken Police and Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County

(Dec 08, 2021)

State Rep. Tim Briggs announced that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency approved grants for West Conshohocken Borough Police Department and the Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Project Safe and Smart and Rural Health Funding Opportunities

(Dec 07, 2021)

Read the about the latest state grant opportunities. Read more

 

Briggs announces $2.38 million in state funding for local projects

(Dec 07, 2021)

“Continued development and improvements are necessary components for a successful and growing community,” Briggs said. “I am pleased to see state funds earmarked for updates in our district, including the utilities and infrastructure needs for the development of The Discovery Labs as well as the new project at Arkema. The state is making vital investments to improve our region’s economic, business and quality-of-life needs.” Read more

 

Briggs calls out process used to advance bill to eliminate license to carry requirements

(Nov 10, 2021)

State Rep. Tim Briggs, Democratic chairman of the PA House Judiciary Committee, today criticized House Republicans for not giving adequate notice to the public of a committee meeting today in which S.B. 565, a dangerous gun bill, was approved and sent to the full House. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Workforce development, clean diesel, and DC fast charging funding opportunities

(Nov 01, 2021)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Labor & Industry: Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grants (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit agencies (community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, etc.) or small businesses meeting certain criteria (see program guidelines). Uses : To provide digital literacy classes emphasizing career development skills, including digital fundamentals, digital job seeking, digital citizenship, and digital information. Funds : Grants of up to $45,000 each. Application Deadline : December 21 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: State Clean Diesel Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding and State Mitigation Trust - Volkswagen Emissions Settlement) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania Businesses, Incorporated Nonprofits, State, Local, or Tribal Government Agencies, Air Quality or Transportation Organizations, Metropolitan or Rural/Regional Transportation Planning Organizations, and Federal Government Agencies. Uses : Diesel emission reduction projects, including, but not limited to: verified exhaust controls; engine upgrades and certified remanufacture systems; verified idle reduction technologies; certified engine Read more

 

LIHEAP: Expanded Home-Heating Assistance is Available to PA Renters, Homeowners

(Nov 01, 2021)

As winter approaches and we prepare to spend even more time indoors, utility bills are only going to get more expensive. Additionally, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn have made it difficult for many to keep up with home energy bills. No Pennsylvanian should ever have to worry that their heat will be shut off during the coldest and darkest months of the year. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) that provides assistance for home heating bills so Pennsylvanians can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for both renters and homeowners. LIHEAP helps some of the commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens — children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families — make ends meet. Anyone who may need help, or anyone who has loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this program, is encouraged to apply for LIHEAP today. APPLY FOR LIHEAP LIHEAP FACTS How do I apply for LIHEAP? Depending on preference, different options are available to apply for LIHEAP: Apply online: Pennsylvanians can apply at www.compass.state.pa.us . Paper applications: Call the LIHEAP Helpline at 1-866-857-7095 to request a paper application. Paper applications can also be downloaded from the DHS LIHEAP web page . County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients Read more

 

Briggs introduces legislation to elevate mental health education in schools

(May 27, 2021)

“We need to make sure schools are providing health education that respects the importance of mental health, which affects overall well-being," said Briggs. Read more

 

Briggs introduces legislation to create paid family leave in PA

(May 06, 2021)

“Unpaid leave is not the answer because most families cannot afford to go without a paycheck,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. Read more

 

The PA Rescue Plan invests in technology and a healthier future

(Apr 21, 2021)

Our Pennsylvania Rescue Plan invests in technology, including making sure the commonwealth grows our already robust biotechnology research industry into a global leader. Read more

 

PA House Democrats Launch Effort to Defend Democracy

(Mar 29, 2021)

HARRISBURG, March 29 – Responding to the Capitol insurrection in January and the signing of new restrictions on voting rights last week in Georgia, House Democrats are taking action to protect American democracy. Today, a website was launched that summarizes policy proposals to defend democracy as well as links to more information and the ability for people to quickly email their elected officials, noting their support of the bills. The House Democratic Caucus has been working on these proposals since a House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing in January, when members were briefed by legal scholars, hate crimes experts and members of Congress on the language of false conspiracy and election fraud being used to undermine democracy. That same language has shifted from encouraging outright attack to what many perceive as insidiously undermining basic voting rights. “We cannot allow the outrage and disgust of the American people watching an armed invasion of our government to be subverted by a slick rebranding into attacks on our right to fair and free elections” Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro said. Members of the House Democratic Caucus have introduced dozens of measures to expand voting rights, preserve election security, protect access to mail-in ballots and polling places, and to clarify and consolidate the often-outdated Election Code. Bizzarro said the site – www.pahouse.com/policy/defendingdemocracy -- will serve as a great Read more

 

Microplastics found in 100% of sampled Pennsylvania waterways, study shows

(Mar 03, 2021)

Studies released this week suggest microplastics — tiny polymer fragments — are ubiquitous in local waterways, even finding their way into the guts and digestive tracts of the prized blue crabs that populate the Delaware Bay. Read more

 

Constitutional amendment on districts for Pa. court elections shelved ... for now

(Feb 17, 2021)

A proposed constitutional amendment to have Pennsylvania appellate court judges elected by geographic districts rather than statewide won’t be on the May primary ballot, but nobody on either side thinks that it's a dead issue. Read more

 

Briggs appointed to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

(Feb 11, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Tim Briggs has been appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “PCCD makes an impact on some of the most pressing issues in our society by working to improve our justice system, keep our schools and neighborhoods safe, provide resources to victims of crime and more,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “I am honored to receive this appointment, and I look forward to working with the commission on programs and initiatives that will make communities across the commonwealth safer, more supportive places to live.” The mission of PCCD is to enhance quality, coordination and planning within the criminal and juvenile justice systems, to facilitate the delivery of services to victims of crime, and to increase the safety of Pennsylvania communities. Briggs was appointed to serve on the commission by House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton. He previously served as a member of PCCD during the 2009-10 legislative session. He also serves as the minority chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, a member of the Board of Governors for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and as vice chairman of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. Read more

 

Briggs: Judicial gerrymandering bill rammed through committee with no public hearing

(Jan 13, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 13 – House Republicans rammed a proposed constitutional amendment that threatens the independence of the judiciary system through a newly formed committee today, with little notice and no public hearing, said state Rep. Tim Briggs, Democratic chairman of the Judiciary Committee. House Bill 38 would amend the state constitution so that appellate judges would be elected by district rather than statewide. It advanced from the Judiciary Committee by a 13-12 vote. “This bill would have a devastating effect on the balance of power in our government. It shows a fundamental lack of understanding of the independent role of our judiciary and further politicizes our courts. Some Republicans want to rig the system, and they want to do it quickly – without public input,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “A vote on legislation that would substantially change our courts should be given proper consideration and discussion. And yet, the Judiciary Committee was given less than 24 hours’ notice that our reorganization meeting would take place today and would include a vote on this constitutional amendment, which amounts to judicial gerrymandering.” Briggs added that the bill will disenfranchise all Pennsylvania voters. Under the current system, voters have an opportunity to vote on all 31 statewide judges and justices, but under H.B. 38, voters would only have the opportunity to vote for three judges and justices. Today, Briggs made Read more

 

Briggs sworn in for seventh term representing 149th District

(Jan 05, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Tim Briggs was sworn in today at the state Capitol to begin his seventh term representing the 149 th District in Montgomery County. “It’s an honor to continue to represent the 149 th District, and I’m eager to dig back in for another legislative session working on issues that matter to members of my community,” said Briggs, D-Montgomery. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many problems that we needed to address even before the health crisis began – the need for affordable quality health care, equitable education funding, and an economy that works for everyone. It’s also critical that we address the impacts of the pandemic and get help to the frontline workers, small businesses, and others who have been hit the hardest.” Briggs has been reappointed to serve as Democratic chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which reviews all legislation relating to aspects of the civil and criminal court systems, law enforcement and corrections . Briggs continues to prioritize constituent service. His staff has worked remotely during the pandemic, available by phone and email, and helped many residents with unemployment compensation and other pandemic-related issues. His office remains available by phone at 610-768-3135 or email at RepBriggs@pahouse.net . “My staff and I can help navigate a number of state-related issues, and it’s my goal to remain Read more

 

Briggs announces more than $217K in grants to protect nonprofits from violence, terrorist acts
Apr 14, 2022

US Senate: Letter asking President Biden to limit junk plans
Feb 28, 2022

Briggs supports budget that invests in education
Feb 08, 2022

Kinsey seeks solutions for problems in Pa. prison system
Jan 26, 2022

Judiciary Committee Newsletter 2021
Dec 13, 2021

Briggs announces grants for West Conshohocken Police and Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County
Dec 08, 2021

Now open for applications: Project Safe and Smart and Rural Health Funding Opportunities
Dec 07, 2021

Briggs announces $2.38 million in state funding for local projects
Dec 07, 2021

Briggs calls out process used to advance bill to eliminate license to carry requirements
Nov 10, 2021

Now open for applications: Workforce development, clean diesel, and DC fast charging funding opportunities
Nov 01, 2021

LIHEAP: Expanded Home-Heating Assistance is Available to PA Renters, Homeowners
Nov 01, 2021

Briggs introduces legislation to elevate mental health education in schools
May 27, 2021

Briggs introduces legislation to create paid family leave in PA
May 06, 2021

The PA Rescue Plan invests in technology and a healthier future
Apr 21, 2021

PA House Democrats Launch Effort to Defend Democracy
Mar 29, 2021

Microplastics found in 100% of sampled Pennsylvania waterways, study shows
Mar 03, 2021

Constitutional amendment on districts for Pa. court elections shelved ... for now
Feb 17, 2021

Briggs appointed to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Feb 11, 2021

Briggs: Judicial gerrymandering bill rammed through committee with no public hearing
Jan 13, 2021

Briggs sworn in for seventh term representing 149th District
Jan 05, 2021