State lawmakers aim to honor and support Pennsylvania veterans

(35 minutes ago)

HARRISBURG, March 27 – Today, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers held a news conference at the Capitol touting legislation they’ve introduced to support Pennsylvania veterans exposed to the dangerous herbicide “Agent Orange” and other toxic chemicals during their service, and make March 29 Vietnam Veterans Day in Pennsylvania . This group of lawmakers includes state Reps. Paul Takac, D-Centre; Mike Cabell, R-Luzerne; Brian Munroe, D-Bucks; Dane Watro, R-Schuylkill/Luzerne; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; Zachary Mako, R-Northampton/Lehigh; Chris Pielli, D-Chester; and Abby Major, R-Armstrong/Westmoreland. Both bills were introduced earlier this year. “We owe all those who have served our country, especially those who have been harmed as a result of their service, not only our profound respect and gratitude but an enduring commitment to serve and support them and their families. That, of course, includes Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to -- and at the time, unknowingly harmed by -- Agent Orange. As our understanding of the extent of the damage caused by that chemical exposure has grown and evolved, so have the programs and benefits available to those affected,” Takac said. “Since taking office, one of my areas of focus has been ensuring that veterans and their families are aware of and can more easily access all of the benefits and support available to them,” he said. Read more

 

Schlossberg and Khan Offer Opening Prayer

(1 day ago)

Embracing an opportunity to highlight common values and ideals, PA state Reps. Tarik Khan and Mike Schlossberg deliver the opening prayer for the #PAHouse, borrowed from the holy books of Judaism and Islam! Read more

 

Khan to introduce bipartisan legislation to assist small businesses impacted by natural disasters

(Mar 22, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 22 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., announced that he plans to introduce legislation with a bipartisan group of legislators to assist small businesses that are affected by natural disasters. Khan said he will be joined by state Reps. Jamie Flick, R-Lycoming/Union; Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery; Jason Ortitay, R-Washington/Allegheny; and Jose Giral, D-Phila, in introducing the legislation. the legislation would create a Small Business Catastrophe Savings Account, which would allow for small businesses to deposit pre-tax dollars into a specially designated savings account. Small businesses would be able to deduct this amount from their taxes; however, they would only be permitted to use these funds to help recover from a natural disaster when their insurance claim does not cover the full cost of rebuilding. If the small business needs the money in the future for another unrelated reason, the money could be withdrawn, but the business would need to remit all taxes owed. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, and we must do all that we can to ensure a natural disaster -- that they have no control over -- does not completely upend their business,” Khan said. “This legislation is fair and gives these businesses the opportunity to be better prepared financially in the case of one of these catastrophes.” The lawmakers expressed their belief that allowing Read more

 

Khan ‘Michael’s Law’ Bill Highlighted in House Committee Hearing

(Mar 21, 2024)

PHILADELPHIA, March 21 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development Committee held a hearing at the Woodmere Art Museum about legislation introduced by state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila. Khan’s bill would require venues to waive admission fees for personal care attendants. This legislation is called “Michael’s Law” in honor of Michael Anderson, a Pennsylvania man with cerebral palsy, who was forced to pay a dual fee for entrance to a local museum because he required a paid personal-care aide to accompany him. “People with disabilities who require a personal care attendant should not have to pay double admission to go to a venue — once for themself and one for their vital caregiver,” Khan said. “Just as we wouldn't charge a EMT to enter a stadium because they were responding to a 911 call, we shouldn’t be charging people twice to enter a venue. This simple allowance opens venues for persons often marginalized in our society, and it is the right thing to do.” Committee Chair Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, echoed Khan’s sentiment for this legislation. “This legislation will help to ensure that those with disabilities are able to bring their caregivers with them to visit sports arenas, museums, theaters, and other venues,” she said. The committee heard from testifiers Read more

 

Local Elected Officials Urge U.S. Senate to Move Forward with Adeel Mangi’s Historic Judicial Nomination, Condemn Islamophobic Attacks

(Mar 20, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 20 – A group of Pennsylvania state and local elected officials today issued a statement urging the U.S. Senate to move forward with considering President Joe Biden’s nominee Adeel Mangi to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which is based in Philadelphia and covers the tri-state area. If confirmed, Mangi would become the first Muslim American to serve on a federal appeals court and just the third Muslim American federal judge. State Reps. Tarik Khan (D-Phila.), Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny), Patty Kim (D-Dauphin, Cumberland), and Jason Dawkins (D-Phila.); state Sens. Nikil Saval (D-Phila.) and Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia); Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija and Philadelphia City Councilmember Nina Ahmad said the following: “As Asian-American and Muslim-American elected officials representing diverse communities in Pennsylvania, we stand with and strongly support President Biden’s nomination of Adeel Mangi to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Mr. Mangi is an excellent candidate and highly qualified individual whose nomination is now at risk due to a right-wing smear campaign tainted with Islamophobic rhetoric and outright lies. “We are extremely disturbed that the nomination of a highly qualified judicial nominee would be in doubt because of the fact he is Muslim. Hate has no place in Read more

 

Khan Fights to Keep Chestnut Hill West Rail Service

(Mar 20, 2024)

PA state Rep. Tarik Khan stands with colleagues, stakeholders and activists to demand adequate funding for public transportation across the commonwealth. Khan calls Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal a good start, but cautions that more funding is needed to guarantee service and safety in the future. Read more

 

State lawmakers take legislative aim to honor Muslim and Jewish Pennsylvanians

(Mar 14, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 14 – A diverse group of lawmakers proudly joined together today to unveil legislation honoring the heritage and contributions of Jewish and Muslim Pennsylvanians. “Growing up as a Muslim kid in a Jewish neighborhood with a Catholic mom, I saw every day how diversity makes us stronger, better and more empathetic,” said state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., lead sponsor of the resolution to designate July 2024 as Muslim Heritage Month. “To paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi, ‘different religions are beautiful flowers from the same garden,’ and are equally true and majestic. Today’s resolutions are about celebrating these two equally beautiful and magnificent faiths.” The Muslim American Heritage Month measure will be introduced alongside of a resolution by state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, to designate May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month . “These two great faiths and cultures helped shape the world, and they also help shape almost every community in this commonwealth,” Frankel said. “At a time when conflict abroad has Jewish and Muslim Pennsylvanians feeling vulnerable, it’s more important than ever to create space for cultural education and appreciation.” Khan and Frankel were joined by several colleagues in the introduction of the two pieces of legislation: Reps. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton; Matt Gergely, D-Allegheny; Jose Read more

 

Khan to roll out healthcare workforce legislative package

(Mar 14, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 14 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., today announced that he plans to introduce two bills to help address shortages of healthcare workers so that all Pennsylvanians can receive high-quality medical care. These bills would provide for the recruitment and retainment of nursing faculty members and health care preceptors. The first bill would establish the New Nursing Faculty Grant Program to provide grants of up to $10,000 per year for newly employed, full-time nursing faculty members. The second bill would establish the Pennsylvania Health Care Preceptor Deduction to incentivize qualified individuals to serve as preceptors for advanced practice nurses, physicians, physician assistants and registered nurses by providing a $1,000 tax deduction for doing do. “As a nurse practitioner, I know how important it is to keep our healthcare workforce supply strong,” Khan said. “Recruiting nursing faculty is often difficult, and healthcare preceptors are often hard to find. Our bill will help ensure critical support for both nursing faculty and healthcare professional preceptors.” The nursing faculty grant program is modeled after a Maryland program that was highly successful. The second bill would make Pennsylvania the sixth state to take action to incentivize medical professionals to enter preceptorships. Nearly 80,000 applicants across the nation were not Read more

 

Khan Fights for Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners

(Mar 08, 2024)

Pa. state Rep. Tarik Khan spoke during a joint House Health and Professional Licensure Committee meeting about the necessity of authorizing full practice authority for nurse practitioners. As a nurse practitioner since 2011, Khan recognizes the need for the safe, effective care that NP’s are able to provide their patients. Read more

 

Gallagher, Khan, Warren call for PA to update insurance laws around colorectal cancer screenings

(Mar 05, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 5 – Today, state Reps. Pat Galagher, Tarik Khan, both D-Phila., and Perry Warren, D-Bucks, hosted a news conference at the state Capitol announcing that they plan to introduce legislation that would update state insurance laws to expand coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths even though it is a very treatable form of cancer when caught early. When detected in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 90%. The legislators said their legislation would update Pennsylvania’s Insurance Company Law to reduce the age when colorectal cancer screenings are covered to 45 from 50. This legislation also prevents prior authorizations and advance notice for screening colonoscopies for individuals 45 and above. Current law requires health insurance coverage for routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50 based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008. Multiple other states have updated their law to reflect more recent American Cancer Society guidelines from 2018. The updated recommendations call for people to begin screening at age 45 rather than 50. Gallagher, who is a colorectal cancer survivor, said the legislation could result in more early detections and ultimately save lives. “As a survivor of colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the impact that early detection and proper care Read more

 

Khan Encourages People to Screen for Colon Cancer

(Mar 04, 2024)

Pa. state Rep. Tarik Khan got a colonoscopy to encourage other folks to have the procedure done to prevent colon cancer. Khan has introduced bills with Rep. Pat Gallagher to reduce barriers to accessing colon cancer screening, and that that would make March 2024, Colon Cancer Awareness Month in PA! Read more

 

Khan Brings Books to Life for Pre-K Kids

(Mar 01, 2024)

PA state Rep. Tarik Khan and his pal Grover stopped by Cook-Wissahickon School to read to students. Khan says reading to children helps them develop a lifelong love of reading, and contributes to brain development, improved creativity, and language skill building. Read more

 

Khan Presents Check to Fight Erosion

(Feb 28, 2024)

PA state Rep. Tarik Khan announces a $356,000 grant for Friends of the Wissahickon! Khan says this funding will help protect and preserve the Wissahickon for the next generation! Read more

 

State lawmakers highlight need to alleviate medical debt

(Feb 27, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 27 – Today, state Reps. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., and Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, held a news conference at the State Capitol to discuss the importance of alleviating medical debt for Pennsylvanians who need it most. Last spring, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation ( H.B. 78 ) that would establish the Pennsylvania Medical Debt Repayment Program, which would target the medical debt of low-income Pennsylvanians drowning in it and in need of relief. The legislation is currently sitting in the PA Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Medical debt relief is also a top priority for Gov. Josh Shapiro who, in his state budget address for the 2024-25 fiscal year, proposed investing $4 million to wipe it out for thousands of Pennsylvanians. State officials estimate that roughly 1 million Pennsylvanians carry some amount of medical debt. As of Dec. 2020, Pennsylvanians collectively share more than $1.8 billion in medical debt in a collections stage. “The toll of medical debt is staggering, with some reports showing that nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have gone into debt due to healthcare costs,” Khan said. “Medical debt makes us sicker because it prevents people from seeking preventative care and in some cases skipping healthcare services all together. It’s time the legislature addresses this issue that plagues countless Pennsylvanians.” Read more

 

State Rep. Tarik Khan gets funding boost from Gov. Shapiro

(Feb 26, 2024)

Rep. Khan gives a review of Gov. Shapiro's budget proposal for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year. Read more

 

Khan Celebrates Grant Funds for Roxborough Community

(Feb 23, 2024)

Pa. state Rep. Tarik Khan presented a grant of $75,000 to the Roxborough Development Corporation. Khan says that these funds will be used to help repair sidewalks and parking lots, expand parking lanes and improve the tree line on streets in the community. Read more

 

State lawmakers offer support for Pennsylvania’s Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their service

(Feb 21, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 21 – Today, state lawmakers introduced legislation that would create a task force on Agent Orange -- a blend of herbicides used during the Vietnam War. Agent Orange was banned when evidence of the harmful and sometimes deadly results of exposure to it began to emerge. Those who were exposed to Agent Orange are at risk of developing cancers, neurological and psychological conditions, and other long-term effects to the skin and heart. Exposure to Agent Orange can also cause reproductive health problems and birth defects in the children of veterans, including spina bifida, hip dysplasia, and congenital heart disease. The task force would comprise several members of military organizations and members of the PA House and PA Senate to investigate and form recommendations on how best to communicate with veterans affected by Agent Orange concerning the treatment options available to them. This bipartisan legislation was introduced by state Reps. Paul Takac, D-Centre; Mike Cabell, R-Luzerne; Brian Munroe, D-Bucks; Dane Watro, R-Schuylkill/Luzerne; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; Zachary Mako, R-Northampton/Lehigh; Chris Pielli, D-Chester; and Abby Major, R-Armstrong/Westmoreland. “We owe all those who have served our country, especially those who have been harmed as a result of their service, not only our profound respect and gratitude but an enduring commitment to serve and support them and their families. That, Read more

 

Khan: Governor's Budget Plan Makes Important Investments

(Feb 12, 2024)

Pa. state Rep. Tarik Khan joined the Philadelphia House Delegation for a press conference in response to Governor Shapiro's budget proposal. Khan says it's a bold plan that would deliver much needed funding for education, mass transit, medical debt relief and repairs to our roads and bridges. Read more

 

Khan Applauds Governor Shapiro’s Budget Plan

(Feb 08, 2024)

Pa. state Rep. Tarik Khan says the work being done by Governor Josh Shapiro and House Democrats to look after the best interests of the people of Pennsylvania is shown in the proposed state budget, with investments in healthcare, education, affordable housing and much more. Read more

 

Khan Announces $5.5 million in Grants for Queen Lane Reservoir with Mayor Parker

(Jan 25, 2024)

Pa. state Rep. Tarik Khan joined Mayor Cherelle Parker and House and Senate colleagues to Khan Announces $5.5 million in grants for Queen Lane Reservoir. Read more

 

State lawmakers aim to honor and support Pennsylvania veterans
35 minutes ago

Schlossberg and Khan Offer Opening Prayer
1 day ago

Khan to introduce bipartisan legislation to assist small businesses impacted by natural disasters
Mar 22, 2024

Khan ‘Michael’s Law’ Bill Highlighted in House Committee Hearing
Mar 21, 2024

Local Elected Officials Urge U.S. Senate to Move Forward with Adeel Mangi’s Historic Judicial Nomination, Condemn Islamophobic Attacks
Mar 20, 2024

Khan Fights to Keep Chestnut Hill West Rail Service
Mar 20, 2024

State lawmakers take legislative aim to honor Muslim and Jewish Pennsylvanians
Mar 14, 2024

Khan to roll out healthcare workforce legislative package
Mar 14, 2024

Khan Fights for Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners
Mar 08, 2024

Gallagher, Khan, Warren call for PA to update insurance laws around colorectal cancer screenings
Mar 05, 2024

Khan Encourages People to Screen for Colon Cancer
Mar 04, 2024

Khan Brings Books to Life for Pre-K Kids
Mar 01, 2024

Khan Presents Check to Fight Erosion
Feb 28, 2024

State lawmakers highlight need to alleviate medical debt
Feb 27, 2024

State Rep. Tarik Khan gets funding boost from Gov. Shapiro
Feb 26, 2024

Khan Celebrates Grant Funds for Roxborough Community
Feb 23, 2024

State lawmakers offer support for Pennsylvania’s Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their service
Feb 21, 2024

Khan: Governor's Budget Plan Makes Important Investments
Feb 12, 2024

Khan Applauds Governor Shapiro’s Budget Plan
Feb 08, 2024

Khan Announces $5.5 million in Grants for Queen Lane Reservoir with Mayor Parker
Jan 25, 2024