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House passes Kinkead prison reform bill

(Mar 27, 2024) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Legislation would ensure essential documents for formerly incarcerated people Read more

 

House sends bill to crack down on ‘ghost guns’ to Senate

(Mar 27, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas, Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, March 27 – The PA House today passed legislation ( H.B. 777 ) that aims to eliminate the proliferation of “ghost guns” in Pennsylvania and crack down on those who buy or sell them. The bill, sponsored by state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., would impose felony charges on anyone who sells or purchases a firearm or firearm parts without serial numbers. Cephas said these untraceable firearms are a main driver of crime, especially in Philadelphia. “Ghost guns are far too easily obtainable in Philadelphia and in our neighboring municipalities, leading to day-to-day gun violence in our communities that has no end,” Cephas said. “For far too long, Pennsylvania has remined singularly focused on what we do after crimes are committed with guns, rather than the unfettered access to these deadly weapons. I am thankful that the House is now moving legislation to be proactive in preventing gun violence in our communities through commonsense reforms like making it harder to sell or buy ghost guns and untraceable firearm parts.” Cephas added that the state must act because municipal governments are prevented from doing so under state law. “The preemption of local action has been a significant barrier to reducing gun violence in Philadelphia and other municipalities who are desperate to end the scourge of gun Read more

 

House approves Green’s Playground Safety Act

(Mar 27, 2024) Rep. Roni Green

HARRISBURG, March 27 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today approved legislation ( H.B. 1443 ) sponsored by state Rep. Roni Green that would make playgrounds in Pennsylvania safer. The Playground Safety Act would require the Department of Community and Economic Development to adopt regulations that would establish safety standards for the design, installation and maintenance of all playgrounds operated by Pennsylvania, as well as public, private, and charter elementary and secondary schools, and approved child-care facilities. It would also establish a statewide advisory council on playground safety to give recommendations for the implementation and enforcement of playground regulations, standards, inspections and creation of safety plan models. “Playgrounds are hubs of fun, where children and families can play and enjoy the outdoors, and communities can congregate and grow,” Green said. “They play a vital role in the development and long-term health of children. That’s why we must ensure that our playgrounds are safe. Far too often, playground equipment is prone to reaching unsafe temperatures due to intense sun that can lead to burns and discourage play. We need to fix that and make sure kids can play free from discouragement and worry.” The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee approves bills on mechanical insulation, AI content disclosure

(Mar 27, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, March 27 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee on Tuesday approved two bills, including legislation to promote the use of an energy-efficient insulating material and a measure that would alert consumers that the digital content they are viewing was generated by artificial intelligence, Majority Chairman Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the committee unanimously passed an amended version of H.B. 491 , which would facilitate the use of mechanical insulation on pipes, equipment and machinery by clarifying that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission may not reject an electric distribution company’s required energy efficiency and conservation plan solely because the plan involves mechanical insulation. “We want to encourage use of building materials that save energy, save costs and protect workers, and mechanical insulation does all of those things,” Matzie said. “We’ve been working on this bill for some time, and I’m glad it’s finally headed to the full House for consideration.” Matzie said H.B. 1598 – which was approved by a bipartisan majority of the committee – would help safeguard consumers by requiring a disclosure on all AI generated content. “The use of artificial intelligence is becoming more and more of a consumer protection Read more

 

Reps. Labs and Powell introduce bipartisan effort to expand protections for victims of violent crimes

(Mar 27, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 27 – State Reps. Shelby Labs, R-Bucks, and Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, have introduced the Victims of Violence Relocation Act. Under the legislation ( H.B. 2162 ), eligible violent crime survivors would be entitled to relocation assistance and extend the timeframe for requesting such assistance from 90 to 180 days after the crime occurred. The legislators said this would allow survivors more time to access necessary support and ensure they can utilize federal documentation to validate their need for relocation. “Increasing protections for all victims as they heal is vital,” said Labs. “This bipartisan legislation improves on the steps taken by Act 148 of 2018 and makes sure that more of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable can be supported and protected. I want to thank Representative Powell for partnering with me to introduce this crucial bill that protects victims of violent crime across the Commonwealth.” “I’m proud to partner with Representative Labs to introduce this critical legislation that will ensure survivors of violent crime have the needed agency to navigate their recovery journey,” Powell added. “My heart breaks for these victims, and it’s imperative that we take steps to alleviate unnecessary burdens to help them address their trauma.” The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence said one in three women, one in four men and nearly half of LGBTQ+ Read more

 

Bullock, Shusterman, O’Mara Equal Pay Law approved by PA House Labor & Industry Committee

(Mar 27, 2024) Rep. Donna Bullock, Rep. Melissa Shusterman, Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

HARRISBURG, March 27 – A bill ( H.B. 98 ) introduced by state Reps. Donna Bullock, Melissa Shusterman and Jenn O’Mara, known as the Equal Pay Law, which would expand protections against wage discrimination, was approved by the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee today. This legislation would prohibit employers from discriminating and paying workers less because of their gender, race or ethnicity. It would also add protections for retaliation and increase monetary penalties from $50-$200 to $2,500-$5,000 in cases where employers discharge or discriminate against an employee for filing a complaint. “It’s well known that women and people of color, and especially women of color, have been insufficiently paid in the workplace. This is despite doing the same tasks, performing the same jobs, and sometimes doing them much better than our counterparts,” said Bullock, D-Phila. “Enough is enough. The time for economic justice is now. We must move forward and ensure all Pennsylvania workers receive equal pay for equal work and eradicate wage disparity once and for all.” "We could add a staggering $482 billion to the U.S. economy by ensuring equal pay for equal work. We're talking billions in lost wages for women that they could spend on basic necessities, like food and clothing for their families,” said Shusterman, D-Chester. “Simply by Read more

 

Schweyer bill to create community solar program passes House

(Mar 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

This bill is a win-win-win for Pennsylvanians as it would open access to renewable energy, ease the amount of energy output on the grid, help protect the environment and bring in thousands of good paying jobs to the commonwealth. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Mar 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: Funds for the proposed program must be used to support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence and may be used for needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals Funds: Funding is contingent upon the availability of funds in the FY 2024-25 budget. Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street railway police, airport authority police, and county park police. Use: Funding is explicitly to support Act 120 training and recruitment activities for law enforcement officers that will take place between Oct. 19, 2023 and June 30, 2025. Funds: $14 million in Read more

 

Fleming announces nearly $319,000 in state support for road project in Lower Paxton Township

(Mar 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, announced today that $318,750 in state funding was awarded to make safety improvements at the Prince Street and Houcks Road intersection with Jonestown Road in Lower Paxton Township. The grant was awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. “Jonestown Road is the lifeline of Lower Paxton Township, serving as both home to many small businesses as well as serving as residents’ connector to Harrisburg and beyond,” Fleming said. “I am therefore very glad to see this nearly $319,000 in state funding awarded so the township can make critical roadway improvements on Jonestown Road, making the road easier and safer for motorists and pedestrians to travel to get groceries for the week or commute to family-sustaining jobs.” The CFA’s Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure the commonwealth has a safe and reliable system of transportation. Funds may be used to develop, rehabilitate, and enhance transportation assets to existing communities, including streetscape, lighting, and sidewalk enhancement; implement pedestrian safety projects; improve the connectivity of transportation assets; and foster transit-oriented development. The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Read more

 

Ciresi announces $335K in state funding for Royersford trail

(Mar 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, March 26 – An effective advocate for economic development and outdoor recreation in Montgomery County, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced $335,000 in state funding has been awarded to Riverfront at Royersford LLC, to help construct a trail in Royersford Borough and Limerick Township. “The construction of a trail along the beautiful Schuylkill River will expand opportunities for outdoor recreation along our Schuylkill River waterfront,” Ciresi said. “The trail will be part of a proposed interconnected trail and sidewalk network connecting Limerick Township, the downtowns of Royersford and Spring City, and the Schuylkill River Trail, improving walkability and connectivity, and enhancing the quality of life in this area of Montgomery County. This state funding is a wise investment in Montgomery County’s future.” The money, from the Multimodal Transportation Fund approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, will be used to complete Phase II construction of an 8-foot-wide trail along the Schuylkill River in Royersford Borough and Limerick Township, accommodating both pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Riverfront at Royersford LLC previously received $330,000 to begin Phase 1 of the trail construction by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program in 2021. Phase 1 of the trail planned for the construction of 1,740 linear feet ending just short of the Limerick Read more

 

Isaacson bill to expand dual enrollment for students passes House

(Mar 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 1434 would establish the Dual Credit and Equity Grant Program to provide grants to colleges and universities for expansion of their free dual credit programs, increase access to college course materials at no cost, and ensure that high school students easily transition to college level work. Read more

 

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation

(Mar 25, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Elizabeth Fiedler, Rick Krajewski and Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris, all D-Phila., today introduced H.B. 1769 that would seal some records in certain cases such as no-fault evictions. “Millions of renters across the commonwealth are struggling to find housing because one mistake or emergency had led to an eviction on their records,” Smith-Wade-El said. “After these no-fault evictions, households often struggle -- sometimes for months -- to find housing, which can result in devastating consequences, including the breakup of families, the loss of employment, and even ending up homeless. This legislation would help give Pennsylvania renters a fair chance at finding housing by establishing procedures for limited access to eviction records. Our Fair Housing Access legislation is a commonsense step that would make it easier for working-class Pennsylvanians to access housing.” According to the legislators, as soon as an eviction is filed, it becomes a permanent mark on someone’s background, making harder to find housing. The record remains even if the case was withdrawn, the tenant endured domestic violence, or the court found in favor of the tenant. Smith-Wade-El said that evictions disrupt workforce development for large swaths of communities and strain existing social support systems throughout the state. These records can put vulnerable Read more

 

House passes Kosierowski medical test results bill

(Mar 25, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

"This legislation would require providers to inform patients that they will be receiving their test results in their electronic health record, or that they can ask the provider to mail the results to them,” said Kosierowski. Read more

 

Paul Robeson Day resolution unanimously approved by PA House tourism committee

(Mar 25, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, March 25 – A resolution ( H.R. 331 ) sponsored by state Rep. Rick Krajewski that would declare April 9, 2024, as “Paul Robeson Day” in Pennsylvania was unanimously approved by the Pennsylvania House Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development Committee today. The resolution would recognize one of the Commonwealth’s most extraordinary artists and champions of social justice by recognizing his birthday, April 9, as Paul Robeson Day, said Krajewski. “A radical in the best sense of the word, Robeson was one of the most inspiring musicians, actors, athletes, lawyers and fierce fighters for mass liberation of the 20th century,” Krajewski said. “As a Black socialist, Robeson is a long-time personal hero of mine. I can think of no one more deserving of recognition from our state House.” Robeson graduated high school as valedictorian, won a scholarship to Rutgers University, where he also graduated as valedictorian, earned a JD from Columbia Law School, played in the National Football League and performed in critically acclaimed theatrical productions simultaneously. He went on to become a globally renowned singer and activist, founding the American Crusade Against Lynching and receiving the NAACP’s Spingarn medal for his activism in the early Civil Rights movement. Robeson spent his last decade living in West Philadelphia at the now Read more

 

Madden appointed chair of PA House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee

(Mar 21, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest older populations in the country and we have a variety of successful programs to assist those residents. Being chair of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee will put me at the forefront of any discussions that involve maintaining and improving those state services. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate as well as officials in the Shapiro administration on older adult issues moving forward,” said Madden. Read more

 

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

(Mar 21, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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

 

Kim appointed to chair House Insurance Committee

(Mar 20, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 20 – State Rep. Patty Kim today was appointed chair of the House Insurance Committee by Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton. The Insurance Committee has jurisdiction over the state Department of Insurance, the State Workmen’s Insurance Board and the Underground Storage Indemnification Fund. The committee reviews bills that regulate home, auto and health insurance, as well as fraternal society group benefits. “It is an honor to serve in this new capacity,” said Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland. “The insurance sector is a vital part of every Pennsylvanian’s life, and I’ll continue to weigh in on matters related to it on behalf of my fellow citizens and constituents first. “Our legislative priorities show our commitment to better government and a better Pennsylvania, and I’m excited to bring that energy to the people. Being in the majority means that the committee will continue advancing legislation to help workers, tax and rate payers, families, seniors and children alike.” Kim is a former news anchor, reporter and Harrisburg city councilwoman who was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 2012 and has been a leader in government reform and transparency. She was the first Asian American to serve as chair of a Pennsylvania House committee. She created and served as the first chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Asian Pacific American Caucus. She also is the 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) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises approval of increase in public transit funding

(Mar 20, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation were an integral part of the state House of Representatives’ approval of a proposed increase in recurring funds for public transportation in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Otten, Abney prepare House bills to enact Shapiro administration energy plan

(Mar 20, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 20 – State Reps. Danielle Friel Otten and Aerion Abney have begun circulating House legislative sponsorship memos advancing the Shapiro administration’s bold new energy plan for Pennsylvania, which was announced last week . The legislators each introduced a core component of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s initiative: the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) and Pennsylvania Climate Emission Reduction (PACER) Program . PRESS would continue the successful elements of Pennsylvania’s forward thinking but outdated Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards while making them more inclusive -- adding nuclear power and next-generation technologies such as fusion, as well as incentivizing lower emissions for gas-fired power plants. It would require Pennsylvania to get 50% of its electricity from a diverse range of energy resources by 2035, including 35% from solar, wind, small modular reactors, and fusion; 10% from sources like large hydropower and battery storage; and 5% from natural gas and other alternative fuels. “Sustainable standards are a conversation that’s been underway since my first year in the legislature, and I’m extremely glad that a serious discussion has come to the forefront,” said Otten, D-Chester . “The collective attention on this issue is promising. As a lead sponsor on the governor’s proposed plan in the House, I feel well positioned to assure that Read more

 

House passes Kinkead prison reform bill
Mar 27, 2024

House sends bill to crack down on ‘ghost guns’ to Senate
Mar 27, 2024

House approves Green’s Playground Safety Act
Mar 27, 2024

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee approves bills on mechanical insulation, AI content disclosure
Mar 27, 2024

Reps. Labs and Powell introduce bipartisan effort to expand protections for victims of violent crimes
Mar 27, 2024

Bullock, Shusterman, O’Mara Equal Pay Law approved by PA House Labor & Industry Committee
Mar 27, 2024

Schweyer bill to create community solar program passes House
Mar 26, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Mar 26, 2024

Fleming announces nearly $319,000 in state support for road project in Lower Paxton Township
Mar 26, 2024

Ciresi announces $335K in state funding for Royersford trail
Mar 26, 2024

Isaacson bill to expand dual enrollment for students passes House
Mar 26, 2024

House Democrats Introduce Eviction Record Sealing Legislation
Mar 25, 2024

House passes Kosierowski medical test results bill
Mar 25, 2024

Paul Robeson Day resolution unanimously approved by PA House tourism committee
Mar 25, 2024

Madden appointed chair of PA House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee
Mar 21, 2024

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

Kim appointed to chair House Insurance Committee
Mar 20, 2024

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

Philadelphia House Delegation praises approval of increase in public transit funding
Mar 20, 2024

Otten, Abney prepare House bills to enact Shapiro administration energy plan
Mar 20, 2024