HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – Members of the Pennsylvania House Fire & EMS Caucus applauded this week’s House passage of Rep. Joe Ciresi’s firefighter cancer screening bill. House Bill 2826 would establish the Firefighter Cancer Screening Program to support cancer screenings for eligible professional and volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania. Occupational cancer is a significant health risk for firefighters, who are exposed to known cancer-causing toxins such as PFAS and others through the use of firefighting foams and protective gear. Scott, a volunteer firefighter and co-chair of the Fire and EMS Caucus, said this new program would make it easier for firefighters to access critical tests that can lead to earlier detection and treatment. “The increased cancer risk faced by our firefighters is a known problem in the first-responder community,” said Scott. “But these dedicated men and women choose to serve their communities anyway. We need to protect those who protect us. Establishing a cancer screening program opens important screening tests to firefighters who may not be able to afford them otherwise.” “Early detection makes a real difference in someone’s cancer journey, but that only matters if people can actually access the services they need,” said state Rep. Lisa Borowski, co-chair of the Fire & EMS Caucus. “This measure Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) + Building Opportunities for Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Combined Grant Program Who May Apply: Community-based nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status (VIP or BOOST), municipality, county, or district attorney’s office (VIP only), institute of higher education (VIP only), school district or career and technical center (BOOST only), library (BOOST only). Use: VIP + BOOST funds can be used to support a wide range of eligible activities designed to reduce and respond to community violence Funds: Approximately $58 million in state funding is available, with no less than $11.5 million designated for BOOST funding. Application Deadline: December 10, 2026 More information: PCCD website PennDOT: Green Light-Go Program Who May Apply: Municipalities and planning organizations. Use: To improve existing traffic control signals, such as LED replacement, traffic signal retiming, and studies, among other projects. Funds: Up to $40 million is available and projects require a 20% match. Application Deadline: Pre-application scoping forms will be accepted until January 4, 2027. PennDOT will provide comments by February 26, 2027. The full application window will be between March 1, 2027, and March 31, 2027. More information: PennDOT website Pennsylvania Creative Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 19 – The PA House Communications & Technology Committee today held a hearing on two bills that would regulate safety practices for the most capable “frontier” AI models. Read more
ROYERSFORD, Oct. 7 – Two local parks will be rehabilitated and improved thanks to new funding state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, secured from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: $263,000 for Sanatoga Park in Lower Pottsgrove Township and $250,000 for Pollock Park in Pottstown Borough. “This funding will make these two parks even more welcoming spaces for residents of all ages,” Ciresi said. “At Sanatoga Park, it will add walkways and a pavilion for community events. At Pollock Park, it will help advance Phase II of the redevelopment. Both projects will give our communities more opportunities for recreation and spaces for families and friends to gather.” At Sanatoga Park, funding will be used to construct a pavilion and pedestrian walkways; install play equipment with required safety surfacing, stormwater management measures, fencing, lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, signage and other related site improvements. The Pollock Park grant will fund the construction of pedestrian walkways and parking area; install play equipment with required safety surfacing, stormwater management measures and fencing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. The funding comes from DCNR’s Environmental Stewardship Fund, which goes to support state parks, conservation and outdoor recreation. More information about the ESF and other Community Conservation Partnership Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – Smart glasses would have to indicate when they are recording and would be prohibited from using biometric identification, and AI chatbots would be prohibited in children’s toys for three years, under legislation advanced today by the PA House Communications & Technology Committee, committee chair state Rep. Joe Ciresi announced. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – The House Communications & Technology Committee today advanced a Senate bill that would require the disclosure of content generated or substantially modified by artificial intelligence, or AI, when used to sell consumer goods. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, last week introduced H.B. 2821 , which would give residents a say in whether high-impact data centers are approved in their communities. “Data centers can have substantial impacts on local infrastructure, electricity demand and water resources,” Ciresi said. “Pennsylvania residents should be able to have a meaningful opportunity to decide whether a large-scale data center development would be appropriate for their community.” The bill would amend the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to require municipalities to put the approval of a proposed high impact data center before voters in a local referendum. To make sure voters are informed, a detailed description of the development would appear on the ballot before the referendum question. “This measure would increase transparency, strengthen local decision-making, and give communities a direct voice in determining whether high impact data center developments are appropriate for their municipality,” Ciresi said. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation last week that would require clear toll-rate signage on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. “Currently, motorists on the Pennsylvania Turnpike have no information about what their tolls will cost while they’re driving,” Ciresi said. “My legislation would ensure that motorists have clear, readily visible information about the toll they will be charged.” Ciresi noted that tolls are determined by vehicle classification, including axle count and, for certain tolls, vehicle height. House Bill 2794 was referred to the state House Transportation Committee. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – The House Communications & Technology Committee today approved three measures out of committee, including legislation regarding the use of disclosure of AI content, video streaming and driverless vehicles, Majority Chair Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced. “The legislation the committee approved today will help protect consumers from misinformation by AI-generated content and from disturbingly loud advertisements on streaming services,” Ciresi said. “We’ve also advanced a resolution to help prepare Pennsylvania for the potential impact of driverless vehicles and personal delivery devices on safety and jobs.” The legislation approved during today’s committee meeting were: House Bill 2534 (Ortitay, Ciresi) – Provides for AI disclosure by requiring providers of generative AI platforms to embed provenance metadata to track content created or modified by AI and offer AI detection tools, and requires large online platforms to detect and disclose AI-generated or modified content based on available provenance data. House Bill 2790 (Fiedler, Shaffer) – Prohibits video streaming services from transmitting commercial advertisements at a volume louder than their accompanying video content. House Resolution 563 (Waxman) – Directs the Joint State Government Commission to study the potential impact of driverless vehicles and personal delivery devices on Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 28 – The Pennsylvania House Communications & Technology Committee held a public hearing today on state Rep. Joe Ciresi’s H.B. 2637 that would bar manufacturing, distributing, selling or leasing a children’s toy with a generative AI chatbot in Pennsylvania for three years. “There is too much that we don’t know yet about the effects of AI companions on children, but the early warning signs are severe,” Ciresi said. “The toys that we’ve already seen on the market have been found to say things that could put children in danger, produce sexually explicit outputs, and violate the privacy of children and their families with irresponsible data collection and storage practices - without even getting into the long-term effects on child development. The risks are too high to treat our children as test subjects for this developing technology.” The committee heard from subject matter experts supporting and challenging the legislation. Supporters of the bill included: Dr. Mitch Prinstein, John Van Seters distinguished professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and co-director of the Winston Center on Technology and Brain Development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Dana Suskind, professor of surgery and pediatrics and founder and co-director of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health, University of Chicago. Rachel Franz, Young Read more
September 28, 2026 Public Hearing Packet Read more
ROYERSFORD, Sept. 16 - State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that that $1.8 million in state grants has been awarded for worthwhile projects and equipment purchases in the 146th Legislative District. “I am proud that my advocacy has secured funding that will help enhance community life and protect public safety,” Ciresi said. “These grants will fund critical community projects—without raising taxes on residents,” Ciresi said. Grant recipients and projects are: $1,000,000 for Lower Pottsgrove Township to create an inclusive playground at Sanatoga Park. $550,000 for Pottstown Borough/Good Will Steam Fire Engine Company #1 to purchase a fire engine. $250,000 for Pottstown Borough to repair the stormwater arch at 657 Beech Street at the intersection of Grant Street. The grants awarded today come from Local Share Account funds which are approved and distributed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority . Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 14 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today introduced legislation ( H.B. 2772 ) that would designate the North Hanover Street Bridge in Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County, as the Commander Job W. Price Memorial Bridge. A graduate of Pottstown High School and a former Navy SEAL, Commander Job W. Price was the recipient of numerous recognitions for valor. After nearly 20 years of service, Price succumbed to non-combat-related injuries in December 2012 while supporting village stability operations in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. “Commander Price represents the best of us -- intelligence, integrity, and love of country dedicated in service to the United States,” Ciresi said. “By renaming the bridge in his honor, we commemorate his life and signal to all who pass over it the virtues by which we should live.” Read more
INDIANA, Aug. 20 – The House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting in Indiana, Pa. Tuesday to learn about broadband affordability and access in Pennsylvania. “Low-cost, high-speed broadband is fundamental to a healthy and prosperous Pennsylvania. From helping Pennsylvania residents get the training necessary to be competitive in the workforce and be able to access essential services that will keep their families healthy to enabling our industries to capitalize on new economic opportunities and support our workforce, broadband equity is central to Pennsylvania’s future,” said Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, House Communications & Technology Committee Majority chair. “As the world hurtles forward along the information superhighway, our low-income and rural residents are being left behind due to the high cost of broadband and a lack of infrastructure. Investment in low-cost, high-speed broadband will help ensure the even development of Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting the growth of strong, healthy communities throughout the commonwealth for years to come.” Speakers included: Sharene Hess, Indiana County commissioner Jody Rainey, principal, Homer-Center Jr/Sr High School John B. Horrigan, Ph.D., senior fellow, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Christopher Ali, Ph.D., pioneers chair in telecommunications, Pennsylvania State University Dustin Bishop, project Read more
ROYERSFORD, Aug. 18 – House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today issued a statement applauding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order holding data center developers accountable and protecting Pennsylvanians: “I applaud Governor Shapiro’s executive order to protect Pennsylvanians from unregulated data center development in the face of Senate Republican inaction on legislation passed by the House. “I was pleased that the executive order incorporates provisions from my bill prohibiting non-disclosure agreements between data centers and public officials. These protections will help ensure that the public is no longer kept in the dark about how data centers could affect their communities, environment and quality of life. “This executive order will foster the accountability, transparency and public involvement Pennsylvania needs for data center development to move forward.” Read more
August 18, 2026 Informational Meeting Packet Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 12 – The PA House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting in State College Tuesday to learn about the potential benefits that the development of quantum technologies could bring to Pennsylvania. Quantum technology uses quantum physics to create new capabilities in computing, sensing, communications, and cybersecurity that current technologies cannot achieve. “Quantum technologies are the next frontier, and we owe it to Pennsylvania and its people to connect and scale up the tremendous assets we already have -- our universities, manufacturers, technology, and people -- to develop the commonwealth into a world-class leader in the industry,” state Rep. Joe Ciresi, the committee’s chairman, said. “When Pennsylvania leads in innovation, our residents will reap substantial dividends for decades in high-paying jobs and stronger communities. “A key benefit of acting now before the quantum economy arrives is that we can ensure we have the right workforce education and training in place so that our residents can benefit from jobs in emerging and future technologies, but also so that our state and local governments are resilient and prepared for the very real cybersecurity risks that quantum computing will bring.” Speakers included: Matt Brandsema, associate research professor and Quantum & Multiphysics Department head, Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State Jen Read more
August 11, 2026 Informational Meeting Packet--Quantum Technologies Read more
ROYERSFORD, Aug. 5 – A longtime advocate for infrastructure investments in Pottstown, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that Pottstown will receive a Green Light-Go grant of $ 632,000 to modernize traffic signals and improve pedestrian accessibility. The funding will support upgrades at the intersections of Route 100 and King Street and Route 100 and Shoemaker Road, enhancing pedestrian safety, improving traffic flow and increasing accessibility for residents and visitors. “This funding will make Pottstown a safer, more connected place,” Ciresi said. “Modernized traffic signals and improved pedestrian accessibility will increase safety and improve mobility to create a more welcoming community for those who live and work here while supporting the borough’s continued economic growth.” The Greenlight-Go Program is a competitive state grant program designed to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals in Pennsylvania and is administered by the state Transportation Department. Applicants are required to provide a 20% match. Funding may be used for traffic signal retiming; study and removal of unwarranted traffic-control signals; monitoring of traffic signal corridors; innovative technologies; installation, upgrade or maintenance of traffic signal communication systems; upgrade or installation of detection systems and controllers; modernization upgrades; implementation of intelligent Read more
HARRISBURG, July 22 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Lee James, R-Venango/Crawford, have introduced House Bill 2709 to increase annual funding for Pennsylvania's Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program (EEEP) by $2 million, from $24 million to $26 million, to attract more touring Broadway productions to the commonwealth. According to Ciresi and James, touring Broadway productions require weeks of technical rehearsals and tour preparations, resulting in extended stays for visiting artists, crew and staff. These long stays generate significant business for local hospitality, restaurant and service businesses. Productions also create new jobs for Pennsylvania workers, including union stagehands, truck drivers, technicians, and other support staff. The EEEP currently provides a tax credit equal to 35% of qualified Pennsylvania expenditures for show design, construction, and operations. If enacted, House Bill 2709 would increase funding to enable venues like the Pittsburgh Cultural District and the Kimmel Center to host more Broadway tour launches. Each production can bring in more than 100 visiting artists and staff where they would work alongside local crews for several weeks. Ciresi and James point to Ohio as an example of the bill’s potential impact. In 2025, Ohio invested $3.5 million in tax incentives to attract four Broadway tours. The funded projects are expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs, generate $150 million in Read more
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