News Center

PA SAFE Caucus calls for gun safety reforms needed in Pennsylvania

(Mar 14, 2018) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, March 14 – PA SAFE Caucus members today outlined their legislative goals related to gun safety reform during a Capitol news conference, one month following the deadly school shooting in Parkland, Fla., and coinciding with a national student walkout calling for immediate changes to gun laws across the country. Lawmakers spoke about their frustrations with trying to pass commonsense legislation as well as specific House bills that they would like to see move from committee. “The time is now to finally say enough is enough — to listen to the students whose wisdom and bravery is inspirational,” said PA SAFE Co-chair Madeleine Dean , D-Montgomery. “We can and must do something to combat this gun violence epidemic, not just to prevent mass shootings like in Parkland, but to combat the everyday violence that claims 33,000 lives a year in this country, and injures 80,000 others in the crossfire.” Members expressed their expectations ahead of a special set of hearings on gun laws scheduled for the week of April 9. "We are pleased to see that the House Judiciary Committee will give members a chance to speak about important gun safety proposals,” said PA SAFE Co-chair Dan Frankel , D-Allegheny. “But we also know that a hearing is not enough – we expect the chance to vet some of these bills on the House floor in the very near future.” “Family and close friends are often the first to notice early Read more

 

Frankel: Teamwork brought restoration of Pittsburgh local control

(Feb 12, 2018) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 12 – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, commended the teamwork that led to today's restoration of local control over Pittsburgh's city finances. "This is good news for our city and reflects the optimism felt locally for the future of the region. This restoration of local control is the result of the hard work of responsible leadership, not only by Mayor Bill Peduto but also City Council. I thank Governor Tom Wolf for working with the city and with Pittsburgh's representatives and senators in Harrisburg to make this happen," Frankel said. ### Read more

 

Frankel welcomes Wolf's proposed increases for education, opioid treatment

(Feb 06, 2018) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, is welcoming the proposed funding increases for education and opioid treatment in the budget plan Gov. Tom Wolf fully unveiled today, as well as his renewed call for a severance tax on natural-gas drilling. Frankel said: "We've made so much progress in Governor Wolf's three years in restoring the Corbett-Republican education cuts to K-12 education and our state-owned and state-related universities, including Pitt. But there's more to do. And I'm glad to see the governor will be calling for tens of millions of dollars in new funding to build on the work we've already done to tackle the heroin and opioid crisis – we can't count on the Trump administration to deliver anything more than words on that front. Some of the counties hit hardest by the heroin and opioid crisis are in southwestern Pennsylvania, and Governor Wolf continues to recognize how important addressing it is to our region. "Governor Wolf is also right to call again for passing a commonsense severance tax on natural-gas drilling to help meet our needs such as education and balancing our budget. All other major natural-gas states – including neighboring Ohio and West Virginia – have such a tax. It's only right for Pennsylvania families to have the same measure of fairness, by having these companies pay their fair share of taxes here." ### Read more

 

Frankel encouraged by the new agreement between UPMC, Highmark

(Jan 05, 2018) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 5 – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, released the following statement regarding health care access in western Pennsylvania: "I’m encouraged by Governor Wolf’s announcement that UPMC and Highmark have agreed to terms to ensure consumers will continue to have access to critical, unique services in our region moving forward. "I’m grateful for the governor’s leadership in protecting consumer access to our community facilities and I’m cautiously optimistic that this will solve some of the access issues facing western Pennsylvanians as the end of the existing consent decree approaches in 2019. "It is my understanding that the agreement provides in-network access to one-of-a-kind UPMC facilities including Western Psychiatric Institute, UPMC Center for Assistive Technology, UPMC Center for Excellence for treatment of Cystic Fibrosis and other important facilities. "We know that both providers and consumers suffer when patients can’t see their long-time doctors and when doctors can’t care for their long-time patients. Communities also suffer when asked to double the number of specialty hospitals because access is denied at the ones that already exist. "I’m hopeful that this agreement will ease many of the burdens faced by consumers in western Pennsylvania and I will continue to monitor this situation very closely and do what I can to help ensure that Read more

 

Frankel announces $500,000 state grant for Carnegie Science Center

(Dec 22, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 22 – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, today announced a $500,000 state grant to benefit the Carnegie Science Center with an expansion of its 25-year-old facility, including nine classrooms. Frankel said the grant will help Carnegie Institute/Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh fund a 48,000-square-foot science center addition, including a traveling exhibits gallery, and space for special programs and events. Also on tap, according to Frankel, is conversion of the film-based Omnimax theater to a giant-screen 3D digital theater, along with improvements to the main entry, group welcome center, café and riverfront – as well as new and refreshed exhibits and programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. “This is an exciting upgrade to one of our region’s finest attractions, and I’m pleased to see the state recognizing the Carnegie Science Center’s educational value and importance,” Frankel said. “This RACP grant will help ensure that the facility stays state-of-the art now, and for future generations. This will also help with encouraging STEM learning from a young age.” Frankel thanked Gov. Tom Wolf for releasing the funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget, for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement Read more

 

2018 Capitol Scenes Calendar

(Dec 18, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

Click here and download Rep. Frankel's 2018 Capitol Scenes Calendar. Read more

 

Legislators Announce Agenda for Women’s Health

(Dec 12, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – The Women’s Health Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral legislative group supporting women’s health issues, today introduced this session's Pennsylvania Agenda for Women’s Health in a news conference. The agenda is a package of bills supported by the caucus. Caucus co-chairs state Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks; and state Reps. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and Frank Farry, R-Bucks, were joined by outside advocates to discuss the agenda. The Agenda for Women’s Health covers a broad range of proposals that advance three main goals to enhance the health and well-being of women, families and communities: safety and dignity; economic security; and access to health services across the lifespan. “The Women’s Health Agenda is about empowering the 6.5 million women living in Pennsylvania,” Schwank said. “These bills will help them, and, in turn, help Pennsylvania prosper. The ability for our state to grow culturally and economically depends on how we face new challenges. The Women’s Health Caucus recognizes that we cannot afford attitudes and practices that hamper, stifle and waste the talent, skills and creativity women – and sometimes only women – can bring to the table.” Women’s Health Caucus co-chair Sen. Chuck McIlhinney, R-Bucks, said: “Members from all political parties have a shared interest in empowering women to live healthier, happier lives. It is encouraging Read more

 

Frankel, health advocates: Obamacare open enrollment starts Wednesday, Nov. 1; Opportunity to get covered or find a better plan

(Oct 30, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 30 – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and health advocates today promoted the upcoming open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act coverage. " Even with the shorter time period this year and a steep cutback in advertising , open enrollment is still an opportunity for many Pennsylvanians to get covered or find a better plan. I don't want anyone in western Pennsylvania to miss out," Frankel said. Leslie Bachurski, director of consumer navigation at the Consumer Health Coalition, said, “The key things people should know about the Affordable Care Act are that the law has not changed and that open enrollment has been shortened to only six weeks. People have a lot of questions right now, and navigators are a great local resource for getting the facts straight. Our navigators are working hard to be available in the community during open enrollment and help the enrollment process run as smoothly as possible.” People can shop for plans on www.healthcare.gov or find a local navigator at https://localhelp.healthcare.gov . The Squirrel Hill Health Center hosted today's news conference. CEO Susan Friedberg Kalson said, "Squirrel Hill Health Center welcomes the opportunity to highlight the upcoming open enrollment period for ACA Marketplace insurance plans. In addition to providing comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health and dental services to all, regardless of insurance status or Read more

 

Equality Caucus: Shame on Pa. senators for putting transgender kids at risk

(Oct 18, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel, Rep. Brian K. Sims

HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – Leaders of the legislature's LGBT Equality Caucus said the state senators who voted today to deny health care to transgender young people should be ashamed of themselves. "Shame on every senator who voted to add discrimination against trans young people to what had been a simple, clean, bipartisan renewal of the Children's Health Insurance Program, a commonsense, popular program that covers hundreds of thousands of kids in Pennsylvania," said co-chair Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny. House Bill 1388 passed the House 194-0 in June. Today, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee voted to add an amendment that would deny reimbursement for gender or sex reassignment surgery, transition services, including physician's services, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, prescription drugs or even counseling services. Co-chair Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery/Delaware, said, "You wouldn't deny a child an appendectomy, or a cast for a broken leg, or reconstructive surgery for a cleft palate. Why block some of our most vulnerable kids from getting vital medical care? This amendment is evidence of a profound lack of understanding of transgender children's medical needs." Rep. Brian Sims, D-Phila., the only out LGBT member of the legislature, said, "This bill picks on some of the most vulnerable children in Pennsylvania. This bill is the opposite of pro-family. This bill would cut off funds for Read more

 

Frankel: Trump health care sabotage means higher premiums, less coverage

(Oct 13, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 13 – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, today said President Trump's latest actions to undermine the Affordable Care Act's protections are sabotage. "President Trump is responsible for the mess he is creating. It's the Pottery Barn rule: 'you break it, you own it,'" Frankel said. "The president's actions at the end of this week are a one-two punch aimed at dismantling health care access for millions. First, he signed an order allowing for plans that don’t provide essential health benefits and now we know that he will withhold crucial cost-sharing payments, which is likely to throw the health care marketplace into turmoil. "The requirement for essential health benefits matters because Pennsylvanians have been confident that if they buy health insurance, it will allow them to access the care they need, including maternity care, mental health services and emergency room coverage. "Most importantly, the requirement ensured that children can go to the dentist and the eye doctor, to make sure that any problems get caught early so they can grow and thrive. These types of basic care are essential to health coverage. "Now, the Trump administration is destroying that promise by allowing junk plans to count as 'insurance' again. So we'll go back to the bad old days of people often not finding out about holes in their coverage until it's too late. Read more

 

Frankel Stands up for Crime Victims

(Sep 26, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

Pa state Rep. Dan Frankel offered an amendment to exempt victims of crime – including children and veterans - from a bill (H.B. 1095) that would impose new requirements on people who need public assistance. The Republican-majority House narrowly voted down his amendment. Read more

 

Frankel urges Congress to pass comprehensive DREAM Act in light of President Trump’s ‘callous’ decision to end DACA

(Sep 06, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 6 – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, released the following statement regarding President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program: “As has been the case far too often over the last eight months, I am disheartened and frankly, disgusted, over President Trump’s decision to end DACA and upend the lives of hundreds of thousands of hard-working, tax-paying young people in the United States. “This action is callous and showcases a vacuum of true leadership to address the needs of our society in the 21 st century. “In light of the president’s decision, I will lend my voice to other community leaders to call on Congress to pass a stand-alone DREAM Act that creates substantive, lasting and compassionate changes to immigration policy. “The numbers speak for themselves: Ending DACA means 800,000 young people, including 6,000 Pennsylvanians, who’ve spent the majority of their lives in the United States will be denied the right to live in the only country many of them have ever really known. It also means a loss to Pennsylvania of more than $350 million in gross domestic product from the labor and market participation of young people who earn their livelihoods and build a life here. “We need to speak out loudly for our values. If we, as a nation, believe in the ideals of growth and enterprise, then how do we benefit Read more

 

Frankel renews call to strengthen Pa. hate crimes law in light of Charlottesville tragedy

(Aug 14, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 14 – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, released the following statement regarding the tragic events in Charlottesville, Va., this past weekend: "I am heartbroken over the hatred and ugliness that was displayed by white supremacist groups in Charlottesville, Virginia, this weekend, and I am saddened for the family of Heather Heyer, who was the victim of a domestic act of terrorism while expressing her freedom of speech. "Recent events serve as an important reminder that we need stronger protections in Pennsylvania, in light of the apparent uptick in neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups. For that reason, I’m calling on Republican leaders in the Pennsylvania General Assembly to schedule a vote on legislation to strengthen our hate crimes law ( H.B. 505 / S.B. 96 ). We must show our unity and resolve on this issue by passing meaningful legislation that will help protect all Pennsylvanians from heinous acts of hate. "There is an instilled duty in all of us to address this hatred we see around us, and to challenge those who seek to destroy our land of unity, peace and equality. We must all do more each day, including our president whose anemic response to Saturday’s tragic events calls into question his fitness for the job and his understanding of American values. He failed to call evil by its name and to strongly condemn those fully responsible for this weekend’s violence. I’d recommend Read more

 

Rep. Frankel's Telephone Town Hall - July 27, 2017

(Jul 28, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

Rep. Frankel talks to thousands of area citizens about the issues that matter during his Telephone Town Hall Read more

 

Pa. LGBT Equality Caucus: Trump adding to string of broken promises, this time to trans service members

(Jul 26, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel, Rep. Brian K. Sims

HARRISBURG, July 26 – Members of the Pennsylvania legislature's LGBT Equality Caucus are denouncing President Trump's announcement that he will discriminate against transgender people who serve or wish to serve in the U.S. military. State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus, said, "This is discrimination, adding to a string of broken Trump promises, this time one he made to LGBT Americans, and it's a waste of tax dollars and the talents and abilities of thousands of Americans who just want to serve their country. "A news report has already confirmed this morning that this is just a cynical political ploy . And it's unlikely to work, as former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory's example shows – he lost re-election in 2016 in a swing state after discriminating against LGBT citizens. I would add that the health-care cost argument is false , like so many other things the president says or tweets. In addition, 18 other countries allow transgender people to serve – including several of our NATO allies and Israel – and who takes security more seriously than Israel? Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery/Delaware, co-chair of the caucus, said, "Thousands of transgender Americans currently serve honorably in our military, yet President Trump claims they are a 'disruption.' Perhaps when he claimed he would have the LGBTQ community's back, he was already planning to stab them in Read more

 

Frankel to hold telephone town hall July 27

(Jul 19, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

PITTSBURGH, July 19 – State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, invites residents of the 23rd Legislative District to participate in a live Tele-Town Hall meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 27. The district includes part or all of these Pittsburgh neighborhoods: Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, Greenfield, Oakland, Point Breeze and Regent Square. Residents of Frankel's district will receive an automated phone call at about 7 p.m. that day inviting them to join the meeting. To participate, people simply need to remain on the line once they receive the call. "This is a great way to bring district residents into a community discussion in a more convenient way for them, without them having to leave the comfort of their homes,” Frankel said. "I look forward to talking with my constituents about a variety of issues that have an impact on them and their families. I enjoy meeting with constituents in person as well, and groups that would like to invite me to speak should contact my office at 412-422-1774." During the live event, Frankel will discuss and take questions on a variety of state issues, and participants will be asked to weigh in on poll questions using their touch-tone phones. Anyone who doesn’t have a chance to speak during the phone meeting will be able to record a question at its conclusion. Questions will be forwarded to Frankel's office for a future response. Those interested also may email questions to Frankel before the Tele-Town Read more

 

Frankel: Pa. needs to know impact of health-care repeal; urges Senate to include his amendment

(Jun 30, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, June 30 – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, was disappointed that House Republicans voted down an amendment he offered Thursday to require a proposed new independent state Medicaid director's office to issue a report on how the repeal of the Affordable Care Act would affect Pennsylvanians. "I’m amazed that House Republicans refused to include my common-sense amendment, but I hope the Senate will be wiser and agree that this study should be an essential duty for the proposed office," Frankel said. "I have not decided whether I can support this bill even if my language is added because the bill greatly limits the role of the governor, who is accountable to voters statewide, in making decisions about Medicaid in Pennsylvania." The Republican-controlled House is moving H.B. 1354, which would create the new Office of the Independent Medical Assistance Director to oversee the state's Medicaid program. On Thursday, the House defeated along party lines Frankel’s amendment, which would have required the new director to issue a report within 60 days of his or her confirmation about the impact of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act on Pennsylvania and its residents. "We know that more than 700,000 Pennsylvanians have gained Medicaid coverage thanks to its expansion under the Affordable Care Act," Frankel said. "We have to know the impact of a repeal, especially if it cuts Read more

 

Frankel Recognizes Pride Month

(Jun 21, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

Pa. state Rep. Dan Frankel spoke after the first-ever PA House adoption of a resolution recognizing LGBT Pride Month. He's also sponsoring the Fairness Act, which would ban anti-LGBT discrimination statewide in employment, housing and public accommodations. Read more

 

Frankel announces $28,517 state grant for Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum

(May 30, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, May 30 – State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, today announced the award of a $28,517 grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust Inc. Frankel said the Cultural and Historical Support Grant comes from a five-year-old program designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museum community by supporting general operations of entities not supported by other state agency funding. “Soldiers & Sailors will use this money to redesign the front lawn and patio spaces into an environmentally friendly space for quiet reflection to honor our veterans,” Frankel said. “I believe this investment in Soldiers & Sailors will enhance the community’s ability to learn about the missions and sacrifices made by members of all the Armed Forces.” Frankel, who wrote a letter of support for the project, said Soldiers & Sailors will use the money for its Remembrance Park project, which seeks to create a tranquil setting for reflection on the sacrifices of veterans from all branches of the service in the form of an Honor Garden and Veterans Plaza. “I strongly believe Soldiers & Sailors demonstrates a commitment to make one of Pittsburgh’s oldest landmarks an example focused on the future so it can be enjoyed for generations to come,” Frankel noted. The maximum any museum could receive under the program is Read more

 

LGBT Equality Caucus backs agency non-discrimination proposals

(May 25, 2017) Rep. Dan B. Frankel, Rep. Brian K. Sims

HARRISBURG, May 25 – Members of the legislature's LGBT Equality Caucus today submitted public comment in favor of a state agency's proposals to interpret existing law on sex discrimination to protect LGBT people from discrimination, as several courts and agencies have already done. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission , which enforces state non-discrimination law, is accepting public comment through Friday on its proposals to update how it interprets the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. That law bans discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on several categories, including sex. The commission also proposes to make a similar update to how it interprets the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act. State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, co-chairman of the LGBT Equality Caucus, said, "While I still believe we need the Pennsylvania Fairness Act signed into law to avoid any ambiguity, I fully support these proposals to interpret existing laws to include anti-LGBT discrimination. As Equality PA noted in its public comment, a federal appeals court stated, 'Any discomfort, disapproval, or job decision based on the fact that the complainant -- woman or man -- dresses differently, speaks differently, or dates or marries a same-sex partner, is a reaction purely and simply based on sex... It would require considerable calisthenics to remove the 'sex' from 'sexual orientation.'" The bipartisan Read more

 

PA SAFE Caucus calls for gun safety reforms needed in Pennsylvania
Mar 14, 2018

Frankel: Teamwork brought restoration of Pittsburgh local control
Feb 12, 2018

Frankel welcomes Wolf's proposed increases for education, opioid treatment
Feb 06, 2018

Frankel encouraged by the new agreement between UPMC, Highmark
Jan 05, 2018

Frankel announces $500,000 state grant for Carnegie Science Center
Dec 22, 2017

2018 Capitol Scenes Calendar
Dec 18, 2017

Legislators Announce Agenda for Women’s Health
Dec 12, 2017

Frankel, health advocates: Obamacare open enrollment starts Wednesday, Nov. 1; Opportunity to get covered or find a better plan
Oct 30, 2017

Equality Caucus: Shame on Pa. senators for putting transgender kids at risk
Oct 18, 2017

Frankel: Trump health care sabotage means higher premiums, less coverage
Oct 13, 2017

Frankel Stands up for Crime Victims
Sep 26, 2017

Frankel urges Congress to pass comprehensive DREAM Act in light of President Trump’s ‘callous’ decision to end DACA
Sep 06, 2017

Frankel renews call to strengthen Pa. hate crimes law in light of Charlottesville tragedy
Aug 14, 2017

Rep. Frankel's Telephone Town Hall - July 27, 2017
Jul 28, 2017

Pa. LGBT Equality Caucus: Trump adding to string of broken promises, this time to trans service members
Jul 26, 2017

Frankel to hold telephone town hall July 27
Jul 19, 2017

Frankel: Pa. needs to know impact of health-care repeal; urges Senate to include his amendment
Jun 30, 2017

Frankel Recognizes Pride Month
Jun 21, 2017

Frankel announces $28,517 state grant for Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
May 30, 2017

LGBT Equality Caucus backs agency non-discrimination proposals
May 25, 2017