Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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State lawmakers introduce legislation to mark Dominican Independence Day

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – To celebrate the contributions of Pennsylvania’s Dominican community, state Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Manuel Guzman , both D-Berks, and Danilo Burgos , D-Phila. -- all of whom are of Dominican ancestry -- have introduced legislation to designate Feb. 27, 2026, as “Dominican Republic Independence Day.” The legislation, H.R. 387 , seeks to honor the impact Dominicans have made as leaders around the world, including in the United States and the Dominican Republic. The date marks the 182nd anniversary of the Dominican Republic’s independence, following centuries of Spanish colonial rule and 22 years of Haitian governance. “As the proud daughter of Dominican immigrants, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices, resilience and determination that helped my parents -- and so many Dominicans across our commonwealth and beyond -- build better lives,” said Cepeda-Freytiz, chair of the PA Legislative Latino Caucus. “Dominican Independence Day honors a legacy rooted in freedom, self-determination and democratic values -- principles that continue to guide our commonwealth today. It is an honor to lead this effort to recognize the Dominican community’s enduring contributions to civic life, public service and the cultural strength of Pennsylvania.” “In 2018, I became the first Dominican elected to serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. All these years later, it Read more

Ciresi proposes legislative solution to provide more seniors with greater financial relief from property tax, rental burdens

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – At a time of increasing unaffordability – particularly in the housing market – state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, stepped up with a legislative solution: H.B. 2116, which would provide greater financial relief from high property taxes and rent burdens to Pennsylvania’s seniors and people with disabilities. The legislation aims to increase the number of Pennsylvanians eligible for the state Property Tax Rent Relief Program and provide existing rebate recipients more financial support. “In a time of increasing unaffordability, many of our seniors are struggling to stay in their homes due to high property tax or rent burdens,” Ciresi said. “In this time of crisis, we owe it to them and the communities they’ve been a part of for years to increase accessibility and provide more property tax and housing relief through the PTRR program.” Ciresi’s legislation would: Eliminate the $30,000 income cap for supplemental rebates, which was not raised when the eligibility for the PTRR was last expanded. Supplemental PTRR rebates are currently issued automatically to applicants who qualify for PTRR rebates and pay more than 15% of their income in property taxes or live in high-cost locations. Allow homeowners to deduct the amount of property taxes paid from their PTRR eligibility income, both expanding eligibility for the program and offering higher rebates to those who already qualify. Expand Read more

Burgos introduces legislation to address statewide physician shortages

(Jan 08, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., recently introduced legislation that would create a supervised pathway for qualified international medical graduates to practice in Pennsylvania. Read more

Transportation, Public Schools, Public Safety, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 08, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Learn more about the latest grant opportunities. Read more

What are signs of human trafficking?

(Jan 07, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 1286, which passed the Pennsylvania House in December, would require hospitality workers to undergo training to recognize those signs.“Not only front desk individuals, but also housekeeping and even the culinary staff, everybody who’s entering into the hospitality space, hospitality space will be trained,” says Rep. Regina Young (D) – Delaware and Philadelphia Counties.She says for online reservations, the goal is to make sure that whoever is trying to make a reservation understands that that host is trained in identifying when something appears to be suspicious and they are mandated reporters. Read more

Kenyatta, other PA House Dems, introduce resolution to recognize Jan. 6 as ‘Democracy Observance Day’ in PA

(Jan 06, 2026) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

HARRISBURG, Jan. 6 -- On the fifth anniversary of one of the most egregious acts of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history, state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, Roni Green, Danilo Burgos, and Tarik Khan said they are reintroducing a resolution to honor the brave men and women who defended democracy on Jan. 6, 2021, by protecting the U.S. Capitol. The resolution also would establish an official observance to help ensure that the nation never endures an attack such as the 2001 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol again. “This day shook our nation to its core and cast a dark shadow over our history,” Kenyatta said. “It is a moment we must never forget so that it can never happen again. The attack was the result of a months-long misinformation campaign that emboldened domestic terrorists to wreak havoc, instill chaos, and sow distrust throughout our country.” Kenyatta highlighted the heroism of U.S. Capitol Police officers, including Sgt. Harry Dunn, who confronted the violent mob and led them away from besieged elected officials certifying the election, and Officer Brian Sicknick, who was murdered while protecting the U.S. Capitol and, in doing so, our democracy. The resolution would designate Jan. 6, 2026, as “Democracy Observance Day for Education, Remembrance, and Vigilance.” Kenyatta emphasized the urgency of the resolution, noting that more than 1,500 individuals involved in the Read more

Rivera: Nearly $874K secured for Lancaster City, Manheim Township traffic signal improvements

(Dec 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Dec. 30 – Safer and more efficient traffic flow is coming to the 96th Legislative District thanks to nearly $874,000 in grant funding from PennDOT, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today. According to Rivera, the funding -- awarded through the Green Light-Go Program -- will support traffic flow and safety improvements in the city of Lancaster and Manheim Township. The funding includes: • City of Lancaster: $91,476 to study and remove unwarranted traffic-control signals. • City of Lancaster: $732,095 to modernize multiple intersections. • Manheim Township: $50,000 to install LED traffic signal modules at multiple locations. “These critical investments will help motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians get where they’re going more quickly and safely,” Rivera said. “This funding will increase the efficiency and reliability of our traffic signal systems, making travel on our streets safer for everyone. I want to thank PennDOT and our local partners for helping to bring this funding home.” Green Light-Go is a reimbursement-based grant program that requires applicants to provide a 20% local match. Grants may be used for operational improvements, such as installing light-emitting diode technology, retiming traffic signals, developing special-event traffic plans, monitoring signal performance, and upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. Read more

Kosierowski celebrates nearly $1.4 million investment in Scranton’s infrastructure

(Dec 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 30 — Today, state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna announced that the Scranton has been selected for $1,395,860 in funding through the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. The city will use the funds to replace the Ash Street Bridge. “The Ash Street Bridge is a key piece of our local infrastructure that is in need of repair,” Kosierowski said. “This targeted investment will restore the bridge, making our motorists and pedestrians safer.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grant funding to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets and enhance communities. The projects support the safety and accessibility of Pennsylvania’s infrastructure. Applications for the next round of MTF grants will open on Jan. 5 at 8 a.m. and will be due by Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. Grant recipients are expected to be announced in summer 2026. More information about the program and funded projects is available at the PennDOT website . Read more

Ciresi applauds nearly $247K secured for Traffic Management Center in Limerick Township

(Dec 30, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, Dec. 30 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, applauded the $246,559 in grant funding from PennDOT’s Green Light Go program, which will be used to upgrade the Traffic Management Center in Limerick Township. The Traffic Management Center, connected to Ridge Pike, actively monitors, synchronizes and manages traffic signals and cameras along the corridor to improve traffic flow and safety. It serves as a central hub for controlling field devices, providing real-time traffic data. “With the new funding, our area will be better equipped to monitor and improve traffic conditions by optimizing flow and reducing congestion,” Ciresi said. “The funding will help enhance roadway safety and reduce response time to traffic incidents in our area. This is a needed investment in our roadway safety.” Green Light-Go is a reimbursement grant program, and applicants are required to provide a 20% local match. Grants may be used for operational improvements such as LED technology, traffic signal retiming, developing special-event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. More about the statewide funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/penndot-details.aspx?newsid=897 . Read more

Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, Environmental, Agricultural and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 23, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Here are the latest grant programs that are open for applications. Read more

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds more than $1.27M investment for transportation projects in the city

(Dec 23, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 23 – Today, the Philadelphia House Delegation announced that two projects in the city have been awarded $1,275,963 in funding through the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund.The following projects have received funding:•Center City District: $328,295 to rehabilitate transit shelters in preparation for Philadelphia250.•City of Philadelphia Department of Streets: $947,668 to acquire right-of-way to complete a gap in the Schuylkill River Trail.Delegation chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said that these investments come at a critical point in time for the city. “These projects are key to preparing Philadelphia for the influx of tourism and visitors in 2026, connecting communities and increasing pedestrian safety,” Cephas said. “Improvements to transit shelters will beautify and secure these areas for residents and guests using SEPTA, while enhancing the Schuylkill River Trail will allow for increased recreation and alternative commuting through our region. We’re thankful to the Shapiro administration for these investments in our city at a crucial time.”The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grant funding to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets and enhance communities. The projects support the safety and accessibility of Pennsylvania’s infrastructure. More information about the program and... Read more

Kenyatta announces $1.8 million in state funding to five organizations in North Philadelphia

(Dec 22, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta announced that $1.8 million in state funding was awarded to five organizations in North Philadelphia which provide invaluable services to uplift and empower the community. Read more

Issacson helps local organizations preserve the past and shape the future with $2.1 million in state funding

(Dec 22, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Reaffirming her commitment to enriching the 175th Legislative District through its many renowned institutions of art, culture and history, state Rep. Mary Isaacson announced that $2.1 million in state funding was awarded to Read more

Pa. House adopts Haddock resolution recognizing Elk Hunt Day

(Dec 22, 2025) Rep. Jim Haddock

“Elk hunting in Pennsylvania is a cornerstone of our state’s cherished hunting traditions,” said Haddock. Read more

Human trafficking recognition training bill heads to Pa. Senate

(Dec 19, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State House lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill that would require lodging operators to ensure workers undergo training meant to improve recognizing and reporting human trafficking. The vote comes just before the start of 2026, when several major events – including the FIFA World Cup, America250 and the NFL draft – promise to draw “record-breaking numbers of visitors” to the state, noted Zakary Pyzik, senior director of public affairs for the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. Bill sponsor Rep. Regina Young’s district includes the Philadelphia International Airport, in addition to an adjacent section of Delaware County. “This is bigger than 2026, but the time really is now,” said Young, a Democrat who introduced a similar proposal during the last legislative session as well. Young and Pyzik spoke during a press conference Wednesday along with state Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia) and Philadelphia City Councilwoman Nina Amad before the House took up the measure for third and final consideration. It now goes to the Senate, which reconvenes on Jan. 6. Read more