Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Howard joins in announcing new state task force to strengthen juvenile justice system

Rep. Kristine C. Howard

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, this morning joined Gov. Tom Wolf, justices and fellow legislators at a news conference with Pew Charitable Trusts on the creation of a Juvenile Justice Task Force, which will develop a report on steps the Commonwealth can take to strengthen the juvenile justice system. “This task force is a great step towards a safe, healthy and well-educated future for the children of Pennsylvania,” Howard said. “When it comes to the welfare of Pennsylvania’s youth—and to improving our communities across the commonwealth—there is much work to be done. This data-driven task force is the way forward, and I look forward to taking up its recommendations. “I am committed to supporting the membership of this task force in any way I can to develop and pass evidence-based recommendations that will ensure that our systems are fair, equitable and responsive to all youth.” Joining Howard and Wolf were Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, the Hon. Kim Berkeley Clark, the Hon. Douglas Reichley, Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia/Delaware, Sen. Larry Farnese, D-Philadelphia, and Sen. Mike Regan, R-Cumberland. Read more

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Dermody statement on Speaker Turzai’s decision

(8 hours ago) Rep. Frank Dermody

HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – Democratic Leader Frank Dermody issued this statement in reaction to House Speaker Mike Turzai’s decision not to seek another term in office: “Mike and I have been friends for a long time, going back to the 1980s before either of us was in the House. We’ve had and will always have many disagreements about the best ways for Pennsylvania government to carry out its responsibilities in education, health care, protecting the environment and supporting good job development. “While the political battles go on, I understand and respect his choice to go down another path in the future. House Democrats will continue working to achieve our Plan for Pennsylvania and expect the speaker to preside over the House fairly. “Speaker Turzai’s decision not to return in 2021 will mean a change in leadership for the Pennsylvania House. This year’s election will inspire more change and House Democrats are planning and working to be in position to elect a new speaker after the November election.” Read more

Freeman bill to help communities with high percentage of tax-exempt properties moved out of committee

(1 day ago) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – A bill introduced by Rep. Robert Freeman to financially help municipalities with high levels of tax-exempt property cleared its first hurdle today when the House Local Government Committee reported out the bill by a 22-1 vote. Tax-exempt property that may impact municipalities include colleges and universities, nonprofit medical facilities, county and other government offices or state forests and game lands. "Because of the effect tax-exempt properties have on the real estate tax base of several communities in the Lehigh Valley and across Pennsylvania, affected municipalities often have difficulty providing the essential services expected from local government," said Freeman, D-Northampton. "By providing annual funding to these municipalities, we can enable them to fix and maintain infrastructure and to provide the essential services that ensure the health and safety of their residents." House Bill 1677 would establish the Tax-Exempt Property Municipal Assistance Fund to help municipalities with 15% or more of their total assessed property value as tax-exempt property within their borders. It would be funded by the state's existing 18% Liquor Tax, known as the Johnstown Flood Tax. "The Johnstown Flood Tax was created to help Johnstown rebuild after it was devastated by a flood in 1936," Freeman said. "That was a long time ago, and that money can be used to help other communities facing Read more

Rep. Freeman helps secure $67,500 in state funding for local projects

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, today announced that his area will benefit from a share of state funding awarded to the 136th Legislative District. Read more

House clears Neilson measure to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day in PA on Jan. 27

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today adopted a resolution introduced by Rep. Ed Neilson to recognize Jan. 27, 2020 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Pennsylvania. “ Between 1933 and 1945, nearly 17 million people were tragically murdered in the horrifying, state-sponsored genocide known as the Holocaust,” Neilson said. “It is critical to our humanity and to the memory of the millions of people who were murdered during the Holocaust that we commemorate Jan. 27 – 75 years to the day of the liberation of the largest and deadliest concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau – as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Pennsylvania.” The Holocaust was a human rights crisis of epic proportions. While Jews were the priority target of Nazi racism, other groups within Germany were persecuted for racial reasons. Studies have shown that a growing number of Americans lack a basic knowledge of the Holocaust and the events that led up to it. Commemorating the day is one way to try to educate the public, Neilson said. It is also about more than just remembering history and honoring the victims, Neilson added. “ This is a day to remember and mourn, and a day to stand up against hate and violence,” Neilson said. “We have seen recent violent acts inspired by hate perpetrated against people throughout our country, including the Read more

Cephas, Hohenstein introduce legislation to expand notification time for hospital closures

(Jan 21, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Jan. 21 – Following the closure of Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia in September, state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Joe Hohenstein have introduced legislation that would help support the communities and staff impacted by sudden closures. “The closure of Hahnemann created a devasting ripple effect throughout Philadelphia and surrounding areas. For more than 170 years, the hospital served a low-income patient population and was a teaching hospital, training doctors and nurses,” Cephas said. “Since the announcement in June 2019 that Hahnemann would close its doors for good, the process that followed was swift, offering patients and employees little to no options in the aftermath.” The representatives said their bill (H.B. 2242) would help change that. It would require hospitals to provide written notice of intent to close within 180 days. Current law only requires 90 days. “I stood on the front lines in solidarity with labor unions representing the many hospital staffers who were left unemployed. I heard their grievances and I saw surrounding economically disadvantaged communities being deprived quality health care,” Hohenstein said. “Very few at the top benefit while countless people and families are left to suffer. We can no longer allow these closures to be carried out similarly to regular business dealings because there’s too much at stake. “ Read more