News Center

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for additional state funding for public transit following SEPTA’s announced plan for fare adjustments

(Sep 05, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 5 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today called on state lawmakers to work in earnest this fall to shore up public transit systems across the state, especially in Philadelphia where SEPTA is facing a $240 million annual budget deficit and is planning to increase fares. SEPTA officials today announced a plan to increase fares on Dec. 1 and is planning a public hearing on the proposal for Oct. 16. “Today’s decision proves two facts: SEPTA is doing everything they can to prevent a true fare increase, and the PA Senate has to stop holding funding for transit systems hostage to political games,” said Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “We know this decision by SEPTA wasn’t made lightly. The Senate’s reckless refusal to accept the importance of public transit during this year’s budget negotiations is going to impact so many working people. “We’re ready to work with the Senate and all stakeholders to support not just SEPTA riders, but people in every county in Pennsylvania who count on transit to get to work, to school, to shop, to the doctor and more. It must be addressed now, before it is too late,” she said. In March, the delegation played an integral part in passing legislation that would provide recurring funds for public transportation in Pennsylvania. The measure would have significantly increased the transfer of revenue Read more

 

PA House Transportation Committee met at the State Capitol to discuss transportation’s impact on PA

(Sep 05, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee today met at State Capitol to hear from experts on Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs, according to committee Majority Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. The committee heard from Mark Markosky, president of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania, who explained how funding transportation is vital to Pennsylvania’s long-term economic well-being. “Funding for infrastructure projects provides high quality stable and good paying jobs for thousands of highly educated Pennsylvania residents – not just in the urban areas,” Markosky said. He said that even in rural areas, a small bridge replacement requires experts from all different sectors to determine the impact the bridge will have on the community, from engineers and environmental scientists to construction inspectors. “Funding for infrastructure projects provides high quality, stable and good paying jobs for thousands of educated Pennsylvanians,” Markosky said. David Heath, a consultant for the Aviation Council of PA, spoke of the importance of Aviation on Pennsylvania’s economy and the critical need to increase state funding for aviation infrastructure in the state. “With an annual economic impact that exceeds $34 billion, the aviation industry in Pennsylvania contributes more than 4% to our state’s Gross Domestic Read more

 

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s announced fare increases

(Sep 05, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, released the following statement regarding proposed fare increases by SEPTA: “This is the exact scenario we wanted to avoid while we were negotiating the state budget. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania use public transit as a tool to survive. It connects them with important medical appointments, they rely on it to get their groceries, and many people rely on public transit to attend school or work. “SEPTA is not the only agency that will be affected by the budget shortfall in public transit funding; it will trickle down to all of them and have disastrous consequences for Pennsylvanians in both rural and urban communities, not to mention the damage it will do to our state’s economy. “If people do not have access to their only mode of travel and they cannot get to school or work, it sets the commonwealth up for a perilous future, where our constituents have trouble meeting their basic needs and obligations. “We’ve heard from many experts in the public transit sector during the Moving PA Forward by Investing in Roads, Bridges and Transit tour, and our tour will continue throughout the month. “My hope is that after listening to the experts on the significant impact public transit has on the entire state, we can come together and implement a solution for this funding crisis. Pennsylvanians deserve the freedom of movement, and some can only use that Read more

 

City, state leaders convene in City Hall to applaud passage of Solar for Schools

(Sep 04, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 -- State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, and House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris, D-Phila., visited City Hall to celebrate the passage of the Solar for Schools Act . They were joined by lawmakers from both chambers of the state legislature, city councilmembers, and leaders in education, energy, and labor. Solar for Schools is a grant program designed to help school districts across Pennsylvania install solar panels on their grounds or roofs. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project -- while creating good-paying jobs, reducing environmental impact, and helping to keep costs low for taxpayers. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law on July 17. "I am excited to support the Solar for Schools grant program, a transformative initiative that not only promises to reduce energy costs but also fosters a sustainable future for our schools and communities,” said Harris . “This legislation will enable us to save significant funds -- money that can be reinvested into classrooms and educational resources. Thanks to Representative Fiedler’s dedication, we’re paving the way for a greener future for Pennsylvania’s students and communities." “The Solar for Schools grant program is good for students, taxpayers, Pennsylvania’s workforce and our environment. Not Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 04, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more

 

Central PA Delegation to host public information meeting on transportation needs, priorities and funding in Berks County

(Sep 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, Sept. 3 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr., chair of the Central Pennsylvania House Delegation, today announced that the group will team up with the House Transportation Committee to discuss public transportation priorities and investments in the City of Reading and Berks County. The public information meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6 in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 815 Washington St. , Reading. “Public transit systems and infrastructure development plans are critical factors for economic development and top priority of our delegation,” Guzman said. “We want to ensure that residents in urban and rural areas get equal access to convenient ways of transportation.” Guzman said the meeting’s agenda will include discussion on the proposed Schuylkill River Train to re-establish passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia for the first time in more than 40 years, along with updates on road & bridge repair, public transit, and how investments can be funded. Organizations presenting include: PennDOT, the South Central Transit Authority, and the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Michael Carroll has confirmed his participation in the meeting. The Reading stop is one of eight Moving PA Forward informational meetings the committee is holding in communities of all sizes to get the facts Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus expresses disappointment over administrative stay by a Texas federal court (Versión en español)

(Aug 29, 2024) PA Legislative Latino Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 29 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus today voiced their disappointment over a federal court order that is preventing the Biden administration from moving forward with its program to keep immigrant families together. On Aug. 26, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, in Texas v. Department of Homeland Security, issued an administrative stay, preventing the Department of Homeland Security from granting parole in place under its Keeping Families Together program. DHS in June announced a key step toward fulfilling President Joe Biden’s commitment to promoting family unity in the immigration system and on Aug. 19 it implemented Keeping Families Together, a process for certain noncitizen spouses and noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens to request parole in place under existing statutory authority. While specific numbers for Pennsylvania aren’t readily available, DHS estimates that around 500,000 noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens nationwide would have been eligible for this program. Rep. Danilo Burgos, chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, conveyed his frustration over what he considers a purely political move in a volatile election year. “Far too often, the livelihoods of millions of hard-working immigrant families in Pennsylvania are jeopardized for scoring cheap political points,” Burgos said. Read more

 

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Pleasant Gap to discuss area’s transportation funding needs

(Aug 29, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee on Wednesday continued its statewide Moving PA Forward by Investing in Roads, Bridges and Transit tour at the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology in Pleasant Gap, according to committee Majority Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “Often when we think about public transit, we often think of big and bustling cities, but a lack of public transit in rural areas like Centre County can be devastating to the local economy and has a lasting effect on people’s health and well-being,” Neilson said. David Rishel, executive director and CEO of the Centre Area Transportation Authority, testified before the committee about the benefits that the agency provides for Centre County’s economy and even the environment. “CATA provides more than 200 people in Centre County with secure jobs and, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, we remove more than 13,000 cars from the road in the region every day, eliminating 250,000 tons of CO2 and reducing other greenhouse gas emissions,” Rishel said. Rishel noted that CATA delivers a massive amount of service to the region with efficiency and that ridership is returning to pre-pandemic levels. He said the agency if facing significant financial challenges and will not be able to fulfill the needs of its ridership if the state does not increase funding for and make a better commitment to public transportation. Read more

 

Frankel: Auditor General’s report on pharmacy benefit managers misses mark

(Aug 28, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I’m embarrassed for the auditor general, but he’s not the first person to struggle to understand our health care system. It’s far too complicated, and these massive companies intentionally use that fact to fleece health care consumers," Frankel said.“Those of us working on this issue understand that spread pricing is a specific way that pharmacy benefit managers make money – by collecting the difference between how much they pay for drugs and how much they charge. Our Department of Human Services banned spread pricing in Medical Assistance years ago, and it is prohibited in contracts." Read more

 

Benham disputes findings of PBM audit, accuses auditor general of acting in bad faith

(Aug 28, 2024) Rep. Jessica Benham

HARRISBURG, Aug. 28 – In response to state Auditor General Timothy L. Defoor’s latest audit being announced this afternoon, state Rep. Jessica Benham released the following statement: “I dispute the findings of the Auditor General’s audit because they are rooted in a lack of understanding of key terms. Had the Auditor General engaged with me at any point on the issue of Pharmacy Benefits Managers, an issue I’ve been working on for quite some time, he would perhaps have a better grasp of the issues. “This audit appears to view ‘spread pricing’ and ‘transmission fees’ as synonymous and uses this as the foundation for its conclusions. However, these are not the same, and as prime sponsor of the most significant PBM reform law in the Commonwealth’s history, I would know. “Spread pricing has been banned in DHS contracts since 2019. And, in response to concerns already raised by pharmacists, DHS will be banning transmission fees starting in 2025. “In my original legislation, I proposed banning spread pricing entirely, but this was amended out of the legislation by the Senate Republicans. Perhaps the Auditor General should have conversations with members of his own party, both so they can help him understand what ‘spread pricing’ is and so they can get on the same page with banning it. “This audit is deeply unserious and misleading. PBM reform is a significant issue, one we have taken a big step to address, and the Auditor General’s problematic approach here detracts from the... Read more

 

Benham closes out statewide pharmacy tour with stops in southeastern PA

(Aug 27, 2024) Rep. Jessica Benham

Celebrates new law to reform pharmacy benefit manager policy Read more

 

Takac highlights need for jobs, economic development in rural PA

(Aug 27, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The lack of good-paying jobs and opportunities is leading to a falling population, as young people move away, with a corresponding decrease in local small businesses and services such as grocery stores, banks and even health care,” said Rep. Paul Takac, who hosted the House Majority Policy Committee tour and roundtable discussion. Read more

 

Burns highlights need for Harrisburg to cut red tape for municipalities

(Aug 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The officials we heard from today do not have dedicated attorneys or grant writers sitting on their boards,” said Rep. Frank Burns, who represents portions of Cambria County. “State grant money is a lifeline for many of these communities, it can help provide the money they need to upgrade water lines or purchase the equipment first responders need. But we know there are headaches, and we want to be able to cut the red tape for these smaller municipalities.” Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment and Training Who May Apply: Eligibility of these funds is open to any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: To support the training of medical and mental healthcare providers who treat children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $200,000 in Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately four projects with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: October 4, 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 Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to modernize PUC ratemaking process

(Aug 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 22 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced two bills earlier this summer to make it easier for residents to remain informed and participate in Pennsylvania Utility Commission rate cases: H.B. 2495 which would allow ratepayers to submit public comments to the PUC online, and H.B. 2496 which would require the outside of envelopes to indicate if they contain a notice of a proposed rate change. “Utility services such as water, wastewater and electricity are essential to modern daily life,” Ciresi said. “As our residents’ health and well-being are dependent on these services being safe, reliable and affordable, they need to be able to easily communicate to the PUC their concerns about utility rate changes and acquisitions which will have a direct and substantial impact on their quality of life.” Utilities are currently required to send ratepayers notice of proposed rate changes and include instructions on how to submit public comments by mail. According to Ciresi, the current notification system is neither efficient nor effective as notices can get lost in the volume of other notices sent by utilities and other companies. “We’re in the 21st century, and we are still expecting the public to send comments through the mail,” Ciresi said. “My legislation would modernize the PUC ratemaking process, making it more accessible to the public. These bills would call additional attention to Read more

 

Burns unveils Welfare-to-Work legislative proposal

(Aug 21, 2024) Rep. Frank Burns

Knowing the majority of his constituents share his belief that the able-bodied should be working, Burns, D-Cambria, wants to gradually wean them off public welfare over 12 months, working with the private sector to phase out government assistance as a 40-hour work week is phased in. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Aug 20, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more

 

Solomon proposes legislation to reduce noise, exhaust pollution in neighborhoods

(Aug 16, 2024) Rep. Jared G. Solomon

HARRISBURG, Aug. 16 – State Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., said today that he will soon introduce legislation that would ban the sale of muffler and exhaust pipe modifiers for vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles manufactured after 1978. Solomon said the legislation also would provide state agencies with clear guidance on excessive noise and exhaust pollution and help reduce its impact on communities and residents. The measure would also help local police enforce ordinances, he said. “People should be able to enjoy their homes by sitting outside during the evening or on a weekend,” Solomon said. “You cannot relax in your home or get the rest you need when the soundtrack of your neighborhood consists of drag racing through residential streets. “The noise and exhaust pollution caused by loud dirt bikes, cars and ATVs is increasingly becoming a nuisance in many communities,” he said. “People and pets can’t get their sleep, property values are impacted, and the costs of enforcement are rising for police departments and taxpayers.” Solomon said his legislation, which he dubbed the Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution – or SLEEP – Act, would require PennDOT to act against official inspection stations with multiple violations and proposes penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in prison for those violations. Read more

 

Takac, Redding highlight $10 million agricultural innovation measure

(Aug 15, 2024) Rep. Paul Takac

The program will help boost Pennsylvania's agriculture sector, the commonwealth’s leading industry and a key pillar of Shapiro's economic development plan. Read more

 

McClinton, Policy Committee emphasize need for workplace safety

(Aug 14, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Everyone deserves to be safe at work – that means free from physical harm as well as mental or psychological abuse,” said McClinton, who represents portions of Delaware County and Philadelphia. “While there are laws on the books to protect workers from environmental hazards, we need to do more to protect people from workplace psychological hazards like bullying and oppressive treatment that create toxic work environments and cause undue stress and anxiety for workers.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for additional state funding for public transit following SEPTA’s announced plan for fare adjustments
Sep 05, 2024

PA House Transportation Committee met at the State Capitol to discuss transportation’s impact on PA
Sep 05, 2024

Neilson responds to SEPTA’s announced fare increases
Sep 05, 2024

City, state leaders convene in City Hall to applaud passage of Solar for Schools
Sep 04, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 04, 2024

Central PA Delegation to host public information meeting on transportation needs, priorities and funding in Berks County
Sep 03, 2024

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus expresses disappointment over administrative stay by a Texas federal court (Versión en español)
Aug 29, 2024

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Pleasant Gap to discuss area’s transportation funding needs
Aug 29, 2024

Frankel: Auditor General’s report on pharmacy benefit managers misses mark
Aug 28, 2024

Benham disputes findings of PBM audit, accuses auditor general of acting in bad faith
Aug 28, 2024

Benham closes out statewide pharmacy tour with stops in southeastern PA
Aug 27, 2024

Takac highlights need for jobs, economic development in rural PA
Aug 27, 2024

Burns highlights need for Harrisburg to cut red tape for municipalities
Aug 26, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2024

Ciresi introduces legislation to modernize PUC ratemaking process
Aug 22, 2024

Burns unveils Welfare-to-Work legislative proposal
Aug 21, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 20, 2024

Solomon proposes legislation to reduce noise, exhaust pollution in neighborhoods
Aug 16, 2024

Takac, Redding highlight $10 million agricultural innovation measure
Aug 15, 2024

McClinton, Policy Committee emphasize need for workplace safety
Aug 14, 2024