Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus | News Center

News Center

Pa. House approves bipartisan update to medical release system

(1 day ago) Rep. Rick Krajewski

Krajewski said the bill creates a robust process to carefully consider early, medical release for seriously ill inmates, reviewing their time served, victim feedback, disciplinary records, and physical condition among other factors. In recent years similar state reforms have passed in Maryland, North Carolina, and more. Read more

 

Neilson recognizes December as “Impaired Driving Prevention Month” in Pennsylvania

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

December is statistically one of the most dangerous months for drivers.Please don’t let a bad decision be the reason someone doesn’t make it home this holiday season Read more

 

Bill to help domestic violence victims receive unemployment heads to Gov’s desk

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Benefits would be available for victims who leave work because of safety concerns Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution recognizing Dec. 2, 2025, as ‘World Nuclear Energy Day’ in Pennsylvania

(1 day ago) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

“Nuclear energy is the key to a cleaner, more sustainable and more affordable energy future,” Matzie said. “Spreading awareness of the benefits of nuclear energy is vital to securing that future. That is why World Nuclear Energy Day is so important. I am proud to have sponsored H.R. 372 alongside Representative Tom Mehaffie, and equally proud to serve as co-chair with Representative Mehaffie and Senators John Kane and Lynda Culver of the Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus. We will continue, in a bipartisan fashion, to support nuclear energy as a safe, proven solution to the capacity challenges we face moving forward.” Read more

 

Guzman welcomes more than $1 million in tax credit awards for 10 local organizations

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, DEC. 18 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that more than $1 million in tax credits were awarded to 0 organizations working to strengthen the 127th Legislative District through community support. The awards come from the Neighborhood Assistance Program and its subprograms Charitable Food Program, Enterprise Zone Program and the Special Program Priorities. The grants were awarded to: Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank - $109,850 will be used for food purchases and distribution expenses, supporting over 350 locations, Mobile Markets, and a new Community Kitchen. Reading Historic Properties, LP - $500,000 to help transform two underutilized buildings into the Community Support Center, a new hub for economic and social revitalization. This $2.67 million initiative will create 11 new jobs and restore the buildings' exteriors and interiors. The center will house a Real Estate Developer (RED) University to train local BIPOC entrepreneurs and provide classroom space for free HIV and STI testing. It may also serve as the headquarters for a statewide homeownership program. Berks Encore - $22,750 to provide medically tailored meals to 100 aging adults with chronic conditions. Using funds to cover the $15 daily per-client food cost, the project aims to improve health, reduce hospital admissions, and boost independence. Reading Science Center - Read more

 

Rabb spotlights two bills to strengthen local journalism

(1 day ago) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Lawmaker, advocates call for legislative action to address news deserts, information gaps Read more

 

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

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Learn more about the latest grant opportunities. Read more

 

Krajewski co-op bill passes PA House 194-9

(Dec 16, 2025) Rep. Rick Krajewski

“This is commonsense, bipartisan legislation which will make it easier to start a worker cooperative,” Krajewski said. “Co-ops create safer and happier workplaces that build wealth for the workers and communities who utilize them. We should do what we can to support them.” Read more

 

Curry, Smith-Wade-El recognize growing youth homelessness crisis with resolution

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We’re seeing more and more young people pushed into homelessness through circumstances far beyond their control,” Curry said. “When you’re a child, your safety and stability depend on others and when that support isn’t there, options quickly disappear." Read more

 

Giral announces $100K grant for Philadelphia Children’s Alliance

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Philadelphia Children’s Alliance provides resources and advocacy for children and families impacted by child sexual abuse, exploitation and violence. They offer medical services, trauma therapy, child-conscious forensic interviews, caregiver support, and court accompaniment, all at no cost to families. Read more

 

Burgos bill to strengthen transparency between consumers and genetic testing companies passes House

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Twelve states have already passed legislation to codify privacy protections for consumer genetic data. Read more

 

Bill to protect vaccine access through pharmacists passes state House

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – As federal authorities continue to undermine immunization access, the Pennsylvania House has passed legislation introduced by state Reps. Arvind Venkat , Tarik Khan , Bridget Kosierowski and Jennifer O’Mara to protect Pennsylvanians’ access to vaccines provided by pharmacists, regardless of federal policy changes. Current state law allows pharmacists to administer vaccines based on federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. The legislation, H.B. 1881 , would also allow pharmacists to provide vaccines based on recommendations from Pennsylvania health authorities, which may draw from guidance issued by professional medical societies. “The work of our local pharmacists is crucial to keeping our communities healthy, and that work should continue to be backed by science,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “This legislation will allow Pennsylvanians to avoid the politicization of health care and get the lifesaving vaccines they want, even if the federal government stops recommending them purely due to politics.” Under this legislation, state vaccination approvals would come from the CDC, competent authorities designated by the Board of Pharmacy, or the Pennsylvania Department of Health which could be informed by professional medical societies such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Read more

 

Ciresi announces over $67,000 for community projects in Pottstown

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced the approval of $67,050 in funding through the Neighborhood Assistance Program to support educational initiatives for at-risk students and public safety improvements in Pottstown. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95% for contributions made to qualifying community projects. “These investments in Pottstown’s youth and public safety will go a long way toward improving the quality of life,” Ciresi said. “Together, these state awards look to the future by supporting young learners and helping protect downtown Pottstown for everyone’s enjoyment.” The approved funding includes: • $51,300 to RSVP Volunteers to provide critical math and reading support to at-risk and vulnerable students in the Pottstown and Norristown school districts. The funding will also support family literacy programs for Pre-K MCIU Head Start students and essential digital literacy training across Montgomery County, both directly and in collaboration with community partners. • $15,750 to Pottstown Area Industrial Development Inc. to enhance public safety and strengthen community trust in the 300 block of East High Street in Pottstown. The project includes installing a new security camera to complete the police department’s monitoring Read more

 

Burgos bill to expand access to fresh, local food in school meals passes House

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 1768 would expand access to fresh, locally sourced foods in school meals while supporting Pennsylvania farmers and strengthening local economies. Read more

 

Ciresi announces opposition to Trump executive order neutering state laws regulating AI industry

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced his opposition to President Donald Trump’s executive order which would override states’ authority to regulate artificial intelligence. Ciresi serves as the majority chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee. According to The New York Times , the order gives the U.S. attorney general immense authority to sue states and overturn laws that the Administration views as not in alignment with its goal of global domination of the AI industry. Trump has directed federal regulators to withhold funds for broadband and other projects if states keep their laws in place. Trump’s argument is that his order would provide a federal regulatory framework that would override the patchwork of state regulations that might limit technological innovation and give China a competitive edge, according to The Hill . Some critics contend that Trump’s order is a “carve-out for Big Tech” as it both fails to offer a strong national standard on AI regulations and blocks states from regulating the technology. The Trump executive order is the latest move in Washington to limit regulation of AI, including the president’s previous executive orders allowing access to federal data and making it easier for companies to build AI infrastructure. Congressional Republicans have twice this year tried to pass moratoriums on state AI laws, with both efforts Read more

 

Legislators announce $408,500 investment in community revitalization projects in Delaware County

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – The PA House Democratic Delaware County Delegation today announced the approval of $408,500 through the Neighborhood Assistance Program to help low-income people and communities and improve distressed areas in Delaware County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through the NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95% on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. “Nearly 90 organizations in our region have been selected for funding through the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, said. “These groups work tirelessly to serve our neighbors and strengthen our communities. I’m proud to partner with many of these groups on projects that provide food, job training, and healthcare to so many of our neighbors.” “This investment through the Neighborhood Assistance Program will make a real difference for families and neighborhoods across Delaware County,” said Rep. Leanne Krueger. “These funds will strengthen our communities and improve quality of life, and I’m proud to support programs that ensure resources reach the neighborhoods that need them most.” “These public-private partnerships are a concrete way for our local businesses to give back to our communities AND reap the economic dividends from these investments in Read more

 

Kosierowski announces over $1.3 million investment for community improvement programs

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, DEC. 16 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski today announced the approval of over $1.3 million from the Neighborhood Assistance Program to help low-income people and communities and improve distressed areas in Lackawanna County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95 percent on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. “Thanks to NAP’s tax credits, these public-private partnerships in Lackawanna County will address pressing socio-economic problems like blight, food insecurity, mental illness, domestic violence and workforce development,” Kosierowski said. “This money will aid those in need, building up our communities. I am grateful to the Shapiro administration for its financial support of Lackawanna County and its faith in our future. I will continue to advocate for more dollars to be allocated for projects in our district.” The following programs received Neighborhood Assistance Program funding: $95,000 for NeighborWorks to help fight blight and improve infrastructure in West Scranton by funding 30 residential façade improvements, hosting free community events, and training 7 resident leaders. $45,000 for Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA to help renovate ACE's Scranton Pre-K facility by leveling the floors on the third floor to prepare the site for Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee holds hearing on bill to establish guardrails for AI use in health care

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – In the wake of last week’s Trump executive order limiting state authority over artificial intelligence, the Pennsylvania House Communications & Technology Committee, chaired by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, held a hearing emphasizing the need for state regulations despite the federal push to deregulate the emerging technology. The committee considered legislation (H.B. 1925) that would establish guardrails for the use of AI in the health care industry. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by state Reps. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, Joe Hogan, R-Bucks, Tarik Khan, D-Phila., Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery. Venkat is a medical doctor, both Khan and Kosierowski are nurses, and Scott is an EMT. “As AI becomes an increasingly common part of our lives, it offers tremendous potential benefits, but we also need safeguards to protect the public from its misuse,” Ciresi said. “This hearing focused on striking that balance -- ensuring the technology is deployed responsibly with patient care as the priority. Putting the patient first means that important health care and insurance decisions, including prior authorization, must be driven by qualified human decision-makers who consider each patient’s individual circumstances, not just AI algorithms.” The legislation would establish rules for health care providers, insurers, and Medical Assistance and Children’s Health Read more

 

Scott: Montgomery County receives over $2 million to fund crisis, addiction, and victim support programs

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NORRISTOWN, Dec. 16 – State Rep. Greg Scott announced today that more than $2 million in new grant funding is being awarded to 10 programs headquartered in Conshohocken, Norristown, and Plymouth Township. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and is concentrated on programs that support crisis intervention, drug and alcohol recovery, and victim advocacy and trauma support. “These programs already do our community a great service by providing critical resources to people in crisis due to past trauma, crime, mental health issues, or drug reliance,” Scott said. “These grants will bolster Montgomery County’s network of crisis resources by expanding and strengthening their services and broadening their reach. It is imperative that funds like these bolster such essential programs, and I’m proud to see this investment in our district.” The following grant amounts were awarded in Legislative District 54: $500,000 to Gaudenzia Addiction & Recovery Services, for their One-Stop-Shop Initiative. $426,365 to the county commissioners to bolster services for crime survivors. $382,284 for the Montgomery County Commissioners’ office to expand the Recovery and Reentry Supports Program. $199,800 to the county commissioners to expand the Montgomery County Correctional Facility’s Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $4.7 million to support community projects in Lancaster County

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Dec. 16 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced the approval of over $4.7 million from the Neighborhood Assistance Program to help low-income people and communities and improve distressed areas in Lancaster County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95 percent on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. “Thanks to NAP’s tax credits, our local businesses are investing in projects that will empower residents and energize our communities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “These public-private partnerships will go a long way to helping to address persistent socio-economic problems like the lack of affordable housing, food insecurity, workforce development, blight and public safety in Lancaster.” “NAP’s tax credits are a game changer for Lancaster County’s businesses and communities,” Rivera said. “They will help build up our communities, which in turn will drive our local economy. I am grateful to the Shapiro administration for its financial support of Lancaster County, and its faith in our future. I will continue to advocate for more dollars to be allocated for Lancaster-based projects.” The following programs received Charitable Food Program funding: $1,864,200 to Blessings of Hope to support its Read more

 

Pa. House approves bipartisan update to medical release system
1 day ago

Neilson recognizes December as “Impaired Driving Prevention Month” in Pennsylvania
1 day ago

Bill to help domestic violence victims receive unemployment heads to Gov’s desk
1 day ago

House adopts Matzie resolution recognizing Dec. 2, 2025, as ‘World Nuclear Energy Day’ in Pennsylvania
1 day ago

Guzman welcomes more than $1 million in tax credit awards for 10 local organizations
1 day ago

Rabb spotlights two bills to strengthen local journalism
1 day ago

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
1 day ago

Krajewski co-op bill passes PA House 194-9
Dec 16, 2025

Curry, Smith-Wade-El recognize growing youth homelessness crisis with resolution
Dec 16, 2025

Giral announces $100K grant for Philadelphia Children’s Alliance
Dec 16, 2025

Burgos bill to strengthen transparency between consumers and genetic testing companies passes House
Dec 16, 2025

Bill to protect vaccine access through pharmacists passes state House
Dec 16, 2025

Ciresi announces over $67,000 for community projects in Pottstown
Dec 16, 2025

Burgos bill to expand access to fresh, local food in school meals passes House
Dec 16, 2025

Ciresi announces opposition to Trump executive order neutering state laws regulating AI industry
Dec 16, 2025

Legislators announce $408,500 investment in community revitalization projects in Delaware County
Dec 16, 2025

Kosierowski announces over $1.3 million investment for community improvement programs
Dec 16, 2025

House Communications & Technology Committee holds hearing on bill to establish guardrails for AI use in health care
Dec 16, 2025

Scott: Montgomery County receives over $2 million to fund crisis, addiction, and victim support programs
Dec 16, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $4.7 million to support community projects in Lancaster County
Dec 16, 2025