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PA House passes Freeman bill to allow Main Street program participation to be extended

(Jun 06, 2023) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

"With the addition of this needed option of a program extension, communities would be better positioned to fully succeed in their objectives for revitalization and enhancements to downtown commercial areas,” said Freeman. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House Labor & Industry votes on paid leave legislation

(Jun 06, 2023) Rep. Jason Dawkins

HARRISBURG, June 6 – During a voting meeting Tuesday, the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee reported two pieces of legislation, HB181 and SB226 , out of committee and to the House floor. The House bill would establish the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program and the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund in Pennsylvania. The bill also would establish the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Advisory Board to provide a public education campaign and assist the Department of Labor and Industry with the implementation of the act. “Paid leave means a stronger Pennsylvania. Forcing people to make the impossible choice between work and family is not only harmful to Pennsylvanians, but it also hurts our state economy,” said Rep. Jason Dawkins, chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. “Passing this legislation and establishing a paid family and medical leave program is beneficial to families and the economy because people with peace of mind are better able to focus on the task at hand, both at home and at work.” The Senate bill would amend the Fire and Panic Act to allow Department of Human Services licensed family child-care homes until Sept. 6 or the expiration of their current license to comply with the Fire and Panic Act. Read more

 

Kinsey Fresh Food Financing Initiative bill approved by House Committee

(Jun 06, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 6 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 580 ) introduced by state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, Danilo Burgos and Morgan Cephas, all D-Phila., to re-establish the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative was approved by the PA House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. The Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative was a program operated from 2004 to 2010 that provided grants and low-interest loans for the construction, rehabilitation or expansion of grocery stores, farmers markets and other healthy food retail establishments in low- to moderate-income areas in need and other underserved communities. “Health is the most important aspect of our lives. To live a healthy life, it’s crucial that all people have access to healthy, fresh and nutritious food,” Kinsey said. “Restarting the Fresh Food Financing Initiative would help provide more accessible healthy food options to communities that desperately need it.” “This bill would boost local agricultural products while helping families in need to get access to fresh produce,” Burgos said. “This program is a healthy approach to fight food insecurity and obesity. No one in our state should be deprived of having a balanced alimentation, not under our watch.” “Pennsylvania agriculture contributes $132.5 billion to our state economy annually and supports 593,6000 jobs. It is beyond upsetting to Read more

 

Environmental Resources and Energy committee approves environmental justice legislation

(Jun 06, 2023) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, June 6 – A bill sponsored by state reps. Donna Bullock, Malcolm Kenyatta and Chris Rabb, all D-Phila., that would require an environmental impact statement be produced before the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issues a permit for the building of certain facilities in environmental justice areas passed the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today. “Environmental racism is a longstanding issue in the commonwealth. Facilities that pollute the environment have been built in burdened communities without their consent because they lacked the influence to stop it. Enough is enough,” Bullock said. “By empowering the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to deny a permit application if the environmental impacts are found to be too harmful and requiring DEP to consider public testimony, we are putting the power in the hands of the community.” “Incinerators, landfills, sewage plants — there’s a long history of environmentally harmful facilities like these being built in Pennsylvania’s most marginalized communities, polluting the environment, poisoning the water and lowering property values, disproportionately impacting Black and brown households whose homes are often their own financial asset,” Rabb said. “It’s time to substantially combat environmental racism. A clean environment is a constitutional right that is Read more

 

Legislation to expand Property Tax/Rent Rebate limits passes House

(Jun 05, 2023) Finance

The legislation, which gained 92 bipartisan co-sponsors and was approved by a unanimous vote in the House Finance Committee last month, would increase income limits for the PT/RR Program for the first time in 16-plus years. Read more

 

Fiedler, PA Building Trades, AFT, Evangelical Enviro Network, call on lawmakers to vote for Solar for Schools legislation

(Jun 05, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., today called on lawmakers to pass Solar for Schools legislation (H.B.1032). Fiedler was joined on the steps of the state Capitol by a diverse coalition including Mike Ford, secretary-treasurer of the PA Building & Construction Trades Council; Arthur Steinberg, president of PA American Federation of Teachers; Carolyn Heckman, PA policy and outreach coordinator for the Evangelical Environmental Network; Katie Blume, political and legislative director of Conservation Voters of PA; Tony Seiwell, business manager for LIUNA Eastern Region; and Bishop Dwayne Royster, executive director of POWER Interfaith. Fiedler’s bill passed was approved in committee with a unanimous bipartisan vote in late May. Fiedler said she anticipates a House floor vote on the bill before the end of June. “I’m excited that Solar is passing through the House. This legislation is truly blue-green, bringing new jobs to our Commonwealth while protecting and preserving our environment,” Fiedler said. She said the diverse coalition of supporters demonstrates the broad appeal of Solar for Schools. “Solar leverages state and federal dollars to support the creation of solar arrays at public schools across the Commonwealth. It will save school districts and taxpayers money, create new learning opportunities and invest in statewide clean Read more

 

Boyd takes oath of office to represent Delaware County’s 163rd Legislative District

(Jun 05, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I look forward to working with all my colleagues on important matters that affect the lives of all Pennsylvanians. A lot of important conversations need to happen within our state legislature, especially as we begin drafting this year’s budget, and it’s my honor to serve as a strong voice for the people of Delaware County,” Boyd said. Read more

 

PA House passes Haddock bill to remember 9/11 in schools

(Jun 05, 2023) Rep. Jim Haddock

“My bill would ensure that future generations of Pennsylvanians understand the events of 9/11, as well as the impact that day continues to have on the lives of all Americans,” said Haddock. Read more

 

Rozzi joined by childhood sexual abuse victims, advocates, fellow lawmakers urge Senate to vote on statute of limitation reform

(Jun 05, 2023) Rep. Mark Rozzi

“House Bill 1 and House Bill 2 have the power to spare future children from going through what I endured. If the Senate won’t vote on these bills, they run the risk of repeating history by further denying victims a chance to seek the justice they need and deserve,” Rozzi said. Read more

 

House passes Matzie/Marshall bill to boost rail safety

(Jun 05, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

" ... there has been no bigger supporter of freight rail in the legislature during my tenure than me,” said Matzie, who is majority chair of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee. “The intention is not to hurt railroads, but to enhance and strengthen rail safety for the public, the workforce and emergency responders." Read more

 

Ciresi introduces ‘Level Up’ bill to help state’s most underfunded school districts

(Jun 05, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced the introduction of legislation (H.B. 1311) to increase Level Up funding to $400 million for fiscal year 2023-2024. “Our state’s inequitable school funding system has produced severely underfunded school districts where it is a challenge for students to get a good education,” Ciresi said. “The Commonwealth Court ruling this year declaring Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutional is a call to action. We need to act by working to level the playing field for Pennsylvania’s children and ensure that every child has access to a high quality education. “Level Up has been one of our best tools for reducing inequity in education and ensuring all students have the opportunities to succeed, regardless of zip code. But without additional funding for Level Up, it will take decades or more for our underfunded school districts to reach adequate funding – too long for our children to wait.” According to Ciresi, Pennsylvania began leveling the playing field in 2016 by providing much-needed resources for public education: the enactment of a weighted formula for Basic Education Funding based on need and gradual increases in state education funding. Level Up has played a key role in providing dedicated funding for the 100 most underfunded school districts since it was implemented in FY 2021-2022 and expanded in 2022-2023. “Since its Read more

 

PA House Welcomes New Legislators Heather Boyd, Michael Stender

(Jun 05, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 5 – Today the state legislature welcomed its two newest members, Rep. Heather Boyd, D-Delaware, and Rep. Michael Stender, R-Montour/Northumberland. Boyd and Stender were elected to serve their communities in a special election last month. “Swearing in new members is always a special occasion in the state House of Representatives,” said Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “As longtime public servants, Representatives Boyd and Stender both bring valuable experience to their new roles and will contribute greatly to the policy debates in Harrisburg. “I’m confident that the more than 120,000 Pennsylvanians they collectively represent will benefit from having such dedicated elected officials as their voice in Harrisburg.” McClinton added that the new members are joining the state House at a busy time, having advanced 44 bills – all with bipartisan support – in just three weeks in late April and May. Additionally, the legislature is currently debating the state budget which is due by June 30. “The state House has been advancing legislation to strengthen our communities and help Pennsylvanians of all ages at an ambitious pace,” McClinton said. “I’m proud of the work the House has been able to achieve so far this legislative session and am hopeful about what we’ll Read more

 

Mayes: ‘Means the world to me’ to lead Pittsburgh Pride March and Parade

(Jun 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

"As the first out lesbian ever to serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and a long-time local and national LGBTQ+ rights activist, it means the world to me to lead this march and parade on the 50th Anniversary of the first Pride in the United States," Mayes said. Read more

 

Neilson introduces legislation to target speeding in Pennsylvania

(Jun 01, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

According to the AWZSE Annual Legislative Report, speeding in AWZSE enforced work zones has been reduced to 17.2% for all traffic, and excessive speeding (11+ mph over the posted speed limit) has been reduced to 2.6% since the start of the program. Read more

 

Merski introduces bill to fight student hunger, reduce food waste

(May 31, 2023) Rep. Robert Merski

“In Pennsylvania, 1 in 7 children face hunger, which means that they show up to class each day without the fuel they need to concentrate, retain information and learn,” Merski said. “At the same time, a large amount of food goes to waste every day in our schools. In a state with one of the nation’s strongest agricultural industries – and far too much food waste – we can turn this situation around." Read more

 

Key lawmaker planning bill to continue using speed cameras and add new location

(May 31, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, majority chairman of the House Transportation Committee, has announced plans for legislation that would expand the use of speed cameras — which have been in use since 2020 in active work zones and on Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia. Read more

 

Salisbury bill bans lobbyist involvement in political campaigns

(May 30, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 30 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, introduced legislation today that would prohibit lobbyists from running state candidates’ political campaigns and then lobbying those same candidates once they are elected. “Lobbyists have whispered into the ears of political candidates, shaped their agendas and gotten rich while doing so for far too long,” Salisbury said. “My bill would put campaign control back into the hands of candidates and refocus elected officials’ attention on their constituents, not on pleasing lobbyists who also run campaigns.” Salisbury’s legislation ( H.B. 1223 ) also prohibits campaign consultants from lobbying state employees who work in the candidates’ offices. Read more

 

Pennsylvania bills cover turnpike, toll concerns

(May 30, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation afoot at the Pennsylvania statehouse addresses concerns about turnpike tolling from multiple angles. Read more

 

House committee unanimously approves Merski bill to fight blight

(May 25, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 25 – The House Housing and Community Development Committee yesterday unanimously approved state Rep. Bob Merski’s bill that would make it easier for local governments to fight blight. Merski, D-Erie, said his H.B. 255 would allow municipalities to enter into cooperative agreements with each other to address blight and would create a fund to strengthen enforcement efforts. "The governor has proposed new investments in community revitalization, and those projects can be transformative for Erie and other communities. But we need to lay the groundwork by eliminating the blighted, abandoned properties that invite crime and deter investment,” Merski said. “My bill would allow communities to join forces in fighting blight and would bolster those efforts by providing the additional resources needed to enforce code violations. Among other things, Merski’s bill would establish a grant program administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development to fund new code enforcement programs, including the hiring of enforcement officers, and strengthen existing efforts. The bill is now headed to the House chamber for consideration. Read more

 

Frankel, Schwank laud Biden’s creation of national plan to fight antisemitism

(May 25, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 25 – Pennsylvania Jewish Legislative Caucus Co-chairs Rep. Dan Frankel and Sen. Judy Schwank praised the White House announcement Thursday that the Biden-Harris Administration has established the first-ever U.S. national strategy to fight antisemitism. “While antisemitism is not new, we are seeing a deeply disturbing rise in incidents fueled by inflammatory political rhetoric and a digital world in which hate-based speech can be spread at the touch of a button. Those special challenges demand new solutions, including decisive action at the national level,” Frankel said. “I am particularly encouraged that the new plan the Biden-Harris Administration has announced is a broad one, including new action by executive agencies, calls for new legislation and outreach to mobilize every sector of society.” Frankel and Schwank highlighted the support and participation of the Anti-Defamation League, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Asian American Foundation, the Sikh Coalition, the National Urban League, the National Basketball Players Association and many other groups. “Antisemitism and hatred of all forms thrive in the darkness, and that's why calling it out can be so powerful," Schwank said. "The administration's new plan and call to action are essential first steps in generating the kind of broad, unified efforts that can combat the dangerous rise in intolerance Read more

 

PA House passes Freeman bill to allow Main Street program participation to be extended
Jun 06, 2023

Pennsylvania House Labor & Industry votes on paid leave legislation
Jun 06, 2023

Kinsey Fresh Food Financing Initiative bill approved by House Committee
Jun 06, 2023

Environmental Resources and Energy committee approves environmental justice legislation
Jun 06, 2023

Legislation to expand Property Tax/Rent Rebate limits passes House
Jun 05, 2023

Fiedler, PA Building Trades, AFT, Evangelical Enviro Network, call on lawmakers to vote for Solar for Schools legislation
Jun 05, 2023

Boyd takes oath of office to represent Delaware County’s 163rd Legislative District
Jun 05, 2023

PA House passes Haddock bill to remember 9/11 in schools
Jun 05, 2023

Rozzi joined by childhood sexual abuse victims, advocates, fellow lawmakers urge Senate to vote on statute of limitation reform
Jun 05, 2023

House passes Matzie/Marshall bill to boost rail safety
Jun 05, 2023

Ciresi introduces ‘Level Up’ bill to help state’s most underfunded school districts
Jun 05, 2023

PA House Welcomes New Legislators Heather Boyd, Michael Stender
Jun 05, 2023

Mayes: ‘Means the world to me’ to lead Pittsburgh Pride March and Parade
Jun 03, 2023

Neilson introduces legislation to target speeding in Pennsylvania
Jun 01, 2023

Merski introduces bill to fight student hunger, reduce food waste
May 31, 2023

Key lawmaker planning bill to continue using speed cameras and add new location
May 31, 2023

Salisbury bill bans lobbyist involvement in political campaigns
May 30, 2023

Pennsylvania bills cover turnpike, toll concerns
May 30, 2023

House committee unanimously approves Merski bill to fight blight
May 25, 2023

Frankel, Schwank laud Biden’s creation of national plan to fight antisemitism
May 25, 2023