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Fairness Act passes PA House

(May 02, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Today is a historic day, as we take a critical step to make Pennsylvania fairer. The Fairness Act is as simple as it is substantive. H.B. 300 would protect LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians from facing discrimination and allow all individuals in the commonwealth to file complaints with the PA Human Relations Commission. Read more

 

Pennsylvania State House forms Black-Jewish Caucus

(May 02, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Concerns over an increase in hate crimes and bigotry have led to a new caucus in the state house. Two minority groups are once again joining forces to be a positive force for good Read more

 

Boyle champions his insurance cyber security bill passing PA House

(May 01, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 1 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 739 ) introduced by state Rep. Kevin Boyle that would require insurance companies and agents to develop cybersecurity policies and report cybersecurity events to the state insurance commissioner passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously. Boyle expressed gratitude to his colleagues for supporting and passing this legislation he championed in the House. “This legislation will go a long way in ensuring insurance consumers’ data is protected online from breachers,” said Boyle, D-Phila. “I applaud my colleagues for joining me to pass this important legislation in the House. Now, it’s up to the Senate to get this bill to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.” This legislation now goes to the PA Senate for consideration. Read more

 

PA House passes HB666, allows Philadelphia Housing Authority to negotiate performance-based contracts

(May 01, 2023) Rep. Donna Bullock

HARRISBURG, May 1 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed H.B. 666 today by a vote of 172-29. This legislation would remove the requirement in the Housing Authorities Law that executive members of the Philadelphia Housing Authority be “at will” employees, enabling the PHA board to negotiate performance-based contracts and compensation arrangements. “This brings the Philadelphia Housing Authority back into alignment with the other 89 public housing authorities in Pennsylvania,” said state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., the bill’s prime sponsor. “We cannot hope to retain talent, be competitive with other major cities and keep our public housing authority on an upward trajectory if it’s not even legally allowed to compete for executive level staff.” The provisions requiring PHA executive members to be “at will” employees were primarily established in 2011 in response to governance issues with the city housing authority under a prior city administration and previous PHA board. The board was dissolved and the PHA was put in the hands of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under an administrative receivership until 2013. In nine years since, the PHA and its new board have operated to high standards and earned the trust of stakeholders, Bullock said. Read more

 

Schlossberg bill to ‘Grow Our Own Educators’ passes House

(May 01, 2023) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“It is so important for Pennsylvania students to have teachers who come from the community where the students live," Schlossberg said. Read more

 

Kim hosts celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

(May 01, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 1 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, joined legislators, community members and fellow Asian Americans to celebrate the start of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. The event also celebrated the formation of the Pennsylvania Legislative Asian Pacific American Caucus. The goal of the caucus is to ensure the full participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and reflect the concerns and needs of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. “This is about giving Asian Americans a voice in our state legislature and also creating a group that gives us a way to share a piece of our heritage,” Kim said. “I’m so happy to see so many people of different backgrounds come out to celebrate with us.” The Pennsylvania Legislative Asian Pacific American Caucus is comprised of members of the General Assembly who have a strong dedication to addressing the needs and promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Personal experiences about life as an Asian American were shared by state Rep. Tarik Khan, state Rep. Arvind Venkat and Hossain Akbar. PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton and state Sens. Nikil Saval and Maria Collett also spoke at the event. The event began and closed with performances by the Nandanik Dance Troupe, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization that seeks to promote, propagate and preserve Indian Read more

 

Fiedler, Pisciottano ‘Right to Organize’ bill clears House Labor & Industry Committee

(May 01, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 1 – Legislation ( H.B. 950 ) introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, which would give Pennsylvania workers the right to organize, was reported out of the House Labor and Industry Committee today. Currently, the Pennsylvania constitution does not guarantee workers the right to organize and collectively bargain. This legislation proposes to amend Article I of the Pennsylvania Constitution to enshrine these rights for all workers in Pennsylvania. Additionally, the bill would prohibit any other laws that may interfere with or diminish collective bargaining rights. Fiedler said that the passage of H.B. 950 is a step in the right direction for Pennsylvania workers. “Workers fuel our economy. They are the mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles of our commonwealth,” Fiedler said. “Workers deserve to be treated with respect and that’s exactly the goal of this legislation. The Workers’ Rights Amendment will support workers in using their numbers to secure better pay, hours and working conditions.” Fiedler and Pisciottano believe that workplace organizing should be a right, but anti-union employers routinely threaten and scare workers in anti-union workplace seminars, bombard workers with anti-union literature, and bring in consultants that use surveillance technology to sniff out the organizers and fire them. Under the Read more

 

Solomon and Harris join together to create Black-Jewish Caucus

(May 01, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

At a Capitol news conference today, state Reps. Jared Solomon and Jordan Harris and other colleagues announced the creation of the Black-Jewish Caucus. The caucus’ goal is to explore the historic relationship between the two groups, reignite the current relationship, and work together to promote social justice. “Black and Jewish people have come together since the Civil Rights movement to work together for equity and social justice,” Solomon said. “We are here to revitalize this relationship to take on the challenges of today. Every legislative victory begins with relationship building and two groups working together to address bigotry will be a great start.” Solomon said they would work with Republican colleagues so this can become a bipartisan effort in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Read more

 

Bill seeking to fill teacher shortage through a grow-your-own program passes Pa. House

(May 01, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Schlossberg said this program would help to cultivate teachers from within a community where students live particularly ones with a high percentage of students of color or from diverse ethnic backgrounds or who live in rural areas. Read more

 

Ciresi and Webster dedicate Trooper Branden T. Sisca Highway in Trappe

(Apr 28, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 28 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi and Joe Webster, both D-Montgomery, held a road dedication ceremony today in Trappe to unveil a memorial sign in honor of Trooper Branden T. Sisca, who was killed in the line of duty in 2022. “Branden Sisca dedicated his life to protecting others in service of the community he loved,” Ciresi said. “Although nothing can fill the void that Branden’s tragic passing left, Rep. Webster and I thought weaving Branden’s legacy into the fabric of the community through the road dedication would help us all heal. From this day forward, everyone traveling through Trappe will be reminded of Branden’s life of public service as a volunteer firefighter and Pennsylvania State Trooper. Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to make today’s ceremony a tremendous success.” The memorial sign designates a portion of State Route 4031 (Main Street) between Fifth Avenue and State Route 4048, also known as Seventh Avenue, in Trappe as the Trooper Branden T. Sisca Memorial Highway. “Today we honor the life and service of Trappe Fire Chief and PA State Trooper Branden Sisca who dedicated his life to public service and protection of our community,” Webster said. “This dedication stands as a show of our sincere gratitude for his service and our pledge to honor his memory and sacrifice. Thank you to everyone who ensured today’s ceremony was a fitting tribute.” Read more

 

Matzie introduces bill to maintain safeguards for public utility consumers

(Apr 28, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

"My bill seeks to expand the tools that utility companies have to work with their customers who are struggling to pay their bills, in order to avoid having their service turned off," Matzie said. Read more

 

House Safe Caucus co-chairs applaud step forward for firearm regulations

(Apr 26, 2023) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

“Under Democratic leadership, we can finally have research-based conversations and actual votes about life-saving measures that would allow our constituents to move through their lives without fear for themselves and their children," Frankel said. Read more

 

Gergely praises first bill as state representative moving out of committee

(Apr 26, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 26 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, announced today that his first piece of legislation as a state representative has moved out of the House Liquor Control Committee and will now head to the full House for consideration. House Bill 829 would allow employees who work for food/liquor establishments or importing distributors to pursue simultaneous careers with such additional establishments. Current law prohibits that practice. “This legislation is a win-win for restaurants and food/liquor distributors to acquire experienced employees and the employees themselves who will be able to earn extra income,” Gergely said. Read more

 

Fiedler, Hanbidge ‘Patient Consent for Pelvic Exams’ bill passes House

(Apr 26, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 26 – Today, House Bill 507 introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, passed the Pennsylvania House unanimously. The legislation would require medical providers to receive explicit consent from a patient before performing an invasive pelvic or rectal exam on an unconscious patient for medical training purposes. Right now in Pennsylvania, medical students can legally perform a pelvic or rectal exam on a patient who is under anesthesia for an unrelated procedure. The invasive exam is done solely for medical students’ training purposes and not to ensure the health of the patient. The patient often is entirely unaware of what is being done to her/his body while are under anesthesia. Fiedler first learned about the practice from a constituent who was disturbed to learn that when she was a patient, a pelvic exam might have been conducted on her. Fiedler shared how her constituent’s experience inspired her to learn more about this practice and ultimately introduce this bill. She also expressed her joy to see this bill pass the House and called on the Senate to get it to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk. “The more I researched the situation, the more horrified I was,” Fiedler said. “Making sure we have highly trained medical professionals is incredibly important, and at the same time, patients should be asked for their consent ahead of time. This Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds win on gun safety

(Apr 26, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, APRIL 26 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today announced that an important set of firearm safety bills was approved by the PA House Judiciary Committee today and is on its way to consideration by the full House. The package of legislation, which cleared its first key committee, is aimed at securing prompt reporting of theft or loss of firearms, keeping guns secure around children, regulating background checks, and repealing provisions relating to the sale or transfer of firearms, among other regulations. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that this is a remarkable day for the delegation as another hurdle in efforts to deflate gun violence has been cleared. “This victory is long overdue. We are finally moving gun violence bills out of the Judiciary Committee. We have relentlessly fought for these bills”, Cephas said. “In a republican majority there was no chance for any kind of gun reform, but the time has come, and we couldn’t be more optimistic about this process. State Rep. Darisha Parker indicated that the bill on Safe Storage (H.B. 731) would help to save lives. Parker proposed consolidating statutes for firearms and other dangerous articles, providing for locking device for firearms. "There is no reason that anyone should lose a loved one because of a mishandled firearm," Parker said. "My legislation would Read more

 

PA LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus holds rally for Fairness Act

(Apr 26, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 26 – Today, the PA House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, chaired by state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., and Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, held a rally on the PA Capitol steps in Harrisburg promoting the Fairness Act (H.B. 300), anti-discrimination legislation currently moving through the state House. House Bill 300 would prohibit discrimination in PA based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. On Monday, the bill was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee and is headed for an eventual vote by the full House. Today’s rally saw a huge turnout of legislators, advocates and the public. Kenyatta and Benham were joined by the other co-prime sponsors of H.B. 300, state Reps. Dan Frankel and Latasha D. Mayes, both D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery; to speak on their bill. “Pennsylvania is better when it’s fairer. Passing the Fairness Act is the right thing to do for our families, our commonwealth and for our economy. This legislation was first introduced 22 years ago -- leaving committee once before -- and never receiving a full vote,” Kenyatta said. “It’s time for that to change. Pennsylvanians are good and decent people. They know every single one of us should be treated with dignity and respect. We have a chance to deliver on that basic principle and we will.” “The Fairness Act is as Read more

 

Sanchez legislation to modernize the home care hiring process unanimously passes House

(Apr 26, 2023) Rep. Ben Sanchez

“My legislation simply aims to modernize the home care industry’s hiring process and have a further reach when attracting quality care providers,” Sanchez said. Read more

 

House unanimously passes Harkins’ bill to rid School Code of offensive language

(Apr 26, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Hurtful, stigmatizing language has no place in our public law books,” Harkins said. Read more

 

Bill to protect children from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning passes House

(Apr 26, 2023) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

“Given that carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas, it’s difficult to know if you’ve been exposed to it, and since the symptoms of exposure are similar to other common illnesses, carbon monoxide poisoning wouldn’t be the first ailment to come to mind at a daycare,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “That’s why it is absolutely essential that childcare centers are equipped with these detectors.” Read more

 

House Education Committee advances bills to address teacher shortages & student protections

(Apr 26, 2023) Rep. Peter G. Schweyer

These measures would help school districts recruit and maintain the high-caliber teachers that are needed and also help students to achieve the best possible pathway to success. Read more

 

Fairness Act passes PA House
May 02, 2023

Pennsylvania State House forms Black-Jewish Caucus
May 02, 2023

Boyle champions his insurance cyber security bill passing PA House
May 01, 2023

PA House passes HB666, allows Philadelphia Housing Authority to negotiate performance-based contracts
May 01, 2023

Schlossberg bill to ‘Grow Our Own Educators’ passes House
May 01, 2023

Kim hosts celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month
May 01, 2023

Fiedler, Pisciottano ‘Right to Organize’ bill clears House Labor & Industry Committee
May 01, 2023

Solomon and Harris join together to create Black-Jewish Caucus
May 01, 2023

Bill seeking to fill teacher shortage through a grow-your-own program passes Pa. House
May 01, 2023

Ciresi and Webster dedicate Trooper Branden T. Sisca Highway in Trappe
Apr 28, 2023

Matzie introduces bill to maintain safeguards for public utility consumers
Apr 28, 2023

House Safe Caucus co-chairs applaud step forward for firearm regulations
Apr 26, 2023

Gergely praises first bill as state representative moving out of committee
Apr 26, 2023

Fiedler, Hanbidge ‘Patient Consent for Pelvic Exams’ bill passes House
Apr 26, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds win on gun safety
Apr 26, 2023

PA LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus holds rally for Fairness Act
Apr 26, 2023

Sanchez legislation to modernize the home care hiring process unanimously passes House
Apr 26, 2023

House unanimously passes Harkins’ bill to rid School Code of offensive language
Apr 26, 2023

Bill to protect children from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning passes House
Apr 26, 2023

House Education Committee advances bills to address teacher shortages & student protections
Apr 26, 2023