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

News Center

Rabb hails Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit

(Nov 19, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“This is a victory worth celebrating as we continue to fight to create a fairer tax system,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “Pennsylvania’s tax system should stop penalizing low-income households while allowing the wealthiest to pay less than their fair share. The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit is a meaningful step toward that vision, and one that will help nearly a million families keep more of what they earn.” Read more

 

Conklin bill to protect small self-storage businesses passes state Senate, heads to governor’s desk

(Nov 19, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – Pennsylvania’s self-storage business owners are poised to gain greater protections against defaulting customers after state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill to bring these small businesses stronger enforcement powers today heads for the governor’s desk. Conklin, who is majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee, said he introduced H.B. 1359 to help small self-storage business owners avoid significant business losses that can result when a customer fails to sign or pay their rental agreement. “Pennsylvania has more than 1,500 self-storage facilities, and most are small businesses,” said Conklin, D-Centre. “Yet our law fails to adequately protect these businesses when a customer fails to sign or pay their rental agreement. Without a timeframe in which the unsigned or unpaid agreement can be enforced, the storage unit sits occupied and unrentable, costing the business valuable income. “It’s not fair to punish these small businesses for a customer’s failure to uphold their end of the bargain. My bill would fix the issue by allowing for the electronic delivery of a rental agreement. This would make the agreement enforceable within 30 days of the document’s delivery – the same as if it had been signed. If the occupant failed to sign the agreement within 30 days, their rent payment or continued use of the unit would be deemed an acceptance of the Read more

 

‘The Bills Are Too High’: PA House leaders confirm commitment to energy affordability

(Nov 19, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Danilo Burgos, both D-Phila., and Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, held a news conference to highlight the growing crisis of energy affordability and the steps PA House Democrats are taking to protect Pennsylvania ratepayers. As chairs of the House Energy Committee, the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee, and the House Majority Caucus, respectively, the representatives shared their commitments to forward-thinking energy policy. Read more

 

Rivera bill to help Pa. seniors maintain Rx benefits to become law

(Nov 19, 2025) Rep. Nikki Rivera

“PACE and PACENET are true lifesavers for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania seniors, and so are Social Security cost-of-living adjustments,” Rivera said. “Our seniors should not have to stress over whether they can maintain eligibility for a program that helps them afford their prescription medications simply because the government has rightfully adjusted Social Security to keep up with the cost of living." Read more

 

House panel considers new process for reinstating parental rights

(Nov 18, 2025) Rep. Rick Krajewski

“Administrators, parents, children, and advocates all understand the need for there to be a standard procedure here. No child should spend another night languishing in foster care because of bureaucracy and outdated laws,” Krajewski said. “Families deserve a fair chance to be reunited, and kids deserve to finally go home.” Read more

 

House committee approves juvenile diversion legislation with bipartisan support

(Nov 18, 2025) Rep. Rick Krajewski

“Diversion helps youth take accountability, saves taxpayer dollars and makes our communities safer,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., prime sponsor of H.B. 144. “It shouldn’t depend on what county you’re from; all of our children should have access to these services. Diversion works.” Read more

 

House approves Steele bill to help Game Commission conserve land

(Nov 18, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

On a bipartisan vote, the PA House today passed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, that would help conserve land and protect vulnerable habitats by making it easier for the Pennsylvania Game Commission to acquire land in certain counties. Read more

 

Conklin, Neilson: House passes bill to boost security for Pa. businesses

(Nov 18, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin, Rep. Ed Neilson

HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – The Pennsylvania House today passed legislation introduced by state Reps. Scott Conklin and Ed Neilson that would make it easier for businesses to install high-tech electrified security systems. House Bill 1871 would eliminate the ambiguity and red tape that often prevents businesses from installing these systems by establishing guidelines for their use. “A good commercial security system can be essential for businesses, and some of the best systems available today use state-of-the-art electrified components that are installed inside barrier fences or walls,” said Conklin, who is majority chairman of the House Commerce Committee. “Unfortunately, many businesses attempting to install and use these systems face regulatory red tape that slows or even prevents their use. “My bill would establish parameters for using these systems, to give Pennsylvania businesses quick, simple access to the technology most effective at protecting employees and safeguarding property. Over 30 other states have already enacted similar legislation to ease use of these systems. It’s time to give our own workers the same level of protection and our businesses the security they need to remain competitive.” Neilson, who is the bill’s co-prime sponsor, said: “Businesses are vulnerable to theft or vandalism, and employees can face violence when they lack adequate protective Read more

 

Burgos bill to increase electric load forecasting accountability included in Pa. budget

(Nov 18, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – Legislation created by state Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., to strengthen Pennsylvania’s oversight on electric load forecasting was included in the state budget package enacted last week. House Bill 1924 addresses recent reports from PJM Interconnection that electricity demand across the PJM footprint – including Pennsylvania – is projected to grow significantly due to data centers, electrification of vehicles and buildings, and other large load additions. “Currently, PJM relies on load forecasts submitted by Pennsylvania’s electric distribution companies to establish system planning needs and capacity requirements,” Burgos said. “However, that process is opaque, and policymakers, regulators and stakeholders are doubtful of the data’s reliability.” Burgos’ bill allows the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to review and validate load forecasts submitted by Pennsylvania utilities to PJM, coordinate with PJM and other state regulators to ensure accuracy, and access all relevant materials necessary to carry out this oversight. “This legislation is about ensuring transparency, accountability and consumer protection, and I’m proud to see it included in the compromised budget we passed. Pennsylvania’s energy landscape is rapidly evolving, and by enhancing oversight we can protect ratepayers while strengthening Read more

 

House adopts Fleming resolution recognizing ‘Diabetes Awareness Month in Pennsylvania’

(Nov 18, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – The state House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted a resolution sponsored by state Reps. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, and Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington, commemorating November 2025 as “Diabetes Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.” Diabetes is a leading cause of death in Pennsylvania and the costliest chronic condition in the U.S. Individuals with this disease face serious health risks, including kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes and even lower-limb amputations. In Pennsylvania, more than 1.1 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes. Total direct medical expenses across the state are estimated at $12.3 billion, with an additional $4.1 billion in indirect costs from lost productivity due to the disease. “My daughter is one of 34 million people across the U.S. living with diabetes. She was diagnosed in June 2020 after a visit to her pediatrician led to a trip to the emergency department at Penn State Hershey,” said Fleming. “Raising awareness is incredibly important and personal to me. By recognizing ‘Diabetes Awareness Month in Pennsylvania,’ we highlight the reality so many face and stand in solidarity with them.” "Diabetes continues to be a leading cause of death in Pennsylvania, and raising awareness plays a vital role in helping those diagnosed seek proper care," Mihalek said. "I am proud to work with Read more

 

Steele: Educators, experts explain benefits of restricting cell phones in schools

(Nov 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Two House committees heard testimony today from several educators and experts who explained the benefits of restricting cell phone use in schools, according to state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny. Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates renewed funding for Solar for Schools, urges schools to apply in its second year

(Nov 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 17 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the PA House Energy Committee, issued the following statement today on the inclusion of a $25 million appropriation for the Solar for Schools grant program in the 2025–26 state budget: “I am so excited to see a second year of funding in the budget for the Solar for Schools program! After the overwhelming interest in the program during its first year, we now have the opportunity to invest in even more schools across the Commonwealth. “Renewed funding for Solar for Schools is a huge win for education, labor, environmental interests, and savings for taxpayers! Energy costs are the second-highest expense for schools, regardless of region, so when schools save on energy, they can reinvest those savings elsewhere. Another $25 million means more schools benefiting from solar savings, more jobs, more energy on the grid, and a cleaner planet for everyone. “This second year of funding is a testament to the bipartisan coalition we have built over the years to ensure this legislation’s passage and success. I’m thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for recognizing the value of investing in our schools to generate new energy and prevent cost increases for taxpayers. The first round of school grant recipients -- in rural, suburban, and urban districts -- will soon begin seeing the financial and environmental benefits of Read more

 

House Communications & Technology Committee holds public hearing on school panic alarms legislation

(Nov 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 17 – In a step to increase school safety for students and teachers, the PA House Communications & Technology Committee held a public hearing Monday on legislation ( H.B. 634 ) introduced by state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, that would require schools to consider implementing silent panic alarm buttons in classrooms during the annual review of their safety and security practices. The alarms would be linked directly with law enforcement responders and could be used to signal a life-threatening emergency. The legislation is modeled after “Alyssa’s Law,” named for 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff, who was murdered along with 17 others in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018. In the wake of the shooting, Alyssa’s parents and fellow advocates have fought for the passage of laws to require or permit schools to install silent panic alarm buttons in classrooms. “At today’s hearing, Alyssa Alahadeff’s mother, Lori, movingly advocated for the implementation of silent panic alarms in our schools as a necessary step to prevent the unthinkable—the murder of a child in a school shooting,” said state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, who chairs the House Communications & Technology Committee. “At a time when it seems like there is a school shooting every day in our country, we must take concrete steps to make our schools as safe as possible. Read more

 

House Majority Policy Committee demonstrates how hearings help impact state budget

(Nov 14, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

From Erie to Philadelphia, the House Majority Policy Committee traveled the Commonwealth this year to hear directly from workers, researchers, organizers, and business leaders about the challenges facing Pennsylvania communities Read more

 

Sappey’s Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit proposal becomes law

(Nov 13, 2025) Rep. Christina Sappey

“All across Pennsylvania, working families are doing everything they can to make ends meet,” said Sappey, D-Chester. “Many are dual-income households earning modest wages, juggling rent or mortgage payments, child care, health care and everyday essentials. When those basic costs outpace paychecks, families struggle — and our entire economy feels the impact. Read more

 

Conklin proposal would open door to affordable housing when state sells former prison land

(Nov 13, 2025) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Scott Conklin today unveiled a proposal that would address a major quality-of-life issue for Pennsylvanians by requiring the state to reserve a portion of any former correctional facility land it plans to sell and make that portion available to the county for affordable housing. Speaking at a news conference at his State College district office, Conklin said his soon-to-be-introduced bill would give the county where a former SCI is located the option to receive a transfer of up to 2% of the land. “Safe, affordable housing is a major factor in quality of life, but shortages here at home and statewide are driving up housing costs and increasing the burden on lower-income families,” Conklin said. “My bill would help ease the shortage by ensuring that any time the state decides to sell former prison land, a small portion of that land is set aside and offered to the county for affordable housing use.” Under Conklin’s proposal, counties would not be required to accept the land, but if they did, they would be required to use it for affordable housing and to take certain steps within certain timeframes to ensure availability of that housing. Conklin is currently in the process of gathering co-sponsors for the proposal, which will then be introduced in the state House. This is the second measure Conklin has announced in the wake of the state’s decision to close Read more

 

Judiciary Committee advances cornucopia of bills

(Nov 13, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – The House Judiciary Committee Wednesday advanced a series of bipartisan measures aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s justice system, protecting victims of abuse, and expanding tools available to law enforcement and prosecutors. Committee Chair Tim Briggs said the bills represented “a strong step forward in ensuring that our laws meet the real needs of Pennsylvanians—whether that’s improving safety, supporting victims, or providing opportunities for accountability and rehabilitation. “We’re giving prosecutors and law enforcement more tools in the toolbox to keep our communities safe, while also making sure courts have the flexibility to address complex issues like addiction and mental health.” The committee voted to move the following legislation to the full House for consideration: H.B. 384 (Rep. Jason Ortitay): Helps individuals who violate the casino or video gaming terminal self-exclusion list by providing courts with discretion to refer them for gambling treatment rather than only imposing penalties. H.B. 458 (Rep. Carol Hill-Evans): Allows veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury after incarceration to present those conditions as mitigating factors in post-conviction proceedings. H.B. 490 (Rep. Ben Waxman): Expands Pennsylvania’s media shield law to protect journalists from being compelled to disclose any Read more

 

Guest column: Tighter protections of Pennsylvanians’ financial data needed in age of open banking

(Nov 13, 2025) Rep. Lisa Borowski & Rep. Danilo Burgos

Consumers generally grant access to their bank accounts so a budgeting or payment app can work. But aggregators frequently collect far more data than necessary and use it in ways consumers never intended. Read more

 

Rivera hails bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education

(Nov 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – As a high school teacher for over 30 years, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, said she was proud to support this year’s state budget because it makes historic investments in public education, supports Pennsylvania’s working people and industries, protects Pennsylvania’s environment and keeps Pennsylvanians safe without raising taxes or reducing the Rainy Day Fund. “Balancing fiscal discipline with compassion, this compromise budget spends a little over $50 billion to provide stability to Pennsylvanians by ensuring support for critical state services at a time when a totally unpredictable federal government is curtailing or eliminating federal programs on which millions depend,” Rivera said. Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 budget increases total funding for K-12 education by more than $700 million. Rivera said she is extremely pleased to see that the budget is allocating $600 million to ensure that all of Pennsylvania’s students and schools have access to the resources and opportunities needed for academic success. There would also be $178 million in savings for school districts statewide reflecting savings from reforms that adjusted tuition payments that better reflect the actual costs to teach kids. “A budget is a statement of our commonwealth’s priorities, and our top priority is making sure all our students have access to a first-rate education,” Rivera said. “This Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El praises bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education

(Nov 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 –As a fervent advocate for access to high-quality education for everyone and support for the vulnerable, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, is highlighting historic investments in Pennsylvania’s school districts and support for the food insecure as reasons for his support of this year’s budget, which was signed by the governor today. Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 state budget increases total funding for K-12 education by more than $700 million. Smith-Wade-El said he was extremely pleased to see that the budget is allocating $600 million to ensure that all of Pennsylvania’s students and schools have access to the resources and opportunities needed for academic success. There will also be $178 million in school district savings statewide – reflecting reforms in cyber-charter school funding that will better reflect the actual cost of teaching kids. “Access to a high-quality education is the foundation for our social health and economic success today and in the future,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This budget’s record investments in public education will help level the playing field and open up doors to academic and professional success for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable kids.” Locally, the budget increases funding for Lancaster County school districts, including over $8.2 million in increased funding and cost savings for school districts in the 49th Legislative District: Read more

 

Rabb hails Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
Nov 19, 2025

Conklin bill to protect small self-storage businesses passes state Senate, heads to governor’s desk
Nov 19, 2025

‘The Bills Are Too High’: PA House leaders confirm commitment to energy affordability
Nov 19, 2025

Rivera bill to help Pa. seniors maintain Rx benefits to become law
Nov 19, 2025

House panel considers new process for reinstating parental rights
Nov 18, 2025

House committee approves juvenile diversion legislation with bipartisan support
Nov 18, 2025

House approves Steele bill to help Game Commission conserve land
Nov 18, 2025

Conklin, Neilson: House passes bill to boost security for Pa. businesses
Nov 18, 2025

Burgos bill to increase electric load forecasting accountability included in Pa. budget
Nov 18, 2025

House adopts Fleming resolution recognizing ‘Diabetes Awareness Month in Pennsylvania’
Nov 18, 2025

Steele: Educators, experts explain benefits of restricting cell phones in schools
Nov 17, 2025

Fiedler celebrates renewed funding for Solar for Schools, urges schools to apply in its second year
Nov 17, 2025

House Communications & Technology Committee holds public hearing on school panic alarms legislation
Nov 17, 2025

House Majority Policy Committee demonstrates how hearings help impact state budget
Nov 14, 2025

Sappey’s Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit proposal becomes law
Nov 13, 2025

Conklin proposal would open door to affordable housing when state sells former prison land
Nov 13, 2025

Judiciary Committee advances cornucopia of bills
Nov 13, 2025

Guest column: Tighter protections of Pennsylvanians’ financial data needed in age of open banking
Nov 13, 2025

Rivera hails bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education
Nov 12, 2025

Smith-Wade-El praises bipartisan budget’s historic investment in public education
Nov 12, 2025