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The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus congratulates Biden and Harris on historic win

(Nov 09, 2020) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

“I am thrilled to soon call Joe Biden and Kamala Harris president and vice president. Their presence in the White House will restore intelligence and dignity to these esteemed offices, and a sense of pride in the American people. It is refreshing to see concrete, well-crafted strategies to move our nation forward, and I look forward to seeing manifestations of this progress,” Kinsey said on behalf of the PLBC. Read more

 

McClinton responds to release of video showing Wallace's death during police-involved shooting

(Nov 04, 2020) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

"Brutal, disturbing, traumatic and tragic don't even begin to describe the emotions I'm feeling right now after watching the video showing the final moments of Walter Wallace Jr.’s life – a young Black man whose cries for help ended with his untimely death as his entire family watched helplessly." Read more

 

House Democratic leaders remind Pennsylvanians: Republicans can’t change the rules

(Nov 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The results of the election are not final until every lawfully cast vote is counted. To suggest otherwise is an insult to the millions of Pennsylvanians who voted -- whether in person or by mail -- as provided by the legislature with near-unanimous Republican support." Read more

 

House Democratic leaders urge patience, remind the people the election is final when all votes are counted

(Nov 02, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We thank the voters and assure them they will be heard, and their votes will be counted – no matter how long it takes.” Read more

 

McClinton demands accountability from Philadelphia Police Department after mother and child dragged from SUV

(Oct 30, 2020) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

McClinton called the incident that took place in her community deeply concerning and charged for transparency from the police department for their actions. Read more

 

In response to West Philadelphia police-involved shooting, Cephas will introduce legislation that would require local police departments to establish Behavioral Health Crisis Response Units

(Oct 30, 2020) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

Cephas’ proposal comes days after the police shooting death of Walter Wallace Jr., a 27-year-old West Philadelphia man whose family had called 911 because he was experiencing a mental breakdown. Responding officers fired 14 rounds at him, killing him, while he was standing in the street holding a knife. Read more

 

Rabb expedites introduction of legislation to create PennCorps, to be used in mental health and wellness interventions after latest police violence

(Oct 29, 2020) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“It’s time for a system reset," Rabb said. "Policing as we know it cannot address the expansive needs of vulnerable communities across our city and state. Taxpayers will continue to be looted by a system that betrays our city’s neighborhoods most beset by disinvestment." Read more

 

Lawmakers discuss legislation to ensure equitable access to contraceptives

(Oct 28, 2020) Rep. Leanne Krueger, Rep. Kevin Boyle, Rep. Tina Davis

Krueger, Boyle and Davis introduced H.B. 2813 following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows virtually any employer to opt out of the Affordable Care Act mandate to provide contraceptive coverage if they object to birth control on religious or moral grounds. The bill would protect access to this important form of health care by making sure insurers in Pennsylvania provide coverage for contraception. Read more

 

Coalition Against Hate calls for renewed commitment to struggle against hate, fear

(Oct 27, 2020) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

As Pennsylvania again mourns the anti-Semitic attack in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh two years ago, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Hate today called upon the state legislature to remember and reflect on this moment, and to take action to strengthen Pennsylvania’s hate crime laws to prevent future tragedies. Read more

 

PLBC, Philadelphia House Delegation, and Police Reform Working Group members demand justice after Black man is killed by police

(Oct 27, 2020) Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

Members of these respective legislative bodies also called on the legislature to expeditiously pass the multiple pieces of police reform legislation languishing without action, some of which address procedures on non-lethal de-escalation methods and would instill policies for safer police interactions with residents experiencing mental health crises. Read more

 

Frankel, community mark anti-Semitic attack, remember those lost

(Oct 27, 2020) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

“My community has mourned together, and we are walking the winding path of healing together. Those most affected by the attack can each tell stories of the ways that the worldwide outpouring of love and support over the last two years has brought glimmers of light to what can be a very dark journey." Read more

 

Schweyer holds House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on utility shut-offs

(Oct 26, 2020) Rep. Peter G. Schweyer

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created new and unprecedented challenges for many families across the commonwealth,” Schweyer said. “With winter coming and temperatures starting to drop, people should not have to worry about having their heat, electric or water shut-off on top of keeping their families healthy and figuring out how to put food on their tables.” Read more

 

Matzie resolution highlights fight against pancreatic cancer

(Oct 26, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he introduced H.R. 1045, designating November 2020 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania, to draw attention to a disease that often evades detection until it is too advanced to treat. Read more

 

Howard introduces bill to help improve people’s credit ratings

(Oct 23, 2020) Rep. Kristine C. Howard

“The economic fallout caused by the pandemic has caused many consumers to miss payments, hurting their credit scores,” Howard said. “Consumers striving to establish or repair their credit find an unbalanced system only reporting negative, delinquent payments, while other on-time payments go unreported." Read more

 

Harkins bill would create hazard pay program for charitable nonprofit workers

(Oct 22, 2020) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins

“There are scores of nonprofit workers on the front lines of this pandemic,” said Harkins, who is Democratic chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee. “They are distributing food at food banks, operating shelters for those needing a warm bed, and carrying out other charitable services providing comfort and support to Pennsylvanians in need." Read more

 

Burns’ plan would freeze property taxes for seniors

(Oct 21, 2020) Rep. Frank Burns

“My legislation will stop seniors from being taxed out of their homes, while giving local businesses a chance to grow their bottom lines and attract customers,” Burns said. “This is a win-win for our seniors, our mom-and-pop businesses, and the people they employ. It’s time for the state to provide meaningful property tax reform and support mom-and-pop businesses.” Read more

 

House unanimously adopts Matzie resolution designating October as ‘Wine, Wineries and Grapes Month’ in Pa.

(Oct 21, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

Matzie said he introduced H.R. 1046 to highlight the major contributions made by Pennsylvania’s wine and grape industry, which traces its history all the way back to William Penn. Read more

 

McClinton’s criminal justice reform legislation heads to the governor after passing House and Senate

(Oct 21, 2020) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

“Today once again proves that criminal justice reform is possible in Pennsylvania,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair McClinton. “I applaud my colleagues for supporting our legislation and moving our progress forward to improve our criminal justice system so that it works for all Pennsylvanians.” Read more

 

House unanimously adopts Matzie condolence resolution honoring late Pa. House Representative Susan Laughlin

(Oct 20, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he introduced the resolution to pay tribute to a unique lawmaker who served the 16th Legislative District tirelessly during eight terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, from 1989 through 2004. Read more

 

House adopts Bizzarro resolution designating Nov. 22 Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day

(Oct 20, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

“I thank my colleagues for recognizing that our heroes are hurting and that we must support them by acknowledging the reality that we are losing an estimated 22 veterans a day to suicide. The 22 is significant because it helps us to remember those lost. We remind those left behind that we are there for them during these difficult times,” Bizzarro said. Read more

 

The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus congratulates Biden and Harris on historic win
Nov 09, 2020

McClinton responds to release of video showing Wallace's death during police-involved shooting
Nov 04, 2020

House Democratic leaders remind Pennsylvanians: Republicans can’t change the rules
Nov 04, 2020

House Democratic leaders urge patience, remind the people the election is final when all votes are counted
Nov 02, 2020

McClinton demands accountability from Philadelphia Police Department after mother and child dragged from SUV
Oct 30, 2020

In response to West Philadelphia police-involved shooting, Cephas will introduce legislation that would require local police departments to establish Behavioral Health Crisis Response Units
Oct 30, 2020

Rabb expedites introduction of legislation to create PennCorps, to be used in mental health and wellness interventions after latest police violence
Oct 29, 2020

Lawmakers discuss legislation to ensure equitable access to contraceptives
Oct 28, 2020

Coalition Against Hate calls for renewed commitment to struggle against hate, fear
Oct 27, 2020

PLBC, Philadelphia House Delegation, and Police Reform Working Group members demand justice after Black man is killed by police
Oct 27, 2020

Frankel, community mark anti-Semitic attack, remember those lost
Oct 27, 2020

Schweyer holds House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on utility shut-offs
Oct 26, 2020

Matzie resolution highlights fight against pancreatic cancer
Oct 26, 2020

Howard introduces bill to help improve people’s credit ratings
Oct 23, 2020

Harkins bill would create hazard pay program for charitable nonprofit workers
Oct 22, 2020

Burns’ plan would freeze property taxes for seniors
Oct 21, 2020

House unanimously adopts Matzie resolution designating October as ‘Wine, Wineries and Grapes Month’ in Pa.
Oct 21, 2020

McClinton’s criminal justice reform legislation heads to the governor after passing House and Senate
Oct 21, 2020

House unanimously adopts Matzie condolence resolution honoring late Pa. House Representative Susan Laughlin
Oct 20, 2020

House adopts Bizzarro resolution designating Nov. 22 Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day
Oct 20, 2020