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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

 

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

 

Rep. Bizzarro resolution will raise epilepsy awareness

(Oct 19, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

HARRISBURG, Oct. 19 – Today the Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution introduced by state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, that will bring awareness to epilepsy by designating November 2020 as National Epilepsy Month in Pennsylvania. The resolution aims to educate the public on those experiencing seizures and improving the quality of life for those living with the disease. More than 3.4 million Americans have epilepsy and more than 50,000 die annually because of epilepsy or direct complications from it. “With awareness and detection, epilepsy can be treated and managed. Clearing up misinformation and reducing stigma will help people better understand the disease and save lives,” Bizzarro said. “I thank my colleagues for their support of this resolution. House Resolution 979 also highlights the role several state and local organizations play in finding a cure and overcoming the challenges created by epilepsy. The Epilepsy Association of Western and Central Pennsylvania and the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania work across the Commonwealth on epilepsy advocacy and assisting those diagnosed with how to manage this disease. Several local organizations also assist those diagnosed with epilepsy, such as The AJO Forever Foundation, asking people to remember #AJO as they “pay it forward” with random acts of kindness to raise awareness; and The Epilepsy Read more

 

Sanchez to introduce resolution condemning recent attacks in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)

(Oct 16, 2020) Rep. Ben Sanchez

“Despite international pressure for a cessation of hostilities, the situation is deteriorating,” Sanchez said. “Artsakh is being attacked mercilessly. Because of this appalling action, I am introducing this resolution to condemn the attacks and Turkey’s involvement.” Read more

 

Shusterman, House Democratic Policy Committee examine 2020 vote

(Oct 08, 2020) Rep. Melissa Shusterman, Rep. Mike Sturla

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman hosted the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee for an online hearing today examining the progress that state and county officials have made securing the 2020 general election in Pennsylvania. Shusterman hosted the hearing at the request of committee Chair Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. Testimony was heard from: Jonathan Marks , deputy secretary for elections & commission, Pennsylvania Department of State. Bill Turner , acting director, Chester County Voter Services. Vic Walczak , legal director, ACLU of Pennsylvania . Pat Christmas , policy director, The Committee of Seventy Carol Kuniholm , vice president of government and social policy, League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania. The full hearing is available to watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ILAO2YScj8&feature=emb_logo . “Ensuring that this fall’s election takes place securely and does so with the confidence of Pennsylvania voters is the most important work happening at all levels of government right now,” said Shusterman, D-Chester. “My House colleagues and I are laser-focused to ensuring that Pennsylvania’s voting procedures and personnel are dialed in and that the sanctity of our democracy is protected. “Having heard from this expert panel today, I am confident in telling my constituents that they can trust the integrity of this Read more

 

House Democratic leaders highlight coordinated misinformation and intimidation tactics to push back against public health protection

(Oct 08, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – Following the release of emails among Pennsylvania House and Senate Republicans, county officials and outside agitator groups related to Lebanon County’s pushback on COVID-19 mitigation efforts, House Democratic leaders released the following statement: “For months, it has been apparent that the House Republican Caucus was politicizing this pandemic for their own legislative and political purposes. The release of emails from PA Spotlight now proves that to be true. “According to the emails, House Republicans this spring went so far as to enlist the help of local elected officials, law enforcement and the healthcare industry in a targeted campaign to undermine the Wolf administration’s mitigation efforts and cover up vital information about the spread of the virus. At the same time, they acknowledge that they are not medical experts and do not possess the expertise to manage a public health emergency. Time and again, they have taken calculated steps to ensure that they are laying the groundwork for their fight, even going so far as to the now-speaker reading ‘certain things into the record for reference to legislative intent in the inevitable court battle.’ “Over the course of the last five months, 45 days of legislative session have been wasted due to political games. From creating wasteful bureaucracy in an attempt to obstruct the governor, to trying to make Pennsylvania the only Read more

 

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

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

Rep. Bizzarro resolution will raise epilepsy awareness
Oct 19, 2020

Sanchez to introduce resolution condemning recent attacks in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)
Oct 16, 2020

Shusterman, House Democratic Policy Committee examine 2020 vote
Oct 08, 2020

House Democratic leaders highlight coordinated misinformation and intimidation tactics to push back against public health protection
Oct 08, 2020