News Center

Kim reminds Pennsylvanians that hate and discrimination will not be tolerated during the COVID-19 public health crisis

(Mar 26, 2020) Rep. Patty Kim

HARRISBURG, MARCH 26 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, today said she is joining with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to push back on hate crimes and advocate for tolerance during the coronavirus, COVID-19 global pandemic. “I want to thank the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and its executive director, Chad Lassiter, for standing behind our Asian-American community," Kim said. "We want to remind Pennsylvanians that it is unacceptable to tolerate racial slurs, xenophobic attacks and harassment, especially during this global pandemic. It’s wrong to shift blame or accuse Asian-Americans for this crisis. Pathogens do not discriminate. I stand ready to help and protect anyone who is being discriminated against during the COVID-19 crisis. Moving forward, do not hesitate to contact my office for direct assistance and to report these instances of abuse and harassment. We stand united together in our fight against hate.” “In response to the many calls received by both the PHRC and the office of Representative Kim, we want you to know that we are taking those communications and responding as quickly as possible,” said Lassiter. “We are setting up a rapid response system that will allow us to address acts of discrimination in this emergency that are initiated based on the COVID-19 pandemic. PHRC is pleased to be working with Representative Kim and other partners to address unacceptable Read more

 

Matzie: House unanimously passes COVID-19 response bills

(Mar 25, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, March 25 – The House today unanimously passed several COVID-19 response bills, including measures that would temporarily remove the 180-day instruction requirement for all schools and push back Pennsylvania’s primary election to June 2, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced. “This is new ground for all of us,” said Matzie, who supported both bills. “There are certain actions the governor can take by himself, but others that need legislative authority. We’re doing our best to address those in a safe, timely, bipartisan manner.” Matzie said the amended S.B. 751 – which authorizes the secretary of Education to close all schools until the COVID-19 epidemic is over and increase the number of allowable flexible instruction days , among other emergency school code changes – provides much-needed flexibility for school administrators until things return to normal. “This will not be a lost school year. Seniors will graduate, kids will learn, employees will be paid and normalcy will return when it’s safe. We’ve given our districts the flexibility they need to navigate through this crisis. The changes will help give clarity to students, faculty, support staff and administration. “From a policy perspective, it’s the right thing to do. But as a parent of a graduating senior, I fully understand and Read more

 

Burns: State loans now available for small businesses

(Mar 25, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Loans up to $100,000 carry zero-percent interest for three years Read more

 

Schweyer responds to governor and Health secretary’s Stay At Home Order for Lehigh County

(Mar 25, 2020) Rep. Peter G. Schweyer

ALLENTOWN, March 25 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, today issued the following response to Gov. Tom Wolf and PA Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine’s Stay At Home order issued to Lehigh County. “This was a difficult but necessary decision and I support both Governor Wolf and Health Secretary Levine’s action,” Schweyer said. “As more cases are being reported in more counties, everyone needs to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is very important that residents stay calm, stay home and stay safe.” The Stay At Home order now includes 10 counties: Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia. The amended order for Lehigh and Northampton counties takes effect at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 and will continue until April 6. Schweyer said that all county residents should be aware of what is deemed essential for leaving one’s home. The full Stay At Home Order is available to view here . Schweyer also said to be sure to follow his social media pages on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

 

Kenyatta, Shusterman demand protections for gig economy workers in final federal COVID-19 recovery bill

(Mar 25, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 25 – As a historic $2 trillion COVID-19 financial response legislation package struck a deal in Congress early Wednesday morning, state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Melissa Shusterman today introduced a resolution urging federal lawmakers to ensure unemployment compensation for the nation’s 57 million independent contractors and “gig” economy workers (or app based independent contractors) is included in the final financial aid legislation aimed at helping workers during the coronavirus crisis. “These employees comprise over a third of the country’s working population and remain among the most critically under-protected workers, with many not qualifying for unemployment benefits. During this pandemic, they were left with the terrible ultimatum of continuing to work to make ends meet or do their part in reducing spreading the virus by staying home. Many have chosen the latter, resulting in loss of income at alarming rates and the prospect of recouping those losses is uncertain,” Kenyatta, D-Phila., said. “We’re demanding that all independent contractors are protected in any final package.” Shusterman, D-Chester, concurred with Kenyatta’s assertion saying, “It is important that we help this sector of our work population navigate this crisis with immediate relief and action.” Kenyatta said that a copy of the resolution would also be sent to President Donald Trump and Vice Read more

 

Bullock announces $25K safety grant for Metropolitan Baptist Church

(Mar 23, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 23 – State Rep. Donna Bullock announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded a $25,000 state grant to Metropolitan Baptist Church for safety and security measures. “While it’s difficult to think that safety and security measures are necessary to protect people in the places they gather to worship, it is an unfortunate reality, and I am grateful that this grant fund exists and that Metropolitan Baptist Church has received this funding,” Bullock said. “That said, my hope is that while Metropolitan Baptist Church uses this grant funding to improve safety at its facilities, our communities can continue to work to promote love and equity, and to diminish hate and ignorance.” The grant awarded to Metropolitan Baptist Church is one of 113 totaling more than $5 million that the commission approved this month. Metropolitan Baptist Church’s application for the grant funding was one of 805 applications submitted through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, which was created after House Bill 859, which established the fund, was signed into law in November. The fund is specifically for nonprofit organizations that serve people, groups or institutions that are included within a bias-motivation category for single-bias hate crime incidents, as identified by the FBI’s 2017 Hate Crime Statistics publication. The grant awards may be used for security Read more

 

Democratic legislators applaud state Supreme Court decision to halt evictions

(Mar 18, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 18 – Following the announcement that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court would be halting all eviction notices, multiple House Democrats, who earlier in the day requested this halt, issued the following statement: “We’re extremely appreciative to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for showing judicious leadership in halting all evictions statewide through at least April 3 and possibly beyond depending on the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we continually urge Pennsylvanians to stay home out of great concern for their personal health as well as the health of their community, it’s unconscionable that they could still be evicted and thrown into a world of instability when stability is what they need most. This halting of evictions doesn’t only help the homeowner or lessee, it helps the entire community. “Far too many people are living paycheck to paycheck and now face the real situation of being out of work for an extended period of time. Ensuring they have a roof over their heads for the foreseeable future isn’t simply the right thing to do, it’s the moral thing to do.” The following House Democratic legislators signed on to a letter, which can be viewed here, requesting the Pennsylvania Supreme Court halt all eviction proceedings: Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny. Democratic Whip Jordan Harris, D-Phila. State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila. State Read more

 

COVID-19 Helpful Resources

(Mar 18, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead. Please note that this webpage will be updated as needed with additional information and resources. State Services and Resources The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/ For individuals : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals For families : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamilies For businesses : https://dced.pa.gov/resources COVID Support for PA Businesses : The following provides information and and links to federal, state, local and private resources. https://www.pahouse.com/News/?id=113388 **Self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers: Apply here for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits .** https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities Information from the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry on the federal CARES Act: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/CARES-Act/Pages/default.aspx The following link provides you with Read more

 

PUC, Utility and Internet Companies Actions to Assist Consumers During Covid-19 Pandemic

(Mar 14, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Most recent information and updates from companies and providers that are enacting extraordinary measures to ensure continuity of service delivery for customers. Read more

 

Bizzarro lauds Wolf’s closure of Pa. Schools

(Mar 13, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, March 13 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement commending Gov. Tom Wolf for closing Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools: “Each school district across the state faces a different level of threat and challenges. I applaud Governor Wolf for recognizing the threat that COVID-19 poses to public health and safety and for taking action that prioritizes Pennsylvania’s children, teachers and school staff. “Earlier today, I circulated a co-sponsorship memo for legislation that would allow school districts to request a waiver for the 180 days of school mandate. Hearing the governor include in his announcement today that school districts will not be penalized for not meeting the requirement is a sigh of relief for all Pennsylvania districts. “I still plan to pursue support for my legislation calling for districts to work in concert with the Department of Education so that requests to adjust the mandated school days can be handled quickly. Enacting this legislation will ensure that this pandemic and any future disruptions do not tie the hands of our educators and impact Pennsylvania children’s educational experience.” Read more

 

Kenyatta to introduce legislation halting student loan repayments in response to COVID-19

(Mar 13, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 13 – With Pennsylvanians impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak , state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., is currently drafting legislation that would defer student loan repayments to PHEAA for up to 60 days. “ With all the workplace closures happening in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, many commonwealth residents are grappling to pay their necessary bills because of the sudden loss of income,” Kenyatta said. “Borrowers, especially, are unable to make payments on their student loans.” Kenyatta, who represents the 181 st Legislative District, said Pennsylvania bears the second highest average debt per student at $35,759 per student. A total of $53.7 billion collectively looms over the state’s borrowers. “We’re in the midst of an incredibly stressful time and the legislation I’m drafting aims to provide some financial relief during this pandemic,” he said. Read more

 

Reps. Rozzi, Bullock cancel ‘Homeless Youth’ rally out of concern for COVID-19 pandemic

(Mar 12, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Reps. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, and Donna Bullock, D-Philadelphia, have canceled their rally and press conference scheduled for Monday. The purpose of the rally and press conference was to raise awareness and call for action to help Pennsylvania’s rising number of homeless youth. “Representative Rozzi and I decided to cancel Monday’s event out of an overabundance of caution,” Bullock said. “Individuals from around the region and state were expected to travel to Harrisburg to attend the event. We hope to reschedule this event when the risk of spreading this contagious virus has been lowered.” Bullock and Rozzi are directing all residents to monitor the Pennsylvania Department of Health for the latest updates. Rozzi added: “This event was to focus attention on the growing crisis of youth homelessness in our hometowns all across the state. Now, more than ever -- with schools, churches and public places closing their doors – homeless youth are at risk. Many have no access to meet basic needs like food, shelter and health care, and they depend on these institutions to provide services.” “Our offices are asking all residents, when you stock up on needed items at the store, like nonperishable goods or hygiene and cleaning supplies, to please remember the less fortunate people that are struggling in all of our communities,” Rozzi said. Bullock Read more

 

Burns secures $250,000 grant for Westmont Hilltop High School

(Mar 12, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Money will help fund recreational opportunities, save taxpayer dollars Read more

 

Conklin: $115,000 in funding awarded to Jewish center at Penn State

(Mar 12, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 12 – Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life at Pennsylvania State University has been awarded a $115,852 state grant to use toward a variety of security and safety enhancements, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funds were awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency at its quarterly commission meeting through its Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program following the passage of Act 83 of 2019 . The act directs the agency to administer grants to nonprofit organizations that have been or are likely to be targets for hate crimes. Priority consideration for funding was given to organizations that indicated they – or their membership – were victims of a hate crime or had a credible hate-crime threat, Conklin added. “These community centers must remain safe spaces for students and the community to gather and connect with others, and I’m pleased that PCCD is providing Hillel the vital support to keep their center safe and secure,” said Conklin. PCCD is the state’s lead agency for criminal justice policy issues, providing support services to law enforcement agencies, victims of crime and communities. More information on PCCD can be found at the following site: www.pccd.pa.gov . Read more

 

Neilson continues fight for state grants to keep local community safe

(Mar 11, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 11 – State Rep. Ed Neilson announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded $52,890 in grants to two nonprofit organizations in his district that serve populations who are often targeted by hate crimes. These grant dollars are the first awarded by the commission as part of a new grant program it is administering, after legislation to create the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program was signed into law last year “Any program that increases safety measures for our most vulnerable neighbors – like people who are often targeted because of their religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability – is one I’m proud to support,” Neilson said. “I’m grateful that Federation Housing Inc. and Congregation Ahavas Torah Rhawnhurst Torah Center have received this funding, especially considering the many organizations that applied, and I know that they will put this funding to use to keep the people they serve safe.” Federation Housing Inc., which provides affordable housing to low- and moderate-income seniors, was awarded a $27,890 grant, and Congregation Ahavas Torah Rhawnhurst Torah Center, a synagogue in Northeast Philadelphia, was awarded a $25,000 grant. The grants awarded to the two organizations were among 805 total applications submitted for grant funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program. Of those 805 Read more

 

Isaacson announces $73K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people often targeted by hate crimes

(Mar 11, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 11 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded a $73,150 grant to a nonprofit organization in her district that serves populations who are often targeted by hate crimes. The grant, awarded to Friends of B’Nai Abraham, won in the first round of grants awarded by the commission as part of the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, which was created through legislation signed into law last year. “I am committed to working toward a world where people are not victims of hate crimes due to their race, religion, ethnicity or because of who they love,” Isaacson said. “But, while we’re working to make our communities more accepting, we must also protect the most vulnerable among us. I’m so glad that this grant has been awarded to Friends of Historic B’Nai Abraham to help them make their community safer.” B’nai Abraham is a nonprofit that strives to continue the traditions of their founders who followed the Orthodox understanding of Jewish rituals and Jewish life. Their warm and welcoming community is dedicated to reaching out — to inviting Jews of all backgrounds to gather with them for study, prayer and friendship. The grant application submitted by the Friends of Historic B’Nai Abraham was one of 805 total applications submitted for grant funding through the Nonprofit Read more

 

Rabb announces $49K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people who are often targets of hate crimes

(Mar 11, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, March 11 – State Rep. Chris Rabb announced today that Germantown Jewish Centre has received a $49,810 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to improve the safety and security of its facilities. “All people – people of all faiths, ethnicities, genders, races, sexual orientations and abilities – should be safe from violence wherever they gather,” Rabb said. “Our diversity is what makes our communities stronger and more interesting. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of work to be done toward fostering appreciation for people who are different from ourselves, and while that work is in progress, this grant award will help the people of Germantown Jewish Centre to ensure their safety and security when they gather for fellowship or other activities.” The grant award Rabb announced today is one of 113 approved for nonprofit organizations around the state in the first round of grants ever awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency through its Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, which was created after H.B. 859 was signed into law last year. The law established the new grant fund program, and directs the commission to administer grants to Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that principally serve people, groups or institutions that are included within a single bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as Read more

 

Costa-Frankel: Nonprofit security grant program announces more than $500k for local orgs

(Mar 11, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

This program was the joint effort of Senator Costa and Rep. Frankel following meetings with community and faith leaders following the tragic violence in Squirrel Hill in October of 2018. Read more

 

Burns honors Cambria County man with memorial bridge

(Mar 10, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Carrolltown man was killed in Vietnam Read more

 

PA HOUSE DEMOCRATS SUPPORT LANDMARK VOTING, CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND ETHICS REFORMS

(Mar 09, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 9 - Members of the House Democratic Caucus are urging passage of legislation designed to strengthen democracy by improving access to voting, reducing the power of big-money corporate special interests, and ensuring lawmakers put the people’s interests first in Pennsylvania. “Nothing breaks down the people’s trust in their government and their elected officials like seeing deep pocket donors get what they want while regular working families are left with nothing but the bill to pay,” House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny, said. “It’s time Pennsylvania took a leading role when it comes to honest elections, getting more people to the polls and making sure your voice counts more than special interest dollars.” Dermody noted the Citizens United decision first opened the floodgates of hidden money into U.S. elections 10 years ago, and a combination of partisan gerrymandering, attacks on voting rights and foreign influence on elections has silenced the voice of the people – while the federal government has stood by and watched it happen. “It’s important to remember that the assault on democracy didn’t start with Trump -- it started in the states,” said Daniel Squadron, co-founder and executive director of Future Now. “By expanding access to voting, reducing the power of corporate money in elections and strengthening ethics and oversight, the For the People Read more

 

Kim reminds Pennsylvanians that hate and discrimination will not be tolerated during the COVID-19 public health crisis
Mar 26, 2020

Matzie: House unanimously passes COVID-19 response bills
Mar 25, 2020

Burns: State loans now available for small businesses
Mar 25, 2020

Schweyer responds to governor and Health secretary’s Stay At Home Order for Lehigh County
Mar 25, 2020

Kenyatta, Shusterman demand protections for gig economy workers in final federal COVID-19 recovery bill
Mar 25, 2020

Bullock announces $25K safety grant for Metropolitan Baptist Church
Mar 23, 2020

Democratic legislators applaud state Supreme Court decision to halt evictions
Mar 18, 2020

COVID-19 Helpful Resources
Mar 18, 2020

PUC, Utility and Internet Companies Actions to Assist Consumers During Covid-19 Pandemic
Mar 14, 2020

Bizzarro lauds Wolf’s closure of Pa. Schools
Mar 13, 2020

Kenyatta to introduce legislation halting student loan repayments in response to COVID-19
Mar 13, 2020

Reps. Rozzi, Bullock cancel ‘Homeless Youth’ rally out of concern for COVID-19 pandemic
Mar 12, 2020

Burns secures $250,000 grant for Westmont Hilltop High School
Mar 12, 2020

Conklin: $115,000 in funding awarded to Jewish center at Penn State
Mar 12, 2020

Neilson continues fight for state grants to keep local community safe
Mar 11, 2020

Isaacson announces $73K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people often targeted by hate crimes
Mar 11, 2020

Rabb announces $49K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people who are often targets of hate crimes
Mar 11, 2020

Costa-Frankel: Nonprofit security grant program announces more than $500k for local orgs
Mar 11, 2020

Burns honors Cambria County man with memorial bridge
Mar 10, 2020

PA HOUSE DEMOCRATS SUPPORT LANDMARK VOTING, CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND ETHICS REFORMS
Mar 09, 2020