Policy Committee | Homepage

The House Democratic Policy Committee (HDPC) holds public hearings and meetings across the state and serves as the catalyst to enacting major policy initiatives put forth by members of the House Democratic Caucus. State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, has been chosen by the caucus to lead this committee since 2009.

The Policy Committee typically holds hearings outside of Harrisburg to investigate the local impact of certain issues and collect valuable expert input. Check back here regularly for the Committee's hearing schedule and collected testimony.

You can Follow the House Democratic Policy Committee on Twitter to be the first to know when hearings are announced and testimonies are posted online. You also can "Like" the House Democratic Policy Committee’s facebook page and Follow the House Democratic Policy Committee on Instagram to see hearing photos, news releases and testimonies in your News Feed.

You also can Follow Chairman Sturla on Twitter and "Like" Chairman Sturla's facebook page to get news from him.

Upcoming Public Hearings

Policy Committee

Details for upcoming House Democratic Policy Committee public hearings across Pennsylvania. Read more

Otten to hold policy hearing on youth mental health Friday in Exton

(1 hour ago) Policy Committee

EXTON, Oct. 15 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, will hold a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on youth mental health. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18 at the Lionville YMCA, 100 Devon Drive. The media and public are invited to attend. Otten requested the hearing to discuss factors contributing to the growing youth mental health crisis, along with efforts and proposed solutions to end the stigma associated with mental health and improve access to care and outcomes for children and youth. Otten will be joined by state legislators from across the state, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. Panelists will include: Dr. Jane Thompson, psychotherapist, Chester Springs Clinical Associates LLC Anna Wojcik, student, Downingtown East High School Sara Stein, student, Downingtown East High School Mary Kwiatkowski, parent, Owen J. Roberts School District Bradley J. Dyer, pediatrician and founder, All Star Pediatrics Perk Musacchio, author, retired teacher and educational consultant Monica Reinhard-Gorney, author/educational counselor Cindy Kruse, Educational and Workforce consultant Dr. Pamela Brown, Southeastern Region president, PSEA Dr. Bridgette Miles, principal, Coatesville Area School District Cynthia Black, president, board of directors, Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown Candy Read more

Daley to co-chair Policy Committee hearing about the waters of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg on Monday

(3 hours ago) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

Daley requested the hearing to discuss issues facing rivers, dams, the fishing and outdoor recreation industry and agriculture all related to the waters of Pennsylvania. Read more

Sims to host Policy Committee hearing on comprehensive sex education Thursday in Philadelphia

(3 hours ago) Policy Committee

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 11 – State Rep. Brian Sims, D-Phila., will host a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on comprehensive sex education. The hearing will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 at Thomas Jefferson University, Foederer Auditorium, 2 nd floor -- College Building, 1015 Walnut St, 19107. The media and public are invited to attend. Sims has introduced legislation that would require school districts to incorporate age-appropriate, inclusive and science-based comprehensive sex education into the curriculum of all grade levels, including contraception methods for older students. Sims will be joined by state legislators from across the state, including Policy Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. The current agenda is: 2:00 p.m. Welcome and opening remarks. 2:10 p.m. Panel One: Melissa Weiler Gerber , president and CEO, AccessMatters. Aletha Akers , MD, MPH,FACOG, associate professor of Pediatrics, The Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine. Lynette Medley , MEd, founder/CEO, No More Secrets Mind Body Spirit, Inc. Carlee Warfield , student, Downingtown STEM Academy. 2:45 p.m. Panel Two: Miciah Foster , SistahSpeak! youth project coordinator, New Voices for Reproductive Justice. Dr. Amanda Micucio , general pediatrician, Nemours duPont Pediatrics-Philadelphia. Patricia Fonzi , president and CEO, Family Health Council of Central PA. Read more