LEVITTOWN, June 5 – State Rep. Tina Davis has announced that she will be introducing legislation that would require insurance companies to provide a 90-day grace period for the payment of insurance premiums during a disaster emergency. “Many Pennsylvanians have lost their jobs or had to close their businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are now struggling to pay their bills,” Davis said. “People shouldn’t have their insurance canceled because of an inability to keep up with insurance premiums during this period of unprecedented economic hardship . By requiring insurance companies to provide a 90-day grace period for insurance premium payments during a disaster emergency, my legislation would protect Pennsylvanians from having their insurance terminated at a time they need it most.” Currently, Pennsylvania has only recommended insurers grant a grace period to policy holders during the pandemic. Davis said that many states have required such grace periods in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of natural disasters. Residents with questions should contact Davis’ office by phone at 267-580-2660 or email ( repdavis@pahouse.net ). Read more

“We need leaders who understand that the murder of George Floyd is a cathartic moment in American history that should be acted upon immediately by leaders that envision a better world without division and hate. Commissioner Gale has sadly failed his most important test and should resign immediately.” Read more

I, like many of you, have been absolutely consumed by the news unfolding over the last week since the horrible footage of George Floyd’s murder took over our airwaves and newsfeeds. Read more

HARRISBURG, June 1 – State Rep. Wendy Ullman and state Sen. Steve Santarsiero were joined by state Reps. Perry Warren, Tina Davis and John Galloway in asking Gov. Tom Wolf to issue an executive order allowing the resumption of youth baseball and softball in counties in the yellow or green phase of reopening. “Children’s organized baseball and softball have been a cherished part of summer fun in Bucks County for generations,” Ullman said. “I am hopeful that with guidance from the governor’s office and the Department of Health, our children will soon be able to safely engage in this traditional outdoor sport that is so beneficial to supporting their physical, mental and social well-being.” In a letter sent to the governor on Friday, the Bucks County Democratic lawmakers shared a detailed proposal to provide a healthy, safe environment for team play, designed to maintain the physical and mental well-being of the children, while protecting them and the greater community from the spread of COVID-19. The proposal was developed by a local coalition of youth baseball and softball associations representing more than 13,000 families in Bucks County. “As we begin to come out of quarantine, outdoor recreation will be more important than ever for our physical and mental health, and especially for that of our children,” Santarsiero said. “With the safety protocols in place for other child-based businesses Read more

Now, more than ever, is the time to come together and pass legislation that seeks to protect our frontline and essential workers, pay them fairly, assist those struggling without employment, health care or child care, and, above all, keep our citizens safe. Read more

Pa. state Rep. Pam DeLissio commits to fighting for LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination legislation this session. Currently, State law does not ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Legislation to accomplish this has been pending for over 20 years. This legislation has never been brought forward for a vote. Efforts to amend this proposed legislation into other bills has happened repeatedly with no success. Such an effort occurred again yesterday and these were my comments on that effort. Read more

HARRISBURG, May 20 – State Rep. John Galloway today announced his two bills to expand and support children’s mental health services in Pennsylvania’s schools were unanimously voted out of committee. “Our students are crying out for help,” Galloway said. “Earlier this year, Attorney General Josh Shapiro said that the majority of the 40,000 calls last year to the anonymous tip line, Safe2Say Something, concerned students struggling with mental health issues such as suicide, self-harm, depression and anxiety. “Now it’s time to expand the mental health resources available for our children in the commonwealth.” According to Galloway, approximately one in six U.S. children between the ages of 6 and 17 has a treatable mental health disorder such as depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, only half of these children receive counseling. Those left with untreated mental health disorders often: struggle with behavioral and academic issues in school, such as delinquency and dropping out; have trouble with the criminal justice system; abuse drugs as a means to cope with their illness; become dependent on social services; and, in extreme cases, commit suicide. “Children’s untreated mental health issues are one of the most pressing issues our society faces,” said Galloway, D-Bucks. “Early detection and treatment of mental health issues literally saves lives, Read more

HARRISBURG, May 19 – State Rep. Perry Warren, D-Bucks, issued the following statement after working with Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration to improve Pennsylvania’s real estate reopening plan. “Real estate services are open statewide,” he said. “Throughout this unfolding process, I have been working toward a safe and effective reopening of the real estate services industry with Governor Wolf's administration, the state departments of Health and Community and Economic Development and my colleagues in the General Assembly. “Governor Wolf just announced that this plan is open today statewide, including for counties in the red phase. Because of our combined efforts, this plan is a safer, more comprehensive and faster alternative to vetoed House Bill 2412 and will help ensure safety and promote confidence for real estate professionals, homeowners and consumers. We achieve solutions when we work together.” Read more

These tiny arachnids feed on the blood of mammals, birds and other creatures. They can be infected with bacteria, viruses or parasites, and the Tick Research Lab of Pennsylvania recognizes 11 different tick-borne illnesses that have been identified in this state. Read more

“Livestock producers spend countless hours breeding, raising and feeding animals to ensure that food products so many of us take for granted are available each day,” Hanbidge said. “Many of these producers, along with those who supply them with feed for their livestock, are faced with a financial dilemma because, while their income may have slowed down or been cut off altogether during these difficult times, their operational costs have remained the same.” Read more