Constitutional amendments need to be scrutinized by a large cross-section of voters. High levels of voter participation would help ensure the changes made truly represent the will and voice of the people. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 21 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced H.B. 1895 today to exempt injured and decorated veterans from vehicle registration fees. In serving the 146th legislative district, Ciresi has been particularly concerned that returning veterans receive assistance from the state in recognition of the sacrifices they’ve made serving their country. “While state law currently provides some veterans with a discounted rate for vehicle registration by only charging a processing fee, in recognition of their service I believe our injured and decorated veterans deserve to be fully excused from paying vehicle registration fees,” Ciresi said. Ciresi said, “That is why I’ve introduced legislation, with bipartisan support, which totally waives these fees for veterans who were injured or captured while serving their country, or who have received the Congressional Medal of Honor or the Purple Heart.” Current law charges a $10 processing fee instead of a registration fee for veterans who’ve lost a limb or eye or became partially paralyzed while serving in the armed forces; were captured by the enemy in an armed conflict; or were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Ciresi’s legislation eliminates the processing fee and expands eligibility to also include all recipients of the Purple Heart. According to Ciresi, this exemption would not only help eligible veterans directly, but also their Read more
Pa. state Rep. Mary Jo Daley knows that the mask mandate in schools was enacted in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. She says that kids are ready to get back to school, but not every child can get vaccinated. In order to keep all children safe, she supports the mask mandate and encourages everyone who can to get vaccinated. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation yesterday to allow BYOB restaurants to collaborate with local limited wineries to sell wine to diners. Ciresi, who has made the promotion and protection of small businesses a cornerstone of his role as state representative for the 146th District, said his legislation will benefit BYOB establishments, small Pennsylvania wineries and Pennsylvania dining patrons. “Our small local restaurants are a foundation of our communities and provide a wonderful place for people to come together,” Ciresi said. “Sometimes diners will go out to a restaurant and not realize it is BYOB. Though the restaurant might wish to provide wine to its patrons, it can’t afford to purchase a liquor license which costs thousands of dollars. “My legislation would allow a BYOB restaurant to collaborate with a local limited winery to sell wine so customers could enjoy wine with their meal in the restaurant. My goal is to support our small local restaurants, which are still trying to recover from the financial impact of the pandemic, and our growing Pennsylvania winery industry, as well as to enhance our diners’ patronage of local restaurants.” The legislation would permit limited wineries to apply for and obtain an off-premise catering permit they could use to partner with community restaurants to benefit both local businesses. Read more
BRISTOL, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Tina Davis, D-Bucks, along with state Sen. Robert “Tommy” Tomlinson, R-Bucks, today announced the opening of a flood relief assistance program to aid Bucks County residents affected by the severe weather and flash flooding on July 12. Also in attendance at the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority in Bristol Wednesday afternoon were Rep. K.C. Tomlinson, R-Bucks, Bristol Township Council President Craig Bowen, Bensalem Mayor Joe DiGirolamo, Bucks County Redevelopment Authority representatives Board President Sean Schaefer and Executive Director Jeff Darwak. The Neighborhood Flood Assistance Program is funded by a $1.75 million grant secured by the lawmakers from the Department of the Community and Economic Development and will be administered by BCRDA. The program’s goal is to offer financial support to those who faced significant property loss or damage and were uninsured or underinsured. Assistance will not be given to landlords, businesses, or non-profit organizations. “I’m very glad to have been instrumental in securing this critical state funding for our residents who have been struggling since the July 12 th storm and flash foods destroyed their homes and so upended their lives,” Davis said. “Many have been forced to relocate in the storm’s aftermath. This state money will help our neighbors come home once again to rebuild their homes and their Read more
Community colleges are such a valuable component of public education that 25 states are already promoting community college opportunities for free to their residents. Red states and blue states alike are investing in their own kids right now and growing because of it. Read more
We are closer to being like Texas than you can imagine. It’s up to all of us to ensure we don’t end up there, which we can do by demanding our elected state officials protect our rights. Read more
Nelson launched the Emerging Technologies Caucus this spring to help the commonwealth’s elected leaders learn about new and developing technology by working closely with innovators, including academics, entrepreneurs and businesses, and to help foster innovation while responsibly allowing Pennsylvania to compete in the new digital era. Read more
“As a child advocate, I witnessed the incredible power of working with a diverse group of professionals and experts united in the goal of making sure every child is safe. I look forward to working with and learning from the other members of the task force to ensure that every child in the commonwealth is safe from exploitation and victimization." Read more
“It’s critical to recognize the importance of the Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania’s history, not only for the sake of those who put their lives on the line so that all Americans could be free before the Civil War, but also to remember that in Pennsylvania the fight for the true freedom of all people is still being fought.” Read more
Members of the Women’s Health Caucus said they want to remind Pennsylvanians that, while they are standing in solidarity with those negatively impacted by the new Texas law, abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania, and Gov. Wolf has guaranteed a veto if any restrictive legislation reaches his desk. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Nancy Guenst talks with Pa. Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Jennifer Smith about National Recovery Month and getting rid of the stigma that surrounds addiction. Read more
Job search assistance and non-unemployment assistance is available to help those in need. Read more
“Democracy works better when more people participate. This proposal brings better transparency to the process and will help ensure that the voices of more Pennsylvanians will be heard when it comes to constitutional changes that affect us all.” Read more
“The basis of good government — responsibility, efficiency and accountability — requires that we have an elected representative who represents the public interest and who can be called to account for how taxpayer money is being spent. My bill would ensure that happens.” Read more
Pa. state Rep. Napoleon Nelson and the Emerging Technologies Caucus visited Ben Franklin Technology PArtners in Philadelphia to learn about blockchain, robotics and other innovative technologies that are helping build transformative companies and communities across the commonwealth. Read more
The two proposals from Nelson – H.B. 1370 and H.R. 121 – would permit businesses in Pennsylvania to develop blockchain-based products in a controlled way, while exploring the regulatory environment in anticipation of future growth. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Napoleon Nelson visits Washington, D.C. for a rally to ensure that government officials remain accountable to the people. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Napoleon Nelson joins state legislators from across the nation in Washington, D.C. to push for critical voting rights protections. Nelson and others are calling on the U.S. Senate to delay its August recess and pass the For The People Act (HR.1/S.1), which would protect the right to vote. Read more
“I am very proud of the work my office has done to proactively search for and locate unclaimed property for residents in our community,” Ciresi said. “These 81 claimants now are in possession of the $147,122.63 that is rightfully theirs thanks to the efforts of my office. This service is offered free of charge to all my constituents, so please contact my office if you think you have unclaimed property.” Read more
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