News Center

New Ciresi legislation promotes cost-saving local government cooperation

(Aug 04, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“With strained budgets, local governments and school districts throughout Pennsylvania are looking for ways to provide necessary services without raising taxes,” Ciresi said. “We have a real opportunity to improve local government and reduce property taxes through back-office reform and shared services, allowing us to do more with less while keeping our local representation and community identity." Read more

 

Breastfeeding isn’t just healthy for mother and child; it’s good for the environment

(Jul 28, 2020) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

During my time as a state representative, I’ve been a strong advocate for the benefits of breastfeeding, and I continue my work to protect employees who are breastfeeding and to generally focus more attention on this subject. Read more

 

Pipeline Safety Investigation Under Way Involving Subsidence Incidents in West Whiteland Township, Chester County

(Jul 17, 2020) BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION & ENFORCEMENT, PA PUC

HARRISBURG – In response to reports of several earth subsidences or “sinkholes” near pipelines in Southeastern Pennsylvania, an investigation is under way involving engineers and experts from the Safety Division of the Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement (I&E) - the independent investigation and enforcement bureau of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). I&E has been, and continues to, closely monitor a string of events near the 400 block of East Lincoln Highway and Route 30/Lincoln Highway, in West Whiteland Township, Chester County. These events occurred near construction being conducted by Sunoco Pipeline LP (Sunoco). No active pipelines were exposed as a result of the subsidences and engineers from the Safety Division continue to closely monitor the situation. Safety Division engineers have been onsite gathering information for their investigation and monitoring the integrity of pipelines in the area. I&E has also been in communication with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT and West Whiteland Township. The first subsidence occurred on July 10, with additional events developing over the next several days. Most recently, mid-afternoon today (July 17), growing cracks were reported in the pavement on business Route 30 near the first reported sinkhole location, impacting some traffic on that roadway. The subsidence locations have been stabilized with grout Read more

 

Ciresi calls for investigation into PA charter schools receiving PPP payments

(Jul 16, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve to know that their tax dollars are spent responsibly and that the funding of a government program is used for its intended purpose. It is therefore important to determine how charter schools were able to justify and obtain these forgivable loans, and whether taxpayer funds from all sources are being used for their legally intended purposes by recipient charter schools and management organizations.” Read more

 

Ciresi, Hanbidge introduce bill to assist PA businesses by delaying registration fees

(Jul 15, 2020) Rep. Liz Hanbidge, Rep. Joseph Ciresi

House Bill 2703 will delay annual registration fees for Limited Liability Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships, Limited Liability Limited Partnerships and Restricted Professional Limited Liability Companies to Dec. 31, 2020. Read more

 

Williams’ police reform bill signed into law

(Jul 14, 2020) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 14 – A police reform bill sponsored by State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, that would bring about the most significant changes to Pennsylvania policing in at least 40 years was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf today as Act 59 of 2020. Williams’ H.B. 1910 will update police training in several areas, including recognizing and reporting child abuse; de-escalation and harm reduction techniques; interacting with individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds; and appropriate use of force. House Bill 1910 is one of 19 bills that members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus urged be considered by the House. The bill was recently passed unanimously by the House and the Senate, along with H.B. 1841 , which would require employers to disclose employment information to a law enforcement agency that is conducting a background investigation of an applicant. H.B.1841 was also signed into law by the governor. “A resounding cry for justice for all citizens has risen up throughout our commonwealth and our nation,” Williams said. “The General Assembly has responded to this impassioned demand to protect the vulnerable by passing these two police reform bills unanimously and by the governor by signing them into law. “I’m proud that my bill will enhance the training the police receive so they can better serve the public and expand the reporting system to Read more

 

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold public hearing on COVID-19 Plans for Long-Term Care Facilities Thursday in Capitol

(Jul 14, 2020) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 14 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on COVID-19 Plans for Long-Term Care Facilities as part of Disability Pride Philadelphia’s Virtual PA 2020. The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 16 in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building in Harrisburg. The media and public are invited to attend and watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . The hearing was requested by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., to explore how the disability community has been impacted by COVID-19 in long-term care facilities Testifiers and members will participate in person and remotely. Testifiers will include: Sarah Boateng , executive deputy secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Health Keara Klinepeter , special adviser to the secretary of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Health Kristin Ahrens , deputy secretary of the Office of Developmental Programs, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Matt Yarnell , president, SEIU Healthcare PA Emma Graham , certified nursing assistant Elyse Ford , vice president, District 1199C Misty Dixon , chief executive officer, Center for Independent Living of North Central PA Justin Bell , nursing home survivor For more information about the Policy Committee and testimonies, go to Read more

 

Ciresi condemns House blocking debate, amendments on constitutional amendment

(Jul 13, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“This extraordinary decision was a shameful abuse of legislative power,” Ciresi said. “While all bills deserve to be properly debated and discussed, and potentially improved through amendments, this is especially true for amendments to the constitution itself. To push through a bill of this magnitude without a public hearing or discussion, while refusing to even consider amendments that my colleagues worked hard to draft, is unacceptable.” Read more

 

Ciresi applauds Phoenixville rail study, pushes Montco service

(Jul 13, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“Bringing back the train is critical to reviving the downtowns of Pottstown and Royersford, creating new jobs, increasing property values, and improving quality of life. Everyone – not just train passengers – stands to benefit from these positive impacts. I am proud to continue to work with stakeholders on this important priority, and look forward to seeing further developments as we continue to move forward.” Read more

 

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold public hearing on COVID-19 health disparities Wednesday in Capitol

(Jul 13, 2020) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 13 –State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold public hearing on COVID-19 health disparities. The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building of the Capitol Complex. The media and public are invited to attend and watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . The hearing was requested by state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and Democratic Chair of House Health Committee; state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and chair of Pa. Legislative Black Caucus; and state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., and chair of the Welcoming PA Caucus to explore the impact of COVID-19 on health disparities. Testifiers and members will participate in person and remotely. Testifiers will include: Hannah Hardy, MPA, PhD , director, Allegheny County’s Chronic Diseases and Injury Prevention Program. Tyra Bryant-Stephens, MD , medical director of the Community Asthma Prevention Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the Philadelphia Board of Health. Tiffany Gary-Webb, MHS, PhD , associate professor in the departments of Epidemiology and Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health. Meagan Hume, MDP , health coordinator, HIAS Pennsylvania. For more information about the Policy Read more

 

Delloso announces shred event Saturday, July 11

(Jul 06, 2020) Southeast Delegation

State Rep. David Delloso, D-Delaware, will host his free Shred and Electronic Waste Event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 11 at the Norwood Fire Company. The fire company is located at 336 Chester Pike in Norwood. Read more

 

Williams hosts successful Community Police Partnership Forum

(Jul 02, 2020) Rep. Dan Williams

COATESVILLE, July 2 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, hosted Wednesday night a successful Community Police Partnership Forum shedding light on police/community relations and systemic racism. Dozens of constituents attended while more than 100 tuned in via livestream to interact with Williams, area chiefs of police, Chester County’s sheriff and district attorney. “I want to thank everyone who participated as we attempt to take a step forward together,” Williams said. “We need to open the dialogue around policing to implement effective change. This is only the beginning – 400 years of racism cannot be addressed in only one night. Here in Pennsylvania, we’ve passed legislation, including my own House Bill 1910, to make historic changes that I’m confident will save lives and increase our police force’s efficiency for years to come.” A recording of the discussion is available on Williams’ Facebook page. For more information, those interested can contact Williams’ office at (484) 200-8256. Read more

 

Ciresi, O’Neal call for investigation into unemployment system failures

(Jun 30, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“Week after week, year after year, most workers contributed to the Unemployment Trust Fund through payroll deductions,” Ciresi said. “Yet the failures of this system have left too many without income during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when they need these benefits more than ever.” Read more

 

Renter and homeowner aid available

(Jun 29, 2020) Southeast Delegation

Renters and homeowners who were financially impacted by the economic slowdown related to the coronavirus pandemic will be able to access applications for rent and mortgage relief beginning Monday, June 29. At that time, applications will be accessible from a red banner on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s website at www.PHFA.org . Homeowners who became unemployed after March 1 or who suffered at least a 30 percent reduction in annual income due to reduced work hours and wages related to COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance to help with missed mortgage payments. To qualify for the Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program, the applicant must be an owner-occupant of their residence, the dwelling must consist of one or two separate units, the mortgage must be at least 30 days delinquent, and the applicant-homeowner’s annual household income must not exceed the Area Median Income for their county of residence adjusted for the number of people in their home. For renters to be eligible for financial assistance under the CARES Rent Relief Program, they will need to document at least a 30 percent reduction in annual income since March 1 related to COVID-19, or they must have become unemployed after March 1. If unemployed, they must have filed for Unemployment Compensation. Their household income cannot exceed the Area Median Income for their county of residence adjusted for the number of people in their home. For more information Read more

 

Small Business Assistance grants available

(Jun 29, 2020) Southeast Delegation

Applications are expected to be available June 30 for a new program aimed at providing critical funding to local businesses hurt by the coronavirus. The first round of the $225 million COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance grant program is expected to open for applications on Tuesday, June 30 and will remain open for 10 business days. Additionally, applications will continue to be accepted after 10 business days to be considered for future rounds of funding. Those rounds will be announced soon. This program will award grants ranging from $5,000 - $50,000 to small businesses economically impacted by the coronavirus, and money is specifically set aside for businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people. For an application preparation checklist, criteria for eligibility and consideration, and a full list of participating Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), please click below to go to the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance website. https://pabusinessgrants.com/ Read more

 

Women’s Health Caucus applauds SCOTUS decision to strike down Louisiana law severely restricting abortions

(Jun 29, 2020) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

“This decision, like others, solidifies that women have a constitutional right to reproductive freedom,” said Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, who serves as Democratic chairwoman of the Women’s Health Caucus and also serves on the House Health Committee. Read more

 

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold public hearing on reopening PA schools Tuesday in Capitol

(Jun 26, 2020) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 27 –State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that the PA House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on reopening Pennsylvania schools. The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building in Harrisburg. The media and public are invited to attend or watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . The hearing will feature testimony from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Mathematica about its recent research report that provides guidance for reopening schools. Sturla, who is chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee, will be joined by other committee members in person and virtually. Testifiers will include: Matthew Stem , deputy secretary for elementary and secondary education, Pennsylvania Department of Education. Dr. Brian Gill, senior fellow, Mathematica Dr. Art Levinowitz , school director of Upper Dublin School District and representative for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association. Dr. Shane Hotchkiss , superintendent of Bermudian Springs School District and representative for the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators. Aaron Chapin , vice president, Pennsylvania State Education Association. For more information about the Policy Committee and copies of testimony, go to www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . ### Read more

 

Ciresi touts unanimous passage of bill protecting mobile home owners

(Jun 25, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Ciresi was an early cosponsor of the bill, supported it in the Local Government Committee and authored an amendment that ensures the most recent evaluating manual would be used to properly assess the value of manufactured homes. Read more

 

Delloso reminds residents to stay safe this summer while enjoying the outdoors

(Jun 25, 2020) Southeast Delegation

State Rep. David Delloso from Delaware County reminds residents to stay safe this summer while enjoying the outdoors. Read more

 

Ciresi praises passage of cosponsored police reform bills

(Jun 24, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“Today’s unanimous votes are a significant first step toward addressing social justice issues that have driven a divide between law enforcement and the community,” Ciresi said. “To bridge that gap, we have much work still to do. This legislation marks the beginning of necessary work we all must do – as a commonwealth and as fellow human beings – to rebuild trust and fulfill our obligation to equal justice under the law.” Read more

 

New Ciresi legislation promotes cost-saving local government cooperation
Aug 04, 2020

Breastfeeding isn’t just healthy for mother and child; it’s good for the environment
Jul 28, 2020

Pipeline Safety Investigation Under Way Involving Subsidence Incidents in West Whiteland Township, Chester County
Jul 17, 2020

Ciresi calls for investigation into PA charter schools receiving PPP payments
Jul 16, 2020

Ciresi, Hanbidge introduce bill to assist PA businesses by delaying registration fees
Jul 15, 2020

Williams’ police reform bill signed into law
Jul 14, 2020

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold public hearing on COVID-19 Plans for Long-Term Care Facilities Thursday in Capitol
Jul 14, 2020

Ciresi condemns House blocking debate, amendments on constitutional amendment
Jul 13, 2020

Ciresi applauds Phoenixville rail study, pushes Montco service
Jul 13, 2020

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold public hearing on COVID-19 health disparities Wednesday in Capitol
Jul 13, 2020

Delloso announces shred event Saturday, July 11
Jul 06, 2020

Williams hosts successful Community Police Partnership Forum
Jul 02, 2020

Ciresi, O’Neal call for investigation into unemployment system failures
Jun 30, 2020

Renter and homeowner aid available
Jun 29, 2020

Small Business Assistance grants available
Jun 29, 2020

Women’s Health Caucus applauds SCOTUS decision to strike down Louisiana law severely restricting abortions
Jun 29, 2020

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold public hearing on reopening PA schools Tuesday in Capitol
Jun 26, 2020

Ciresi touts unanimous passage of bill protecting mobile home owners
Jun 25, 2020

Delloso reminds residents to stay safe this summer while enjoying the outdoors
Jun 25, 2020

Ciresi praises passage of cosponsored police reform bills
Jun 24, 2020