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Smith-Wade-El, Rivera embrace free online platform for food help

(15 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, May 22 – Building on their commitment to support food-insecure Lancastrians, state Reps. Ismail Smith Wade El’s and Nikki Rivera’s offices attended a training on an innovative online platform that is increasing food access and sustainability in the region. The Lancaster County Food Exchange uses a mobile web application to allow procurement volunteers at food pantries and community kitchens in Lancaster County to communicate their surplus items and items they are requesting. Each posting is communicated to all participants via email or text twice daily. The service is free and only requires an email address and a cell phone or laptop. Terry Kile, founder and board chair of the non-profit, gave the training. Lancaster County Food Exchange is used by 23 food pantry providers to feed Lancaster County’s estimated 50,000 residents who need more access to food. “At a time when federal government budget cuts have significantly strained food pantries’ and food banks’ abilities to provide nourishment to the food-insecure, these critical organizations have had to become more agile to ensure that our neighbors in need have food to feed their families,” Smith-Wade-El said. “And this app makes that easy by enabling them to support one another’s needs by sharing surplus or requesting additional food with the click of a button.” “There’s no better example of the phrase Read more

 

Benham: Study shows more Pharmacy Benefit Managers reforms needed

(1 day ago) Rep. Jessica Benham

Author of PBM overhaul legislation weighs in on new state insurance report Read more

 

PA House Finance Committee addresses healthcare access and affordability for working Pennsylvanians

(May 20, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 20 – Today, the PA House Finance Committee held a public hearing on legislation that would establish a new tax credit for small businesses that contribute to their employees' health insurance premiums. House Bill 2550 would address affordability and accessibility of healthcare insurance plans for working Pennsylvanians, many of whom lost coverage after enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act expired at the end of 2025. Read more

 

Fiedler, Burgos introduce legislation to curb excessive profits for utility corporations, save consumers money

(May 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 18 – Pennsylvania House Energy Committee Majority Chair Elizabeth Fiedler and state House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee Majority Chair Danilo Burgos introduced legislation today that would limit excessive profits for utility corporations. “It’s outrageous that utility companies can make tremendous profits while raising rates on working people. Under Pa. law, rates are supposed to be fair for consumers, while allowing utility companies to recover costs and earn reasonable returns,” said Fiedler, D-Phila. “Yet right now, working people can’t even afford their energy bills – and these companies are making record-breaking profits. That needs to change.”“Our goal here is simple: while utility companies should earn a fair return for keeping the lights on and the water running, that shouldn't come at the expense of Pennsylvanians who are already struggling to make ends meet,” said Burgos, D-Phila. “By fixing the way these rates are set and reviewed, we’re finally pulling back the curtain and making the whole process more honest. We’re making it clear that Pennsylvania is done just 'rubber-stamping' every price hike that comes across the desk.”Burgos and Fiedler emphasized that they are committed to working together to make sure necessities, such as heat and power, stay affordable for every family in the commonwealth. Read more

 

O’Mara, PA Turnpike announce courtesy parking spots for veterans

(May 18, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, today joined officials from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the Pennsylvania American Legion to unveil dedicated parking spaces for veterans at turnpike service plazas. Read more

 

Burgos recognized as PA Rural Electric Association Legislator of the Year

(May 14, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Danilo Burgos was presented with the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association’s (PREA) Legislator of the Year award last week. Read more

 

Guzman Mobilizes Coordinated Response to Rising Violence in Reading

(May 13, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, May 13 — State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, said today he convened a coordinated public safety meeting at his office with state and local law enforcement leaders and key justice partners to address the recent rise in violence in the city. “The safety of our families requires coordinated action across every level of government,” Guzman said, adding that he remains laser-focused on addressing the issue as a top priority. “We cannot normalize violence in Reading and across Berks County.” The meeting included Reading Mayor Eddie Moran; Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams; Chief County Detective Mike Gombar; Maj. Robert Bailey, director of the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement; Capt. Chris Winesburg, commander of Troop L in Reading; and leadership from the Reading Police Department, including Chief Javier Ruiz and Deputy Chief Luz Shade. The objective was to align enforcement priorities and advance practical, enforceable measures to improve public safety. Reading Mayor Eddie Moran emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and community engagement and said he remains committed to providing peace of mind to all families across the city. “Public safety requires a shared commitment to prevention, accountability, and community trust,” Moran said. “I want to thank State Representative Manny Guzman for hosting today’s meeting and our local and state law enforcement officials for Read more

 

Grant Memo: Transportation, Environmental, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District

(May 13, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2026/27 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Single Solicitation for Local Initiatives Who May Apply: Units of government (including counties) and non-profit organizations Use: To implement projects and programs that directly address the PCCD Objectives and Goals outlined in PCCD’s 2026-2030 Strategic Framework Funds: A total of $8,221,880 in federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 30-35 grants with budgets not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year project period. Application Deadline: July 14, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Department of Aging: Resilient environments for Aging and Dementia in Your Communities (READY Communities) Who May Apply: Non-profits, county and municipal governments, and coalitions of organizations Use: For community-based projects focused on improving the lives of older adults, people living with dementia, caregivers, and their communities Funds: A total of $325,000 is available with a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 More information: Aging Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants Who May Apply: School districts; Municipal authorities; Political subdivisions; Incorporated Read more

 

Scott, Hanbidge to introduce bill classifying medetomidine a Schedule III drug

(May 13, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Data now shows that up to 80 percent of fentanyl samples tested in Pennsylvania contain medetomidine, increasing the risk of overdose for people who illegally use fentanyl. Read more

 

Venkat to introduce bill to ensure informed maternal care

(May 11, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 11 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, today announced his intention to introduce legislation that would establish requirements for lay midwives to provide detailed consent forms to patients as they prepare for childbirth. The legislation would require lay midwives, who do not have to meet training, certification or licensure requirements that licensed Certified Nurse-Midwives and Certified Midwives must meet, to provide informed consent forms to patients that explain the lay midwife’s qualifications and training. “In the critical time prior to and around giving birth, it is vital that Pennsylvania women have the highest quality of medical care,” said Venkat. “This legislation would ensure that mothers understand the maternal care they are receiving and make the process safer and more transparent to protect both mothers and their babies.” Consent forms would also require clarification that a lay midwife cannot prescribe medication and that the lay midwife has a written plan to address issues that may occur during labor. The legislation will include an exception for members of religious groups whose practice would be infringed by these requirements. Venkat is currently circulating the proposal among his colleagues for support. Text of the legislation can be found here . Read more

 

Pennsylvania House lawmakers introduce voting rights protection legislation

(May 08, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 8 -- Members of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus today announced the introduction of legislation to strengthen and protect voting rights for Pennsylvanians in response to recent federal court decisions weakening key protections under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. For decades, the Voting Rights Act protected Black voters and other minority communities from discriminatory practices such as racial gerrymandering, voter intimidation and barriers designed to suppress participation in the democratic process. However, the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais and Tennessee, increased the burden required to challenge discriminatory voting maps, placing minority voters at greater risk of having their voting power diluted. In response, the proposed legislation would establish stronger protections in Pennsylvania law to safeguard fair representation and equal access to the ballot box. “The Voting Rights Act was the cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement and has been foundational in the building of a multiracial democracy. And now that democracy is put at risk. Our ancestors fought and died for these protections, and the United States Supreme Court has whisked those sacrifices away with the wave of a hand; silencing the voices of voters that lawmakers will simply choose not to listen to, said state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. Read more

 

Bill protecting children from online victimization unanimously passes PA House: Bill tightens mandated reporter obligations in the age of AI

(May 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 6 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today took a major step to protect child safety from the emerging threat of artificial intelligence by unanimously passing legislation to modernize the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster. House Bill 2474 would require all mandated reporters, not just school personnel, to quickly report sexually explicit deepfake images of minors to law enforcement. The bill would ensure that authorities can immediately act to protect children and prevent further harm. According to Rivera, two incidents in Lancaster and Bucks counties -- both involving students using artificial intelligence to spread sexually explicit materials of their classmates -- prompted her and co-sponsor state Rep. Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, to introduce the bill. In 2023 in Lancaster County, two private school students used AI to create sexually explicit deepfake images of 48 schoolmates and 12 other students. In 2025 in Bucks County, two public middle school students created sexually explicit deepfake images depicting 12 fellow female students, which were then shared among other students in the district. In both cases, the dissemination of the pornographic AI deepfake images went unreported to law enforcement, resulting in more child sexual abuse material being shared and more victims being targeted. “This bill would eliminate delays in Read more

 

State Rep. Leanne Krueger honored for animal protection leadership

(May 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 6 – State Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware, was honored on Monday with the Humane Leadership Award by nonprofit advocacy organization Humane World for Animals. A longtime advocate for better treatment of animals throughout the commonwealth and nationwide, Krueger most recently authored House Bill 994, which would prohibit the trade of animal parts from protected species. The bill passed the PA House in June with bipartisan support. “The trafficking of wild animal parts encourages the senseless poaching of some of the world’s most majestic animal life,” said Krueger. “It upsets ecosystems and threatens endangerment and extinction. My colleagues and I will continue to advance legislation to protect animals in Pennsylvania.” Krueger received the award during a press conference held by Humane World for Animals and the PA House Animal Protection Caucus, of which she is a member. “Humane World for Animals has been a dedicated supporter of our animal protection bills over the years,” said Krueger. “I’m grateful for this recognition and for their continued advocacy for animal welfare.” Read more

 

Governor signs Benham bill closing Pittsburgh firefighter pension loophole

(May 06, 2026) Rep. Jessica Benham

New law will allow spouses of deceased firefighters to continue receiving benefits Read more

 

Ciresi bill to extend state death benefits to public works employees overwhelmingly passes PA House

(May 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 6 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recognized the critical service that public works employees provide in emergency settings by overwhelmingly passing legislation (196–5) Tuesday that would extend to them the same state death benefits that first responders who lose their lives on the job receive. According to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, the impetus for H.B. 1485 was to provide parity for public works employees who lose their lives on the job protecting Pennsylvanians -- just as the state does for first responders. “Public works employees are the ‘silent arm of public safety’ -- they’re the first on the scene of an emergency and the last to leave,” Ciresi said. “Our families, our homes, and our lives are safe because these public workers risk their lives daily under all kinds of conditions. It’s past time to give them the recognition and respect they deserve, as we do for first responders.” House Bill 1485 is modeled after a similar law passed in New Hampshire in 2022. The legislation now moves to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

O’Mara: Flowers aren’t enough on Mother’s Day

(May 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Mothers need more than flowers for Mother’s Day; they need policies in place that will make life easier for working families and prospective parents. Read more

 

Pa. Rep. Bellmon, Congressman Boyle announce legislation fighting back against healthcare cuts in Pennsylvania

(May 06, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 5 – Today, state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., and U.S. Rep. Brendan F. Boyle, PA-02, ranking member of the U.S. House Budget Committee, held a news conference at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to announce new legislation and a joint effort to stop the Trump administration’s Medicaid cuts from hurting Pennsylvanians. In 2025, the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress passed Trump’s so-called “One, Big Beautiful Bill Act” which implements over $1 trillion in cuts from Medicaid and other safety-net programs. Pennsylvania is expected to lose more than 300,000 people’s Medicaid coverage. With these Medicaid cuts set to begin at the end of this year, Bellmon and Boyle announced legislation they are introducing in both the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the U.S. House of Representatives. They both are urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to work with states to issue operational guidance on the impending Medicaid cuts. “As public servants, it is our duty to ensure that the most vulnerable of those we represent have access to basic necessities like healthcare,” Bellmon said. “What Republicans in Congress are doing is not governance, it is malice that will be devastating for so many Pennsylvanians. If Pennsylvania is to adhere to this harmful law, we need to be able to communicate it and help those who are affected.” Read more

 

Salisbury bill would create statewide whistleblower office for reporting fraud, waste or abuse of state funds

(May 06, 2026) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, May 6 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury said she will soon introduce legislation that would cut the red tape associated with reporting suspected fraud, waste or abuse of state dollars by creating a statewide whistleblower office and a 24/7 reporting hotline. Salisbury said a statewide office is needed because it can be daunting for citizens to navigate the multiple agencies that handle different types of fraud claims and funding categories. “Suspected misuse of state funds is an urgent matter requiring an urgent response, but the average citizen attempting to report these claims can face a bureaucratic maze, with no clear guidance on who to call,” Salisbury said. “We need to streamline the process by giving people a simple, easily accessible contact point. My bill would do that by creating a statewide whistleblower office with a dedicated hotline and electronic reporting system. “Having a more transparent and accessible method of reporting would make it easier for people to pick up the phone when they see or suspect something is wrong. It would also help the state crack down on these issues.” Salisbury said the statewide whistleblower office would be required to maintain a 24/7 hotline and an online reporting system, allowing residents to submit reports anonymously if they choose and to include documentation and evidence to support their claims. Salisbury is currently Read more

 

Committee advances legislation to set guardrails on AI in healthcare, protect consumers in advertising

(May 05, 2026) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, May 5– The PA House Communications & Technology Committee today voted to approve two bills that would establish guardrails for the use of artificial intelligence in advertising and healthcare, and a third bill that would set limits on the sound levels of commercial advertisements in video streaming services. Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution designating May 9, 2026, as ‘National Train Day’ in Pennsylvania

(May 05, 2026) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, May 5 – The Pennsylvania House today adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating May 9, 2026, as “National Train Day” in Pennsylvania. Matzie said he introduced H.R. 410 as a reminder of the central role railroads have played in shaping Pennsylvania’s history and their ongoing importance to the commonwealth. “The growth of the railroads literally transformed our landscape, and here in southwestern PA, the impact was profound,” said Matzie, who is chair of the House Majority Caucus and a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. “Railroads provided the critical link between our coal mines and steel mills. In return, those industries provided railroads with coal for fuel and steel for cars and track. It was an alliance that powered progress for a century, created communities and left a legacy of pride.” Matzie said that today, trains continue to benefit the commonwealth by reducing highway congestion, substantially cutting emissions, lowering the risk of accidents, connecting the state’s economic centers and providing greater mobility for people with limited transportation options. National Train Day was first established in 2008 and is celebrated annually on the Saturday closest to May 10 – the day the nation’s first transcontinental railway was completed in 1869 in Promontory, Utah. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera embrace free online platform for food help
15 hours ago

Benham: Study shows more Pharmacy Benefit Managers reforms needed
1 day ago

PA House Finance Committee addresses healthcare access and affordability for working Pennsylvanians
May 20, 2026

Fiedler, Burgos introduce legislation to curb excessive profits for utility corporations, save consumers money
May 18, 2026

O’Mara, PA Turnpike announce courtesy parking spots for veterans
May 18, 2026

Burgos recognized as PA Rural Electric Association Legislator of the Year
May 14, 2026

Guzman Mobilizes Coordinated Response to Rising Violence in Reading
May 13, 2026

Grant Memo: Transportation, Environmental, Artistic, and Additional Grant Opportunities for your District
May 13, 2026

Scott, Hanbidge to introduce bill classifying medetomidine a Schedule III drug
May 13, 2026

Venkat to introduce bill to ensure informed maternal care
May 11, 2026

Pennsylvania House lawmakers introduce voting rights protection legislation
May 08, 2026

Bill protecting children from online victimization unanimously passes PA House: Bill tightens mandated reporter obligations in the age of AI
May 06, 2026

State Rep. Leanne Krueger honored for animal protection leadership
May 06, 2026

Governor signs Benham bill closing Pittsburgh firefighter pension loophole
May 06, 2026

Ciresi bill to extend state death benefits to public works employees overwhelmingly passes PA House
May 06, 2026

O’Mara: Flowers aren’t enough on Mother’s Day
May 06, 2026

Pa. Rep. Bellmon, Congressman Boyle announce legislation fighting back against healthcare cuts in Pennsylvania
May 06, 2026

Salisbury bill would create statewide whistleblower office for reporting fraud, waste or abuse of state funds
May 06, 2026

Committee advances legislation to set guardrails on AI in healthcare, protect consumers in advertising
May 05, 2026

House adopts Matzie resolution designating May 9, 2026, as ‘National Train Day’ in Pennsylvania
May 05, 2026