“The Brews to Barns Act turns waste into opportunity,” Bizzarro said. “By connecting brewers with local farms, we reduce waste, strengthen our agricultural economy, and help local businesses lift each other up. This bill is an opportunity to help Pennsylvania brewers and farmers during a difficult economic time.” Read more

“When people can work, find housing, and strive to help their families realize a better life, our communities are safer and stronger,” said Rep. Andre D. Carroll, who represents portions of Philadelphia. Read more

Education leaders and state lawmakers are encouraging more people to enter the teaching profession through a student-teacher stipend program aimed at easing financial barriers amid ongoing staffing shortages across Pennsylvania.State Rep. Morgan Cephas said those gaps underscore the importance of building a more diverse teacher pipeline. She recalled the influence of two Black teachers in her own life.“They reminded me of my father,” she said. “They were disciplined but also nurturing. They challenged and pushed me. When students see themselves in their teachers, they are able to thrive.” Cephas said financial barriers are also a key obstacle for aspiring educators.“The path to becoming a teacher has required more than just passion and purpose,” she said. “It has required sacrifice that not everyone can afford to make.”“The people who cannot afford it are often the ones we need most,” she added. “When they fall behind, we all fall behind. We lose talent at a time when we are already facing a teacher shortage, and we reinforce inequities in a system that should be rooted in opportunity and access.” Read more

In the wake of PECO’s decision to retract proposed rate hikes, state Rep. Danilo Burgos thanked Gov. Josh Shapiro, fellow legislators, and Pennsylvanians for speaking up and out. Read more

PHILADELPHIA, April 16 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee, issued the following response to PECO’s rate case withdrawal Thursday: “People in my district are already struggling. They’re working multiple jobs, canceling doctors’ appointments, and putting groceries back on the shelf instead of in their cart. It’s painful to think about the choices that Pennsylvanians would face if their bills shot up by another $30 a month, but that was almost their reality. “I am relieved to hear the news that PECO customers will avoid another unnecessary rate hike. The withdrawal of the proposed rate increase will save 1.7 million ratepayers a total of $510 million on their utility bills. PECO’s requested hike would have increased some household bills by up to $34 a month. “This reversal makes evident that a rate hike was never necessary to maintain safe and reliable service. It shows us that utility companies are making extraordinary profits already, at a cost to working people and families. “PECO’s CEO made more than $15 million last year. Meanwhile, utility bills are up 10 to 20 percent. The war in Iran, reckless tariffs, and big tech have worsened the affordability crisis. Pennsylvanians are making impossibly painful choices just to pay their bills and stay afloat. They deserve to thrive – not just survive. Read more

PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 16 – Today, the Philadelphia House Delegation thanked Gov. Josh Shapiro, legislators, and PA residents for speaking out against PECO’s proposed rate hike. Shapiro announced today that PECO will withdraw its recently proposed rate increase that would have added over $34 per month for customers beginning in 2027. Due to the engagement of Pennsylvanians and PECO’s acknowledgement that many families are facing affordability issues, PECO withdrew its request and prevented an unreasonable rate hike for 1.7 million Pennsylvanians. After PECO initially announced its intention to pursue the increase, Philadelphia House Delegation members created a petition opposing the rate hike, which received a resounding response from the public that the proposal should not be approved. “I appreciate every single one of you who took the time to sign our petition and speak up about this issue,” Delegation Chair state Rep. Morgan Cephas said. “Our neighbors are fighting economic battles on so many fronts nowadays, and unnecessary increases to electricity and natural gas bills could very well have been a breaking point for families across Philadelphia. Due to your voice and your engagement, we’ve told PECO that we will not be taken advantage of.” PA House Energy Committee Chair state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler also thanked everyone who voiced their disapproval of PECO’s proposal. “The loud and unified response from Read more

HARRISBURG, April 15 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation ( H.B. 1541 ) introduced by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., that would protect construction contractors from being held liable for the negligence of others. Hohenstein said many construction contractors are forced to accept liability for another party’s negligence when entering into construction contracts under current law. His legislation would void any provision in new construction contracts in which a party is indemnified, or excused from being held liable, for damages resulting from that party's negligence. “Being held liable for the negligence of others is unfair to contractors and can also enforce a negative reputation on the contractor’s business,” Hohenstein said. “My legislation would help protect Pennsylvania construction contractors from being forced to accept liability for someone else’s negligence. This will promote fairness, better work production, and better business for contractors.” The bill now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

HARRISBURG, April 13 – Following new federal directives, advocates gathered from across the state to demand the passage of H.B. 151, bipartisan legislation that would end the practice intercepting benefits intended for foster youth and conserve benefits in a savings account for when a foster youth exits care . "This is about fairness, and following federal law,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, the lead sponsor of the bill. “What makes up a fraction of the state’s spending could make a huge difference in the lives of foster youth, who face high rates of homelessness, addiction and depression. Just as other foster children do not pay for their own costs of care or other county services, children who receive public benefits shouldn’t either. Instead of fighting over paperwork and bureaucracy, let’s fight for the future of these children.” This December, the Office of Administration for Children and Families demanded that states no longer intercept foster youth's social security. Ten states across the country have barred the interception of these benefits so far. “These are funds that for many that could mean the difference between homelessness and stable housing, between needing to work multiple jobs and having time to attend college, between lacking healthcare and receiving necessary treatment. These youth are not asking for handouts, they’re asking for what’s already Read more

State and local officials on Friday announced a $2.3 million investment to restore and reimagine the historic John Welsh Memorial Fountain and its surrounding landscape in West Fairmount Park, a long-dormant site just across from the Please Touch Museum.The funding, awarded through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development Multimodal Transportation Fund, will support major improvements to pedestrian and cyclist access at the site, addressing longstanding safety concerns while advancing plans to bring the fountain back into use. Read more

PHILADELPHIA, April 2 – State Rep. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., issued the following statement regarding the plane crash that occurred in the Torresdale neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia late yesterday afternoon: “I want to thank our firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel and all first responders for their swift and coordinated response in Torresdale yesterday afternoon. Their professionalism and quick action helped secure the scene and prevent what could have been a far more serious situation. “Preliminary information indicates that injuries and property damage appear to be minor, and we are relieved that no more severe outcomes have been reported at this time. Our office remains in close contact with emergency officials and will continue to monitor developments as more details become available. “We are keeping those involved in our thoughts and are grateful for the dedication and service of the men and women who responded so effectively.” More about this crash can be read here . Read more