News Center

PLBC proposes legislation to help with fair housing

(Apr 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 9 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus spoke at a news conference today regarding legislation that would create a fairer housing market. April serves as National Fair Housing Month, bringing awareness and advocating policy for individuals that have been discriminated against and wrongfully evicted, and educating residents on their housing rights and the resources available to them. House Bill 96 , introduced by state Rep. Donna Bullock, would prohibit landlords from inquiring or requiring disclosure about certain arrest records of potential tenants as a condition of a lease. “In Pennsylvania, a person can be denied a rental property based off a conviction or even just an arrest — it doesn’t matter if it was years ago or even decades ago. Many times, individuals who are denied a lease were never convicted, completed a deferred judgement or have long since turned their life around. And when landlords use this tactic, it’s overwhelmingly used to be discriminatory toward Black and brown Pennsylvanians,” Bullock said. “We must pass legislation that prohibits landlords from inquiring or requiring disclosure of certain arrest records — such as juvenile records, arrests with no conviction, convictions older than seven years and convictions that aren’t felonies or misdemeanors — as a condition of a lease. Housing Read more

 

Young bill to keep energy efficiency plans moving clears House

(Apr 09, 2024) Rep. Regina Young

HARRISBURG, April 9 – PA House lawmakers today passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, that would make sure energy efficiency plans in the state are not being denied or delayed due to the use of mechanical insulation in them. Act 129 of 2008 requires electric distribution companies to complete an energy efficiency and conservation plan for their distribution areas every five years. Plans must be approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to ensure they are cost-effective and reduce energy consumption. Specifically, Young’s bill ( H.B. 491 ) would clarify that the PUC cannot deny a required energy efficiency program application solely because it contains mechanical insulation in its plan. She said the bill is necessary because the insulation material has reportedly been used to reject or delay applications, and that some people have questioned the effectiveness and economic viability of its use. “Mechanical insulation is used to insulate equipment, machines and industrial processes, as opposed to building envelope insulation used in walls and roofs of homes and buildings,” Young said. “It protects workers from burns, reduces noise pollution and is essential for energy conservation in heating and cooling pipes. It is safe and industry standard. “The intent of my bill is to clarify that mechanical insulation is appropriate material so Read more

 

Legislators and Education Leaders Gather to Call for Cyber Charter Reform

(Apr 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 9 - On Monday, legislators and education leaders gathered in the Capitol’s Media Center to call for common sense cyber charter reform.?? In 2002, Pennsylvania’s Charter School Law, originally enacted in 1997, was amended to authorize the creation of cyber charter schools as an alternative to traditional public schools and brick-and-mortar charter schools. Since that time, no substantial updates have been made to address the significant issues that school districts and taxpayers face due to flaws in the law. Cyber charter schools are currently funded with the same formula used for brick-and-mortar charter schools, which creates inconsistencies and overpayments to cyber charter schools. This formula uses a school district’s expenses, not what the cyber charter school needs to provide its educational program, in determining what school districts will be required to pay for each one of its students who chooses to attend a cyber charter. The result is that each of the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania pay a different inflated tuition rate to cyber charter schools, despite cyber charters providing all of their students with the same education and not having the same level of expenditures as brick-and-mortar schools. At the press conference, Representative Joe Ciresi expressed why this reform is necessary, “The point of cyber charter reform is simple: making sure everyone plays by the same rules. Taxpayers expect and Read more

 

Consumer Protection Committee approves Matzie bills to add safeguards and protect ratepayers in municipal water/wastewater system sales

(Apr 09, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, April 9 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee on Tuesday approved a package of bills introduced by Majority Chairman Rob Matzie that would add protections for ratepayers when private companies acquire municipal water and wastewater systems. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the legislation is needed to ensure consumer interests remain front and center. “When public works like municipal water and wastewater systems are sold to private companies, ratepayers can end up bearing the burden of inflated sales prices through increased rates,” Matzie said. “Our legislation would help prevent that by adding greater transparency to these transactions, ensuring that PUC has sufficient time to review proposed sales, and easing the burden on consumers by limiting the purchase price of healthy systems and spreading out any future rate increases. “It’s inevitable that these sales are going to happen. When they do, we need the proper safeguards in place to ensure consumer interests remain a central part of the equation.” The specific bills include: H.B. 1862 , which could impose enhanced notification requirements for private acquisitions of municipal water/wastewater systems. H.B. 1863 , which would give the PUC more time to evaluate proposed private acquisitions of municipal water/wastewater systems. H.B, 1864 Read more

 

Powell, Abney, Green introduce affordable internet bill

(Apr 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 9 – State Reps. Lindsay Powell and Aerion Abney, both D-Allegheny, and state Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila., introduced legislation that would mirror the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program and create a similar program in Pennsylvania. This legislation ( H.B. 2195 ) would provide eligible households with $30 per month to apply towards their broadband internet access, an essential service that increases employment, educational and health outcomes. “Over 739,000 households in Pennsylvania benefited from this federal program and while it’s shameful that Congress has yet to reauthorize funding, the General Assembly and the governor have the opportunity to help hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians access stable broadband,” Powell said. Abney highlighted a specific demographic the bill would concentrate on by saying, “Kindergartners through high school seniors must be able to learn and access coursework online. Our bill would help provide these necessities and ensure learning gaps are bridged.” “Governor Shapiro’s economic development strategy is bold and will ensure Pennsylvania prospers in the coming decades,” Powell said. “Increasing access to affordable broadband internet is a critical component to setting our economy on a path toward innovation and resilient growth.” Pennsylvania’s digital divide is real, with 25% of Latino and 35% of Black Read more

 

Kinsey bill honoring first African American Speaker of Pa. House heads to Senate

(Apr 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 9 – Yesterday, legislation ( H.B. 651 ) introduced by state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., to honor a former House speaker passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. This legislation would designate the South Lawn of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex as the “Irvis Equality Circle” in honor of the late K. Leroy Irvis, who served as the first African American speaker of the Pennsylvania House and also as the first African American Speaker of any state legislature in the United States. The Pennsylvania Capitol Complex’s South Lawn sits right outside of the “Irvis Office Building.” “Speaker Irvis broke down barriers that made it possible for future African Americans to be a part of this prestigious body and to represent their communities,” Kinsey said. “It’s important that we honor our commonwealth’s greatest history makers, and it would only make sense to name the South Lawn, right outside the Irvis Office Building, in Speaker Irvis’ name.” This bill is headed to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

House passes Schlossberg pet insurance bill

(Apr 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Pennsylvania offers consumer protections for a variety of insurance policies, whether it be health, life, homeowner or auto,” Schlossberg said. “Pet insurance provides valuable coverage, and consumers deserve to know what is in their policies, what care their pets will receive and the true costs.” Read more

 

House passes Bullock, Cephas homeowner protection legislation

(Apr 08, 2024) Rep. Donna Bullock, Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, April 8 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed legislation ( H.B. 657 ) introduced by state Reps. Donna Bullock and Morgan Cephas, both D-Phila., which would provide consumer protection against unfair realty agreements for homeowners by establishing prohibitions and requirements for these agreements. “Too often, I hear the horror stories of unscrupulous realty companies preying on unsuspecting homeowners and vulnerable neighborhoods by trapping them in questionable realty agreement contracts and then suing them should they try to cancel the agreement,” Bullock said. “It’s our hope that with this legislation we can ensure homeowners are no longer subjected to these unsavory and underhanded practices.” Under this legislation, unlawful agreements that include certain forbidden content would be deemed unenforceable in Pennsylvania and in violation of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act. “Pennsylvania homeowners spend their lifetime working hard to build home equity and create generational wealth but are too often vulnerable to dishonest realty companies looking to scam them out of that wealth,” Cephas said. “Pennsylvanians deserve protections from fraud, and should they fall victim to predatory practices, then they deserve to have the damages recovered.” The bill will now go to the PA Senate Read more

 

Williams announces nearly $1 million in funding to build EV station in Coatesville

(Apr 05, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 5 – State Rep. Dan Williams today announced that CarCharge LLC was awarded $969,304 to build a charging station at the Marriott in Coatesville (US-30, Exit 293) through the Round 1A of the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding. “This funding will help create an electric vehicle infrastructure in our region where it is most needed, especially along Route 30,” Williams said. “This charging station will be good for business as electric vehicles grow in popularity, good for drivers in terms of the location’s convenience and good for the environment as the station will have a solar carport over it that will generate electricity for charging vehicles.” The NEVI funds support the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of charging sites. The PA NEVI program is a reimbursement program and recipients are required to provide a minimum 20% match. Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to prevent gift card scams

(Apr 04, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 4 – As an advocate for customer protections in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery), announced today he has introduced legislation (H.B. 2186) that would help people avoid falling victim to gift card scams. According to Ciresi, gift cards have become an increasingly widespread way for scammers to defraud Pennsylvanians. Gift cards are easy to purchase, almost impossible to track and allow fraudsters to quickly move money on them, making them a popular payment method demanded by scammers. Sometimes fraudsters claim to be associated with government agencies, legitimate businesses, or even victims’ families, creating a sense of urgency to get their victims to buy gift cards as payment. Reports of gift card fraud to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker increased by 50% in 2023. “Last year, the Federal Trade Commission reported that victims lost $217 million due to gift card fraud last year,” Ciresi said. “In response to constituents telling me heartbreaking stories of being defrauded of thousands of dollars as a result of these scams, I’ve introduced my bill to help protect Pennsylvania’s consumers from gift card fraud.” Ciresi’s legislation would require retailers selling gift cards to post clear signage warning consumers about gift card scams where gift cards are displayed and at the point of sale. Retailers would also be required to train their employees on how to Read more

 

Abney appointed to University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees

(Apr 04, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 4 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today he has been appointed as a Commonwealth Trustee on the University of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees. Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Delaware/Phila., appointed Abney to fill the vacancy after state Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington, resigned. Abney will serve on the board until Nov. 30. “I’m grateful to Speaker McClinton for granting me the opportunity to serve on the University of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees,” Abney said. “Pitt plays a significant role in preparing our future workforce, contributing to our economy, and as a core social partner at the local community level. I’m excited to take on a leadership role and work with the university administration to continue its legacy of being a world-class institution.” Abney is a two-time Pitt alum, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications in 2010 and a Master of Social Work degree from the university’s School of Social Work in 2012. Read more

 

Philadelphia lawmakers, others call on state Senate to act on gun safety measures passed by House

(Apr 04, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

PHILADELPHIA, April 4 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today joined gun safety advocates to call on the state Senate to take up legislation ( H.B. 777 ) passed by the House last week that aims to eliminate the proliferation of “ghost guns” in Pennsylvania and crack down on those who buy or sell them, along with other gun reform bills passed by the House in this legislative session. The bill, sponsored by state Reps. Morgan Cephas and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., would make selling or purchasing a firearm or firearm parts without serial numbers a felony. Cephas said these untraceable firearms are a main driver of crime, especially in Philadelphia. “Ghost guns are far too easily obtainable in Philadelphia, leading to day-to-day gun violence that has no end,” Cephas said. “For far too long, the Pennsylvania legislature has been singularly focused on what we do after crimes are committed with guns, rather than the unfettered access to these deadly, untraceable weapons. I am thankful that the House, under our new Democratic majority, moved this commonsense legislation to the Senate and now call on our state senators to give it the attention and consideration it deserves.” House Speaker Joanna McClinton noted the other gun safety bills sent over to the Senate in addition to H.B. 777, including legislation that would allow for the temporary removal of firearms from Read more

 

House passes Venkat legislation to address food allergens in restaurants

(Apr 04, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I introduced this legislation after speaking with my constituent Kathy Briden of Franklin Park, whose son Matthew tragically died after accidentally being exposed to peanuts while eating at a restaurant in Allegheny County,” Venkat said. “Nearly 50% of deaths caused by food allergies occur at restaurants and retail food establishments. These deaths are preventable. House Bill 1869 would help ensure food safety at restaurants, protecting millions of Pennsylvanians with food allergies.” Read more

 

School counseling services bill passes House

(Apr 04, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 25 – The House today passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, to bolster counseling services for students. The School Counseling Services Act ( H.B. 1665 ) would require schools to implement comprehensive counseling services that provide support to all students. It would also direct school counselors to spend at least 80% of their time providing direct and indirect services to students. “As the mother of four children, I worry about their mental health, just like many parents in the U.S.,” Steele said. “Nearly 65% of students ask for mental health services, and we must equip our schools to meet their needs. This legislation would ensure our students thrive by requiring schools to assess students’ needs and develop a comprehensive plan to address them. By prioritizing our students’ mental health and well-being, we help prepare them to meet life’s challenges with greater resilience.” “ Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation – the only one – that does not require comprehensive school counseling services in all schools. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, this was an area of concern, and is only more so today,” said Rep. Dan Miller, D-Allegheny, who co-sponsored the bill with Steele. “Our students have been asking for help. Our professional school staff have been asking for help. It’s time that we as a Read more

 

McNeill, Policy Committee explore laws to protect consumers, flag water leaks

(Apr 02, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Pennsylvania’s housing stock is among the oldest in the nation, and while residents can responsibly plan for expected repairs, being blindsided by an unseen water leak and unusually high water bill can financial cripple a family and household,” said Rep. McNeill, who represents portions of the city of Bethlehem, Hanover Township, Whitehall Township, Catasauqua, Coplay and Fountain Hill. “Residents are often unaware of an issue until a bill – sometimes only mailed quarterly – arrives with hundreds or even thousands more owed than expected. When a water bill increases, so does the sewer bill, which creates an even larger financial issue.” Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Apr 02, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Transportation: Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE Program) Who May Apply: Local governments, planning organizations, or Commonwealth agencies. Use: Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, roadway safety, mobility, and capacity upgrades, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, local technical assistance program projects, and traffic signal improvements. Funds: PennDOT anticipates $32 million available with the intent of funding worthwhile projects that can be completed at a relatively low cost. Application Deadline: A pre-application scoping form is required to be submitted by April 30, 2024. Feedback will be provided by May 31, 2024. The application period will be open from June 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. More information: PennDOT Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program Who May Apply: Counties Use: Funds for the proposed program must be used to support restrictive conditions that are imposed as part of a county probation sentence and may be used for needed drug and alcohol-related services, and mental health treatment and supportive services for eligible individuals Funds: Funding is contingent upon the availability of funds in the FY 2024-25 budget. Application Deadline: May 1, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Department of Community and Economic Development: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Read more

 

Williams announces $1.6 million in funding for multimodal projects in Coatesville, Atglen Borough and West Sadsbury Township

(Mar 28, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Mar. 28 – State Rep. Dan Williams today announced nearly $1.66 million in state funding for the city of Coatesville, Atglen Borough and West Sadsbury Township through the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. “Building and maintaining a strong transportation system is key to our future economic growth and improving the quality of life in our district,” Williams said. “I am very pleased that $1.6 million in state funding has been awarded to projects which will improve safety and contribute to the redevelopment of Lincoln Highway in Coatesville and begin work on the western end of the Chester Valley Trail.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure the commonwealth has a safe and reliable system of transportation. Funds may be used to develop, rehabilitate, and enhance transportation assets to existing communities, including streetscape, lighting, and sidewalk enhancement; implement pedestrian safety projects; improve the connectivity of transportation assets; and foster transit-oriented development. The following amounts have been awarded to assist in the completion of the following projects in the 74th District: $751,730 to complete Phase III construction of streetscape improvements on Lincoln Highway in the city of Coatesville. $907,000 to construct a connecting Read more

 

PLBC honors five with Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership Awards

(Mar 28, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus www.pahouse.com/PLBC PLBC honors five with Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership Awards HARRISBURG, March 28 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus honored five individuals with its Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership Awards today in the Capitol. This year’s awardees are: The Hon. Cherelle Parker , the first African-American woman mayor of Philadelphia. The Hon. Tamika Lane , judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Black Maternal Health Caucus founders State Rep. Gina Curry , 164th Legislative District, Delaware County. State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes , 24th Legislative District, Allegheny County. State Rep. Morgan Cephas , 192nd, Legislative District, Philadelphia County. A native of Philadelphia’s Mt Airy neighborhood, Parker is a graduate of Lincoln University. In 2005 she became the youngest Black woman ever elected to the General Assembly, winning a seat in the House. She was first elected to Philadelphia City Council in 2015, and was elected majority leader in 2020. In 2023 she was elected mayor and was sworn in as Philadelphia’s 100 th mayor in January. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El, Bullock hold news conference on youth homelessness

(Mar 27, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 27 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, was joined by state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., and community stakeholders in a Capitol news conference yesterday to call for an increase in the 2024-2025 budget to address the upcoming shortfall in supports for homeless youth in Pennsylvania. “Today, there are over 40,000 students without housing in our state, struggling to go to school and learn despite not having a home of their own,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Though our school districts have been able to provide some needed support thanks to the American Rescue Plan for Homeless Children and Youth, they will no longer be able to do so when this aid runs out January 31st, 2025. With evictions still on the rise since the COVID pandemic and affordable housing at a minimum, we should be doing everything we can to provide support to this vulnerable population, but right now there are no plans to make up for this shortfall in the proposed 2024-2025 budget. “I am calling on the state to step up and ensure that these vulnerable members of our society get the supports they need to feel safe and secure so they can succeed in school in the 2024-2025 state budget,” Smith-Wade-El said. “If we do not do this, I promise you that Pennsylvania will be plagued for years to come from the effects of our abandonment of these kids.” “Housing insecurity knows no boundaries. It spans rural townships and cities and Read more

 

House passes Kinkead prison reform bill

(Mar 27, 2024) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Legislation would ensure essential documents for formerly incarcerated people Read more

 

PLBC proposes legislation to help with fair housing
Apr 09, 2024

Young bill to keep energy efficiency plans moving clears House
Apr 09, 2024

Legislators and Education Leaders Gather to Call for Cyber Charter Reform
Apr 09, 2024

Consumer Protection Committee approves Matzie bills to add safeguards and protect ratepayers in municipal water/wastewater system sales
Apr 09, 2024

Powell, Abney, Green introduce affordable internet bill
Apr 09, 2024

Kinsey bill honoring first African American Speaker of Pa. House heads to Senate
Apr 09, 2024

House passes Schlossberg pet insurance bill
Apr 08, 2024

House passes Bullock, Cephas homeowner protection legislation
Apr 08, 2024

Williams announces nearly $1 million in funding to build EV station in Coatesville
Apr 05, 2024

Ciresi introduces legislation to prevent gift card scams
Apr 04, 2024

Abney appointed to University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees
Apr 04, 2024

Philadelphia lawmakers, others call on state Senate to act on gun safety measures passed by House
Apr 04, 2024

House passes Venkat legislation to address food allergens in restaurants
Apr 04, 2024

School counseling services bill passes House
Apr 04, 2024

McNeill, Policy Committee explore laws to protect consumers, flag water leaks
Apr 02, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Educational, Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Apr 02, 2024

Williams announces $1.6 million in funding for multimodal projects in Coatesville, Atglen Borough and West Sadsbury Township
Mar 28, 2024

PLBC honors five with Crystal Bird Fauset Leadership Awards
Mar 28, 2024

Smith-Wade-El, Bullock hold news conference on youth homelessness
Mar 27, 2024

House passes Kinkead prison reform bill
Mar 27, 2024