PITTSBURGH, April 10 – State Rep. Dan Frankel joined state Sen. Jay Costa today to announce the reintroduction of a package of bills meant to strengthen law enforcement’s response to hate crimes, improve tracking, advocate for victims and prevent future hate-based crimes. This legislation is a direct response to the 2018 mass shooting at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life building, during which a white supremacist murdered eleven worshippers in three Jewish congregations. To this day, this was the single deadliest act of antisemitic violence in American history. However, since then, the instance of hate crimes has only risen against racial minorities, religious groups, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. As noted in the Senate co-sponsorship memorandum , “According to the Pennsylvania State Policy Uniform Crime Reporting System, between 2020 and 2021, hate crime incidents in Pennsylvania more than doubled statewide. Between 2021 and 2023, the Department of Justice reports hate crimes almost doubled again in Pennsylvania. Worse, hate crimes are often misreported because of a lack of training or tracking.” Already, Frankel and Costa have championed the creation and growth of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Signed into law in 2019, Act 83 directs PCCD to administer grants to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime Read more
A state House bill that originally sought to relieve some Pennsylvanians’ medical debt now has a different goal: making it easier for those in need to access health care financial-aid programs. Read more
“These are former teachers who taught our kids, PennDOT workers who answered the call to keep roadways safe, human services workers who helped those in need – they’ve served our communities, and they’ve waited too long for a COLA increase,” state Rep. Dan Deasy said. “They are a small group of individuals who were not included in the new COLA formula, but they are largely in their 80s and 90s. Many can barely afford to pay for food or needed prescriptions and, after all they have done for the commonwealth, it is unconscionable that we would not do right by them and provide this increase so they can pay for necessities like groceries.” Read more
HARRISBURG, April 9 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Nate Davidson, Tarik Khan, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Andrew Kuzma, Jim Rigby and Tim Twardzik’s bill that would aid Commonwealth residents with avoiding medical debt was voted out of the Pennsylvania House Health Committee unanimously today. House Bill 79, originally introduced as a measure to create the PA Medical Debt Relief Program, was amended to focus on consistent transparency for hospital-based financial assistance policies and programs. “Countless individuals receive outstanding care through Pennsylvania hospitals every day, but too often, patients do not know if they might be eligible for existing hospital-based financial assistance programs -- resulting in medical debt. With this legislation, we can ensure all Pennsylvanians who might be eligible can understand how to access hospital-based financial assistance,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I want to thank my co-prime sponsors for their continued support and look forward to moving this bill through the legislature to increase health care affordability in the Commonwealth.” In H.B. 79’s updated form, the PA Department of Health would develop standardized financial assistance forms. These forms, based on input from hospitals and the general public, would reflect an individual hospital’s financial assistance programs. Additionally, they would be shared with patients upon admittance and discharge at all Read more
Lawmakers in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted Tuesday to pass legislation that would make stalking using an Apple AirTag or other electronic tracking devices a misdemeanor offense under the state’s stalking statute as policymakers look to stem the growing misuse of such items. Read more
Proposal to recognize 911 telecommunicators as first responders clears House Read more
PITTSBURGH, April 8 – Improvements are coming to the South Craig Street business corridor thanks to new funding of $213,326 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, state Rep. Dan Frankel announced today. Frankel said the grant will fund projects to improve aesthetics, community connections and business relationships in the corridor. “South Craig Street is home to so much creative energy – in the arts and sciences, in industry and innovation, and in multicultural restaurants and events that bring us together in the best possible ways,” Frankel said. “The new funding will allow us to continue revitalizing this unique corridor to attract new visitors, boost foot traffic for area businesses and expand welcoming public spaces for commuters, students and entrepreneurs to connect and thrive.” The funding to Pittsburgh Innovation District is part of a package of $17 million awarded for 81 projects statewide under the Main Street Matters program. More information about the funding is available here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/governor-josh-shapiro-announces-81-new-main-street-matters-inves.html . The Main Street Matters program is designed to support Pennsylvania’s downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create healthy, vibrant and welcoming communities. Funding is available to support revitalization efforts in Read more
“Following the loss of a loved one, many families face emotional and logistical challenges with arranging food and drink at a memorial, oftentimes on short notice,” said Deasy, who serves as the majority chair of the House Liquor Control Committee. “Current law requires businesses to give seven days’ notice to the Liquor Control Board for off-premises catering permits, a timeline that simply doesn’t work for many of these memorial events.” Read more
HARRISBURG, April 7 – State Rep. Dan Goughnour, D-Allegheny, took the oath of office at the state Capitol today to become the new state representative of Pennsylvania’s 35th Legislative District. “I’m honored and privileged to advocate for the rights and needs of western Pennsylvanians and those across the Commonwealth. I would also be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the great achievements and example set by my predecessor, Matt Gergely,” Goughnour said. “I want to honor his legacy and do my part to institute positive change. I look forward to working with my new colleagues in the House to make this goal possible.” Goughnour’s legislative priorities include strengthening public safety measures and increasing funding for them, boosting job training programs to provide more opportunities for residents, continuing to support public schools, and working to reduce the cost of everyday essentials for families. He previously served for more than 16 years as a law enforcement officer with the McKeesport Police Department and, most recently, as captain of police detectives. His public service career also includes being on the McKeesport Area School District board, and he is a current member of Teamsters Local 205. Goughnour won March’s Legislative District 35 special election, necessitated by the passing of the late Rep. Matthew R. Gergely at the beginning of the year. Read more
Pittsburgh-area state Rep. Lindsay Powell is rallying in Harrisburg today, urging lawmakers to enshrine into Pennsylvania law a federal act that protects abortion clinics from threats and damages. Powell’s bill comes on the heels of a Trump administration memo directing the Department of Justice to dismiss several cases against those accused of obstructing care at reproductive health clinics. Read more
We, the undersigned lawyer-legislators of the Pennsylvania state House of Representatives, are appalled though tragically not surprised by President Trump's latest attack on the rule of law. As outlined in the Presidential Memorandum of March 22, 2025, SUBJECT: Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court, the President instructed the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to weaponize the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and any other regulations governing attorney conduct and discipline to silence the zealous advocacy of lawyers and law firms across the nation. We will not allow the Trump Administration’s attempt with this memorandum to chill legal representation that inconveniences its efforts to undermine the Constitution, gut essential programs, attack vulnerable groups and individuals, and otherwise subvert the rule of law to go unchallenged. Read more
“As I am currently working on bills to eliminate fines and limit the use of solitary confinement for youth in Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system; I am eager to participate in this prestigious fellowship,” said Kinkead, D-Allegheny. “Connecting with legislators and leading experts from around the country who are working to create a better justice system for juveniles in their own communities is a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of what strategies have worked in other states and implement them here.” Read more
HARRISBURG, April 2 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Melissa Cerrato, Jose Giral, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Kristin Marcell, Natalie Mihalek, Jeremy Shaffer and Ryan Warner have introduced two bipartisan bills that would ensure all Food and Drug Administration-approved formulations of epinephrine – used to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis – can be administered in Pennsylvania schools and other settings as currently codified in state law. The legislative package (H.B.s 1043 and 1044 ) would replace “epinephrine auto-injector” with “epinephrine delivery system” in current statutes related to the use of epinephrine under state law. In August 2024, the FDA approved a nasal formulation of epinephrine for treatment of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, necessitating an update of current state law. “A quick and decisive response often means the difference between life and death for patients suffering from an allergic reaction, and epinephrine is the definitive treatment for this serious or even life-threatening condition. By making a simple change in statutory terminology, other FDA-approved formulations of epinephrine will be recognized under Pennsylvania law and ensure that we can rapidly treat serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in schools and other settings across the Commonwealth,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I’m so grateful to all my legislative partners for their collaboration Read more
Newly listed grant opportunities Read more
HARRISBURG, March 31 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, today introduced a bill that would require landlords to share, upon request, utility bills with tenants. The legislation ( H.B. 1034 ) would only apply to tenants who pay their landlords directly for utilities and whose fees are not determined by unit usage meters. “When paying landlords directly for utilities, tenants deserve the assurance that what they’re asked to pay is the same amount reflected on the actual utility bill,” Abney said. “My legislation would create more access and transparency and would minimize landlord tenant disputes over utility costs.” Residents in Abney’s district have been affected by this issue, which a similar law in Maryland has already addressed. Abney’s bill was referred to the Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee. Read more
ALIQUIPPA, March 27 – A food service grant of $22,252 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education will allow Aliquippa Junior/Senior High School to purchase a new electric tilt skillet for the school cafeteria, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the PA House Majority Caucus, said the new equipment will mean greater efficiency, lower costs, and quicker service for students. “Electric tilt skillets are an excellent investment for school cafeterias because they allow workers to cook large batches of food more efficiently,” Matzie said. “That lowers school utility bills, saves taxpayer dollars and helps staff serve students more quickly. It’s good to see these dollars coming back to Aliquippa schools for a practical food service upgrade.” The funding – part of a package of $332,000 in Food Service Equipment grants awarded to 12 schools statewide – comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The grant funding is available to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program. More information about the funding is available here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/newsroom/shapiro-administration-awards-funding-to-12-schools.html . Read more
Legislation would strengthen genetic data protections for Pennsylvanians Read more
HARRISBURG, March 26 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Andrew Kuzma have introduced a bipartisan bill that would update the membership of the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy . The legislation ( H.B. 980 ) would add a second pharmacist working in hospitals and health systems and a pharmacy technician to the board, increasing professional representation from five to seven. “Adding these medical specialists to the state pharmacy board strengthens its pool of knowledge and widens its scope of perspectives. This translates into the implementation of more informed, inclusive and insightful oversight of pharmacy practice in Pennsylvania,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “Thank you to Rep. Kuzma for partnering with me on this legislation that would give pharmacists across the Commonwealth more tools and resources to meet the needs of patients.” “By adding professional representation to the board, a wider variety of viewpoints can be weighed when making decisions and implementing policies,” Kuzma, R-Allegheny/Washington, added. “I’m pleased to join with Rep. Venkat on this matter. We are committed to bipartisan efforts to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.” House Bill 980 amends the Pharmacy Act of 1961 and has been referred to the PA House Professional Licensure Committee. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Rep. Aerion Abney’s bill that excludes a portion of a person’s potential revenue when determining their financial eligibility for senior prescription programs was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro at the state Capitol today. Act 118 of 2024 , formerly H.B. 2378, went into effect October 2024 and does not count the total dollar amount, including face value and interest earned, of redeemed savings bonds as part of older Pennsylvanians’ income when they apply for either the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly or PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, otherwise known as PACE and PACENET. “Older Pennsylvanians need to stay connected to the medications they need to maintain and improve their health and well-being. Excluding savings bond earnings also allows them to get the most out of such a proactive investment by keeping more money in their pockets,” said Abney, D-Allegheny. “I want to thank Governor Shapiro, my colleagues in the House and Senate, and all other stakeholders for helping to support PA’s seniors through my legislation.” PACE is funded entirely by the Pennsylvania Lottery and has helped more than 1.6 million Pennsylvania seniors pay for more than 360 million prescriptions. PACE and PACENET serve more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. Act 118 of 2024 is Abney’s first bill as a state representative to become law. Read more
“This bill is a no-brainer,” state Rep. Dan Deasy said. “The information we want veterans to see is important to them for all sorts of reasons like access to vet programs on health care, mental health treatment, tax benefits, eligibility for benefits under the state and federal government, just to name a few. They’ve earned the right to have access to all of this and we simply want to make sure they see it.” Read more
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