The bill mirrors a House proposal sponsored by House Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, and three more lawmakers. Read more
HA RRISBURG, Feb. 19 -- At the request of state Rep. Mary Isaacson, the PA House Democratic Policy Committee will host a virtual hearing to discuss the Delaware River Basin and the value it brings beyond the region. The hearing will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22 and can be viewed at www.pahouse.com/policy or the committee’s Facebook page -- @PADemPolicy. The public and media are encouraged to tune in and can submit questions to policy@pahouse.net . Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, Isaacson and members of the Democratic Policy Committee will discuss the health of the Delaware River Basin, the resources and economic activity it generates, and state and federal efforts to improve water quality. Isaacson serves the 175th Legislative District representing the River Wards along the Delaware River from Old Richmond to Queen Village and has taken an active role in preserving and enhancing the economic and environmental vitality of the Delaware River Basin. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 18 – The House Democratic Policy Committee and state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Allentown, hosted a roundtable discussion today on the crucial role paraprofessionals play in student success and what the state can do to support those efforts. “These professionals help ensure students receive a quality educational experience and have the resources needed to overcome any obstacles or difficulties they are facing. It was an important discussion on how we can better support them at the state level. Today’s hearing further highlighted the need for education dollars to go through a fair and equitable education formula,” Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro said. Schlossberg added, “Paraprofessionals play an integral role in serving our students and community. They help students living with disabilities, disadvantaged students, those living with homelessness and more overcome those challenges. We have an obligation to provide a quality education for all students and their role in that process is absolutely essential. I look forward to further exploring meaningful ways we can provide the funding and support needed to cultivate future generations of empowered individuals who know they can overcome their challenges, achieve their dreams and make meaningful contributions to their communities." Roundtable participants included Dr. Lucretia Brown, deputy superintendent at the Allentown School District; Elizabeth Moyer, president Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 17 -- After hearing concerns faced by local education support staff, Pennsylvania state Rep. Mike Schlossberg requested a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing to find out more about what role the legislature could play in assisting, recruiting, and retaining these essential employees. The hearing will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 and can be viewed online at www.PaHouse.com/policy or the Policy Committee’s Facebook page, @PADemPolicy . The media and public are encouraged to attend. Media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Schlossberg, along with Chairman Ryan Bizzarro and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee will discuss how the COVID-19 crisis pushed school districts into unknown territory and the challenges that arose and how to best support the support staff essential to every school day, especially for Pennsylvania’s neediest students. Ensuring a quality education for children is enshrined in Pennsylvania’s constitution and is a core issue for Bizzarro and the Policy Committee. You can read more about the committee’s focus and efforts here . Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 17 – Economic recovery, job creation, improved infrastructure and statewide development could benefit from a $4 trillion National Infrastructure Bank as discussed at today’s House Democratic Policy Committee hearing. The committee heard testimony and held a roundtable discussion on how implementation of the National Infrastructure Bank would help the state improve broadband access, address transportation needs and invigorate the economy. “We’re in need of a revolutionary approach to addressing technological and public safety needs. Invoking the National Infrastructure Bank would have impacts that reach every community of this state,” Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro said. State Rep. Ed Neilson, co-host of today’s hearing, added, “If we have an opportunity to bridge the digital divide for both cities and rural areas, we must take it. Ultimately, our future depends on this investment. We can improve the trajectory of our economic recovery, help develop a workforce for the future and be a leader in both.” Macroeconomist Alphecca Muttardy noted that every $1 invested via the National Infrastructure Bank could generate a $3 to $7 return and that .09 cents of every dollar would go back to the state government in revenues. This return would help repay the low-interest loans used to fund projects. Stanley Forczek, an infrastructure expert having previously served Amtrak, highlighted that Read more
Week after week we bring you stories of local residents frustrated trying to schedule their COVID-19 vaccine and not being able to get through. Read more
Imagine trying to play the lottery, but, instead of just buying a ticket at your local dealer you had to use a piece of technology you’ve never seen before, there were only a limited number of lottery tickets (and nobody knows the number), and the form you fill out is in another language. Read more
An effort to make sure Erie County is getting its fair share of COVID-19 vaccine under Pennsylvania's distribution plan is underway, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins (both D-Erie) announced Wednesday. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 16 -- State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., hosted today’s House Democratic Policy Committee hearing where legislators heard from state agencies and long-term care facility staff about how long-term care facilities are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
The Vaccine Registry Act would direct the state Department of Health to create a database of Pennsylvanians who are eligible and willing to get the vaccine. Read more
Pennsylvania lawmakers propose legislation that would make it simple for people to register for the covid-19 vaccine. Read more
The Central Vaccine Registry, if it is established, would be a clearinghouse for people who want the Covid-19 to register their names into a central Department of Health database as well as schedule vaccination times for themselves, spouses and their parents. Read more
State representatives across Pennsylvania are pushing for a simpler solution to help you book your COVID-19 vaccine. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 12 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein will host a House Democratic Policy Committee meeting to hear how state officials and workers at long-term care facilities can work together during the pandemic to improve safety for staff and residents. The hearing will be held virtually from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 and can be viewed at www.pahouse.com/policy or via the Policy Committee’s Facebook account -- @padempolicy. The media and public are invited to tune in. Media questions can be submitted at policy@pahouse.net . Specifically, Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, Hohenstein and members of the Policy Committee look forward to learning more on the state Department of Health’s efforts to protect vulnerable populations and their caregivers. COVID recovery efforts are part of the House Democratic Policy Committee’s objectives for the 2021-22 Legislative Session. Read more
HARRISBURG | Feb. 8 – General consensus among testifiers at today’s House Democratic Policy Committee highlights that vaccine supply and scheduling limitations are the primary source of delays in Pennsylvania vaccination efforts. “Pennsylvanians need a more streamlined approach to ensuring we can get people vaccinated and return to some semblance of normal,” Bizzarro explained. Those tasked with administering vaccines at the state and county levels, including pharmacies, reiterated that there are not enough vaccines being allocated to meet demand, especially with the recent expansion of the 1A group. County officials shared the strain they have experienced with dwindling employee complements expected to tackle the pandemic and other ongoing public health issues that remain. Keara Klinepeter, executive deputy secretary at the Pennsylvania Department of Health; Barry Niccolai, executive director of Centerville Clinics; and Vicky Kistler, director of health for the city of Allentown, provided deep insight into how the state and local governments are working to distribute the vaccines that Pennsylvania does receive. “I greatly appreciate the efforts at the state, local and business level to join forces and do everything in their power to secure vaccines from the federal government and efficiently distribute them,” Bizzarro said. Hospital system representatives, including Dr. Charles Barbera and Kathy Reeves, shared their concerns Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) (Funding Source: General Fund) Eligibility : 501c3 nonprofits Use : Tax credit program to encourage businesses to invest in projects by eligible nonprofits to serve low-income individuals and improve distressed areas. Projects can include affordable housing, community economic development, community services, education, neighborhood conservation, crime prevention, job training, or charitable food assistance. A special-priority category this year is COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Justice Issues, which can include a variety of COVID related services as well as projects that strive to increase awareness of or improve social justice issues within marginalized communities in Pennsylvania. See guidelines for more information. Funds : State tax credits up to 80%, depending upon the program category, for businesses that donate to the nonprofit. Application Deadline : May 28. Applicants submitting a solicitation plan in lieu of firm commitments must have their contributors confirmed by August 31, 2021. More Information : Click on https://dced.pa.gov/programs/neighborhood-assistance-program-nap/ . Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their projects prior to application with their Regional DCED Office: https://dced.pa.gov/dced-regional-offices/ . Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Read more
ERIE, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro said he is happy to announce Governor Tom Wolf has directed $2.25 million in Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority funding to Erie. “Bringing your tax dollars back to the region is an important part of community revitalization and economic recovery. This low-interest loan will make a big impact on the region and draw in millions in private investment for the development. Even more, the construction project will generate an additional economic boom to the region,” Bizzarro explained. The low-interest loan awarded to AnDi LLC. through Enterprise Development Center of Erie County Inc. will fund the purchase of 12.32 acres located in Fairview Business Park in Fairview Erie County. The company intends to build a 95,500 square-foot beverage facility for use by Allegheny Beverage Company; 10,000 square feet will be used as office space. The lease agreement stands at 15 years for the $7.85 million project. The loan will be contingent on the new facility retaining 70 employees from its current Erie-based facility, and the creation of an additional 10 full-time jobs within three years. “This is a great opportunity for local businesses to expand and increase job opportunities,” Bizzarro said “This funding is coming at a time when our community needs it the most and will be a welcome part of economic recovery from this pandemic.” Additional information about Read more
A distribution facility planned for the Fairview Business Park has received approval for a $2.25 million 15-year loan, Gov. Wolf announced Wednesday. Read more
Ryan Bizzarro, D-3rd Dist., who is serving as chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee, said Monday it's incumbent upon federal ... Read more
House Democratic Policy Committee hosts a hearing to discuss the 2020 Presidential Election Read more
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