Featured News
External Link >>>

Pa. could pass a ‘lemon law’ for homes to protect residents from shoddy construction

Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

News Center

PA Game Commission Newsletter

(Jul 01, 2024) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

Check out the Game Commission's newsletter! Read more

 

Hohenstein: PA House passes legislation to expand Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program funding

(Jun 27, 2024) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, June 27 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed legislation ( H.B. 2028 ) sponsored by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., and state Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-Allegheny/Washington, that would amend current law to expand the funding sources available to the Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program. “The pilot programs began operating in 10 commonwealth schools last year,” Hohenstein said. “And while it had the immediate impact of promoting kindness and inclusion within those schools, it was unfortunately limited in scope due to a lack of specific funding measures to guarantee its sustainability.” The legislation would provide another potential funding option for the program so it can continue to spread positivity and inclusiveness for years to come, Hohenstein said. “I’m pleased to see this legislation pass the full House,” Ortitay said. “I spearheaded the inclusion of this pilot program in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 state budget. South Fayette Township School District in my legislative district was one of 10 districts selected to participate. I’m hopeful this bill will be part of the budget package so that more school districts can offer this important programming.” The bill will now go to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

House lawmakers, families and advocates renew call for anti-bullying legislation in Pa.

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, June 26 – House lawmakers, families and advocates this week renewed their call to pass legislation that addresses anti-bullying policies in Pennsylvania schools. At a Capitol news conference on Monday, the family of Sammy Teusch, a child who was bullied at his school in Indiana and died by suicide on May 5, joined state Reps. Danilo Burgos and Joe Hohenstein, both D-Phila.; Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware; Kiria Cora, executive director of the Cora Foundation; and others to call upon the legislature to act on anti-bullying legislation. The legislation includes O’Mara’s House Bill 1293 , which would require schools to notify parents and legal guardians when their child is involved in or experiences bullying, and a comprehensive series of bills known as the Rights and Protections for All Students package, introduced by Hohenstein and others. The urgent plea follows a series of meetings with advocates and the families of victims of bulling – including the Teusch family. The lawmakers said increased bullying incidents have profound impacts on students’ mental health, academic performance and overall well-being. Burgos, who chairs the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, urged for the passage these bills. “ Passing anti-bullying legislation to address and prevent bullying in schools is not about punishment but about prevention, Read more

 

Traffic Shift, Ramp Closure Next Week Mark the Start of Southbound I-95 Reconstruction at Bridge Street in Northeast Philadelphia

(May 30, 2024) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

Philadelphia, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that reconstruction of the southbound side of Interstate 95 is scheduled to begin at the Bridge Street Interchange following a mid-week traffic shift and closure of the southbound off-ramp to James Street (Exit 27) in Northeast Philadelphia. Motorists are advised of the following travel restrictions: Monday, June 3, through Thursday, June 6, from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning, a right lane closure will be in place on northbound and southbound I-95 between the Betsy Ross Bridge and Allegheny Avenue interchanges for core borings. Monday, June 3, through Friday, June 7, from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning, the ramp from Aramingo Avenue to southbound I-95 at the Bridge Street Interchange will close for emergency pavement repairs. Motorists will be detoured south on Aramingo Avenue to the ramp to I-95 south at the Betsy Ross Bridge Interchange. Wednesday, June 5, and Friday June 7, from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning, single lane closures will be in place on southbound I-95 between the Cottman Avenue and Bridge Street interchanges for barrier placement and removal. Thursday, June 6, from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following morning, alternating single and double lane closures will be in place on southbound I-95 between the Cottman Avenue and Bridge Street interchanges to set up the new traffic pattern. Read more

 

Hohenstein Fights for #LivingWage for Pennsylvanians

(Apr 10, 2024) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

PA state Rep. Joe Hohenstein stands with unions and fellow lawmakers to raise the commonwealth’s minimum wage. The last time PA’s minimum wage saw an increase was 15 years ago in 2009. Hohenstein says updating the minimum wage to account for 15 years of inflation would ensure that people can pay their bills, put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. Read more

 

In a united front, state reps highlight new Pennsylvania budget priorities

(Feb 08, 2024) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

With major increases in funding for education and SEPTA, without any tax hikes, members of the Philadelphia House delegation laid out the major aspirations of Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Read more

 

Philly Dems say boost for SEPTA just one of highlights for city in Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Feb 08, 2024) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

“You are investing in the people of Philadelphia, you’re investing in people of southeastern Pennsylvania, and you’re investing in all of Pennsylvania,” said state Rep. Joe Hohenstein (D-Philadelphia). Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by Shapiro Budget Proposal

(Feb 07, 2024) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

Today, leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation said that they are pleased with the direction of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Among the many positives, the delegation is excited about the proposed investment in SEPTA and mass transit, as well as equitable education funding for the School District of Philadelphia. Read more

 

Hohenstein: Sustainable Energy is the Future for PA

(Feb 02, 2024) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

PA state Rep. Joe Hohenstein joins activists, stakeholders, and community leaders in Chester to applaud the Biden administration’s halt on permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects. Hohenstein says there is already sufficient infrastructure in place to export LNG and we should instead be looking for sustainable, non-polluting industries to build our local economies. Read more

 

Hohenstein announces new dog park, $250K in grant funding for community organizations

(Feb 02, 2024) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 2 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., today announced The Bridge Clinic’s intention to open a new dog park and the awardees of $250,000 in grants provided by Bridge Industrial. “I’m thrilled to see so many of our Bridesburg community organizations receive support that will go toward continuing the wonderful work they do for our veterans, kids and seniors. And we’ll always welcome having more animal-friendly spaces where dog owners can bring their dogs to play and our community can grow,” Hohenstein said. “Today is a prime example of a community that works together to support one another.” As part of the Community Benefits Agreement, Bridge Industrial donated the parcel of land where the dog park will be developed to The Bridge Clinic. Bridesburg neighborhood organizations receiving grants are: Bridesburg Recreation - $50,000. Bridesburg Boys & Girls Club - $50,000. Riverfront North - $25,000. Bridesburg CDC/BA - $25,000. Bridge Clinic - Dog Park - $10,000. American Legion Post 821 - $7,500. VFW Post 2 - $7,500. Vietnam Veterans - $7,500. United Veterans of Bridesburg - $7,500. Stars & Stripes, Bars & Pipes - $7,500. Boy Scout Troop 120 - $5,000. Bridesburg Cougars (Athletic Club) - $5,000. Bridesburg Home & School - $7,500. Cat Collaborative - $5,000. AIDS Fund - $7,500. Read more

 

Hohenstein Works to Ban Assault Weapons in PA

(Jan 17, 2024) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

PA state Rep. Joe Hohenstein shows his support for legislation that would ban future sales of assault weapons in the commonwealth. Read more

 

Hohenstein, colleagues prepare turkey dinners

(Nov 22, 2023) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 22 – State Reps. Joe Hohenstein, Pat Gallagher, Danilo Burgos, Anthony Bellmon, all D-Phila, Sen. Jimmy Dillon, Councilmember Mike Driscoll and their staffs were hosted by Caring for Friends Chair and CEO Vince Schiavone for a turkey dinner preparation event on Tuesday. “I’m proud to follow the tradition of service that my parents have given me in their time of volunteering with Caring for Friends. With so many people in need, we all must answer the call to give what we can, when we can,” Hohenstein said. Caring For Friends distributed 1,000 turkey dinners and prepared over 800 meals with the assistance of federal and state legislators and their staffs. Read more

 

Bill establishing lifetime substance abuse recovery grant program approved by PA House Human Services Committee

(Nov 16, 2023) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, Nov. 16 – A bill ( H.B. 1650 ) co-sponsored by Reps. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., and Jim Gregory, R-Hollidaysburg, that would establish the Lifetime Recovery from Substance Abuse Grant Program was approved this week by the House Human Services Committee with bipartisan support. “This bill recognizes that the scourge of addiction is something that carries throughout the state and is impacting the lives of all of our constituents, neighbors, friends and families,” Hohenstein said. “Treatment and support for people living with addiction is something that lasts a lifetime, and we need to be able to provide people with the tools for getting and keeping jobs, getting housing and receiving peer recovery support in a way that sustains for a lifetime.” The grant program would assist in the development, expansion and improvement of the system of recovery support service delivery in the commonwealth. Recovery support providers offer critical services to those in recovery from substance abuse, including providing peer support, family support, mentoring services, housing and assistance in finding gainful employment. “This will provide support for thousands of Pennsylvanians in recovery so that they can return to their families, friends and the life they were intended to have,” Gregory said. Read more

 

Hohenstein bill protecting public from wild animals passes House

(Nov 13, 2023) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, Nov. 13 – A bill ( H.B. 1451 ) sponsored by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., which would protect the public from unsafe encounters with wild animals, passed the House today by vote of 109-94. The legislation was proposed following a decision by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to move away from a safety measure that prohibited direct contact between the public and wildlife, particularly exotic wildlife. This legislation would protect the public and exotic animals by preventing the public from feeding or having direct physical contact with exotic animals without having a sufficient barrier in place. “We have to remember that wild animals are wild, and their intrinsic instincts are going to make them unpredictable,” Hohenstein said. “Scratches, bites and such from exotic animals can be very harmful to individuals and to the public at large by spreading viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections.” Read more

 

Hohenstein introduces LNG Task Force minority report

(Nov 01, 2023) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., introduced a minority report as part of his membership on the Philadelphia LNG Task Force during a meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The task force was created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly last year and tasked with examining and making recommendations regarding obstacles, economic feasibility, economic impact and security that would be involved with making the Port of Philadelphia a liquified natural gas export terminal. When authorizing the task force, the General Assembly allowed for the submission of a rebuttal to the task force’s majority report by any member of the task force. Hohenstein said he was glad that head of the task force, state Rep. Martina White, R-Phila., accepted the minority report into the official record. “This is a complex topic with many stakeholders holding a variety of views and strong opinions,” Hohenstein said. “And it is my belief that this report accurately addresses the concerns with placing an LNG facility within the geographical area covered by the Philadelphia Port, resulting in the conclusion that there is simply no suitable location for an LNG facility in Philadelphia or Southeastern Pennsylvania. “The commonwealth should be engaged in a transition away from fossil fuels because of the need to address climate change. As such, I plan to propose the formation of a task force to review the state’s energy policy Read more

 

Philadelphia LNG Task Force Minority Report

(Nov 01, 2023) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

LNG Task Force Minority Report Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein introduce legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

(Oct 17, 2023) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia, today outlined their new legislation, House Bill 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. The lawmakers were joined by representatives from CASA, Church World Services, Lancaster City Council, IU13 Lancaster-Lebanon Refugee Center and Nationalities Service Center–Philadelphia at a Capitol news conference to discuss the bill. “Immigrants have made Pennsylvania the powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Yet, despite foreign-born workers comprising over 8% of our state’s workforce and paying $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes, they are scapegoated and bear the brunt of punitive policies that drive them from our state. We’re the ones who lose out the most—at the expense of losing skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers, and community leaders. “Our bill would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians that would support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth,” he said. “Immigration is what makes Pennsylvania strong,” Hohenstein said. “Our collective ability to come together from all different backgrounds and perspectives for the betterment of the commonwealth is truly wonderful. That’s why it’s particularly unfortunate that so often our immigrant communities face the brunt Read more

 

Legislators, PA Coalition for Trans Youth, TAKE, NEPA Stands Up rally for safe and equal schools

(Oct 17, 2023) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – State Reps. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila.; Nancy Guenst, D-Montgomery; Paul Takac, D-Centre; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; the PA Coalition for Trans Youth; Transgender Advocates Knowledgeable Empowering; NEPA Stands Up and allies held a rally for safe and equal schools on the state Capitol steps in Harrisburg on Tuesday. Speakers highlighted a package of bills that would protect students from gender-based discrimination, bullying and harassment, and provide inclusive accommodations and curriculum. The package includes: Legislation introduced by Guenst that would create a statewide policy for all public schools to prohibit student discrimination and harassment based on actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression through anti-discrimination and harassment prevention and early intervention policies to create a supportive and equal opportunity learning environment. “Our children deserve to step into their learning environments across the commonwealth feeling safe and respected. No child should be made to feel less than their peers due to the real or perceived distinction of belonging to classes that do not currently hold statewide protections,” Guenst said. “This legislation would bridge the gaps currently being filled by individual school districts through policies that cover a wide spectrum; Read more

 

Hohenstein: Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

(Sep 22, 2023) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein wants everyone to know that help is just a phone call away. Anyone suffering a mental health crisis can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Helpline. It’s free and available 24/7. #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #SuicidePreventionMonth Read more

 

Hohenstein Working to Move Pennsylvanians

(Sep 21, 2023) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

As a member of the House Transportation Committee, Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein knows how vital transit systems are to social and economic prosperity in the Commonwealth. Hohenstein is proposing legislation that would give counties and municipalities more options to fund their local mass transit systems. Read more

 

PA Game Commission Newsletter
Jul 01, 2024

Hohenstein: PA House passes legislation to expand Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program funding
Jun 27, 2024

House lawmakers, families and advocates renew call for anti-bullying legislation in Pa.
Jun 26, 2024

Traffic Shift, Ramp Closure Next Week Mark the Start of Southbound I-95 Reconstruction at Bridge Street in Northeast Philadelphia
May 30, 2024

Hohenstein Fights for #LivingWage for Pennsylvanians
Apr 10, 2024

In a united front, state reps highlight new Pennsylvania budget priorities
Feb 08, 2024

Philly Dems say boost for SEPTA just one of highlights for city in Shapiro’s budget proposal
Feb 08, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation encouraged by Shapiro Budget Proposal
Feb 07, 2024

Hohenstein: Sustainable Energy is the Future for PA
Feb 02, 2024

Hohenstein announces new dog park, $250K in grant funding for community organizations
Feb 02, 2024

Hohenstein Works to Ban Assault Weapons in PA
Jan 17, 2024

Hohenstein, colleagues prepare turkey dinners
Nov 22, 2023

Bill establishing lifetime substance abuse recovery grant program approved by PA House Human Services Committee
Nov 16, 2023

Hohenstein bill protecting public from wild animals passes House
Nov 13, 2023

Hohenstein introduces LNG Task Force minority report
Nov 01, 2023

Philadelphia LNG Task Force Minority Report
Nov 01, 2023

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein introduce legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians
Oct 17, 2023

Legislators, PA Coalition for Trans Youth, TAKE, NEPA Stands Up rally for safe and equal schools
Oct 17, 2023

Hohenstein: Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
Sep 22, 2023

Hohenstein Working to Move Pennsylvanians
Sep 21, 2023