Featured News
External Link >>>

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

Hohenstein Working to Move Pennsylvanians

(Sep 21, 2023)

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

 

Hohenstein: Mass Transit Investments = Investments in Safety

(Sep 18, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein speaks at House Transportation Committee public hearing in Philadelphia about his experience with SEPTA and public transportation, and why it is so important to invest in safe and accessible mass transit across Pennsylvania. The committee took testimony from urban and rural transit providers looking for a solution to the expected shortfall of funding in the near future. Read more

 

Caregiver workforce crisis discussed in latest House Majority Policy hearing

(Sep 14, 2023)

People living with disabilities, their caregivers and advocates testified about the current caregiver workforce crisis to members of the House Majority Policy Committee during a hearing Thursday afternoon. Read more

 

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

(Sep 11, 2023)

State lawmakers from Philadelphia are trying to pass new legislation that would help prevent rowhomes from being damaged by adjacent demolitions and reduce defects in newly built houses. Read more

 

PA House Housing & Community Development Committee hosts residential construction protections hearing

(Aug 30, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 30 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., today hosted a PA House Housing & Community Development Committee public hearing at Philadelphia City Hall on residential construction protections. During the hearing, the committee heard from three panels of testifiers. On the first panel was Ralph DiPietro, commissioner of Licenses and Inspection, city of Philadelphia; Jennifer Horn, founding partner, Horn Williamson LLC; and Daryn Edwards, co-chair of the Housing and Community Development Task Force, American Institute of Architects Pennsylvania. The second panel consisted of Venise Whitaker, founder, Riverwards L+I Coalition; Tamica Tanksley, an impacted resident; Michelle Gaffney, an impacted resident; Dr. Terrie Lewine, an impacted resident; and Drew Miller, paralegal for Homeownership and Consumer Rights Unit, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia. The final panel was made up of Annette Stevens, financial officer, Code Administrators; Shawn Strausbaugh, director of technical services, Code Administrators; and Mary Collins, co-chair of the Government Affairs Committee, Building Industry Association of Philadelphia. “It’s vital that we pass legislation that protects what is many families’ most valuable asset and possession -- their homes,” Hohenstein said. “I’ve heard numerous heartbreaking stories of families in Philadelphia who have spent thousands on residential Read more

 

Hohenstein, Chester community rally against Philadelphia LNG Export Task Force plan

(Aug 22, 2023)

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 22 – State Reps. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., and Carol Kazeem, D-Chester, and environmental justice organizations and concerned residents of Chester held a news conference at Lathem Hall on Widener University campus following a Philadelphia LNG Export Task Force public hearing. The task force met for a public hearing on its plan to promote a liquefied natural gas processing plant and export terminal in the Delaware River. Zulene Mayfield, chairperson of Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living, and Stefan Roots, a Chester City Council member, testified during the hearing for everyone who would be negatively impacted by the task force’s plan. Hohenstein, Kazeem, Mayfield and Roots spoke during the news conference, along with Earl Wilson, president of the Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition in Philadelphia, and Shawmar Pitts, co-managing director of Philly Thrive, Grays Ferry, Philadelphia, who were both denied participation in the public hearing by the Republican chair of the task force. “This task force has been, in my opinion, inadequate in upholding its duty to ensure that the facts are transparently displayed and that a representative proportion of the commonwealth’s voices and opinions on the matter have been heard, which is unfortunate as it was authorized by the legislature and is being paid for with taxpayer dollars,” Hohenstein said. A Read more

 

Attention Pa. Homeowner Assistance Fund Applicants!

(Jul 20, 2023)

Attention Pa. Homeowner Assistance Fund applicants! PHFA is traveling around Pa. to help current PAHAF applicants re-register in the new system and to confirm information. Current applications can’t move forward until this step is taken. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation pleased with increased funding on budget priorities

(Jul 07, 2023)

HARRISBURG, July 7 – As we close out this week with the passage of the 2023-24 state budget, the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed that the spending plan is far from ideal, but still delivers major support to disadvantaged families in Pennsylvania. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the delegation is pleased to see the inclusion of some of their top priorities for Philadelphia. “We certainly praise the nearly $1.7 billion (7.6% increase) for the School District of Philadelphia,” Cephas said. “We also voted to support $7.5 million to fund indigent defense for the first time in Pennsylvania history, ensuring public defenders have the resources they need to provide legal representation to defendants who cannot pay for it on their own, among other wins. We are moving the state in the right direction,” she added. State Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice-chair of the delegation, pointed out that the budget showcases the commitment of the House Democratic majority with Pennsylvanians, while managing to evade the unnecessary impasses of a bipartisan legislature. “Not a perfect budget; we wished it could have gone further in some areas and programs, but I am proud to say that we didn’t bargain our principles and that we prioritized our school system,” Burgos said. “I am appreciative of the investments in apprenticeships Read more

 

Hohenstein celebrates budget, education funding increases

(Jul 05, 2023)

HARRISBURG, July 5 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., tonight applauded passage of a $714 million increase for education funding in the bipartisan budget that’s headed to the governor with no tax increases. “Pennsylvania has passed a budget that prioritizes education, expands the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program, and paves the way for a brighter future,” Hohenstein said. “The passage of this budget signifies a significant step forward, but let us be clear, this budget is just the beginning. With Commonwealth Court’s decision, it is absolutely clear that we are failing our students. It’s up to us to build on this foundation and deliver a high-quality public education. We must fight for equitable funding that ensures we have the resources necessary to provide a first-class education to every student.” The Philadelphia School District will receive $1.7 billion, a $119.6 million and 7.6% increase from the previous fiscal year. “But let us not forget that there is more work to be done beyond education. That includes justice for survivors of sexual abuse, a minimum wage increase, commonsense gun measures, and the Fairness Act to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination. We must invest in our crumbling infrastructure, improve access to affordable health care, and champion renewable energy to protect our environment and generations to come. We need to restore the early childhood Read more

 

Hohenstein: Fair Processes for Victims of Crime

(Jun 29, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein delivers remarks to support the passage of his U visa bill out of the House Judiciary Committee. This bill would provide immigrant victims of serious crimes with protection, safety, and a pathway to citizenship. He is working to give courts, law enforcement, and other justice agencies the clarity and guidance they need to help these victims recover from their trauma and thrive as survivors. More at http://www.pahouse.com/Hohenstein. Read more

 

Hohenstein: Restrictions on Public Interaction with Wildlife

(Jun 29, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein is weary of a recent change by the Pa. Game Commission that allows more public interactions with wildlife. After a recent incident involving a bison goring a staff member, he's looking to limit public interactions with wildlife to ensure public safety. He believes there should be sensible rules when it comes to interacting with wild animals. Read more

 

Hohenstein announces advancement of U visa legislation

(Jun 28, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 28 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., applauded the approval of his U visa bill by the PA House Judiciary Committee today. “When you’re the victim of a crime, it shouldn’t matter what your current citizen status is. Every individual deserves compassion and support after a traumatic event,” said Hohenstein. “A U visa can provide safety, and a pathway to citizenship and legal employment for these victims of serious crimes. What we need is clear guidance for certifying agencies such as law enforcement, prosecutors and judges so that they can guarantee these victims’ rights to an expeditious and fair trial.” Hohenstein’s bill would require officials to develop a publicly accessible protocol establishing requirements for certifying officials and agencies related to request processing timeframes, record keeping, language access, training and victim notification for U visa certification. This legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape . Video of the full committee voting meeting is available here . More information is available by contacting Hohenstein’s office at 215-744-2600. ### Read more

 

Hohenstein: Protecting Immigrant Victims of Crimes

(Jun 28, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein applauds the passage of his U visa bill out of the House Judiciary Committee. His bill would provide immigrant victims of serious crimes with protection, safety, and a pathway to citizenship. He is working to give courts, law enforcement, and other justice agencies the clarity and guidance they need to help these victims recover from their trauma and thrive as survivors Read more

 

Pa. Coalition Against Rape Letter of Support for HB1371: Providing Clarity and Consistency for U Visa Applicants

(Jun 28, 2023)

Dear members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives:The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) works to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and advocates for the rights of sexual assault victims. We partner with and represent the network of rape crisis centers that provide services to victims of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment in all 67 counties of the Commonwealth. Read more

 

Infrastructure, Housing, and Safety Funding Opportunities

(Jun 27, 2023)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Support Families of Child Abuse Victims Who May Apply: Non-profits that specialize in providing service for child abuse victims in Pennsylvania. Use: Implementation of a research or evidence-based trauma training to support non-offending caregivers of child abuse victims. Funds: $250,000 in federal Children’s Justice Act funds. Application Deadline: July 6, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: PA START/STOP Project Who May Apply: Any private non-profit agency, any private for-profit agency, public agency, or unit of local government. Use: The PA START/STOP campaigns aim to increase awareness of the dangers of Opioid abuse, as well as to provide resources to assist parents and caregivers in promoting healthy behaviors among youth to prevent substance use in the first place. Funds: $900,000 in federal State Opioid Response funds. Application Deadline: July 10, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Who May Apply: Local, county, and tribal governments, transit agencies, schools, school districts, nonprofits, and small Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Use: Transportation alternatives, including on- and Read more

 

Philadelphia Democrat proposes more local options for mass-transit funding

(Jun 20, 2023)

Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia, on Tuesday hosted a news conference on the Capitol steps to announce a new bill that would allow local communities to raise funds for their own transportation systems. Read more

 

Hohenstein Fights for Public Transit Growth

(Jun 20, 2023)

Joined by colleagues from the House and Senate and mass transit advocates, Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein talks about his plan to help local governments generate necessary revenue to grow and modernize public transportation systems. Read more

 

Hohenstein introduces local funding options for transportation

(Jun 20, 2023)

HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., today hosted a news conference on the Capitol steps to introduce his legislation that would provide local funding options for transportation . “As we have seen this past week, when a transportation crisis occurs, we lean on our public transit system,” Hohenstein said. “SEPTA has stepped up with increased services while I-95 is being repaired. Now we need to step up and give it funding flexibility and give Philadelphia and its surrounding counties the ability to fully support one of the largest people-moving transit systems in the country. Local funding options are essential to the survival of public transit, and public transit is essential for our economic growth.” "I am proud to stand with my colleagues to support increased funding for public transit,” said state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila. “Public transportation is a critical component to our economy as well as protecting our environment. The PA House Democratic Caucus is committed to fighting to make sure our transit systems have all the resources they need." “As SEPTA works to respond to the I-95 collapse with added service, equipment and staff to meet the needs of our city and its residents, I am asking council this week to approve a resolution supporting SEPTA and urging state lawmakers to increase their investment in public transportation and enable local Read more

 

Hohenstein Continues Fight for Work Zone Safety

(Jun 12, 2023)

With multiple traffic safety programs nearing expiration, Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein is working to make sure these life saving measures not only survive, but continue to grow and protect more Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

Hohenstein Votes for Environmental Justice

(Jun 06, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Joe Hohenstein speaks in support of a House bill that promises to bring environmental justice to burdened communities. Hohenstein says that legislation like this not only helps to improve the health of communities, it can also spur economic growth. Read more

 

Hohenstein Working to Move Pennsylvanians
Sep 21, 2023

Hohenstein: Mass Transit Investments = Investments in Safety
Sep 18, 2023

Caregiver workforce crisis discussed in latest House Majority Policy hearing
Sep 14, 2023

Pa. could pass a ‘lemon law’ for homes to protect residents from shoddy construction
Sep 11, 2023

PA House Housing & Community Development Committee hosts residential construction protections hearing
Aug 30, 2023

Hohenstein, Chester community rally against Philadelphia LNG Export Task Force plan
Aug 22, 2023

Attention Pa. Homeowner Assistance Fund Applicants!
Jul 20, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation pleased with increased funding on budget priorities
Jul 07, 2023

Hohenstein celebrates budget, education funding increases
Jul 05, 2023

Hohenstein: Fair Processes for Victims of Crime
Jun 29, 2023

Hohenstein: Restrictions on Public Interaction with Wildlife
Jun 29, 2023

Hohenstein announces advancement of U visa legislation
Jun 28, 2023

Hohenstein: Protecting Immigrant Victims of Crimes
Jun 28, 2023

Pa. Coalition Against Rape Letter of Support for HB1371: Providing Clarity and Consistency for U Visa Applicants
Jun 28, 2023

Infrastructure, Housing, and Safety Funding Opportunities
Jun 27, 2023

Philadelphia Democrat proposes more local options for mass-transit funding
Jun 20, 2023

Hohenstein Fights for Public Transit Growth
Jun 20, 2023

Hohenstein introduces local funding options for transportation
Jun 20, 2023

Hohenstein Continues Fight for Work Zone Safety
Jun 12, 2023

Hohenstein Votes for Environmental Justice
Jun 06, 2023