Featured News

Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to I-95 Collapse Emergency

Pa. House votes to extend I-95 disaster proclamation until next June

(Jun 28, 2023)

A resolution that would extend to next June Gov. Josh Shapiro’s emergency disaster declaration issued in the response to the collapse of a bridge on I-95 in Philadelphia passed the state House of Representatives. Read more

 

Neilson’s automated speed enforcement legislation passes PA House

(Jun 27, 2023)

Neilson said, the bill would protect schoolchildren on their walks through busy school zones by making fixes to the current law that authorizes school districts to use automated school bus stop-arm cameras and establishing a five-year pilot program for speed cameras in active school zones. Read more

 

Neilson’s I-95 resolution adopted by House

(Jun 26, 2023)

Unless the Senate also acts on Neilson’s resolution, that emergency proclamation will run out in 21 days (July 2) because of a constitutional amendment added to the state constitution in 2021, in which emergency declarations by the governor may only last for 21 days. Neilson said this limitation was enacted to stop supposed overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

 

New bill to expand Philly's speed cam program beyond Roosevelt Boulevard

(Jun 21, 2023)

The program, which is currently in use on Roosevelt Boulevard, is set to expire in December, but Philadelphia Democrat Ed Neilson is looking to change that with a bill that would not only get rid of the expiration date, but allow Philadelphia to expand the use of speed cameras beyond the boulevard. Read more

 

Neilson’s legislation advances out of House Transportation Committee

(Jun 20, 2023)

“I am grateful for my colleagues on the House Transportation Committee who voted to help all of Pennsylvania by ensuring the speedy and safe reconstruction of I-95,” Neilson said. “I-95 is such an important road, not only in Philadelphia, but the entire East Coast, and we need to extend the emergency proclamation for at least a year to ensure the project is fully funded and completed.” Read more

 

Neilson praises workers of I-95 and Gov. Shapiro

(Jun 20, 2023)

“Ninety-five is such an important artery here in the Northeast,” Neilson said. “Everyone came out to help when we needed it and I’m full of gratitude for each and every person who made a difference on this.” Read more

 

Neilson introduces resolution to extend Gov. Shapiro’s emergency declaration

(Jun 16, 2023)

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, has introduced House Resolution 154, which seeks to extend Gov. Josh Shapiro’s emergency proclamation for the safe and prompt rebuilding of Interstate 95, one of the busiest highways in Pennsylvania, carrying an average of 160,000 vehicles daily. Read more

 

Philadelphia wants harsher penalties for illegal dirt bikes than state allows

(Jun 16, 2023)

In Philadelphia, the regulations cause problems for a pre-existing local ordinance. Before the state law passed, Philadelphia’s off-road vehicle law had stronger provisions, but that has now been superseded by the legislature.One way to find a compromise would be to exempt the city and let it reimplement its more-stringent law — a policy advocated by Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia. Read more

 

The Pa. legislature should make speed cameras permanent

(Jun 13, 2023)

Although our speed camera enforcement program is having a dramatic impact on public safety on Roosevelt Boulevard, it is set to legislatively expire in December unless the General Assembly acts to make it permanent. Currently, State Rep. Ed Neilson has sponsored legislation that would do just that, while also permitting the use of automated enforcement cameras to protect children on school buses and in designated school zones. Read more

 

Neilson’s legislation advances out of House Transportation Committee

(Jun 12, 2023)

A bill authored by state Rep. Ed Neilson, advanced out of the House Transportation Committee today that would make Pennsylvania a safer place for drivers and pedestrians alike. Read more

 

Neilson Thanks First Responders at I-95 Disaster

(Jun 12, 2023)

At a Pa. House Transportation Committee meeting one day after the collapse disaster on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia, Chairman Rep. Ed Neilson thanks the first responders and officials who came to Northeast Philadelphia to assist in the response and recovery. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to I-95 Collapse Emergency

(Jun 11, 2023)

Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila. is intricately involved in the response. "I'm on site with city, state and federal officials. We're assessing the situation and working with PEMA and the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management," Neilson said. "We will provide critical updates as soon as we have more details, but for now please stay away from the area." Read more

 

Neilson introduces legislation to target speeding in Pennsylvania

(Jun 01, 2023)

According to the AWZSE Annual Legislative Report, speeding in AWZSE enforced work zones has been reduced to 17.2% for all traffic, and excessive speeding (11+ mph over the posted speed limit) has been reduced to 2.6% since the start of the program. Read more

 

Key lawmaker planning bill to continue using speed cameras and add new location

(May 31, 2023)

Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, majority chairman of the House Transportation Committee, has announced plans for legislation that would expand the use of speed cameras — which have been in use since 2020 in active work zones and on Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia. Read more

 

Pennsylvania bills cover turnpike, toll concerns

(May 30, 2023)

Legislation afoot at the Pennsylvania statehouse addresses concerns about turnpike tolling from multiple angles. Read more

 

Legislative shift in how PSP is funded given preliminary approval in Pa. House

(May 25, 2023)

“This bill takes us in a better direction and to get those resources back to where they belong, fixing roads,” Neilson said during Monday’s committee meeting. Read more

 

Bill to boost funding for road and bridge projects advances in Pa. House

(May 23, 2023)

Legislation designed to use the state’s gas tax revenue in its entirety for road and bridge work is advancing in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Read more

 

Neilson moves to free up more money to fix roads and bridges

(May 11, 2023)

The leader of the House Transportation Committee this week introduced a bill to ensure more of the tax revenue already collected to fund the construction and maintenance of Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure is used for its intended purpose. The committee’s majority chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila., said the plan outlined in HB 1162, with bipartisan sponsorship, reflects the proposal made by Gov. Josh Shapiro to gradually reduce the portion of the state’s Motor License Fund being diverted to fund the State Police. “Drivers in Pennsylvania are keenly aware of the state tax they pay on the fuel they purchase,” Neilson said. “They’ve historically understood that this money goes for keeping roads and bridges in drivable condition. But in recent years a substantial part of that money has been going to the State Police, meaning fewer roads and bridges got the attention they need. “It’s time for the legislature to fix this and rededicate all of the gas tax money to our state’s transportation needs,” he said. The decades-old Motor License Fund is a dedicated state account consisting of gas tax revenue and money from other transportation-related license and vehicle fees. In recent years, increasing amounts were diverted from the fund annually to pay for State Police operations. The transfer peaked at over $800 million in the 2016-17 budget year but was gradually reduced by the General Assembly and Read more

 

Neilson recognizes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

(May 11, 2023)

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, applauded Gov. Josh’s Shapiro’s designation of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in the commonwealth. According to the proclamation , there are over 807,000 licensed motorcyclists in Pennsylvania. “Motorcyclists are often our friends, neighbors and loved ones,” Neilson said. “We must keep an eye out for them while on the road to avoid losing precious lives. I encourage motorcyclists to keep spreading awareness and education amongst drivers with whom they share the road.” Neilson said he is grateful that Shapiro is recognizing motorcyclists and promoting their safety and well-being. He said that drivers must stay alert, avoid distractions and practice safe driving to keep motorcyclists and fellow drivers safe. Unfortunately, in 2021 there were over 3,000 motorcycle crashes, 266 of which were fatalities, according to the state Transportation Department. This is an increase of 5.5% from the previous year. The proclamation also states that PennDOT, the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Dealers Association will continue advocating for the safety needs of motorcyclists. Read more

 

Neilson attends legislative panel at PA Motor Truck Association Conference

(Apr 21, 2023)

“We all want Pennsylvania to have a safe and accessible transportation network,” Neilson said. “I look forward to working with Chairman Benninghoff, Chairman Langerholc, and Chairman Flynn as well as the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association to best serve the needs of all Pennsylvanians.” Read more

 

Pa. House votes to extend I-95 disaster proclamation until next June
Jun 28, 2023

Neilson’s automated speed enforcement legislation passes PA House
Jun 27, 2023

Neilson’s I-95 resolution adopted by House
Jun 26, 2023

New bill to expand Philly's speed cam program beyond Roosevelt Boulevard
Jun 21, 2023

Neilson’s legislation advances out of House Transportation Committee
Jun 20, 2023

Neilson praises workers of I-95 and Gov. Shapiro
Jun 20, 2023

Neilson introduces resolution to extend Gov. Shapiro’s emergency declaration
Jun 16, 2023

Philadelphia wants harsher penalties for illegal dirt bikes than state allows
Jun 16, 2023

The Pa. legislature should make speed cameras permanent
Jun 13, 2023

Neilson’s legislation advances out of House Transportation Committee
Jun 12, 2023

Neilson Thanks First Responders at I-95 Disaster
Jun 12, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation Reacts to I-95 Collapse Emergency
Jun 11, 2023

Neilson introduces legislation to target speeding in Pennsylvania
Jun 01, 2023

Key lawmaker planning bill to continue using speed cameras and add new location
May 31, 2023

Pennsylvania bills cover turnpike, toll concerns
May 30, 2023

Legislative shift in how PSP is funded given preliminary approval in Pa. House
May 25, 2023

Bill to boost funding for road and bridge projects advances in Pa. House
May 23, 2023

Neilson moves to free up more money to fix roads and bridges
May 11, 2023

Neilson recognizes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
May 11, 2023

Neilson attends legislative panel at PA Motor Truck Association Conference
Apr 21, 2023