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PA House passes Benham’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill

(14 hours ago) Rep. Jessica Benham

Benham urges state Senate vote on legislation to reform PBM practices Read more

 

Pa. House Judiciary Committee approved Rabb restorative justice legislation

(16 hours ago) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, June 28 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee approved, with bipartisan support, legislation ( H.B. 1849 ) sponsored by state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., that would allow for restorative justice practices to be used in the state’s criminal legal system as a voluntary, pre-trial diversion option. “Restorative justice is an approach to criminal justice that seeks to understand and repair the harmful consequences of a criminal act, focusing on the restoration of the victim and mending damaged relationships, as opposed to punishing the offender,” Rabb said. “Ample research has been conducted on restorative justice and it has consistently shown to result in higher rates of victim satisfaction, lower rates of recidivism and enhanced offender accountability. “By emphasizing accountability and reconciliation, we can find a better approach to harm reduction that will allow our communities to heal, centering the concerns of victims and redemption of those who caused the harm while also reducing the cost and case load in our court system.” The bill will now go to the House floor where it will await a vote. Read more

 

Freeman bill to create state poet laureate passes PA House

(17 hours ago) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Poetry is a literary art form widely celebrated by the United States and 47 states by designating an official poet laureate," Freeman said. Read more

 

Daley bill to foster Ireland-Pennsylvania relations passes Pa. House

(18 hours ago) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

HARRISBURG, June 28 – The state House today passed a bill that would create a Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission, announced its sponsor, state Rep. Mary Jo Daley. House Bill 2132 , which passed with Republican and Democratic support, would boost Pennsylvania’s economic prospects through fostering international trade and cooperation with Ireland. “Pennsylvania has a rich history of innovation, industriousness and cultural diversity,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “By establishing a trade commission specifically focused on Ireland, we can tap into the unique opportunities that this partnership presents. Ireland, known for its robust economy and advanced technology sector, offers a gateway for Pennsylvania businesses to expand their reach and increase their competitiveness on the global stage.” Daley said that a Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission could also serve as a bridge, fostering diplomatic relations and ensuring that Pennsylvania remains a key player in international trade discussions. “Strengthening our ties with Ireland would also enhance cultural and educational exchanges, enriching our communities and fostering a greater understanding between our citizenries,” she added. “This can lead to more student exchange programs, joint academic ventures and cultural festivals that celebrate our shared heritage.” Irish companies have nearly 400 locations in Read more

 

House passes Bizzarro’s first-time homebuyers legislation

(19 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

A proposal to help first-time homebuyers is moving forward in Harrisburg, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, the sponsor of this legislation, announced Friday. Read more

 

House passes Steele package that supports hunters, farmers

(1 day ago) Rep. Mandy Steele

“Farmers are being financially crippled by crop damage, while our woodlands are being decimated by the deer herd, and the legacy of hunting is waning, Steele said. “These bills are a collaborative effort with many organizations to revive hunting, while also being stewards of our wildlife and natural resources.” Read more

 

Fleming bill for diabetes awareness passes Pa. House

(1 day ago) Rep. Justin Fleming

HARRISBURG, June 27 – A bill directing Pennsylvania schools to send home information about Type 1 diabetes and its warning signs passed the state House today. Sponsored by state Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, the bill passed 182-20, with bipartisan support. “Empowering individuals with diabetes education is the cornerstone of effective management, and transforming knowledge into action fosters a healthier life,” Fleming said. “This bill is also very personal as my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in June 2020.” Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the pancreas shuts down, failing to provide insulin that the body needs to regulate blood glucose. Those who have Type 1 diabetes are dependent on pharmaceutically manufactured insulin for life. For many, the signs of Type 1 diabetes can go unnoticed for longer periods of time resulting in a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, leading to serious health complications that may even be fatal. Recognizing the signs of diabetes early, along with targeted screening and monitoring, have been shown to reduce the incidence of DKA, reduce rates of hospitalization and, most importantly, save lives. "The most common age range for a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes is between 6-16. It’s critical that we reach parents and guardians with this information to identify this disease and save kids from needless suffering," Read more

 

Kim applauds bill to establish state Alzheimer’s, dementia office

(1 day ago) Rep. Patty Kim

HARRISBURG, June 27 – A bill that would establish a state office to respond to Alzheimer’s, dementia and related disorders passed the House today, announced state Rep. Patty Kim, who co-sponsored the measure. House Bill 2400 would create a permanent Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Office and establish a 28-member advisory committee, both within the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, to coordinate across state agencies, advocate policy and leverage resources to better respond to the unique and complex needs of those living with Alzheimer's and other dementia. “Supporting specialized care can significantly enhance the quality of life for dementia patients, providing them with the necessary medical, psychological, and social support through a public-facing office,” Kim said. “Public health initiatives can promote early diagnosis and intervention, which can slow disease progression and improve outcomes.” By 2025, the number of Pennsylvanians living with Alzheimer’s is expected to increase to 320,000 with the total Medicaid costs to care for them expected to increase by over 10%. “Because patients eventually are unable to care for themselves, Alzheimer’s and dementia are major cost drivers in the state’s Medicaid budget,” Kim said. “Our taking a proactive and public approach to this specialized aging care could help us get ahead of the curve in fighting and Read more

 

PA House passes Madden Alzheimer’s bill

(1 day ago) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

“For too long, our seniors living with ADRD have not been prioritized. We can and must do better for our seniors and the loved ones who care for them,” Madden said. Read more

 

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

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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 committee OKs Freeman bill to redevelop vacant factories

(1 day ago) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

"Repurposing an old factory or mill for retail, office or arts space, or transforming them into apartments, encourages economic development and improves the quality of life of a community," Freeman said. Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to help make owning a home possible for more Pennsylvanians

(Jun 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 26 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would provide money to Pennsylvania individuals and families seeking to own their own home. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 2454 ) would establish the Affordable Homeownership Program under the state Department of Community and Economic Development . The program would award grants to sponsoring organizations, who would then provide the funds to individuals or households with annual incomes between 60% and 120% of the area median income. Qualifying applicants would be able to use these funds for projects such as: Home purchasing assistance programs. Home repairs. Work force housing programs. Acquiring residential properties. Designing and constructing properties. Asset management studies of properties. Social and environmental studies of properties. Homeownership education programs. Land trusts acquiring properties (Homeowners would need to maintain at least 40% of the equity on the property). “The median home price shot through the roof to nearly $225,000 in March of this year and continues to climb. This, combined with other factors, has pushed owning a home away from reality and closer to fantasy for many Pennsylvanians,” Powell said. “Home ownership is not only part of the American dream, it’s crucial to building and fostering strong communities. My bill would benefit PA and all neighbors who call it home.” Grant Read more

 

Ciresi bill to outlaw early termination fees for deceased people on its way to governor’s desk

(Jun 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 26 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s bill that will protect a deceased person’s family or estate from being charged early termination fees when canceling certain service contracts and vehicle leases passed the PA Senate today and is now headed to the governor’s desk. “Death shouldn’t come with fees, and companies shouldn’t be making money off a customer’s death.” Ciresi said. “It’s hard enough to lose a family member, but it is just salt in the wound for a grieving relative to have to pay an early termination fee because the customer has died. My legislation, which will hopefully become law soon, would prohibit cable, phone, telecommunications, utility, and other companies from imposing early termination fees on a recently deceased person’s family for services that would no longer be used.” Once signed into law, bill will require that written notice along with a copy of a death certificate be provided to end such leases or contracts without financial penalty. Ciresi has championed the legislation in previous sessions. This session, the bill had 24 co-sponsors, including both Democrats and Republicans. Ciresi said he was grateful to his colleagues for their support of this bill to provide additional protections for consumers. “This legislation will help Pennsylvania families by removing one less hassle during their time of grief as they try to settle their loved Read more

 

Schlossberg bill to plan for regional growth approved by House committee

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“Growth makes our excellent schools and thriving economy possible, along with the balance of urban, suburban and rural settings in our region. Unmitigated growth — growth without adequate planning — may enhance aspects of our economy, but typically at a tremendous cost,” Schlossberg said. Read more

 

Cephas' bill would address implicit bias in Pa. health care

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, June 26 – On the heels of a new report detailing racial biases in the U.S. healthcare system, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today emphasized the need for her legislation that seeks to resolve the subconscious biases of healthcare providers in the state so they can improve patient care and adapt practices for the diverse communities they serve. A lengthy report released today by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine laid out the harms of structural racism in the U.S. healthcare system to minority populations and offered solutions to combatting the problem. Cephas’ legislation ( H.B. 2178 ) to address the biases of healthcare providers in Pennsylvania was introduced in April. Under Cephas’ bill, each person applying for a license or certification issued by a health-related board within the Department of State would be required to complete training regarding implicit bias and cultural competence. Such training would, at minimum, include an understanding of implicit bias and include practical techniques to reduce unconscious bias and improve cultural competence. “There is extensive evidence and research of implicit bias in our healthcare system, resulting in the unequal treatment of patients based on race, gender, weight, age, language spoken, income and insurance status, and most often leading to negative health outcomes for poor people and communities of Read more

 

Frankel cheers committee approval of bills to support rural health care, regulate hospital mergers

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, June 26 – Majority House Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel hailed his panel’s approval Wednesday of bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing health care disparities in rural areas by providing grants for the payment of education debt of physicians, nurses and midwives. “When rural facilities cannot attract or retain health care professionals, they can’t keep their doors open, and patients have to travel increasing distances to get basic preventative or emergency care – that’s bad for outcomes, and it’s bad for this commonwealth,” said Frankel, who worked with Republican Health Chair Kathy Rapp to develop the bill ( H.B. 2382 ). “The foundation of our health care system is its workers, so that’s where any effort to support rural health institutions must begin.” The bill received unanimous approval by the committee. The panel also approved legislation introduced by Reps. Lisa Borowski and Paul Takac that would provide more oversight of mergers and other transactions that could threaten access to health services in the commonwealth. The bill ( H.B. 2344 ) would require health systems to file notice and documentation to the Office of the Attorney General before completing critical transactions and provide the Attorney General’s office with the tools needed to do their job of protecting the interests of health care consumers. “Health systems tend Read more

 

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

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Danilo Burgos, Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara, 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

 

Nelson bill to expand prison oversight passes Pa. House

(Jun 25, 2024) Rep. Napoleon Nelson

HARRISBURG, June 25 – A bill that would further empower counties in criminal justice oversight passed the state House Monday, announced its sponsor, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson. Specifically, H.B. 1509 would remedy a gap in Pennsylvania law by which Montgomery County cannot appoint a county jail oversight board. It is the only county without this option. The bill would also create the option of adding public members to prison oversight boards statewide. “Over 70,000 Pennsylvania residents are incarcerated, nearly half of them in county jails, prisons or correctional facilities,” said Nelson, D-Montgomery. “These residents and their families retain the right to proper jail governance while incarcerated. Well-appointed oversight boards are a critical measure to ensure and protect that right.” Oversight boards can consist of county commissioners along with other designated officers. They exert significant influence over how county prisons operate. “The added transparency and accountability are the keys to effective reform. Including an array of members on a board that are elected officials and members of the public ensures that the board reflects as many concerns and values as possible,” Nelson said. “This can lead to initiatives that support inmate reintegration and reduce recidivism rates. An expanded board can also enhance monitoring and reporting functions, Read more

 

Matzie: Consumer Protection Committee approves bill that would allow Pa. to take the reins on carbon capture

(Jun 25, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, June 25 – The state House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee today unanimously approved legislation that would allow Pennsylvania to gain regulatory control over the carbon capture process, Committee Chair Rob Matzie announced. Matzie said the process – aimed at reducing the impact of CO2 emissions – captures those gases at the source and injects them through specially designed wells into deep underground rock formations in a procedure known as geologic sequestration. “This is a good bill for PA workers, the economy and our environment,” Matzie said. “Carbon capture can reduce CO2 emissions, support our entry into other clean technologies like hydrogen hubs, create jobs and generate new investments. Right now, however, the federal government is in charge of issuing permits for carbon capture projects. Other states have started taking the initiative and applying to the EPA to gain the power to regulate those projects, and it’s time for Pennsylvania – as an energy leader – to join them. This bill will start the ball rolling.” Matzie said the legislation ( S.B. 831 ) would direct the state to apply to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for primary enforcement authority over carbon dioxide underground injection wells, also known as Class VI wells. The bill, Read more

 

Reps. Pisciottano, Miller and organized labor celebrate ‘Union Organizing Week’ with major rally at PA Capitol

(Jun 25, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Labor leaders, members pack Capitol ahead of state budget Read more

 

PA House passes Benham’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill
14 hours ago

Pa. House Judiciary Committee approved Rabb restorative justice legislation
16 hours ago

Freeman bill to create state poet laureate passes PA House
17 hours ago

Daley bill to foster Ireland-Pennsylvania relations passes Pa. House
18 hours ago

House passes Bizzarro’s first-time homebuyers legislation
19 hours ago

House passes Steele package that supports hunters, farmers
1 day ago

Fleming bill for diabetes awareness passes Pa. House
1 day ago

Kim applauds bill to establish state Alzheimer’s, dementia office
1 day ago

PA House passes Madden Alzheimer’s bill
1 day ago

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

House committee OKs Freeman bill to redevelop vacant factories
1 day ago

Powell introduces bill to help make owning a home possible for more Pennsylvanians
Jun 26, 2024

Ciresi bill to outlaw early termination fees for deceased people on its way to governor’s desk
Jun 26, 2024

Schlossberg bill to plan for regional growth approved by House committee
Jun 26, 2024

Cephas' bill would address implicit bias in Pa. health care
Jun 26, 2024

Frankel cheers committee approval of bills to support rural health care, regulate hospital mergers
Jun 26, 2024

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

Nelson bill to expand prison oversight passes Pa. House
Jun 25, 2024

Matzie: Consumer Protection Committee approves bill that would allow Pa. to take the reins on carbon capture
Jun 25, 2024

Reps. Pisciottano, Miller and organized labor celebrate ‘Union Organizing Week’ with major rally at PA Capitol
Jun 25, 2024