News Center

Neilson lauds cooperative effort to reduce vehicle fees for retirees and veterans

(Dec 18, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson today expressed his gratitude toward Gov. Josh Shapiro and his House colleagues, state Reps. Joe Ciresi and Rob Merski, for the successful effort to allow more seniors and certain military veterans to be eligible for reduced or eliminated vehicle registration fees at PennDOT. Neilson’s legislation, H.B. 2301, was signed into law by Shapiro as Act 60 on July 15, 2024 and went into effect this month. It included a proposal offered by Merski to increase the annual income cap for a retiree to qualify for a reduced vehicle registration fee of $11. Previously, the annual income cap for a retired customer to qualify for a reduced registration fee of $11 was $19,200, which had not been increased since 1998. Due to the newly enacted state law, the annual income cap is now $29,906, and it will be adjusted annually for inflation going forward. Because of the expansion of the annual income threshold, many more retired persons will be eligible for the reduced registration fee of $11. “As people age and retire, they are usually restricted to a fixed income,” Neilson said. “Every dollar helps, and the expansion of the eligibility threshold will allow these retirees to save more money on their vehicle registration.” Neilson’s legislation also included a proposal offered by Ciresi to eliminate registration and titling fees for one passenger vehicle or truck weighing 9,000 pounds or less Read more

 

Policy Committee announces leaders for 2025-26 legislative session

(Dec 18, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We are committed to uplifting Pennsylvania workers, advancing bread-and-butter issues that will make life more affordable for working people across our commonwealth,” said Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 17, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Community and Economic Development: Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Community-based non-profit organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience, educational institutions, and non-profit economic development organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience. Use: Creation or support of a Business Assistance Service Center for the purpose of serving small, historically disadvantaged businesses. Funds: $20 million in funding was appropriated in the 2024/25 state budget. Application Deadline: January 22, 2025 More information: DCED Website Council on the Arts: Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs (EAOAP) Who May Apply: Non-profit agencies with a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an annual average arts revenue over $200,000. Use: Entry track is the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) point of entry for organizations or programs to the AOAP. Applicants must apply in Entry track until recommended for AOAP, which is based on panel review and assessment totals Funds: Grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded. Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 More information: Arts Website Council on the Arts: Arts Read more

 

Chester County lawmakers laud grant funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed

(Dec 12, 2024) Chester County Delegation

HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – Members of the Chester County state legislative delegation are pleased to report a state and federal investment in keeping the Chesapeake Bay Watershed clean from its tributaries in Chester County. The Chester County Conservation District was awarded more than $67,000 in funding directed by the Department of Environmental Protection. "Investing in cleaning the waterways that flow into the Chesapeake Bay is more than an environmental effort – it's a commitment to safeguarding a vital ecosystem, supporting local economies and preserving a legacy of natural beauty and abundance for generations to come," said state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester. The DEP awarded grants through the 2025 Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Grants to county teams across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. “Stormwater runoff and agricultural runoff remain leading sources of water quality impairment in Chester County and Pennsylvania,” said state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “These investments will help prevent pollution and restore and protect the local watersheds that are crucial to environmental health, public health, and the strong quality of life in our communities.” Pennsylvania has made historic progress in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Earlier this year, the Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 12, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Here are the latest grant opportunities that are open for applications. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El lauds grant funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed

(Dec 11, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El said he is pleased to report a state and federal investment in keeping the Chesapeake Bay Watershed clean from its tributaries in Lancaster County. The Lancaster County Conservation District was awarded more than $5.92 million in funding directed by the Department of Environmental Protection. "This significant investment is a promise to our natural environment and represents a commitment to protecting a vital ecosystem, supporting our economy, and preserving a new legacy of investments for our part of the watershed," said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. The DEP awarded grants through the 2025 Countywide Action Plan Implementation Grants to county teams across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Pennsylvania has made historic progress in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Earlier this year, the Shapiro Administration announced that for the first time in history, the Chesapeake Bay showed steady overall improvement, earning a C+ grade from the University of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card – the highest grade ever awarded to the overall health of the bay since the report was created. The 2025 CAP Implementation Grants include $9.6 million from the state Environmental Stewardship Fund and $14.4 million in federal EPA funding, including $7.1 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to support counties’ Read more

 

Krajewski, Frankel plan to introduce legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis, prioritizing public health, community repair

(Dec 02, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski, Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, Dec. 2, 2024 – State Reps. Rick Krajewski and Dan Frankel announced Monday their co-sponsorship memo for landmark legislation to finally decriminalize cannabis in Pennsylvania , vowing to create a strong marketplace that centers public health, raises state revenue and supports individuals and communities harmed by the criminalization of cannabis. Krajewski, who led the House Health Subcommittee on Health Care, chaired five hearings to examine the successes and failures of cannabis programs in other states in the previous legislative session. “We’ve heard from public health experts. We’ve heard from criminal justice and social equity advocates. We’ve learned directly from states across the country how to get this done safely and efficiently, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in public revenue,” said Krajewski. “It’s time to move forward in Pennsylvania before we fall further behind.” Twenty-four other states – including nearly every state that shares a border in Pennsylvania – have already legalized recreational marijuana. Polls show that cannabis decriminalization is popular among Pennsylvanians across all political parties . Frankel, who is majority chair of the House Health Committee, said that the criminalization of cannabis has been disastrous for the commonwealth, particularly within communities of color. “We have a moral obligation to not Read more

 

Solar for Schools grant program now accepting applications

(Dec 02, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 2 – A new state grant program designed to benefit Pennsylvania schools is now accepting applications until Jan 31, 2025. Solar for Schools , introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., will help school districts install solar panels on their roofs or grounds. Solar is a cheap energy source that can free up funds for schools that currently rely on fluctuating, market-rate energy. “While Solar for Schools will undoubtedly deliver tremendous savings to schools, I believe its positive impact will be even bigger,” Fiedler said. “The workers who install these solar panels will earn living wages that support their families. Kids in classrooms will get to see firsthand the careers of skilled trades workers and use the solar panels as an educational tool. And this is all while their school is contributing to a healthier environment for them to live in.” Some forward-thinking districts across Pennsylvania have already installed solar arrays and are reaping millions in savings . But not all schools have the necessary flexibility in their budgets to make such investments. In fact, the contrary is often true -- many PA school districts are recovering from decades of unconstitutional underfunding or face shrinking tax bases, expiring COVID-19 recovery funds and other financial challenges. Solar for Schools grants cover up to 50 % of the Read more

 

Neilson applauds Gov. Shapiro for redirecting federal funding to SEPTA

(Nov 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Transportation Committee Chair, state Rep. Ed Neilson made the following statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s redirection of $153 million in federal highway capital funds to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to allow for continued service, avoid immediate service cuts and delay more significant fare increases until July 1, 2025: “I want to thank Governor Shapiro for his leadership and support of Pennsylvania’s most complex and robust transit authority. SEPTA is a lifeline for people in Philadelphia and the outlying counties, providing almost 800,000 people daily with transportation that they might not otherwise have. “We have been sounding the alarm around public transit funding for months. On our statewide tour about the transportation needs of urban, suburban and rural Pennsylvania, we heard from countless experts who spoke of the dire consequences that would come without action from the General Assembly. “The PA House Democrats took that input seriously, passing bipartisan legislation to properly fund public transit in all 67 counties on three different occasions, which was never brought up for consideration in the Senate. “This isn’t just about buses; this is about jobs. This is about making sure that our businesses can still get their employees to work. Transit is an investment, not an expense. For every dollar invested in transit, we generate Read more

 

Bill to protect pets in domestic violence situations signed into law

(Nov 22, 2024) Rep. Christina Sappey

HARRISBURG, Nov. 22 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced that bipartisan legislation ( Act 146 of 2024 ) to better protect victims’ pets in domestic violence situations has been signed into law. The bill (H.B. 1210), introduced by Sappey with state Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R- Allegheny/Washington, amends Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order defendant to refrain from possessing, abusing or harming a petitioner’s companion animal. Previously, Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act gave judges the ability to order many kinds of relief to prevent further abuse but did not give explicit authority to order protective measures for a victim’s pets. “We have known for some time the horrific link between domestic violence and animal abuse, Sappey said. “Abusers will use harming pets to further torment the victim or keep them from leaving, exacerbating an already traumatic situation.” According to the Humane Society of the United States, data on domestic violence and child abuse cases reveal that a staggering number of animals are targeted by those who abuse their children or spouses. In one survey, 71% of domestic violence victims reported their abuser also targeted pets. Researchers have found links between coercive control and the abuse of pets, with abusers often using family pets as leverage in the torment of their victims, threatening to harm or kill Read more

 

Matzie: Broadband Development Authority awards more than 9,000 laptop computers to organizations statewide

(Nov 22, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Nov. 22 – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority on Thursday approved distribution of more than 9,100 laptop computers to community entities statewide to help connect residents who lack digital technology, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, who sits on the PBDA board, said that under the Digital Connectivity Technology Program, the Baden-based Prevention Network and CLASS Academy will receive 75 laptops, and the Ambridge-based computer training school Tech2Elevate will receive 25 laptops. “Having reliable, high-speed internet means having instant access to job openings, training programs, health and safety information, online shopping and so many other resources,” Matzie said. “But too many people still lack these essential connections. Getting these laptops to organizations that can make them available to residents will help us close that digital divide.” Matzie said that in addition to the laptops going to Beaver County organizations, more than 2,000 laptops will be distributed to 25 Allegheny County organizations, including 200 laptops to the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. Along with the equipment, Matzie said the PBDA will partner with the state Department of Labor and Industry and PA CareerLink® to introduce program participants to SkillUp™ PA , which offers no-cost online job skills training to the public. The Digital Connectivity Technology Read more

 

Guzman to host third annual Thanksgiving Resource Fair

(Nov 18, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, Nov. 18 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, announced today that he will host a third installment of his Thanksgiving Resource Fair to help families in need enjoy a festive meal and get access to state programs and services. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 at 206 S. Ninth St., Reading, 19602. Guzman explained that the event will feature a turkey giveaway, fresh produce and information about local programs and services. “ I am thrilled to celebrate the third edition of the fair; it’s just gotten bigger and better. I am proud to be able to support even more families this year,” Guzman said. “This time of the year can be challenging for the most vulnerable members of our community, and I want to make sure that families in need have a great meal. Another key aspect of this event is that we will be connecting individuals to state programs that are available to them,” Guzman said. “Whether a family is struggling to get affordable health insurance, pay for groceries or utility bills, this event will be a perfect opportunity to learn more about these benefits. My staff will be there ready to assist constituents.” “This fair is about making the holiday season brighter for our neighbors and bringing the spirit of giving and sense of community to life,” he said. Interested residents may contact Guzman’s Read more

 

Lawmakers explore economic, educational significance of historic preservation

(Nov 14, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Black history is American history, and in south-central Pennsylvania, we have a wealth of historic sites worth preserving, but many of them have been under-valued or under-developed,” said hearing host Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, who represents portions of Lancaster County. “The committee heard about the economic benefit of preserving these sites, as well as the educational benefits in telling the truth and erasing popular myths that masquerade as facts.” Read more

 

Abney becomes new chair of Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation

(Nov 14, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that he has been elected as the new chair of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation . “I’m grateful to my colleagues for giving me the honor to serve as chair and elevate the priorities of our delegation both in Harrisburg and across our region. With so much uncertainty facing our country and state, our region will need to display strong leadership focused on improving the quality of life for our residents,” Abney said. “I look forward to working with our government partners and other stakeholders alike to promote an agenda that is realistic, relevant and impactful.” Abney previously served as city vice chair on the delegation and assumes the role previously held by state Sen.-elect Nick Pisciottano. Abney has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since April 2022. Membership of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation is comprised of state Reps. Jessica Benham, Brandon Markosek, Dan Deasy, Dan Frankel, Matthew R. Gergely, Emily Kinkead, Anita Kulik, La’Tasha D. Mayes, Joe McAndrew, Dan Miller, Lindsay Powell, Abigail Salisbury, Mandy Steele and Arvind Venkat. State Rep.-elect John Inglis will fill the vacancy left by Pisciottano. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Nov 14, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Learn more about the multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more

 

Solomon’s legislation to update 911 emergency response headed to Gov. Shapiro’s desk

(Nov 14, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation (HB1304) that will help usher in new 911 technology is set to become law, according to state Rep. Jared Solomon, majority chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and author of the bill. Solomon said his bill takes a critical step in creating new safety infrastructure for the commonwealth that will provide a faster, more accurate response time by emergency responders. “Our 911 emergency departments provide critical and lifesaving services to Pennsylvanians,” Solomon said. “Unfortunately, our 911 technology has not kept pace with the needs of our communities, which leaves our neighborhoods at risk. “This is about the safety and well-being of all Pennsylvanians, equipping emergency service workers with tools that will save lives and ensuring that the commonwealth is ready for any emergency. It could be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation,” he said. The bill received final votes in the House and Senate today and now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer

(Nov 14, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Nov. 14 – The Pennsylvania House this week adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer – a disease expected to kill more than 50,000 people in the United States this year. Matzie, D-Beaver, said he introduced H.R. 514 – designating November 2024 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania – to ensure continued awareness about a difficult-to-detect disease that is the nation’s third-leading cause of cancer death. “I introduce this resolution every year because this issue has touched my family,” Matzie said. “My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Fortunately, she was one of the lucky ones – her disease was caught early, and she went on to live for eight years. Most who are diagnosed are not so lucky, as the disease spreads quickly with few symptoms in the early stages. “It’s estimated that the United States will see more than 50,000 deaths from pancreatic cancer and more than 65,000 new cases diagnosed in 2024. Until advances in diagnostics and treatment bring those numbers down, we need to do everything we can to keep the focus on this insidious disease, its risk factors and the importance of early detection.” Matzie said some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are jaundice, which may include dark urine and stool changes; back or abdominal pain; weight loss Read more

 

Lawmakers highlight need to address youth homelessness

(Nov 13, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We know families that experience financial hardships will do whatever they can to survive, living with relatives by couch surfing or spending nights in a car to stay together at all costs,” said state Rep. Gina H. Curry, who represents portions of Delaware County. “Homeless youth oftentimes go undetected, with parents unwilling to reveal their financial struggles out of the fear protective services will break up their family. That’s why we suspect this problem is even greater than the reported numbers, and it’s one of the driving forces in passing legislation to address this growing population.” Read more

 

Central Pennsylvania House Delegation announces new leadership team

(Nov 13, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov.13 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr., chair of the Central Pennsylvania House Democratic Delegation, has been reelected to continue in his role for the 2025-26 legislative session. The delegation also elected Rep. David Madsen as vice-chair and Rep.-elect Nikki Rivera as secretary. Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz was appointed to serve a second term as treasurer of the group. Guzman said he is eagerly looking forward to the new legislative session and anticipates the development of an impactful work agenda for the benefit of all residents of the region. “I am grateful for the opportunity to chair the Central PA Delegation and most of all proud to work along an incredible group of legislators,” Guzman said. The Central PA Delegation has welcomed three new members to the group, Reps.-elect Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster; Jacklyn Rusnock, D-Berks; and Nate Davidson, D-Cumberland/Dauphin. “I am confident that this new leadership team and members will help us bolster our shared goal of improving the quality of life in this part of the state and foster equitable and inclusive policies” Guzman added. “The Central PA Delegation is strategically gearing up for a challenging 2025-26 legislative session and certainly aiming to secure major victories for our region,” he said. Read more

 

Immigration a driving force in Pa. economy, filling labor shortages

(Nov 13, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Immigrants are small business owners, healthcare workers, educators, and laborers,” said Rep. Danillo Burgos, who served as the hearing host. Burgos also serves as the chairman on the House Majority Policy Subcommittee on Progressive Policies and is the chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus. “They support industries essential to Pennsylvania’s economy while revitalizing neighborhoods and investing in our community’s future.” Read more

 

Neilson lauds cooperative effort to reduce vehicle fees for retirees and veterans
Dec 18, 2024

Policy Committee announces leaders for 2025-26 legislative session
Dec 18, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 17, 2024

Chester County lawmakers laud grant funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Dec 12, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 12, 2024

Smith-Wade-El lauds grant funding to clean up rivers and streams in Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Dec 11, 2024

Krajewski, Frankel plan to introduce legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis, prioritizing public health, community repair
Dec 02, 2024

Solar for Schools grant program now accepting applications
Dec 02, 2024

Neilson applauds Gov. Shapiro for redirecting federal funding to SEPTA
Nov 22, 2024

Bill to protect pets in domestic violence situations signed into law
Nov 22, 2024

Matzie: Broadband Development Authority awards more than 9,000 laptop computers to organizations statewide
Nov 22, 2024

Guzman to host third annual Thanksgiving Resource Fair
Nov 18, 2024

Lawmakers explore economic, educational significance of historic preservation
Nov 14, 2024

Abney becomes new chair of Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation
Nov 14, 2024

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Nov 14, 2024

Solomon’s legislation to update 911 emergency response headed to Gov. Shapiro’s desk
Nov 14, 2024

House adopts Matzie resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer
Nov 14, 2024

Lawmakers highlight need to address youth homelessness
Nov 13, 2024

Central Pennsylvania House Delegation announces new leadership team
Nov 13, 2024

Immigration a driving force in Pa. economy, filling labor shortages
Nov 13, 2024