News Center

Ciresi’s Bill to Simplify Unclaimed Property Claims for Heirs Becomes Law

(Jul 23, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 23 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s bill that will make it easier for relatives to claim a deceased person’s property being held by the state has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro as Act 65 of 2024. “The process of claiming unclaimed property as an heir can be complicated, expensive and burdensome – so much so that many would rather give up than continue with the process, especially if the sum is small,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Act 65 will slice through the red tape and simplify the current process of claiming unclaimed funds to help the people of Pennsylvania get what’s rightfully theirs.” According to Ciresi, the Pennsylvania Treasury holds some $4 billion in unclaimed property, such as uncashed checks, lost stocks or bonds, or closed bank accounts. Due to an inconsistency in inheritance law, some categories of relatives have had a harder time legitimately claiming that property on behalf of their deceased relatives. Surviving spouses, children, parents and siblings could file for unclaimed property using a notarized sworn relationship affidavit, saving them the effort and expense of having to open or re-open the deceased’s estate. But grandchildren, nephews, nieces and others could not claim by affidavit even if they are the closest surviving relative. Act 65 will allow grandchildren and their descendants, nieces and nephews and their descendants, and grandparents of the deceased Read more

 

Ciresi praises $17,000 special education workforce grant awarded to Pottstown School District

(Jul 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 22 – Pottstown School District was awarded a $17,200 workforce grant from the PA Department of Education to develop a new generation of special education teachers, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today. “Kids in special education classes need teachers who are specially trained to understand their unique needs and provide the necessary support so they can flourish intellectually, socially and emotionally in school,” Ciresi said. “Especially important in light of a statewide teacher shortage, this money will create new learning opportunities for Pottstown School District students. By raising awareness of career paths and job opportunities in special education, this will help recruit the teachers needed to provide a top-notch education for all students.” The Developing Future Special Educator grants will help local education agencies design and implement student-focused experiential learning opportunities for supporting students with disabilities and learning about career opportunities in the field of special education. The program builds on the department’s efforts to develop a teacher pipeline and retention program to guarantee that learners of all abilities across the state are guaranteed access to a top-notch education for years to come. Read more

 

Gov. Shapiro signs Rep. Warren's insurance and corporate bills into law

(Jul 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Perry Warren D-Bucks County www.pahouse.com/Warren Gov. Shapiro signs Rep. Warren's insurance and corporate bills into law HARRISBURG, July 22 – In the midst of state budget negotiations, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law two bills introduced by state Rep. Perry Warren. House Bill 2096 , now known as Act 45 of 2024, codifies the surplus insurance lines fee structure for personal surplus lines transactions. House Bill 1716 , signed into law as Act 59 of 2024, clarifies shareholder rights set forth in Pennsylvania’s Title 15 Corporations and Unincorporated Associations statute. Both bills passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate. “Neither of these new laws is controversial or flashy,” Warren said. “Rather, they both clarify and streamline the conducting of insurance and corporate business in Pennsylvania.” The surplus lines insurance market serves customers who need rare, specialty or high-risk insurance coverage unavailable on the regular market in Pennsylvania. High-risk flood insurance is one common example. To ensure that Pennsylvania insurance agents serve this specialty market, Act 45 permits and caps the fee that may be charged for placing a surplus lines policy. Act 59 clarifies language of Title 15 with Read more

 

Sappey urges Aqua customers to attend public input hearing

(Jul 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

KENNETT SQUARE, July 22 – State Rep. Christina Sappy has requested from the Public Utility Commission a public input hearing regarding the proposed rate increase for water and wastewater by Aqua PA Inc. The PUC has granted this hearing request, which will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 at the New Garden Township Municipal Building, 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. Sappey urges all customers who will be impacted by this potential rate increase to attend and participate in the hearing. Following the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate coming out against the proposed rate increase, Sappey filed a formal complaint with the PUC regarding this proposed 18.7% rate hike for Aqua PA Inc. and Aqua PA Wastewater Inc. “Many Aqua customers are still coping with a substantial rate increase from 2022 which, for some, tripled their wastewater bills. It’s imperative that residents speak up now to let both the PUC and Aqua know how a rate hike of this magnitude would impact their monthly household budgets,” Sappey said. Interested residents are encouraged to visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for information on how the hearing will be conducted. People with questions may contact Sappey’s office by calling (484) 200-8264 or by emailing repsappey@pahouse.net with “Aqua rate increase hearing” in the subject line. Sappey represents Read more

 

Statement of Majority Leader Matt Bradford on President Joe Biden

(Jul 21, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Thank you for your incredible service, Mr. President. Read more

 

Local, state officials discuss state budget wins for county, city

(Jul 18, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Newly enacted state budget makes major investments in education, communities Read more

 

Shusterman bill signed in to law by Gov. Shapiro

(Jul 18, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“I want to thank my colleagues in both the House and Senate for their support of this legislation,” said Shusterman. “I will always support initiatives to improve the lives of seniors in our Commonwealth. By encouraging communication between the Department of Health and nursing home staff, we hope that the exchange of ideas and information between these two groups will lead to a unified effort to provide the best senior care possible. I’m proud to have this bill signed in to law by Governor Shapiro.” Read more

 

In light of recent resignations, Rabb highlights special election reform legislation

(Jul 17, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, July 17 – In light of the recent resignations from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives of former state Reps. Donna Bullock and Stephen Kinsey, both D-Phila., and the announcement that there will be Sept. 17 special elections to replace them, state Rep. Chris Rabb is highlighting special election-related legislation that would save Pennsylvania money and clean up the special election process. “As we’ve seen numerous times over the past two years in the House, the process by which we elect people in special elections is just as important as regularly scheduled elections,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, the state spent almost $1 million on special elections in 2023 alone.” This legislation, H.B. 1831 , would ensure special elections are timely, cost effective and accessible by requiring that special elections happen sooner when a seat becomes vacant more than 90 days before the next election; requiring automatic mail-in voting for all elections while providing county boards of election the option to establish satellite voting sites; allowing for non-partisan participation ; and allowing candidates to electronically obtain nomination petition signatures, he said. “Pennsylvanians deserve special elections that are equitable, transparent, efficient and cost-effective. At the moment, special elections in this state are none of those things,” Read more

 

Neilson applauds Shapiro administration for securing largest federal transportation grant in PA history

(Jul 17, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, made a statement today regarding the historic win for Pennsylvania’s transportation sector: a $500 million federal grant as part of the Large Bridge Project grant program: “This historic funding will go towards replacing the I-83 South Bridge, which connects Harrisburg to the west shore of Cumberland County,” Neilson said. “It’s a vital route in central Pennsylvania that carries 125,000 vehicles over the Susquehanna River daily and is often used by truckers delivering goods throughout the commonwealth. “I’m thankful to Gov. Shapiro, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and the entire Biden administration for their help with securing the largest amount of federal funding Pennsylvania’s transportation sector has ever received; it will cover almost half the costs of the entire project. “It goes a long way to helping us invest in Pennsylvania’s vast network of roads and bridges. We can use the money saved with this funding to help maintain and repair other bridges that need major repairs throughout the commonwealth.” Neilson added that the I-83 bridge was built in 1960, and with wear and tear increasing throughout the years, the repairs have become too costly and frequent. The Large Bridge Project grant was awarded to Pennsylvania Transportation Department from the Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Investment Program. Read more

 

Krajewski, stakeholders celebrate Right to Counsel funding in budget

(Jul 17, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, July 17 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., city officials and stakeholders held a news conference today in the Philadelphia City Council Chambers to discuss $2.5 million in new funding in the 2024-25 state budget for the creation of a statewide Right to Counsel program, which will fund legal assistance for low-income tenants. During his February budget address, Gov. Josh Shapiro called for the creation of a statewide Right to Counsel program, modeled off of the successful program in Philadelphia. Shortly after, Krajewski, along with state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., introduced corresponding legislation. “I am so incredibly proud of the work that stakeholders, advocates and legislators in the General Assembly did to secure the $2.5 million in funding necessary to launch a statewide Right to Counsel program,” Krajewski said. “This $2.5 million downpayment is just the first step. To win a true statewide Right to Counsel for all working families, we need to spend 10 times more. As we celebrate this historic win, we must keep fighting for this program’s expansion to serve every eligible tenant.” The Pennsylvania Right to Counsel Program will direct funds toward the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, which will distribute dollars to legal aid organizations across the state for work on tenant representation and advocacy. A report Read more

 

Krajewski, stakeholders celebrate Right to Counsel funding in budget

(Jul 17, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, July 17 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., city officials and stakeholders held a news conference today in the Philadelphia City Council Chambers to discuss $2.5 million in new funding in the 2024-25 state budget for the creation of a statewide Right to Counsel program, which will fund legal assistance for low-income tenants. During his February budget address, Gov. Josh Shapiro called for the creation of a statewide Right to Counsel program, modeled off of the successful program in Philadelphia. Shortly after, Krajewski, along with state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., introduced corresponding legislation. “I am so incredibly proud of the work that stakeholders, advocates and legislators in the General Assembly did to secure the $2.5 million in funding necessary to launch a statewide Right to Counsel program,” Krajewski said. “This $2.5 million downpayment is just the first step. To win a true statewide Right to Counsel for all working families, we need to spend 10 times more. As we celebrate this historic win, we must keep fighting for this program’s expansion to serve every eligible tenant.” The Pennsylvania Right to Counsel Program will direct funds toward the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, which will distribute dollars to legal aid organizations across the state for work on tenant representation and advocacy. Read more

 

Free period products coming to some Pa. schools thanks to $3M budget commitment

(Jul 17, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I know how humiliating it can be. We do not need that to happen to our children,” Parker said. “We have people right now who are using paper towels, using socks, using newspapers.” Read more

 

Prokopiak measure to increase Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program becomes law as part of state budget package

(Jul 16, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 16 – State Rep. Jim Prokopiak’s bill that will help Pennsylvania’s economy by expanding the state Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program was included in a Fiscal Code bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro on July 11. Prokopiak initially proposed expanding the Historic Preservation Tax Credit from $5 million to $20 million, starting in 2025 as H.B. 2358 . The language of the legislation was added into the Fiscal Code bill, which is part of the state budget package. “Investing in preserving our historic structures does two things,” Prokopiak said. “It not only helps to better tell the story of our commonwealth’s history, but it also is an economic driver as it helps turn these structures into income-producing properties.” Every $1 million invested into an historic rehabilitation project generates 6.4 direct jobs and 5.6 indirect jobs in Pennsylvania, which outperforms every other industry, according to Prokopiak. Of the 37 states that have a similar tax credit, Pennsylvania had the fourth-lowest cap of $5 million. The increased investment is necessary, as the need for funding is greater than the cap, Prokopiak said. For the 2022-23 fiscal year, 31 projects requesting a total of $12.7 million in tax credits were forwarded to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for approval of the projects’ Read more

 

Governor signs Venkat, Scott bill requiring insurers to provide fairer reimbursement practices for health care providers

(Jul 16, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, July 16 – Health care providers will no longer be forced to shoulder credit card transaction fees just to receive reimbursement for their services, thanks to a newly signed law introduced by Reps. Arvind Venkat and Greg Scott that requires insurers to offer providers a variety of different reimbursement options. Act 58 of 2024 , signed yesterday by Gov. Josh Shapiro, provides that insurers may no longer limit reimbursement methods exclusively to electronic credit cards – which often carry high transaction fees – and must instead offer a variety of reimbursement options so providers can choose the method best suited to them. “No one should have to pay a fee just to be reimbursed for their services, but this has been the reality for many health care providers, who have been forced to accept insurer reimbursement payments through electronic credit cards that often carry transaction fees,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “It’s an unfair practice that prevents providers from receiving full compensation and penalizes patients, as well, when those costs are passed along as increased rates. “Under the new law, insurers may no longer limit reimbursement to being provided by electronic credit cards, but must offer health care providers a choice as to how they wish to be reimbursed. It’s time to make this aspect of health care fairer for providers and more cost-efficient for Read more

 

Gergely votes ‘yes’ on new state budget, citing strong investment in state’s public schools

(Jul 15, 2024) Rep. Matthew R. Gergely

HARRISBURG, July 15 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely issued the following statement after voting Thursday to pass the 2024-25 Pennsylvania budget: “I was proud to cast a “yes” vote for the new state budget, which includes investments that can make a dramatic difference for our public schools. For far too long, our students have been forced to compete on an uneven playing field because of a flawed system that gives students in wealthier districts an unfair advantage. “The quality of a student’s education should never, ever depend on the wealth of their ZIP code. The new state budget allocates $1.3 billion in funding to all students, plus additional funding of more than half a billion dollars to level the playing field for students in chronically underfunded school districts, including many of our own. The plan is a promising step on the road to bringing the equality in public education we have sadly lacked for too long. “The new budget will also help us reform cyber charter funding so that these schools do not drain resources away from our brick-and-mortar schools. “The new plan also invests in ways that will help make higher education more affordable for students. Pennsylvania is nearly last in the country when it comes to funding for our state colleges and universities – a situation that has discouraged many students from attending and forced others to begin their careers with heavy Read more

 

Matzie casts ‘yes’ vote for new budget, says new plan will boost public schools, job creation

(Jul 12, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Rob Matzie cast a “yes” vote Thursday for the 2024-25 Pennsylvania budget, saying the new spending plan makes critical investments in the state’s public schools and in programs to boost jobs and economic growth. “This is a very important budget, and one we have been talking about for quite some time,” Matzie said. “The new plan invests $1.3 billion in public education and an additional half a billion to address decades of underfunding that has left students in less-affluent ZIP codes – including many students in our district – trying to compete on an uneven playing field. Every student deserves the same resources needed to navigate a successful future – and contribute to our workforce and economy. “The new spending plan brings us closer to that goal, with across-the-board increases for our school districts and extra funding for schools that have faced chronic underfunding. It’s time for us to make the investment our public schools need – and time to start easing the property tax burden on local residents.” Matzie said strategic investments in jobs and economic development were also key to his support for the new spending plan. “The new budget increases funding for programs that support workforce development and industry innovation, expand ‘shovel-ready’ sites for new and Read more

 

Salisbury votes ‘yes’ on 2024-25 state budget, says plan will bring powerful change to public education funding, boost affordable housing

(Jul 12, 2024) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury cast a “yes” vote Thursday for Pennsylvania’s new $47.6 billion spending plan, saying it will dramatically change the way the state funds its public schools while also bolstering important resources like affordable housing. “The new budget invests $1.3 billion for public education and more than $500 million to address the deficit caused by chronic underfunding of districts, including many schools in our own district,” Salisbury said. “With those investments, we can finally begin to change the dynamic for millions of students who have faced a disadvantage from the moment they set foot in the classroom. The new plan will allow us to start leveling the playing field for those students while also offsetting rising property taxes – all without taking funding away from any other school district. “Critically, the new plan addresses the damaging impact cyber charters have had on our public school budgets by changing the way those charter schools are funded and returning more of that funding back to our brick-and-mortar schools. “The budget also invests in ways to make higher education more affordable for students – a commitment that’s critical if we’re going to encourage new generations of young adults to stay, build lives in the state and contribute back to the economy. Right now, our students carry the third-highest debt Read more

 

Madden pleased Alzheimer’s office proposal becomes law

(Jul 12, 2024) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

State Rep. Maureen Madden said she is excited that bipartisan efforts to establish a full-time state agency dedicated to supporting dementia initiatives across Pennsylvania were signed into law. Read more

 

Kinkead community college credit transfer bill heads to governor’s desk

(Jul 12, 2024) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Legislation creating affordable pathways to four-year degrees clears state House and Senate Read more

 

Venkat casts ‘yes’ vote for 2024-25 budget

(Jul 12, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat issued the following statement regarding his support for the new Pennsylvania state budget. “I was happy to vote for the new state budget, which makes a $1.3 billion investment in our public schools and will make a positive difference for communities in Allegheny County and in the North Hills suburbs of Pittsburgh. “The new budget invests money in our Avonworth, Hampton and North Allegheny school districts; bolsters resources for first responders, police, fire and EMS workers; and will help ensure that hospitals are able to stay open and that no one will go bankrupt from receiving health care. “As your state representative, I am focused on making health care more affordable and accessible, investing in public schools and first responders, and making sure our economic environment is thriving. The new budget promises to advance those goals. It also addresses the needs of small businesses and working families through provisions that will allow businesses to deduct net operating losses and contribute toward the child care expenses so many working parents have. “While no budget is perfect and requires some compromise by both sides, I believe the new plan invests strategically in ways that will improve quality of life in our community – without adding any new taxes. That’s a budget I can support.” Read more

 

Ciresi’s Bill to Simplify Unclaimed Property Claims for Heirs Becomes Law
Jul 23, 2024

Ciresi praises $17,000 special education workforce grant awarded to Pottstown School District
Jul 22, 2024

Gov. Shapiro signs Rep. Warren's insurance and corporate bills into law
Jul 22, 2024

Sappey urges Aqua customers to attend public input hearing
Jul 22, 2024

Statement of Majority Leader Matt Bradford on President Joe Biden
Jul 21, 2024

Local, state officials discuss state budget wins for county, city
Jul 18, 2024

Shusterman bill signed in to law by Gov. Shapiro
Jul 18, 2024

In light of recent resignations, Rabb highlights special election reform legislation
Jul 17, 2024

Neilson applauds Shapiro administration for securing largest federal transportation grant in PA history
Jul 17, 2024

Krajewski, stakeholders celebrate Right to Counsel funding in budget
Jul 17, 2024

Krajewski, stakeholders celebrate Right to Counsel funding in budget
Jul 17, 2024

Free period products coming to some Pa. schools thanks to $3M budget commitment
Jul 17, 2024

Prokopiak measure to increase Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program becomes law as part of state budget package
Jul 16, 2024

Governor signs Venkat, Scott bill requiring insurers to provide fairer reimbursement practices for health care providers
Jul 16, 2024

Gergely votes ‘yes’ on new state budget, citing strong investment in state’s public schools
Jul 15, 2024

Matzie casts ‘yes’ vote for new budget, says new plan will boost public schools, job creation
Jul 12, 2024

Salisbury votes ‘yes’ on 2024-25 state budget, says plan will bring powerful change to public education funding, boost affordable housing
Jul 12, 2024

Madden pleased Alzheimer’s office proposal becomes law
Jul 12, 2024

Kinkead community college credit transfer bill heads to governor’s desk
Jul 12, 2024

Venkat casts ‘yes’ vote for 2024-25 budget
Jul 12, 2024