Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus | News Center

News Center

PA House passes bill to allow online verification for vehicle insurance

(40 minutes ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation (H.B. 710) co-sponsored by state Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, that would require PennDOT to create an online system for verifying vehicle insurance. Read more

Scott announces $1.3 million in grants to revitalize, improve safety in Norristown

(58 minutes ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, today announced an infusion of $1.3 million in funds from the Statewide Local Share Account to support revitalization and community safety projects throughout Norristown. Read more

Giral: Nearly $1.7 million in new grants to improve & maintain local infrastructure

(1 hour ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Giral said the grants will primarily fund the renovation and upkeep of affordable housing and community service buildings, with two grants designated for a new public park and the operations of local food pantries. Read more

Munroe: Over $900k in grants awarded to projects in Ivyland Borough, Warrington Township

(1 hour ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Munroe says the grants will improve walkability and accessibility in Ivyland Borough, improve the capacity and meet requirements for the dam at the retention basin in Palomino Farms, and get the North Wales Water Authority in compliance with new Environmental Protection Agency and PA Department of Environmental Protection mandates for Warrington Township. Read more

Curry: $1.4 million in new grants awarded for District 164 accessibility, sanitation, emergency services projects

(1 hour ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Curry says the selected projects will advance community safety, improve walkability and accessibility in Lansdowne and East Lansdowne boroughs, and upgrade sewer infrastructure. Read more

Krueger: $2.1 million in new grants awarded for public works and emergency services initiatives, area building renovations

(1 hour ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The projects address local needs, from new public works equipment such as street sweepers and dump trucks in Chester Township to renovating the Bruder Life Center theater at Neumann University, which hosts university as well as community arts events, as well as rehabbing the James W. Reese Center for occupancy by the Upland Borough Police Department. Read more

Rivera secures nearly $700K in state grants for community improvement projects, local museum funding

(1 hour ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced today that nearly $700,000 in state funding has been awarded to support community improvement projects and local museums in her legislative district. Rivera advocated for grants awarded through the statewide Local Share Account, funded by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, as well as the Act 13 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which supports the development, rehabilitation, and improvement of public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation projects. “These grants will enhance the quality of life in our district by improving local trails and constructing a new pedestrian bridge in Manheim Township’s Stonehenge Linear Park,” Rivera said. “These projects will benefit our community in many ways, from providing opportunities for residents to achieve health goals by walking scenic trails, to improving park accessibility so people of all ages can enjoy it and fostering a stronger sense of community.” The project awarded LSA funding in Rivera’s legislative district is: $123,399 to Manheim Township to be used for construction costs to demolish and build a new pedestrian footbridge located in Stonehenge Linear Park. Rivera also worked with fellow lawmakers in the region to help secure the following LSA grant: $400,000 to East Hempfield Township for the Little Conestoga Creek Blue/Green Read more

Kosierowski brings home $1.7 million in state grants for community improvement projects, local museum funding

(2 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, today announced $1.7 million in state funding for community improvement projects and local museums in her legislative district. Kosierowski advocated for grants awarded from the Statewide Local Share Account, which is funded from the PA Race Horse Development Gaming Act. “This state funding will help our district address many critical needs from feeding the food-insecure to making our sidewalks safer to renovating important community infrastructures, including roof repair and stormwater maintenance,” Kosierowski said. “I am honored that I was able to bring this money home to support these worthy projects and the people who will benefit from them. I am grateful to my fellow legislators who also advocated for these grants, especially state Sen. Marty Flynn, who was instrumental in getting them approved for our region.” “These grants truly took a village of committed people coming together to create and spearhead initiatives that will make our neighbors’ lives better. When we work together, we can achieve great things for our community. ” Projects awarded LSA funding in Kosierowski’s legislative district include: $97,298 to Lackawanna County to improve the soccer field, playground and accessibility of Merli-Sarnoski Park in Greenfield Township. $200,000 to South Abington Township to replace a culvert running beneath White Birch Road. Read more

Smith-Wade-El brings home nearly $1.8 million in state grants for community improvement projects, local museum funding

(3 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D–Lancaster, announced today that nearly $1.8 million in state funding has been awarded for community improvement projects and local museums across his legislative district. Smith-Wade-El advocated for grants awarded through the statewide Local Share Account, which is funded by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, as well as the Act 13 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which supports the development, rehabilitation, and improvement of public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation projects. “This state funding will make a real difference in our community -- from expanding affordable housing to creating more community centers and improving our trailways,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I am honored to have helped bring this funding home to support these worthy projects. I want to thank my fellow legislators who also advocated for these grants and give a huge shout-out to the many dedicated people who spearheaded these initiatives to improve their neighbors’ lives. Compassion and collaboration are what community is all about.” Projects awarded LSA funding in Smith-Wade-El’s legislative district include: 250,000 to Lancaster City/Chestnut Housing Corp. to transform a long-vacant historical building into 1,100 square feet of office/meeting space and 11 new affordable apartments called the Dinah's Hill Apartments. Read more

Ciresi brings back $1.9 million for area public safety and infrastructure projects

(3 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced nearly $1.9 million in state funding for public safety and infrastructure projects within his legislative district. Ciresi advocated for grants awarded from the Statewide Local Share Account, which is funded by the PA Race Horse Development Gaming Act. “These state grants are smart investments in both public safety and our infrastructure,” Ciresi said. “Residents will feel safer walking the streets or traveling around Pottstown and Royersford thanks to new security improvements. First responders will reach people in distress more quickly with the addition of two ambulances and a firetruck. The water our residents use to drink and cook with will be safer thanks to upgraded service lines. And our community will have a refreshed space to connect and gather in a renovated community center. “As a long-time advocate for resuming commuter rail service from Philadelphia to Reading, I am especially thrilled that this funding will allow the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority to enter its final phase of construction and soon restore passenger rail service,” Ciresi said. “Our community will see significant benefits from this project, including greater access to jobs, higher property values, and stronger local businesses. “These grants will help us achieve the future we’ve planned for.” Projects awarded LSA funding in Read more

Kazeem brings home nearly $1.9M in state grants for community improvement projects

(3 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, today announced nearly $1.9 million in state funding for community improvement projects in her legislative district. Kazeem advocated for grants awarded from the Statewide Local Share Account, which is funded from the PA Race Horse Development Gaming Act, along with the Act 13 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, which supports projects involving the development, rehabilitation and improvement of public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails and river conservation. “I went to Harrisburg to advocate for my community’s needs, and I am honored to bring back funds this year that will protect the health and safety of the district’s residents by replacing failing city vehicles with 23 new ones, purchasing an ambulance to help improve response times, rehabilitating a decaying fire house, and improving a locality’s sewer system. This nearly $1.9 million I’ve brought home will build up our infrastructure, making the 159th District safer for everyone.” The projects awarded LSA funding in Kazeem’s legislative district are: $882,050 to Chester for City of Chester Multi-Departmental Fleet to purchase 23 vehicles and upfitting costs to replace 14 failing vehicles. The replacement will reduce financial strain, increase public safety, and streamline operations for the municipality. The vehicles will serve a multitude of purposes throughout the municipality. Read more

Guzman secures more than $1 million in LSA grants for three local projects

(3 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, DEC. 18 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that three local projects will receive more than $1 million in grant funding through the state’s Local Share Account program. Among the projects benefiting from the funding is the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority. The grants were awarded to: Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority - $406,575 to complete Step 3 of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program for the rail corridor between Reading and Philadelphia via Pottstown. This phase includes preliminary design, engineering and environmental documentation, and will allow the project to advance into final design and construction for the restoration of passenger rail service. Local Share Account funds will be used for engineering costs. The total project cost is $8.8 million, with additional funding from the FRA CIDP ($7.01 million, pending), SRPRA county funds ($395,000, committed), and other state funds ($395,000, pending). GoogleWorks Art Park Phase 2 - $600,000 for the construction cost of turning a neglected lot in downtown Reading into a vibrant cultural, educational and food hub called El Zocalo. This is a multi-phase project, and in this phase the funds will be used to create a mini-golf course, garden and greenspace area, and a pavilion. This project will provide a space designed to engage and educate residents and Read more

Bill allowing nurse-midwives to refer patients for pelvic floor therapy passes Pa. House

(6 hours ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 1251 would amend the Physical Therapy Practice Act to allow nurse midwives to refer their patients for pelvic floor therapy, streamlining the process for their patients. Read more

Pa. House advances Reproductive Rights Amendment with bipartisan support

(23 hours ago) Rep. Danielle Friel Otten

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today approved a joint resolution sponsored by state Reps. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, and La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, that would allow Pennsylvania residents to add a Reproductive Rights Amendment to the state constitution. The Otten, Hanbidge and Mayes bill, H.B. 1957 , proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania constitution that would reaffirm and protect every Pennsylvanians’ right to privacy and ensure that the state shall not deny or interfere with an individual’s reproductive freedom in their most intimate personal decisions. The amendment would ensure that every individual has a right of privacy with respect to personal, sexual and reproductive health care decisions, including the right to choose or refuse an abortion, the right to choose or refuse contraceptives, and the right to choose or refuse fertility care, all without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion or relationship status. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support by a vote of 102 to 101. Today’s action represents a significant step toward advancing the legislation, which could ultimately appear on a future ballot for Pennsylvania voters to decide whether fundamental reproductive rights should be explicitly protected in the state constitution. For the first time in recent legislative history, Pennsylvania is taking proactive steps to protect Read more

House passes bill to enshrine reproductive freedom in state constitution

(23 hours ago) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“The Reproductive Freedom Act will give Pennsylvania’s voters the opportunity to decide if the right to privacy should be enshrined in the Pennsylvania Constitution. My views are clear and straightforward: I believe Pennsylvanians have the right to control their reproductive health decisions. Until recently, federal caselaw preserved these rights for all Americans. Read more

Ciresi’s House resolution on litter enforcement in PA unanimously referred out of committee

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 -- Today, the Pennsylvania House Environmental & Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and issue recommendations on litter law enforcement in Pennsylvania. The legislation, H.R. 352, was introduced by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery. The resolution stems from the Pennsylvania Litter Research Study (2018–19) and the subsequent Litter Action Plan (2021). Conducted by DEP, PennDOT, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, these initiatives urged the Commonwealth and the General Assembly to evaluate the effectiveness of Pennsylvania’s litter ordinances, laws, statutes, and regulations, and to take steps to enhance enforcement. “The Pennsylvania Litter Research Study found more than 500 million pieces of litter on Pennsylvania roadways. While 90% of Pennsylvanians believe litter is harming the state in every possible way -- damaging the environment, polluting waterways, depressing property values, reducing tourism, and hurting businesses -- the overwhelming majority feel it’s unlikely that anyone will actually be caught or fined for littering,” Ciresi said. “We need to strengthen our litter laws and improve their enforcement.” Described as a 'first step in this process,' PalmettoPride and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful completed a joint study on litter law enforcement in 2023, highlighting key issues raised Read more

$1 million in tax credits awarded to residential and neighborhood revitalization projects in Philadelphia’s Lower Northeast

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Giral said the tax credits will support ongoing community development projects and create opportunities for new initiatives aimed at enhancing affordable housing, public safety, childhood health, and multilingual services. Read more

PA House passes Young bill to increase human trafficking awareness training

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – Today, state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware hosted a news conference to celebrate House passage of her bill that would mandate human trafficking awareness training for Pennsylvania workers in the hospitality industry, including online lodging and reservation companies.House Bill 1286 would amend Act 197 of 2012 to include training requirements approved through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for employees of public lodging establishments who have contact with guests or access to guest rooms, and for operators of short-term rentals. Read more

PA House urges Congress to lower health insurance costs

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – Today, the Pennsylvania House passed a resolution introduced by State Rep. Anthony Bellmon (D-Phila.) urging Congress to take action to reduce health insurance costs for Pennsylvanians who purchase coverage through Pennie, the state’s ACA marketplace. When Congress passed the American Rescue Plan in 2021, it expanded tax credits that allowed many Pennsylvanians to purchase health insurance through Pennie, contributing to the marketplace’s record-breaking open enrollment in 2025. However, these credits expire on Dec. 31 and, as a result, health insurance costs for Pennie customers will, on average, double. “During the 2025 open enrollment period for Pennie, nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians—the most ever—purchased health insurance,” Bellmon said. “With these federal tax credits set to expire at the end of the year, these individuals could face real consequences, including having to choose between paying for housing, food, utilities, or health care. “Only Congress can stop the bleed and keep people covered by extending these credits. That’s why we must urge them to take action to lower health insurance costs for Pennsylvanians who purchase coverage through Pennie.” Read more

Pa. House approves bipartisan update to medical release system

(1 day ago) Rep. Rick Krajewski

Krajewski said the bill creates a robust process to carefully consider early, medical release for seriously ill inmates, reviewing their time served, victim feedback, disciplinary records, and physical condition among other factors. In recent years similar state reforms have passed in Maryland, North Carolina, and more. Read more

PA House passes bill to allow online verification for vehicle insurance
40 minutes ago

Scott announces $1.3 million in grants to revitalize, improve safety in Norristown
58 minutes ago

Giral: Nearly $1.7 million in new grants to improve & maintain local infrastructure
1 hour ago

Munroe: Over $900k in grants awarded to projects in Ivyland Borough, Warrington Township
1 hour ago

Curry: $1.4 million in new grants awarded for District 164 accessibility, sanitation, emergency services projects
1 hour ago

Krueger: $2.1 million in new grants awarded for public works and emergency services initiatives, area building renovations
1 hour ago

Rivera secures nearly $700K in state grants for community improvement projects, local museum funding
1 hour ago

Kosierowski brings home $1.7 million in state grants for community improvement projects, local museum funding
2 hours ago

Smith-Wade-El brings home nearly $1.8 million in state grants for community improvement projects, local museum funding
3 hours ago

Ciresi brings back $1.9 million for area public safety and infrastructure projects
3 hours ago

Kazeem brings home nearly $1.9M in state grants for community improvement projects
3 hours ago

Guzman secures more than $1 million in LSA grants for three local projects
3 hours ago

Bill allowing nurse-midwives to refer patients for pelvic floor therapy passes Pa. House
6 hours ago

Pa. House advances Reproductive Rights Amendment with bipartisan support
23 hours ago

House passes bill to enshrine reproductive freedom in state constitution
23 hours ago

Ciresi’s House resolution on litter enforcement in PA unanimously referred out of committee
1 day ago

$1 million in tax credits awarded to residential and neighborhood revitalization projects in Philadelphia’s Lower Northeast
1 day ago

PA House passes Young bill to increase human trafficking awareness training
1 day ago

PA House urges Congress to lower health insurance costs
1 day ago

Pa. House approves bipartisan update to medical release system
1 day ago