News Center

Pisciottano bill on motorcycle lemons signed into law

(11 hours ago) Rep. Nick Pisciottano

New law extends Automobile Lemon Law to cover motorcycles 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 makes statement on SEPTA’s fare increase proposal

(Nov 13, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Following SEPTA’s new fare increase proposal, announced yesterday, Majority Chair of the House Transportation Committee, state Rep. Ed Neilson, made the following statement: “I am disappointed that millions of people from Philadelphia and the outlying suburbs will be drastically impacted by SEPTA’s fare increase and major service cuts to the region,” Neilson said. “Despite months of negotiations and a statewide informational tour about the importance of funding our public transit agencies in all 67 counties, the General Assembly failed to reach an agreement. “The Pennsylvania House Democrats passed legislation three times to increase funding to SEPTA and other public transit agencies statewide without raising taxes. My legislation, House Bill 2625, which passed the House, would have prevented SEPTA’s fare increases and service cuts, while also providing increased transit funding to rural, suburban, and urban communities in all 67 counties. “Although SEPTA is the first casualty of this inaction, it will not be the last. During the House Transportation Committee’s statewide tour over the summer, we heard from every transit agency about how they are facing the same fiscal challenges as SEPTA. Soon, other vital public transit agencies throughout the state will have to make the same hard choices as SEPTA without additional state funding. “As Majority Chair of the Read more

 

PA House Democratic Caucus announces Leadership Team

(Nov 12, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Meet the 2025-2026 Leadership Team fighting for every Pennsylvanian. Read more

 

Matzie elected chairman of the House Majority Caucus

(Nov 12, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Rob Matzie was elected today by his House legislative colleagues to serve as Majority Caucus Chair for the 2024-25 legislative session. “I’m honored and excited to lead the House Majority Caucus forward,” Matzie said. “Our caucus members may represent different regions of the state with diverse needs and priorities, but every single member shares the same overriding goal: to improve the lives of the people we serve. “We do that best when we come together and collaborate to craft a legislative agenda that responds to the real-world needs of the people we serve. Our caucus has always been driven by a special energy that comes from a desire to bring positive, practical change. “I intend to keep that energy going as we work to promote the priorities that matter to Pennsylvanians – better jobs, quality public schools, more affordable housing, health care and child care – and more of the opportunities that make life promising for people.” The Caucus Chair is part of the House of Representatives leadership team and is responsible for preparing other members for legislation being considered in the House, running caucus meetings, and ensuring legislators can effectively represent their districts. Matzie was elected to the Pennsylvania House in 2008, and this term has served as majority chair of the House Consumer Read more

 

National Popular Vote Introduced in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

(Nov 12, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – A group of Republican and Democratic legislators introduced the National Popular Vote bill (H.B. 2662) in Harrisburg today. The bill would include Pennsylvania in the growing number of states who want to guarantee the presidency to the candidate who wins the most popular votes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The bill is called the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. “As the lead author of the National Popular Vote bill, I think it is imperative to work across party lines and am grateful my Republican colleagues are lending their voice and support to this effort,” said state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila. “Every voter, of every party, should have an equal voice in every presidential election and the National Popular Vote bill is the only plan that credibly delivers on that promise.” The National Popular Vote bill has been enacted in 17 states and the District of Columbia, totaling 209 electoral votes. The bill guarantees the presidency to the candidate who wins the most popular votes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and takes effect when states with 270 electoral votes have passed the bill. The legislation has passed Republican- and Democratic-controlled chambers in seven additional states with 74 electoral votes, more than the 61 required for the bill to be in place for the 2028 presidential elections. “One-person, one-vote is not a Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation releases statement on SEPTA proposals

(Nov 12, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Philadelphia House Delegation today released the following statement in reaction to this morning’s announcement from SEPTA regarding major fare increases and service cuts proposed to begin on Jan. 1. The following statement can be attributed to Philadelphia House Delegation Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila.“This morning's announcement from SEPTA is not a surprise and lays squarely at the feet of Senate Republicans,” Cephas said. “The House approved funding for mass transit three times over the last session, with no real action and vague concepts of ideas from the Senate in return. Our delegation is hopeful that 2025 will bring a more productive collaboration on a responsible solution that will serve the daily needs of nearly one million daily SEPTA riders and the increased tourism expected for our region in 2026. In the short term, Philadelphians who are already struggling through difficult finances will brace for another impact to their wallets and time.”The current legislative term ends on Nov. 30, after which any legislation not signed into law will need to be reintroduced and restart the legislative process in the new term, which begins on Jan. 7. Read more

 

PA House Democrats Ready to Keep Fighting for Every Pennsylvanian

(Nov 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“For the past two years, House Democrats worked on the issues people care about, like cutting costs for working families, record investments in public education, delivering much-needed property tax and rent relief, keeping prescription costs down for seniors, strengthening our workforce and economy and making government work. Read more

 

South Asians celebrate Diwali, Pennsylvania's newly proclaimed state holiday

(Nov 07, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Last week, South Asians and Hindus across Pennsylvania celebrated their first Diwali since Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a law making the festival of lights an official state holiday in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Ciresi and Pennycuick announce $2.5 million in grants for capital improvement projects in Montgomery County

(Nov 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 1– State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R-Montgomery/Berks, announced today that they secured $2.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants for projects in Montgomery County. “This $2.5 million in capital funding for Pottstown and Limerick will improve the quality of life in our district by restoring and expanding business operations to a disused historic building in Pottstown, improving transportation infrastructure in Limerick, and building up our area’s pharmaceutical and sustainable energy sectors,” Ciresi said. “This money will create jobs in our district, strengthening our district’s reputation as a thriving economic area.” “I am thrilled to see that these projects were approved. This funding will have a significant impact on our regional economy by creating high-paying jobs and expanding our local transportation network to allow for a more efficient movement of people and goods,” Pennycuick said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with my fellow legislator, Rep. Ciresi, to secure these grants for our constituents.” The grants awarded are: Downtown Pottstown Job Retention and Creation Initiative Montco Tech Center, LLC Pottstown Borough $500,000 RACP funds will be used for construction to renovate the old Harp Taxi Building, a Read more

 

Williams secures $1 million in state grants for the Shoppes of Sadsbury project

(Nov 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, today announced that he secured $1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants for projects in the 74 th Legislative District. “This $1 million in capital funding for the Shoppes of Sadsbury will help create family-sustaining jobs and increase consumer spending in the 74 th District,” Williams said. “I’m proud to have brought in this state grant, which will enhance the quality of life and contribute to our area’s economic growth.” Shoppes of Sadsbury II Sadsbury Commons LP Sadsbury Township $1,000,000 This is the proposed Phase 3 of the overall project which will focus on sitework, stormwater systems, parking areas, and early construction efforts for a new 360,000 square-foot retail facility in The Shoppes of Sadsbury mixed-use development. The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a Pennsylvania grant program for the design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs. Read more

 

Fleming secures $3.5 million in capital investments for the 105th district

(Nov 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 - State Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, today announced that he secured $3,500,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants for projects in the 105th Legislative District he serves. “I’m proud to have secured $3.5 million in RACP grants that will enhance community life in our district. Funds will be used to build out a central green in Susquehanna Township and to construct a community room accessible to various group and also used for public health education,” Fleming said. “These state grants will help improve connections in our community, offering opportunities for education and recreation for all.” The projects funded in the district are: $3,000,000 to Capital Blue Cross for renovations to the facility on Elmerton Avenue, including the construction of a multi-purpose community meeting room that would be used for public health activities and would be accessible for community groups, and the renovated cafeteria area. $500,000 to Hawthorne SPE LLC for the build-out of the central green at Susquehanna Union Green including site development, landscaping and construction of a 2,850 square foot pavilion and a utility/storage kiosk. Funds would also be used to purchase materials and equipment for an outdoor ice rink. The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a Pennsylvania grant program for the design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, Read more

 

Pisciottano bill on motorcycle lemons signed into law
11 hours ago

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

Neilson makes statement on SEPTA’s fare increase proposal
Nov 13, 2024

PA House Democratic Caucus announces Leadership Team
Nov 12, 2024

Matzie elected chairman of the House Majority Caucus
Nov 12, 2024

National Popular Vote Introduced in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Nov 12, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation releases statement on SEPTA proposals
Nov 12, 2024

PA House Democrats Ready to Keep Fighting for Every Pennsylvanian
Nov 08, 2024

South Asians celebrate Diwali, Pennsylvania's newly proclaimed state holiday
Nov 07, 2024

Ciresi and Pennycuick announce $2.5 million in grants for capital improvement projects in Montgomery County
Nov 01, 2024

Williams secures $1 million in state grants for the Shoppes of Sadsbury project
Nov 01, 2024

Fleming secures $3.5 million in capital investments for the 105th district
Nov 01, 2024