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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

 

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to adoption of state budget

(Jul 12, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

On Thursday, all Philadelphia House Delegation members voted to approve the state budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Chairwoman of the delegation, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said that the budget is far from perfect, but is a solid compromise that will see historic school funding thanks in large part to the recommendations of the Basic Education Funding Commission, housing assistance, support for public safety and one-time funding to bolster SEPTA. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El praises bipartisan PA budget’s historic investment in education: ‘Historic investments in public education put Lancaster on the right track’

(Jul 12, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, praised the 2024-25 PA budget passed Thursday by the General Assembly for delivering historic investments in public education that will help address longstanding funding inequities existing between wealthy and lower-income school districts in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 budget includes $1.3 billion in funding for public schools statewide. “This budget delivers historic investments in public education, making good on our promise to address longstanding, chronic underfunding of lower-income school districts,” Smith-Wade-El said. “This state budget takes a serious step forward in fulfilling the state constitution’s requirement that Pennsylvania provide ‘a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth.’ “I am proud to say that this year’s budget has increased funding for the School District of Lancaster, Penn Manor, Hempfield and Manheim Township.” The budget increases funding for Lancaster County school districts, including over $10.8 million in increased funding and cost savings for school districts in the 49th Legislative District: School District of Lancaster: $6.8 million Penn Manor: $4 million Hempfield: $2.3 million Manheim Township: $3.2 million “This year’s historic investments are a promising new start, but we need to continue on an audacious Read more

 

Powell votes ‘yes’ on new budget – says plan provides path to fair public school funding

(Jul 12, 2024) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell yesterday cast a “yes” vote for Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 budget, saying that the new plan brings the kind of bold investment the state especially needs to level the playing field for public school students. “The whole point of public education is to ensure that every child gets the same chance to succeed, but that can’t happen with the vast disparity we have in per-pupil spending between wealthier and less-affluent districts,” Powell said. “Pennsylvania has been failing its public school students, and it’s time for the commonwealth to step up and make the kind of commitment that affirms equity and a fair shot for all children. I believe the new budget’s $1.3 billion investment in our students reflects that kind of commitment needed to level the playing field and start shifting that burden off taxpayers. “At the same time, the new plan will reform the way we fund our cyber charter schools so that more of that money returns to fund public schools. “ The new budget also invests in ways that will help make our state schools and community colleges more affordable. We can’t afford to lose young adults to other states because we’re unable to provide attainable higher education. Our workforce and our economy ultimately pay the price.” Powell said the new budget also boosts funding to expand opportunities and bolster Read more

 

Neilson’s statement regarding transportation funding in Pa. budget

(Jul 12, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee Majority Chair Ed Neilson made the following statement today regarding increases in the budget for transportation funding and mass-transit funding. “Today’s budget agreement includes a lot to celebrate as it relates to transportation, including an increase of $110 million for highway maintenance, an increase of $75 million for road and bridge maintenance, and an additional $50 million for road and bridge construction – these are real investments to deliver a smoother, safer commute for everyone. “I am proud of what the House Democratic majority has accomplished in this budget for transportation, but this is only the beginning. After years of underfunding transit, today’s budget agreement includes a funding increase of $80.5 million for transit while we continue to negotiate a long-term funding solution. “This is the first time in over a decade that we have successfully increased state funding for transit, and it never would have happened without our House Democratic majority. This is a down payment and a promise to keep working and negotiating so we can fully fund our transit agencies in all 67 counties so that our residents in urban, suburban and rural communities can continue to have affordable and accessible ways to get to work, school, medical appointments and wherever they need to go. “I look forward to working with my colleagues over the coming Read more

 

House Democratic Leadership: 2024-25 state budget delivers for working families, invests historic funding for public education

(Jul 11, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

This budget delivers a win for all Pennsylvanians. It builds a better future for all of us Read more

 

Abney votes ‘yes’ on new state budget, calls plan a game-changer for education

(Jul 11, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, July 11 – State Rep. Aerion Abney today voted in favor of Pennsylvania’s new budget for 2024-25, saying that the plan will fundamentally change the way the state funds its public schools and provide a path toward equality in public education. “A public school education is supposed to be the great equalizer, but for decades, that hasn’t been the case here in PA because of an unconstitutional funding system that ties the quality of a student’s education to the wealth of their ZIP code,” Abney said. “I voted for the new state plan because I believe its $1.3 billion investment in students will be a game-changer. It’s time to level the playing field and ensure all Pennsylvania students get the quality education they deserve – and it’s also time to start easing the burden of rising property taxes residents have shouldered for too long. “The new plan also provides a more realistic formula for funding our cyber charters, so they don’t continue draining dollars from our brick-and-mortar public schools.” Abney said the new spending plan promises to make higher education more affordable for students. “Pennsylvania is ranked 49 th in the nation when it comes to public funding for higher education per student,” Abney said. “The result is that many young Pennsylvanians either forego college altogether or end up starting their lives and Read more

 

Ciresi highlights historic investment in education, cyber charter reform in PA budget

(Jul 11, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 11 – After his vote to approve the state budget tonight, state Rep. Joe Ciresi highlighted its progress in delivering historic education funding and investing in Pennsylvanians without raising taxes as the reasons for his support. Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 budget includes $1.3 billion in funding for public schools statewide, including reforms to the state’s cyber charter school law to require transparency in advertising and reducing special education overpayments by better aligning tuition to the real cost of educating students. Ciresi had proposed cyber charter reforms in his H.B. 1422, which passed the House with bipartisan support last year. “This budget delivers historic progress for public education, investing more than a billion new dollars in our schools and relieving overburdened property taxpayers,” Ciresi said. “Even though we have more work to do, we’ve also taken an important step for the first time in reforming our broken charter school law by ensuring transparency in cyber charter school advertising, providing relief to school districts paying for mandatory charter school costs, and returning $60 million each year back to the taxpayers. Our successes in delivering more funding for local schools has given them more resources for students and let them rely less on property taxes, and I look forward to seeing that continue with this budget.” Locally, the budget increases funding for Montgomery Read more

 

Benham PBM reform bill heads to governor’s desk

(Jul 11, 2024) Rep. Jessica Benham

Legislation to crack down on predatory drug pricing practices clears state House and Senate Read more

 

PBM reform legislation heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk

(Jul 11, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

A bill supported by state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta that would help smaller, local pharmacies stay in business while driving down medication prices for consumers is heading to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature. Kenyatta was a co-sponsor on of state Rep. Jessican Benham’s bill to save community pharmacies and lower prescription drug costs by reforming pharmacy benefit manager policies in Pennsylvania. “I will always support legislation that helps us refocus on small local businesses instead of huge national corporations,” Kenyatta said. “This bill does that by keeping the pharmacies in control of their business practices instead of arbitrary rules set in place by pharmacy benefit managers.” Once signed into law, H.B. 1993 will limit or ban specific PBM practices, including spread pricing, patient steering, retroactive recoupment of money paid by the PBM to the pharmacy, and forcing prescriptions to be ordered by mail. The bill has passed the state House and Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature. Read more

 

Neilson applauds passage of fair and equitable EV fee legislation

(Jul 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, said he was happy to work on a bipartisan agreement for legislation (S.B. 656) passed by the state House today that would require electric vehicle owners to pay their fair share to help upkeep Pennsylvania’s massive network of roads and bridges. “Everyone who uses Pennsylvania roads should have to pay their part to help keep our roads safe and our bridges in top shape,” Neilson said. “I’m happy to implement a solution that is fair, equitable and accommodating for Pennsylvania’s electric vehicle owners.” Currently, electric vehicle owners are supposed to be paying the Alternative Fuel Tax on electricity. However, most owners do not do this because they are unaware that they must and because the process is too cumbersome, with owners having to self-report the tax to the Department of Revenue monthly based on how much electricity they use to charge their vehicles at home. Neilson said the bill would repeal the impractical Alternative Fuel Tax on electricity for residential charging and replace it with an annual fee of $200 in 2025, then $250 in 2026. After that it would be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (rounded to the nearest dollar). Owners would have the option of paying the fee in full or in monthly installments. Owners of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles would pay a reduced fee of $50 in 2025, then $63 in 2026. “We Read more

 

Ciresi proposal waiving vehicle fees for decorated and injured veterans heading to governor’s desk

(Jul 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 10 – An omnibus transportation bill (HB 2301) including language from a bill introduced by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, to waive vehicle title and registration fees for veterans who were captured, injured or received the Congressional Medal of Honor while serving has been sent to the governor’s desk. The proposal had been previously introduced by Ciresi as a standalone bill (HB 105), which passed the House unanimously in April. With its inclusion in and the passage of HB 2301, it is now on its way to be signed into law. “When veterans return home, the impact of their traumatic experiences are further compounded by financial hurdles such as relocation, finding new homes, applying for jobs and registering their vehicles,” Ciresi said. “These heroes deserve our compassion and gratitude, and that’s why I introduced this legislation to help relieve some of the pressure by waiving vehicle registration fees. By permanently removing registration fees for veterans who were injured, captured, or received our highest military decoration, we would show our permanent appreciation for their sacrifices and service.” Currently, recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, seriously injured veterans, and former POWs pay a $10 vehicle registration processing fee. Under the recently passed legislation, this fee will be removed, and they will no longer be subject to titling fees. For recipients of the Purple Heart, Read more

 

‘We need reform’: State Rep. calls for change in Philly Sheriff’s Office amid reports of growing dysfunction

(Jul 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“It seems like this is so ministerial and bureaucratic in nature. Why can’t we do this?” Solomon asked. “Our communities deserve a lot better.” Read more

 

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

Philadelphia House Delegation reacts to adoption of state budget
Jul 12, 2024

Smith-Wade-El praises bipartisan PA budget’s historic investment in education: ‘Historic investments in public education put Lancaster on the right track’
Jul 12, 2024

Powell votes ‘yes’ on new budget – says plan provides path to fair public school funding
Jul 12, 2024

Neilson’s statement regarding transportation funding in Pa. budget
Jul 12, 2024

House Democratic Leadership: 2024-25 state budget delivers for working families, invests historic funding for public education
Jul 11, 2024

Abney votes ‘yes’ on new state budget, calls plan a game-changer for education
Jul 11, 2024

Ciresi highlights historic investment in education, cyber charter reform in PA budget
Jul 11, 2024

Benham PBM reform bill heads to governor’s desk
Jul 11, 2024

PBM reform legislation heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk
Jul 11, 2024

Neilson applauds passage of fair and equitable EV fee legislation
Jul 10, 2024

Ciresi proposal waiving vehicle fees for decorated and injured veterans heading to governor’s desk
Jul 10, 2024

‘We need reform’: State Rep. calls for change in Philly Sheriff’s Office amid reports of growing dysfunction
Jul 10, 2024