Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus | News Center

News Center

Salisbury calls for legislative hearings on autism causes in response to federal Tylenol announcement

(Sep 23, 2025) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

HARRISBURG, Sept. 22 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, Chair of the Pennsylvania Autism Caucus, today called upon state legislative leadership to convene official hearings with scientific and medical experts to examine current research into the potential causes of autism. Salisbury's announcement comes in response to today's press conference with President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who announced an association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and increased neurodevelopmental risks, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Acetaminophen is also known by the brand name Tylenol, and President Trump stated in the press conference, “Don't take Tylenol.” The federal advisory has sparked renewed national discussion about the importance of precautionary guidance, public awareness and evidence-based policymaking surrounding autism and prenatal health. “As Chair of the Pennsylvania Autism Caucus – and as the first person with an autism diagnosis to hold this position – I believe it is our moral and legislative responsibility to seek truth, clarity and scientific guidance wherever the health and well-being of Pennsylvania’s children are concerned,” said Salisbury, D-Allegheny. “Today’s federal announcement underscores how urgently we need expert-informed hearings to understand the full range of environmental, medical and Read more

 

Judiciary Committee advances wide-ranging legislation

(Sep 22, 2025) Rep. Tim Briggs

“The Judiciary Committee continues to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities,” Briggs said. “These bills represent meaningful progress toward fairness, safety, and accountability, while also recognizing the sacrifices made by our veterans and ensuring Pennsylvania’s justice system operates with transparency and integrity.” Read more

 

House Judiciary Committee advances gun violence prevention bills

(Sep 22, 2025) Rep. Tim Briggs

“As legislators, we have a responsibility to act when lives are at stake,” Briggs said. “These bills strike the right balance: keeping communities safe while honoring the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. This is not about taking away rights; it is about protecting lives. I urge the full House to act swiftly and send these bills to the Senate.” Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El receives award recognizing his leadership in advancing patient safety

(Sep 19, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HERSHEY, Sept. 19 – SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania Tuesday evening awarded the Thomas J. Zuber Memorial Patient Safety Award to state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, in recognition of his leadership in passing legislation that protects the safety, dignity and well-being of health care workers, and advancing patient safety. "It’s real simple: nurses take care of our neighbors and the entire commonwealth at every stage of our lives," said Smith-Wade-El. "It’s my honor to fight in Harrisburg and in Lancaster for folks who are fighting for us in delivery rooms, in hospice hallways and in and out of heart surgery." Recipients of the award also included state Rep. La'Tasha Mayes, D-Allegheny; Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato; and UPMC Magee nurses who just won their union. The award is named after Thomas Zuber, a registered nurse whose advocacy efforts led to Act 102 of 2008, the Ban on Excessive Overtime in Health Care. The award is presented by SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania for exemplary solidarity with nurses organizing for a voice in health care and advancing the profession of nursing. Read more

 

Testifiers detail harrowing statistics of maternal and infant mortality rates in PA

(Sep 18, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

An ongoing health care crisis in Pennsylvania is resulting in hundreds of mothers and infants dying each year during pregnancy or in the first months following birth. Rep. Gina H. Curry, who represents portions of Delaware County, convened a PA House Majority Policy Committee hearing Thursday to find answers and hear from experts about what can be done to improve health outcomes for all. Read more

 

Roundtable, tour examines Norristown State Hospital

(Sep 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The staff at Norristown State Hospital is continuing the challenging work of helping patients receive the treatment they need,” said state Rep. Greg Scott, who represents portions of Montgomery County and hosted the event. “The tour helped lawmakers understand the progress we still need to make in behavioral health.” Read more

 

Testifiers detail positive impacts of psilocybin on treatment-resistant depression

(Sep 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

As Pennsylvanians living with severe mental health struggles continue to try to find treatment that works for them, studies show that new, innovative therapies can help address treatment-resistant depression. Read more

 

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

(Sep 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Here are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. Read more

 

Neilson statement on continued inaction from PA Senate on mass transit funding

(Sep 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Today’s transit bills approved by the Senate only affect the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Agency and Pittsburgh Regional Transit without providing any additional funding to them or the other mass transit systems across the commonwealth. Read more

 

Brennan hosts bipartisan Policy Hearing on strengthening civics education

(Sep 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The hearing, hosted by Brennan at New Hope-Solebury High School, included testimony from experts such as former Republican Gov. Mark Schweiker and former members of Congress Jim Gerlach, R-PA 6, and Joe Hoeffel, D-PA 13. The bipartisan discussion focused on how strong K-12 civics education is essential to preserving the nation’s democracy and encouraging young people to engage in democratic processes. Read more

 

Ciresi and Comitta introduce companion legislation to grow PA tourism

(Sep 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Sept. 10 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester, this week introduced companion legislation, H.B. 1852 and S.B. 994, which would increase support for the Tourism Promotion Fund to promote and market Pennsylvania’s desirability as a vacation location to out-of-state tourists. A long-time supporter of legislative initiatives to increase Pennsylvania’s visibility as a tourist destination, Ciresi said, “Investing in our tourism industry is a win-win for Pennsylvania. As one of our largest industries, tourism drives economies both big and small, creating family-supporting jobs throughout the state. The money from our tourism industry also goes back into the economy, supporting our festivals, performances, cultural events, and cultural and historical sites -- in addition to our restaurants, our hotels and more. When Pennsylvania’s tourism thrives, so does every aspect of life in the commonwealth, from corner to corner. “As Pennsylvania is at the center of America250's celebrations, we should seize the moment to expand our tourism efforts and maximize on the economic opportunities it will offer the commonwealth.” The Pennsylvania Tourism Office released a report last year showing that Pennsylvania welcomed 192.4 million visitors in 2022, generating $76.7 billion in economic impact, supporting 486,871 jobs, and contributing $4.7 billion in state and local taxes. “By expanding Read more

 

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

(Sep 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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

 

Senate committee unanimously approves Rabb bill to address deed fraud

(Sep 09, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Bipartisan legislation to protect homeowners from fraudulent property transfers advances Read more

 

Freeman bill would allow more blue safety lights

(Sep 05, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

"It is imperative that roadside assistance vehicles be provided the same opportunity to operate blue safety lights as they carry out their often hazardous duties in aiding stranded motorists along Pennsylvania roads and highways,” Freeman said. Read more

 

Ciresi visits The Goddard School of Royersford to promote pre-K education

(Sep 04, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

ROYERSFORD, Sept. 4 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today read to pre-K students at The Goddard School of Royersford to highlight the importance of early education on children’s development. “ Study after study has demonstrated that a quality early education is the foundation for a child’s social, psychological, and intellectual development,” Ciresi said. “If it weren’t for the education I received early in life, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now to pay it forward as a state representative advocating for early education opportunities in Pennsylvania. I was happy to share my love of reading with the young learners at The Goddard School and applaud and support the school’s work educating our young residents.” “We were honored to welcome Representative Joe Ciresi to our school, and it was a wonderful opportunity for our students and teachers to engage with a community leader who values early childhood education,” said Samantha Mitkus, owner of The Goddard School of Royersford. “Events like these help our young learners feel seen and inspired while also affirming the vital role our educators play in shaping the future. We’re grateful for his support.” The Goddard School of Royersford serves local families seeking high-quality early childhood education for children ages six weeks to six Read more

 

Airport will be hub for travel, manufacturing with arrival of Mainspring

(Sep 04, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“California-based Mainspring Energy is in the growth stage of its company and expects to deliver close to 1,000 jobs to this region, including its first domestic manufacturing positions,” said state Rep. Emily Kinkead, who co-hosted a PA House Majority Policy Committee roundtable on the airport project and represents portions of Allegheny County. “The exciting part of this project is that it will not only create an estimated 300 construction jobs to build their plant adjacent to the airport, but it will also generate more than 600 permanent jobs to manufacture linear generators that can run on numerous gas fuels without flame or spark—and with zero carbon emissions.” Read more

 

PA Hunger Caucus, Pirates step up to plate for Hunger Action Month

(Sep 03, 2025) Rep. Emily Kinkead

“Food insecurity is more prevalent now than it was during the pandemic, so the federal cuts to SNAP are going to do a tremendous amount of harm to families already struggling to put food on the table, as well as impact our farmers who provide that food,” said Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and House Chair of the Hunger Caucus. “While the state simply does not have the resources to fill the gap after hundreds of billions of dollars were cut from food programs in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, there are still actions we can take at the state-level to feed a greater number of Pennsylvanians. As we continue to work to finalize our state’s budget, we still have an opportunity to ensure that Pennsylvania is stepping into the gap as much as possible.” Read more

 

Salisbury to introduce legislation that would codify Pennsylvania State Police policy against assisting in ICE arrests

(Sep 03, 2025) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

“PSP has not expressed any plans to assist ICE, and in fact the agency has adopted internal policies that would prohibit such an agreement,” Salisbury said. “Policies don’t carry the force of law, however, and they can change over time. With so much at stake, it’s important for us to codify the existing policy, so troopers can focus on their responsibilities to our communities and precious state resources are not diverted to the federal government.” Read more

 

Roundtable examines race to build data centers in Pennsylvania

(Sep 03, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We know data centers will continue being built in Pennsylvania, so we gathered numerous voices to hear about the benefits, concerns, questions and economic incentives,” said state Rep. Emily Kinkead, who co-hosted the event and represents portions of Allegheny County. “Data centers create jobs and economic benefits, but we also heard from energy providers, organized labor, conservationists and the Farm Bureau about the need to be aware of specific issues.” Read more

 

Waterfront development in PA improved by tax credit program

(Sep 02, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We heard directly from stakeholders on the benefit and demand for the Waterfront Tax Credit,” said state Rep. Emily Kinkead, who co-hosted the event and has sponsored legislation to expand waterfront development tax credits. “Right now, the demand for this program has outpaced its availability, and stakeholders detailed how its expansion could help Pennsylvania be a national leader when it comes to delivering economic development along our waterfront properties.” Read more

 

Salisbury calls for legislative hearings on autism causes in response to federal Tylenol announcement
Sep 23, 2025

Judiciary Committee advances wide-ranging legislation
Sep 22, 2025

House Judiciary Committee advances gun violence prevention bills
Sep 22, 2025

Smith-Wade-El receives award recognizing his leadership in advancing patient safety
Sep 19, 2025

Testifiers detail harrowing statistics of maternal and infant mortality rates in PA
Sep 18, 2025

Roundtable, tour examines Norristown State Hospital
Sep 17, 2025

Testifiers detail positive impacts of psilocybin on treatment-resistant depression
Sep 16, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 16, 2025

Neilson statement on continued inaction from PA Senate on mass transit funding
Sep 10, 2025

Brennan hosts bipartisan Policy Hearing on strengthening civics education
Sep 10, 2025

Ciresi and Comitta introduce companion legislation to grow PA tourism
Sep 10, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 10, 2025

Senate committee unanimously approves Rabb bill to address deed fraud
Sep 09, 2025

Freeman bill would allow more blue safety lights
Sep 05, 2025

Ciresi visits The Goddard School of Royersford to promote pre-K education
Sep 04, 2025

Airport will be hub for travel, manufacturing with arrival of Mainspring
Sep 04, 2025

PA Hunger Caucus, Pirates step up to plate for Hunger Action Month
Sep 03, 2025

Salisbury to introduce legislation that would codify Pennsylvania State Police policy against assisting in ICE arrests
Sep 03, 2025

Roundtable examines race to build data centers in Pennsylvania
Sep 03, 2025

Waterfront development in PA improved by tax credit program
Sep 02, 2025