News Center

Burns co-sponsors legislation to put money in taxpayers’ pockets

(Apr 13, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Proposed legislation would exempt stimulus checks from local, state taxes Read more

 

Burns skeptical of governor’s medical supplies redistribution order, as Cambria records first COVID-19 death

(Apr 09, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Burns, D-Cambria, fears that Wolf’s order may rob Conemaugh Health System of badly needed supplies Read more

 

Isaacson introduces legislation to allow Unemployment Compensation applicants to receive PIN electronically

(Apr 08, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 8 – With a record number of Pennsylvanians applying for Unemployment Compensation benefits after suffering a loss of wages because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rep. Mary Isaacson has introduced legislation to allow those applicants to receive their Personal Identification Number, or PIN, electronically. “Life for so many Pennsylvanians has been upended,” Isaacson said. “People are worried about how they will pay their bills, how they will be able to afford the things they need in the midst of this pandemic, and their ability to receive Unemployment Compensation benefits in this chaotic time is hampered by an antiquated system. “Right now, the only way a person filing for Unemployment Compensation can receive their PIN is through snail mail,” Isaacson continued. “But we can and must do better for Pennsylvanians in need. That’s why I’m introducing legislation to require the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry to create an electronic delivery method for PINs needed for the unemployment compensation system, to provide people with another option.” Isaacson’s legislation would give Unemployment Compensation applicants the option to select to use the electronic delivery method during the application process, with traditional mail delivery being the default method. Since March 15, more than 1.1 million people have filed for Unemployment Compensation in Pennsylvania. ### Read more

 

Burns urges local schools to apply for COVID-19 remote learning grants

(Apr 08, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. keeps fighting for Cambria County students, families Read more

 

Kenyatta: Trio of bills will have disastrous consequences as pandemic reaches its peak

(Apr 08, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, April 8 – Today, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., expressed disapproval of bills (H.B. 2400, H.B. 2376, and H.B. 1874) introduced by House Republicans that would reopen industries that are classified as non-life saving in Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts: “It’s absolutely ludicrous to even contemplate going against everything state, national and global medical experts are urging residents to do to reduce the spread of this fatal virus,” Kenyatta said. “Opening businesses that are not essential during a time when this pandemic is soon poised to reach its peak will have disastrous consequences. For one, our health care systems will be overloaded with the inevitable uptick of new cases, compounded by the existing cases it’s already struggling to quell. Additionally, these bills lack foresight into offering provisions like paid sick leave and hazard pay for these employees who will be most at-risk for exposure. However, I expect nothing more from the same members of our legislature who denied many of these employees fair pay by voting against increasing the minimum wage, but are now conveniently coding them as essential for cheap profit. “We’re battling a very dangerous, yet invisible threat that is an unprecedented occurrence in our lifetime right now, which incites feelings of confusion and fear among so many Pennsylvanians who are looking to us as legislators for the Read more

 

Rep. Kenyatta pens letter to Gov. Wolf urging relief for essential workers in Pa.

(Apr 08, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, April 8 – In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., today penned a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf, expressing his gratitude for the governor’s swift pandemic mitigation responses, and requested immediate relief and assistance to Pennsylvanians employed in essential industries. In his letter, which was endorsed by the United Food and Commercial Workers union and currently has over 47 signatures -- including leadership and three delegation chairs -- Kenyatta pointed out that Pennsylvanians working at jobs deemed essential are still lacking essential benefits, while they put themselves at risk to ensure many other Pennsylvanians are provided food, medicine, gas and other necessities. “Despite tactics to undermine leadership by the governor and his administration, Pennsylvanians commend his actions in keeping us all safe during this trying time,” Kenyatta said. “Those actions should also include active recognition that many of our neighbors on the frontlines working essential jobs continue to do so without proper provisions like hazard pay and expanded sick leave, among other crucial benefits. These heroes cannot be forgotten, and they deserve assurance and security.” A link to the letter can be found on Kenyatta’s website . Read more

 

Rep. Daley's response to Speaker Turzai's April 2 Inquirer column

(Apr 07, 2020) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

Governor Wolf and Dr. Levine are not only battling COVID-19 without adequate reserves, they’re also doing so with an anemic general fund, a frustrating and now dangerous hallmark of your majority’s control. Read more

 

Burns: Grants available to help volunteer fire companies battle wildfires

(Apr 07, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Grants can be used for equipment, vehicles, radios and training Read more

 

Burns commends creation of Pa. Manufacturing Call to Action portal to combat COVID-19

(Apr 06, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Saturday announcement dovetails with Burns’ March 18 request Read more

 

COVID-19 support for PA business

(Apr 02, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR PA BUSINESSES FEDERAL Contacts: Visit: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find/?type=SBA%20District%20Office&pageNumber=1 to find your local Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office Programs: Coronavirus Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources Information Visit: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Loan Program and Forgiveness to help eligible businesses cover the costs of payroll, health care benefits, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities during COVID-19. Loan has a maturity of 2 years and interest rate of 1.0%. Open to small businesses, restaurants, hotels, tribal businesses, non-profits, independent contractors, and gig economy workers. Contact your local lender to see if they participate in this program! Loan period: February 15, 2020 through June 30, 2020. Visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp . Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Loan – Loans up to $2 million for small businesses (3.75% interest rate) and private, nonprofit organizations (2.75% interest rate) suffering as a result of COVID-19. Loans for fix debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills. Advance of up Read more

 

Burns proposes ‘American Made’ legislation to create thousands of jobs, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains

(Mar 31, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Lawmaker crafting bills to bring manufacturing back to U.S.A. Read more

 

Pennsylvanians’ reproductive rights under attack amid pandemic

(Mar 30, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Lawmaker urges Wolf to defend families’ rights from cynical attacks Read more

 

Burns supports $30 million in emergency grants for fire, EMS companies during coronavirus crisis

(Mar 27, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Bill would provide one-time grants to support their efforts Read more

 

Matzie: House unanimously passes COVID-19 response bills

(Mar 25, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, March 25 – The House today unanimously passed several COVID-19 response bills, including measures that would temporarily remove the 180-day instruction requirement for all schools and push back Pennsylvania’s primary election to June 2, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced. “This is new ground for all of us,” said Matzie, who supported both bills. “There are certain actions the governor can take by himself, but others that need legislative authority. We’re doing our best to address those in a safe, timely, bipartisan manner.” Matzie said the amended S.B. 751 – which authorizes the secretary of Education to close all schools until the COVID-19 epidemic is over and increase the number of allowable flexible instruction days , among other emergency school code changes – provides much-needed flexibility for school administrators until things return to normal. “This will not be a lost school year. Seniors will graduate, kids will learn, employees will be paid and normalcy will return when it’s safe. We’ve given our districts the flexibility they need to navigate through this crisis. The changes will help give clarity to students, faculty, support staff and administration. “From a policy perspective, it’s the right thing to do. But as a parent of a graduating senior, I fully understand and Read more

 

Burns: State loans now available for small businesses

(Mar 25, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Loans up to $100,000 carry zero-percent interest for three years Read more

 

Schweyer responds to governor and Health secretary’s Stay At Home Order for Lehigh County

(Mar 25, 2020) Rep. Peter G. Schweyer

ALLENTOWN, March 25 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, today issued the following response to Gov. Tom Wolf and PA Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine’s Stay At Home order issued to Lehigh County. “This was a difficult but necessary decision and I support both Governor Wolf and Health Secretary Levine’s action,” Schweyer said. “As more cases are being reported in more counties, everyone needs to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is very important that residents stay calm, stay home and stay safe.” The Stay At Home order now includes 10 counties: Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia. The amended order for Lehigh and Northampton counties takes effect at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 and will continue until April 6. Schweyer said that all county residents should be aware of what is deemed essential for leaving one’s home. The full Stay At Home Order is available to view here . Schweyer also said to be sure to follow his social media pages on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

 

Kenyatta, Shusterman demand protections for gig economy workers in final federal COVID-19 recovery bill

(Mar 25, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 25 – As a historic $2 trillion COVID-19 financial response legislation package struck a deal in Congress early Wednesday morning, state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Melissa Shusterman today introduced a resolution urging federal lawmakers to ensure unemployment compensation for the nation’s 57 million independent contractors and “gig” economy workers (or app based independent contractors) is included in the final financial aid legislation aimed at helping workers during the coronavirus crisis. “These employees comprise over a third of the country’s working population and remain among the most critically under-protected workers, with many not qualifying for unemployment benefits. During this pandemic, they were left with the terrible ultimatum of continuing to work to make ends meet or do their part in reducing spreading the virus by staying home. Many have chosen the latter, resulting in loss of income at alarming rates and the prospect of recouping those losses is uncertain,” Kenyatta, D-Phila., said. “We’re demanding that all independent contractors are protected in any final package.” Shusterman, D-Chester, concurred with Kenyatta’s assertion saying, “It is important that we help this sector of our work population navigate this crisis with immediate relief and action.” Kenyatta said that a copy of the resolution would also be sent to President Donald Trump and Vice Read more

 

COVID-19 Helpful Resources

(Mar 18, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic affecting Pennsylvania, we wanted to provide you with the following resources and information to help you and your family in the days ahead. Please note that this webpage will be updated as needed with additional information and resources. State Services and Resources The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created a COVID-19 guide to assist everyone. It includes information on social distancing, mental health resources, unemployment, food assistance, changes from PennDOT and resources for small business: https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/ For individuals : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForIndividuals For families : https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForFamilies For businesses : https://dced.pa.gov/resources COVID Support for PA Businesses : The following provides information and and links to federal, state, local and private resources. https://www.pahouse.com/News/?id=113388 **Self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers: Apply here for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits .** https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#ForBusinessesUtilities Information from the PA Dept. of Labor and Industry on the federal CARES Act: https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/CARES-Act/Pages/default.aspx The following link provides you with Read more

 

PUC, Utility and Internet Companies Actions to Assist Consumers During Covid-19 Pandemic

(Mar 14, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Most recent information and updates from companies and providers that are enacting extraordinary measures to ensure continuity of service delivery for customers. Read more

 

Bizzarro lauds Wolf’s closure of Pa. Schools

(Mar 13, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, March 13 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement commending Gov. Tom Wolf for closing Pennsylvania’s K-12 schools: “Each school district across the state faces a different level of threat and challenges. I applaud Governor Wolf for recognizing the threat that COVID-19 poses to public health and safety and for taking action that prioritizes Pennsylvania’s children, teachers and school staff. “Earlier today, I circulated a co-sponsorship memo for legislation that would allow school districts to request a waiver for the 180 days of school mandate. Hearing the governor include in his announcement today that school districts will not be penalized for not meeting the requirement is a sigh of relief for all Pennsylvania districts. “I still plan to pursue support for my legislation calling for districts to work in concert with the Department of Education so that requests to adjust the mandated school days can be handled quickly. Enacting this legislation will ensure that this pandemic and any future disruptions do not tie the hands of our educators and impact Pennsylvania children’s educational experience.” Read more

 

Burns co-sponsors legislation to put money in taxpayers’ pockets
Apr 13, 2020

Burns skeptical of governor’s medical supplies redistribution order, as Cambria records first COVID-19 death
Apr 09, 2020

Isaacson introduces legislation to allow Unemployment Compensation applicants to receive PIN electronically
Apr 08, 2020

Burns urges local schools to apply for COVID-19 remote learning grants
Apr 08, 2020

Kenyatta: Trio of bills will have disastrous consequences as pandemic reaches its peak
Apr 08, 2020

Rep. Kenyatta pens letter to Gov. Wolf urging relief for essential workers in Pa.
Apr 08, 2020

Rep. Daley's response to Speaker Turzai's April 2 Inquirer column
Apr 07, 2020

Burns: Grants available to help volunteer fire companies battle wildfires
Apr 07, 2020

Burns commends creation of Pa. Manufacturing Call to Action portal to combat COVID-19
Apr 06, 2020

COVID-19 support for PA business
Apr 02, 2020

Burns proposes ‘American Made’ legislation to create thousands of jobs, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains
Mar 31, 2020

Pennsylvanians’ reproductive rights under attack amid pandemic
Mar 30, 2020

Burns supports $30 million in emergency grants for fire, EMS companies during coronavirus crisis
Mar 27, 2020

Matzie: House unanimously passes COVID-19 response bills
Mar 25, 2020

Burns: State loans now available for small businesses
Mar 25, 2020

Schweyer responds to governor and Health secretary’s Stay At Home Order for Lehigh County
Mar 25, 2020

Kenyatta, Shusterman demand protections for gig economy workers in final federal COVID-19 recovery bill
Mar 25, 2020

COVID-19 Helpful Resources
Mar 18, 2020

PUC, Utility and Internet Companies Actions to Assist Consumers During Covid-19 Pandemic
Mar 14, 2020

Bizzarro lauds Wolf’s closure of Pa. Schools
Mar 13, 2020