Rabb to host Policy Committee hearing on voting and elections Tuesday in Philadelphia

(Feb 21, 2020)

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 21 – Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., will host a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on voting and elections next week. The hearing will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 at United Lutheran Seminary, The Brossman Center, 7301 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, 19119. Rabb requested the hearing to discuss the changes to Pennsylvania’s voting laws with Act 77 of 2019 – the most comprehensive changes to the state’s election laws in more than 80 years – and how those changes will affect voters starting this year. He will be joined by fellow legislators from across the state, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. The current agenda is: p.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks 4:10 p.m. Panel One: Rachel Boss , Community Impact Manager in Bureau of Campaign Finance and Civic Engagement, Pa. Department of State Omar Sabir , City Commissioner, City of Philadelphia 4:50 p.m. Panel Two: Patrick Christmas , Policy Director, Committee of Seventy Marc Stier , Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center 5:30 p.m. Panel Three: Sara Mullen , Associate Director, ACLU of Pennsylvania Kendra Cochran , Statewide Voter Engagement Coordinator, POWER Interfaith 6:10 p.m. Closing Remarks This hearing is among a series being held across the state on House Read more

 

Fracking has led to a ‘bust’ for Pennsylvania school district finances

(Feb 17, 2020)

In the last decade, unconventional natural gas development has transformed American energy — as well as communities across Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale region.Often popularly referred to as “fracking,” this highly industrialized process is used to extract energy resources from underground geologies such as shale or sandstone. Read more

 

It costs more than $70,000 a year for a Philadelphia family of four to live without help; in the suburbs, up to $88,000

(Feb 17, 2020)

A Philadelphia family of four must make more than $70,000 a year just to survive, a new report says — a stunning sum beyond the reach of most residents in a city beset by high poverty and meager chances.According to the newly released study based on 2019 data, two adults with one preschooler and one school-age child have to take in $70,613 to meet their needs without receiving public assistance or help from relatives or friends. Read more

 

Daley helps promote Highway Safety Law Awareness Week

(Feb 14, 2020)

“The health and safety of vulnerable highway users is clearly of critical importance, which is why we just passed H.B. 1536 by an overwhelming majority,” Daley said. “I’m grateful to PennDOT for highlighting other crucial laws that are designed to make our roadways safer for everybody, and I’m happy to help promote the message.” Read more

 

Delloso hosting Opioids & Addiction Awareness Program on Tuesday

(Feb 13, 2020)

State Rep. David Delloso, D-Delaware, and a distinguished panel of guests will lead an Opioids and Addiction Awareness Program from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at Harcum College-Prospect Park. Read more

 

Frankel, Costa call for Clean Indoor Air Act extension

(Feb 12, 2020)

Legislation would extend protections to additional public spaces, include e-cigarettes Read more

 

Burns: $149,000 to help drug offenders break addiction

(Feb 10, 2020)

Program aims to lower opioid use in community Read more

 

Frankel applauds Shapiro suit against e-cigarette manufacturer

(Feb 10, 2020)

Suit aims to protect Pennsylvania youth from deceptive marketing practices Read more

 

Solomon, community and business leaders announce $120K donation for economic development projects in Northeast Philadelphia

(Feb 10, 2020)

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 10 – State Rep. Jared Solomon joined community and business partners today to announce a $120,000 donation to Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association from tax credits approved by the Neighborhood Assistance Program. “I’m grateful and thrilled to have such generous community partners in M&T Bank and Kinder Academy, willing to step forward and invest in the Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association,” Solomon said. “Their continued partnership with OCCCDA will have lasting impacts for the people of my district, who will see new entrepreneurship, workforce development and economic development programs for many years to come.” OCCDA will use the donation for a multitude of projects, including developing a small-business training program, creating a hub for education and community events, implementing a corridor enhancement program, investing in small business and technical support assistance and workforce development. These projects will help the people directly involved and the community at-large. “Oxford Circle Christian CDA is very thankful to DCED, M&T Bank and Kinder Academy for supporting the work we do for small businesses and those who live in the Oxford Circle community,” said Pearl Wang-Herrera, executive director. “With their support, over the next five years, we will be able to provide more employment and Read more

 

Medicaid block grant proposals spell trouble for patients and hospitals

(Feb 10, 2020)

Medicaid is a longstanding partnership between states and the federal government to provide care to the poorest and sickest among us. A pair of proposals from Washington threaten to upset this joint commitment and fray the nation’s perilously thin safety net for vulnerable patients.Together, these proposals stand to trigger an erosion of the impressive gains we’ve made for patients across our country and region this past decade. Read more

 

House Finance Committee

(Feb 10, 2020)

The House Finance Committee is responsible for revewing legislation dealing with the financial issues of the state, with tax collection rates and tax policies regularly reviewed. The Select Subcommittee on Tax Modernization and Reform was established in 2017 to investigate and review Pennsylvania’s tax laws, explore other states’ best practices and methods for levying and collecting various taxes, and develop recommendations to encourage equitable and fair tax policy. The Democratic members of this select subcommittee, led by Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, continue to push for a fair tax policy that works for all Pennsylvanians, one which encourages job creation and economic fairness today, while laying the groundwork for a prosperous economy and workforce for tomorrow. Read more

 

Ciresi determined to find mass transit solution for commuters

(Feb 06, 2020)

State Rep. Joe Ciresi traveled via mass transit from his home in Montgomery County to Philadelphia Thursday morning to illustrate the tremendous amount of time and effort commuters experience every day heading to work. Read more

 

Southeast Delegation elects Malagari treasurer

(Feb 05, 2020)

The House Democratic Southeast Delegation today elected state Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, treasurer. Read more

 

Wolf highlights Sanchez gun safety bill in budget address

(Feb 05, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – Gov. Tom Wolf highlighted state Rep. Ben Sanchez’s bill requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms in his budget address today as part of his plan to reduce gun violence in the Commonwealth. Sanchez’s H.B. 1288 would require any owner or other person lawfully in possession of a firearm who suffers the loss or theft of a weapon to report it to law enforcement within 72 hours of the discovery. If a person fails to do so, he or she could be charged with a summary offense. “I’m pleased that Governor Wolf singled out my commonsense gun safety bill, which would require stronger reporting requirements for lost and stolen firearms and help keep guns off the streets,” said Sanchez, D-Montgomery. “The bill would deter gun trafficking by making firearm owners more accountable for their weapons and make our communities safer for all of us.” If H.B. 1288 becomes law, Pennsylvania would join a growing list of other states such as Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia that require the reporting of lost or stolen firearms. Sanchez’s bill previously was introduced by former state Rep. Madeline Dean, and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Read more

 

Ciresi applauds education cost-saving reforms in budget proposal

(Feb 04, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, released the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2020-21 budget unveiled today: “With a clear plan to reduce costs through comprehensive charter school reform, while increasing state funding for public education, this budget outlines a path for supporting our schools and providing property tax relief,” Ciresi said. “I am proud to be working with Governor Wolf as a partner in the push for education reform.” The budget includes an additional $403 million for public education statewide, achieved through increased basic and special education funding and cost savings through charter school reform. The charter school reform that Ciresi and Wolf have partnered on will achieve close to $300 million in savings statewide. These reforms include using the same special education funding formula used by school districts and setting a data-driven statewide tuition rate for cyber charter attendance. The local impact of this for the 146th District would be: District-wide net increase of $3.4 million, including over $2.6 million in charter school cost savings: Perkiomen Valley SD: $509,390 Pottsgrove SD: $703,768 Pottstown SD: $1.27 million Spring-Ford Area SD: $914,374 “The budget also offers a plan to redesign the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education,” Ciresi said. “It paves the way for better systemwide coordination and a Read more

 

Deasy issues statement following Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget address

(Feb 04, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, today issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget address: “Today, Governor Tom Wolf presented his annual budget address before the state House of Representatives, and I’m happy to announce that I’m encouraged by what I heard. “Governor Wolf’s Plan for PA was detailed in his state budget proposal, and it’s a plan that I support. I’m committed to continuing House Democrats’ fight to increase the state minimum wage, increase education funding, improve the safety of our schools, fight the ongoing opioid epidemic, improve our workforce and much more. “I was also encouraged to hear the governor’s desire to give our teachers the raise they not only need but deserve. We task our teachers in the commonwealth with molding the minds of our youth, so it’s only just that we ensure they, too, have what they need to get the job done, personally and professionally. “With that, I’m hopeful for a brighter future for the commonwealth. The building blocks laid forth today by the governor provide the foundation for a positive budget situation come June. I am eager to get to work in a bipartisan fashion with my colleagues, I am confident in our ability to get the job done, and I am optimistic that it can be done on time.” Read more

 

Malagari applauds investments in Wolf's budget

(Feb 04, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, released the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2020-21 budget unveiled today. Read more

 

Philadelphia Delegation lauds Wolf’s 2020-21 state budget proposal

(Feb 04, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – The House Democratic Philadelphia Delegation today lauded Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2020-21 budget proposal for including many of the priorities they identified as important to improving the quality of life for Philadelphians and for people across Pennsylvania, according to Delegation Chairman Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila. Wolf outlined his proposal before a joint session of the General Assembly this morning. Led by Dawkins, members of the Philadelphia Delegation met with the governor earlier in the year to stress their budget priorities, including state funding to rid Philadelphia schools of toxins and fix crumbling infrastructure; funding to reduce waiting lists and provide more support for seniors, people living in poverty and those with disabilities; raising the minimum wage to a living wage; creating good jobs with an education plan to provide the skills to fill them; and addressing poverty and gun violence as a public health crisis. “The Philadelphia Delegation is grateful for Governor Wolf’s vision for the state in this, his sixth budget plan,” Dawkins said. “His proposals are people-focused and seek to provide more opportunities for everyone, not just the privileged few. We will be a loud voice in making sure they are included this year.” Dawkins said the governor’s budget proposal includes $1.1 billion to ensure students, teachers and staff can learn and work in classrooms that aren’t Read more

 

Frankel: Wolf budget provides way forward on difficult, critical issues

(Feb 04, 2020)

Calls on legislature to pick up challenge and act on Pa.’s best interests Read more

 

Conklin: Budget is very good news for all Pennsylvanians, including its youngest residents

(Feb 04, 2020)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, released the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2020-21 budget unveiled today: “This budget is really good news for all Pennsylvanians. We have the opportunity to invest in our youngest children, especially through an expansion of full-day kindergarten, providing a wonderful opportunity for them to engage and learn at a critical time of their development. In addition, the governor’s proposed budget will make it easier for our older students to receive a college education, without having to go into significant amounts of debt. “With this budget, we also have an opportunity to provide a true livable wage, especially for single parents who have to work more than one job just to make ends meet. “I’m very pleased this realistic budget includes no new taxes and will truly do more to help all of our commonwealth’s residents. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the months ahead as we begin the budget hearings to discuss the proposals unveiled today in more detail.” Read more

 

Rabb to host Policy Committee hearing on voting and elections Tuesday in Philadelphia
Feb 21, 2020

Fracking has led to a ‘bust’ for Pennsylvania school district finances
Feb 17, 2020

It costs more than $70,000 a year for a Philadelphia family of four to live without help; in the suburbs, up to $88,000
Feb 17, 2020

Daley helps promote Highway Safety Law Awareness Week
Feb 14, 2020

Delloso hosting Opioids & Addiction Awareness Program on Tuesday
Feb 13, 2020

Frankel, Costa call for Clean Indoor Air Act extension
Feb 12, 2020

Burns: $149,000 to help drug offenders break addiction
Feb 10, 2020

Frankel applauds Shapiro suit against e-cigarette manufacturer
Feb 10, 2020

Solomon, community and business leaders announce $120K donation for economic development projects in Northeast Philadelphia
Feb 10, 2020

Medicaid block grant proposals spell trouble for patients and hospitals
Feb 10, 2020

House Finance Committee
Feb 10, 2020

Ciresi determined to find mass transit solution for commuters
Feb 06, 2020

Southeast Delegation elects Malagari treasurer
Feb 05, 2020

Wolf highlights Sanchez gun safety bill in budget address
Feb 05, 2020

Ciresi applauds education cost-saving reforms in budget proposal
Feb 04, 2020

Deasy issues statement following Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget address
Feb 04, 2020

Malagari applauds investments in Wolf's budget
Feb 04, 2020

Philadelphia Delegation lauds Wolf’s 2020-21 state budget proposal
Feb 04, 2020

Frankel: Wolf budget provides way forward on difficult, critical issues
Feb 04, 2020

Conklin: Budget is very good news for all Pennsylvanians, including its youngest residents
Feb 04, 2020