News Center

Scott, Venkat: Bill to require insurers to provide multiple payment options to reimburse health care providers passes General Assembly

(Jul 10, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, July 8 — State Reps. Greg Scott and Arvind Venkat said a crucial piece of legislation that aims to protect health care practitioners and their patients from unfair reimbursement practices imposed by some insurers is headed to the governor’s desk. House Bill 1664 would address how certain insurers require claims payments to be made through credit or debit card equivalents, which involves the insurer providing a series of numbers that the health care provider must enter on a website or credit card terminal. This process forces health care practices to absorb transaction fees, sometimes as high as 5%, or pass these additional costs on to patients. Insurers sometimes even receive a percentage of the transaction fee. Many health care offices, particularly those run by small business owners, are not fully equipped to handle end-to-end electronic claims processing, especially for bulk claim payments. As a result, these practices may be forced to upgrade their payment systems simply to be paid for the services they provide to patients covered under an insurer’s plan. This requirement unfairly restricts their business practices and increases operational costs. "In passing House Bill 1664, we're taking a significant step to ensure fairness in health care reimbursement practices,” said Scott, D-Montgomery. “This legislation would be a victory for dentists and their patients, ensuring that Read more

 

Ciresi, Marcell bipartisan bill to allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional use passes the House

(Jul 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 9 – Bipartisan legislation ( H.B. 1526 ) introduced by state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, which would allow Intermediate Units to own facilities for instructional space passed the state House today. IUs are regional educational service agencies created by the legislature in 1970. IUs provide high-quality programs to K-12 public school districts and non-public/private schools. Intermediate units also serve as liaisons between school districts and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Pennsylvania’s 29 intermediate units provide special education, professional development, and technical assistance services to school districts, charter schools and private schools. Every year, more than 175,000 students and 50,000 educators receive services and training from IUs, meeting a variety of needs for students and school districts. Currently, IUs are only permitted to own office space and warehouse facilities, a limitation that prohibits them from owning facilities used for instructional space; a limitation that does not apply to school districts, area career and technical schools, or charter schools. Many IUs operate classrooms and other instructional spaces as providers of important special education, pre-school programs and other educational services. All these instructional facilities must be leased, burdening IUs with rental costs that sometimes greatly exceed what it would cost the IU to purchase and own the Read more

 

Rabb encouraged by movement on adult use cannabis

(Jul 09, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, July 9 – After joining colleagues from the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus for a news conference on adult use cannabis today, state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., said he is encouraged by the continued groundswell of support among state legislators for equitable and inclusive adult use cannabis legalization. Rabb, founding member of the PA Cannabis Caucus and founding chair of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Equity Committee, has been a long-time advocate and ardent supporter of smart and truly equitable adult use cannabis legalization. “We have to get this right. It’s not about being the next state to legalize cannabis; it’s about being the best,” Rabb said. “We’re going to get it done right when people who are closest to the pain say, ‘this is good;’ it’s not going to be the lobbyists and it’s not going to be the industry elites. “We must commit to establishing a truly independent, autonomous quasi-governmental entity free from the political vicissitudes of the legislative and executive branches that abound. It is one thing to say we are going to set aside some money, but if you don’t empower and generously fund an independent and autonomous entity to steward those funds to do the things that our legislature has failed to do for generations, all is for naught. “The entity that oversees the broad array of social equity measures must be Read more

 

House adopts Abney resolution requiring state to study student barriers to career and technical education programs

(Jul 09, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, July 9 – With thousands of students being turned away from career and technical education programs, the Pennsylvania House today adopted a resolution introduced by state Rep. Aerion Abney that would require the state to study the problem and recommend ways to expand access to these programs. Abney said he introduced H.R. 481 – which calls on the Legislative Budget and Finance Commission to identify student barriers to CTE and make recommendations – to address a disturbing trend. “Our CTE programs are incredibly important because they provide young adults with the skills they need for good-paying, family-sustaining jobs,” Abney said. “Unfortunately, thousands of students are being turned away or wait-listed for these programs. It’s an issue that is depriving young adults of critical training tools and diminishing the pool of talented applicants that employers need to remain competitive. “If we’re really serious about maintaining a strong workforce and ensuring we can provide the kinds of opportunities that make young adults want to stay, raise families here and contribute back to the economy, then we need to address this issue. If the problem is one of capacity, then we need to secure the necessary funding to expand our CTE programs statewide. This study will be an important first step.” Abney said Pennsylvania has more than 68,000 students attending Read more

 

Bipartisan bill strengthening Pennsylvania’s election code passes the House

(Jul 09, 2024) Rep. Ben Sanchez

"Ensuring a standardized and timely certification process for election results is crucial to upholding the integrity of our democracy,” Sanchez said. Read more

 

Neilson applauds passage of omnibus transportation bill

(Jul 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House of Representatives passed legislation which would support many of the priorities set forth by state Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee. House Bill 2301, an omnibus transportation bill, would raise the annual income cap for retirees to qualify for an $10 vehicle registration by approximately $10,000. Neilson said that moving forward, the cap would rise annually to keep pace with inflation. This cost-cutting move to aid retired people was proposed by state Rep. Bob Merski in H.B. 250 which the House passed in September. He added that the bill would waive title and registration fees on any one vehicle owned by a U.S. veteran who was injured or captured while serving. This language comes from Rep. Ciresi's H.B. 150 which the House passed in April. Neilson said the bill also retains language that would extend the distracted driving license plate program and it include license plates proposed by Rep. Jose Giral (Borinqueneers) and Rep. Nancy Guenst (Women Veterans). The bill now heads to Gov. Shapiro's desk for his signature to enact it into state law. Read more

 

Parker’s bill to improve maternal and child health outcomes passes PA House

(Jul 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation authored by state Rep. Darisha Parker that would establish the Maternal Home Visiting Act passed the PA House of Representatives today. The legislation (H.B. 1425) would direct the state Department of Human Services to develop a five-year plan comprised of evidence-based steps that are proven to reduce negative health outcomes, prevent abuse and neglect, reduce crime and to provide parenting classes. “My biggest priority as a state lawmaker is the health and wellbeing of new and expanding Pennsylvania families,” Parker said. “Young families have enough burdens trying to navigate the new and unknown journey of parenthood; it’s our responsibility to support these families by providing resources that studies show help them thrive.” Parker said that Pennsylvania is eligible for federal funding to offer Maternal Home visits and she looks forward to working with the Department of Human Services to implement the program if it becomes law for all eligible families in the commonwealth. House Bill 1425 now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Period products aren’t a luxury — let’s stop treating them as such

(Jul 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

May is Menstrual Awareness Month, a time to break the stigma and promote understanding about menstruation. It’s a natural process that women experience, and a part of the miraculous biological process that creates life. Even though this process is completely natural and can result in something beautiful, menstruation is often shrouded in secrecy and referred to as something dirty that women must endure, forcing women to speak about it behind closed doors or in whispered voices. This attitude towards a completely natural biological process has contributed to a huge problem for women and girls when it comes to managing their monthly periods – period poverty. Women who can’t afford expensive period products often will miss important life events and even be left unable to attend school or work, creating a vicious cycle of poverty that becomes impossible to escape. Women who experience period poverty are often forced to use unhygienic items that can cause urinary tract and bacterial infections, such as old t-shirts, socks, and even newspaper. It’s not hard to imagine that this often increases incidents of depression and anxiety, leaving women feeling trapped by their own bodies. As elected officials, it’s our duty to look within the communities we serve, listen to their needs and do what we can to advocate for them. This isn’t an issue that constituents brought to my attention, this is something I dealt with as a young girl who started Read more

 

Giral celebrates Philadelphia tow truck accountability becoming law

(Jul 08, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, July 8 – Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed H.B. 816 (now Act 43) into law, requiring tow truck operators in Philadelphia to take photographic evidence of the violation for which they are towing or removing a vehicle. “I am pleased to see this commonsense measure signed into law,” state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., said. “This will benefit everyone involved, the courts, drivers and towing companies, and will ensure greater accountability and transparency in our city.” In Philadelphia, vehicle owners are allowed to provide evidence to the parking hearing examiner that their vehicle was towed unreasonably or unlawfully and avoid paying the associated fees, Giral said. However, without clear evidence of a violation, it’s difficult for the vehicle owners to prove their innocence, and this will change that for the better. Read more

 

Skill Games are a menace to community well being

(Jul 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Across Philadelphia, the proliferation of skill games presents a growing concern that threatens the very fabric of our neighborhoods. These games, often touted as harmless forms of entertainment or even sources of income, conceal a darker reality that undermines the quality of life for countless individuals. From the negative impact on social cohesion to the economic strain they impose, the presence of skill games casts a shadow over community life. Read more

 

Gergely’s employment flexibility bill amongst liquor-licensed establishments passes PA Senate

(Jul 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 3 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill that would allow individuals to work at more than one business licensed to sell alcohol passed the state Senate Tuesday, 47-3. Gergely is a member of the PA House Liquor Control Committee and recognized the need to assist licensed food and beverage establishments with H.B. 829 . “The pandemic took a heavy toll on small businesses across the country, especially those in the food and beverage industry. Not only that, bars, restaurants and other liquor-licensed entities are still facing a worker shortage in the post-COVID era, especially when it comes to hiring experienced and knowledgeable staff,” he said. “House Bill 829 would release such workers from the exclusive grip exercised by businesses with liquor licenses, and this new inclusivity would lead to higher profits and boost to local economies. Having extra money in their pockets will help workers and their families afford daily necessities and benefit their financial stability as well. “This bill is a win-win for Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvania small businesses,” Gergely added. “I want to thank House and Senate members on both sides of the aisle for helping this commonsense measure reach this point.” House Bill 829 is Gergely’s second piece of legislation to pass the state Senate this year and now heads to the governor for his signature. Read more

 

Burns legislation to allow PA to join interstate compacts sent to the governor

(Jul 03, 2024) Rep. Frank Burns

This change in law facilitates Pennsylvania’s entry into interstate compacts, which allow a licensee to practice in other participating states with just one license. Previous efforts to implement the compacts passed into law were unsuccessful without this fingerprinting process in place. Read more

 

Giral legislation honoring Borinqueneers included in transportation bill headed to governor’s desk

(Jul 03, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, July 3 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed comprehensive transportation-related legislation ( H.B. 2301 ) that includes language from a bill sponsored by state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., that would allow recipients of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal to apply for special state license plates designating their vehicles as belonging to honored veterans. “The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest awards the United States bestows, and only a handful of military units have ever received this award,” Giral said. “It’s only right that we honor the distinguished recipients of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal with a special registration plate. They made great sacrifices for our country and deserve to be recognized and commemorated.” The bill now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature. Read more

 

Reps. Powell’s and Labs’ bipartisan effort to expand protections for victims of violent crimes passes House

(Jul 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 3 – State Reps. Lindsay Powell’s and Shelby Labs’ bill that would establish the Victims of Violence Relocation Act passed the state House today. Under the legislation ( H.B. 2162 ), eligible violent crime survivors would be entitled to relocation assistance, and the timeframe for requesting such assistance would be increased from 90 to 180 days after the crime occurred. The legislators said this would allow survivors more time to access necessary support and would ensure they can utilize federal documentation to validate their need for relocation. “Partnering with Representative Labs on this bill exemplifies that the PA House stands united with survivors of violent crime by expanding housing assistance to them in their time of need,” Powell, D-Allegheny, said. “Thank you to all my colleagues for your affirmative votes and your commitment to helping survivors start their lives anew.” “I want to thank Representative Powell for her collaboration on this important piece of legislation that protects victims and empowers survivors,” Labs, R-Bucks, added. “The passage of House Bill 2162 is a critical step in ensuring our commitment to making Pennsylvania a safer place for victims of violence and providing a foundation of support during recovery.” The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence says one in three women, one in four men and nearly half of LGBTQ+ individuals will Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to help cut government red tape poised to be signed into law

(Jul 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 3 –State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El’s legislation (H.B. 1477) that will allow for the electronic submission of municipal plans and ordinances passed the state Senate Monday and is now on its way to the governor’s desk. The legislation will amend the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to enable municipalities to make certain transmittals and submissions -- including proposed comprehensive plans/land use ordinances and amendments to such -- through electronic means. “This bill will codify what is already current practice -- emailing plans and land ordinances -- in order to eliminate the confusion about whether such transmissions are permissible,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “Planners and consultants within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development requested this clarification be put into law. This bill will help cut government red tape and streamline processes in DCED and other government agencies.” This bill was first introduced as H.B. 1592 in the 2021-22 session. Inquiries about the legislation can be directed to Smith-Wade-El’s office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s secures $67K grant for Otterbein Emergency Shelter

(Jul 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 2 – A longtime advocate for the unhoused in Lancaster, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El secured a $67,000 state grant for the Lancaster Redevelopment Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for the emergency shelter at the Otterbein United Methodist Church, which will open in Dec. 2024. The Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority, with support from the Lancaster Redevelopment fund, will carry out the renovations, lease, and management of the emergency clinic. The YMCA of the Roses will operate the shelter and funding of the operations will be provided in part by the Lancaster County Homeless Coalition. “We have a growing unhoused population in Lancaster, with the Lancaster County Homeless Coalition’s showing a 13.5% increase this year from 2023,” Smith-Wade-El said. “With stagnant wages and the skyrocketing cost of housing, more and more people are becoming homeless. We need to make sure our neighbors have somewhere to go until they get on their feet, particularly as the cold weather sets in.” The YMCA of the Roses’ emergency shelter at Otterbein United Methodist Church will be the county’s only low-barrier shelter in the winter, containing 80 beds. ( Low-barrier shelters offer a warm and dry place to stay without preconditions like sobriety.) “I am very glad that the unhoused in our community will have somewhere safe to stay during the Read more

 

On National CROWN Day, Mayes urges state Senate to act on bill that would ban hair discrimination

(Jul 03, 2024) Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes

PA CROWN Act legislation has been stalled in Senate committee for nearly one year Read more

 

Benham, pharmacists call on state Senate to pass PBM reform

(Jul 03, 2024) Rep. Jessica Benham

“Over 140 pharmacies have closed in our Commonwealth since the beginning of the year,” said Dr. Mayank “Dr. Mak” Amin, the owner of Skippack Pharmacy. “While I stand here and celebrate our pharmacy’s 5th anniversary, we are also bleeding due to poor reimbursements and patient steering. Community pharmacies like Skippack Pharmacy vaccinated over 100,000 patients during the pandemic and provided critical supplies to those in need, but what will save community pharmacies like ours?" Read more

 

Prokopiak bill to expand tax credits, create jobs passes House

(Jul 02, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Jim Prokopiak’s bill that would stimulate the economy and create jobs by increasing the Historic Preservation Tax Credit passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. House Bill 2358 would raise the annual limit of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit from the current $5 million to a new cap of $20 million, starting in 2025. “Pennsylvania’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program not only helps rehabilitate and preserve the structures that tell the tale of our commonwealth’s rich history, but it also generates positive economic impact by helping turn those structures into income-producing properties,” Prokopiak said. 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 the bill’s co-sponsorship memo. Of the 37 states that have a similar tax credit, Pennsylvania has the fourth-lowest cap. The increased investment proposed in H.B. 2358 is necessary, Prokopiak said, as the need for funding is greater than the current $5 million cap. 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’ rehabilitation plan. With the annual Read more

 

Prokopiak bill to expand tax credits, create jobs passes House

(Jul 02, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Jim Prokopiak’s bill that would stimulate the economy and create jobs by increasing the Historic Preservation Tax Credit passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. House Bill 2358 would raise the annual limit of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit from the current $5 million to a new cap of $20 million, starting in 2025. “Pennsylvania’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program not only helps rehabilitate and preserve the structures that tell the tale of our commonwealth’s rich history, but it also generates positive economic impact by helping turn those structures into income-producing properties,” Prokopiak said. 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 the bill’s co-sponsorship memo. Of the 37 states that have a similar tax credit, Pennsylvania has the fourth-lowest cap. The increased investment proposed in H.B. 2358 is necessary, Prokopiak said, as the need for funding is greater than the current $5 million cap. 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’ rehabilitation plan. With the annual Read more

 

Scott, Venkat: Bill to require insurers to provide multiple payment options to reimburse health care providers passes General Assembly
Jul 10, 2024

Ciresi, Marcell bipartisan bill to allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional use passes the House
Jul 09, 2024

Rabb encouraged by movement on adult use cannabis
Jul 09, 2024

House adopts Abney resolution requiring state to study student barriers to career and technical education programs
Jul 09, 2024

Bipartisan bill strengthening Pennsylvania’s election code passes the House
Jul 09, 2024

Neilson applauds passage of omnibus transportation bill
Jul 09, 2024

Parker’s bill to improve maternal and child health outcomes passes PA House
Jul 08, 2024

Period products aren’t a luxury — let’s stop treating them as such
Jul 08, 2024

Giral celebrates Philadelphia tow truck accountability becoming law
Jul 08, 2024

Skill Games are a menace to community well being
Jul 08, 2024

Gergely’s employment flexibility bill amongst liquor-licensed establishments passes PA Senate
Jul 03, 2024

Burns legislation to allow PA to join interstate compacts sent to the governor
Jul 03, 2024

Giral legislation honoring Borinqueneers included in transportation bill headed to governor’s desk
Jul 03, 2024

Reps. Powell’s and Labs’ bipartisan effort to expand protections for victims of violent crimes passes House
Jul 03, 2024

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to help cut government red tape poised to be signed into law
Jul 03, 2024

Smith-Wade-El’s secures $67K grant for Otterbein Emergency Shelter
Jul 03, 2024

On National CROWN Day, Mayes urges state Senate to act on bill that would ban hair discrimination
Jul 03, 2024

Benham, pharmacists call on state Senate to pass PBM reform
Jul 03, 2024

Prokopiak bill to expand tax credits, create jobs passes House
Jul 02, 2024

Prokopiak bill to expand tax credits, create jobs passes House
Jul 02, 2024