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PA House passes Madden Alzheimer’s bill

(Jun 27, 2024) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

“For too long, our seniors living with ADRD have not been prioritized. We can and must do better for our seniors and the loved ones who care for them,” Madden said. Read more

 

Hohenstein: PA House passes legislation to expand Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program funding

(Jun 27, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 27 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed legislation ( H.B. 2028 ) sponsored by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., and state Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-Allegheny/Washington, that would amend current law to expand the funding sources available to the Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program. “The pilot programs began operating in 10 commonwealth schools last year,” Hohenstein said. “And while it had the immediate impact of promoting kindness and inclusion within those schools, it was unfortunately limited in scope due to a lack of specific funding measures to guarantee its sustainability.” The legislation would provide another potential funding option for the program so it can continue to spread positivity and inclusiveness for years to come, Hohenstein said. “I’m pleased to see this legislation pass the full House,” Ortitay said. “I spearheaded the inclusion of this pilot program in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 state budget. South Fayette Township School District in my legislative district was one of 10 districts selected to participate. I’m hopeful this bill will be part of the budget package so that more school districts can offer this important programming.” The bill will now go to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

House committee OKs Freeman bill to redevelop vacant factories

(Jun 27, 2024) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

"Repurposing an old factory or mill for retail, office or arts space, or transforming them into apartments, encourages economic development and improves the quality of life of a community," Freeman said. Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to help make owning a home possible for more Pennsylvanians

(Jun 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 26 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would provide money to Pennsylvania individuals and families seeking to own their own home. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 2454 ) would establish the Affordable Homeownership Program under the state Department of Community and Economic Development . The program would award grants to sponsoring organizations, who would then provide the funds to individuals or households with annual incomes between 60% and 120% of the area median income. Qualifying applicants would be able to use these funds for projects such as: Home purchasing assistance programs. Home repairs. Work force housing programs. Acquiring residential properties. Designing and constructing properties. Asset management studies of properties. Social and environmental studies of properties. Homeownership education programs. Land trusts acquiring properties (Homeowners would need to maintain at least 40% of the equity on the property). “The median home price shot through the roof to nearly $225,000 in March of this year and continues to climb. This, combined with other factors, has pushed owning a home away from reality and closer to fantasy for many Pennsylvanians,” Powell said. “Home ownership is not only part of the American dream, it’s crucial to building and fostering strong communities. My bill would benefit PA and all neighbors who call it home.” Grant Read more

 

Ciresi bill to outlaw early termination fees for deceased people on its way to governor’s desk

(Jun 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 26 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s bill that will protect a deceased person’s family or estate from being charged early termination fees when canceling certain service contracts and vehicle leases passed the PA Senate today and is now headed to the governor’s desk. “Death shouldn’t come with fees, and companies shouldn’t be making money off a customer’s death.” Ciresi said. “It’s hard enough to lose a family member, but it is just salt in the wound for a grieving relative to have to pay an early termination fee because the customer has died. My legislation, which will hopefully become law soon, would prohibit cable, phone, telecommunications, utility, and other companies from imposing early termination fees on a recently deceased person’s family for services that would no longer be used.” Once signed into law, bill will require that written notice along with a copy of a death certificate be provided to end such leases or contracts without financial penalty. Ciresi has championed the legislation in previous sessions. This session, the bill had 24 co-sponsors, including both Democrats and Republicans. Ciresi said he was grateful to his colleagues for their support of this bill to provide additional protections for consumers. “This legislation will help Pennsylvania families by removing one less hassle during their time of grief as they try to settle their loved Read more

 

Schlossberg bill to plan for regional growth approved by House committee

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“Growth makes our excellent schools and thriving economy possible, along with the balance of urban, suburban and rural settings in our region. Unmitigated growth — growth without adequate planning — may enhance aspects of our economy, but typically at a tremendous cost,” Schlossberg said. Read more

 

Cephas' bill would address implicit bias in Pa. health care

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, June 26 – On the heels of a new report detailing racial biases in the U.S. healthcare system, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today emphasized the need for her legislation that seeks to resolve the subconscious biases of healthcare providers in the state so they can improve patient care and adapt practices for the diverse communities they serve. A lengthy report released today by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine laid out the harms of structural racism in the U.S. healthcare system to minority populations and offered solutions to combatting the problem. Cephas’ legislation ( H.B. 2178 ) to address the biases of healthcare providers in Pennsylvania was introduced in April. Under Cephas’ bill, each person applying for a license or certification issued by a health-related board within the Department of State would be required to complete training regarding implicit bias and cultural competence. Such training would, at minimum, include an understanding of implicit bias and include practical techniques to reduce unconscious bias and improve cultural competence. “There is extensive evidence and research of implicit bias in our healthcare system, resulting in the unequal treatment of patients based on race, gender, weight, age, language spoken, income and insurance status, and most often leading to negative health outcomes for poor people and communities of Read more

 

Frankel cheers committee approval of bills to support rural health care, regulate hospital mergers

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, June 26 – Majority House Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel hailed his panel’s approval Wednesday of bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing health care disparities in rural areas by providing grants for the payment of education debt of physicians, nurses and midwives. “When rural facilities cannot attract or retain health care professionals, they can’t keep their doors open, and patients have to travel increasing distances to get basic preventative or emergency care – that’s bad for outcomes, and it’s bad for this commonwealth,” said Frankel, who worked with Republican Health Chair Kathy Rapp to develop the bill ( H.B. 2382 ). “The foundation of our health care system is its workers, so that’s where any effort to support rural health institutions must begin.” The bill received unanimous approval by the committee. The panel also approved legislation introduced by Reps. Lisa Borowski and Paul Takac that would provide more oversight of mergers and other transactions that could threaten access to health services in the commonwealth. The bill ( H.B. 2344 ) would require health systems to file notice and documentation to the Office of the Attorney General before completing critical transactions and provide the Attorney General’s office with the tools needed to do their job of protecting the interests of health care consumers. “Health systems tend Read more

 

House lawmakers, families and advocates renew call for anti-bullying legislation in Pa.

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Danilo Burgos, Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara, Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, June 26 – House lawmakers, families and advocates this week renewed their call to pass legislation that addresses anti-bullying policies in Pennsylvania schools. At a Capitol news conference on Monday, the family of Sammy Teusch, a child who was bullied at his school in Indiana and died by suicide on May 5, joined state Reps. Danilo Burgos and Joe Hohenstein, both D-Phila.; Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware; Kiria Cora, executive director of the Cora Foundation; and others to call upon the legislature to act on anti-bullying legislation. The legislation includes O’Mara’s House Bill 1293 , which would require schools to notify parents and legal guardians when their child is involved in or experiences bullying, and a comprehensive series of bills known as the Rights and Protections for All Students package, introduced by Hohenstein and others. The urgent plea follows a series of meetings with advocates and the families of victims of bulling – including the Teusch family. The lawmakers said increased bullying incidents have profound impacts on students’ mental health, academic performance and overall well-being. Burgos, who chairs the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, urged for the passage these bills. “ Passing anti-bullying legislation to address and prevent bullying in schools is not about punishment but about prevention, Read more

 

Nelson bill to expand prison oversight passes Pa. House

(Jun 25, 2024) Rep. Napoleon Nelson

HARRISBURG, June 25 – A bill that would further empower counties in criminal justice oversight passed the state House Monday, announced its sponsor, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson. Specifically, H.B. 1509 would remedy a gap in Pennsylvania law by which Montgomery County cannot appoint a county jail oversight board. It is the only county without this option. The bill would also create the option of adding public members to prison oversight boards statewide. “Over 70,000 Pennsylvania residents are incarcerated, nearly half of them in county jails, prisons or correctional facilities,” said Nelson, D-Montgomery. “These residents and their families retain the right to proper jail governance while incarcerated. Well-appointed oversight boards are a critical measure to ensure and protect that right.” Oversight boards can consist of county commissioners along with other designated officers. They exert significant influence over how county prisons operate. “The added transparency and accountability are the keys to effective reform. Including an array of members on a board that are elected officials and members of the public ensures that the board reflects as many concerns and values as possible,” Nelson said. “This can lead to initiatives that support inmate reintegration and reduce recidivism rates. An expanded board can also enhance monitoring and reporting functions, Read more

 

Matzie: Consumer Protection Committee approves bill that would allow Pa. to take the reins on carbon capture

(Jun 25, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, June 25 – The state House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee today unanimously approved legislation that would allow Pennsylvania to gain regulatory control over the carbon capture process, Committee Chair Rob Matzie announced. Matzie said the process – aimed at reducing the impact of CO2 emissions – captures those gases at the source and injects them through specially designed wells into deep underground rock formations in a procedure known as geologic sequestration. “This is a good bill for PA workers, the economy and our environment,” Matzie said. “Carbon capture can reduce CO2 emissions, support our entry into other clean technologies like hydrogen hubs, create jobs and generate new investments. Right now, however, the federal government is in charge of issuing permits for carbon capture projects. Other states have started taking the initiative and applying to the EPA to gain the power to regulate those projects, and it’s time for Pennsylvania – as an energy leader – to join them. This bill will start the ball rolling.” Matzie said the legislation ( S.B. 831 ) would direct the state to apply to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for primary enforcement authority over carbon dioxide underground injection wells, also known as Class VI wells. The bill, Read more

 

Reps. Pisciottano, Miller and organized labor celebrate ‘Union Organizing Week’ with major rally at PA Capitol

(Jun 25, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Labor leaders, members pack Capitol ahead of state budget Read more

 

House passes Krueger bill to ensure access to contraceptives in Pa.

(Jun 25, 2024) Rep. Leanne Krueger

HARRISBURG, June 25 – Landmark legislation that would add state-level protections for contraceptive access ( H.B. 1140 ) was approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Leanne Krueger. Krueger, D-Delaware, said efforts by extreme, anti-choice legislators and activists to deny people’s access to safe, proven and FDA-approved contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy and treat other medical conditions prompted the need for this legislation that she has introduced every session since 2020. She said the legislation became more crucial when the U.S. Supreme overturned Roe v Wade in its 2022 Dobbs decision and gave each state the authority to decide women’s reproductive rights. "Contraception is health care, plain and simple, and no one but a woman and her doctor should decide what medical care she has the right to receive," Krueger said. “Pennsylvania currently has no protections in state law for contraceptive access, so attacks at the federal level jeopardize our access. This bill received unanimous approval in committee and passed with a bipartisan vote of 133-69 in the House. Today’s vote is an important first step to ensuring access to contraception for all Pennsylvanians who need, want and deserve it.” The bill would require all health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to provide coverage for all FDA- approved Read more

 

Kinkead, Gaydos bill for landslide insurance clears committee

(Jun 25, 2024) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Legislation to help victims of landslides eligible for full vote in PA House Read more

 

Dawkins Stuffed Toys Act heads to governor’s desk

(Jun 24, 2024) Rep. Jason Dawkins

HARRISBURG, June 24 – A bill sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., that would allow recycled materials to be used in stuffed toys passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on concurrence today and will now head to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. This legislation ( H.B. 1333 ) would bring Pennsylvania in line with all other global stuffed toy requirements, enabling manufacturers and retailers to make and sell stuffed toys with recycled materials in the commonwealth. “This is commonsense legislation. Since the law first went into effect in 1961, the manufacturing industry, the retail industry and consumer demands have changed drastically,” said Dawkins, chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. “Not only is the use of recycled materials commonplace because it’s safe and the materials undergo the same extensive testing as new materials, but it also allows toy manufacturers to reach their sustainability goals and is better for the environment. “Clarifying this law will bring Pennsylvania law in line with all other global stuffed toy requirements and enable manufactures to make and sell stuffed toys with recycled materials across the country and globally.” Dawkins said he thanks his colleagues for their support of this environmentally and business friendly legislation, and he looks forward to Shapiro signing the Read more

 

Pielli bill to help veterans’ spouses and dependents passes PA House

(Jun 24, 2024) Rep. Chris Pielli

“We should do everything in our power to help our veterans,” Pielli said. “That same attitude should be extended to the families of veterans. That’s why my colleagues, Representative Dan L. Miller and Representative Joe Webster, and I worked to create House Bill 1963. This simple change will make the lives of veterans and their families that much easier after this abrupt and unfortunate change. As a veteran, I’ve come to learn that when our men and women serve our great nation, their family also serves. This legislative consideration is the least we can do for our veterans and their families.” Read more

 

Dawkins prevailing wage legislation passes Pa. House

(Jun 24, 2024) Rep. Jason Dawkins

HARRISBURG, June 24 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed a bill ( H.B. 2153 ) sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., that would update the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act to address the issues of split rates and custom fabrication. This legislation would prohibit the practice of paying “split rates” on publicly funded construction projects and ensure that custom fabrication work done by tradespeople away from the main job site is paid to the prevailing wage. “This is as simple as ensuring that companies awarded public construction project contracts are paying their workers fairly and to the prevailing wage standard set by the secretary of Labor and Industry,” said Dawkins, chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. Since off-site work is not currently covered by the Prevailing Wage Act, many contractors use this loophole to pay their employees a sub-standard “shop” rate when they do this work and only pay the prevailing wage when the workers are on the jobsite installing these assemblies, which cheats the intent of the law and undercuts honest contractors in the bidding process, while exploiting their labor force for increased profits, Dawkins said. And the use of modular construction is expected to increase in the future, which will lead to further exploitation of this loophole if it’s not closed now. Similar Read more

 

PA House committee OKs Schlossberg bill to screen student mental health needs

(Jun 24, 2024) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“If we are serious about saving lives and improving mental health, then we must be proactive,” said Schlossberg. Read more

 

Matzie encourages municipalities, community groups to apply to Digital Connectivity Technology Program

(Jun 21, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

AMBRIDGE, June 21 – State Rep. Rob Matzie is encouraging local municipalities, nonprofit groups, libraries and other community organizations statewide to apply to the newly opened Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Matzie – who is chairman of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and a board member of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority – said the PBDA will be purchasing and distributing $20 million in laptops so communities can make that technology available for residents. “Everything we’re doing on the broadband authority is focused on one main goal: ensuring folks have quick, reliable, affordable access to the wealth of opportunities available online – from job openings and state programs to telemedicine and shopping,” Matzie said. “We’ve made great progress getting the infrastructure and funding in place for areas that have lacked those high-speed connections, but affording hardware like laptops and computers is still a barrier for some households. “This program will allow community organizations to obtain laptops and make them available for residents. I’m urging municipalities, libraries, nonprofits – every group eligible – to apply as soon as possible.” Matzie said eligible applicants include community organizations such as libraries, municipalities, workforce Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus praises Biden administration executive order on immigration

(Jun 18, 2024) Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 18 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus today applauded the Biden administration’s executive action allowing certain undocumented spouses and children of United States’ citizens to apply for lawful permanent residency without leaving the country. The action will provide legal status and protections for about 500,000 American families and roughly 50,000 noncitizen children of immigrants under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen. Under current federal law, an undocumented person who enters the U.S. and marries a U.S. citizen must first request parole before applying for legal residency. That process might require them to leave the country, upending their careers and families and creating uncertainty about whether they would be authorized to reenter. PLLC members said today’s action allows those spouses to apply for residency without needing to leave the U.S., bringing hope and relief to hundreds of thousands in the country and here in Pennsylvania. PLLC Chair Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., praised President Joe Biden for his action. “Today’s executive action represents a significant step forward in the fight for a more fair and equitable immigration system. By protecting hundreds of thousands of our immigrant neighbors and their families, the president is reinforcing the principles of humanity and fairness,” Burgos said. PLLC Read more

 

PA House passes Madden Alzheimer’s bill
Jun 27, 2024

Hohenstein: PA House passes legislation to expand Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program funding
Jun 27, 2024

House committee OKs Freeman bill to redevelop vacant factories
Jun 27, 2024

Powell introduces bill to help make owning a home possible for more Pennsylvanians
Jun 26, 2024

Ciresi bill to outlaw early termination fees for deceased people on its way to governor’s desk
Jun 26, 2024

Schlossberg bill to plan for regional growth approved by House committee
Jun 26, 2024

Cephas' bill would address implicit bias in Pa. health care
Jun 26, 2024

Frankel cheers committee approval of bills to support rural health care, regulate hospital mergers
Jun 26, 2024

House lawmakers, families and advocates renew call for anti-bullying legislation in Pa.
Jun 26, 2024

Nelson bill to expand prison oversight passes Pa. House
Jun 25, 2024

Matzie: Consumer Protection Committee approves bill that would allow Pa. to take the reins on carbon capture
Jun 25, 2024

Reps. Pisciottano, Miller and organized labor celebrate ‘Union Organizing Week’ with major rally at PA Capitol
Jun 25, 2024

House passes Krueger bill to ensure access to contraceptives in Pa.
Jun 25, 2024

Kinkead, Gaydos bill for landslide insurance clears committee
Jun 25, 2024

Dawkins Stuffed Toys Act heads to governor’s desk
Jun 24, 2024

Pielli bill to help veterans’ spouses and dependents passes PA House
Jun 24, 2024

Dawkins prevailing wage legislation passes Pa. House
Jun 24, 2024

PA House committee OKs Schlossberg bill to screen student mental health needs
Jun 24, 2024

Matzie encourages municipalities, community groups to apply to Digital Connectivity Technology Program
Jun 21, 2024

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus praises Biden administration executive order on immigration
Jun 18, 2024