News Center

Powell introduces bill requiring medical insurers to cover consultations between physicians

(Jun 11, 2024) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, June 11 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would help Pennsylvanians access the consultations and care they need, while keeping the price of this treatment low. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 2385 ) would mandate that consultations between doctors, often done virtually, are covered under health insurances policies statewide. “The collective knowledge of more than one medical professional is often vital when our neighbors receive care. Interprofessional consultations are one tool physicians employ to effectively diagnose and treat patients,” Powell said. “This bill would help ensure that costs facing patients are reduced and would provide better peace of mind on the path to recovery. The burden of scheduling additional doctor appointments would also be removed and save patients considerable time and money.” The bill has been referred to the PA House Insurance Committee. A related bill Powell has introduced would prohibit employers in Pennsylvania from denying medical benefits to workers who are on strike. That legislation is co-sponsored by state Rep. Dan Miller, D-Allegheny. Read more

 

Merski bill would ban misuse of artificial intelligence in campaigns

(Jun 11, 2024) Rep. Robert Merski

HARRISBURG, June 11 – State Rep. Bob Merski and colleagues have introduced legislation that would prohibit the misuse of generative artificial intelligence in campaigns. Merski, D-Erie, said he and several colleagues introduced H.B. 2353 to impose needed guardrails on the use of misleading digital content that jeopardizes the integrity of the electoral process. “The freedom to go into the voting booth and choose candidates who reflect our values and beliefs is at the very heart of our democracy,” Merski said. “But the proliferation of AI-generated ‘deepfakes’ impersonating public officials and political candidates to spread disinformation threatens to undermine the whole point of free and fair elections. “We have to act now to protect the sanctity of our elections by erecting sensible guardrails for how generative AI may be used in campaigns. Fourteen other states have already recognized the threat and passed legislation. It’s time for Pennsylvania to step up and do the same.” Merski said the bill would establish the Fraudulent Misrepresentation of a Candidate Prevention Act, which would create civil liability and potential court penalties for disseminating an AI-generated impersonation of a candidate within 90 days before an election that is designed to misrepresent their words, actions or beliefs. Addressing First Amendment concerns, Merski noted that Read more

 

Guzman praises new significant funds to be allocated for the Reading and Governor Mifflin School districts

(Jun 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 10 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today praised the House passage of H.B. 2370 that would ensure fairness in the way that public schools across the state are funded and help close the historical financial gaps for Reading and Governor Mifflin school districts, located within his legislative district. Guzman, who also serves as chair of the Central Pennsylvania Delegation, said that under the current proposal, Governor Mifflin School District would see an additional $19.6 million to address chronic underfunding and property tax relief over seven years, a boost of $4,670 per student, while the Reading School District would be welcoming an additional $271 million to address chronic underfunding and property tax relief over seven years, a boost of more than $15,000 per student. “This is a massive victory for the Reading and Governor Mifflin school districts and an immense satisfaction for me as legislator,” Guzman said. “This win comes as the outcome of relentless individual and collective efforts focused on addressing inequities in funding,” he added. “Not only we are providing equity to every single student in the state, but we are also reducing the taxpayer burden. This plan provides $3.7 billion in saving to taxpayers over seven years to public schools. “This bill also would make thorough adjustments to laws governing cyber charter schools The wins Read more

 

House passes bill to make significant changes to PA’s education funding system

(Jun 10, 2024) Rep. Peter G. Schweyer

HARRISBURG, June 10 – Pennsylvania House Education Committee Majority Chairman, Peter Schweyer, today issued the following statement on the House passage of legislation to significantly improve the school funding system: “Today, my colleagues in the House, in a bipartisan manner, passed a monumental bill that will change the way we fund education in Pennsylvania. A fair and equal education for every Pennsylvania child has been a top priority for me since I first became a legislator, and it has been my most important goal since becoming Chairman of the House Education Committee last year. “I am a very proud parent of two students in the Allentown School District. My oldest daughter attends William Allen High School and my youngest is just wrapping up her 7 th grade year at South Mountain Middle School. I know we have some amazing teachers giving their all to educate our children in ASD, but what I also know is that we are not spending nearly as much money on those students. “Just outside of Allentown is the East Penn School District in Emmaus. That district is doing some incredible work. I had a chance to tour the high school and the students are offered classes on architecture and engineering, with state of the art tools. Nothing in this legislation would take away any of the funding for East Penn students to have these opportunities. What the bill does is ensure that students in districts like Allentown can be Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation lauds passage of equitable school funding

(Jun 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation lauded by members of the House Philadelphia Delegation that would fundamentally change the way that school districts are funded in the state to meet the constitutional mandate of equitably funding schools. Read more

 

Mothers, maternal health advocates gather to support Postpartum Depression Awareness Act

(Jun 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Harrisburg, June 10 – A bill that would increase awareness of perinatal and postpartum depression and treatment options was a topic of discussion today as mothers and maternal health advocates rallied with members of the House on the bill’s importance and the House passed it. Introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Gina Curry, D-Delaware, and Lisa Borowski, D- Delaware, H.B. 2127 would empower the Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign to inform Pennsylvanians about the symptoms and effects of PPD. It also would direct the department to centralize access to organizations that provide counseling for PPD on their website and on fact sheets available in doctor’s offices. “New mothers deserve to feel supported, not alone, in the time before and after a new baby arrives. Our current lack of resources for perinatal depression effectively strips new mothers of agency in understanding their mental health,” Fiedler said. “Having widely available education materials on these conditions will empower new parents to support themselves and their babies. All women and pregnant people deserve the opportunity to prioritize their health, whether that means access to miscarriage management medication, abortion, or counselling for postpartum depression.” Fiedler said that PPD is distinct from what some call “baby blues,” feelings of sadness or anxiety that only Read more

 

Powell’s legislation to revitalize designated neighborhoods passes House

(Jun 10, 2024) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, June 10 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell’s bill that would help keep individuals and families in their homes passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. The legislation, H.B. 1064, would update the Tax Increment Financing Act and allow TIF districts to fund affordable housing, foreclosure and rental assistance, and workforce programs with funds collected from the implementation of the act. The bill would also increase the lifespan of TIF districts from 20 to 25 years, allowing more revenue generated from these projects to ensure development is equitable and to support homeowners who may be impacted by resulting property tax increases. “These commonsense changes to the TIF Act are investments not only in the economic health and viability of neighborhoods but are investments in our neighbors who call these communities home,” said Powell, D-Allegheny. “Strengthening our community bonds and supporting residents is a bipartisan issue, and I'm glad my colleagues on both sides recognized the need for these protections.” TIF districts are communities deemed “blighted” or “distressed” and coordinated through a partnership with a city and its respective county and school districts. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Central PA Delegation to host a rally on basic education funding

(Jun 07, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 7 – Leaders of the PA House Central Pennsylvania Delegation today announced that they will host a rally on Basic Education funding at Millersville University in coordination with PA Schools Work, a nonpartisan statewide movement that advocates on behalf of public schools. The event will emphasize the need to secure a $1.1 billion increase in Basic Education funding, as projected by Gov. Josh Shapiro in his 2024-25 budget proposal. The rally, that will be led by state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, chairman of the Central PA Delegation, will include the participation of students, teachers, legislators, lawyers, education advocates and community leaders, among others. WHAT : Rally on Basic Education Funding WHEN : 10 a.m. Thursday, June 13 WHERE : Millersville University , Pucillo Gymnasium (Parking Lot area),125 Pucillo, Dr., Millersville, PA 17551 Read more

 

Mayes, Curry bill to provide maternal and newborn supply kits passes PA House

(Jun 06, 2024) Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes, Rep. Gina H. Curry

HARRISBURG, June 6 – Building on their strong record of propelling initiatives aimed to assist Pennsylvania families, state Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, and state Rep. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, announced today that their legislation that would create a state program providing “Welcome Baby” kits to new moms and parents passed the Pennsylvania House. House Bill 2137 would establish a new state program to help ease the financial and emotional stress new moms and parents face by providing them with maternal and newborn supply kits and connecting them to additional support programs available at the state and county levels. “I believe that the arrival of a newborn should be a time of joy and hope, not stress and uncertainty,” said Mayes, D-Allegheny. “Our legislation would ensure that these families receive the support they need during this transformative time. “The Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit program addresses the social determinants of health like having a low income which can impact a person’s health outcomes. For new moms and parents, these kits are part an answer to combat the driving forces of maternal mortality and morbidity and a lifeline for struggling new families.” I stand firmly committed to advocating for policies that provide parents with the necessary resources to nurture their child from day one.” “Welcoming Read more

 

Haddock bill to protect food processing workers passes PA House

(Jun 06, 2024) Rep. Jim Haddock

“My proposal would help workers at meat packing and food processing facilities in Pennsylvania have an active role in safety on the job and receive proper training in the language they speak,” said Haddock. Read more

 

Neilson applauds Shapiro signature to enact SB 37 into state law

(Jun 05, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, State Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro as he signed S.B. 37, or “Paul Miller’s Law.” The bill, named after a Pennsylvania man who was tragically struck and killed by a distracted driver, would allow law enforcement to issue a ticket when a driver uses their cell phone while driving. “Today is a step toward mitigating a major safety issue when driving,” Neilson said. “Distracted driving has replaced driving while intoxicated as the most significant cause of accidents in Pennsylvania; I’m proud to work with my colleagues and thankful to Governor Shapiro for ensuring the safety of everyone who travels on Pennsylvania roads.” I n 2023, there were more than 11,262 distracted-driving crashes in 2023, compared to 8,330 alcohol-related crashes, according to PennDOT. Read more

 

Kim bill offering Pennie enrollees help for premiums passes House

(Jun 05, 2024) Rep. Patty Kim

HARRISBURG, June 5 – Pennsylvanians who buy health insurance through Pennie would receive financial assistance to help pay premiums under a bill that passed the House today. House Bill 2234 , introduced by House Insurance Committee Chair Patty Kim, would award financial assistance to Pennie customers to help pay their premiums. Pennie provides excellent health care coverage for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who fall outside of traditional work-related coverage options, Kim said, but many families still struggle to meet their deductibles or pay their premiums. “Pennie and the reinsurance program have been very successful – this past open enrollment period, a record 435,000 Pennsylvanians bought their health insurance through Pennie,” said Kim, D-Cumberland/Dauphin. “But many Pennsylvanians – especially those coming off Medicaid – cannot afford a Pennie plan. Many other Pennsylvanians technically have coverage through Pennie, but that coverage has a deductible in the thousands of dollars.” Additionally, more than two-thirds of uninsured people who applied for, but did not purchase, Pennie coverage said it was too expensive. Moreover, according to Federal Reserve data, 13% of adults are unable to pay a $400 unexpected expense at any given time – meaning many Pennie customers cannot afford their coverage. “House Bill 2234 has two goals in mind: Read more

 

Matzie lauds passage of ‘Max Manufacturing Initiative Act’ to boost industry through public-private partnerships

(Jun 05, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Rep. Rob Matzie lauded yesterday’s concurrence vote by the House that will send an innovative manufacturing bill to the governor’s desk. Speaking in support of S.B. 497 – which would establish the Max Manufacturing Initiative Act – Matzie said that by facilitating public-private partnerships, the bill would encourage investment in fields like advanced manufacturing, agriculture, medical technology and biotechnology to create jobs, spur innovation and attract new high-tech industries to the state. “In southwestern Pennsylvania, the regional impact will be significant,” Matzie said. “The potential for the University of Pittsburgh, the city of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Airport and private businesses to partner with each other in building the next wave of new manufacturing and technologies is limitless. “For our county, it means jobs, jobs, jobs. Good, stable, family-sustaining jobs that we often talk about but rarely have the opportunity to legislate. This is one of those opportunities.” Introduced by Sen. Devlin Robinson, the bill would make it easier for state universities to partner with industry by providing grants and loans to applicants engaged in advanced manufacturing. After the state Senate passed the bill in June 2023, the House passed the bill with amendments in December 2023. The Senate concurred in the House amendments earlier this year and added its own Read more

 

Parker and Hill-Evans’ menstrual equity legislation passes House

(Jun 05, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation authored by State Rep. Darisha Parker to establish a grant program for schools to provide free menstrual products to students on Tuesday passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “We have fought tirelessly for menstrual equity for women and girls in Pennsylvania and House Bill 851’s passage is a step closer to that goal,” Parker, D-Phila., said. “I never want another young girl entering womanhood to experience embarrassment or consider themselves as less than because of a natural biological process.” Parker said she was extremely motivated by the advocacy of Gov. Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro for menstrual equity in Pennsylvania, referring to Shapiro’s call for $3 million to provide menstrual products for students in his annual budget proposal. “I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped move Pennsylvania women forward by fighting for and passing menstrual hygiene legislation,” Parker said. “I want to thank my colleagues and advocates, especially Lynette Medley, founder of No More Secrets, who stood with me to advocate for women across the commonwealth, not just during menstrual awareness month or on Tampon Tuesday – but every day!” Parker said this bill will move to the state Senate Health and Human Services Committee as did her previous menstrual hygiene bill, House Bill 850. That bill would allow women who participate in Read more

 

Abney introduces bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs

(Jun 05, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would exclude one portion of a person’s potential revenue when determining their financial eligibility for senior prescription programs in Pennsylvania. Abney’s legislation ( H.B. 2378 ) would not count the total dollar amount, including face value and interest earned, of savings bonds as part of an older Pennsylvanian’s income when they apply for either the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly or PACE Needs Enhancement Tier, otherwise known as PACE and PACENET. “Ever rising prescription drug costs have resulted in many seniors cashing in their savings bonds in order to afford the medications they need on a daily basis,” Abney said. “Our older neighbors should not risk disqualification from PACE or PACENET coverage simply because such transactions take place, and my bill would help ensure they remain enrolled.” PACE is funded entirely by the Pennsylvania Lottery and has helped more than 1.6 million PA seniors pay for more than 360 million prescriptions. PACE and PACENET currently serve more than 250,000 older Pennsylvanians. The bill has been referred to the PA House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee. Read more

 

Solomon, Kenyatta urge colleagues to vote to hold elected officials accountable

(Jun 05, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Reps. Jared Solomon and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., stood together once again at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to demand accountability in government by advocating for their legislation, H.B. 485, to require elected officials in Pennsylvania convicted of a crime to resign upon conviction. “There’s an important distinction that needs to be addressed,” Solomon said. “A conviction should mean immediate resignation, not waiting for the appellate process to play out before we allow a convicted felon take any form of office.” The lawmakers introduced the legislation in previous years but said the recent conviction of former President Donald Trump on 34 felonies is a chance to call on their colleagues to set an example of integrity by voting for this legislation. Solomon and Kenyatta said that H.B. 485 is just one part of their packaged “Good Government” legislation written to help restore faith and trust and reduce skepticism amongst the general public. “We have a unique chance to restore hope in our democracy and show that anyone convicted of a felonious crime has no place in the Pennsylvania statehouse or any other level of government,” Kenyatta said. “When we are lucky enough to win elections, it means that the people have put their faith in us and expect us to uphold that to the highest standards; it’s time we honor that responsibility.” Read more

 

House passes Daley bill expanding mental health care training for school staff

(Jun 05, 2024) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

HARRISBURG, June 5 – A bill that would require high school coaches to receive training on student mental health passed the House Tuesday, announced the measure’s sponsor, state Rep. Mary Jo Daley. House Bill 1367 would help ensure that students, parents and guardians, athletic coaches and extracurricular advisers are all made aware of the availability of mental health services within a school and local community. The bill would also require that athletic coaches receive mental health awareness training similar to training required of other school personnel. A recent study surveying more than 10,000 coaches found only 18% of youth coaches feel highly confident in their ability to link athletes to mental health resources, and 67% want more training and information on the subject. “School professionals already serve a big role in a student’s life, so it only makes sense that we provide critical, lifesaving training to everyone we can on school grounds. For when things are not OK, we need to know that every adult is available to identify and take the steps to help a student find solid ground,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “It takes training to know when and how to be there for a student especially at a time when nearly half of America’s youth are, in fact, struggling with their mental health.” Specifically, the bill would: Direct the Pennsylvania Department of Education to revise standards for Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein’s legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians reported out of committee

(Jun 05, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia, announced that their bill, House Bill 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth, was reported out of House State Government Committee on Monday. “It is thanks to our immigrant communities that Pennsylvania is the dynamic economic and cultural powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “It is an incredible injustice that despite foreign-born workers comprising over 8% of our state’s workforce and paying $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes, they are scapegoated and bear the brunt of punitive policies that drive them from our state. But it is Pennsylvania that’s the biggest loser when this happens—losing skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers, and community leaders. “I am very glad that the House State Government Committee agreed there is need for an Office of New Pennsylvanians that would support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth,” he said. “Immigration is what makes Pennsylvania strong,” Hohenstein said. “Our collective ability to come together from all different backgrounds and perspectives for the betterment of the commonwealth is truly wonderful. That’s why it’s particularly unfortunate that so often our immigrant communities face the brunt of regressive and restrictive Read more

 

Mayes, McClinton join advocates to rally for passage of PA CROWN Act

(Jun 04, 2024) Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes

Call for state Senate to act on legislation to fight hair discrimination Read more

 

Rep. O’Mara and Taiwan Caucus chairs welcome Ambassador Lee from Taiwan to Harrisburg

(Jun 04, 2024) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

“Pennsylvania’s partnership with Taiwan has brought immense economic, cultural and social benefits to both sides. As we commemorate the 45-year anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and the adoption of House Resolution 439, we reaffirm our commitment to the values of democracy, mutual respect and shared success,” O’Mara said. Read more

 

Powell introduces bill requiring medical insurers to cover consultations between physicians
Jun 11, 2024

Merski bill would ban misuse of artificial intelligence in campaigns
Jun 11, 2024

Guzman praises new significant funds to be allocated for the Reading and Governor Mifflin School districts
Jun 10, 2024

House passes bill to make significant changes to PA’s education funding system
Jun 10, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation lauds passage of equitable school funding
Jun 10, 2024

Mothers, maternal health advocates gather to support Postpartum Depression Awareness Act
Jun 10, 2024

Powell’s legislation to revitalize designated neighborhoods passes House
Jun 10, 2024

Central PA Delegation to host a rally on basic education funding
Jun 07, 2024

Mayes, Curry bill to provide maternal and newborn supply kits passes PA House
Jun 06, 2024

Haddock bill to protect food processing workers passes PA House
Jun 06, 2024

Neilson applauds Shapiro signature to enact SB 37 into state law
Jun 05, 2024

Kim bill offering Pennie enrollees help for premiums passes House
Jun 05, 2024

Matzie lauds passage of ‘Max Manufacturing Initiative Act’ to boost industry through public-private partnerships
Jun 05, 2024

Parker and Hill-Evans’ menstrual equity legislation passes House
Jun 05, 2024

Abney introduces bill to help keep seniors eligible for state prescription programs
Jun 05, 2024

Solomon, Kenyatta urge colleagues to vote to hold elected officials accountable
Jun 05, 2024

House passes Daley bill expanding mental health care training for school staff
Jun 05, 2024

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein’s legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians reported out of committee
Jun 05, 2024

Mayes, McClinton join advocates to rally for passage of PA CROWN Act
Jun 04, 2024

Rep. O’Mara and Taiwan Caucus chairs welcome Ambassador Lee from Taiwan to Harrisburg
Jun 04, 2024