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Powell signs on as primary sponsor of legislation to decrease displacement & gentrification through tax increment financing

(Feb 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has signed on as the sponsor of a bill that would utilize tax increment financing dollars for keeping individuals and families in their homes in TIF-designated districts. The legislation, H.B. 1064 , would update the Tax Increment Financing Act and allow designated districts to fund affordable housing, foreclosure and rental assistance, and workforce programs with TIF dollars. The bill would also increase the lifespan of TIF districts from 20 to 25 years and convert more of such collected monies into projects aimed at the measures outlined above. “TIFs have been an integral component of revitalizing economically distressed areas. Funding for anti-displacement activities, however, have never been allowable costs under prior TIF guidelines,” Powell said. “While we’ve seen areas rebound as a result of this program, long-time neighborhood residents have lost their homes because of resulting increases in property values and taxes. My amendment aims to prevent those consequences in future TIF districts. “These are commonsense changes to the program that should garner bipartisan support,” Powell continued. “From speaking with residents, community organizations and partners in the public and private sectors, we all want to see our region thrive. This legislation would make TIF districts more effective and equitable.” House Bill 1064 was originally Read more

 

Testifiers highlight need to protect consumers from misleading contracts

(Feb 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Majority Policy Committee met Monday morning to gather testimony on what can be done to better protect Pennsylvanians from entering misleading, confusing contracts. Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to reform educational tax credit programs

(Feb 23, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 23 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today introduced House Bill 2063 which would reform the commonwealth’s educational tax credit programs, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit, to ensure they are better serving those who need them. According to Ciresi, although funding for Pennsylvania’s educational tax credit programs has increased significantly over the past few decades, there has been little oversight to determine their effectiveness or how the money is spent, which has resulted in those in need not getting necessary assistance. “The state has awarded billions of dollars in state tax credits for private and religious school vouchers, but because of how the programs have been set up, it’s been difficult to determine their success and whether the money has been spent properly,” Ciresi said. “My legislation would reform our educational tax credit programs and ensure this money is serving its intended purpose by refocusing the programs on those truly in need of assistance, freeing up more money for scholarships, closing loopholes that have diverted money from students, and expanding data collection.” Ciresi’s legislation would seek to implement multiple recommendations that the Independent Fiscal Office made in 2022 after reviewing the programs’ operations. First, the IFO found that statutory limits on the programs’ data available Read more

 

Munroe to introduce bill to combat elder financial exploitation

(Feb 23, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

WARMINSTER, Feb. 23 – State Rep. Brian Munroe introduced a bill today that would equip financial institutions and fiduciaries with the necessary tools to identify, report and prevent the financial exploitation of older adults and care dependent individuals. Munroe said the legislation is personal to him because his mother was recently defrauded even though her bank was fully aware of the transaction. “If this could happen to my mother, it can happen to anyone’s loved ones,” Munroe said. “Prior to this happening to my mother, I saw similar crimes committed countless times during my tenure as a Radnor Township police officer.” Financial exploitation is one of the most prevalent forms of elder abuse in the nation; yet it remains grossly underreported. Left unchecked, elder people remain vulnerable to the continued misuse of powers of attorney, unauthorized cash withdrawals, financial scams and check and credit card fraud. These losses are often unrecoverable, frequently resulting in the elder being forced to rely on public assistance for their most basic needs. Munroe said legal clarity will be included in the legislation to assist these financial institutions in reporting and preventing financial exploitation, as will the authority to share information with state investigators, law enforcement and other older adult protective services. Together, Read more

 

FAFSA changes focus of latest House Majority Policy hearing

(Feb 21, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and its impact on students was the subject of Wednesday’s House Majority Policy Committee hearing, hosted by Rep. Melissa Cerrato (D-Montgomery). Read more

 

State lawmakers offer support for Pennsylvania’s Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their service

(Feb 21, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 21 – Today, state lawmakers introduced legislation that would create a task force on Agent Orange -- a blend of herbicides used during the Vietnam War. Agent Orange was banned when evidence of the harmful and sometimes deadly results of exposure to it began to emerge. Those who were exposed to Agent Orange are at risk of developing cancers, neurological and psychological conditions, and other long-term effects to the skin and heart. Exposure to Agent Orange can also cause reproductive health problems and birth defects in the children of veterans, including spina bifida, hip dysplasia, and congenital heart disease. The task force would comprise several members of military organizations and members of the PA House and PA Senate to investigate and form recommendations on how best to communicate with veterans affected by Agent Orange concerning the treatment options available to them. This bipartisan legislation was introduced by state Reps. Paul Takac, D-Centre; Mike Cabell, R-Luzerne; Brian Munroe, D-Bucks; Dane Watro, R-Schuylkill/Luzerne; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; Zachary Mako, R-Northampton/Lehigh; Chris Pielli, D-Chester; and Abby Major, R-Armstrong/Westmoreland. “We owe all those who have served our country, especially those who have been harmed as a result of their service, not only our profound respect and gratitude but an enduring commitment to serve and support them and their families. That, Read more

 

Committee hearing focuses on improving public transportation

(Feb 20, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Public transportation is a critical lifeline for residents in my district, it is the one thing that connects us as a community,” said Rep. Waxman, who requested and hosted the hearing. “What makes my district in Philadelphia unique is we have more residents that rely on public transit to get to work and their daily needs like doctor appointments, but we also have one of the most active districts for visitors traveling into our district through public transportation.” Read more

 

Guzman welcomes state funding for local fire, EMS companies

(Feb 16, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, Feb. 16 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced $63,325 in state funding to improve services of fire and EMS agencies in the 127 th Legislative District that he serves. The grants come from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner. “The safety and peace of mind of our community relies on local first responders. Funding these agencies is crucial and this is certainly one of my priorities,” Guzman said. “I will continue advocating to ensure that local fire companies and EMS providers are efficiently funded.” The grants were awarded to: Kenhorst Volunteer Fire Company No 1. - $14,423. Keystone Fire Co No 1 of Shillington - $16,951. City of Reading Dept of Fire and Rescue Services / Fire - $16,951. City of Reading Dept of Fire and Rescue Services/ EMS - $15,000. Act 91 of 2020 authorized the Fire Company and Medical Services Grant Program until June 30. Recently, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed increasing the program’s funding to $60 million. Read more

 

PA House, Senate Dem Policy Committees convene joint hearing on eviction sealing

(Feb 15, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Pennsylvania House and Senate Democratic Policy Committees teamed up for a joint hearing Thursday morning to gather testimony on the need for eviction sealing in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises expanded state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit

(Feb 15, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation held a news conference at the Early Learning Literacy Academy highlighting the expansion of the state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. Read more

 

House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on community solar bill

(Feb 15, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

“Having an all-energy portfolio that isn’t reliant on a single source is important for PA’s energy independence and for ensuring that we continue to export energy now and in the decades to come," Matzie said. "But, as with all legislation we review, our committee is going to act deliberately and carefully, getting a dialogue moving and ensuring that any legislation we advance is crafted to protect PA consumers.” Read more

 

The choice for is clear for educating our children, we need to go big

(Feb 14, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Please know we are not seeking more money for our schools just for the sake of getting more money. What we are doing is fulfilling the obligation in the Pennsylvania Constitution for all children to receive a quality education. Read more

 

Lawmakers discuss future of artificial intelligence during House Majority Policy hearing

(Feb 13, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Artificial intelligence was the topic of vast discussion at a House Majority Policy Committee hearing Tuesday morning, including how it’s already impacting everyday life and what comes next. Read more

 

Health Committee OKs Kosierowski medical test results measure

(Feb 12, 2024) Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski

The state House Health Committee recently approved a bill written by Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski that would balance a patient’s right to access their health information with the important role that medical professionals provide in helping patients understand their test results. Read more

 

Pisciottano introduces bill to fight corporate greed

(Feb 09, 2024) Rep. Nick Pisciottano

Open Markets Act would protect consumers, workers and small businesses Read more

 

Kinkead introduces resolution to recognize International Day of Women and Girls in Science

(Feb 09, 2024) Rep. Emily Kinkead

“Celebrating women scientists like Rachel Carson, Marie Curie and Hedy Lamarr is essential to inspiring the next generation of women leaders in STEM,” Kinkead said. “Establishing the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in our state would provide a great opportunity to highlight the significant contributions women have made to the field, which continue to be undermined and ignored. We need to do more to make women and especially young girls feel welcome and included in this field and that’s what this resolution is all about.” Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz applauds governor’s 2024-25 state budget proposal

(Feb 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, today praised Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 state budget and emphasized that the spending plan excludes new tax hikes. Cepeda-Freytiz said she is particularly excited for the proposed investments in education, mental health and small, disadvantaged businesses. “This budget invests in education at every level. We are talking about the largest increase in K-12 basic education funding in Pennsylvania history,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “I hail the $1.1 billion increase in basic education subsidies and significant funding for special education, school safety improvements, and universal free breakfast for 1.7 million students it calls for,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “I applaud the inclusion of feminine hygiene products at no cost to students. The overall allocations for education would certainly help address decades of disinvestment in this area,” she added. The legislator highlighted that Shapiro continues to support mental health services by proposing investing $10 million for 988 crisis line operations to boost Pennsylvania’s crisis intervention services, among other provisions. “Our community is experiencing challenging times when it comes to mental health,” she said. “I am proud to say that I, along with my colleagues, secured $100 million in the current budget Read more

 

Speaker McClinton, Rep. Davis celebrate expansion of PA’s Childcare tax credit

(Feb 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

BRISTOL, Feb. 8 – House Speaker Joanna McClinton traveled to Growing Little Footprints Daycare Center in Bucks County today to laud the expansion of Pennsylvania’s Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, an initiative championed by state Rep. Tina Davis of Bucks County. McClinton and Davis were joined by state Sen. Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks, state Rep. Brian Munroe, D-Bucks, state Rep. Tim Brennan D-Bucks, Valerie Hamilton, owner and director, Children of God Educational Services and Dan O’Brien, Policy Manager, Education and Family Stability, Children First. Beginning this year, families and caregivers will be able to claim the equivalent of the entire federal credit, giving families the opportunity to claim up to $1,050 for one child, or $2,100 for two or more children. At least 80 percent of households in Bucks County who pay expenses for childcare or dependent care are eligible for this credit. Davis initially introduced the credit as H.B. 1259 , which passed the House with a bipartisan majority on June 12. While legislation awaited consideration in the Senate, Davis helped to amend the language of the bill into the state’s Fiscal Code bill, which passed in December. “One of the biggest challenges working parents face is finding affordable childcare they can depend on while they’re at work – especially when the average cost can be over $1,000 per Read more

 

Salisbury supports governor’s budget proposals to bolster education, infrastructure, historically disadvantaged small businesses

(Feb 08, 2024) Rep. Abigail Salisbury

“Many of the governor’s proposals resonated with me, including his proposals for greater investment in our public schools and in our historically disadvantaged small businesses," Salisbury said. Read more

 

In a united front, state reps highlight new Pennsylvania budget priorities

(Feb 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

With major increases in funding for education and SEPTA, without any tax hikes, members of the Philadelphia House delegation laid out the major aspirations of Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Read more

 

Powell signs on as primary sponsor of legislation to decrease displacement & gentrification through tax increment financing
Feb 26, 2024

Testifiers highlight need to protect consumers from misleading contracts
Feb 26, 2024

Ciresi introduces legislation to reform educational tax credit programs
Feb 23, 2024

Munroe to introduce bill to combat elder financial exploitation
Feb 23, 2024

FAFSA changes focus of latest House Majority Policy hearing
Feb 21, 2024

State lawmakers offer support for Pennsylvania’s Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their service
Feb 21, 2024

Committee hearing focuses on improving public transportation
Feb 20, 2024

Guzman welcomes state funding for local fire, EMS companies
Feb 16, 2024

PA House, Senate Dem Policy Committees convene joint hearing on eviction sealing
Feb 15, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation praises expanded state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit
Feb 15, 2024

House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on community solar bill
Feb 15, 2024

The choice for is clear for educating our children, we need to go big
Feb 14, 2024

Lawmakers discuss future of artificial intelligence during House Majority Policy hearing
Feb 13, 2024

Health Committee OKs Kosierowski medical test results measure
Feb 12, 2024

Pisciottano introduces bill to fight corporate greed
Feb 09, 2024

Kinkead introduces resolution to recognize International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Feb 09, 2024

Cepeda-Freytiz applauds governor’s 2024-25 state budget proposal
Feb 08, 2024

Speaker McClinton, Rep. Davis celebrate expansion of PA’s Childcare tax credit
Feb 08, 2024

Salisbury supports governor’s budget proposals to bolster education, infrastructure, historically disadvantaged small businesses
Feb 08, 2024

In a united front, state reps highlight new Pennsylvania budget priorities
Feb 08, 2024