News Center

Pa. House panel examines consumer data privacy bill

(Sep 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Commerce Committee looked at House Bill 1201 aimed at protecting consumers’ digital privacy, allowing them to access their personal information that’s been collected, giving them legal rights to decline or opt out of the sale of their personal information and banning the sale of all private information for consumers under age 16.HB1201 sponsored by Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, would give the state attorney general authority to enforce a digital privacy law. Read more

 

Protecting Medicare Advantage

(Sep 06, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Affordable and high-quality health care for seniors and individuals with disabilities remains a big concern in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Pennsylvania working on plans to celebrate nation's 250th anniversary

(Sep 05, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We are trying to do something transformational,” said Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Philadelphia, a cosponsor of the law and committee member Tuesday. He said the celebration can shape how we look at Pennsylvania’s past, its present in 2026 and future in decades to come. Read more

 

Pa. lawmakers consider moving up state’s presidential primary date

(Sep 05, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania is a pivotal battleground state and moving up the primary election will provide Pennsylvanians the political weight we deserve by giving us a voice earlier in the process,” Solomon said. “At the same time, Jewish Pennsylvanians shouldn’t have to choose between celebrating Passover and going to the polls.Kenyatta added that April 2 is also the presidential primary date for Wisconsin, “another battleground,” and neighboring Delaware and New York. Read more

 

Pennsylvania’s 2024 presidential primary could move to as early as March 19

(Sep 05, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D., Philadelphia) introduced a proposal with Rep. Jared Solomon (D., Philadelphia) to move the primary to April 2. This is the earliest that the state could move the election while still allowing candidates to begin collecting petitions to get on the ballot after the Christmas holiday. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation advancing eviction reform

(Aug 30, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 30 – In response to a series of violent incidents involving landlord-tenant officers taking place in the city, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today said the organization has been working hand in hand with the House Housing and Community Development Committee to help end the practice of private contractors performing eviction services. As part of this collaboration, both organizations held a public hearing Tuesday in the Philadelphia City Council Chambers on proposed reforms regarding landlord and tenant officers and evictions. Rep. Morgan Cephas, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, explained that a vital concern is that the eviction services are executed by people without the proper training, and carrying guns. “Moving forward there needs to be accountability and transparency with an agency that is responsible to the citizens of Philadelphia,” Cephas said. “We are determined to take this task away from the unaccountable, private entities. “We respect the need for landlords to run their business and receive their payments in a timely manner. However, the need for compassionate, respectful interaction with tenants was made obvious in the hearing,” she added. Rep. Mike Sturla, chair of the PA House Housing and Community Development Committee, highlighted that when it comes to housing it is important to look at the Read more

 

Testifiers detail opportunities for passenger rail expansion in Pennsylvania

(Aug 30, 2023) Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski, Rep. Kyle T. Donahue, Policy Committee

Testifiers detailed potential projects for the House Majority Policy Committee during a hearing Wednesday morning to discuss the importance of passenger rail in Pennsylvania, and what leaders can do to get the commonwealth back on track. Read more

 

Mullins introduces legislation to expand much-needed access to dental care

(Aug 29, 2023) Rep. Kyle Mullins

“There’s a growing body of evidence showing that poor oral health is tied to several serious health conditions, which is why I’m concerned that many Pennsylvanians are going without the dental care they desperately need,” Mullins said. “In many parts of the state, there simply are not enough dentists and dental hygienists to meet the demand for services. If passed, this bill would be an important step forward in addressing our dental workforce shortages.” Read more

 

Policy Committee shines spotlight on career and technical education

(Aug 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Technical education continues to experience growth throughout Pennsylvania, but the increase in students has still not met the demands for skilled workers in our economy,” said Rep. Jim Haddock, who hosted the hearing and is a graduate of Wilkes-Barre Vo Tech. “We heard testimony about the millions of well-paying unfilled technical jobs in our workforce, and we also heard how introducing younger students – in middle school – to career and technical education could help fill gaps in our workforce. It not only builds interest in these fields at a younger age, but it helps end the stigma of not attending a traditional four-year college.” Read more

 

Policy Committee highlights supply chain solutions

(Aug 28, 2023) Rep. Kyle Mullins, Policy Committee

“In the wake of the pandemic, supply chain disruptions dominated the news,” roundtable host state Rep. Kyle Mullins said. “Today, we had a firsthand look at the local operation of a national leader that delivers to nearly every ZIP code in the United States. We also continued the conversation about how the supply chain has improved since the first days of 2020 and the positive effects distribution centers can have on a state or regional economy.” Read more

 

Cephas laments 40 percent increase in severe maternal morbidity

(Aug 24, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 24 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas lamented that a report released today by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council shows an alarming 40% increase in severe maternal morbidity rates in the state. The PHC4 report indicates a rise in severe maternal morbidity among patients hospitalized in Pennsylvania for a delivery from 2016 through 2022. Severe maternal morbidity includes sudden outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant consequences to a woman’s health. “I am overly concerned about this report because it clearly states that we have not done enough to protect women’s health in Pennsylvania,” Cephas said. “We have tirelessly worked to advance legislation aimed at preventing maternal morbidity, but we must do more,” said Cephas, former chair of the Women’s Health Caucus who has championed this issue for years. Cephas, chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, said that in order to improve maternal and pregnancy results it is necessary to emphasize prevention, early diagnosis and treatment. “Maternal morbidity can affect any woman regardless their ZIP Code, but I want to point out that not all women in the commonwealth have the means to access good, unbiased, maternal health care. According to the report, women insured by Medicaid and who live in areas with poverty rates over 25% are impacted the most,” she said, adding that Read more

 

Frankel hails fracking studies as the ‘beginning of an overdue conversation’

(Aug 16, 2023) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

“Some folks will act like environmental research is bad for business and bad for Pennsylvania’s economy. But, no – it’s pollution that’s bad for business. It’s poor health outcomes that are bad for business,” Frankel said. “Let’s get every ounce of information that we can and use it to protect our constituents.” Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz will lead rally to push passage of Educator Certification bill

(Aug 15, 2023) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Cepeda-Freytiz said passing the proposal would expand essential access to teacher certification and open opportunities for quality teachers who are non-US. citizens. Read more

 

Addressing the use of AI in the health insurance claims process

(Aug 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Venkat will introduce legislation to disclose the use of AI algorithms in health care claim evaluations, define such algorithms to subject them to current laws and regulations related to clinical evidence, and require specialized health care professionals that review claims and rely upon initial AI algorithms to document their review of the records and data prior to their individualized documented decision to deny a claim. Read more

 

House Majority Policy Committee holds hearing on business diversity

(Aug 11, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The region, state and nation is better served – and only capable of reaching its economic potential – when all parties have a seat at the table," Policy Chairman Representative Ryan Bizzarro said. Read more

 

Merski: America250PA committee hears testimony on local projects proposed for nation’s Semiquincentennial

(Aug 10, 2023) Rep. Robert Merski

“I’m honored to sit on the committee, and I was inspired by testimony we heard today about proposed projects here at home and in surrounding regions, from interpreting the history of Three Forts Presque Isle, to bringing Wi-Fi connectivity to the Erie Zoo, to projects that highlight the rich historical culture that Grove City has to offer in our area," Merski said. Read more

 

Kim joins Shapiro for Property Tax/Rent Rebate expansion bill signing

(Aug 10, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 10 – House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee majority chair, state Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro at the West Shore Senior Center in New Cumberland for the ceremonial signing of H.B. 1100. The new law expands the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to nearly 175,000 more Pennsylvania seniors and people with disabilities and doubles rebates for many of the 400,000 people who already qualify. A co-prime sponsor of H.B. 1100, Kim said that the bill delivers the largest targeted tax break for Pennsylvania seniors in nearly two decades. The new income limits and increased rebates from Act 7 of 2023 will be used when the 2024 program opens. “As majority chair of the Aging & Older Adult Services Committee, I’ve heard from many Pennsylvania seniors and individuals with disabilities about how important it is for them to stay in their homes for their health and sense of wellbeing,” Kim said. “The PTRR expansion will provide a critical financial lifeline to members of our families, friends and neighbors that will help enable them to keep up with the cost of living.” Act 7 of 2023 will increase the income limit to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters and raise the maximum rebate amount from $650 to $1,000. The overwhelmingly bipartisan passage of the law marks the first time the program has been updated since 2006 and the first time since 2009 that the income limits to qualify for Read more

 

Policy hearing highlights how diversity strengthens supply chain

(Aug 09, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Expanding diversity within the supply chain not only improves economic possibilities, but it also has the ability to enhance the quality of life within our communities,” said Rep. Aerion Abney, who represents a portion of Allegheny County and hosted the hearing. “If we embrace diversity in the supply chain, what we are really embracing is a stronger supply chain less susceptible to disruptions and a more secure economic future.” Read more

 

Gergely leads Policy Committee hearing on public safety at Kennywood

(Aug 08, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

WEST MIFFLIN, Aug. 8 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, presided over a meeting of the PA House Democratic Policy Committee yesterday at Kennywood that focused on maintaining and promoting public safety. Testimony was provided by West Mifflin Borough Police Department Chief Gregory McCulloch and Flock Safety Director of Sales Rick Lombardo. “We heard from law enforcement and a community organizer on the best way to build neighborhood safety and reduce crime rates,” Gergely said. “These partnerships can be advanced through technology, including plate-reading devices in neighborhoods, but the foundation for all of this remains building relationships between police officers and residents. The community involvement aspect of this issue cannot be overstated.” Nearly one year ago, three individuals were wounded during a shooting that took place inside Kennywood. The park was set to close for an indefinite period of time, until updated and additional safety protocols could be put in place. Thanks to the efforts of Gergely, members of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation and others, the needed measures were implemented, and Kennywood opened for its 125th season this year. Read more

 

House Majority Policy Committee talks organ donation, education during roundtable discussion

(Aug 08, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Majority Policy Committee hosted a roundtable discussion Tuesday morning to discuss the importance of organ donation and education, along with finding ways to increase opportunities to register as a donor. Read more

 

Pa. House panel examines consumer data privacy bill
Sep 07, 2023

Protecting Medicare Advantage
Sep 06, 2023

Pennsylvania working on plans to celebrate nation's 250th anniversary
Sep 05, 2023

Pa. lawmakers consider moving up state’s presidential primary date
Sep 05, 2023

Pennsylvania’s 2024 presidential primary could move to as early as March 19
Sep 05, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation advancing eviction reform
Aug 30, 2023

Testifiers detail opportunities for passenger rail expansion in Pennsylvania
Aug 30, 2023

Mullins introduces legislation to expand much-needed access to dental care
Aug 29, 2023

Policy Committee shines spotlight on career and technical education
Aug 29, 2023

Policy Committee highlights supply chain solutions
Aug 28, 2023

Cephas laments 40 percent increase in severe maternal morbidity
Aug 24, 2023

Frankel hails fracking studies as the ‘beginning of an overdue conversation’
Aug 16, 2023

Cepeda-Freytiz will lead rally to push passage of Educator Certification bill
Aug 15, 2023

Addressing the use of AI in the health insurance claims process
Aug 14, 2023

House Majority Policy Committee holds hearing on business diversity
Aug 11, 2023

Merski: America250PA committee hears testimony on local projects proposed for nation’s Semiquincentennial
Aug 10, 2023

Kim joins Shapiro for Property Tax/Rent Rebate expansion bill signing
Aug 10, 2023

Policy hearing highlights how diversity strengthens supply chain
Aug 09, 2023

Gergely leads Policy Committee hearing on public safety at Kennywood
Aug 08, 2023

House Majority Policy Committee talks organ donation, education during roundtable discussion
Aug 08, 2023