Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

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Ciresi announces opposition to Trump executive order neutering state laws regulating AI industry

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced his opposition to President Donald Trump’s executive order which would override states’ authority to regulate artificial intelligence. Ciresi serves as the majority chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee. According to The New York Times , the order gives the U.S. attorney general immense authority to sue states and overturn laws that the Administration views as not in alignment with its goal of global domination of the AI industry. Trump has directed federal regulators to withhold funds for broadband and other projects if states keep their laws in place. Trump’s argument is that his order would provide a federal regulatory framework that would override the patchwork of state regulations that might limit technological innovation and give China a competitive edge, according to The Hill . Some critics contend that Trump’s order is a “carve-out for Big Tech” as it both fails to offer a strong national standard on AI regulations and blocks states from regulating the technology. The Trump executive order is the latest move in Washington to limit regulation of AI, including the president’s previous executive orders allowing access to federal data and making it easier for companies to build AI infrastructure. Congressional Republicans have twice this year tried to pass moratoriums on state AI laws, with both efforts Read more

Legislators announce $408,500 investment in community revitalization projects in Delaware County

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – The PA House Democratic Delaware County Delegation today announced the approval of $408,500 through the Neighborhood Assistance Program to help low-income people and communities and improve distressed areas in Delaware County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through the NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95% on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. “Nearly 90 organizations in our region have been selected for funding through the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, said. “These groups work tirelessly to serve our neighbors and strengthen our communities. I’m proud to partner with many of these groups on projects that provide food, job training, and healthcare to so many of our neighbors.” “This investment through the Neighborhood Assistance Program will make a real difference for families and neighborhoods across Delaware County,” said Rep. Leanne Krueger. “These funds will strengthen our communities and improve quality of life, and I’m proud to support programs that ensure resources reach the neighborhoods that need them most.” “These public-private partnerships are a concrete way for our local businesses to give back to our communities AND reap the economic dividends from these investments in Read more

Kosierowski announces over $1.3 million investment for community improvement programs

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, DEC. 16 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski today announced the approval of over $1.3 million from the Neighborhood Assistance Program to help low-income people and communities and improve distressed areas in Lackawanna County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95 percent on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. “Thanks to NAP’s tax credits, these public-private partnerships in Lackawanna County will address pressing socio-economic problems like blight, food insecurity, mental illness, domestic violence and workforce development,” Kosierowski said. “This money will aid those in need, building up our communities. I am grateful to the Shapiro administration for its financial support of Lackawanna County and its faith in our future. I will continue to advocate for more dollars to be allocated for projects in our district.” The following programs received Neighborhood Assistance Program funding: $95,000 for NeighborWorks to help fight blight and improve infrastructure in West Scranton by funding 30 residential façade improvements, hosting free community events, and training 7 resident leaders. $45,000 for Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA to help renovate ACE's Scranton Pre-K facility by leveling the floors on the third floor to prepare the site for Read more

House Communications & Technology Committee holds hearing on bill to establish guardrails for AI use in health care

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – In the wake of last week’s Trump executive order limiting state authority over artificial intelligence, the Pennsylvania House Communications & Technology Committee, chaired by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, held a hearing emphasizing the need for state regulations despite the federal push to deregulate the emerging technology. The committee considered legislation (H.B. 1925) that would establish guardrails for the use of AI in the health care industry. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by state Reps. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, Joe Hogan, R-Bucks, Tarik Khan, D-Phila., Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery. Venkat is a medical doctor, both Khan and Kosierowski are nurses, and Scott is an EMT. “As AI becomes an increasingly common part of our lives, it offers tremendous potential benefits, but we also need safeguards to protect the public from its misuse,” Ciresi said. “This hearing focused on striking that balance -- ensuring the technology is deployed responsibly with patient care as the priority. Putting the patient first means that important health care and insurance decisions, including prior authorization, must be driven by qualified human decision-makers who consider each patient’s individual circumstances, not just AI algorithms.” The legislation would establish rules for health care providers, insurers, and Medical Assistance and Children’s Health Read more

Scott: Montgomery County receives over $2 million to fund crisis, addiction, and victim support programs

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NORRISTOWN, Dec. 16 – State Rep. Greg Scott announced today that more than $2 million in new grant funding is being awarded to 10 programs headquartered in Conshohocken, Norristown, and Plymouth Township. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and is concentrated on programs that support crisis intervention, drug and alcohol recovery, and victim advocacy and trauma support. “These programs already do our community a great service by providing critical resources to people in crisis due to past trauma, crime, mental health issues, or drug reliance,” Scott said. “These grants will bolster Montgomery County’s network of crisis resources by expanding and strengthening their services and broadening their reach. It is imperative that funds like these bolster such essential programs, and I’m proud to see this investment in our district.” The following grant amounts were awarded in Legislative District 54: $500,000 to Gaudenzia Addiction & Recovery Services, for their One-Stop-Shop Initiative. $426,365 to the county commissioners to bolster services for crime survivors. $382,284 for the Montgomery County Commissioners’ office to expand the Recovery and Reentry Supports Program. $199,800 to the county commissioners to expand the Montgomery County Correctional Facility’s Read more

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $4.7 million to support community projects in Lancaster County

(1 day ago) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Dec. 16 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced the approval of over $4.7 million from the Neighborhood Assistance Program to help low-income people and communities and improve distressed areas in Lancaster County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Through NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95 percent on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. “Thanks to NAP’s tax credits, our local businesses are investing in projects that will empower residents and energize our communities,” Smith-Wade-El said. “These public-private partnerships will go a long way to helping to address persistent socio-economic problems like the lack of affordable housing, food insecurity, workforce development, blight and public safety in Lancaster.” “NAP’s tax credits are a game changer for Lancaster County’s businesses and communities,” Rivera said. “They will help build up our communities, which in turn will drive our local economy. I am grateful to the Shapiro administration for its financial support of Lancaster County, and its faith in our future. I will continue to advocate for more dollars to be allocated for Lancaster-based projects.” The following programs received Charitable Food Program funding: $1,864,200 to Blessings of Hope to support its Read more

Burns bill to cut red tape for traveling physicians signed by governor

(Dec 15, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Gov. Josh Shapiro today ceremoniously signed a bipartisan bill, sponsored by state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, designed to help Pennsylvania attract world-class sporting events by streamlining the process for teams bringing traveling physicians to their games. Read more

Philadelphia House Delegation condemns antisemitic violence on eve of Hanukkah

(Dec 15, 2025) Philadelphia House Delegation

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 15 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation offered condolences today to the families of the victims and those injured in the antisemitic gun attack in Sydney, Australia, which occurred on the eve of Hanukkah. Read more

Krajewski: The ACF is right, we must stop stealing from foster youth

(Dec 12, 2025) Rep. Rick Krajewski

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 12 – Today, state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., released the following statement, supporting the Office of Administration for Children and Families’ recent call to protect foster youth’s benefits and urging the passage of H.B. 151 . "Earlier this week, the Office of Administration for Children and Families sent an official letter to governors across America calling for an end to the rampant practice of local and state agencies intercepting foster youth's Social Security benefits. "This is a powerful victory and clear mandate for action. For the last two sessions, my colleague Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R-Cumberland, and I have sponsored bipartisan legislation to protect foster children's public benefits. Following the lead of 11 states, red and blue, our legislation would ensure that young people's benefits are preserved in a savings account until they exit care. "This is not about ideology, or party. This is about fairness. These benefits belong to young people. Just as other foster children do not pay for their own costs of care or other county services, children who receive public benefits should not either. As the cost of food, housing and education remains sky high, it is unthinkable that our commonwealth would continue to steal from some of the most vulnerable young people. "Our legislation – H.B. 151 – represents a plan, carefully developed in Read more

Ciresi applauds removal of lifetime caps for assistive technology

(Dec 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today applauded the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ removal of lifetime caps for assistive technology, an achievement he has long championed. DHS removed the $10,000 lifetime limit and replaced it with a $3,000 annual limit in the Consolidated Waiver to support Pennsylvanians’ use of Assisted Technology. “The long, outdated limit hadn’t kept up with the times—either with technology or inflation—and so posed a big obstacle to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who use assistive technology to allow them to live more independent, safe and fulfilling lives,” Ciresi said. “As a legislator, I’ve voted to lift outdated caps like with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and the cost-of-living adjustment for long-retired public school teachers, and likewise I was an outspoken advocate in Harrisburg for the urgent necessity of removing the outdated cap on assistive technology. I am thrilled for the people in our communities who will now be able to get the technology they need.” During the public comment period on this proposed change in May, Ciresi joined state Rep. Joe Hohenstein and staff members from service provider KenCrest to discuss how SMART homes can help more people with disabilities live independently. Read more

Legislators announce nearly $3.5 million investment in public safety programs in Delaware County

(Dec 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – The PA House Democratic Delaware County Delegation today announced nearly 3.5 million in state grant funding to support crime victims, children, and justice-involved people with substance use disorders, while strengthening local justice system services throughout Delaware County. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “When we invest in public safety, we make our communities stronger and healthier,” said Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “Resources for crime victims, programs for people with substance use disorders, and community initiatives to reduce gun violence are among the most effective ways we can work together to tackle violence in our state and community. These PCCD grants will go a long way toward creating a safer, healthier place to live.” “When we invest in trauma services, victim supports, and treatment programs, we’re investing in safer, healthier communities,” said state Rep. Leanne Kreuger, D-Delaware, said. “These grants will ensure that individuals and families in crisis have access to real, effective help. I’m grateful to all of our community partners whose dedication makes this work possible.” “These wise investments will provide a better future for some of our county’s most vulnerable,” said state Rep. Carol Kazeem. “From expanding trauma services and substance Read more

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District

(Dec 11, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Philadelphia Who May Apply: Community Development Corporations, economic development organizations and redevelopment authorities, business improvement districts/neighborhood improvement districts, non-profit organizations with a 501(c) designation, the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia. Any eligible organization must be located in Philadelphia. Use: Economic development projects, neighborhood revitalization projects, community improvement projects, projects in the public interest. Any eligible project must be located in Philadelphia. Funds: Grant amounts will vary based on the specific project requirements but are limited to a minimum request/award of $10,000 and a maximum request/award of $500,000. Application Deadline: January 31, 2026 More information: DCED Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis Read more

Kosierowski announces over $1.5 million investment for programs supporting children and women

(Dec 11, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, DEC. 11 – State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski today announced over $1.5 million in state grants to support crime victims, young children and justice-involved individuals with substance abuse disorders, reduce crimes against women, train mental health professionals and bolster local justice system services throughout Lackawanna County. The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency . “These grants will provide needed resources to programs that support some of our county’s most vulnerable—from crime victims to vulnerable children to individuals in the justice system with substance use disorders,” Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, said. “These grant awards are case examples of state funding providing for the public good.” The state investments announced today for Lackawanna County are: $50,000 to the Children's Advocacy Center of Northeastern PA to continue providing Children’s Advocacy Center services to a four-county service area in Northeastern Pennsylvania. $180,000 to Lackawanna County commissioners to provide certified recovery supports to individuals at the Lackawanna County Prison and upon release to the community. $494,530 to Geisinger Clinic to implement “Project PATH -Partnership for Access, Treatment, and Health for Justice-Involved Individuals with substance use disorders.” $125,000 to Lackawanna Women’s Resource Center for program to help reduce Read more

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $1.2M in state grants for community services

(Dec 11, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Dec. 11 -- State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El and Nikki Rivera, both D-Lancaster, today announced $1,227,352 in state grants was awarded to support crime victims, young children, justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders, and firearm suicide prevention in Lancaster County. “This smart use of state funding will go far into providing lifelines to our residents, from helping to prevent firearm suicides to giving non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems another chance at life,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I will continue to advocate strongly in Harrisburg for targeted state investments in our people.” The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency : $150,000 to Lancaster General Hospital to implement a firearm suicide prevention initiative in Lancaster County. $50,000 to Lancaster General Hospital to help maintain compliance with the National Child Alliance standards for child abuse support: multi-disciplinary investigative team, forensic interview, victim support and advocacy, medical evaluation, case review and coordination, and child safety and protection. $95,000 to support county Intermediate Punishment Treatment Programs that treat non-violent offenders with substance abuse problems. $543,901 to reimburse Lancaster County for costs incurred by counties for adult probation and parole services. $388,451 to Lancaster County Commissioners for crime victim and witness Read more

Giral celebrates state investment in local manufacturing training programs

(Dec 10, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This is a clear investment in our future workers and therefore an investment in the families and young people who live in our communities,” said Giral. “When we support the growth of skilled workers and technical education, we ensure more people have a pathway to success." Read more

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Dec 09, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Read about the latest grant opportunities open for applications. Read more

Miller recognized nationally for his work on mental health

(Dec 09, 2025) Rep. Dan Miller

“Advocating for mental health and disability issues is – unfortunately -- a constant effort, but a necessary one,” Miller said. “The disability and mental health system is essential; it must work, be sustainable and provide access, because if it doesn’t, the outcome is catastrophic. That’s why we have to push to do better, and we have to listen to self-advocates to learn from them what works and what doesn’t. These are things that matter and why what my office and I do is so important. We’re working to create a system that provides for everyone. Read more

Giral welcomes bilingual credit union to Port Richmond

(Dec 08, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Giral said Finanta Credit Union, also known as Cooperativa Finanta, aims to serve workers and small business owners who often rely on check-cashing services, money orders, or high-risk lenders instead of traditional banks. Read more

Kinkead, Prokopiak announce bill to regulate opioid-mimicking plant

(Dec 05, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 5 – State Reps. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Jim Prokopiak, D-Bucks, have introduced legislation to regulate kratom — a substance with psychoactive effects that mimic those of opioids — which is currently unregulated in Pennsylvania. Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, is often consumed to reduce fatigue, manage pain or withdrawal symptoms, and to alleviate anxiety or depression. It can be ingested as teas, powders, capsules, liquids, or by chewing or smoking the leaves. However, because kratom can activate the same neurotransmitter receptors as opioids, prolonged or heavy use may lead to addiction, and independent tests have repeatedly shown that kratom products sometimes contain undisclosed or harmful additives. New synthetic kratom products, known as 7-OH, are particularly harmful and addictive. While the federal government has not formally regulated kratom, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration designates it as a “drug and chemical of concern.” In response to growing health and safety concerns, several states have enacted regulatory schemes or bans. Currently, Pennsylvania does not have a comprehensive regulatory framework and kratom is currently readily available – and often marketed – to children and young adults. House Bill 2058 , which is similar to the successful kratom regulation law in Utah, would: Prohibit the sale or distribution of kratom products to individuals under the age Read more

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Ciresi announces opposition to Trump executive order neutering state laws regulating AI industry 1 day ago

Legislators announce $408,500 investment in community revitalization projects in Delaware County 1 day ago

Kosierowski announces over $1.3 million investment for community improvement programs 1 day ago

House Communications & Technology Committee holds hearing on bill to establish guardrails for AI use in health care 1 day ago

Scott: Montgomery County receives over $2 million to fund crisis, addiction, and victim support programs 1 day ago

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $4.7 million to support community projects in Lancaster County 1 day ago

Burns bill to cut red tape for traveling physicians signed by governor Dec 15, 2025

Philadelphia House Delegation condemns antisemitic violence on eve of Hanukkah Dec 15, 2025

Krajewski: The ACF is right, we must stop stealing from foster youth Dec 12, 2025

Ciresi applauds removal of lifetime caps for assistive technology Dec 12, 2025

Legislators announce nearly $3.5 million investment in public safety programs in Delaware County Dec 12, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District Dec 11, 2025

Kosierowski announces over $1.5 million investment for programs supporting children and women Dec 11, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $1.2M in state grants for community services Dec 11, 2025

Giral celebrates state investment in local manufacturing training programs Dec 10, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities Dec 09, 2025

Miller recognized nationally for his work on mental health Dec 09, 2025

Giral welcomes bilingual credit union to Port Richmond Dec 08, 2025

Kinkead, Prokopiak announce bill to regulate opioid-mimicking plant Dec 05, 2025

NEWS RELEASE: Kenyatta honors lives lost, acknowledges strength and resistance on World AIDS Day Dec 01, 2025

Ciresi announces opposition to Trump executive order neutering state laws regulating AI industry
1 day ago

Legislators announce $408,500 investment in community revitalization projects in Delaware County
1 day ago

Kosierowski announces over $1.3 million investment for community improvement programs
1 day ago

House Communications & Technology Committee holds hearing on bill to establish guardrails for AI use in health care
1 day ago

Scott: Montgomery County receives over $2 million to fund crisis, addiction, and victim support programs
1 day ago

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $4.7 million to support community projects in Lancaster County
1 day ago

Burns bill to cut red tape for traveling physicians signed by governor
Dec 15, 2025

Philadelphia House Delegation condemns antisemitic violence on eve of Hanukkah
Dec 15, 2025

Krajewski: The ACF is right, we must stop stealing from foster youth
Dec 12, 2025

Ciresi applauds removal of lifetime caps for assistive technology
Dec 12, 2025

Legislators announce nearly $3.5 million investment in public safety programs in Delaware County
Dec 12, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Dec 11, 2025

Kosierowski announces over $1.5 million investment for programs supporting children and women
Dec 11, 2025

Smith-Wade-El, Rivera announce over $1.2M in state grants for community services
Dec 11, 2025

Giral celebrates state investment in local manufacturing training programs
Dec 10, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 09, 2025

Miller recognized nationally for his work on mental health
Dec 09, 2025

Giral welcomes bilingual credit union to Port Richmond
Dec 08, 2025

Kinkead, Prokopiak announce bill to regulate opioid-mimicking plant
Dec 05, 2025

NEWS RELEASE: Kenyatta honors lives lost, acknowledges strength and resistance on World AIDS Day
Dec 01, 2025