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House OKs Neilson resolution to honor transit workers

(Mar 19, 2025) Rep. Ed Neilson

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today adopted a resolution recognizing March 18 as National Transit Worker Appreciation Day in Pennsylvania, according to author House Transportation Committee Chair Rep. Ed Neilson. Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution celebrating PA’s natural gas utility workers

(Mar 19, 2025) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

HARRISBURG, March 19 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today adopted a resolution introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie honoring the work of the commonwealth’s natural gas utility workers. Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus, said he introduced H.R. 85 – designating March 18, 2025, as “Natural Gas Utility Worker Appreciation Day” in Pennsylvania – to recognize these employees for the labor-intensive, often-hazardous work they perform and the essential role they play on behalf of residents and businesses. “Natural gas utility workers are first responders, technicians, heavy equipment operators, construction workers, safety investigators and troubleshooters all rolled into one,” Matzie said. “They go out in all hours and all weather – often to work amidst noise, fumes and other hazardous conditions – to safely maintain our vast natural gas infrastructure. “They keep our houses warm, our showers hot, our gas stoves cooking and our gas-powered businesses running smoothly. Thanks to their efforts, we have a safe, abundant supply of cleaner energy and the peace of mind that goes with knowing that there are dedicated, safety-minded workers on the job 24/7. I’m grateful for the work they do.” Natural Gas Utility Workers Day is recognized nationally on March 18 because this is the anniversary of the New London, Texas, Read more

 

Kenyatta calls for heightened protections for municipal workers

(Mar 19, 2025) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

“Every person deserves to be safe on the job, particularly the public workers that do the critical work of keeping the water running in our homes, making sure our electricity is on, keeping our kids safe when they walk to school and more,” Kenyatta said. “There is a constant threat that is hanging over the heads of these public workers as they do their jobs. It’s time to give them the protections they need and deserve.” Read more

 

Nelson Introduces Bill to Protect PA from Foreign AI

(Mar 19, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 19 – State Rep. Napoleon Nelson is spearheading a bipartisan initiative to safeguard Pennsylvania’s government systems from the risks posed by foreign adversary-controlled artificial intelligence and is circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum for legislation that would protect state data and information technology infrastructure from these growing threats. Artificial intelligence platforms have proven effective in numerous public and private sector applications, often relying on vast amounts of proprietary data to optimize decision-making, enhance operational efficiency, and facilitate complex processes. However, when these AI platforms are developed and controlled by foreign adversaries, such data becomes a potential weapon in the hands of those who seek to exploit it for malicious purposes. Contracts, financial records, and personal or corporate documents used by state agencies could be manipulated, contributing to harmful disinformation, unauthorized data collection, and the compromise of both commonwealth and national security. “Securing the integrity of Pennsylvania’s data is critical,” said Nelson, who serves on the House Communications and Technology Committee. “Allowing foreign adversary-controlled AI into our state-owned systems is a risk we cannot afford. This legislation will ensure that we protect sensitive information and technology infrastructure, safeguarding the privacy of Read more

 

House passes Borowski bill to simplify electronic prescription transfers between pharmacies & align with federal standards

(Mar 19, 2025) Rep. Lisa Borowski

The PA House unanimously passed Rep. Lisa Borowski's legislation that would simplify prescription transfers between pharmacies and align PA law with federal regulations, saving time and money for patients, doctors, and pharmacies. Read more

 

Guzman secures $106,334 in LSA grants for one local project

(Mar 18, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, March 18 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that a local project will benefit from a $106,334 state Local Share Account grant. The funds will be used for the purchase of a backhoe loader to be utilized throughout Shillington Borough. The grant was awarded to: Shillington Borough. - $106,324 for the purchase of a backhoe loader to assist with work on the borough's existing water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems along with other road maintenance tasks. “ This backhoe loader will improve work efficiency . I am glad to welcome this funding for Shillington Borough that will help address a critical need, and I will certainly continue fighting for other necessary funds for the community.” Read more

 

House passes Conklin bill to allow agents at the Office of State Inspector General to carry weapons

(Mar 18, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 18 – The Pennsylvania House today passed state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would authorize agents at the Office of State Inspector General to arm themselves for protection on the job. Conklin said he introduced H.B. 36 to address a flaw in existing state law that leaves these officers – the only law enforcement officers in Pennsylvania not permitted to carry firearms while on duty – unable to properly defend themselves. “The Office of State Inspector General is a government watchdog agency that roots out fraud and other misconduct in state programs, and their agents are out there every day fighting bad actors, just like other law enforcement officers,” Conklin said. “Unlike other law enforcement, though, OSIG agents are not authorized to carry a weapon. They are investigating crimes and serving warrants – often facing dangerous situations – without the ability to protect themselves. It’s time to fix the law and ensure these officers have the same ability to defend themselves as their colleagues in other agencies.” Conklin said OSIG officers’ lack of authority to carry a weapon has other repercussions, as well. “Not only does it endanger these officers, but it forces them to rely on local law enforcement, which burdens local departments and creates delays that can allow conflicts to escalate, jeopardizing broader community Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis

(Mar 18, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 18 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today adopted a resolution introduced by state Rep. Rob Matzie to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis. Matzie, who is chairman of the House majority caucus, said he introduced H.R. 31 – designating March 9-15, 2025, as “Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania – to shed greater light on this central nervous system disease that affects nearly 1 million Americans. “This issue is personal to me because my father lived with MS,” Matzie said. “Early diagnosis is critical, even though we don’t yet have a cure, because timely treatment can delay the progression of the disease and improve long-term outcomes.” Matzie said MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath that coats and protects the nerve fibers in the central nervous system, leaving inflammation and scarring that disrupts the transmission of nerve signals. Symptoms vary from person to person but commonly include abnormal fatigue and weakness, vision problems, balance and coordination problems, muscle spasms, numbness or tingling, bladder and bowel problems, difficulty walking and cognitive and mood changes. Most people are diagnosed between ages 20 and 50, although the disease can occur in young children and older adults. Women are about three times more likely than men Read more

 

PA House Dems launch CARE Package for juvenile justice reform

(Mar 18, 2025) Rep. Emily Kinkead, Rep. Dan Miller

Bills proposed to protect children in the juvenile justice system, save taxpayer dollars Read more

 

House Insurance Committee approves bill to enshrine ACA protections into state law

(Mar 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 17 — In a pivotal moment for health insurance reform, the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee, chaired by state Rep. Perry Warren, D-Bucks, reported out of committee four significant bills that safeguard health insurance in Pennsylvania in the event the federal government repeals protections of the Affordable Care Act. House Bill 404 , sponsored by Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, would allow parents to keep adult children on their health insurance plans until they turn 26. Before the Affordable Care Act became law, many kids turned 18 and were dropped from their parent’s insurance plan. Losing health insurance coverage led to many young health individuals leaving the health insurance market entirely. Because of the lack of healthy individuals to balance out the high-need policyholders, insurance premiums became unaffordable for many young people. “Ensuring young Pennsylvanians can stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until 26 will provide them with stability and peace of mind should the Republican Congressional majority repeal the Affordable Care Act,” Pashinski said. “That stability means they can begin pursuing their careers and building their lives without worrying about having the insurance needed to stay healthy and help in an emergency at a critical time in their lives.” House Bill 618 , sponsored by Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, would Read more

 

House passes PA CROWN Act to end hair discrimination

(Mar 17, 2025) Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes, Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

Lawmakers cast strong bipartisan vote for Mayes, McClinton bill Read more

 

Energy, labor leaders join Fiedler to encourage legislative action unlocking Pennsylvania’s $156 million in federal Solar for All Funds

(Mar 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Leaders in energy, the solar industry, and organized labor called on the state legislature to approve H.B. 362, a bill authorizing a Solar for All program, which was introduced by House Energy Committee Chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. The bill was approved in committee Monday morning with bipartisan support. Read more

 

Frankel’s medical marijuana oversight bill passes Pennsylvania House with bipartisan support

(Mar 17, 2025) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, March 17 – Pennsylvania House Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel’s bill to strengthen oversight of medical marijuana testing and enhance patient safety passed the House Monday with broad bipartisan support, marking a significant step toward ensuring the integrity and reliability of medical marijuana products statewide. House Bill 33 , which aims to bolster compliance testing, product audits, statistical analyses and lab inspections, now moves to the Senate for consideration. The bill is designed to provide stronger safeguards against contamination, inaccurate labeling and deceptive practices, ensuring that medical marijuana patients have confidence in the safety and efficacy of the products they use. “This legislation will help ensure that testing labs remain independent, transparent and accountable, so that we can prevent the types of issues that have undermined patient trust in other states,” Frankel said. Weaknesses in consumer protections were described in a series of hearings held by the Health Committee in the previous session and have also come to light through incidences of contamination , inaccurate labeling and deceptive practices in other states. Video of the Dec. 13, 2023, hearing on the regulatory landscape of cannabis can be found here . The legislation directs the Pennsylvania Department of Health to oversee lab testing with greater scrutiny, require stability testing to monitor Read more

 

Legislators propose additional benefits for National Guard service

(Mar 17, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Service in the Pennsylvania National Guard could soon come with additional incentives for military families. Read more

 

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus Celebrates Legacy of Black Midwives

(Mar 14, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

As part of their Brunch and Learn series of virtual meetings, the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus today held a celebration in recognition of the legacy of Black midwives on Black Midwifery Day. Read more

 

Venkat, Williams introduce bipartisan legislation to help put military family members through college

(Mar 13, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, March 13 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Craig Williams have introduced a bipartisan bill that would award an additional college education grant to family members of Pennsylvanians serving in the state National Guard upon reenlistment or renewal of their service obligation. The legislation ( H.B. 865 ) would amend the Military and Veterans Code of the Commonwealth so that each time a guard member reenlists or renews their service obligation for an additional six-year term, the Military Family Education Program would again cover the cost of attending a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education school for a military family dependent. “Pennsylvania National Guard members exemplify the best of our Commonwealth, and they and their loved ones deserve the kind of support available through the MFEP,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’m proud to partner with Representative Williams on this bill that helps young people receive a higher education and recognizes the service of those who protect all Pennsylvanians.” "Those of us who have served, especially on deployment, know with our whole heart that military service is a full family commitment. Anything we can do to recognize, acknowledge and value that family sacrifice must be pursued. House Bill 865 extends education benefits to the families of those who continue their service in the Pennsylvania National Guard,” added Williams, R-Delaware/Chester. “I want our Read more

 

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

(Mar 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to state, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $785,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund four to six grants with budgets not to exceed $185,000 over the 15-month project period. Application Deadline: April 10, 2025 More information: PCCD 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 More information: DCED Website Department Read more

 

Public hearing testimony reveals need for Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit

(Mar 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, the state House Finance Committee heard testimony at the Kennett Library from area organizations and advocates about how an additional state-level tax credit would allow Pennsylvanians to better manage their personal finances and plan for their family’s financial and educational future. Read more

 

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

(Mar 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to state, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $785,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund four to six grants with budgets not to exceed $185,000 over the 15-month project period. Application Deadline: April 10, 2025 More information: PCCD 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 More information: DCED Website Department of Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El introduces bill protecting net neutrality in Pa.

(Mar 12, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, along with state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia, today introduced a bill to protect net neutrality in Pennsylvania. Net neutrality is the rule that all internet service providers (ISP) cannot block, slow down, or speed up content delivery based on the content, user or device. With only a handful of companies providing these services, the rule is necessary to ensure fair practices. According to Smith-Wade-El, federal protections protecting net neutrality were removed on January 2, 2025, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a decision striking down the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality rule that required all Internet service providers (ISPs) to treat all consumers equally. This decision is expected to change the way Internet and streaming services work, resulting in increased costs for consumers. “The Internet is not a luxury but a daily necessity,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The tech oligarchy is trying to drive up our internet costs, making a “fair and fast” internet available only to the rich. My legislation would fight back against their monopoly, making it illegal for ISPs to block lawful Internet content, impede Internet traffic or otherwise engage in any activity that would negatively affect the Internet experience of Pennsylvania subscribers. A new chapter would be added to Title 66 (Public Utilities) Read more

 

House OKs Neilson resolution to honor transit workers
Mar 19, 2025

House adopts Matzie resolution celebrating PA’s natural gas utility workers
Mar 19, 2025

Kenyatta calls for heightened protections for municipal workers
Mar 19, 2025

Nelson Introduces Bill to Protect PA from Foreign AI
Mar 19, 2025

House passes Borowski bill to simplify electronic prescription transfers between pharmacies & align with federal standards
Mar 19, 2025

Guzman secures $106,334 in LSA grants for one local project
Mar 18, 2025

House passes Conklin bill to allow agents at the Office of State Inspector General to carry weapons
Mar 18, 2025

House adopts Matzie resolution to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis
Mar 18, 2025

PA House Dems launch CARE Package for juvenile justice reform
Mar 18, 2025

House Insurance Committee approves bill to enshrine ACA protections into state law
Mar 17, 2025

House passes PA CROWN Act to end hair discrimination
Mar 17, 2025

Energy, labor leaders join Fiedler to encourage legislative action unlocking Pennsylvania’s $156 million in federal Solar for All Funds
Mar 17, 2025

Frankel’s medical marijuana oversight bill passes Pennsylvania House with bipartisan support
Mar 17, 2025

Legislators propose additional benefits for National Guard service
Mar 17, 2025

PA Black Maternal Health Caucus Celebrates Legacy of Black Midwives
Mar 14, 2025

Venkat, Williams introduce bipartisan legislation to help put military family members through college
Mar 13, 2025

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 12, 2025

Public hearing testimony reveals need for Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
Mar 12, 2025

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 12, 2025

Smith-Wade-El introduces bill protecting net neutrality in Pa.
Mar 12, 2025