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Ciresi’s House resolution on litter enforcement in PA unanimously referred out of committee

(Dec 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 -- Today, the Pennsylvania House Environmental & Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and issue recommendations on litter law enforcement in Pennsylvania. The legislation, H.R. 352, was introduced by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery. The resolution stems from the Pennsylvania Litter Research Study (2018–19) and the subsequent Litter Action Plan (2021). Conducted by DEP, PennDOT, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, these initiatives urged the Commonwealth and the General Assembly to evaluate the effectiveness of Pennsylvania’s litter ordinances, laws, statutes, and regulations, and to take steps to enhance enforcement. “The Pennsylvania Litter Research Study found more than 500 million pieces of litter on Pennsylvania roadways. While 90% of Pennsylvanians believe litter is harming the state in every possible way -- damaging the environment, polluting waterways, depressing property values, reducing tourism, and hurting businesses -- the overwhelming majority feel it’s unlikely that anyone will actually be caught or fined for littering,” Ciresi said. “We need to strengthen our litter laws and improve their enforcement.” Described as a 'first step in this process,' PalmettoPride and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful completed a joint study on litter law enforcement in 2023, highlighting key issues raised Read more

 

$1 million in tax credits awarded to residential and neighborhood revitalization projects in Philadelphia’s Lower Northeast

(Dec 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Giral said the tax credits will support ongoing community development projects and create opportunities for new initiatives aimed at enhancing affordable housing, public safety, childhood health, and multilingual services. Read more

 

PA House passes Young bill to increase human trafficking awareness training

(Dec 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – Today, state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware hosted a news conference to celebrate House passage of her bill that would mandate human trafficking awareness training for Pennsylvania workers in the hospitality industry, including online lodging and reservation companies.House Bill 1286 would amend Act 197 of 2012 to include training requirements approved through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for employees of public lodging establishments who have contact with guests or access to guest rooms, and for operators of short-term rentals. Read more

 

PA House urges Congress to lower health insurance costs

(Dec 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – Today, the Pennsylvania House passed a resolution introduced by State Rep. Anthony Bellmon (D-Phila.) urging Congress to take action to reduce health insurance costs for Pennsylvanians who purchase coverage through Pennie, the state’s ACA marketplace. When Congress passed the American Rescue Plan in 2021, it expanded tax credits that allowed many Pennsylvanians to purchase health insurance through Pennie, contributing to the marketplace’s record-breaking open enrollment in 2025. However, these credits expire on Dec. 31 and, as a result, health insurance costs for Pennie customers will, on average, double. “During the 2025 open enrollment period for Pennie, nearly 500,000 Pennsylvanians—the most ever—purchased health insurance,” Bellmon said. “With these federal tax credits set to expire at the end of the year, these individuals could face real consequences, including having to choose between paying for housing, food, utilities, or health care. “Only Congress can stop the bleed and keep people covered by extending these credits. That’s why we must urge them to take action to lower health insurance costs for Pennsylvanians who purchase coverage through Pennie.” Read more

 

Pa. House approves bipartisan update to medical release system

(Dec 17, 2025) Rep. Rick Krajewski

Krajewski said the bill creates a robust process to carefully consider early, medical release for seriously ill inmates, reviewing their time served, victim feedback, disciplinary records, and physical condition among other factors. In recent years similar state reforms have passed in Maryland, North Carolina, and more. Read more

 

Neilson recognizes December as “Impaired Driving Prevention Month” in Pennsylvania

(Dec 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

December is statistically one of the most dangerous months for drivers.Please don’t let a bad decision be the reason someone doesn’t make it home this holiday season Read more

 

Bill to help domestic violence victims receive unemployment heads to Gov’s desk

(Dec 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Benefits would be available for victims who leave work because of safety concerns Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution recognizing Dec. 2, 2025, as ‘World Nuclear Energy Day’ in Pennsylvania

(Dec 17, 2025) Rep. Robert F. Matzie

“Nuclear energy is the key to a cleaner, more sustainable and more affordable energy future,” Matzie said. “Spreading awareness of the benefits of nuclear energy is vital to securing that future. That is why World Nuclear Energy Day is so important. I am proud to have sponsored H.R. 372 alongside Representative Tom Mehaffie, and equally proud to serve as co-chair with Representative Mehaffie and Senators John Kane and Lynda Culver of the Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus. We will continue, in a bipartisan fashion, to support nuclear energy as a safe, proven solution to the capacity challenges we face moving forward.” Read more

 

Guzman welcomes more than $1 million in tax credit awards for 10 local organizations

(Dec 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

READING, DEC. 18 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, today announced that more than $1 million in tax credits were awarded to 0 organizations working to strengthen the 127th Legislative District through community support. The awards come from the Neighborhood Assistance Program and its subprograms Charitable Food Program, Enterprise Zone Program and the Special Program Priorities. The grants were awarded to: Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank - $109,850 will be used for food purchases and distribution expenses, supporting over 350 locations, Mobile Markets, and a new Community Kitchen. Reading Historic Properties, LP - $500,000 to help transform two underutilized buildings into the Community Support Center, a new hub for economic and social revitalization. This $2.67 million initiative will create 11 new jobs and restore the buildings' exteriors and interiors. The center will house a Real Estate Developer (RED) University to train local BIPOC entrepreneurs and provide classroom space for free HIV and STI testing. It may also serve as the headquarters for a statewide homeownership program. Berks Encore - $22,750 to provide medically tailored meals to 100 aging adults with chronic conditions. Using funds to cover the $15 daily per-client food cost, the project aims to improve health, reduce hospital admissions, and boost independence. Reading Science Center - Read more

 

Rabb spotlights two bills to strengthen local journalism

(Dec 17, 2025) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Lawmaker, advocates call for legislative action to address news deserts, information gaps Read more

 

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

(Dec 17, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Learn more about the latest grant opportunities. Read more

 

Krajewski co-op bill passes PA House 194-9

(Dec 16, 2025) Rep. Rick Krajewski

“This is commonsense, bipartisan legislation which will make it easier to start a worker cooperative,” Krajewski said. “Co-ops create safer and happier workplaces that build wealth for the workers and communities who utilize them. We should do what we can to support them.” Read more

 

Curry, Smith-Wade-El recognize growing youth homelessness crisis with resolution

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We’re seeing more and more young people pushed into homelessness through circumstances far beyond their control,” Curry said. “When you’re a child, your safety and stability depend on others and when that support isn’t there, options quickly disappear." Read more

 

Giral announces $100K grant for Philadelphia Children’s Alliance

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Philadelphia Children’s Alliance provides resources and advocacy for children and families impacted by child sexual abuse, exploitation and violence. They offer medical services, trauma therapy, child-conscious forensic interviews, caregiver support, and court accompaniment, all at no cost to families. Read more

 

Burgos bill to strengthen transparency between consumers and genetic testing companies passes House

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Twelve states have already passed legislation to codify privacy protections for consumer genetic data. Read more

 

Bill to protect vaccine access through pharmacists passes state House

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – As federal authorities continue to undermine immunization access, the Pennsylvania House has passed legislation introduced by state Reps. Arvind Venkat , Tarik Khan , Bridget Kosierowski and Jennifer O’Mara to protect Pennsylvanians’ access to vaccines provided by pharmacists, regardless of federal policy changes. Current state law allows pharmacists to administer vaccines based on federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. The legislation, H.B. 1881 , would also allow pharmacists to provide vaccines based on recommendations from Pennsylvania health authorities, which may draw from guidance issued by professional medical societies. “The work of our local pharmacists is crucial to keeping our communities healthy, and that work should continue to be backed by science,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “This legislation will allow Pennsylvanians to avoid the politicization of health care and get the lifesaving vaccines they want, even if the federal government stops recommending them purely due to politics.” Under this legislation, state vaccination approvals would come from the CDC, competent authorities designated by the Board of Pharmacy, or the Pennsylvania Department of Health which could be informed by professional medical societies such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Read more

 

Ciresi announces over $67,000 for community projects in Pottstown

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced the approval of $67,050 in funding through the Neighborhood Assistance Program to support educational initiatives for at-risk students and public safety improvements in Pottstown. 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% for contributions made to qualifying community projects. “These investments in Pottstown’s youth and public safety will go a long way toward improving the quality of life,” Ciresi said. “Together, these state awards look to the future by supporting young learners and helping protect downtown Pottstown for everyone’s enjoyment.” The approved funding includes: • $51,300 to RSVP Volunteers to provide critical math and reading support to at-risk and vulnerable students in the Pottstown and Norristown school districts. The funding will also support family literacy programs for Pre-K MCIU Head Start students and essential digital literacy training across Montgomery County, both directly and in collaboration with community partners. • $15,750 to Pottstown Area Industrial Development Inc. to enhance public safety and strengthen community trust in the 300 block of East High Street in Pottstown. The project includes installing a new security camera to complete the police department’s monitoring Read more

 

Burgos bill to expand access to fresh, local food in school meals passes House

(Dec 16, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House Bill 1768 would expand access to fresh, locally sourced foods in school meals while supporting Pennsylvania farmers and strengthening local economies. Read more

 

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

(Dec 16, 2025) 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

(Dec 16, 2025) 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

 

Ciresi’s House resolution on litter enforcement in PA unanimously referred out of committee
Dec 17, 2025

$1 million in tax credits awarded to residential and neighborhood revitalization projects in Philadelphia’s Lower Northeast
Dec 17, 2025

PA House passes Young bill to increase human trafficking awareness training
Dec 17, 2025

PA House urges Congress to lower health insurance costs
Dec 17, 2025

Pa. House approves bipartisan update to medical release system
Dec 17, 2025

Neilson recognizes December as “Impaired Driving Prevention Month” in Pennsylvania
Dec 17, 2025

Bill to help domestic violence victims receive unemployment heads to Gov’s desk
Dec 17, 2025

House adopts Matzie resolution recognizing Dec. 2, 2025, as ‘World Nuclear Energy Day’ in Pennsylvania
Dec 17, 2025

Guzman welcomes more than $1 million in tax credit awards for 10 local organizations
Dec 17, 2025

Rabb spotlights two bills to strengthen local journalism
Dec 17, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment, Transportation, and Additional Grant Opportunities
Dec 17, 2025

Krajewski co-op bill passes PA House 194-9
Dec 16, 2025

Curry, Smith-Wade-El recognize growing youth homelessness crisis with resolution
Dec 16, 2025

Giral announces $100K grant for Philadelphia Children’s Alliance
Dec 16, 2025

Burgos bill to strengthen transparency between consumers and genetic testing companies passes House
Dec 16, 2025

Bill to protect vaccine access through pharmacists passes state House
Dec 16, 2025

Ciresi announces over $67,000 for community projects in Pottstown
Dec 16, 2025

Burgos bill to expand access to fresh, local food in school meals passes House
Dec 16, 2025

Ciresi announces opposition to Trump executive order neutering state laws regulating AI industry
Dec 16, 2025

Legislators announce $408,500 investment in community revitalization projects in Delaware County
Dec 16, 2025