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Debt from childbirth, other medical care would be relieved under new bill

(Mar 12, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Medical debt harms people in different ways. It can lead them to seek payday loans, take money out of their retirement accounts, or delay medical care. Read more

 

Freeman proposes tutoring program for PA public schools

(Mar 12, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Tutoring is a time-honored and cost-effective way to enhance academic performance for both the student being tutored and the student who serves as a tutor," Freeman said. Read more

 

We need hard conversations, even if they make people uncomfortable

(Mar 11, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

By: State Rep. Darisha Parker Vice Chair of Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Recently, I was honored to stand in solidarity with students, teachers represented by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Service Employees International Union, Teamsters from the Commonwealth of School Administration and their dedicated President, Dr. Robin Cooper, for a Day of Action to protect Philadelphia students and their constitutional right to a free and efficient education. I’m disheartened by the injustices looming over our children’s future. I’m overwhelmed from seeing the strides and progress we have made struck down with the vindictive stroke of pen, but at the same time, it’s reassuring to see people across the country standing up to make their voices heard. The Day of Action, facilitated by the American Federation of Teachers, was a national movement where leaders all over the country stood up and made our point clear: We won’t step down, there’s too much at stake for apathy and inaction. These movements show our strength and resilience, but the most profound effect of collective action is igniting a spark that motivates spectators to stand with us. Many people are walking on eggshells because of the uncertainty we face as a country and while it’s imperative to be informed and engaged with the political sphere, we have to act strategically. If you haven’t already, register to vote. Remember that Read more

 

Steele: Time to end Sunday hunting ban in Pennsylvania

(Mar 10, 2025) Rep. Mandy Steele

HARRISBURG, March 10 -- Continuing her efforts to conserve Pennsylvania’s wildlife resources, state Rep. Mandy Steele has introduced a bill to repeal the prohibition on Sunday hunting and require at least one member of the Pennsylvania Game Commission to have a background in agriculture. Read more

 

Freeman bill would let housing authorities set up police departments

(Mar 10, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

"A public housing police force would greatly enhance community policing efforts, making public housing projects safer for their residents and their families, especially children and the elderly," Freeman said. Read more

 

Rivera’s pre-K public policy hearing elicits a rich discussion from community education experts

(Mar 07, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, March 7 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, held a public policy hearing Thursday to explore the impact of pre-K programming in Lancaster. Education experts and stakeholders explored and discussed the impact of pre-K education on children’s K-12 educational experiences and the challenges and needs of these programs. Presenters included representatives from Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster, Manheim Township School District, Pennsylvania Child Care Association, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Pennsylvania, School District of Lancaster, YWCA of Lancaster, Lancaster Recreation Commission, Pennsylvania School Library Association, Pennsylvania School Counselors Association and the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. Presenters spoke and attendees, which included state representatives, Deputy Secretary Shante Brown from the state Office of Child Development and Early Learning, and Lancaster County Commissioner Alice Yoder, were able to ask questions of each presenter. “After 30 years of teaching experience, there’s one big thing that I know is true: early investments in childhood education pay dividends for decades in a student’s life,” Rivera said. “You want a child with sharp cognitive and social skills, then you want to spend the money and the time making sure they get the holistic pre-K education they need to thrive during their formative years and beyond. Read more

 

Pa. House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee holds public meeting on reducing food waste and insecurity

(Mar 06, 2025) House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee

PHILADELPHIA, March 6 – The Pennsylvania House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee convened a critical informational meeting at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative today to address the interconnected issues of food waste and food insecurity. Representatives from state agencies, private businesses and nonprofit organizations gathered to discuss ongoing efforts to make Pennsylvania’s food systems more efficient and ensure that surplus food reaches those in need. “As we heard today, food insecurity and waste hurt our residents, our economy and our environment,” said House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chair Eddie Day Pashinski. “In a country and commonwealth abundant with high-quality, nutritious food, it is unconscionable that so much is wasted. Thankfully, organizations, private businesses and our state government are all stepping up to take on these interconnected issues. “By encouraging increased efficiency and innovation to reduce food waste and keep our PA families fed, we are also supporting our farmers and producers. I thank all our speakers for sharing their expertise with the committee, and I look forward to working together to ensure edible food ends up on Pennsylvanians’ plates and not our landfills.” According to Feeding Pennsylvania, one in eight Pennsylvanians – including one in six children – faces hunger. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Read more

 

Frankel vows action as private equity shuts down Crozer Health hospitals

(Mar 06, 2025) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, March 6 – Pennsylvania House Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel condemned the long-anticipated closure of Delaware County’s Crozer Health hospital system on Thursday, vowing to push legislation aimed at preventing similar crises in the future. “These hospitals were ransacked, robbed and plundered for profit, and now their private equity owner gets to ride out of town, leaving communities with diminished access to health care and employment,” Frankel said. “It’s devastating, and we have the power to make sure it doesn’t happen again.” Last year, the House Health Committee passed a bill by Rep. Lisa Borowski that would empower the PA Attorney General to review health care acquisitions before they occur and determine if such sales serve the public interest . The bill was crafted in response to the growing role of private equity in the health care market – and the troubling consequences that have followed . Prospect Medical Holdings bought the then-Crozer Keystone Health System, now Crozer Health, in 2016. In April 2020, the company closed Springfield Hospital and in 2022 ceased operations at Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Upper Darby. The remaining two hospitals will close their doors next week. Frankel pledged to again take up the bill in his committee and to work with Borowski and legislative leaders to fast-track it through the General Assembly. “Medical Read more

 

Cephas, Policy Committee focus on moving PA economy forward

(Mar 05, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“With the continued uncertainty in Washington, it’s more important than ever for us to ensure our state’s economy is strong,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. “Today's hearing was a great opportunity to hear from the voices of our communities – to give them a seat at the table to discuss their needs for an economically strong Pennsylvania. From SEPTA, to our teachers, health care workers and more. We heard loud and clear that we must find ways to ensure economic protections and relief for hardworking Philadelphians, as well as our small businesses and the public services that keep our economy moving.” Read more

 

Freeman proposes fairer property tax system

(Mar 05, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

"A property tax circuit breaker would help stabilize neighborhoods and communities across the commonwealth. By reducing the tax burden, more Pennsylvanians could purchase and maintain family homes,” Freeman said. Read more

 

Elected officials, union leaders join national day of action against proposed federal education cuts

(Mar 05, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

One day after the U.S. Senate confirmed former wrestling executive Linda McMahon to head the U.S. Department of Education, Philadelphia activists rallied against the Trump administration's proposed cuts in federal education funding. Read more

 

House Environmental Committee hears need for responsible development in Environmental Justice areas

(Mar 04, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The state House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee today held a public hearing at Widener University on legislation (H.B. 109) that would regulate the issuance of permits by the PA Department of Environmental Protection in environmental justice areas, according to committee Chairman Rep. Greg Vitali, D-Delaware, who hosted the hearing and is the prime sponsor, along with Reps. Chris Rabb and Malcolm Kenyatta, both D-Phila., of the legislation.The state Department of Environmental Protection already has the ability to set environmental justice areas in historically burdened communities across Pennsylvania; however, the issuance of permits for development in those areas has been largely unregulated. House Bill 109 would require the applicant to submit a cumulative environmental impact report, in addition to DEP holding a more robust public hearing process, before issuing a permit in an environmental justice area, and would allow DEP to impose additional conditions or deny the permit based on the cumulative impacts. Read more

 

Roundtable discusses importance of PA’s connection to cities

(Mar 04, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The planning has already begun for the international events scheduled for Philadelphia during the next two years and it continues to adapt as it learns from hosting other premier events,” said Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, who represents portions of West Philadelphia. “Philadelphia will host the sesquicentennial of the U.S. Navy and Marines, MLB All-Star games, NCAA men’s basketball tournament games, FIFA World Cup games and America’s 250th birthday during the next two years. Beyond these signature events, infrastructure across Pennsylvania needs continued investment in order for the commonwealth to thrive.” Read more

 

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

(Mar 04, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 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 More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business Read more

 

Freeman bill seeks better response to overdoses

(Mar 03, 2025) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“The opioid crisis knows no age and ensuring that our high schools are properly equipped with the tools necessary to prepare and respond to overdoses will not only encourage a larger conversation on addiction but, most importantly, save lives,” said Freeman. Read more

 

Kazeem secures $475,000 in state funding for transportation project in Upper Chichester Township

(Mar 03, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, March 3 – As a longtime advocate for investments in transportation safety in the 159th Legislative District, state Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, helped secure $475,000 in state funding for a transportation improvement project in Upper Chichester Township through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the state’s Commonwealth Financing Authority. The $475,000 will be used for streetscape improvements along the Chichester Avenue and Meetinghouse Road intersection corridor in Upper Chichester Township, Delaware County. “I am proud to have helped secure this critical funding that will improve pedestrian safety in Upper Chichester Township,” Kazeem said. “Thanks to this $475,000 in state funding, pedestrians on Chichester Avenue and Meetinghouse Road will be safer walking, day or night. This project aligns with one of my focuses as state representative: to increase pedestrian safety through smart investments in our transportation infrastructure.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. Read more

 

Miller joins fellow public officials in defending Medicaid for Pennsylvanians amidst proposed federal funding cuts

(Feb 28, 2025) Rep. Dan Miller

Medicaid is an essential, life-sustaining program,” Miller said. “It helps millions of low-income people, supporting disability and mental health services, providing nursing home care, covering Medicare costs and much more. It helps Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike, and promises must be kept.” Read more

 

Powell, Policy Committee focus on increasing achievable housing

(Feb 26, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The lack of attainable housing is a complex issue, negatively affecting workers, businesses and families,” said state Rep. Lindsay Powell, who represents a portion of Allegheny County. “The lack of attainable housing means workers are sometimes unable to accept higher paying jobs because they cannot afford to move to a new geographic location, which heightens Pennsylvania’s workforce needs. It also means an entire generation of workers have been denied one of the basic tenets in building generational wealth through home ownership.” Read more

 

Fleming helped to secure $400,000 for Lower Paxton Township for roadway improvement projects

(Feb 25, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 25 – A longtime advocate for transportation safety in the 105 th Legislative District, state Rep. Justin Fleming helped secure $400,000 in state funding for a transportation improvement project in Lower Paxton Township through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Fleming said the grant funding is being used to improve roads in the Union Square Industrial Park that have deteriorated over time and are being negatively impacted by heavy truck traffic. Affected roads include Briarsdale Road, Katie Court, Fenton Avenue, Dana Drive and Corey Road. “I work closely with our business community and township officials to secure the funding necessary to improve our local infrastructure,” Fleming said. “Our business owners have been dealing with the negative impact of the heavy truck traffic on these local roads and on their businesses. This state funding will help alleviate those issues. I am proud to help secure funds to improve our community for businesses and residents alike." The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. For more information about the Multimodal Transportation Fund, visit here . Read more

 

Testifiers weigh in on need to combat wage theft in Pennsylvania

(Feb 25, 2025) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Wage theft is a pervasive problem in Pennsylvania and across the country responsible for roughly three times as much economic loss as all other theft combined, testifiers said Tuesday during a House Majority Policy Committee hearing on the topic. Read more

 

Debt from childbirth, other medical care would be relieved under new bill
Mar 12, 2025

Freeman proposes tutoring program for PA public schools
Mar 12, 2025

We need hard conversations, even if they make people uncomfortable
Mar 11, 2025

Steele: Time to end Sunday hunting ban in Pennsylvania
Mar 10, 2025

Freeman bill would let housing authorities set up police departments
Mar 10, 2025

Rivera’s pre-K public policy hearing elicits a rich discussion from community education experts
Mar 07, 2025

Pa. House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee holds public meeting on reducing food waste and insecurity
Mar 06, 2025

Frankel vows action as private equity shuts down Crozer Health hospitals
Mar 06, 2025

Cephas, Policy Committee focus on moving PA economy forward
Mar 05, 2025

Freeman proposes fairer property tax system
Mar 05, 2025

Elected officials, union leaders join national day of action against proposed federal education cuts
Mar 05, 2025

House Environmental Committee hears need for responsible development in Environmental Justice areas
Mar 04, 2025

Roundtable discusses importance of PA’s connection to cities
Mar 04, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 04, 2025

Freeman bill seeks better response to overdoses
Mar 03, 2025

Kazeem secures $475,000 in state funding for transportation project in Upper Chichester Township
Mar 03, 2025

Miller joins fellow public officials in defending Medicaid for Pennsylvanians amidst proposed federal funding cuts
Feb 28, 2025

Powell, Policy Committee focus on increasing achievable housing
Feb 26, 2025

Fleming helped to secure $400,000 for Lower Paxton Township for roadway improvement projects
Feb 25, 2025

Testifiers weigh in on need to combat wage theft in Pennsylvania
Feb 25, 2025