News Center

Period products aren’t a luxury — let’s stop treating them as such

(Jul 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

May is Menstrual Awareness Month, a time to break the stigma and promote understanding about menstruation. It’s a natural process that women experience, and a part of the miraculous biological process that creates life. Even though this process is completely natural and can result in something beautiful, menstruation is often shrouded in secrecy and referred to as something dirty that women must endure, forcing women to speak about it behind closed doors or in whispered voices. This attitude towards a completely natural biological process has contributed to a huge problem for women and girls when it comes to managing their monthly periods – period poverty. Women who can’t afford expensive period products often will miss important life events and even be left unable to attend school or work, creating a vicious cycle of poverty that becomes impossible to escape. Women who experience period poverty are often forced to use unhygienic items that can cause urinary tract and bacterial infections, such as old t-shirts, socks, and even newspaper. It’s not hard to imagine that this often increases incidents of depression and anxiety, leaving women feeling trapped by their own bodies. As elected officials, it’s our duty to look within the communities we serve, listen to their needs and do what we can to advocate for them. This isn’t an issue that constituents brought to my attention, this is something I dealt with as a young girl who started Read more

 

Giral celebrates Philadelphia tow truck accountability becoming law

(Jul 08, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, July 8 – Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed H.B. 816 (now Act 43) into law, requiring tow truck operators in Philadelphia to take photographic evidence of the violation for which they are towing or removing a vehicle. “I am pleased to see this commonsense measure signed into law,” state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., said. “This will benefit everyone involved, the courts, drivers and towing companies, and will ensure greater accountability and transparency in our city.” In Philadelphia, vehicle owners are allowed to provide evidence to the parking hearing examiner that their vehicle was towed unreasonably or unlawfully and avoid paying the associated fees, Giral said. However, without clear evidence of a violation, it’s difficult for the vehicle owners to prove their innocence, and this will change that for the better. Read more

 

Skill Games are a menace to community well being

(Jul 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Across Philadelphia, the proliferation of skill games presents a growing concern that threatens the very fabric of our neighborhoods. These games, often touted as harmless forms of entertainment or even sources of income, conceal a darker reality that undermines the quality of life for countless individuals. From the negative impact on social cohesion to the economic strain they impose, the presence of skill games casts a shadow over community life. Read more

 

Gergely’s employment flexibility bill amongst liquor-licensed establishments passes PA Senate

(Jul 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 3 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill that would allow individuals to work at more than one business licensed to sell alcohol passed the state Senate Tuesday, 47-3. Gergely is a member of the PA House Liquor Control Committee and recognized the need to assist licensed food and beverage establishments with H.B. 829 . “The pandemic took a heavy toll on small businesses across the country, especially those in the food and beverage industry. Not only that, bars, restaurants and other liquor-licensed entities are still facing a worker shortage in the post-COVID era, especially when it comes to hiring experienced and knowledgeable staff,” he said. “House Bill 829 would release such workers from the exclusive grip exercised by businesses with liquor licenses, and this new inclusivity would lead to higher profits and boost to local economies. Having extra money in their pockets will help workers and their families afford daily necessities and benefit their financial stability as well. “This bill is a win-win for Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvania small businesses,” Gergely added. “I want to thank House and Senate members on both sides of the aisle for helping this commonsense measure reach this point.” House Bill 829 is Gergely’s second piece of legislation to pass the state Senate this year and now heads to the governor for his signature. Read more

 

Burns legislation to allow PA to join interstate compacts sent to the governor

(Jul 03, 2024) Rep. Frank Burns

This change in law facilitates Pennsylvania’s entry into interstate compacts, which allow a licensee to practice in other participating states with just one license. Previous efforts to implement the compacts passed into law were unsuccessful without this fingerprinting process in place. Read more

 

Giral legislation honoring Borinqueneers included in transportation bill headed to governor’s desk

(Jul 03, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, July 3 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed comprehensive transportation-related legislation ( H.B. 2301 ) that includes language from a bill sponsored by state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., that would allow recipients of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal to apply for special state license plates designating their vehicles as belonging to honored veterans. “The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest awards the United States bestows, and only a handful of military units have ever received this award,” Giral said. “It’s only right that we honor the distinguished recipients of the Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal with a special registration plate. They made great sacrifices for our country and deserve to be recognized and commemorated.” The bill now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature. Read more

 

Reps. Powell’s and Labs’ bipartisan effort to expand protections for victims of violent crimes passes House

(Jul 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 3 – State Reps. Lindsay Powell’s and Shelby Labs’ bill that would establish the Victims of Violence Relocation Act passed the state House today. Under the legislation ( H.B. 2162 ), eligible violent crime survivors would be entitled to relocation assistance, and the timeframe for requesting such assistance would be increased from 90 to 180 days after the crime occurred. The legislators said this would allow survivors more time to access necessary support and would ensure they can utilize federal documentation to validate their need for relocation. “Partnering with Representative Labs on this bill exemplifies that the PA House stands united with survivors of violent crime by expanding housing assistance to them in their time of need,” Powell, D-Allegheny, said. “Thank you to all my colleagues for your affirmative votes and your commitment to helping survivors start their lives anew.” “I want to thank Representative Powell for her collaboration on this important piece of legislation that protects victims and empowers survivors,” Labs, R-Bucks, added. “The passage of House Bill 2162 is a critical step in ensuring our commitment to making Pennsylvania a safer place for victims of violence and providing a foundation of support during recovery.” The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence says one in three women, one in four men and nearly half of LGBTQ+ individuals will Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to help cut government red tape poised to be signed into law

(Jul 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 3 –State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El’s legislation (H.B. 1477) that will allow for the electronic submission of municipal plans and ordinances passed the state Senate Monday and is now on its way to the governor’s desk. The legislation will amend the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to enable municipalities to make certain transmittals and submissions -- including proposed comprehensive plans/land use ordinances and amendments to such -- through electronic means. “This bill will codify what is already current practice -- emailing plans and land ordinances -- in order to eliminate the confusion about whether such transmissions are permissible,” said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. “Planners and consultants within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development requested this clarification be put into law. This bill will help cut government red tape and streamline processes in DCED and other government agencies.” This bill was first introduced as H.B. 1592 in the 2021-22 session. Inquiries about the legislation can be directed to Smith-Wade-El’s office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s secures $67K grant for Otterbein Emergency Shelter

(Jul 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 2 – A longtime advocate for the unhoused in Lancaster, state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El secured a $67,000 state grant for the Lancaster Redevelopment Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for the emergency shelter at the Otterbein United Methodist Church, which will open in Dec. 2024. The Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority, with support from the Lancaster Redevelopment fund, will carry out the renovations, lease, and management of the emergency clinic. The YMCA of the Roses will operate the shelter and funding of the operations will be provided in part by the Lancaster County Homeless Coalition. “We have a growing unhoused population in Lancaster, with the Lancaster County Homeless Coalition’s showing a 13.5% increase this year from 2023,” Smith-Wade-El said. “With stagnant wages and the skyrocketing cost of housing, more and more people are becoming homeless. We need to make sure our neighbors have somewhere to go until they get on their feet, particularly as the cold weather sets in.” The YMCA of the Roses’ emergency shelter at Otterbein United Methodist Church will be the county’s only low-barrier shelter in the winter, containing 80 beds. ( Low-barrier shelters offer a warm and dry place to stay without preconditions like sobriety.) “I am very glad that the unhoused in our community will have somewhere safe to stay during the Read more

 

On National CROWN Day, Mayes urges state Senate to act on bill that would ban hair discrimination

(Jul 03, 2024) Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes

PA CROWN Act legislation has been stalled in Senate committee for nearly one year Read more

 

Benham, pharmacists call on state Senate to pass PBM reform

(Jul 03, 2024) Rep. Jessica Benham

“Over 140 pharmacies have closed in our Commonwealth since the beginning of the year,” said Dr. Mayank “Dr. Mak” Amin, the owner of Skippack Pharmacy. “While I stand here and celebrate our pharmacy’s 5th anniversary, we are also bleeding due to poor reimbursements and patient steering. Community pharmacies like Skippack Pharmacy vaccinated over 100,000 patients during the pandemic and provided critical supplies to those in need, but what will save community pharmacies like ours?" Read more

 

Prokopiak bill to expand tax credits, create jobs passes House

(Jul 02, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Jim Prokopiak’s bill that would stimulate the economy and create jobs by increasing the Historic Preservation Tax Credit passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. House Bill 2358 would raise the annual limit of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit from the current $5 million to a new cap of $20 million, starting in 2025. “Pennsylvania’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program not only helps rehabilitate and preserve the structures that tell the tale of our commonwealth’s rich history, but it also generates positive economic impact by helping turn those structures into income-producing properties,” Prokopiak said. Every $1 million invested into an historic rehabilitation project generates 6.4 direct jobs and 5.6 indirect jobs in Pennsylvania, which outperforms every other industry, according to the bill’s co-sponsorship memo. Of the 37 states that have a similar tax credit, Pennsylvania has the fourth-lowest cap. The increased investment proposed in H.B. 2358 is necessary, Prokopiak said, as the need for funding is greater than the current $5 million cap. For the 2022-23 fiscal year, 31 projects requesting a total of $12.7 million in tax credits were forwarded to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for approval of the projects’ rehabilitation plan. With the annual Read more

 

Prokopiak bill to expand tax credits, create jobs passes House

(Jul 02, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Jim Prokopiak’s bill that would stimulate the economy and create jobs by increasing the Historic Preservation Tax Credit passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. House Bill 2358 would raise the annual limit of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit from the current $5 million to a new cap of $20 million, starting in 2025. “Pennsylvania’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program not only helps rehabilitate and preserve the structures that tell the tale of our commonwealth’s rich history, but it also generates positive economic impact by helping turn those structures into income-producing properties,” Prokopiak said. Every $1 million invested into an historic rehabilitation project generates 6.4 direct jobs and 5.6 indirect jobs in Pennsylvania, which outperforms every other industry, according to the bill’s co-sponsorship memo. Of the 37 states that have a similar tax credit, Pennsylvania has the fourth-lowest cap. The increased investment proposed in H.B. 2358 is necessary, Prokopiak said, as the need for funding is greater than the current $5 million cap. For the 2022-23 fiscal year, 31 projects requesting a total of $12.7 million in tax credits were forwarded to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for approval of the projects’ rehabilitation plan. With the annual Read more

 

PA House passes Pisciottano bill to establish state antitrust law

(Jul 02, 2024) Rep. Nick Pisciottano

Open Markets Act would empower attorney general to enforce laws against unfair competition Read more

 

PA House passes Rabb, Nelson legislation to help families inheriting properties without a will

(Jul 02, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, July 2 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed legislation ( H.B. 2232 ) sponsored by state Reps. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., and Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, that would establish the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act in Pennsylvania. The legislation would make sure all inheritors are informed when one inheritor wants to sell their share of the property. It would also require the court to appoint a neutral appraiser to determine the property's fair market value. And it would provide other inheritors the right of first refusal to buy the share of the person who wants to sell. “When a loved one passes, it is utterly heartbreaking and an immense challenge to overcome. When they don’t have an estate plan in place it can lead to some difficult decisions and uncomfortable situations for the person’s heirs,” Rabb said. “This leads to the person’s heirs taking ownership of the property as tenants-in-common -- a form of ownership that frequently leads to heirs losing their land through forced partition sale and to families losing immense inherited wealth to real estate speculators.” This legislation would provide additional due process protections to prevent Pennsylvanians from the forced sale of inherited property, Rabb said. This bill will now head to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Ciresi bill to outlaw early termination fees for deceased persons signed into law

(Jul 02, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s bill that protects a deceased person’s family or estate from being charged early termination fees when canceling certain service contracts and vehicle leases was signed into law last Friday as Act 29 of 2024. “Death comes with many burdens for the survivors, but one of them shouldn’t be termination fees,” Ciresi said. “It’s hard enough to lose a family member, but it is just salt in the wound for a grieving relative to have to pay an early termination fee because the customer has died. And it is simply gross that companies profit off a person’s death through these fees. My legislation prohibits cable, phone, telecommunications, utility, and other companies from imposing early termination fees on a recently deceased person’s family for services that would no longer be used.” Act 29 requires that written notice along with a copy of a death certificate be provided to end such leases or contracts without financial penalty. Ciresi has championed the legislation in previous sessions. This session, the bill had 24 co-sponsors, including both Democrats and Republicans. Ciresi said he was grateful to his colleagues for their support of this bill to provide additional protections for consumers. “Act 29 is going to help many, many Pennsylvania families during their time of grief by removing one less hassle as they settle their loved one’s Read more

 

Bill would ease debt and tax bills for student borrowers

(Jul 02, 2024) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara, Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, July 2 – As Pennsylvania lawmakers work to finalize the state budget and tuition bills are hitting mailboxes for the fall semester, two state lawmakers are looking to provide needed financial relief to student borrowers. State Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, and Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., have introduced legislation ( H.B. 2476 ) that would exempt tuition reimbursement from the personal income tax, as well as codify that student loan forgiveness is not taxable income. According to the lawmakers, current and former college students in the U.S. have taken out approximately $1.75 trillion in student loans. Pennsylvania borrowers have an average of $39,375 in debt, making the state the third-highest average for student loan debt. The cost of both public and private four-year colleges has tripled since 1980, even when accounting for inflation, contributing to the need for students to take out more loans. “Pennsylvania is a state where borrowers struggle with student loans more than most,” O’Mara said. “It’s even more disheartening when they are handed a tax bill for what relief they do get from their employers in the form of tuition reimbursement. Students are constantly evaluating their career and financial paths to include ways to make college more affordable. When they find an employer who wants to help with those costs in exchange for getting a great employee, they shouldn’t be Read more

 

PA legislators announced relaunch of bipartisan, bicameral Nuclear Energy Caucus

(Jul 02, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Reps. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, and Tom Mehaffie, R-Dauphin, together with state Sens. John I. Kane, D-Delaware/Chester, and Lynda Schlegel Culver, R- Columbia/Luzerne/Montour/Northumberland/Synder, have announced the relaunch of the Nuclear Energy Caucus. “Nuclear energy has powered Pennsylvania’s homes and businesses for decades with reliable, carbon-free electricity,” the members of caucus said. “We are relaunching the bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus to ensure we keep this tried-and-true clean energy contributing to our baseload power for generations to come.” Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the nuclear power industry, with the first commercial nuclear power plant beginning operations in 1957 in Shippingport. Pennsylvania’s eight nuclear reactors at four facilities today produce one-third of all electricity generated in the commonwealth. America’s nuclear power plants faced significant economic and financial challenges in the 2010s, which led to the premature closure of many nuclear plants across the country, including Three Mile Island near Harrisburg in 2019. A Joint State Government Commission report on nuclear energy found the closure resulted in an 8% reduction in Pennsylvania’s nuclear energy output and hundreds of lost jobs. The commission’s report also studied small modular reactors, which are innovative fission-based Read more

 

Hanbidge and Schemel bill updating state Slayer Statute signed into law

(Jul 02, 2024) Rep. Liz Hanbidge

A bill by state Reps. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, and Paul Schemel, R-Franklin, to protect Pennsylvania seniors from abuse has been signed into law. Read more

 

Burgos bill to get fresh foods to PA schools clears House (Spanish version included)

(Jul 01, 2024) Rep. Danilo Burgos

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State House lawmakers today passed legislation introduced by Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., that would get more fresh fruits and vegetables into schools while supporting locally grown products. Burgos’ bill ( H.B. 2420 ) would establish the Keystone Fresh Program, which would include three grant programs to provide opportunities for school districts, farms, food hubs, and local food aggregators to incorporate locally grown fresh foods into Pennsylvania schools. “ Schools across Pennsylvania serve more than 157 million lunches per year , providing critical nutrients to children across the state and making them one of the largest potential markets for agricultural producers in Pennsylvania,” Burgos said. “Despite having a child nutrition budget of more than $729 million per year, schools self-report that they spend less than 2% of those funds on Pennsylvania-grown foods. Local food purchasing incentive legislation , like the Keystone Fresh Act, would address this problem by establishing a grant program incentivizing schools to purchase, promote and serve local foods in their meal programs.” According to Burgos, similar LFPI programs in 16 other states have been an effective and innovative strategy, increasing the quantity of local foods served in school meals and creating an essential market for farmers. Research has shown LFPI programs generate a local Read more

 

Period products aren’t a luxury — let’s stop treating them as such
Jul 08, 2024

Giral celebrates Philadelphia tow truck accountability becoming law
Jul 08, 2024

Skill Games are a menace to community well being
Jul 08, 2024

Gergely’s employment flexibility bill amongst liquor-licensed establishments passes PA Senate
Jul 03, 2024

Burns legislation to allow PA to join interstate compacts sent to the governor
Jul 03, 2024

Giral legislation honoring Borinqueneers included in transportation bill headed to governor’s desk
Jul 03, 2024

Reps. Powell’s and Labs’ bipartisan effort to expand protections for victims of violent crimes passes House
Jul 03, 2024

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to help cut government red tape poised to be signed into law
Jul 03, 2024

Smith-Wade-El’s secures $67K grant for Otterbein Emergency Shelter
Jul 03, 2024

On National CROWN Day, Mayes urges state Senate to act on bill that would ban hair discrimination
Jul 03, 2024

Benham, pharmacists call on state Senate to pass PBM reform
Jul 03, 2024

Prokopiak bill to expand tax credits, create jobs passes House
Jul 02, 2024

Prokopiak bill to expand tax credits, create jobs passes House
Jul 02, 2024

PA House passes Pisciottano bill to establish state antitrust law
Jul 02, 2024

PA House passes Rabb, Nelson legislation to help families inheriting properties without a will
Jul 02, 2024

Ciresi bill to outlaw early termination fees for deceased persons signed into law
Jul 02, 2024

Bill would ease debt and tax bills for student borrowers
Jul 02, 2024

PA legislators announced relaunch of bipartisan, bicameral Nuclear Energy Caucus
Jul 02, 2024

Hanbidge and Schemel bill updating state Slayer Statute signed into law
Jul 02, 2024

Burgos bill to get fresh foods to PA schools clears House (Spanish version included)
Jul 01, 2024