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Coalition Against Hate calls for renewed commitment to struggle against hate, fear

(Oct 27, 2020) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

As Pennsylvania again mourns the anti-Semitic attack in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh two years ago, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Hate today called upon the state legislature to remember and reflect on this moment, and to take action to strengthen Pennsylvania’s hate crime laws to prevent future tragedies. Read more

 

PLBC, Philadelphia House Delegation, and Police Reform Working Group members demand justice after Black man is killed by police

(Oct 27, 2020) Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

Members of these respective legislative bodies also called on the legislature to expeditiously pass the multiple pieces of police reform legislation languishing without action, some of which address procedures on non-lethal de-escalation methods and would instill policies for safer police interactions with residents experiencing mental health crises. Read more

 

Frankel, community mark anti-Semitic attack, remember those lost

(Oct 27, 2020) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

“My community has mourned together, and we are walking the winding path of healing together. Those most affected by the attack can each tell stories of the ways that the worldwide outpouring of love and support over the last two years has brought glimmers of light to what can be a very dark journey." Read more

 

Ullman introduces bill to mandate insurance coverage for COVID-19-related medical interventions

(Oct 27, 2020) Rep. Wendy Ullman

“Every Pennsylvanian has a right to expect protections from COVID-19,” Ullman said. “These protections should include safeguarding people from debilitating financial costs as a result of medical interventions for COVID-19. The fear of incurring medical debt should not be a factor that inhibits individuals from seeking necessary life-preserving care.” Read more

 

Schweyer holds House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on utility shut-offs

(Oct 26, 2020) Rep. Peter G. Schweyer

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created new and unprecedented challenges for many families across the commonwealth,” Schweyer said. “With winter coming and temperatures starting to drop, people should not have to worry about having their heat, electric or water shut-off on top of keeping their families healthy and figuring out how to put food on their tables.” Read more

 

Matzie resolution highlights fight against pancreatic cancer

(Oct 26, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he introduced H.R. 1045, designating November 2020 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania, to draw attention to a disease that often evades detection until it is too advanced to treat. Read more

 

Howard introduces bill to help improve people’s credit ratings

(Oct 23, 2020) Rep. Kristine C. Howard

“The economic fallout caused by the pandemic has caused many consumers to miss payments, hurting their credit scores,” Howard said. “Consumers striving to establish or repair their credit find an unbalanced system only reporting negative, delinquent payments, while other on-time payments go unreported." Read more

 

Harkins bill would create hazard pay program for charitable nonprofit workers

(Oct 22, 2020) Rep. Patrick J. Harkins

“There are scores of nonprofit workers on the front lines of this pandemic,” said Harkins, who is Democratic chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee. “They are distributing food at food banks, operating shelters for those needing a warm bed, and carrying out other charitable services providing comfort and support to Pennsylvanians in need." Read more

 

Burns’ plan would freeze property taxes for seniors

(Oct 21, 2020) Rep. Frank Burns

“My legislation will stop seniors from being taxed out of their homes, while giving local businesses a chance to grow their bottom lines and attract customers,” Burns said. “This is a win-win for our seniors, our mom-and-pop businesses, and the people they employ. It’s time for the state to provide meaningful property tax reform and support mom-and-pop businesses.” Read more

 

Legalizing adult-use cannabis to provide second chance, reform criminal justice system | Editorial

(Oct 21, 2020) Rep. Jake Wheatley

Earlier this year, House Bill 2050 was introduced – a measure to allow for the legal sale of adult-use cannabis through a permitting structure for growers, processors, and dispensaries. Read more

 

House unanimously adopts Matzie resolution designating October as ‘Wine, Wineries and Grapes Month’ in Pa.

(Oct 21, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

Matzie said he introduced H.R. 1046 to highlight the major contributions made by Pennsylvania’s wine and grape industry, which traces its history all the way back to William Penn. Read more

 

McClinton’s criminal justice reform legislation heads to the governor after passing House and Senate

(Oct 21, 2020) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

“Today once again proves that criminal justice reform is possible in Pennsylvania,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair McClinton. “I applaud my colleagues for supporting our legislation and moving our progress forward to improve our criminal justice system so that it works for all Pennsylvanians.” Read more

 

Davis bill designed to benefit fire, EMS amended into bill that will overhaul Office of the State Fire Commissioner

(Oct 21, 2020) Rep. Austin Davis

“Reforming the Office of the State Fire Commissioner is important on so many levels, most notably so that we can ensure our volunteer fire and EMS agencies are receiving the proper administrative support they want and need,” Davis said. “This was a bill of great importance to me, and I’m grateful portions of my legislation were integrated into the finalized version of House Bill 1673, which will benefit our fire and EMS services immensely.” Read more

 

Galloway’s employee misclassification bill headed to governor’s desk

(Oct 21, 2020) Rep. John T. Galloway

“A whole cottage industry has emerged to teach people how to break laws and misclassify workers as independent contractors,” Galloway said. “By taking advantage of loopholes, employers deliberately cut labor costs, pay fewer tax dollars and avoid paying people a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work." Read more

 

House unanimously adopts Youngblood’s measure recognizing National Period Day in Pennsylvania

(Oct 21, 2020) Rep. Rosita C. Youngblood

Youngblood said her measure, H.R. 1055, acknowledges that despite how common it is, menstruation is often spoken about in hushed tones, if brought up at all. Because of this taboo, so many remain unaware of the existence of period poverty in America and that one in four people nationwide struggle to afford period products. Read more

 

State lawmakers Davidson, Davis introduce legislation to protect people who carry life-saving medication

(Oct 21, 2020) Rep. Margo Davidson, Rep. Austin Davis

State Reps. Margo Davidson, D-Delaware, and Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, introduced Lloyd’s Law Wednesday. The bill would end the practice of permitting insurance companies to deny coverage because family members, social workers and other Pennsylvania residents carry or at one time carried the life-saving medication naloxone in attempt to prevent fatal opioid overdoses of others. Read more

 

House unanimously adopts Matzie condolence resolution honoring late Pa. House Representative Susan Laughlin

(Oct 20, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he introduced the resolution to pay tribute to a unique lawmaker who served the 16th Legislative District tirelessly during eight terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, from 1989 through 2004. Read more

 

Kortz: Legislation to allow for civil penalty for driving without insurance passes House

(Oct 20, 2020) Rep. William C. Kortz

“This bill would allow them to pay the fine instead of serving a license suspension, provided they are able to show proof they bought insurance,” said Kortz. “It would be especially helpful to commercial drivers in instances where they may face a suspension, even if the lapse in insurance is with their personal vehicle, not with a vehicle they operate as part of their employment.” Read more

 

Kortz introduces amendment to bill designed to strengthen ‘Steer Clear Law’

(Oct 20, 2020) Rep. William C. Kortz

State Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Allegheny, said his amendment to S.B. 1281, also known as the “Move Over Law,” would require a driver approaching or passing a disabled vehicle to move over to one lane, or if that is not possible, to pass the vehicle at a rate of not more than 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. Read more

 

House adopts Bizzarro resolution designating Nov. 22 Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day

(Oct 20, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

“I thank my colleagues for recognizing that our heroes are hurting and that we must support them by acknowledging the reality that we are losing an estimated 22 veterans a day to suicide. The 22 is significant because it helps us to remember those lost. We remind those left behind that we are there for them during these difficult times,” Bizzarro said. Read more

 

Coalition Against Hate calls for renewed commitment to struggle against hate, fear
Oct 27, 2020

PLBC, Philadelphia House Delegation, and Police Reform Working Group members demand justice after Black man is killed by police
Oct 27, 2020

Frankel, community mark anti-Semitic attack, remember those lost
Oct 27, 2020

Ullman introduces bill to mandate insurance coverage for COVID-19-related medical interventions
Oct 27, 2020

Schweyer holds House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on utility shut-offs
Oct 26, 2020

Matzie resolution highlights fight against pancreatic cancer
Oct 26, 2020

Howard introduces bill to help improve people’s credit ratings
Oct 23, 2020

Harkins bill would create hazard pay program for charitable nonprofit workers
Oct 22, 2020

Burns’ plan would freeze property taxes for seniors
Oct 21, 2020

Legalizing adult-use cannabis to provide second chance, reform criminal justice system | Editorial
Oct 21, 2020

House unanimously adopts Matzie resolution designating October as ‘Wine, Wineries and Grapes Month’ in Pa.
Oct 21, 2020

McClinton’s criminal justice reform legislation heads to the governor after passing House and Senate
Oct 21, 2020

Davis bill designed to benefit fire, EMS amended into bill that will overhaul Office of the State Fire Commissioner
Oct 21, 2020

Galloway’s employee misclassification bill headed to governor’s desk
Oct 21, 2020

House unanimously adopts Youngblood’s measure recognizing National Period Day in Pennsylvania
Oct 21, 2020

State lawmakers Davidson, Davis introduce legislation to protect people who carry life-saving medication
Oct 21, 2020

House unanimously adopts Matzie condolence resolution honoring late Pa. House Representative Susan Laughlin
Oct 20, 2020

Kortz: Legislation to allow for civil penalty for driving without insurance passes House
Oct 20, 2020

Kortz introduces amendment to bill designed to strengthen ‘Steer Clear Law’
Oct 20, 2020

House adopts Bizzarro resolution designating Nov. 22 Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day
Oct 20, 2020