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Lawmakers, family detail $354M in new funding for intellectual disability/autism

(Aug 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Historic increase in funding delivers on promises to reduce waiting lists, help raise wages for caregivers Read more

 

Rabb introduces first of its kind legislation to combat corporate ‘greenwashing’

(Aug 01, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Aug. 1 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., has introduced legislation, H.B. 2525 , which would prohibit corporations from using deceitful and manipulative practices known as “greenwashing” in Pennsylvania. “For decades now, corporations have taken advantage of environmentally conscious consumers by intentionally marketing their products in a manner that makes them appear better for the planet than they really are. This devious and manipulative practice is known as ‘greenwashing.’ You often see it when companies use terms such as ‘net zero,’ ‘low carbon’ or ‘cleaner energy,’ even if those claims are not based in reality or are aspirational at best,” Rabb said . “As we increasingly experience the drastic effects of the climate crisis, such as more intense storms, floods, droughts and wildfires, the last thing Pennsylvania consumers need is to be lied to as they try to make informed purchasing decisions.” This legislation would ensure that there is truth in marketing by amending the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to explicitly prohibit deceptive environmental marketing claims. "Corporations should not be allowed to lie to consumers and pretend that dirty and polluting products are healthy or sustainable, but the reality is these deceptive greenwashing practices are rampant across many industries, from Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus issues statement on Sunday’s Venezuelan elections

(Jul 31, 2024) PA Legislative Latino Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 31 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus today issued the following statement regarding the presidential election in Venezuela: “On Sunday, millions of Venezuelans went to the polls in a historic presidential election. The election presented an opportunity for Venezuelan voters to express their aspirations for a more democratic, prosperous, and stable country. We commend their courage and commitment to democratic principles. “The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus expresses concern that the partial results released by Venezuelan electoral authorities do not reflect the will of the Venezuelan people and we call for the release of full, detailed results for transparency. We commend the Organization of American States for not recognizing the results and urge the U.S. State Department and the international community to support efforts to ensure free and fair elections in Venezuela. “From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus stands with the Venezuelan community in our commonwealth and abroad in their struggle for self-determination through the democratic process.” Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus Chair Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., further explained his concerns. “I am deeply troubled by the irregularities during Sunday’s election in Venezuela. Reports of suppression and lack of transparency in the vote Read more

 

Kinkead highlights community work at formerly closed hospital

(Jul 31, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I wanted to bring lawmakers to my district to highlight the incredible and transformative work being done at what was formerly a closed hospital,” said Rep. Kinkead, who hosted the hearing and represents portions of Allegheny County. “Communities aren’t dealing with one challenge, but a multitude of issues, and AHN Suburban illustrates why it’s important not to silo these issues but address all of the numerous inner-related issues.” Read more

 

Abney, PLBC hear Allegheny County Jail officials over voting access

(Jul 31, 2024) Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30. HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail. The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power. "Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.” Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive. "The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens Read more

 

Steele, committee hears testimony on manufacturing job creation

(Jul 30, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We know clean energy manufacturing is a tremendous opportunity in this commonwealth that has never existed before,” said Rep. Mandy Steele, who hosted the hearing and represents portions of Allegheny County. “We have the potential for unbelievable job creation and business growth, and we learned more about the thousands of jobs being created and the potential to bring manufacturing jobs back to Pennsylvania from Asia – but it’s important the state continues to support these efforts to maximize this moment.” Read more

 

Daley highlights Pennsylvania tourism bump in 2024/25 state budget

(Jul 30, 2024) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

HARRISBURG, July 30 – Pennsylvania House Tourism, Recreational and Economic Development Committee Chair Rep. Mary Jo Daley said she is pleased with a $15 million state budget increase to attract more tourists to the commonwealth’s many great restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts and resorts. “Pennsylvania is a four-seasons destination, with each of our great state’s regions offering educational, historical and recreational opportunities to travelers,” said Daley, D-Montgomery . “Providing more resources to the state’s Tourism Office helps bring more attention to all that Pennsylvania has to offer and, in turn, generates even more revenue for our state.” Gov. Josh Shapiro has been promoting Pennsylvania as the “Great American Getaway,” and the budget earmarks $19 million for tourism marketing to boost Pennsylvania’s economy, attract more visitors and support good-paying jobs. “We’re thrilled that tourism marketing received a $15 million increase in the 2024-25 budget to help boost our economy, attract more visitors, and support good paying jobs in Pennsylvania,” said Anne Ryan, deputy secretary of tourism for the Department of Community and Development . “Tourism, which is a key piece of Governor Josh Shapiro’s economic development strategy, generates over $76 billion and supports more than 486,000 jobs each year. We are working hard to encourage the tens of Read more

 

Jewish Legislative Caucus issues statement condemning vandalism of Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

(Jul 29, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 29 – Pennsylvania Jewish Legislative Caucus Co-Chairs Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Dan Frankel issued the following statements today condemning the antisemitic vandalism of Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. “The vandalism of Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is an instance of the increasingly frequent expressions of antisemitism in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While this did not occur in my own community, my heart goes out to all those who have been hurt or feel unsafe as a result of this display,” said Schwank, D-Berks. “Any expression of antisemitism is an attack on all our Jewish communities, families, friends and neighbors. It is disgusting, it is unacceptable and it has no place in our commonwealth.” “Vandalizing Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is not only an antisemitic attack on pillars of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community, but an attack on the values of tolerance, respect and community that we as Pittsburghers hold dear,” said Frankel, D-Allegheny. “Hate has no place in Pittsburgh or anywhere else, and we must stand together to denounce such acts of intolerance.” Last week, Frankel joined various other state leaders at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh to announce the availability of $10 million in funding for Read more

 

Testifiers shed light on need for short-term rental regulation in PA

(Jul 29, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The number of short-term rental properties are on the rise in Pennsylvania, and testifiers at Monday’s House Majority Policy Committee hearing on the topic detailed the need to introduce regulations to address ongoing concerns. Read more

 

Ciresi’s Bill to Simplify Unclaimed Property Claims for Heirs Becomes Law

(Jul 23, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 23 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s bill that will make it easier for relatives to claim a deceased person’s property being held by the state has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro as Act 65 of 2024. “The process of claiming unclaimed property as an heir can be complicated, expensive and burdensome – so much so that many would rather give up than continue with the process, especially if the sum is small,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Act 65 will slice through the red tape and simplify the current process of claiming unclaimed funds to help the people of Pennsylvania get what’s rightfully theirs.” According to Ciresi, the Pennsylvania Treasury holds some $4 billion in unclaimed property, such as uncashed checks, lost stocks or bonds, or closed bank accounts. Due to an inconsistency in inheritance law, some categories of relatives have had a harder time legitimately claiming that property on behalf of their deceased relatives. Surviving spouses, children, parents and siblings could file for unclaimed property using a notarized sworn relationship affidavit, saving them the effort and expense of having to open or re-open the deceased’s estate. But grandchildren, nephews, nieces and others could not claim by affidavit even if they are the closest surviving relative. Act 65 will allow grandchildren and their descendants, nieces and nephews and their descendants, and grandparents of the deceased Read more

 

Ciresi praises $17,000 special education workforce grant awarded to Pottstown School District

(Jul 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 22 – Pottstown School District was awarded a $17,200 workforce grant from the PA Department of Education to develop a new generation of special education teachers, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today. “Kids in special education classes need teachers who are specially trained to understand their unique needs and provide the necessary support so they can flourish intellectually, socially and emotionally in school,” Ciresi said. “Especially important in light of a statewide teacher shortage, this money will create new learning opportunities for Pottstown School District students. By raising awareness of career paths and job opportunities in special education, this will help recruit the teachers needed to provide a top-notch education for all students.” The Developing Future Special Educator grants will help local education agencies design and implement student-focused experiential learning opportunities for supporting students with disabilities and learning about career opportunities in the field of special education. The program builds on the department’s efforts to develop a teacher pipeline and retention program to guarantee that learners of all abilities across the state are guaranteed access to a top-notch education for years to come. Read more

 

Gov. Shapiro signs Rep. Warren's insurance and corporate bills into law

(Jul 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Perry Warren D-Bucks County www.pahouse.com/Warren Gov. Shapiro signs Rep. Warren's insurance and corporate bills into law HARRISBURG, July 22 – In the midst of state budget negotiations, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law two bills introduced by state Rep. Perry Warren. House Bill 2096 , now known as Act 45 of 2024, codifies the surplus insurance lines fee structure for personal surplus lines transactions. House Bill 1716 , signed into law as Act 59 of 2024, clarifies shareholder rights set forth in Pennsylvania’s Title 15 Corporations and Unincorporated Associations statute. Both bills passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate. “Neither of these new laws is controversial or flashy,” Warren said. “Rather, they both clarify and streamline the conducting of insurance and corporate business in Pennsylvania.” The surplus lines insurance market serves customers who need rare, specialty or high-risk insurance coverage unavailable on the regular market in Pennsylvania. High-risk flood insurance is one common example. To ensure that Pennsylvania insurance agents serve this specialty market, Act 45 permits and caps the fee that may be charged for placing a surplus lines policy. Act 59 clarifies language of Title 15 with Read more

 

Sappey urges Aqua customers to attend public input hearing

(Jul 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

KENNETT SQUARE, July 22 – State Rep. Christina Sappy has requested from the Public Utility Commission a public input hearing regarding the proposed rate increase for water and wastewater by Aqua PA Inc. The PUC has granted this hearing request, which will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 at the New Garden Township Municipal Building, 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. Sappey urges all customers who will be impacted by this potential rate increase to attend and participate in the hearing. Following the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate coming out against the proposed rate increase, Sappey filed a formal complaint with the PUC regarding this proposed 18.7% rate hike for Aqua PA Inc. and Aqua PA Wastewater Inc. “Many Aqua customers are still coping with a substantial rate increase from 2022 which, for some, tripled their wastewater bills. It’s imperative that residents speak up now to let both the PUC and Aqua know how a rate hike of this magnitude would impact their monthly household budgets,” Sappey said. Interested residents are encouraged to visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for information on how the hearing will be conducted. People with questions may contact Sappey’s office by calling (484) 200-8264 or by emailing repsappey@pahouse.net with “Aqua rate increase hearing” in the subject line. Sappey represents Read more

 

Statement of Majority Leader Matt Bradford on President Joe Biden

(Jul 21, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Thank you for your incredible service, Mr. President. Read more

 

Local, state officials discuss state budget wins for county, city

(Jul 18, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Newly enacted state budget makes major investments in education, communities Read more

 

Shusterman bill signed in to law by Gov. Shapiro

(Jul 18, 2024) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“I want to thank my colleagues in both the House and Senate for their support of this legislation,” said Shusterman. “I will always support initiatives to improve the lives of seniors in our Commonwealth. By encouraging communication between the Department of Health and nursing home staff, we hope that the exchange of ideas and information between these two groups will lead to a unified effort to provide the best senior care possible. I’m proud to have this bill signed in to law by Governor Shapiro.” Read more

 

In light of recent resignations, Rabb highlights special election reform legislation

(Jul 17, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, July 17 – In light of the recent resignations from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives of former state Reps. Donna Bullock and Stephen Kinsey, both D-Phila., and the announcement that there will be Sept. 17 special elections to replace them, state Rep. Chris Rabb is highlighting special election-related legislation that would save Pennsylvania money and clean up the special election process. “As we’ve seen numerous times over the past two years in the House, the process by which we elect people in special elections is just as important as regularly scheduled elections,” said Rabb, D-Phila. “According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, the state spent almost $1 million on special elections in 2023 alone.” This legislation, H.B. 1831 , would ensure special elections are timely, cost effective and accessible by requiring that special elections happen sooner when a seat becomes vacant more than 90 days before the next election; requiring automatic mail-in voting for all elections while providing county boards of election the option to establish satellite voting sites; allowing for non-partisan participation ; and allowing candidates to electronically obtain nomination petition signatures, he said. “Pennsylvanians deserve special elections that are equitable, transparent, efficient and cost-effective. At the moment, special elections in this state are none of those things,” Read more

 

Neilson applauds Shapiro administration for securing largest federal transportation grant in PA history

(Jul 17, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, made a statement today regarding the historic win for Pennsylvania’s transportation sector: a $500 million federal grant as part of the Large Bridge Project grant program: “This historic funding will go towards replacing the I-83 South Bridge, which connects Harrisburg to the west shore of Cumberland County,” Neilson said. “It’s a vital route in central Pennsylvania that carries 125,000 vehicles over the Susquehanna River daily and is often used by truckers delivering goods throughout the commonwealth. “I’m thankful to Gov. Shapiro, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and the entire Biden administration for their help with securing the largest amount of federal funding Pennsylvania’s transportation sector has ever received; it will cover almost half the costs of the entire project. “It goes a long way to helping us invest in Pennsylvania’s vast network of roads and bridges. We can use the money saved with this funding to help maintain and repair other bridges that need major repairs throughout the commonwealth.” Neilson added that the I-83 bridge was built in 1960, and with wear and tear increasing throughout the years, the repairs have become too costly and frequent. The Large Bridge Project grant was awarded to Pennsylvania Transportation Department from the Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Investment Program. Read more

 

Krajewski, stakeholders celebrate Right to Counsel funding in budget

(Jul 17, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, July 17 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., city officials and stakeholders held a news conference today in the Philadelphia City Council Chambers to discuss $2.5 million in new funding in the 2024-25 state budget for the creation of a statewide Right to Counsel program, which will fund legal assistance for low-income tenants. During his February budget address, Gov. Josh Shapiro called for the creation of a statewide Right to Counsel program, modeled off of the successful program in Philadelphia. Shortly after, Krajewski, along with state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., introduced corresponding legislation. “I am so incredibly proud of the work that stakeholders, advocates and legislators in the General Assembly did to secure the $2.5 million in funding necessary to launch a statewide Right to Counsel program,” Krajewski said. “This $2.5 million downpayment is just the first step. To win a true statewide Right to Counsel for all working families, we need to spend 10 times more. As we celebrate this historic win, we must keep fighting for this program’s expansion to serve every eligible tenant.” The Pennsylvania Right to Counsel Program will direct funds toward the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, which will distribute dollars to legal aid organizations across the state for work on tenant representation and advocacy. A report Read more

 

Krajewski, stakeholders celebrate Right to Counsel funding in budget

(Jul 17, 2024) Rep. Rick Krajewski

HARRISBURG, July 17 – State Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., city officials and stakeholders held a news conference today in the Philadelphia City Council Chambers to discuss $2.5 million in new funding in the 2024-25 state budget for the creation of a statewide Right to Counsel program, which will fund legal assistance for low-income tenants. During his February budget address, Gov. Josh Shapiro called for the creation of a statewide Right to Counsel program, modeled off of the successful program in Philadelphia. Shortly after, Krajewski, along with state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., introduced corresponding legislation. “I am so incredibly proud of the work that stakeholders, advocates and legislators in the General Assembly did to secure the $2.5 million in funding necessary to launch a statewide Right to Counsel program,” Krajewski said. “This $2.5 million downpayment is just the first step. To win a true statewide Right to Counsel for all working families, we need to spend 10 times more. As we celebrate this historic win, we must keep fighting for this program’s expansion to serve every eligible tenant.” The Pennsylvania Right to Counsel Program will direct funds toward the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, which will distribute dollars to legal aid organizations across the state for work on tenant representation and advocacy. Read more

 

Lawmakers, family detail $354M in new funding for intellectual disability/autism
Aug 09, 2024

Rabb introduces first of its kind legislation to combat corporate ‘greenwashing’
Aug 01, 2024

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus issues statement on Sunday’s Venezuelan elections
Jul 31, 2024

Kinkead highlights community work at formerly closed hospital
Jul 31, 2024

Abney, PLBC hear Allegheny County Jail officials over voting access
Jul 31, 2024

Steele, committee hears testimony on manufacturing job creation
Jul 30, 2024

Daley highlights Pennsylvania tourism bump in 2024/25 state budget
Jul 30, 2024

Jewish Legislative Caucus issues statement condemning vandalism of Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
Jul 29, 2024

Testifiers shed light on need for short-term rental regulation in PA
Jul 29, 2024

Ciresi’s Bill to Simplify Unclaimed Property Claims for Heirs Becomes Law
Jul 23, 2024

Ciresi praises $17,000 special education workforce grant awarded to Pottstown School District
Jul 22, 2024

Gov. Shapiro signs Rep. Warren's insurance and corporate bills into law
Jul 22, 2024

Sappey urges Aqua customers to attend public input hearing
Jul 22, 2024

Statement of Majority Leader Matt Bradford on President Joe Biden
Jul 21, 2024

Local, state officials discuss state budget wins for county, city
Jul 18, 2024

Shusterman bill signed in to law by Gov. Shapiro
Jul 18, 2024

In light of recent resignations, Rabb highlights special election reform legislation
Jul 17, 2024

Neilson applauds Shapiro administration for securing largest federal transportation grant in PA history
Jul 17, 2024

Krajewski, stakeholders celebrate Right to Counsel funding in budget
Jul 17, 2024

Krajewski, stakeholders celebrate Right to Counsel funding in budget
Jul 17, 2024