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Fiedler, Hanbidge celebrate signing of Pelvic Exam Consent bill

(Nov 27, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 27 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila., and Liz Hanbidge , D-Montgomery, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro for the ceremonial signing of H.B. 507 , which requires medical facilities in Pennsylvania to obtain consent before performing pelvic, prostate or rectal exams on anesthetized patients. The bill was officially signed into law on Nov. 21 by Shapiro as Act 31 of 2023. "Patients in Pennsylvania will finally have the right to make decisions about exams performed on their bodies while under anesthesia. This legislation ensures informed consent for invasive pelvic and rectal exams, at last giving patients the decision-making power that we all deserve about our own bodies,” Fiedler said. “I’m grateful to my colleague, Representative Hanbidge, for her work on this bill, and I thank Governor Shapiro for signing it into law.” “Performing a pelvic, rectal or prostate exam unknowingly on an anesthetized patient isn’t only invasive, but it’s also a breach of trust. Our legislation abolishes this archaic practice, thereby strengthening the trust that Pennsylvanians have in medical professionals, protecting bodily autonomy and highlighting the importance of consent,” Hanbidge said. “Patients expecting to go under anesthesia should never have to worry about being objectified for ‘learning purposes,’ and now thanks to my co-sponsor Representative Fiedler, Read more

 

Ciresi announces $147,500 in state tax credits for Pottstown revitalization

(Nov 22, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 22 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that the state had approved $147,500 in Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits to assist Genesis Housing Corp. in its investment in revitalizing blighted properties in Pottstown. “These state tax credits will help continue the important work of Genesis Housing Corp. in fighting blight and maintaining affordable housing in Pottstown,” Ciresi said. “This work will keep at-risk homeowners in safe and decent housing while revitalizing the communities around them. At a time when affordable housing is increasingly hard to find, this investment is important and will make meaningful impacts in people’s lives. I thank DCED, Genesis Housing Corp., and their business partners for making this investment in Pottstown.” The investment will assist Genesis Housing Corporation’s rehabilitation projects in Pottstown: $80,000 will be used to address neighborhood revitalization through mostly smaller scale improvement projects, housing rehab and facade grants. This money will support exterior renovations, housing counseling services, improved community access to gardens, and support for community improvement programs. $67,500 will be used to continue the Pottstown Homeowner Property Rehab Program to provide rehab grants for at-risk populations. This program will provide eligible low-income homeowners with grants and technical assistance for critical home repairs, Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus announces the addition of new members to the group

(Nov 21, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 21 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus announced today the addition of three new members. Chairman Danilo Burgos explained that the new members, Reps. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, and Heather Boyd and Carol Kazeem, both D-Delaware, will bring a wealth of experience, passion and dedication to the Latino Caucus. “Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives will contribute significantly to our ongoing efforts to advocate for the interests and well-being of Pennsylvania's Latino community,” Burgos said. "Their commitment to fostering inclusivity and addressing the unique challenges faced by the Latino community will undoubtedly enhance the impact of our collective advocacy. We are building a more inclusive and equitable future for all Pennsylvanians," he added. Kazeem said that the only way to address issues relevant to the Latino population is to through a collective effort. “I believe the Latino Caucus understands the challenges and concerns of the community and is continually igniting changes,” Kazeem said. “I am glad to be part of this great force and I am looking forward to engaging in advocacy of policies that would ensure the progress of all Latinos in the commonwealth.” Boyd expressed similar sentiments and highlighted her excitement on becoming an active member of the PA Latino Caucus. “It is an honor to join the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Read more

 

Khan Diabetes Awareness Month Resolution adopted by House

(Nov 21, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 21 – A resolution (H.R. 141) designating November 2023 as “Diabetes Awareness Month,” has been adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The resolution was introduced by state Reps. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., and Donna Oberlander, R-Armstrong. More than 1.1 million Pennsylvanians have been diagnosed with diabetes; that’s 11% of the state’s adult population ( Microsoft Word - ADV_2021_State_Fact_sheets_all.docx (diabetes.org) . “One out of every two Pennsylvania adults have diabetes or prediabetes, and nearly 20% of all adults have diabetes but don’t know about it yet,” said Khan, who is a doctorally-prepared nurse practitioner. “Creating awareness about diabetes is critical, and this bipartisan resolution helps us to educate Pennsylvanians on the need to get tested for diabetes and manage the disease if they have it.” A video about the resolution can be found here: ( https://youtu.be/x8LX97kgKU0 ). “As co-chair of the Diabetes Caucus, I was pleased to have the resolution declaring November as Diabetes Awareness Month pass the House of Representatives,” said Oberlander. “The prevalence of diabetes and the increase in both Type 1 or Type 2 makes it essential to educate and spread awareness to the signs and symptoms so that our constituents can get tested and treatment for better health.” Monica Billger, American Read more

 

Bill establishing lifetime substance abuse recovery grant program approved by PA House Human Services Committee

(Nov 16, 2023) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, Nov. 16 – A bill ( H.B. 1650 ) co-sponsored by Reps. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., and Jim Gregory, R-Hollidaysburg, that would establish the Lifetime Recovery from Substance Abuse Grant Program was approved this week by the House Human Services Committee with bipartisan support. “This bill recognizes that the scourge of addiction is something that carries throughout the state and is impacting the lives of all of our constituents, neighbors, friends and families,” Hohenstein said. “Treatment and support for people living with addiction is something that lasts a lifetime, and we need to be able to provide people with the tools for getting and keeping jobs, getting housing and receiving peer recovery support in a way that sustains for a lifetime.” The grant program would assist in the development, expansion and improvement of the system of recovery support service delivery in the commonwealth. Recovery support providers offer critical services to those in recovery from substance abuse, including providing peer support, family support, mentoring services, housing and assistance in finding gainful employment. “This will provide support for thousands of Pennsylvanians in recovery so that they can return to their families, friends and the life they were intended to have,” Gregory said. Read more

 

House adopts Matzie resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer

(Nov 16, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Nov. 16 – The PA House on Wednesday adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer – a disease expected to kill more than 50,000 people in the United States this year. Matzie, D-Beaver, said he introduced H.R. 227 – which designates November 2023 as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania – to keep the focus on a fast-spreading, difficult-to-detect disease that is the nation’s third-leading cause of cancer death. “This issue is deeply personal for so many of us who have seen a loved one battle pancreatic cancer,” Matzie said. “New strategies like immunotherapy and testing to identify and target genetic mutations are promising, but so much more is needed. One thing is clear: we need to keep the spotlight on this insidious disease until research brings the breakthrough we need to change the numbers.” Some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer are jaundice, which may include dark urine and stool changes; back or abdominal pain; weight loss and poor appetite; nausea and vomiting; and pancreatitis and recent-onset diabetes. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, age, race, family history and certain inherited genetic syndromes. Read more

 

Fiedler, Hanbidge pelvic exam bill headed to governor’s desk

(Nov 15, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – The PA House today passed legislation (H.B. 507) that requires medical facilities in Pennsylvania to obtain consent before performing pelvic, prostate or rectal exams on anesthetized patients. The legislation, introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. In Pennsylvania, medical students are currently permitted to perform these invasive exams on unconscious patients for training purposes. The legislators said this unethical practice undermines patient-doctor relationships, which require a foundation of trust, respect and transparency. “This year, we’ve seen millions of women and people across the country stand up for reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy,” said Fiedler. “It’s never been more important to empower patients to make decisions about their own bodies and lives. I am elated to see this bill pass, and I look forward to Governor Shapiro signing it into law.” “When patients arrive at the hospital for surgeries or treatments that require anesthesia, they are understandably worried or anxious about the outcome of their procedure, rarely thinking that an unrelated internal and intimate exam by a medical student might be part of the process,” Hanbidge said. “House Bill 507 puts the power back in the hands of the patient, giving them the final say in the care Read more

 

Conklin votes yes on funding for Penn State

(Nov 15, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“As the state representative for the 77th Legislative District, which includes Penn State, I’ve continued to advocate for funding for Penn State and our other state-related universities,” Conklin said. “Now, both chambers of the General Assembly have passed H.B. 1461 to support students at Penn State’s 19 campuses across the commonwealth and our other state-related universities. This bill represents a compromise necessary to support students, families, employees at our state-related universities and communities across Pennsylvania.” Read more

 

House clears legislation to further protect abortion access

(Nov 15, 2023) Rep. Mary Jo Daley, Rep. Melissa Shusterman

In Pennsylvania, it remains safe and legal. But other states have worked furiously to enact extreme abortion bans and restrict the ability for women to access essential health care. With this legislation, we are sending a clear message that Pennsylvania will not be bullied by these states and their attempts to control other people’s bodies. Pennsylvania must continue to pass policies that protect access to abortion and other critical reproductive healthcare services that people across our nation need and deserve. Read more

 

House passes Conklin’s bill to arm OSIG law enforcement officers

(Nov 15, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our continuous efforts to safeguard Pennsylvanians and the integrity of Pennsylvania’s programs and operations,” Conklin said. “With the expansion of the OSIG’s powers in 2017, this legislation is a stride towards ensuring that our law enforcement officers may execute their duties with the utmost safety.” Read more

 

Bill to provide Unemployment Compensation Law, provide financial relief passed by state PA House

(Nov 15, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – A key bill that would amend Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation Law to provide financial relief to workers who are unemployed due to a work stoppage was passed by the state House of Representatives today, said state Rep. Jason Dawkins, majority chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. House Bill 1481 , sponsored by state Reps. Mandy Steele and Dan Miller, both D-Allegheny, would allow workers who are unemployed due to a work stoppage to be eligible for unemployment compensation benefits. “Making the decision to strike is not easy by any means,” said Dawkins, D-Phila. “It’s a decision that often results in loss of pay, which is money our workers need to provide food and housing for their families. So, this legislation is of utmost importance to our workers and would protect their right to bargain for better pay and working conditions without the loss of income.” House Bill 1481 now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

House advances legislation for workers affected by a work stoppage

(Nov 15, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I introduced this legislation to provide financial relief for striking workers, such as those who have been on strike for more than a year at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,” Steele said. “With more than 67% of Americans supporting unions and strikes on the rise, we must support our union members, which are the backbone of the labor industry in Allegheny County, our commonwealth and our nation. By passing this legislation, we show solidarity with those on strike by allowing them to collect unemployment compensation benefits.” Read more

 

Rabb resolution to study agrivoltaic farming approved by PA House Local Government Committee

(Nov 15, 2023) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – A resolution ( H.R. 224 ) introduced by state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., commissioning a study on agrivoltaic farming was approved with bipartisan support by the Pennsylvania House Local Government Committee today. The resolution would direct the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on what benefits agrivoltaic farming, which allows for dual use of the same land to farm and to collect solar energy, could offer Pennsylvania and what opportunities exist for agrivoltaic farming to expand in Pennsylvania. Established in 1937, the Joint State Government Commission is the primary non-partisan research organization serving our state legislature, providing lawmakers with a readily available mechanism for conducting interdisciplinary research and analysis that can inform robust, evidence-based legislation. “My hope is that this resolution passes by year’s end,” Rabb said. “This prospective study can lead to a bipartisan bill that will bring agrivoltaics to Pennsylvania to help struggling family farmers and preserve farmland while incentivizing clean energy projects to create more green collar jobs and promote environmental resiliency across our commonwealth.” Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to authorize sending of electronic transmissions passes House

(Nov 15, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El’s H.B. 1477 passed the House yesterday. The bill would 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 would 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. “The bill is in response to a request for clarification from planners and consultants within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. I believe this bill, when passed, will help cut the red tape and streamline processes in DCED.” This bill was introduced as H.B. 1592 in the 2021-22 session. Inquiries about this legislation can be directed to Smith-Wade-El’s office at 717-283-4218. Read more

 

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on bill to set appliance energy efficiency standards

(Nov 15, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – The PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee on Tuesday heard testimony about legislation that would set minimum energy efficiency and water conservation standards for some new consumer appliances sold in the state, Majority Chairman Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, D-Beaver, said proponents of H.B. 1615 testified about how the bill would benefit public health, the environment and consumer pocketbooks. “We heard a lot of positives about this bill, including how it would save PA consumers and businesses hundreds of millions annually, cut hundreds of tons of air pollutants and reduce water use by billions,” Matzie said. “We also heard that other states have implemented similar laws. “While the testimony is certainly promising, the committee will continue reviewing the bill’s potential impact on all stakeholders – including the Public Utility Commission, the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association and others – before moving forward with a vote.” Matzie said the bill – which is co-sponsored by state Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, and Thomas Mehaffie, R-Dauphin – would not apply to the sale or purchase of used appliances and would not require consumers to switch from existing appliances they already own. The products listed in Read more

 

Health Committee approves Frankel bill to protect workers from secondhand smoke

(Nov 15, 2023) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, celebrated approval of his bill to close loopholes in Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act in the House Health Committee Wednesday, saying that it’s long past time for the commonwealth to step in and ensure workers are protected from the hazards of secondhand smoke. “We are the Health Committee – it’s in the name. We cannot refuse to act while thousands of Pennsylvanians are forced to choose between an absolutely undebatable health hazard and their ability to put food on the table,” said Frankel, who is majority chairman of the committee. House Bill 1657 would ban smoking – including the use of e-cigarettes – in the state’s bars, clubs and casinos that were allowed to permit smoking due to loopholes included in the Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act when it was passed in 2008. Frankel noted that much has changed since the prior bill passed, including an avalanche of public health data supporting smoking bans and a sharp decline in the popularity of smoking . A growing body of evidence shows that the feared economic consequences of smoking bans never came to pass and that there are far more consumers who won’t choose to subject themselves to smoking environments than smokers who will shun establishments where they cannot smoke. “It’s preposterous to argue that Read more

 

Salisbury introduces bill to increase financial assessment thresholds for charitable organizations

(Nov 15, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Nov. 15 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, introduced legislation today that would raise the monetary threshold amount that subjects charitable organizations to more extensive financial oversight, including mandatory audits. Among other things, Salisbury’s bill would raise the current threshold for a mandatory audit from $750,000 to $1 million, a move she said better reflects current day charitable donations. “Increasing the monetary thresholds that trigger third-party audits or review would cut out red tape and help charitable organizations do what they were created to do – get dollars into the hands of people needing them,” said Salisbury, who serves as House Democratic chair of the Pennsylvania Charitable Nonprofit Caucus . “The current thresholds for subjecting organizations to greater regulation have not been reviewed since 2017, and it’s time to move the line to better reflect current day standards.” Under H.B. 1824 : Charitable organizations receiving annual contributions of $1 million or more would have to be audited by an independent certified public accountant. Under existing law , the audit requirement applies to organizations receiving $750,000 or more. Charitable organizations receiving annual contributions of at least $500,000 but less than $1 million would be required to have a review or audit of their financial statements performed by an independent certified Read more

 

House adopts Steele’s resolution to audit potential revenue from severance tax on oil and gas

(Nov 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“With global temperatures up 1.1 degrees since industrialization first began, we do not have time to exclude the oil and natural gas industry from the conversations about climate change,” Steele said. “Instead, we must act collaboratively to decarbonize our economy, one of the biggest challenges we face in Pennsylvania today. We have an opportunity to set Pennsylvania up as a worldwide energy leader in the coming carbon neutral economy, and that path begins with gathering as much information as we can about the current lay of the land.” Read more

 

Takac celebrates his first bill to provide veterans more efficient access to resources passing in the House

(Nov 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 7 – House Bill 1086 , which would help connect veterans with government and community resources, passed the House of Representatives today with bipartisan support by a vote of 190-13, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced. Takac’s bill would update state law to allow the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to transmit information from the voluntary Veterans Registry to veteran and community outreach partners that participate with the Pennsylvania VETConnect Program. “This legislation will help ensure that veterans have the opportunity to connect with all of the resources available to them,” Takac said. “As a member of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I am committed to making sure our veterans and their families get all the help they need. This legislation originated with a request by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and allows for the sharing of information in the voluntary veterans registry with veteran and community outreach partners who participate in the PA VETConnect program. “By allowing this improved flow of information, the department, their partners, and the PA VETConnect program will be able to work together to provide more resources and serve veterans in a more direct, efficient, and effective way. Improved coordination between these organizations will help target and connect veterans who may need assistance with employment, Read more

 

House passes legislation to provide cost-of-living increase to retired public servants

(Nov 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“These are our former teachers, our children’s teachers, maintenance workers at the schools, public employees who have kept our state government running and the list goes on, who are living under poverty wages," Deasy said. "We made a promise to these folks that while you likely won’t get rich working the jobs you had, you would not go hungry in retirement. The day has come to fulfill that promise." Read more

 

Fiedler, Hanbidge celebrate signing of Pelvic Exam Consent bill
Nov 27, 2023

Ciresi announces $147,500 in state tax credits for Pottstown revitalization
Nov 22, 2023

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus announces the addition of new members to the group
Nov 21, 2023

Khan Diabetes Awareness Month Resolution adopted by House
Nov 21, 2023

Bill establishing lifetime substance abuse recovery grant program approved by PA House Human Services Committee
Nov 16, 2023

House adopts Matzie resolution to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer
Nov 16, 2023

Fiedler, Hanbidge pelvic exam bill headed to governor’s desk
Nov 15, 2023

Conklin votes yes on funding for Penn State
Nov 15, 2023

House clears legislation to further protect abortion access
Nov 15, 2023

House passes Conklin’s bill to arm OSIG law enforcement officers
Nov 15, 2023

Bill to provide Unemployment Compensation Law, provide financial relief passed by state PA House
Nov 15, 2023

House advances legislation for workers affected by a work stoppage
Nov 15, 2023

Rabb resolution to study agrivoltaic farming approved by PA House Local Government Committee
Nov 15, 2023

Smith-Wade-El’s legislation to authorize sending of electronic transmissions passes House
Nov 15, 2023

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee hears testimony on bill to set appliance energy efficiency standards
Nov 15, 2023

Health Committee approves Frankel bill to protect workers from secondhand smoke
Nov 15, 2023

Salisbury introduces bill to increase financial assessment thresholds for charitable organizations
Nov 15, 2023

House adopts Steele’s resolution to audit potential revenue from severance tax on oil and gas
Nov 14, 2023

Takac celebrates his first bill to provide veterans more efficient access to resources passing in the House
Nov 14, 2023

House passes legislation to provide cost-of-living increase to retired public servants
Nov 14, 2023