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House Education Committee advances bills to address teacher shortages & student protections

(Apr 26, 2023) Rep. Peter G. Schweyer

These measures would help school districts recruit and maintain the high-caliber teachers that are needed and also help students to achieve the best possible pathway to success. Read more

 

Property tax circuit breaker that would provide property tax relief and fairness proposed by Freeman

(Apr 25, 2023) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“This proposal would offer Pennsylvania homeowners needed property tax relief and build fairness into the property tax system by capping property taxes to reflect household income,” Freeman said. Read more

 

Ciresi introduces bill to ensure proper use of electric vehicle charging spots

(Apr 25, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 25 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced the introduction of legislation that would ensure the proper use of electric vehicle charging spots in Pennsylvania. There are currently more than 2 million electric vehicles on the road nationwide, with more sold each year, but there is a limited availability of public charging stations. According to Ciresi, the blocking of charging stations for reasons other than charging is a common frustration among many EV owners and has been cited by planners in Pennsylvania as a challenge to EV deployment. His legislation, H.B. 1043, would ensure that spots clearly marked as reserved for electric vehicle charging are properly utilized and cannot be used by non-electric vehicles or vehicles not connected for charging, similar to existing laws restricting improper use of reserved disability parking spaces. “We want to make it easy for people to adopt electric vehicles to alleviate our reliance on fossil fuels to support a clean environment and reduce the impact of climate change,” Ciresi said. “Unfortunately, too often EV drivers find the reserved and marked EV charging stations blocked when they need it, leaving many electric vehicle owners struggling to find places to charge their vehicles. The lack of charging station availability is a serious impediment, impacting EV owners from everything from planning a trip to going about daily errands.” Eighteen states, including Read more

 

Fiedler, Madsen, Harris join Steelton-Highspire High School solar tour

(Apr 25, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 25 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila.; Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin; and House Democratic Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris, D-Phila.; joined a tour of the solar panel array at Steelton-Highspire High School. The tour was hosted by Generation 180, a nonprofit organization working to inspire and equip people to adopt clean energy. Last year, Steelton-Highspire School District unveiled a solar panel field to power the district’s schools and buildings. Fiedler recently introduced ‘Solar for Schools’ legislation that would create a grant program to fund solar energy projects at school districts, intermediate units, community colleges, and career and technical schools. She said she was pleased to see Steelton-Highspire’s new solar panel field. “Today, we got to see how much positive change solar panel arrays can bring to schools like Steelton-Highspire,” Fiedler said. “If we pass Solar for Schools legislation, we can save schools thousands each year in energy costs, bring federal money for green energy projects back to Pennsylvania, generate good-paying jobs for skilled workers, reduce pollution, create opportunities for hands-on education, and inspire a new generation of leaders.” Madsen, whose legislative district includes Steelton-Highspire School District, praised the school’s leadership. “I am proud of Read more

 

Frankel unveils teledentistry bill

(Apr 25, 2023) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, April 25 – As part of his ongoing effort to increase access to health care, Health Committee Chairman Dan Frankel began gathering support Tuesday for legislation that would establish teledentistry and require insurance plans to cover it. “Adults and children throughout this commonwealth are not getting the dental care they need, which sets them up for years of pain and additional health consequences,” said Frankel, D-Allegheny. “My legislation would ensure that dental providers are able to use every tool to get that care to the patients most at risk for unmet dental needs, including rural and low-income populations.” Frankel announced the legislation in an address to the Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health, which brings together individuals from schools of public health, philanthropic organizations, businesses, dental organizations, health insurance firms, advocacy organizations and state agencies to advocate for improved oral health care in Pennsylvania. His memo to legislators, seeking cosponsors, can be found here . Read more

 

Frankel cheers step forward for the Fairness Act

(Apr 24, 2023) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

“Every single district in Pennsylvania has LGBTQ+ people living there, and many more who want to live in an inclusive and fair commonwealth.” Read more

 

‘Fairness Act’ reported out of House Judiciary Committee

(Apr 24, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, April 24 – Today, The Fairness Act (H.B. 300) was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee 12-9 and will now head to the House floor for a vote. Prime sponsors of the bill, state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila; Jessica Benham, Dan Frankel and Latasha D. Mayes, all D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery; issued the following statement following the Judiciary Committee vote. “The Fairness Act has been in the works for years and never received fair consideration. With today’s vote in the Judiciary Committee, we took a huge step toward making Pennsylvania fairer for our LGBTQ+ residents. “As H.B. 300 heads to the house floor for a vote, we are ready to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians. “Most Pennsylvanians believe what we believe; Pennsylvania is better when it’s fairer. We hope our colleagues in the House can see eye to eye with us and most Pennsylvanians, so they can meet this monumental moment for our commonwealth and pass H.B 300 out of the House and to the Senate.” Read more

 

Committee approves Conklin pre-canvassing legislation

(Apr 24, 2023) Rep. Scott Conklin

"By giving election workers the time they need to tabulate votes, my bill would expedite the process and help eliminate the delays that can slow or obstruct a fair, democratic process.” Read more

 

Lawmakers unveil state anti-hate crimes legislation

(Apr 24, 2023) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

“Pennsylvania cannot address the growing danger of hate crimes with 40-year-old laws. It’s long past time for this commonwealth to use every tool out to there to deter and identify these crimes, and to stop them before they start,” Frankel said. Read more

 

Bill would ensure people with disabilities are represented at PennDOT

(Apr 24, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“People with disabilities deserve the opportunity to have their needs recognized and their voices heard,” Bizzarro said. “My bill would ensure people with disabilities have a seat at the table when it comes to obtaining a driver’s license. We are one step closer to guaranteeing more equal representation for the needs and concerns of all Pennsylvania residents.” Read more

 

House Education Committee approves Freeman tutoring legislation

(Apr 24, 2023) Rep. Robert L. Freeman

“Tutoring can increase good study habits, improve academic performance, boost self-esteem and put students in charge of their own learning process as they pass that knowledge onto other students," Freeman said. Read more

 

Neilson attends legislative panel at PA Motor Truck Association Conference

(Apr 21, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“We all want Pennsylvania to have a safe and accessible transportation network,” Neilson said. “I look forward to working with Chairman Benninghoff, Chairman Langerholc, and Chairman Flynn as well as the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association to best serve the needs of all Pennsylvanians.” Read more

 

Roundtable examines negative impact of selling public water systems

(Apr 20, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The sale of this public water authority is bad news for any resident of Pennsylvania who values their ability to access clean water and open green spaces,” said state Rep. Carol Kazeem, who hosted the event and represents portions of Delaware County – including the city of Chester. “For the more than 200,000 paying customers of Chester Water Authority, this sale could result in skyrocketing rate hikes. People who enjoy the outdoors can also expect access to the 2,000 acres of land currently owned by Chester Water Authority to change dramatically – including access for boaters, hikers and anglers. The bottom line is the only one who benefits from this sale is the for-profit company trying to purchase Chester Water Authority.” Read more

 

Pisciottano: Working Pennsylvanians are being ripped off

(Apr 20, 2023) Rep. Nick Pisciottano

Reintroduces Stop Price Fixing Act to protect consumers from price gouging Read more

 

Rabb introduces legislation to protect public school students’ right to learn

(Apr 19, 2023) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Pennsylvania has the dubious distinction of being the state with the second highest number of books banned from school libraries and curriculum by school boards. Read more

 

Lawmakers acknowledge esports as part of equitable solution

(Apr 19, 2023) Policy Committee, Rep. Danilo Burgos, Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“As we heard today, esports can provide the spark needed by students to encourage academic and emotional development,” said Rep. Danilo Burgos, who represents portions of Philadelphia and is the chairman of the Policy Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People. “One of the most exciting aspects about esports, for me as a legislator and Latino, is its potential for an equitable solution to our strikingly low number of Black and Hispanic workers in STEM-related careers. Esports attract a diverse group of students, regardless of race or gender, and it has proven itself as a gateway into encouraging young people to pursue STEM education as well as STEM-related careers.” Read more

 

Hearing looks for solutions to illegal ATV use on city streets

(Apr 18, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“ATVs and dirt bikes have taken our city hostage,” said hearing host Rep. Darisha Parker, who represents portions of Philadelphia. “We have a serious problem facing our city, and we cannot allow it to continue. We convened this hearing to bring in experts to share the city of Philadelphia ordinance and to inform the public about illegal activity and how the public can report it. Based on today’s testimony, we now need to see what kind of role the state can play to curb this problem.” Read more

 

Pa. bill mitigates medical debt

(Apr 18, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

According to the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, Americans owe more than $195 billion in medical debt; 16 million owe at least $1,000 and 3 million owe $10,000 or more. Medical debt is the leading cause of personal bankruptcies and, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, it is more than half of all debt recorded on consumer credit reports. Read more

 

Cephas, Davis and Jones resume their fight for incarcerated women

(Apr 18, 2023) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas, Rep. Tina Davis

“While we believe in supporting a system that serves justice, women who are incarcerated face a number of unique issues regarding their heath and the health of their children,” Cephas said. Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus calls for Legislature to take action, pass gun safety legislation following continued national tragedies

(Apr 17, 2023) Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, Rep. Donna Bullock

Bullock said the PLBC stands with its fellow state legislators, the Tennessee 3, and shares their desire to pass gun safety legislation in Pennsylvania and beyond. Read more

 

House Education Committee advances bills to address teacher shortages & student protections
Apr 26, 2023

Property tax circuit breaker that would provide property tax relief and fairness proposed by Freeman
Apr 25, 2023

Ciresi introduces bill to ensure proper use of electric vehicle charging spots
Apr 25, 2023

Fiedler, Madsen, Harris join Steelton-Highspire High School solar tour
Apr 25, 2023

Frankel unveils teledentistry bill
Apr 25, 2023

Frankel cheers step forward for the Fairness Act
Apr 24, 2023

‘Fairness Act’ reported out of House Judiciary Committee
Apr 24, 2023

Committee approves Conklin pre-canvassing legislation
Apr 24, 2023

Lawmakers unveil state anti-hate crimes legislation
Apr 24, 2023

Bill would ensure people with disabilities are represented at PennDOT
Apr 24, 2023

House Education Committee approves Freeman tutoring legislation
Apr 24, 2023

Neilson attends legislative panel at PA Motor Truck Association Conference
Apr 21, 2023

Roundtable examines negative impact of selling public water systems
Apr 20, 2023

Pisciottano: Working Pennsylvanians are being ripped off
Apr 20, 2023

Rabb introduces legislation to protect public school students’ right to learn
Apr 19, 2023

Lawmakers acknowledge esports as part of equitable solution
Apr 19, 2023

Hearing looks for solutions to illegal ATV use on city streets
Apr 18, 2023

Pa. bill mitigates medical debt
Apr 18, 2023

Cephas, Davis and Jones resume their fight for incarcerated women
Apr 18, 2023

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus calls for Legislature to take action, pass gun safety legislation following continued national tragedies
Apr 17, 2023