News Center

Kim joins PennEnvironment to urge PA to pursue clean energy production

(Oct 11, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 11 – State Rep. Patty Kim joined representatives from PennEnvironment at a news conference at the state Capitol today marking the release of the organization’s new study ranking Pennsylvania 50th in the nation for percent growth in total solar, wind and geothermal generation since 2013. “If the environmental and weather disasters happening worldwide tell us anything, it’s that we must come together now to develop a clean energy economy in Pennsylvania,” Kim said. “Developing a clean energy economy is the best chance to avoid the full devastating impact of climate change. “The PA Legislature can play a key role in fostering a clean energy economy, but too many bills have been stalled in committee,” Kim said. “I’m calling on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to realize that time is running out fast. Our children’s and grandchildren’s lives depend on us passing smart, commonsense legislation quickly to turn the tide against the onslaught of climate change.” The study, “Renewables on the Rise 2023,” charts the growth of six key clean energy technologies in states over the past decade: solar power, wind power, battery storage, energy efficiency, electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations. The report demonstrates that clean energy in the commonwealth is growing at a much slower rate than other states. Since 2013, Pennsylvania has seen a Read more

 

Conklin: House State Government Committee will consider legislation to create open state primaries

(Oct 11, 2023) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 11 – The PA House State Government Committee will soon consider legislation to establish open primary elections in Pennsylvania, Majority Chairman Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin said H.B. 979 , sponsored by state Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., and H.B. 976 , sponsored by state Rep. Marla Brown, R-Lawrence, would do away with Pennsylvania’s system of closed primaries – which exclude voters who are registered as unaffiliated with a political party – and establish open primaries that permit unaffiliated voters to participate. “There are as many as one million unaffiliated voters in Pennsylvania, and their numbers have been increasing,” Conklin said. “These voters pay taxes and help fund our electoral system, yet they’re excluded from key local, state and federal primary contests. “Our laws should be framed in a way to encourage broad participation at the ballot box, not to discourage it. Opening up our primary elections, as many other states have done, would ensure that this large and growing segment of our population has a say in who represents them.” Solomon said, “We have the opportunity to give a voice to over a million Pennsylvanians. Opening our primary elections will give people a stake in our democracy, ensuring that all voices, regardless of party, have the opportunity to help shape our state's future.” Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation advocates for increase in Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program in light of events in Israel

(Oct 10, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 10 – The Philadelphia House Delegation lauded today the deadline extension of the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, operated by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and advocated for an increase in funds to address hate crimes in the state. The deadline for the program solicitation has been extended to Oct. 30 . Philadelphia House Delegation Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas explained that it is critical to increase funds allocated for the program. “Current tragic events around the world have proven more than ever that we must fund security upgrades at our religious institutions. Our delegation’s top priority is public safety of our city and state, but we need the collaboration of all eligible organizations. We are determined to combat antisemitism and racism in Pennsylvania. “We urge nonprofits included in the categories of race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity, among others, to take advantage of the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program,” Cephas said. The grants are aimed to protect the safety and security of the users of facilities located in the commonwealth that are owned or operated by nonprofit organizations and primarily serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias drive category for hate crime as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication . Qualified expenses Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation, PLBC respond to independent report on alleged racial bias in charter school authorization practices

(Oct 06, 2023) Philadelphia House Delegation, Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 6 – Leaders of the Philadelphia House Delegation and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today received an independent report commissioned by the Philadelphia Board of Education nearly two years ago that examined alleged racial bias in the charter school application process. In late 2021, the Philadelphia Board of Education commissioned an independent investigation concerning allegations of racial bias in charter school authorizing practices as alleged by some Black charter leaders, and whether the charter renewal process caused discriminatory effects on Black-led and Black-founded charter schools. Philadelphia-based law firm Ballard Spahr LLP led the investigation, and the Ballard firm engaged the Center for Urban and Race Equity, or CURE, to assist in its analysis. The 190-page report was released at 5 p.m. today. Philadelphia House Delegation Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas said that while the report does not appear to reveal evidence of intentional, overt racially discriminatory acts by the school district or its leaders or find racially discriminatory effects of the charter renewal process, the report does include a series of recommendations based on the work of the investigation and is encouraging the school district to engage quickly with state lawmakers, local officials and the public to ensure a better path forward. “The Philadelphia House Delegation is committed to Philadelphia Read more

 

Rabb highlights Native-centered legislation in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

(Oct 06, 2023) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Oct. 6 – In honor of the upcoming Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., is highlighting a series of wide-ranging legislation focused on honoring Native American culture and history while protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples. In 2021, Rabb authored a resolution that would have amended the rules of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to include a formal land acknowledgment at the beginning of each legislative week. He has reintroduced the resolution this session. “Symbolism matters — particularly when it’s tethered to substantive action. That’s why rhetoric must be followed by redress,” Rabb said. Rabb recently reintroduced legislation to protect Native American trademarks by preventing the use of Pennsylvania state trademarks by non-Native American groups to claim Native American patterns and tribal names as well as other cultural heritage and intellectual property. He is also drafting legislation that would establish an independent, autonomous commission on indigenous affairs that has the budget and authority to work with the commonwealth on programs and funding opportunities that address policy concerns, sovereignty issues and land back initiatives. More than 60 schools across Pennsylvania still utilize derogatory Native mascots. Despite calls from advocacy groups like the National Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus installs new officers

(Oct 06, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus announced its new officers after a reorganizational meeting this week. The following members were installed as officers: Chairman, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D–Montgomery Vice Chair, state Rep. Darisha Parker, D–Phila. Secretary, state Rep. Ismail Smith Wade-El, D–Lancaster Treasurer, state Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin Outgoing chair state Rep. Donna Bullock, D–Phila., passes the baton to Nelson. Bullock will continue to focus on issues facing Pennsylvania’s children and youth; she chairs the PA House Children & Youth Committee. “We are grateful for Representative Bullock’s leadership, and I look forward to building on the momentum we have to achieve real results for minority communities throughout this Commonwealth,” Nelson said. “I am humbled by this honor.” Bullock guided many PLBC initiatives, including the annual Crystal Bird Faucet Awards, honoring women within state government and Speaker K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action, where business owners, public officials and organizations gather to discuss, learn, and network legislative bills, community concerns and visit the Capitol Complex. “Chairing the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience,” Read more

 

Ciresi announces nearly $385K in state funding for park improvements

(Oct 05, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that Royersford Borough has been awarded $184,800 and West Pottsgrove Township, $200,000 in state funding by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “These well-deserved awards will improve Royersford’s Victory Park and West Pottsgrove Township’s Old Timer’s Park to enhance the experience for all of their visitors and make sure they can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of ability,” Ciresi said. “Continued state support for our local parks will have visible impacts in our communities, including an improved baseball field for West Pottsgrove and accessible pathways, tables and benches, and play surfaces throughout Royersford’s Victory Park.” The grant money will be used for the following projects: $184,800 for Royersford Borough to rehabilitate Victory Park. The funds will help renovate the outdoor stage, construct a pedestrian walkway, install play equipment with required safety surfacing and fencing, install ADA access, landscape, install project signage and make other related site improvements. $200,000 for West Pottsgrove Township to rehabilitate the Old Timer’s Field Park. The funds will be used to renovate the baseball field and parking area, construct stormwater management measures, install fencing and lighting and ADA access, landscaping, project signage and make other related site Read more

 

Kenyatta, Solomon bill proposing April 2 primary election date passes House

(Oct 05, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., today announced the passage of H.B. 1634 , which would change the presidential primary date in Pennsylvania to the first Tuesday in April. “I’m grateful my colleagues noticed the importance of this bill and the potential impact it could have on the commonwealth,” Kenyatta said. “Pennsylvania currently is one of the last states to vote in the primary. While this bill doesn’t contain the same date as the Senate proposal — it is a way forward that advances our shared goal of an earlier primary in presidential years. I urge the Senate to give it thoughtful consideration and a quick vote.” State Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., a co-prime sponsor of H.B. 1634, echoed Kenyatta’s remarks. “With this legislation passing out of the House, we are one step closer to Pennsylvania becoming a heavyweight in the political arena,” Solomon said. “And as someone whose faith is incredibly important to me and my family, I'm grateful that I will no longer have to choose between my civic duty and my religious obligations.” Historically, Pennsylvania’s presidential primary election takes place during Passover, which hasn’t been convenient for some residents who participate in the Passover holiday, Kenyatta said. If signed into law, H.B.1634 would rectify this issue for all future presidential Read more

 

Rabb’s legislation to fix police misconduct loophole adopted by Judiciary Committee

(Oct 05, 2023) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – Legislation ( H.B. 1531 ) introduced by state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., that would strengthen Pennsylvania’s interdepartmental law enforcement misconduct database was adopted by the PA House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. “This closes the major loophole in state law, which allows the majority of bad actors with the worst records of serious misconduct to be hired without the prior knowledge of municipal or county government officials or the public at large, who they are sworn to protect and serve,” Rabb said. The legislation was drafted with the input of law enforcement and experts in the field. “This is a critical opportunity for the legislature to finish the work of substantive police accountability and community safety — particularly in rural and suburban areas where bad actors are most likely to sneak onto police forces,” he said. The bill would update the police misconduct database statute enacted in 2020 by enhancing transparency, accountability and compliance measures. Rabb is serving his third term as a member of the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, having taken office in 2017. His original bill in 2018 was the blueprint for what became Act 57 of 2020 . Read more

 

Parker’s Agricultural Education bill passes PA House

(Oct 04, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Agriculture brings learning to life, teaching students’ hands-on skills that they can utilize as a career or for entrepreneurship,” Parker continued. “The deadline of May 1 must be extended to ensure that in an ever-evolving field such as agriculture, students and teachers have the tools they need to be successful in their chosen field. Read more

 

Neilson applauds funding increase for public transit across Pennsylvania

(Oct 04, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

I recognize the important link between a robust public transit system and economic opportunity for the commonwealth,” Neilson said. “Millions of people use public transit to take them to work, school and everywhere in between – investing in public transit is also investing in the people of Pennsylvania, ensuring that they can get anywhere they need to go, even in rural areas Read more

 

Neilson speaks on extending, expanding automated speed enforcement programs

(Oct 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

H.B. 1284 would update the School Bus Stop Arm Camera program which allows school districts to install cameras on school buses to capture vehicles that illegally pass a school bus with its red lights on and stop arm extended. This bill would extend PennDOT’s temporary regulations scheduled to expire on Oct. 24 and make multiple technical improvements to the program. Read more

 

House passes Ciresi signage bill for land development

(Oct 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 3 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation (H.B. 123) to create signage requirements for proposed subdivision and land development projects passed the House today. “All too often, residents are left unaware of development happening near them because property developers can provide ‘notice’ with nothing more than an 8½-inch by 11-inch sheet of paper, which is often easy to miss,” Ciresi said. “My bill would require greater transparency by creating specific requirements for posted signage on property proposed for development, giving residents a better understanding of what is happening in their community before final decisions are made.” The legislation would amend the Municipalities Planning Code to ensure that posted signs are a minimum of nine square feet in surface area and can be read from a viewing distance of 50 feet, are conspicuously posted along external road frontage, and include a description of the proposed project and which local governmental entity is reviewing the development application. Developers would be required to keep the signage posted until after the application has been considered and acted on by the local government. The legislation was introduced as H.B. 2374 in the previous legislative session. Read more

 

Legislation to move Pennsylvania's primary election day passes House committee

(Oct 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

"Jewish Pennsylvanians shouldn't have to choose between celebrating Passover and going to the polls. We don’t want to have any tension between our religious beliefs and our civic duty,” Solomon said. “My legislation to move up Pennsylvania’s primary election would solve this issue while at the same time giving Pennsylvania more of a say in all future presidential races so that we are in the mix with other early states." Read more

 

Pennsylvania primary: State House committee advances one bill to change the date, rejects another

(Oct 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Kenyatta added that moving the primary from its current April 23 date to April 2 positions Pennsylvania to be part of a regional group of states holding primaries on that date, including Arkansas, Delaware, Mississippi, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. He acknowledged concerns about how changing the date would affect county elections officials and the logistics involved in making a change with just over seven months before the primary. Read more

 

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee approves new bills to ban predatory sales practices, protect ratepayers

(Oct 03, 2023) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Oct. 3 – The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee voted today to send new consumer protection bills to the full House for consideration, including bills that would ban predatory sales practices and protect utility customers, Majority Chairman Rep. Rob Matzie announced. “These consumer and ratepayer protections are the result of months of hard, bipartisan work over the summer,” Matzie said. “Our goal was to get these measures up for House consideration as soon as possible, and I was proud that we came together to do that for the good of the state’s consumers.” The bills approved by the committee today include: H.B. 109 , which would prohibit telecommunications and utility companies from charging early termination fees when a customer dies before completion of a contract. H.B. 636 , which would require sellers to disclose “junk fees” – unexpected, mandatory fees added to the price of goods or services. H.B. 1378 , which would ban “grinch bots” used by scalpers to buy up mass quantities of items for resale at inflated prices. H.B. 1619 , which would address unsafe and unsightly duplicative utility poles. H.B. 1658, which would ban speculative ticketing – a practice that allows ticket resellers to list tickets for sale even though they do not have Read more

 

Kenyatta, Solomon’s election legislation voted out of State Govt. Committee

(Oct 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The legislators maintain that moving up the primary date would give Pennsylvania increased political weight commensurate with the state’s size and importance in deciding elections. Read more

 

Committee OKs Probst bill for wildlife rehab center grants

(Oct 03, 2023) Rep. Tarah Probst

"Wildlife rehabilitators are essential in treating and temporarily caring for injured, diseased, and displaced wildlife," Probst said. Read more

 

Powell sworn in as PA House representative

(Oct 02, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell was sworn in by U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Schwab at the state Capitol today as the new representative for the 21 st Legislative District. “I’m honored and excited to hit the ground running in my new role as a state representative,” said Powell, D-Allegheny. “I’ve collaborated with some of the individuals who I’m pleased to now call colleagues and look forward to working with them to enhance the lives of all Pennsylvanians.” Powell is no stranger to federal and state government. She served as a member of U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer’s and U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries’ staff and acted as the city of Pittsburgh’s assistant chief of staff for nearly five years. Most recently, Powell was director of workforce strategies for InnovatePGH and focused on creating employment opportunities for underrepresented technologists in the Pittsburgh tech ecosystem in that role. Key issues for Powell include safe and dignified housing for all, helping working families, assisting small businesses and strengthening the local economy, and increasing the number of community assets. Powell won the September special election for the vacant House seat after Sara Innamorato resigned. Taking office, she reaffirms the Democratic majority and serves as the first person of color to hold this seat, while also increasing the total Read more

 

Ciresi anti-littering bill passes PA House

(Oct 02, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation (H.B. 1044) today passed the PA House of Representatives. The legislation would update and simplify littering language that appears on vehicle registration cards and applications for driver’s licenses and learner’s permits. “Pennsylvania is a beautiful state, but all too often litter degrades our streets and countryside, threatens public health and negatively impacts community pride,” Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said. “With this bill, I wanted to turn the current, technical wording used on PennDOT documents into something that everyone could understand, make sure drivers clearly understand the penalties for littering, and update the penalty language to include community service. We are all stewards of our commonwealth, and I hope the updated and simplified language on vehicle registration and applications will make Pennsylvanians step up and take responsibility for its care.” Ciresi said littering is a major problem in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Litter Research Study -- conducted in 2018-2019 by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful -- found more than 500 million pieces of litter on roadways statewide. Ciresi pointed out that a significant portion of taxpayer money is being used to clean up litter, citing one 2019 study by Keep Pennsylvania Read more

 

Kim joins PennEnvironment to urge PA to pursue clean energy production
Oct 11, 2023

Conklin: House State Government Committee will consider legislation to create open state primaries
Oct 11, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation advocates for increase in Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program in light of events in Israel
Oct 10, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation, PLBC respond to independent report on alleged racial bias in charter school authorization practices
Oct 06, 2023

Rabb highlights Native-centered legislation in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Oct 06, 2023

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus installs new officers
Oct 06, 2023

Ciresi announces nearly $385K in state funding for park improvements
Oct 05, 2023

Kenyatta, Solomon bill proposing April 2 primary election date passes House
Oct 05, 2023

Rabb’s legislation to fix police misconduct loophole adopted by Judiciary Committee
Oct 05, 2023

Parker’s Agricultural Education bill passes PA House
Oct 04, 2023

Neilson applauds funding increase for public transit across Pennsylvania
Oct 04, 2023

Neilson speaks on extending, expanding automated speed enforcement programs
Oct 03, 2023

House passes Ciresi signage bill for land development
Oct 03, 2023

Legislation to move Pennsylvania's primary election day passes House committee
Oct 03, 2023

Pennsylvania primary: State House committee advances one bill to change the date, rejects another
Oct 03, 2023

Matzie: House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee approves new bills to ban predatory sales practices, protect ratepayers
Oct 03, 2023

Kenyatta, Solomon’s election legislation voted out of State Govt. Committee
Oct 03, 2023

Committee OKs Probst bill for wildlife rehab center grants
Oct 03, 2023

Powell sworn in as PA House representative
Oct 02, 2023

Ciresi anti-littering bill passes PA House
Oct 02, 2023