News Center

Urban search and rescue hearing held in Coraopolis

(Aug 01, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislators discuss efforts to enhance capabilities of western PA search and rescue. Read more

 

PA House Democrats’ ‘Save Our Schools’ tour makes stop in Berks County

(Aug 01, 2023) Policy Committee, Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Democratic leadership team and Policy Committee joined students, teachers, and education advocates in Reading Tuesday morning for a tour of two local high school buildings and a discussion on education inequality in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

House Majority Leadership joins community to sound education SOS in Philadelphia

(Jul 31, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue, and it is not a city issue or a rural issue – it’s a Pennsylvania issue,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, said. “Equitably funding schools is about investing in Pennsylvania’s future and ensuring that every student regardless of the neighborhood they live in has the tools to thrive academically, socially, and civically. Our state’s future starts now, and it’s time to equitably and adequately fund our public schools.” Read more

 

Schlossberg, Collett rally mental health professionals and advocates for restoration of $100 million in adult mental health funding

(Jul 27, 2023) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, said the event provided a space to display the importance of mental health resources and funding for people throughout Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Pisciottano, Rozzi rally with Pittsburgh UPS workers

(Jul 21, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

"I will always stand on the side of working people and am hopeful that UPS will come to the table and negotiate a fair contract with their workers," Pisciottano said. Read more

 

Fiedler, Rozzi, and House Democrats rally with Teamsters members as UPS strike looms

(Jul 21, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, July 20 -- State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Phila) welcomed House Democrats to the UPS facility in her district today to stand in solidarity with union members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 623. Local 623 represents UPS workers at the Oregon Avenue location and the workers at the Philadelphia Airport. The event was the second in a three-event series of labor rallies hosted by Pa House Democrats. Fiedler, Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-Berks County), and House Democrats rallied at the Oregon Ave. facility today with Teamsters who are demanding a fair bargaining agreement by August 1. UPS has approximately 5,000 employees in the Philadelphia region, and over 340,000 nationwide. “Let’s get one thing straight: UPS doesn’t work because of the CEOs or executives. It works because of the sweat and the muscle, the labor of the workers!” Fiedler said to a crowd of over 50 Teamsters members, allied union members, elected officials, and community members. “We see that UPS has agreed to return to the bargaining table, a reflection of the power of the workers.” Fiedler committed to supporting the Teamsters both through contract negotiations, and if a strike occurs. “House Democrats will stand with you today, tomorrow, and every day until a contract is reached. If August 1st comes with no contract settled, we will be right back out here with you!” “UPS saw record profits in 2022. Meanwhile, their delivery Read more

 

Rozzi and Madsen rally support for UPS Teamsters

(Jul 20, 2023) Rep. Mark Rozzi

“UPS saw record profits in 2022. Meanwhile, their delivery drivers didn’t even have air conditioning in their trucks and part-time employees are denied full-time opportunities, leaving them out to dry when it comes to steady income and benefits,” Rozzi said. Read more

 

Salisbury introduces bill to permit remote work capabilities

(Jul 20, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 20 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, introduced legislation today that would allow employees of licensees in the sales finance industry to work remotely. The legislation, H.B. 1580 , would apply to workers at licensees who qualify under the Consumer Discount Company Act and the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Act. “COVID-19 forever changed the landscape and approach that businesses take to maximize their productivity and stay competitive,” Salisbury said. “My bill would foster job retention amongst licensees by offering this flexibility option and allow their employees to deliver the same optimal quality and quantity of service from any offsite location they choose.” State Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-Schuylkill, is co-sponsoring Salisbury’s legislation, which does not change any requirements pertaining to licensing, examination or regulation by the Department of Banking and Securities. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for bold changes in eviction process

(Jul 20, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 20 – After the third eviction-related shooting since March in Philadelphia, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today said the organization is determined to help end the practice of private contractors performing eviction services in the city to avoid more violent incidents. “The imminent threat of being displaced from home can put anybody into a rage and despair mode. If you add to this scenario people without the proper training, carrying guns to handle evictions, the outcome can be fatal,” said Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas, who is organizing upcoming hearings in August about the evictions with state Rep. Mike Sturla, chair of the PA House Housing & Community Development Committee. “Philadelphia’s landlord-tenant officer has temporarily stopped evictions, but this is a turning point: evictions must be handled by public officials and our delegation will be working to introduce legislation to regulate this process. We are ready to establish policies that would support critical demands in this system, like proper protocol and de-escalations practice to protect the safety and integrity of the tenants,” she added. State Rep. Rick Krajewski, who will be introducing a bill addressing the subject, explained that the mercenary mentality of private contractors working for the city's landlord-tenant officer serves no public good. Krajewski indicated that Read more

 

No Signs of Compromise Between Pa. House Lawmakers Over Funding for State Related Universities

(Jul 19, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Putting restrictions on any sort of funding from the state- where we should be making these investments in our institutions- is not what our role in government is. They’re premier universities, and we are very lucky to have them in our communities being a workforce as well as an education force and setting Pennsylvania aside as a place of excellent higher learning,” said Rep. Mary Isaacson (D-Philadelphia). “We can have our debates about different issues, but we certainly shouldn't be dictating to higher education institutions what they should and should not be doing,” Isaacson added. Read more

 

Ciresi introduces downtown revitalization bill to bring older buildings up to code

(Jul 13, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 13 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation this week that would create a two-year pilot program administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development to help renovate and redevelop historic and older buildings across the commonwealth. “Pennsylvania is rich in history,” Ciresi said. “Just walk down a neighborhood street, you can find historic homes and older buildings recalling our commonwealth’s storied past. Unfortunately, as too many of them require expensive renovations to bring them up to code, many people have been forced to abandon them and leave our downtowns filled with vacant buildings.” House Bill 1573 would create a two-year pilot program administered by DCED to help renovate and redevelop historic and older buildings across Pennsylvania. The program, the “Historic and Older Building Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program,” would address the greater challenges and higher costs involved in bringing older buildings up to code. Grant funds could be used to bring mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems up to code through the installation of modern equipment such as sprinklers, efficient HVAC systems, elevators, and extra stairs, as well as to make entryways and other building features more accessible for people with disabilities. These improvements would be intended for and evaluated based on their ability to Read more

 

Opinion: A million reasons to open up primaries in Pennsylvania

(Jul 12, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

In these divided times, it feels increasingly difficult to find common political ground on just about anything. But we – a conservative Republican from Lawrence County and a Democrat from Philadelphia – have come together to support a commonsense proposal whose time has come. It’s time to end closed primaries and bring back independent voters to primary elections. Read more

 

Ciresi cyber charter reform bill passes the House

(Jul 08, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 8 – In a bipartisan vote, the PA House yesterday passed state Rep. Joe Ciresi’s legislation (H.B 1422) that would modernize Pennsylvania’s charter school law to specifically address cyber charter schools to ensure transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility. “The vast majority of the commonwealth’s elected school boards have told legislators PA’s charter school law is in desperate need of reform,” Ciresi said. “Today we passed a comprehensive reform bill that holds cyber charter schools to the same standards we expect of anyone who receives public funds, including transparency, ethical standards and greater oversight of spending. By ending $455 million in overpayments and making sure that taxpayer dollars are being properly spent on their intended purpose – educating students – this reform bill will help all our students and taxpayers.” In 2015, the General Assembly passed a law to create an education funding formula based on actual student enrollment and cost factors to address an outdated, flawed and inequitable system of funding school districts. However, the bill did not address cyber charter schools, which continue to receive the same funding as brick-and-mortar charter schools despite having materially lower costs, leading Ciresi to sponsor H.B. 1422 to address this issue. Ciresi’s legislation would set a single statewide tuition rate for non-special Read more

 

Madden bill to expand jail access to opioid addiction treatment medication passed by House

(Jul 07, 2023) Rep. Maureen E. Madden

“My bill opens the grant program so that county jails, if they choose to do so, have greater flexibility in terms of medication options for individuals who are overcoming addiction while incarcerated and before release,” she said. Read more

 

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill passes House

(Jul 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 7 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1448 ) introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, passed the House and is headed to the Senate for consideration. The bill would r equire public schools to provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. The instruction would include topics such as skills of conflict resolution; respect for different cultures, races, and beliefs; effectively managing emotions; and how to resolve differences peacefully. The bill also would require the instruction to be age-appropriate and incorporated into an appropriate area of study. The Department of Education would compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools could use to provide this instruction to students. Bellmon said that teaching conflict resolution in schools can help reduce violence. “In areas across the commonwealth, such as Philadelphia, we’re seeing far too many young lives taken by gun violence,” Bellmon said. “It’s imperative that our children know that conflicts can be resolved in a non-violent way, and that’s why I introduced this bill that can help prevent unnecessary violence and even save lives.” McClinton echoed Bellmon’s sentiment. “Everyone has a role in keeping our communities healthy and safe, and by equipping our youngest Read more

 

Gergely issues statement on state budget passage

(Jul 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 7 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding the state budget passing the PA House: “Being a school district business manager for three years, I’m pleased that this year’s fiscal budget provides for school systems in District 35 to see increases in basic and special education funding when compared to last year’s allowances,” Gergely said. “These funds are crucial to keeping enough teachers in classrooms, giving them the tools and resources they need, and helping students to achieve at the highest academic level possible.” District 35 school districts reflecting this growth from the 2022-23 fiscal year to the 2023-24 fiscal year are: Clairton City School District-$950,100 increase (9%). McKeesport Area School District- $3,587,283 increase (9.4%). Duquesne City School District- $1,166,235 increase (8%). Steel Valley School District- $883,682 increase (6.6%). South Allegheny School District- $1,089,983 increase (8.5%). Gergely also praised the $46 million allocation to provide universal free breakfasts to students statewide and allowing all students receiving reduced lunch prices to receive free lunch. Additionally, he commended the expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, a measure that would enable an additional 175,000 individuals to be eligible and raise the maximum payment to $1,000. Read more

 

PA House passes legislation to create Safe Communities Grant Program

(Jul 07, 2023) Rep. Roni Green

HARRISBURG, July 7 – A bill ( H.B. 1130 ) sponsored by state Rep. Roni Green, D-Phila., which would create the Safe Communities Grant Program passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today by a vote of 102-101. The legislation would establish the Safe Communities Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which would provide grant funding to communities to install lighting and security cameras around schools, playgrounds, community centers, and high crime areas. “By passing this bill, we are embracing an evidence-based approach to reducing violent crime in Pennsylvania,” Green said. “Studies have shown that taking care of the physical space in which we live — something as simple as cutting the grass or putting up lights — can have a positive effect on reducing violent crime. “This program will light up dimly lit public spaces and make criminals think twice about committing crime. We want a safe commonwealth for all Pennsylvanians, and this is a program that will help us achieve that goal.” The bill now goes to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation pleased with increased funding on budget priorities

(Jul 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 7 – As we close out this week with the passage of the 2023-24 state budget, the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed that the spending plan is far from ideal, but still delivers major support to disadvantaged families in Pennsylvania. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the delegation is pleased to see the inclusion of some of their top priorities for Philadelphia. “We certainly praise the nearly $1.7 billion (7.6% increase) for the School District of Philadelphia,” Cephas said. “We also voted to support $7.5 million to fund indigent defense for the first time in Pennsylvania history, ensuring public defenders have the resources they need to provide legal representation to defendants who cannot pay for it on their own, among other wins. We are moving the state in the right direction,” she added. State Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice-chair of the delegation, pointed out that the budget showcases the commitment of the House Democratic majority with Pennsylvanians, while managing to evade the unnecessary impasses of a bipartisan legislature. “Not a perfect budget; we wished it could have gone further in some areas and programs, but I am proud to say that we didn’t bargain our principles and that we prioritized our school system,” Burgos said. “I am appreciative of the investments in apprenticeships Read more

 

Howard’s Juvenile DNA collection bill passes PA House

(Jul 06, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 6 – State Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester, said she is proud to announce the passage of her legislation (H.B. 841) in the state House of Representatives today. House Bill 841 would restrict DNA collection from juveniles to those convicted, or adjudicated delinquent of, serious sexual and violent offenses such as murder and rape. The bill would also require the automatic expungement of DNA previously collected for juveniles at the time the applicable offense becomes eligible for expungement. Currently, DNA is collected from juveniles for a host of felonies and misdemeanors, many minor. Howard said that DNA expungement is not automatic, leaving the burden on individuals whose requests are rarely granted, unlike the sealing of juvenile records as a matter of course. “The juvenile justice system was intended to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment,” Howard said. “However, the overuse of juvenile DNA collection conflicts with the rehabilitative purposes of the juvenile system. My legislation gets rid of this conflict and instead further promotes rehabilitation, which is what our justice system should be focused on. I thank my colleagues for sharing this goal and pushing this bill to the state Senate.” The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Kim issues statement on state budget’s historic investments in education and public safety

(Jul 06, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 6 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, today issued the following statement regarding the state budget passed by the General Assembly Wednesday: “Late on Wednesday night, in a bipartisan vote, the House passed the 2023-24 fiscal budget for the Commonwealth, which includes a $717 million increase in education funding. This is a historic investment in K-12 education funding that will help provide relief to our schools that are struggling financially. “I was very proud to be part of this process -- knowing that each party succeeded in securing some of their respective efforts, including a much-needed allocation of money to help our talented students succeed in a rapidly changing world.” “They are worth it and deserve the investment.” Kim noted the following funding will be awarded to local school districts: Harrisburg City School District - $12,166,916 (15.3% increase). Camp Hill School District - $150,939 (5.9% increase). East Pennsboro Area School District - $906,876 (9.6% increase). West Shore School District - $1,619,171 (7.9% increase). Kim said she also was pleased with projected Level Up funding for two districts: Harrisburg School District: $2,718,453 East Pennsboro Area School District: $206,628 “As many are aware, this funding will help ‘level up’ school funding for our underfunded schools so their students will get the high-quality education Read more

 

Urban search and rescue hearing held in Coraopolis
Aug 01, 2023

PA House Democrats’ ‘Save Our Schools’ tour makes stop in Berks County
Aug 01, 2023

House Majority Leadership joins community to sound education SOS in Philadelphia
Jul 31, 2023

Schlossberg, Collett rally mental health professionals and advocates for restoration of $100 million in adult mental health funding
Jul 27, 2023

Pisciottano, Rozzi rally with Pittsburgh UPS workers
Jul 21, 2023

Fiedler, Rozzi, and House Democrats rally with Teamsters members as UPS strike looms
Jul 21, 2023

Rozzi and Madsen rally support for UPS Teamsters
Jul 20, 2023

Salisbury introduces bill to permit remote work capabilities
Jul 20, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for bold changes in eviction process
Jul 20, 2023

No Signs of Compromise Between Pa. House Lawmakers Over Funding for State Related Universities
Jul 19, 2023

Ciresi introduces downtown revitalization bill to bring older buildings up to code
Jul 13, 2023

Opinion: A million reasons to open up primaries in Pennsylvania
Jul 12, 2023

Ciresi cyber charter reform bill passes the House
Jul 08, 2023

Madden bill to expand jail access to opioid addiction treatment medication passed by House
Jul 07, 2023

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill passes House
Jul 07, 2023

Gergely issues statement on state budget passage
Jul 07, 2023

PA House passes legislation to create Safe Communities Grant Program
Jul 07, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation pleased with increased funding on budget priorities
Jul 07, 2023

Howard’s Juvenile DNA collection bill passes PA House
Jul 06, 2023

Kim issues statement on state budget’s historic investments in education and public safety
Jul 06, 2023