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Smith-Wade-El’s resolution to study the impact of housing and health quality adopted by House

(Jun 27, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 27 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that his resolution, H.R. 66, that directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the impact of housing on health in Pennsylvania passed the House on Monday. “We have a housing crisis in Pennsylvania,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only is there not enough affordable housing, but most housing dates from before 1978 and exposes residents to lead contamination, poor ventilation, ill-constructed waste systems, and other unsafe and toxic conditions. “Bad housing is having a devastating impact on people’s health and on our health services,” Smith-Wade-El said. “We’ve got to use our resources to find a remedy for a literally toxic situation by studying the health care costs associated with substandard housing and building affordable housing connected to local health care and social service systems.” According to Smith-Wade-El, studies have shown that substandard housing is a contributing factor to negative health outcomes and can perpetuate economic struggle and housing insecurity for some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. The LBFC will reach out to relevant stakeholders to gain insight on the impact housing has on residents’ health and provide recommendations for housing solutions. “Everyone deserves a safe and healthy home,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Not only Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz praises passage of bill that would lessen teacher shortages

(Jun 26, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 26 – State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, today praised House passage of her bill, which would provide educator certification and employment for immigrants in Pennsylvania. The bill ( H.B. 1067 ), now on its way to the Senate for consideration, would amend the qualifications of a teacher by adding that department-certified or permitted teachers who hold a valid immigrant visa, work visa, or valid employment authorization document which allows them to work in the United States are eligible to teach in the public schools of the Commonwealth. Cepeda-Freytiz said enactment of this bill would expand much-needed access to teacher certification. The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Teacher Information Management System prevents non-U.S. citizens from completing an application for certification unless they are applying for a certificate to teach a foreign language or hold an immigrant visa (Green Card) and sign an affidavit of intent to become a U.S citizen. “Education is the foundation of progress. We need a commonsense approach that can help us put Pennsylvania back on track. I am proud to champion this issue and I cannot wait until this bill is signed into law,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) participants are unable to attain educator certification in Pennsylvania. The removal of this barrier could help the Commonwealth address its teacher shortage areas, including one of the Read more

 

Pa. House passes Isaacson’s legislation regarding community college

(Jun 26, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Community college is an affordable path to a great future,” Isaacson said. “We need to embrace community college students by ensuring that they have every opportunity to transfer to a four-year college or university with ease.” Read more

 

Neilson’s I-95 resolution adopted by House

(Jun 26, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., sponsored H.R. 154, which seeks to extend the governor’s emergency declaration to help repair the collapsed part of I-95. “We cannot let this project run out of funds,” Neilson said. “I-95 is one of the busiest highways in the commonwealth, maybe even the whole Northeast. This resolution would ensure that we have the funding we need to complete construction on this vital roadway.” After a truck tanker caught fire and the extreme heat caused a portion of I-95 in Philadelphia to collapse, Gov. Josh Shapiro issued an emergency proclamation on June 12 to acquire federal funds to help fix the collapsed road. Unless the Senate also acts on Neilson’s resolution, that emergency proclamation will run out in 21 days (July 2) because of a constitutional amendment added to the state constitution in 2021, in which emergency declarations by the governor may only last for 21 days. Neilson said this limitation was enacted to stop supposed overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the highway reopened on Friday, June 23, it’s not a permanent solution. Neilson said that this resolution would ensure the complete rebuild of that section of I-95. Read more

 

Pa. House passes Kinkead bill to guarantee college credit transfers

(Jun 26, 2023) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Legislation to help community college students advances Read more

 

Boyle preventive care bill including mental health protections passes House

(Jun 26, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 26 – Today, H.B. 1050 , introduced by PA House Insurance Committee Chair Kevin Boyle, D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania House and is headed to the Senate for future consideration. This bill would require health insurers to cover preventive health care services including mental health treatment without cost-sharing. A similar federal law is part of the federal Affordable Care Act, which gives Americans access to no-cost preventive health care. But earlier this year, a judge in Texas struck down that part of the Affordable Care Act . If appeals are unsuccessful, millions of Pennsylvanians could lose access to potentially life-saving preventative health care such as cancer screenings, depression and anxiety screenings, multiple vaccines, and annual well-woman visits. Boyle’s legislation would protect Pennsylvanians regardless of what the federal courts do. “Regardless of what the federal courts decide, we must ensure all Pennsylvanians have access to life-saving preventive health care without having to pay a copay, coinsurance or deductible,” Boyle said. “I urge my Senate colleagues to do right by the millions of Pennsylvanians who need these crucial preventive care services and get this bill to Governor Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.” According to Boyle, over 80 advocacy groups support this bill because it protects preventive care services. Read more

 

House Democrats’ aggressive bipartisan agenda results in passage of more than 100 bills to date this year

(Jun 26, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Harrisburg, June 26 – Just six months into the 2023-24 legislative session, Pennsylvania House Democrats are delivering on their promise to prioritize the issues Pennsylvanians care about by passing more than 100 bills focusing on a variety of critical issues that will improve lives for Pennsylvanians. “I’m proud that House Democrats are continuing to advance a people-first agenda,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, said. “In just the past few weeks our caucus has advanced measures that would make more seniors eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, plus increase their rebates. We passed an expanded Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit -- because when families can afford childcare, more Pennsylvanians can work. We passed tax credits for people in some of the commonwealth’s most in-demand and understaffed professions like nurses, teachers and police. We’re helping all Pennsylvanians save for retirement using our Keystone Saves Program. And we advanced a long-overdue boost in the state minimum wage, which lags every surrounding state and has kept too many Pennsylvanians in poverty.” “After a dozen years of inaction on issues that Pennsylvanians truly care about, we have put forth a diverse, aggressive and bipartisan agenda that will ensure Pennsylvania is a better place to live, learn and work,” said House Majority Leader Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery. “Our Read more

 

Fiedler, PFT, Phila. councilmembers urge funding school facilities in 2023-24 budget

(Jun 23, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, June 23 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila., hosted a news conference at South Philadelphia High School Friday morning, calling on the Commonwealth to increase funding for school facilities improvements. Pennsylvania "has billions of dollars that should be invested in public infrastructure, job creation and education,” Fiedler said. The Commonwealth is currently sitting on $11 billion in reserve cash. “Governor Shapiro’s budget has proposed $100 million in school facilities funding, which is a great start,” Fiedler said. While Shapiro’s budget proposal did not indicate a method of distribution for these funds, Fiedler has co-sponsored H.B.1408, which provides a vehicle for distributing school facilities funds. Her bill updates PlanCon, a method of funds distribution that has not been utilized since 2016. “I am hopeful H.B. 1408 will get a House vote next week, and I’m committed to pursuing all avenues through which we may remediate and repair our schools across the Commonwealth,” she emphasized, who has spearheaded the issue in the House. Ana Tapia , Sunrise of Philadelphia’s South Philadelphia High School site director, spoke directly to her experience running the school’s after-school program. “Too often we hear on the news that budgets have increased for everything except for schools, after-school programming, and Read more

 

PA Women’s Health Caucus committed to maintaining abortion access in PA

(Jun 23, 2023) Women's Health Caucus

Long before the Dobbs decision was handed down, the Women’s Health Caucus fought to ensure that Pennsylvanians have the right to make private, personal medical decisions. And we always will. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praise reopening of I-95

(Jun 23, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, June 23 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed satisfaction on the reopening of Interstate 95 today ahead of the originally scheduled two-week timeline. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas said that the group, which toured the site this morning, values the immediate response and leadership of Gov. Josh Shapiro and expeditious work of crews from the Philadelphia building trades. “Our tour this morning gave us an up-close look at the incredible work being done here,” Cephas said. “It's only by the hard work of our local trades, facilitated by coordination with state, city and federal officials, that we're able to get this major artery through our city re-opened so much earlier than anyone expected,” Cephas added. “Our city is in awe and gratitude of the speedy engineering and production of our Philadelphia building trades members and contractors.” Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton said that she celebrates the collective effort that made possible the reopening of six lanes of traffic that will keep the City of Brotherly Love up and running for locals and hundreds of visitors. “Philadelphia is a hub for everything from commerce to health care to recreation,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “So, today’s reopening of I-95 is great news for our neighbors, people who visit our Read more

 

PA House Labor & Industry Committee approves infrastructure legislation

(Jun 22, 2023) Rep. Jason Dawkins

HARRISBURG, June 22 – During a voting meeting Thursday, the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee reported two pieces of legislation, H.B. 1449 and H.B. 1465 , out of committee and to the House floor. House Bill 1449, sponsored by state Rep. Josh Siegel, D-Lehigh, would establish a statewide responsible contractor law, setting clear requirements that firms bidding on publicly funded infrastructure projects must meet and requiring firms to have a state or federal registered apprenticeship program and pay the prevailing wage rate. “One needs to look no further than the recent collapse of I-95 and its expedient repair by our skilled tradesmen and women to know we need to seriously invest in our infrastructure and in the continued training of skilled laborers in the commonwealth,” said state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., majority chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. “This legislation would ensure that Pennsylvania has a skilled craft labor workforce that will bolster our infrastructure and build our state’s future.” House Bill 1465, sponsored by state Rep. Dave Delloso, D-Delaware, would apply the Prevailing Wage Act to investor-owned utilities, such as water, sewer, gas and electric providers. The legislation would apply the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s prevailing wage rates and minimum safety standards to all contracted construction work completed on underground utility systems that Read more

 

Legislation to better track maternal morbidity sent to Shapiro to become law

(Jun 22, 2023) Women's Health Caucus

The Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus is applauding the unanimous House passage of legislation that would ensure proper data collection on maternal morbidity as lawmakers work to reduce the alarming number of pregnancy-related deaths in the state. The bill now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. Read more

 

Krajewski Kinship bill unanimously passes PA House

(Jun 22, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1058 ) introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., unanimously passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and will now head to the state Senate for consideration. House Bill 1058 would make child custody proceedings more inclusive of potential kinship care providers by requiring courts to solicit and consider the opinions of those who engaged with family finding and kinship care programs. While living with kin (relatives and close family friends) minimizes childhood trauma and increases wellbeing , f ewer than 42% of children receiving care in the state are placed in a kinship home. “This simple change in where a youth calls home can help a child resume attending school, reforge their community connections, and avoid being at-risk for violence. As we're hit by a gun violence crisis, it is essential that we do all we can to keep communities intact and minimize childhood trauma. ” Krajewski said. “We took an important step in moving this legislation out of the House. Now, I urge my Senate colleagues to do the same in their chamber so we can get it signed into law and ensure foster kids find homes with people who will be best for their growth and futures.” Read more

 

House of Representatives passes Khan’s resolution on Alzheimer’s awareness

(Jun 22, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., reaffirmed his dedication to older adults and their caregivers and families this week with his bipartisan resolution dedicating June 2023 as “Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.” Khan’s resolution passed the Pennsylvania House on a vote of 202-1 late Tuesday. “Our older adult population is growing rapidly, and we need to ensure we support these neighbors and their families, including those with Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases.” Khan said. Khan’s resolution was a call to action that critical scientific research must be funded to support people living with Alzheimer’s and their families. “Like we did when we set a goal to put a human on the moon in a decade, our nation can set a target to cure Alzheimer’s disease -- and achieve it,” Khan said. Khan hosted a news conference in the Capitol rotunda Wednesday morning to commemorate the passage of the resolution and fighting the darkness of Alzheimer’s on Wednesday, which was the longest day of the year. Khan was joined by representatives from the Alzheimer's Association, the Alzheimer's Research and Development Center at the University of Pennsylvania, the Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of Elders, and the family caregiver of a person who died from Alzheimer’s disease. The resolution was initially approved by the House Health Committee Read more

 

Kenyatta cybersecurity coordination bill approved by Commerce Committee

(Jun 22, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Today, legislation ( H.B. 1139 ) introduced by state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., was approved in the Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee and now heads to the full House for future consideration. This legislation would create a centralized, integrated system of cybersecurity across all commonwealth agencies and branches with the establishment of the Cybersecurity Coordination Board. The board would gain the knowledge needed to strengthen cybersecurity by conducting audits and analyzing current federal, state and local protocols. “ Identifying and implementing a unified model cybersecurity policy will help to ensure our data systems can bear up under the threat of compromise. Once achieved, Pennsylvanians can take comfort knowing their most sensitive personal data is protected,” Kenyatta said. “I’m glad to see this bill that will protect Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth move to the full House. Now, I call on my House colleagues to move it along to the Senate.” Read more

 

Abney introduces bill to increase neighborhood tax credit dollars

(Jun 22, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 22 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, introduced a bill today that would deliver additional tax credit funds for communities to implement enhancement projects. The legislation ( H.B. 1429 ) would raise the cap on dollars available through the Neighborhood Assistance Program from $36 million to $72 million. Businesses would also see an increase on the tax credit they could claim, dependent on the kind of project they bring to a community. “As a social worker, I know firsthand that commonwealth communities deserve as much help as possible towards providing sustaining resources for its neighbors,” Abney said. “The monetary increase at the heart of my bill would keep neighborhoods healthy and vibrant for years to come.” Since 2015, the NAP has provided almost $174 million in tax credits and supported 1,128 projects across Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Lawmakers launch bipartisan Pennsylvania Charitable Nonprofit Caucus

(Jun 21, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The work of charitable nonprofits touches nearly every aspect of community life, from fighting food insecurity to supporting local libraries to providing disaster relief and other critical services,” Salisbury said. “As legislators, we need to do everything we can to keep these catalysts for good growing and thriving.” Read more

 

Ciresi introduces bill to boost electric vehicle charging infrastructure

(Jun 21, 2023) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

HARRISBURG, June 21 – With over two million electric vehicles (EV) already on the road and projections forecasting continued growth in EV adoption, state Rep. Joseph Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced legislation that would help to create more charging stations throughout Pennsylvania. House Bill 1474 would add electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects as an eligible project type under Pennsylvania’s Property-Assessed Clean Energy program (C-PACE). C-PACE, which was created by Act 30 of 2018 , has facilitated over $250 million in investments in energy efficiency, clean energy, conservation, and other projects by connecting property owners with long-term financing. The investments are funded entirely through private capital, so it would not impose any financial burden on the commonwealth or local governments, according to Ciresi. “As electric vehicles become increasingly common, we need to make sure we have a developed statewide infrastructure with access to convenient charging stations,” Ciresi said. “This bill will unlock financing that would help businesses, workplaces, apartment buildings, and more locations install EV charging stations, offering important access for EV drivers and helping businesses that want to make these types of investments.” Read more

 

New bill to expand Philly's speed cam program beyond Roosevelt Boulevard

(Jun 21, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The program, which is currently in use on Roosevelt Boulevard, is set to expire in December, but Philadelphia Democrat Ed Neilson is looking to change that with a bill that would not only get rid of the expiration date, but allow Philadelphia to expand the use of speed cameras beyond the boulevard. Read more

 

PA House passes minimum wage increase legislation

(Jun 20, 2023) Rep. Jason Dawkins

HARRISBURG, June 20 – A bill ( H.B. 1500 ) sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., that would increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $15 per hour by 2026 and set the tipped wage to 60% of the minimum wage passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. This legislation would increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $11 per hour by Jan. 1, 2024; $13 per hour by Jan. 1, 2025; and $15 per hour by Jan. 1, 2026. The minimum wage would be indexed to inflation beginning in 2027. “It’s about time. No more games and no more waiting; the people of Pennsylvania deserve a minimum wage that is fair and competitive with our neighboring states. There’s still a lot of work to do, but I’m pleased with the direction we’re headed,” Dawkins said. “Raising the minimum wage will raise the wage of more than a million people in the commonwealth, improve people’s financial security and grow the state’s economy.” House Bill 1500 is a companion bill to S.B. 743 , introduced by state Sen. Dan Laughlin, chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. The bill will go to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El’s resolution to study the impact of housing and health quality adopted by House
Jun 27, 2023

Cepeda-Freytiz praises passage of bill that would lessen teacher shortages
Jun 26, 2023

Pa. House passes Isaacson’s legislation regarding community college
Jun 26, 2023

Neilson’s I-95 resolution adopted by House
Jun 26, 2023

Pa. House passes Kinkead bill to guarantee college credit transfers
Jun 26, 2023

Boyle preventive care bill including mental health protections passes House
Jun 26, 2023

House Democrats’ aggressive bipartisan agenda results in passage of more than 100 bills to date this year
Jun 26, 2023

Fiedler, PFT, Phila. councilmembers urge funding school facilities in 2023-24 budget
Jun 23, 2023

PA Women’s Health Caucus committed to maintaining abortion access in PA
Jun 23, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation praise reopening of I-95
Jun 23, 2023

PA House Labor & Industry Committee approves infrastructure legislation
Jun 22, 2023

Legislation to better track maternal morbidity sent to Shapiro to become law
Jun 22, 2023

Krajewski Kinship bill unanimously passes PA House
Jun 22, 2023

House of Representatives passes Khan’s resolution on Alzheimer’s awareness
Jun 22, 2023

Kenyatta cybersecurity coordination bill approved by Commerce Committee
Jun 22, 2023

Abney introduces bill to increase neighborhood tax credit dollars
Jun 22, 2023

Lawmakers launch bipartisan Pennsylvania Charitable Nonprofit Caucus
Jun 21, 2023

Ciresi introduces bill to boost electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Jun 21, 2023

New bill to expand Philly's speed cam program beyond Roosevelt Boulevard
Jun 21, 2023

PA House passes minimum wage increase legislation
Jun 20, 2023