Mayes: ‘Means the world to me’ to lead Pittsburgh Pride March and Parade

(Jun 03, 2023)

"As the first out lesbian ever to serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and a long-time local and national LGBTQ+ rights activist, it means the world to me to lead this march and parade on the 50th Anniversary of the first Pride in the United States," Mayes said. Read more

 

Neilson introduces legislation to target speeding in Pennsylvania

(Jun 01, 2023)

According to the AWZSE Annual Legislative Report, speeding in AWZSE enforced work zones has been reduced to 17.2% for all traffic, and excessive speeding (11+ mph over the posted speed limit) has been reduced to 2.6% since the start of the program. Read more

 

Merski introduces bill to fight student hunger, reduce food waste

(May 31, 2023)

“In Pennsylvania, 1 in 7 children face hunger, which means that they show up to class each day without the fuel they need to concentrate, retain information and learn,” Merski said. “At the same time, a large amount of food goes to waste every day in our schools. In a state with one of the nation’s strongest agricultural industries – and far too much food waste – we can turn this situation around." Read more

 

Key lawmaker planning bill to continue using speed cameras and add new location

(May 31, 2023)

Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, majority chairman of the House Transportation Committee, has announced plans for legislation that would expand the use of speed cameras — which have been in use since 2020 in active work zones and on Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia. Read more

 

Salisbury bill bans lobbyist involvement in political campaigns

(May 30, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 30 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, introduced legislation today that would prohibit lobbyists from running state candidates’ political campaigns and then lobbying those same candidates once they are elected. “Lobbyists have whispered into the ears of political candidates, shaped their agendas and gotten rich while doing so for far too long,” Salisbury said. “My bill would put campaign control back into the hands of candidates and refocus elected officials’ attention on their constituents, not on pleasing lobbyists who also run campaigns.” Salisbury’s legislation ( H.B. 1223 ) also prohibits campaign consultants from lobbying state employees who work in the candidates’ offices. Read more

 

Pennsylvania bills cover turnpike, toll concerns

(May 30, 2023)

Legislation afoot at the Pennsylvania statehouse addresses concerns about turnpike tolling from multiple angles. Read more

 

House committee unanimously approves Merski bill to fight blight

(May 25, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 25 – The House Housing and Community Development Committee yesterday unanimously approved state Rep. Bob Merski’s bill that would make it easier for local governments to fight blight. Merski, D-Erie, said his H.B. 255 would allow municipalities to enter into cooperative agreements with each other to address blight and would create a fund to strengthen enforcement efforts. "The governor has proposed new investments in community revitalization, and those projects can be transformative for Erie and other communities. But we need to lay the groundwork by eliminating the blighted, abandoned properties that invite crime and deter investment,” Merski said. “My bill would allow communities to join forces in fighting blight and would bolster those efforts by providing the additional resources needed to enforce code violations. Among other things, Merski’s bill would establish a grant program administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development to fund new code enforcement programs, including the hiring of enforcement officers, and strengthen existing efforts. The bill is now headed to the House chamber for consideration. Read more

 

Frankel, Schwank laud Biden’s creation of national plan to fight antisemitism

(May 25, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 25 – Pennsylvania Jewish Legislative Caucus Co-chairs Rep. Dan Frankel and Sen. Judy Schwank praised the White House announcement Thursday that the Biden-Harris Administration has established the first-ever U.S. national strategy to fight antisemitism. “While antisemitism is not new, we are seeing a deeply disturbing rise in incidents fueled by inflammatory political rhetoric and a digital world in which hate-based speech can be spread at the touch of a button. Those special challenges demand new solutions, including decisive action at the national level,” Frankel said. “I am particularly encouraged that the new plan the Biden-Harris Administration has announced is a broad one, including new action by executive agencies, calls for new legislation and outreach to mobilize every sector of society.” Frankel and Schwank highlighted the support and participation of the Anti-Defamation League, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Asian American Foundation, the Sikh Coalition, the National Urban League, the National Basketball Players Association and many other groups. “Antisemitism and hatred of all forms thrive in the darkness, and that's why calling it out can be so powerful," Schwank said. "The administration's new plan and call to action are essential first steps in generating the kind of broad, unified efforts that can combat the dangerous rise in intolerance Read more

 

Pielli’s fishing and hunting license bill passes out of House

(May 25, 2023)

“Veterans have served all of the United States, not just one state. Their ability to enjoy the great outdoors should be enjoyed nationally with as little hindrance as possible,” said Pielli, who is an Army veteran. Read more

 

Shusterman’s family law arbitration bill passes House

(May 25, 2023)

“I am extremely grateful to have the full support of my colleagues from both sides of the House,” Shusterman said. “I thank Representative Kate Klunk for championing this bipartisan legislation during the last House session. Families settling legal disputes already have a tough time. We can help take the sting out of those proceedings by providing families more options to come to the best resolution that works for them, and House Bill 917 does just that.” Read more

 

Shusterman’s Second Stage Loan Program bill passes House

(May 25, 2023)

“I am proud to be a part of a legislature that wants to see our state economy flourish, our local businesses grow, and to see more sustainable jobs created and remain here in the Commonwealth,” Shusterman said. Read more

 

Freeman looks to bring First in Math to PA schools

(May 25, 2023)

“What teachers are looking for are options and new ideas and First in Math is a proven, fun learning tool that could help boost math learning and interest in school,” Freeman said. Read more

 

Salisbury introduces bill to help communities apply for grants

(May 25, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 25 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Allegheny, introduced legislation today that would aid communities that lack grant writing capacity. The legislation ( H.B. 1216 ) would create a Municipal Grant Assistance Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development . Eligible municipalities would be able to access free grant writing services to when seeking state funding and would receive instruction in writing future grant proposals. “The current system perpetuates structural inequalities among communities by favoring those municipalities which already have the funding to pay for grant writing services,” Salisbury said. “My bill provides an escape from the chicken-egg loop wherein local governments literally cannot afford to get money from the state.” Salisbury developed the bill after receiving feedback from local elected officials in her district that they were struggling to access state funding programs. Read more

 

Legislative shift in how PSP is funded given preliminary approval in Pa. House

(May 25, 2023)

“This bill takes us in a better direction and to get those resources back to where they belong, fixing roads,” Neilson said during Monday’s committee meeting. Read more

 

House sends Burns bill to Senate; measure would provide in-state tuition for students in deployed military families

(May 24, 2023)

“Military families can’t control the dynamics of their lives when engaged in serving our nation,” Burns said. “Students shouldn’t be penalized for their families having to answer the call of duty. My bill would make sure they aren’t.” Read more

 

Anti-hate crimes legislation clears Judiciary Committee, heads for House consideration

(May 24, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 24 – Legislation to expand and strengthen Pennsylvania’s anti-hate crimes statutes was approved by the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday, marking the first legislative step forward in two decades to address the universally recognized increase in hate-based crimes. Reps. Dan Frankel and Napoleon Nelson, original sponsors of the four-bill package, applauded their committee colleagues' support and vowed to keep advocating for the legislation until it becomes law. “Hate crimes are on the rise, and every day that Pennsylvania’s laws are left unequipped to deal with them is a day that those who would use violence and intimidation to diminish our vulnerable communities are further emboldened,” Frankel said. “Today, the House Judiciary Committee voted for a commonwealth that stands with vulnerable communities and aspires to promote diversity and tolerance.” Frankel noted that once the bills become law, Pennsylvania will join the majority of states that acknowledge the growing scourge of attacks on Americans for who they are, how they look or who they love. Nelson said, “This legislative package is of vital importance. As hate crimes increase across the country, we must protect those who are most vulnerable. I’m happy to have sponsored these pieces of legislation and look forward to doing more to ensure that everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual Read more

 

Freeman land bank legislation approved by committee

(May 24, 2023)

“Expanding access to this transformative resource would revitalize affected neighborhoods and business districts, as well as encourage economic development and improve quality of life in all municipalities, big and small,” said Freeman. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation lauds passing of gun safety bills

(May 24, 2023)

HARRISBURG, May 24 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed satisfaction on the passing of two pieces of legislation aimed at implementing extreme risk protection orders and regulating universal background checks. The firearm safety bills were approved by the House and sent to the Senate. The state House passed H.B. 714 which would expand background checks for firearm purchases. It was introduced by state Rep. Perry Warren. The second bill H.B. 1018 would provide emergency protection for gun owners who are at risk of harming themselves or others. Rep. Jennifer O’Mara is prime sponsor of this legislation. ERPO, or “red flag,” laws temporarily disarm people in crisis to disrupt spontaneous acts of violence against themselves or others. Philadelphia House Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas said that the passing of the bills represents a major step forward in the delegation’s quest for public safety. “Having two gun reform bills pass this House is certainly cause for celebration, however we know there is much more work to be done. Our city, as well as the whole commonwealth, is in crisis and we need the General Assembly to recognize there are commonsense ways to help all Pennsylvanians while not infringing on their rights. “We will continue to work in the House for passage of safe storage and lost-and-stolen reporting -- two of the biggest priorities of our delegation Read more

 

Conklin introduces legislation to fortify school safety

(May 24, 2023)

"By providing first responders with access to up-to-date, detailed building layouts, we would empower them to better navigate the chaos of these crises and speed lifesaving intervention," Conklin said. Read more

 

Rep. Jessica Benham: Federal agency could help Alzheimer’s patients

(May 24, 2023)

Last summer, my grandmother passed away after years of living with Alzheimer’s disease. If you’ve lost a loved one to this disease or know someone who has, then you’re familiar with the long and cruel journey both the patient and their families have walked. Read more

 

Mayes: ‘Means the world to me’ to lead Pittsburgh Pride March and Parade
Jun 03, 2023

Neilson introduces legislation to target speeding in Pennsylvania
Jun 01, 2023

Merski introduces bill to fight student hunger, reduce food waste
May 31, 2023

Key lawmaker planning bill to continue using speed cameras and add new location
May 31, 2023

Salisbury bill bans lobbyist involvement in political campaigns
May 30, 2023

Pennsylvania bills cover turnpike, toll concerns
May 30, 2023

House committee unanimously approves Merski bill to fight blight
May 25, 2023

Frankel, Schwank laud Biden’s creation of national plan to fight antisemitism
May 25, 2023

Pielli’s fishing and hunting license bill passes out of House
May 25, 2023

Shusterman’s family law arbitration bill passes House
May 25, 2023

Shusterman’s Second Stage Loan Program bill passes House
May 25, 2023

Freeman looks to bring First in Math to PA schools
May 25, 2023

Salisbury introduces bill to help communities apply for grants
May 25, 2023

Legislative shift in how PSP is funded given preliminary approval in Pa. House
May 25, 2023

House sends Burns bill to Senate; measure would provide in-state tuition for students in deployed military families
May 24, 2023

Anti-hate crimes legislation clears Judiciary Committee, heads for House consideration
May 24, 2023

Freeman land bank legislation approved by committee
May 24, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation lauds passing of gun safety bills
May 24, 2023

Conklin introduces legislation to fortify school safety
May 24, 2023

Rep. Jessica Benham: Federal agency could help Alzheimer’s patients
May 24, 2023