News Center

Frankel cheers committee approval of bills to support rural health care, regulate hospital mergers

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

HARRISBURG, June 26 – Majority House Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel hailed his panel’s approval Wednesday of bipartisan legislation aimed at reducing health care disparities in rural areas by providing grants for the payment of education debt of physicians, nurses and midwives. “When rural facilities cannot attract or retain health care professionals, they can’t keep their doors open, and patients have to travel increasing distances to get basic preventative or emergency care – that’s bad for outcomes, and it’s bad for this commonwealth,” said Frankel, who worked with Republican Health Chair Kathy Rapp to develop the bill ( H.B. 2382 ). “The foundation of our health care system is its workers, so that’s where any effort to support rural health institutions must begin.” The bill received unanimous approval by the committee. The panel also approved legislation introduced by Reps. Lisa Borowski and Paul Takac that would provide more oversight of mergers and other transactions that could threaten access to health services in the commonwealth. The bill ( H.B. 2344 ) would require health systems to file notice and documentation to the Office of the Attorney General before completing critical transactions and provide the Attorney General’s office with the tools needed to do their job of protecting the interests of health care consumers. “Health systems tend Read more

 

House lawmakers, families and advocates renew call for anti-bullying legislation in Pa.

(Jun 26, 2024) Rep. Danilo Burgos, Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara, Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

HARRISBURG, June 26 – House lawmakers, families and advocates this week renewed their call to pass legislation that addresses anti-bullying policies in Pennsylvania schools. At a Capitol news conference on Monday, the family of Sammy Teusch, a child who was bullied at his school in Indiana and died by suicide on May 5, joined state Reps. Danilo Burgos and Joe Hohenstein, both D-Phila.; Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware; Kiria Cora, executive director of the Cora Foundation; and others to call upon the legislature to act on anti-bullying legislation. The legislation includes O’Mara’s House Bill 1293 , which would require schools to notify parents and legal guardians when their child is involved in or experiences bullying, and a comprehensive series of bills known as the Rights and Protections for All Students package, introduced by Hohenstein and others. The urgent plea follows a series of meetings with advocates and the families of victims of bulling – including the Teusch family. The lawmakers said increased bullying incidents have profound impacts on students’ mental health, academic performance and overall well-being. Burgos, who chairs the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, urged for the passage these bills. “ Passing anti-bullying legislation to address and prevent bullying in schools is not about punishment but about prevention, Read more

 

Nelson bill to expand prison oversight passes Pa. House

(Jun 25, 2024) Rep. Napoleon Nelson

HARRISBURG, June 25 – A bill that would further empower counties in criminal justice oversight passed the state House Monday, announced its sponsor, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson. Specifically, H.B. 1509 would remedy a gap in Pennsylvania law by which Montgomery County cannot appoint a county jail oversight board. It is the only county without this option. The bill would also create the option of adding public members to prison oversight boards statewide. “Over 70,000 Pennsylvania residents are incarcerated, nearly half of them in county jails, prisons or correctional facilities,” said Nelson, D-Montgomery. “These residents and their families retain the right to proper jail governance while incarcerated. Well-appointed oversight boards are a critical measure to ensure and protect that right.” Oversight boards can consist of county commissioners along with other designated officers. They exert significant influence over how county prisons operate. “The added transparency and accountability are the keys to effective reform. Including an array of members on a board that are elected officials and members of the public ensures that the board reflects as many concerns and values as possible,” Nelson said. “This can lead to initiatives that support inmate reintegration and reduce recidivism rates. An expanded board can also enhance monitoring and reporting functions, Read more

 

Matzie: Consumer Protection Committee approves bill that would allow Pa. to take the reins on carbon capture

(Jun 25, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, June 25 – The state House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee today unanimously approved legislation that would allow Pennsylvania to gain regulatory control over the carbon capture process, Committee Chair Rob Matzie announced. Matzie said the process – aimed at reducing the impact of CO2 emissions – captures those gases at the source and injects them through specially designed wells into deep underground rock formations in a procedure known as geologic sequestration. “This is a good bill for PA workers, the economy and our environment,” Matzie said. “Carbon capture can reduce CO2 emissions, support our entry into other clean technologies like hydrogen hubs, create jobs and generate new investments. Right now, however, the federal government is in charge of issuing permits for carbon capture projects. Other states have started taking the initiative and applying to the EPA to gain the power to regulate those projects, and it’s time for Pennsylvania – as an energy leader – to join them. This bill will start the ball rolling.” Matzie said the legislation ( S.B. 831 ) would direct the state to apply to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for primary enforcement authority over carbon dioxide underground injection wells, also known as Class VI wells. The bill, Read more

 

Reps. Pisciottano, Miller and organized labor celebrate ‘Union Organizing Week’ with major rally at PA Capitol

(Jun 25, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Labor leaders, members pack Capitol ahead of state budget Read more

 

House passes Krueger bill to ensure access to contraceptives in Pa.

(Jun 25, 2024) Rep. Leanne Krueger

HARRISBURG, June 25 – Landmark legislation that would add state-level protections for contraceptive access ( H.B. 1140 ) was approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Leanne Krueger. Krueger, D-Delaware, said efforts by extreme, anti-choice legislators and activists to deny people’s access to safe, proven and FDA-approved contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy and treat other medical conditions prompted the need for this legislation that she has introduced every session since 2020. She said the legislation became more crucial when the U.S. Supreme overturned Roe v Wade in its 2022 Dobbs decision and gave each state the authority to decide women’s reproductive rights. "Contraception is health care, plain and simple, and no one but a woman and her doctor should decide what medical care she has the right to receive," Krueger said. “Pennsylvania currently has no protections in state law for contraceptive access, so attacks at the federal level jeopardize our access. This bill received unanimous approval in committee and passed with a bipartisan vote of 133-69 in the House. Today’s vote is an important first step to ensuring access to contraception for all Pennsylvanians who need, want and deserve it.” The bill would require all health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to provide coverage for all FDA- approved Read more

 

Kinkead, Gaydos bill for landslide insurance clears committee

(Jun 25, 2024) Rep. Emily Kinkead

Legislation to help victims of landslides eligible for full vote in PA House Read more

 

Dawkins Stuffed Toys Act heads to governor’s desk

(Jun 24, 2024) Rep. Jason Dawkins

HARRISBURG, June 24 – A bill sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., that would allow recycled materials to be used in stuffed toys passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on concurrence today and will now head to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. This legislation ( H.B. 1333 ) would bring Pennsylvania in line with all other global stuffed toy requirements, enabling manufacturers and retailers to make and sell stuffed toys with recycled materials in the commonwealth. “This is commonsense legislation. Since the law first went into effect in 1961, the manufacturing industry, the retail industry and consumer demands have changed drastically,” said Dawkins, chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. “Not only is the use of recycled materials commonplace because it’s safe and the materials undergo the same extensive testing as new materials, but it also allows toy manufacturers to reach their sustainability goals and is better for the environment. “Clarifying this law will bring Pennsylvania law in line with all other global stuffed toy requirements and enable manufactures to make and sell stuffed toys with recycled materials across the country and globally.” Dawkins said he thanks his colleagues for their support of this environmentally and business friendly legislation, and he looks forward to Shapiro signing the Read more

 

Pielli bill to help veterans’ spouses and dependents passes PA House

(Jun 24, 2024) Rep. Chris Pielli

“We should do everything in our power to help our veterans,” Pielli said. “That same attitude should be extended to the families of veterans. That’s why my colleagues, Representative Dan L. Miller and Representative Joe Webster, and I worked to create House Bill 1963. This simple change will make the lives of veterans and their families that much easier after this abrupt and unfortunate change. As a veteran, I’ve come to learn that when our men and women serve our great nation, their family also serves. This legislative consideration is the least we can do for our veterans and their families.” Read more

 

Dawkins prevailing wage legislation passes Pa. House

(Jun 24, 2024) Rep. Jason Dawkins

HARRISBURG, June 24 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed a bill ( H.B. 2153 ) sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., that would update the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act to address the issues of split rates and custom fabrication. This legislation would prohibit the practice of paying “split rates” on publicly funded construction projects and ensure that custom fabrication work done by tradespeople away from the main job site is paid to the prevailing wage. “This is as simple as ensuring that companies awarded public construction project contracts are paying their workers fairly and to the prevailing wage standard set by the secretary of Labor and Industry,” said Dawkins, chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. Since off-site work is not currently covered by the Prevailing Wage Act, many contractors use this loophole to pay their employees a sub-standard “shop” rate when they do this work and only pay the prevailing wage when the workers are on the jobsite installing these assemblies, which cheats the intent of the law and undercuts honest contractors in the bidding process, while exploiting their labor force for increased profits, Dawkins said. And the use of modular construction is expected to increase in the future, which will lead to further exploitation of this loophole if it’s not closed now. Similar Read more

 

PA House committee OKs Schlossberg bill to screen student mental health needs

(Jun 24, 2024) Rep. Mike Schlossberg

“If we are serious about saving lives and improving mental health, then we must be proactive,” said Schlossberg. Read more

 

Matzie encourages municipalities, community groups to apply to Digital Connectivity Technology Program

(Jun 21, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

AMBRIDGE, June 21 – State Rep. Rob Matzie is encouraging local municipalities, nonprofit groups, libraries and other community organizations statewide to apply to the newly opened Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Matzie – who is chairman of the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and a board member of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority – said the PBDA will be purchasing and distributing $20 million in laptops so communities can make that technology available for residents. “Everything we’re doing on the broadband authority is focused on one main goal: ensuring folks have quick, reliable, affordable access to the wealth of opportunities available online – from job openings and state programs to telemedicine and shopping,” Matzie said. “We’ve made great progress getting the infrastructure and funding in place for areas that have lacked those high-speed connections, but affording hardware like laptops and computers is still a barrier for some households. “This program will allow community organizations to obtain laptops and make them available for residents. I’m urging municipalities, libraries, nonprofits – every group eligible – to apply as soon as possible.” Matzie said eligible applicants include community organizations such as libraries, municipalities, workforce Read more

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus praises Biden administration executive order on immigration

(Jun 18, 2024) Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 18 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus today applauded the Biden administration’s executive action allowing certain undocumented spouses and children of United States’ citizens to apply for lawful permanent residency without leaving the country. The action will provide legal status and protections for about 500,000 American families and roughly 50,000 noncitizen children of immigrants under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen. Under current federal law, an undocumented person who enters the U.S. and marries a U.S. citizen must first request parole before applying for legal residency. That process might require them to leave the country, upending their careers and families and creating uncertainty about whether they would be authorized to reenter. PLLC members said today’s action allows those spouses to apply for residency without needing to leave the U.S., bringing hope and relief to hundreds of thousands in the country and here in Pennsylvania. PLLC Chair Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., praised President Joe Biden for his action. “Today’s executive action represents a significant step forward in the fight for a more fair and equitable immigration system. By protecting hundreds of thousands of our immigrant neighbors and their families, the president is reinforcing the principles of humanity and fairness,” Burgos said. PLLC Read more

 

Students, faculty, alumni detail UArts closure

(Jun 17, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This has been a terrible time for the University of the Arts students, staff and alumni,” said Policy Committee hearing host state Rep. Ben Waxman, who represents portions of Philadelphia including the UArts campus in Center City. “They have been treated in such a way that is frankly unacceptable. The University of the Arts’ leadership has refused to provide information, even after throwing the lives of thousands of people into chaos because of their incompetence.” Read more

 

Ciresi announces $1.58M in grants for affordable housing projects

(Jun 14, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced $1.58 million in PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund awards for affordable housing and homelessness prevention projects in his legislative district. “I am very glad that these deserving projects have been funded in this round of PHARE grants,” Ciresi said. “Housing affordability is a major issue and a struggle for many people in our area. Everyone needs safe and secure housing in order to thrive. I believe this funding will help strengthen the social net in our communities, build strong families, and set individuals on the way to financial success.” $80,000 Access Services Recovery Oriented Rapid Rehousing Access Services will use funds to support five recovery orientated rapid rehousing units. These units will be targeted to individuals exiting substance abuse recovery settings or street homeless individuals struggling to maintain sobriety due to homelessness. $125,000 College Student Basic Needs Program Affordable Housing Scholarship Fund – TriCounty Community Network on behalf of the College Student Basic Needs Program The College Student Basic Needs Program will use the funds to assist under-resourced college students experiencing housing and food insecurity to stay in school, succeed academically, graduate and obtain better paying employment. One program provides housing scholarships for rental assistance to avoid Read more

 

Rabb legislation would combat ‘greenwashing’ in Pa.

(Jun 14, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., is drafting legislation that would prohibit corporations from using deceitful and manipulative practices known as “greenwashing” in Pennsylvania. “For decades now, corporations have taken advantage of environmentally-conscious consumers by intentionally marketing their products in a manner that makes them appear better for the planet than they really are. This devious and manipulative practice is known as ‘greenwashing,’” Rabb said . “You often see it when companies use terms such as ‘net zero,’ ‘low carbon’ or ‘cleaner energy,’ even if those claims are not based in reality or are aspirational at best.” This legislation would ensure that there is truth in marketing by amending the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to explicitly prohibit deceptive environmental marketing claims. “As we increasingly experience the drastic effects of our warming climate, such as more intense storms, floods, droughts and wildfires, the last thing Pennsylvania consumers need is to be lied to as they try to make informed purchasing decisions,” Rabb said. "Corporations should not be allowed to lie to consumers and pretend that dirty and polluting products are healthy or sustainable, but the reality is these deceptive greenwashing practices Read more

 

Long-awaited substance use recovery grant program passes Pa. House

(Jun 14, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

The Pennsylvania House on Wednesday passed a bill establishing a lifetime grant program for substance use recovery. Read more

 

Rabb supports startups in impacted communities with amendment

(Jun 12, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, June 12 – The Pennsylvania House Finance Committee today approved legislation that would allow tech and bio-tech startups with unused net operating loss carryover to sell the tax benefits for use by other taxpayers subject to the Corporate Net Income tax. The bill passed with an amendment included by state Rep. Chris Rabb that would make sure businesses in impacted communities are explicitly included in opportunities created by this legislation. Rabb said his amendment improves the legislation while maintaining its scope and ensuring that startup owners who live in impacted communities are affiliated with technology-centered entities and have operations that address clean energy production or provide offerings that relate to energy efficiency or environmental resiliency efforts. “A lot of start-ups are technology-based firms that can create good, sustainable jobs. We are fortunate to have institutions that support this work; yet, we have brain drain. Our workforce is being pulled into other states because we haven’t fostered an environment that supports them,” Rabb, D-Phila., said. “I am particularly interested in those businesses that have a disproportionate influence on communities that could benefit the most from technologies whose residents have been most harmed by predatory business models. “We can use good judgment and data to find and support the types of businesses that have the most Read more

 

Central PA Delegation to champion fair funding for schools at Millersville rally

(Jun 12, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 12 – The Pennsylvania House Central Pennsylvania Delegation today announced that the group will raise its voice on behalf of chronically underfunded schools along with advocate groups, educational organizations, legislators, community leaders, students, lawyers, and parents tomorrow, Thursday, June 13. MEDIA COVERAGE IS INVITED. State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, who serves the 49 th Legislative District where the event will take place, indicated that the rally which will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at Millersville University’s Pucillo Gymnasium, 125 Pucillo Dr., Millersville, is aimed at reinforcing the need to secure sustainable funding for public schools. “This rally will be a loud and clear call to action for colleagues on both side of the aisle and the Senate,” he said about the rally organized in coordination with PA Schools Work, a nonpartisan statewide movement that advocates on behalf of public schools. “We are determined to secure the $1.1 billion increase in Basic Education funding, as projected by Gov. Josh Shapiro in his 2024-25 budget proposal,” Smith-Wade-El added. “Now, following the House passage of a unprecedent $5.1 billion bill that fulfills the recommendations of a bipartisan Basic Education Funding Commission to end funding disparities, we need to make sure that this bill crosses the finish line. Read more

 

Venkat’s opioid overdose awareness toolkit bill passes PA House

(Jun 12, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bill that would require the creation of materials to circulate information about the ongoing opioid public health crisis passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with a bipartisan majority today. The legislation, H.B. 1783 , would require the state Department of Health to consult with the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to create a poster, to be displayed in public and private settings, which provides information about opioid overdose. The information would include: Signs of an opioid-related overdose. What to do if an opioid-related overdose occurs. Locating an agent to reverse opioid effects. Additional resources. “I’ve treated many patients in the throes of an opioid overdose as an emergency physician, and proactive measures to help stem the tide of this crisis are imperative,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I’m grateful to bipartisan House colleagues, especially Representative Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana), not only for their affirmative votes, but for their commitment to saving as many lives as possible with this legislation.” The legislation additionally would authorize the creation of a Lifetime Recovery from Substance Use Grant Program to assist in the development, expansion or improvement of recovery support services delivery in Pennsylvania. Spearheaded by state Reps. Jim Gregory, R-Blair/Huntingdon, and Read more

 

Frankel cheers committee approval of bills to support rural health care, regulate hospital mergers
Jun 26, 2024

House lawmakers, families and advocates renew call for anti-bullying legislation in Pa.
Jun 26, 2024

Nelson bill to expand prison oversight passes Pa. House
Jun 25, 2024

Matzie: Consumer Protection Committee approves bill that would allow Pa. to take the reins on carbon capture
Jun 25, 2024

Reps. Pisciottano, Miller and organized labor celebrate ‘Union Organizing Week’ with major rally at PA Capitol
Jun 25, 2024

House passes Krueger bill to ensure access to contraceptives in Pa.
Jun 25, 2024

Kinkead, Gaydos bill for landslide insurance clears committee
Jun 25, 2024

Dawkins Stuffed Toys Act heads to governor’s desk
Jun 24, 2024

Pielli bill to help veterans’ spouses and dependents passes PA House
Jun 24, 2024

Dawkins prevailing wage legislation passes Pa. House
Jun 24, 2024

PA House committee OKs Schlossberg bill to screen student mental health needs
Jun 24, 2024

Matzie encourages municipalities, community groups to apply to Digital Connectivity Technology Program
Jun 21, 2024

Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus praises Biden administration executive order on immigration
Jun 18, 2024

Students, faculty, alumni detail UArts closure
Jun 17, 2024

Ciresi announces $1.58M in grants for affordable housing projects
Jun 14, 2024

Rabb legislation would combat ‘greenwashing’ in Pa.
Jun 14, 2024

Long-awaited substance use recovery grant program passes Pa. House
Jun 14, 2024

Rabb supports startups in impacted communities with amendment
Jun 12, 2024

Central PA Delegation to champion fair funding for schools at Millersville rally
Jun 12, 2024

Venkat’s opioid overdose awareness toolkit bill passes PA House
Jun 12, 2024