News Center

Venkat legislation to regulate use of artificial intelligence in processing health insurance claims discussed in committee

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bill that would provide greater oversight to the implementation of artificial intelligence by health insurance companies when determining the appropriateness of claims was the subject of an informational hearing today in the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee. “The rapid growth in the use of artificial intelligence in the health industry may help improve the efficiency of processing insurance claims, but streamlining this process may deprive people of the human connection essential in doctor-patient relationships,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “My bill would not only keep that bond intact, but it would ensure that the deciding determination of claims is in the hands of qualified medical professionals and out of the hands of software programmed to make that call.” House Bill 1663 would place several requirements regarding AI that insurers must follow. They are: Disclosing to clinicians, subscribers and the public that claims evaluations use AI algorithms. Defining “algorithms used in claims review” as clinical review criteria and, therefore, ensuring they are subject to existing laws and regulations that such criteria is grounded in clinical evidence. Requiring specialized health care professionals who review claims for health insurance companies and rely on initial AI algorithms for such reviews to individually open each clinical record or clinical Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Oct 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: November 5, 2024 More information: PennDOT website Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Who May Apply: Volunteer and career fire, EMS, and rescue companies in counties where unconventional gas well drilling is permitted and counties that directly border permitted counties and respond to related emergencies. Use: Funds may be used for certification, equipment, and Read more

 

Warren named chair of House Human Services Committee

(Oct 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Perry Warren has been appointed by House Speaker Joanna McClinton as majority chairman of the PA House of Representatives’ Human Services Committee. The House Human Services Committee addresses issues relating to Pennsylvania's social services, including behavioral health, intellectual disabilities and autism services, medical assistance, and more. It oversees the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. “I am honored that Speaker McClinton has confidence in me and my ability to chair this important committee,” Warren said. “The Human Services Committee through legislation and action addresses important issues facing many Pennsylvania individuals and families.” Warren, D-Bucks, succeeds former Chairman Stephen Kinsey, who resigned from the House this summer to pursue other opportunities. “Representative Warren is a thoughtful leader and a proven collaborator,” McClinton said. “As a legislator he has worked alongside his colleagues and stakeholders to promote policies to keep Pennsylvanians healthy and safe, and his experience and leadership are assets that will make him an effective chairman of the Human Services Committee.” Serving in his fourth term in the House, Warren will continue to serve as vice chair of the House Insurance Read more

 

OPINION: Pennsylvania Needs to Properly Fund Its Transportation System

(Oct 01, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania has more roads and bridges than New York, New Jersey, and all the New England states combined. We have roads that we must police, plow and pave. Yet currently, PennDOT is facing an annual budget shortfall of $9.4 billion. This doesn’t include all the local roads and bridges that are maintained by local governments, which need relief as well. Act 89 of 2013 marked the last time the state legislature attempted to address transportation funding. It’s time to address it again – and make sure we include all aspects of transportation, especially public transit. The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee just wrapped up a series of public hearings across the state to discuss how our transportation infrastructure impacts communities and what we need to address in the state legislature. This series of public meetings focused on many aspects of transportation. We spoke of ways to properly fund our infrastructure, workforce, public transit, and airports. All these areas have a great impact on Pennsylvania’s economy, and we must do everything as state legislators to keep Pennsylvanians connected. From Philadelphia’s busy streets to the quiet towns of central Pennsylvania, a reliable and well-funded transit system is crucial for keeping our state connected. A lack of reliable public transportation would have a devastating effect in all 67 counties of the commonwealth. Yet, despite its importance, public transit funding is Read more

 

Committee OKs Haddock bill to modernize PA sign language law

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Jim Haddock

"In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state lost many ASL interpreters, and they are not being replaced with enough qualified incoming interpreters due to changes in the testing system for interpreters,” said Haddock. Read more

 

Harris sworn in, ready to get to work

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Keith S Harris

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Today, state Rep. Keith S. Harris, D-Phila., was sworn in to serve as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 195th Legislative District, located in north Philadelphia and encompassing the neighborhoods of Stanton, Brewerytown, Girard and parts of Strawberry Mansion. Harris was elected to office when he won a special election on Sept. 17, and he now has officially taken office. “I am beyond humbled and grateful to my neighbors in the 195 th Legislative District for allowing me to represent them in Harrisburg. I will do everything in my power to earn their trust and ensure that their faith in me is well-founded,” Harris said. “Whether it is providing constituent services or passing legislation that addresses issues affecting our community and the state at large, I am ready to get to work.” Harris stated that his priorities include addressing criminal justice, mental health, education, workers’ rights and housing. Video from Harris’ swearing-in can be viewed here . Read more

 

Carroll sworn in to serve Pennsylvania’s 201st Legislative District in Philadelphia

(Sep 30, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Today, state Rep. Andre D. Carroll, D-Phila., was sworn in to serve as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 201 st Legislative District, located in Northwest Philadelphia and encompassing the neighborhoods of Germantown, Logan and West Oak Lane. Carroll was elected to office when he won a special election on Sept. 17, and he now has officially taken office. “I am beyond blessed for this opportunity to serve as state representative for the community I grew up in,” Carroll said. “I’m ready to hit the ground running with providing my constituents state government-related services and addressing key issues affecting Northwest Philadelphia and many communities across Pennsylvania.” Carroll said that the key issues he looks to address include criminal justice, health care, education, environmental justice, workers’ rights and housing. “For far too long, communities like mine have been neglected and in return greatly affected by these issues,” Carroll said. “I personally have been affected by many of these issues and I am committed to working tirelessly so they can be resolved and Northwest Philadelphians, and all Pennsylvanians, can have a greater quality of life.” Video from Carroll’s swearing-in can be viewed here . More information about Carroll can be found in his biography . Read more

 

Venkat’s legislation for prompt processing of Medical Assistance applications and long-term care facility reimbursement discussed in committee

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bill that would establish timelines for Medical Assistance applications to be approved or renewed for eligible individuals transitioning to long-term care facilities and compensate those facilities for all services provided during the application processing period was the subject of an informational hearing today in the Pennsylvania House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee. As proposed, H.B. 2320 would require the state Department of Human Services and county assistance offices meet said benchmarks. Long-term care facilities could receive part of the funds owed to them faster and request a status update on pending application(s). The department could also end reimbursement to facilities if a person’s Medical Assistance request is denied and claw back any previous interim payments in such circumstances. “Long-term care facilities are vital pillars of the health community in more ways than one. This includes maintaining quality and quantity of care as an individual’s eligibility for Medical Assistance is determined,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “We must, however, compensate these institutions in a timely manner so they can continue to perform their great work. My bill holds state and county offices accountable, in terms of MA application turnaround, and benefits patient and provider alike.” House Bill 2320 will be the subject of further deliberation in the Read more

 

Neilson committee advances legislation on parking-protected bicycle lanes

(Sep 30, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Today, the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee, chaired by state Rep. Ed Neilson, advanced legislation that would give local authorities the option to install parking-protected bicycle lanes between the curb and parking lanes on roadways under their jurisdiction. Senate Bill 1147 was amended by the committee today to add the provisions regarding parking-protected bicycle lanes. “My priority as transportation chair is to ensure the safety and well-being of anyone who uses Pennsylvania roads,” Neilson said. “You can see that reflected in the legislation we’ve passed this year, a lot of which surrounds the safety of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in Pennsylvania.” The House previously passed legislation on parking protected bicycle lanes in June 2023 with overwhelming bipartisan support, but it was never considered in the Senate. Neilson said he felt compelled to make another push for this legislation after Dr. Barbara Friedes, a pediatrician with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, was tragically struck and killed while riding her bicycle in a bike lane over the summer in Philadelphia. “I’ve got five kids and three grandkids; I can’t imagine having to bury one of my own over something which could have been prevented with a protected bike lane.” Neilson said. “I hope this bill moves quickly and we can avoid more tragic fatalities in Pennsylvania.” Neilson thanked his colleagues, Read more

 

Consumer protection committee advances multiple bills to help consumers and ratepayers, safeguard workers

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – In a voting meeting on multiple bills today, the PA House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee approved measures to protect consumers from unfair sales and marketing tactics and reauthorize soon-to-expire protections for ratepayers and utility workers, Majority Chairman Rob Matzie announced. “We moved some common-sense bills today that address real-world problems, from the need for greater flexibility in utility payment plans to protecting consumers from unfair solicitation and subscription tactics,” Matzie said. “We also advanced bills to reauthorize some important laws that are expiring, including the PA One Call safe digging law. I’m looking forward to getting all these measures up for a full House vote and across the finish line.” The specific bills advanced include: H.B. 1077 (Matzie) , which would re-authorize and update Pennsylvania’s utility shutoff protection law to provide more flexibility to consumers. H.B. 2189 (Matzie) , which would re-authorize the soon-to-expire PA One Call law that safeguards workers and prevents major damage to underground utility lines. H.B. 116 (Ciresi) , which would give consumers signed up for recurring subscriptions a simple, one-click option to cancel. H.B. 2557 (Borowski) , which would bring greater transparency and consumer Read more

 

McNeill appointed chair of PA House Children & Youth Committee

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

“It is an honor to be named the chair of the House Children and Youth Committee allowing me the opportunity to continue to fight for the maximization of our future leaders’ experiences,” said McNeill. Read more

 

House Insurance Committee advances landmark legislation to strengthen health coverage for Pennsylvanians

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Patty Kim

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – In a pivotal moment for health insurance reform, the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee, chaired by state Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, has reported out three significant pieces of legislation that promise to protect health insurance coverage if the Affordable Care Act were repealed. House Bill 2562, sponsored by state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, would prohibit health insurance policies from establishing annual or lifetime dollar limits on essential health care, such as emergency care, maternity and newborn care, and mental health services. By removing these caps, the legislation would ensure that Pennsylvanians have comprehensive and uninterrupted coverage for essential health services. House Bill 2563, sponsored by state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, would allow parents to keep adult children on their health insurance plans until they turn 26. Before the Affordable Care Act became law, many kids turned 18 and were dropped from their parent’s insurance plan. Losing health insurance coverage led to many young healthy individuals leaving the health insurance market entirely. Because of the lack of healthy individuals to balance out sicker policyholders, insurance premiums became unaffordable for many young people. House Bill 2564, sponsored by state Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Luzerne/Lackawanna, would prohibit health insurers from denying or excluding coverage for preexisting conditions. This Read more

 

Pa. House Dems hold public budget briefing in Allegheny County

(Sep 27, 2024) Appropriations

Lawmakers detail state budget process, answer questions from community Read more

 

Matzie joins Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to highlight new budget resources for workforce training

(Sep 27, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

MONACA, Sept. 27 – State Rep. Rob Matzie joined Lt. Gov. Austin Davis Thursday at Beaver County Career & Technology Center to highlight how funding in the new state budget will strengthen workforce development for Beaver County. Matzie, who recently announced more than $1 million in new funding to expand area apprenticeships, said investments in the 2024-25 state budget will ensure those opportunities continue for area grads. “We’re fortunate here in Beaver County to have excellent schools like BCCTC, whose programs turn out talented, motivated grads,” Matzie said. “We worked hard to pass a budget that will fortify those programs by providing a $30 million increase for career and technical education and equipment. “These are dollars that ensure our schools can continue providing state-of-the-art tools and training, so our next generation of young workers have paths to success – in the skilled trades, in teaching, in nursing – in wherever their interests and talents and dreams take them.” On Monday, Matzie announced nearly $1.2 million in new funding to expand apprenticeships in the skilled trade and early childhood education fields. Read more

 

Williams announces $1.6 million in state funding for regional apprenticeship programs

(Sep 27, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

COATESVILLE, Sept. 27 – Regional southeastern Pennsylvania organizations with branches in Chester County will receive $1,596,635 in state funding to create and expand apprenticeship programs, state Rep. Dan Williams announced today. “This nearly $1.6 million in state funding will help young people gain critical workforce skills while earning a paycheck in these in-demand fields in Chester County such as the medical, biomedical and transportation industries,” Williams said. “The new and expanded apprenticeship programs are a win-win for our jobseekers and employers alike. They will provide opportunities for talented young people to be trained in lucrative, growing fields and for companies to fill critical positions with highly qualified individuals from a diverse talent pool.” The funding will be allocated to the following organizations: $600,000 to Drexel University for its existing registered apprenticeship, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, and will leverage LPN and RN bridge models to build and register an Associate of Registered Nurse program. Drexel University works in partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit. $596,989.70 for the Wistar Institute to expand its Biomedical Technician Training program to create a sustainable apprenticeship network for Quality Control Analysts. This program is available for students at Delaware County Community College, which serves Chester County. $399,645.26 for the Southeastern Read more

 

Rabb highlights bold legislation to crack down on school book bans during Banned Book Week

(Sep 25, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, Sept. 25 – In line with National Banned Books Week , state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., is highlighting legislation he reintroduced in 2023 that would establish procedures to protect public school students’ right to read and learn. “Book bans are an attempt to censor educators and restrict the information and educational materials that students can have access to in school,” Rabb said. “In addition, these effectively unilateral decisions made by school boards are extremely harmful to LGBTQ+ youth and students of color, given that the subjects discussed in these so-called ‘inappropriate’ and ‘explicit’ books often discuss many serious and real issues impacting these communities.” Efforts taken to ban books are often unpopular among both teachers and students, Rabb said. However, misinformed, politically motivated members of school boards continue to run roughshod despite protests by education professionals and students themselves. Pennsylvania has the dubious distinction of being the state with the second highest number of books banned from school libraries and curriculum by school boards. And at a time when the prospects of right-wing censorship efforts loom large, such initiatives as Project 2025 would force librarians and teachers to be registered as sex offenders for making available and teaching books that extremists simply don’t Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to ensure spouses of PA’s fallen first responders receive all the benefits they deserve

(Sep 24, 2024) Rep. Lindsay Powell

HARRISBURG, Sept. 24 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has introduced a bill that would provide financial assistance to the spouses of Pennsylvania first responders killed in the line of duty. Powell’s legislation ( H.B. 2559 ) would clarify a provision in the state Workers’ Compensation Act and ensure surviving spouses of emergency personnel continue to receive death benefits, even if they choose to remarry. Current law does keep retirement pensions in place at 50% for surviving spouses, but death benefits cease upon remarriage. “Our first responders risk everything to protect us and some make the ultimate sacrifice. Standing with them means standing with their families,” Powell said. “It’s only right to have their backs, and my bill would help give them the financial stability to rebuild their lives.” The bill has been referred to the PA House Labor & Industry Committee. Read more

 

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Philadelphia to discuss transportation needs

(Sep 23, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee met in Philadelphia last week to hear from experts on transportation funding needs for Pennsylvania’s largest city, according to committee Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “During this informational tour, we heard experts from all over the transportation sector echo the same sentiment: this is a critical time for the vital industries that maintain Pennsylvania’s ever evolving transportation infrastructure,” Neilson said. “These experts, many from the various transit agencies that are a true economic engine for the commonwealth, explained that while they are grateful for the funding received from the 2024-2025 budget, the deficits they face will have a significant impact on our state’s economic growth and more importantly, it would limit personal mobility for thousands of Pennsylvanians.” “The final state budget that passed in July, did not include the governor's full transit funding proposal. It provided a one-time investment of $80.5 million to public transportation agencies across the state, including $46 million for SEPTA. This is less than one-fourth of the needed funding SEPTA originally requested, and less than one-third of the $161 million that Governor Shapiro's proposal would generate,” Kenneth Lawrence Jr., board chair of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, said at the hearing. “While SEPTA is Read more

 

Matzie statement on the reopening of Three Mile Island nuclear power generating station

(Sep 20, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Sep. 20 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, the majority chair of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and the chair of the House Nuclear Energy Caucus, issued the following statement on today’s announcement that Constellation Energy will restart the idled Three Mile Island Reactor 1 by 2028: “Pennsylvania is a net exporter of power generation, but our power grid is facing demands like never before in our history. “Restarting Reactor 1 at Three Mile Island gives us more capacity and more flexibility to face demands - it’s not just clean power generation, it’s billions in tax revenue and thousands of good-paying jobs to boot, with even more jobs created in supporting industries. “What makes this even better news is knowing there’s already one of the biggest companies in the world lined up as a customer – Microsoft has agreed to purchase the emissions-free energy generated to power their data centers. “Now, the responsibility is on the industry and regulators. I am confident the permitting process will undergo the utmost scrutiny before the facility can re-start and I urge Constellation and all levels of government to be transparent with the public every step of the way.” It is estimated the TMI restart will create more than 3,000 direct jobs and more than $3 billion in annual economic activity. Pennsylvania is the Read more

 

The Reality of Pennsylvania’s Need for Transportation Funding

(Sep 19, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Reality of Pennsylvania’s Need for Transportation Funding Pennsylvania’s transportation policy touches every facet of our lives. From the roads, bridges, rails, ships and planes we ride on to the packages we pick up on our porch, transportation policy created at the federal, state and local levels is ever-present. As chairman of the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee, I take that reality seriously, whether we’re voting on legislation in Harrisburg or gathering information in the field. The only way we can generate solutions for our transportation problems and elevate Pennsylvania’s reputation as a leader in transportation is to reach across the political aisle and work together to have these important conversations with leading industry experts. It’s why the committee I lead is holding several public meetings across the state this summer and fall. We face significant challenges. Pennsylvania has more roads and bridges than New York, New Jersey, and all the New England states combined. We have roads that we must police, plow and pave. Currently, PennDOT is facing an annual budget shortfall of $9.4 billion. This doesn’t include all the local roads and bridges that are maintained by local governments, which need relief as well. But we’re not just talking about roads and bridges. This series of public meetings is focusing on all aspects of Read more

 

Venkat legislation to regulate use of artificial intelligence in processing health insurance claims discussed in committee
Oct 01, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 01, 2024

Warren named chair of House Human Services Committee
Oct 01, 2024

OPINION: Pennsylvania Needs to Properly Fund Its Transportation System
Oct 01, 2024

Committee OKs Haddock bill to modernize PA sign language law
Oct 01, 2024

Harris sworn in, ready to get to work
Sep 30, 2024

Carroll sworn in to serve Pennsylvania’s 201st Legislative District in Philadelphia
Sep 30, 2024

Venkat’s legislation for prompt processing of Medical Assistance applications and long-term care facility reimbursement discussed in committee
Sep 30, 2024

Neilson committee advances legislation on parking-protected bicycle lanes
Sep 30, 2024

Consumer protection committee advances multiple bills to help consumers and ratepayers, safeguard workers
Sep 30, 2024

McNeill appointed chair of PA House Children & Youth Committee
Sep 30, 2024

House Insurance Committee advances landmark legislation to strengthen health coverage for Pennsylvanians
Sep 30, 2024

Pa. House Dems hold public budget briefing in Allegheny County
Sep 27, 2024

Matzie joins Lt. Gov. Austin Davis to highlight new budget resources for workforce training
Sep 27, 2024

Williams announces $1.6 million in state funding for regional apprenticeship programs
Sep 27, 2024

Rabb highlights bold legislation to crack down on school book bans during Banned Book Week
Sep 25, 2024

Powell introduces bill to ensure spouses of PA’s fallen first responders receive all the benefits they deserve
Sep 24, 2024

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Philadelphia to discuss transportation needs
Sep 23, 2024

Matzie statement on the reopening of Three Mile Island nuclear power generating station
Sep 20, 2024

The Reality of Pennsylvania’s Need for Transportation Funding
Sep 19, 2024