News Center

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Pleasant Gap to discuss area’s transportation funding needs

(Aug 29, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee on Wednesday continued its statewide Moving PA Forward by Investing in Roads, Bridges and Transit tour at the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology in Pleasant Gap, according to committee Majority Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “Often when we think about public transit, we often think of big and bustling cities, but a lack of public transit in rural areas like Centre County can be devastating to the local economy and has a lasting effect on people’s health and well-being,” Neilson said. David Rishel, executive director and CEO of the Centre Area Transportation Authority, testified before the committee about the benefits that the agency provides for Centre County’s economy and even the environment. “CATA provides more than 200 people in Centre County with secure jobs and, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, we remove more than 13,000 cars from the road in the region every day, eliminating 250,000 tons of CO2 and reducing other greenhouse gas emissions,” Rishel said. Rishel noted that CATA delivers a massive amount of service to the region with efficiency and that ridership is returning to pre-pandemic levels. He said the agency if facing significant financial challenges and will not be able to fulfill the needs of its ridership if the state does not increase funding for and make a better commitment to public transportation. Read more

 

Frankel: Auditor General’s report on pharmacy benefit managers misses mark

(Aug 28, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“I’m embarrassed for the auditor general, but he’s not the first person to struggle to understand our health care system. It’s far too complicated, and these massive companies intentionally use that fact to fleece health care consumers," Frankel said.“Those of us working on this issue understand that spread pricing is a specific way that pharmacy benefit managers make money – by collecting the difference between how much they pay for drugs and how much they charge. Our Department of Human Services banned spread pricing in Medical Assistance years ago, and it is prohibited in contracts." Read more

 

Benham disputes findings of PBM audit, accuses auditor general of acting in bad faith

(Aug 28, 2024) Rep. Jessica Benham

HARRISBURG, Aug. 28 – In response to state Auditor General Timothy L. Defoor’s latest audit being announced this afternoon, state Rep. Jessica Benham released the following statement: “I dispute the findings of the Auditor General’s audit because they are rooted in a lack of understanding of key terms. Had the Auditor General engaged with me at any point on the issue of Pharmacy Benefits Managers, an issue I’ve been working on for quite some time, he would perhaps have a better grasp of the issues. “This audit appears to view ‘spread pricing’ and ‘transmission fees’ as synonymous and uses this as the foundation for its conclusions. However, these are not the same, and as prime sponsor of the most significant PBM reform law in the Commonwealth’s history, I would know. “Spread pricing has been banned in DHS contracts since 2019. And, in response to concerns already raised by pharmacists, DHS will be banning transmission fees starting in 2025. “In my original legislation, I proposed banning spread pricing entirely, but this was amended out of the legislation by the Senate Republicans. Perhaps the Auditor General should have conversations with members of his own party, both so they can help him understand what ‘spread pricing’ is and so they can get on the same page with banning it. “This audit is deeply unserious and misleading. PBM reform is a significant issue, one we have taken a big step to address, and the Auditor General’s problematic approach here detracts from the... Read more

 

Benham closes out statewide pharmacy tour with stops in southeastern PA

(Aug 27, 2024) Rep. Jessica Benham

Celebrates new law to reform pharmacy benefit manager policy Read more

 

Takac highlights need for jobs, economic development in rural PA

(Aug 27, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The lack of good-paying jobs and opportunities is leading to a falling population, as young people move away, with a corresponding decrease in local small businesses and services such as grocery stores, banks and even health care,” said Rep. Paul Takac, who hosted the House Majority Policy Committee tour and roundtable discussion. Read more

 

Burns highlights need for Harrisburg to cut red tape for municipalities

(Aug 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The officials we heard from today do not have dedicated attorneys or grant writers sitting on their boards,” said Rep. Frank Burns, who represents portions of Cambria County. “State grant money is a lifeline for many of these communities, it can help provide the money they need to upgrade water lines or purchase the equipment first responders need. But we know there are headaches, and we want to be able to cut the red tape for these smaller municipalities.” Read more

 

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

(Aug 26, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment and Training Who May Apply: Eligibility of these funds is open to any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: To support the training of medical and mental healthcare providers who treat children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $200,000 in Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately four projects with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: October 4, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street Read more

 

Ciresi introduces legislation to modernize PUC ratemaking process

(Aug 22, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 22 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced two bills earlier this summer to make it easier for residents to remain informed and participate in Pennsylvania Utility Commission rate cases: H.B. 2495 which would allow ratepayers to submit public comments to the PUC online, and H.B. 2496 which would require the outside of envelopes to indicate if they contain a notice of a proposed rate change. “Utility services such as water, wastewater and electricity are essential to modern daily life,” Ciresi said. “As our residents’ health and well-being are dependent on these services being safe, reliable and affordable, they need to be able to easily communicate to the PUC their concerns about utility rate changes and acquisitions which will have a direct and substantial impact on their quality of life.” Utilities are currently required to send ratepayers notice of proposed rate changes and include instructions on how to submit public comments by mail. According to Ciresi, the current notification system is neither efficient nor effective as notices can get lost in the volume of other notices sent by utilities and other companies. “We’re in the 21st century, and we are still expecting the public to send comments through the mail,” Ciresi said. “My legislation would modernize the PUC ratemaking process, making it more accessible to the public. These bills would call additional attention to Read more

 

Burns unveils Welfare-to-Work legislative proposal

(Aug 21, 2024) Rep. Frank Burns

Knowing the majority of his constituents share his belief that the able-bodied should be working, Burns, D-Cambria, wants to gradually wean them off public welfare over 12 months, working with the private sector to phase out government assistance as a 40-hour work week is phased in. Read more

 

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

(Aug 20, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more

 

Solomon proposes legislation to reduce noise, exhaust pollution in neighborhoods

(Aug 16, 2024) Rep. Jared G. Solomon

HARRISBURG, Aug. 16 – State Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., said today that he will soon introduce legislation that would ban the sale of muffler and exhaust pipe modifiers for vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles manufactured after 1978. Solomon said the legislation also would provide state agencies with clear guidance on excessive noise and exhaust pollution and help reduce its impact on communities and residents. The measure would also help local police enforce ordinances, he said. “People should be able to enjoy their homes by sitting outside during the evening or on a weekend,” Solomon said. “You cannot relax in your home or get the rest you need when the soundtrack of your neighborhood consists of drag racing through residential streets. “The noise and exhaust pollution caused by loud dirt bikes, cars and ATVs is increasingly becoming a nuisance in many communities,” he said. “People and pets can’t get their sleep, property values are impacted, and the costs of enforcement are rising for police departments and taxpayers.” Solomon said his legislation, which he dubbed the Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution – or SLEEP – Act, would require PennDOT to act against official inspection stations with multiple violations and proposes penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in prison for those violations. Read more

 

Takac, Redding highlight $10 million agricultural innovation measure

(Aug 15, 2024) Rep. Paul Takac

The program will help boost Pennsylvania's agriculture sector, the commonwealth’s leading industry and a key pillar of Shapiro's economic development plan. Read more

 

McClinton, Policy Committee emphasize need for workplace safety

(Aug 14, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Everyone deserves to be safe at work – that means free from physical harm as well as mental or psychological abuse,” said McClinton, who represents portions of Delaware County and Philadelphia. “While there are laws on the books to protect workers from environmental hazards, we need to do more to protect people from workplace psychological hazards like bullying and oppressive treatment that create toxic work environments and cause undue stress and anxiety for workers.” Read more

 

Central PA Delegation chairman expresses appreciation for Rep. Michael Sturla’s service and commitment to all Pennsylvanians

(Aug 14, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 14 – Following the announcement that state Rep. Michael Sturla, D-Lancaster, that he will leave the PA House of Representatives once the current legislative session ends, PA House Central Pennsylvania Delegation Chairman Manuel Guzman Jr. released this statement expressing his appreciation of the legacy that Sturla will leave in the General Assembly once he finishes the remainder of his term this year. “For more than three decades, Mike Sturla has championed the most critical issues not only for the legislative district that he represents, but for the entire state. Mike leaves a footprint of lasting impact on our state. “Our delegation proudly supported and praised his wisdom, leadership and commitment to the process that led to the passage of a bill that will bring adequacy, equity and stability to Pennsylvania’s education funding system and secured a $1.1 billion increase for K-12 education. “He successfully served as chair of the Basic Education Funding Commission, a bipartisan group tasked with developing and recommending a new formula for distributing state funds for education to Pennsylvania school districts after the Commonwealth Court ruled that the current education funding system did not meet constitutional requirements. “He also has stood up fiercely against housing insecurity and homelessness in his role as chair of Housing and Community Read more

 

Bipartisan legislators hail new pharmacy law in Schuylkill County

(Aug 13, 2024) Rep. Jessica Benham

Lawmakers tout pharmaceutical industry reform to help patients, local pharmacies Read more

 

Improving health care includes expanding abortion access

(Aug 13, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“A right to have an abortion, but no access to an abortion is no right at all,” said Rep. Heather Boyd, who represents portions of Delaware County and hosted the hearing. “Reproductive health care and abortion access needs to be protected in Pennsylvania. We know reproductive health care saves the lives of patients in the 21st century, and the last thing a patient needs is a lawmaker determining what health care is appropriate for others – especially absolute strangers.” Read more

 

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

(Aug 13, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more

 

Testifiers detail negative health, economic impacts of gun violence in PA

(Aug 12, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Gun violence intervention took center stage at Monday’s House Majority Policy Committee hearing as members gathered testimony to understand what more can be done to reduce gun violence in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El: Over $31,000 in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetables at Carter & Macrae Elementary

(Aug 12, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

LANCASTER, Aug. 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that $31,020 in state funding has been awarded to Carter & Macrae Elementary School to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Through the program, Carter & Macrae Elementary School will receive reimbursement for the cost of making free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students during the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal in one or more areas of the school during the school day. “For low-income, historically marginalized communities in our area and throughout Pennsylvania, there is a striking lack of access to affordable, healthy fresh food,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As I strive to ensure that all Pennsylvanians can put nutritious food on their tables, I am very glad that thanks to this grant, students at Carter & Macrae will be able to snack on delicious, fresh fruits and vegetables that will provide them with the critical nutrients they need to learn and grow.” The goal of FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. Additionally, the program promotes nutrition education, resulting in healthier school environments for learners. To be eligible, schools must participate in the Read more

 

Lawmakers, family detail $354M in new funding for intellectual disability/autism

(Aug 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Historic increase in funding delivers on promises to reduce waiting lists, help raise wages for caregivers Read more

 

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Pleasant Gap to discuss area’s transportation funding needs
Aug 29, 2024

Frankel: Auditor General’s report on pharmacy benefit managers misses mark
Aug 28, 2024

Benham disputes findings of PBM audit, accuses auditor general of acting in bad faith
Aug 28, 2024

Benham closes out statewide pharmacy tour with stops in southeastern PA
Aug 27, 2024

Takac highlights need for jobs, economic development in rural PA
Aug 27, 2024

Burns highlights need for Harrisburg to cut red tape for municipalities
Aug 26, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 26, 2024

Ciresi introduces legislation to modernize PUC ratemaking process
Aug 22, 2024

Burns unveils Welfare-to-Work legislative proposal
Aug 21, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Aug 20, 2024

Solomon proposes legislation to reduce noise, exhaust pollution in neighborhoods
Aug 16, 2024

Takac, Redding highlight $10 million agricultural innovation measure
Aug 15, 2024

McClinton, Policy Committee emphasize need for workplace safety
Aug 14, 2024

Central PA Delegation chairman expresses appreciation for Rep. Michael Sturla’s service and commitment to all Pennsylvanians
Aug 14, 2024

Bipartisan legislators hail new pharmacy law in Schuylkill County
Aug 13, 2024

Improving health care includes expanding abortion access
Aug 13, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities For Your District
Aug 13, 2024

Testifiers detail negative health, economic impacts of gun violence in PA
Aug 12, 2024

Smith-Wade-El: Over $31,000 in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetables at Carter & Macrae Elementary
Aug 12, 2024

Lawmakers, family detail $354M in new funding for intellectual disability/autism
Aug 09, 2024