News Center

Democratic and Republican lawmakers unify to form bipartisan legislative caucus

(Dec 03, 2020) Rep. Stephen Kinsey

The newly formed legislative body – which has a growing number of lawmakers pledging membership from both sides of the political aisle – is meant to serve as a medium for Democrats and Republicans to come together through open dialogue with the goal of enacting meaningful policy that centers helping the people of Pennsylvania. Read more

 

O’Mara illuminates Capitol to honor fallen firefighter

(Dec 03, 2020) Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara

As community members mourn the loss of Michael Malinowski on the one-year anniversary of his death, O’Mara also honored his memory in Harrisburg. She arranged to have the outside of the Capitol lit up in red from Monday, Nov. 30 through Friday, Dec. 4. Read more

 

State lawmakers call for end to family deportations from Berks ICE facility

(Dec 02, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“These children and their families were denied the right to seek asylum under Trump administration policies that federal courts have since ruled were unlawful. If your office completes plans to deport these families, they face likely death or torture in their home country,” the lawmakers wrote. “Family detention goes against our most fundamental values as a society. And it is unconscionable to not correct this injustice.” Read more

 

Frankel calls on GOP to end baseless political attacks, focus on pandemic

(Dec 01, 2020) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

“The people of Pennsylvania are desperately trying to stay afloat, and they need our help. They need housing security, help with childcare, access to PPE, and assurances that they won’t be fired from their jobs when they need to quarantine,” Frankel said. “It is time cut the nonsense and get serious about the work of helping the people of this commonwealth.” Read more

 

House & Senate Democrats fight for safer roads and job protection

(Nov 27, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

House & Senate Democratic leaders call on Republican leaders to finish the job and preserve funding for PennDOT projects. Read more

 

Frankel: Legislature must set example on masking

(Nov 23, 2020) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

Pennsylvanians deserve better from their leaders, and our constituents deserve the best possible representation. For that to happen, we all must treat other with respect, by promoting the Pennsylvania Capitol as a safe and healthy workplace. Read more

 

Boyle: House GOP continues reckless attempt to undermine trust in elections with zero evidence of any impropriety, fraud

(Nov 23, 2020) Rep. Kevin Boyle

“This general election was held with the largest voter turnout ever, in the midst of a global pandemic. This election was held without cooperation from the GOP to allow counties the weeks of necessary time needed for preparation or pre-canvassing of mail-in and absentee ballots prior to Election Day. Despite these factors, while the 2020 election process in Pennsylvania wasn’t perfect, it was far from chaotic,” Boyle said. “It is time for the House GOP to stop these political games and allow us all to move forward.” Read more

 

Fiedler files Health Department complaint to hold Pa. state House accountable for unsafe working conditions

(Nov 20, 2020) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler

“Today I filed a state Department of Health COVID-19 complaint against the Pennsylvania State House for failing to ensure safe working conditions, including for the refusal to wear masks and social distance on the House floor and even in committee meetings held in confined spaces. This drastic step reflects the high stakes that we face in protecting the health and safety of all staff and members who step foot in the building, as well as their families and communities at home.” Read more

 

Hohenstein applauds colleagues for supporting his latest effort to break down barriers, give people with disabilities a voice

(Nov 20, 2020) Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein

"No one should be defined by a disability. I will continue working in Harrisburg to ensure financial support is available, and individuals receive the services they deserve. Together, we can amplify the voices of those seeking help to reach their goals and full potential." Read more

 

Rabb: Republicans reward special interests/harm Pennsylvanians with last-minute bill changes on last day of the legislative session

(Nov 20, 2020) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

“In my capacity as a lawmaker and vice chairman of a committee, I am outraged that a bill that could have done some good was stripped of its good on the final day of the legislative session and turned into very dangerous public policy,” Rabb said. “Today’s back-door action by Republicans who chose special interests over people is unacceptable, especially considering that we are in the middle of a global pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 9,600 Pennsylvanians and more than a quarter million Americans." Read more

 

Matzie bill to lower prescription drug costs passes legislature, heads to governor

(Nov 20, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

“This bill is a big victory for Pennsylvania’s taxpayers, local pharmacies and anyone who takes prescription medicine,” said Matzie, who is House Democratic chair of the bicameral, bipartisan Community Pharmacy Caucus. “With the power to decide which drugs are covered by insurance and how much to reimburse the pharmacies that fill those prescriptions, PBMs wield a huge amount of power, but for years, they have operated below the radar, with little or no scrutiny. All that is about to change." Read more

 

Webster highlights better ways to audit election

(Nov 19, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

Pa. State Rep. Joe Webster suggests an audit of the 2020 election could be better accomplished through good governance via the Election Advisory Board, which has expertise in election law, rather than through H.R. 1100. Read more

 

Kenyatta calls for statewide mask requirement in new bill as COVID-19 cases surge

(Nov 19, 2020) Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta

“Countless medical reports and public health experts have pointed to the effectiveness of masks—properly covering the nose and mouth—to both the wearer and people in the wearer’s proximity,” said Kenyatta, D-Phila. “Nearly 10,000 Pennsylvanians, including our most vulnerable neighbors, have succumbed to this deadly virus so far. Being a good neighbor by wearing a mask is by far the best act of benevolence we can all take to keep our communities safe.” Read more

 

Bullock resolution to help homeless students adopted by House

(Nov 19, 2020) Rep. Donna Bullock

House Resolution 1086 declares the week of Nov. 16, 2020, as Students Experiencing Homelessness Awareness Week and designates Nov. 20, 2020, as Red Shirt Day. The measure raises awareness of student homelessness and encourages students and their friends to seek help and support. Read more

 

Matzie bill to strengthen anti-pyramid scheme law passes state Senate unanimously, heads for governor’s desk

(Nov 19, 2020) Rep. Robert Matzie

“We can’t protect consumers with outdated laws, and our anti-pyramid law is so old it still refers to chain letters,” said Matzie, who is Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee. “My bill would bring the law up to date so that it reflects the complexity of today’s criminal fraud and has the necessary teeth to be an effective enforcement tool." Read more

 

National Popular Vote Bill Introduced in Pennsylvania Legislature

(Nov 19, 2020) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

At a press conference today, state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., introduced legislation for Pennsylvania to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact and invited his colleagues of all political parties to sign onto the bill as co-sponsors. Read more

 

House unanimously adopts Shusterman resolution honoring small business development centers

(Nov 18, 2020) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. When they need assistance or advice, small business development centers are the ones to help them, especially during these unprecedented times,” Shusterman said. “These centers have helped create over six thousand businesses since 2011 and generated over $3 billion in sales. As this is an extremely difficult time for small business owners, we need to thank those dedicated to helping them succeed.” Read more

 

House unanimously adopts Merski resolution celebrating Polish American heritage

(Nov 18, 2020) Rep. Robert Merski

Merski, D-Erie, said he introduced H.R. 1074 to bring attention to the rich Polish American heritage shared by so many Pennsylvanians and the countless contributions Polish Americans have made to U.S. history, culture and innovation. Read more

 

Rabb: innovative solutions needed amid rising COVID-19 cases

(Nov 18, 2020) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Rabb and state Rep. Bob Brooks, R-Westmoreland/Allegheny, introduced legislation (H.B. 2949) in September that would provide grants of up to $50,000 and tax credits of up to $100,000 to restauranteurs who sell PA Preferred groceries to customers in underserved neighborhoods. Funding for the Food Security Initiative would come from federal CARES Act money the state has in its possession and can use for this purpose. Read more

 

Ciresi resolution urges Congress to ease tax burden on struggling local businesses

(Nov 17, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“The relief that was supposed to ensure that they could stay afloat has become a burden to small businesses, inhibiting their ability to recover and provide high-quality jobs across the state,” Ciresi said. “The small business owners in my district and across Pennsylvania are counting on us to make sure their voices are heard. This resolution does that.” Read more

 

Democratic and Republican lawmakers unify to form bipartisan legislative caucus
Dec 03, 2020

O’Mara illuminates Capitol to honor fallen firefighter
Dec 03, 2020

State lawmakers call for end to family deportations from Berks ICE facility
Dec 02, 2020

Frankel calls on GOP to end baseless political attacks, focus on pandemic
Dec 01, 2020

House & Senate Democrats fight for safer roads and job protection
Nov 27, 2020

Frankel: Legislature must set example on masking
Nov 23, 2020

Boyle: House GOP continues reckless attempt to undermine trust in elections with zero evidence of any impropriety, fraud
Nov 23, 2020

Fiedler files Health Department complaint to hold Pa. state House accountable for unsafe working conditions
Nov 20, 2020

Hohenstein applauds colleagues for supporting his latest effort to break down barriers, give people with disabilities a voice
Nov 20, 2020

Rabb: Republicans reward special interests/harm Pennsylvanians with last-minute bill changes on last day of the legislative session
Nov 20, 2020

Matzie bill to lower prescription drug costs passes legislature, heads to governor
Nov 20, 2020

Webster highlights better ways to audit election
Nov 19, 2020

Kenyatta calls for statewide mask requirement in new bill as COVID-19 cases surge
Nov 19, 2020

Bullock resolution to help homeless students adopted by House
Nov 19, 2020

Matzie bill to strengthen anti-pyramid scheme law passes state Senate unanimously, heads for governor’s desk
Nov 19, 2020

National Popular Vote Bill Introduced in Pennsylvania Legislature
Nov 19, 2020

House unanimously adopts Shusterman resolution honoring small business development centers
Nov 18, 2020

House unanimously adopts Merski resolution celebrating Polish American heritage
Nov 18, 2020

Rabb: innovative solutions needed amid rising COVID-19 cases
Nov 18, 2020

Ciresi resolution urges Congress to ease tax burden on struggling local businesses
Nov 17, 2020