HARRISBURG, Jan. 9 – Today, state Rep. Ed Neilson introduced legislation (H.B. 78) along with state Rep. Stephenie Scialabba to establish a Consumer Data Privacy Act, which would ensure that consumers are able to make informed decisions about how their data is being used online or sold to a third party. “Unlike other states, Pennsylvania has no safeguard to protect our constituents’ privacy,” Neilson said. “Pennsylvanians should be able to interact online without worrying how their information is used; they deserve the option to protect themselves from targeted advertising and other nefarious ways their information can be used.” Neilson added that it’s unfair to consumers who expect their private information to be safely stored with one business, but they are incentivized to sell it to third parties for targeted advertising purposes. “Many other states have protections for consumer data, but we are falling behind in Pennsylvania,” Neilson continued. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to establish important privacy laws.” House Bill 78 is based on similar legislation from last session (formerly H.B.1201), which received bipartisan support in the House but failed to receive a vote in the Senate before the end of the year. Read more

Returns to lead busy House Labor and Industry Committee Read more

Pa. state Rep. Regina Young is excited to begin her third term in the #PAHouse , continuing her work to improve lives and bring a brighter future for the next generation. Read more

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., took her oath of office today in a ceremony at the state Capitol in Harrisburg to begin her fifth term serving the 192nd Legislative District in the state House of Representatives. The oath was administered by Pa. Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd. Following her swearing-in, Cephas nominated state Rep. Joanna McClinton for speaker of the House who was then re-elected to continue serving as the first woman speaker in the history of the House. Read more

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, was sworn in to office today for the 2025-26 legislative session, launching her third term as the state representative for the 185th Legislative District in the PA House of Representatives. Young took the oath of office administered by PA Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd in the House Chamber at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. Read more

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – Today, State Rep. Sean Dougherty, D-Phila., was sworn in to begin his first term as state representative for the Pennsylvania’s 172 nd Legislative District. The district encompasses the Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods of Bustleton, Burholme, Fox Chase, Pine Valley and parts of Rhawnhurst. Dougherty grew up in his district (Pine Valley) and expressed excitement as he begins his term. “Being sworn in to the Pennsylvania State House to serve the community where I grew up and live is the honor of my lifetime,” Dougherty said. “I can’t wait to hit the ground running by fighting for legislative initiatives to benefit Northeast Philadelphia and providing my neighbors with important state government-related services.” Dougherty stated that his legislative priorities include community safety, proper education funding, jobs and protecting reproductive freedom. More information about Dougherty can be found on his website and in his biography . Read more

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – Today, State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., was appointed majority chair of the newly established Pennsylvania House Energy Committee. Pennsylvania is the nation’s second largest supplier of energy, and hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians work in the energy sector. As chair of the House Blue-Green Caucus , Fiedler has worked to advance energy policy that preserves these family-sustaining jobs while increasing production of renewables. “I’m honored that Speaker McClinton and Leader Bradford have entrusted me with such an important role, and I’m ready to do big things with the new committee,” Fiedler said. “Demand is rising, and Pennsylvania has an opportunity to strengthen our role as an energy leader. I believe we can do that and more by expanding our energy production -- especially in the growing renewables field -- while creating good jobs and protecting our environment.” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, said: “Representative Fiedler is a proven leader who, since being elected, has championed policies that support her neighbors and people across the state. Her interest in the environment and energy issues, coupled with her intense focus on building a better future for all Pennsylvanians, equip her to be an effective chair of the new House Energy Committee.” This new committee will review bills related Read more

During a ceremony at the state Capitol to open Pennsylvania’s 209th legislative session, state Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., took the oath of office to begin his fourth term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he’ll also serve as chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee for the first time. Read more

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Recovery Housing for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Other Drugs Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing. Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Community-based organizations, community action agencies, or public health programs that focus on assisting individuals in accessing recovery housing. Use: Personnel services, consulting services, subcontract services, patient services, equipment, supplies, travel, and other costs associated with assisting individuals access recovery housing. Funds: DDAP expects to award five grants totaling $500,000 each. Application Deadline: January 10, 2025 More information: DDAP Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: 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 Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – Today, state Rep. Joe Hohenstein announced that $454,000 in state funding has been awarded to the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority doing business as PhilaPort in his district, which will be used to reconstruct an existing 1,300 feet of track at the Tioga Marine Terminal. “Tioga Marine Terminal is one of Philadelphia’s most crucial port areas where cargo carrying all kinds of important goods and resources is shipped to,” Hohenstein said. “This funding to reconstruct so much of their existing track will keep the terminal running for many decades to come and keep Philadelphia’s shipping moving at a necessary pace.” This funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program . Read more