Students, faculty, alumni detail UArts closure

(Jun 17, 2024)

“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

 

Testifiers detail need to develop diversity in education workforce

(May 23, 2024)

“Teachers enable a pathway to a greater future for all our young people,” said hearing host state Rep. Regina Young, who represents portions of Philadelphia. “It was great to hear from the panelists supporting the need for more Black teachers and supporting people of color to become teachers, but it was inspiring to see so many young people in the room who could become the teachers for the next generation. Speaking from my own experience, it’s necessary for students to make that connection with the teachers and mentors who see more in you than you see in yourself.” Read more

 

Abney, Policy Committee review alarming trend limiting voter access

(May 22, 2024)

“If we actually care about democracy, we must lead the charge in safeguarding all residents have equal access to the ballot,” state Rep. Aerion Abney said. “Promoting measures to eliminate voter intimidation and opening up access – like other states have already done, including same-day registration and early voting – are proven methods to guarantee diversity in the democratic process and all people have an opportunity to have their voice heard.” Read more

 

Donahue highlights fiscal challenges for independent pharmacies

(May 15, 2024)

“Pharmacy benefits managers are pocketing taxpayer dollars, underpaying our family-owned local pharmacies and shortchanging seniors,” said House Majority Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County. “It’s sickening behavior, and it’s one reason reform is needed.” Read more

 

House, Senate Dems Discuss Access to Health Care

(May 14, 2024)

“As a nurse, I saw too many patients arrive at our hospital with advanced disease because they didn’t have access to preventable care earlier. We have to fix this because we deserve better here in the Commonwealth,” Kosierowski added. “We have many challenges to work through, but I’m confident we can find solutions and reduce healthcare deserts in Pennsylvania.” Read more

 

Committee examines patient outcomes, nursing home care

(May 13, 2024)

“My heart breaks for an aging and vulnerable population caught in a current health care crisis,” said Rep. Kyle Mullins, who hosted the hearing and represents portions of Lackawanna County. “Expert testimony detailed the many challenges, and they explained why they hope positive action at the state and federal levels can be made to help our residents.” Read more

 

Committee examines Keystone Saves Retirement Accounts

(May 08, 2024)

“The reality is, roughly 2 million Pennsylvania workers don’t currently have access to a retirement savings plan through their place of employment,” said Mullins, who represents portions of Lackawanna County. “If we act now, this plan will not cost taxpayers a single dollar. But if we don’t address the retirement security crisis, it will cost the state nearly $20 billion in social safety net programs by 2040. This legislation not only provides help for retiring workers, but it also takes a major burden off our small business owners.” Read more

 

Disability & Mental Health Summit Legislative Panel - Friday

(Apr 12, 2024)

Disability & Mental Health Summit Legislative Panel - Friday Read more

 

Disability & Mental Health Summit Legislative Panel - Thursday

(Apr 12, 2024)

Disability & Mental Health Summit Legislative Panel - Thursday Read more

 

McNeill, Policy Committee explore laws to protect consumers, flag water leaks

(Apr 02, 2024)

“Pennsylvania’s housing stock is among the oldest in the nation, and while residents can responsibly plan for expected repairs, being blindsided by an unseen water leak and unusually high water bill can financial cripple a family and household,” said Rep. McNeill, who represents portions of the city of Bethlehem, Hanover Township, Whitehall Township, Catasauqua, Coplay and Fountain Hill. “Residents are often unaware of an issue until a bill – sometimes only mailed quarterly – arrives with hundreds or even thousands more owed than expected. When a water bill increases, so does the sewer bill, which creates an even larger financial issue.” Read more

 

Red Flag Water Usage

(Apr 01, 2024)

Submitted testimony from Red Flag Water Usage hearing on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 in Bethlehem, Lehigh County. Read more

 

House Majority Policy Committee tours Google, talks artificial intelligence and internet safety

(Mar 13, 2024)

Building off recent conversations on artificial intelligence, the House Majority Policy Committee toured Google’s Pittsburgh offices and participated in a roundtable Wednesday morning to learn more about this new technology and discuss efforts to maintain child internet safety. Read more

 

Testifiers, lawmakers discuss positive impact unions have on business

(Mar 12, 2024)

Unions have long delivered for workers with higher wages and dignified benefits, but the House Majority Policy Committee and Rep. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) learned how the presence of unions benefits local business owners across Pennsylvania through improved productivity, increased retention of workers and productive collaboration between the employer and employees. Read more

 

Testifiers detail need to address blight, increase affordable housing in PA

(Mar 11, 2024)

Community leaders highlighted the need to build more affordable housing in in Allegheny County and across Pennsylvania but pointed to blighted homes and deserted buildings as a major barrier during a House Majority Policy hearing Monday morning. Read more

 

Testifiers, lawmakers maintain push for minimum wage increase

(Mar 06, 2024)

The House Majority Policy Committee gathered testimony from minimum wage earners and public policy experts during a hearing Wednesday as the push to finally increase the wage in Pennsylvania continues. Read more

 

Unfair education funding and its problems detailed by experts

(Mar 05, 2024)

After years of chronic underfunding, experts detail issues, need for change Read more

 

Ghost guns: Fueling real horror in PA communities

(Mar 04, 2024)

“It’s infuriating to know, as I mentioned during the judiciary committee hearing on HB 777, how quickly I could use my cellphone to purchase a ghost gun without any meaningful checks,” said meeting host Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who represents portions of Philadelphia. “We are talking about untraceable firearms that can be assembled with ease. They are completely untraceable, and they are legal to purchase without any age requirement or background checks, and they are contributing to gun violence in all communities throughout Pennsylvania – and the nation.” Read more

 

Roundtable discusses contributions of Children’s Advocacy Centers

(Feb 29, 2024)

“When I learned about Child Advocacy Centers and their mission, I was so relieved these organizations and professionals are in place to support children throughout the state,” said Policy Committee roundtable host Rep. Justin Fleming, who represents portions of Lower Paxton and Susquehanna townships as well as the borough of Pennbrook in Dauphin County. “If we really want to support children and their recovery, then we need to prioritize Child Advocacy Centers.” Read more

 

Children's Advocacy Center

(Feb 29, 2024)

Children's Advocacy Centers Read more

 

Committee highlights House steps to address public safety

(Feb 27, 2024)

“The Safe Communities Grant Program is another tool in our toolbox to improve public safety and keep our children and young people safe by directly addressing crime and gun violence in our communities,” Green said. “I am grateful the House supported and passed my bill in July, because this program could help all communities by ensuring public spaces are safe spaces.” Read more