Eviction Sealing: Supporting Our Renters

(May 25, 2021)

A hearing on supporting renters. Read more

 

We’ve lived the pain of separation from incarcerated loved ones. Pa. can do better for families. | Opinion

(May 25, 2021)

When a family is separated because a parent is incarcerated, the emotional toll on children is lasting. COVID-19 has made it worse because corrections departments across the country have had to discontinue visits, leaving family and loved ones without opportunities to visit for over a year. Read more

 

Alternative Housing Models to Increase Affordability and Stability

(May 24, 2021)

A virtual hearing no Alternative Housing Models to Increase Affordability and Stability Read more

 

Edinboro professors, alumna want more time, details on PASSHE integration plan

(May 22, 2021)

Members of the Edinboro University community told the House Democratic Policy Committee Thursday that consolidating six state schools, including Edinboro, into two would result in a loss of identity, place local communities at risk, and fail to address the core problems facing higher education. Read more

 

PASSHE consolidation, potential impacts focus of virtual House Democratic Policy Committee hearing

(May 20, 2021)

ERIE, May 20 – Positive and negative impacts of the proposed consolidation of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education were vetted at today’s House Democratic Policy Committee virtual hearing. The hearing, hosted by committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, and state Reps. Peter Schweyer and Emily Kinkead, included testimony from educators, facility management, PASSHE leadership and students. The committee heard testimony from Dr. Sam Claster, Sociology Department Chair, Edinboro University; Lydia Laythe, Washington Township Councilperson in Erie; and Mary Jo Campbell, Professor Emeritus, Edinboro University; who all cautioned that moving forward without hearing from those directly involved in educating students and keeping schools in operation and how consolidation without addressing investment and system strains may not have the desired intention. “The bottom line is Pennsylvania ranks 48th in investment in higher education. If we want to attract and retain Pennsylvania students and prepare them for a successful future, we must address the system’s shortcomings and invest in students so we can build a stronger higher education system that positions Pennsylvania with a vibrant workforce,” explained Bizzarro. “We do need to take our time and take an approach that can have positive, longstanding impacts on our commonwealth.” Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Daniel Greenstein and Clarion Read more

 

Public Comment Period: PASSHE Consolidation

(May 20, 2021)

We want to hear from you! We invite you to read the plans and offer comments through any of the following opportunities: Northeast Plan West Plan ? Read more

 

Virtual Hearing: PASSHE Consolidation - Testimony

(May 20, 2021)

Testimony from a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on the proposed PASSHE consolidation Read more

 

Virtual Hearing: PASSHE Consolidation

(May 20, 2021)

State Representatives Pete Schweyer and Emily Kinkead hosted a virtual House Democratic Policy Committee hearing with Chairman Ryan Bizzarro to discuss the proposed consolidation of schools in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The hearing was held at 1 p.m Thursday, May 20 online at www.pahouse.com/policy or the Policy Committee's Facebook page -- @PADemPolicy. Read more

 

Proposed PASSHE consolidation focus of Thursday’s House Democratic Policy Committee hearing

(May 19, 2021)

HARRISBURG, May 18 – The impact of a proposed consolidation of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education on students, staff and communities will be the focus of Thursday’s virtual House Democratic Policy Committee hearing hosted by state Representatives Ryan Bizzarro, Peter Schweyer and Emily Kinkead. The virtual hearing will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 20 and can be viewed online at www.pahouse.com/policy . The public and media are encouraged to tune in and may submit questions via email to policy@pahouse.net . Bizzarro, D-Erie and chairman of the committee will join with Schweyer, D-Lehigh, and Kinkead, D-Allegheny, to discuss how consolidation will impact educational opportunities, extracurricular offerings, employment and the economic impact of the communities state system schools call home. PASSHE’s first plan—the west integration plan—aims to consolidate California University of Pennsylvania, Clarion University, and Edinboro University. The second—the northeast integration – would consolidate Bloomsburg University, Lock Haven University and Mansfield University. Read more

 

Virtual Hearing: PASSHE Consolidation

(May 17, 2021)

A virtual hearing on the proposed PASSHE consolidation Read more

 

Schlossberg, Schweyer: Tour further highlights needs of service providers, nonprofits

(May 13, 2021)

LEHIGH, May 13 – At a tour of the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, PA House Democrats saw first-hand the strain on nonprofits that provide services to people living with disabilities and shared how the PA Rescue Plan could alleviate some of those challenges with an investment of federal funding. The tour, led by the center’s executive director, Amy Beck, highlighted how empowering people living with disabilities is an integral component of operation. LVCIL is one of 17 centers for independent living in the state. Centers are governed, managed and staffed at all times by a majority of people with disabilities. State Rep. Mike Schlossberg said, “This pandemic has exposed significant injustices and shortfalls in our world. In most of our communities, access to emergency resources starts with the friendly face and compassionate heart of community-based nonprofit organizations. While performing miracles, these organizations have seen their bottom lines take enormous hits. The staff are overworked and underpaid. Volunteers have put their health on the line with no expectation of personal gain. The Pennsylvania Rescue Plan will offer these organizations, serving our most vulnerable neighbors, extra support to offset increased expenses and lost revenue from contributions or events so they can meet demand in our community.” “The PA Rescue Plan provides a unique opportunity for us to invest in humans, not government,” added state Read more

 

Kim highlights PA Rescue Plan investments in child care, workers

(May 12, 2021)

HARRISBURG, May 12 – The vital role childcare facilities play in society is beyond apparent and state Rep. Patty Kim hosted a tour of Harrisburg’s Keystone Early Learning Center to highlight how the PA Rescue Plan’s proposed investments could support facilities and their employees. The proposed plan would invest $170 million in onsite childcare startup grants, a facility capital program and a Keystone STARS redesign . “Today’s tour of the Keystone Early Learning Center provided a glimpse at the positive effects targeted investments from the PA Rescue Plan would have on our community, our workers and our children’s education,” said Kim, D-Dauphin. “This should be a bipartisan priority and a step forward to improve Pennsylvania’s future for all families.” At the tour, legislators had the opportunity to see the benefits of onsite child care and the efforts this facility has taken to implement COVID-19 safety measures while providing a quality educational childcare experience for their students. Lana Stitzel, director of the Keystone Early Learning Center, shared the many ways the facility has adapted during COVID-19, but also shared the struggles they have faced in retaining employees and keeping child care affordable. State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, chairman of the PA House Democratic Policy Committee, added, “We’ve seen how important childcare facilities and their staff and educators are to Read more

 

PA House Dems to tour Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, identifying where PA Rescue Plan can help

(May 11, 2021)

ALLENTOWN, May 11 – The pandemic further strained those providing services to our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians and state Reps. Mike Schlossberg and Pete Schweyer will explain how proposed investments of over $350 million via the PA Rescue Plan would close the service gap by helping the helpers provide much-needed services. The media are invited to join members for the tour of Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 13, followed by a 2 p.m. opportunity to discuss the impact investments with legislators and Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living. The PA Rescue Plan aims to ensure federal American Rescue Plan funding is invested for immediate impact and long-term success. Additional information about the plan is available at www.pahouse.com/parescueplan . Read more

 

Rep. Bizzarro, Policy Committee see how PA Rescue Plan could benefit Erie economy

(May 11, 2021)

ERIE, May 11 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, said he was thrilled to welcome House Democratic leadership to Erie for a tour of how Pennsylvania Rescue Plan investments could help generate job opportunities with redevelopment and transportation infrastructure projects. Tina Mengine, chief executive officer of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority, led legislators on the tour of the former Quin-T Paper Company, located at East 16th and French streets; the former Erie Malleable Iron, located at 12th and Cherry streets; and Colony Plaza, Millcreek Township, located at West 8th Street. “Erie is perfectly situated to be a great hub for business and economic development. There is great potential in our community, and we have the chance to capitalize on federal funding to help accelerate pandemic recovery efforts. We are all eager to return to a new normal and the investments would help us recover, restore and reimagine a brighter future for our state. I’m proud to have my colleagues from across Pennsylvania join me at home and see first-hand the opportunities Erie can offer that will have statewide benefits,” said Bizzarro, chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee. The PA Rescue Plan aims to ensure federal American Rescue Plan funding is invested for immediate impact and long-term success. Additional information about the plan is available at www.pahouse.com/parescueplan . Read more

 

PA Rescue Plan, $1.7 billion investment in workers’ focus of House Democratic leaders’ rally in State College Wednesday

(May 11, 2021)

STATE COLLEGE, May 11 – The workers who have been hit hardest by the pandemic need support. The PA House Democratic leadership team is hosting a rally Wednesday to make the case for workers’ rights to a fair wage, hazard pay and paid family and sick leave and how the PA Rescue plan would do just that. The rally will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 12 at The Borough Building, 243 S. Allen St., State College . The media is encouraged to attend. The PA Rescue Plan includes more than $1.5 billion for job training, hazard pay, wage boosts for direct-care workers and job creation efforts to kickstart the economy in communities across the state. The PRP aims to ensure federal American Rescue Plan funding is invested for immediate impact and long-term success. Additional information about the plan is available at www.pahouse.com/parescueplan . Read more

 

Rep. Kim, Policy Committee to tour onsite childcare facility Wednesday in Harrisburg

(May 11, 2021)

HARRISBURG, May 11 – The PA Rescue Plan would invest $170 million to improve childcare for working parents and Rep. Patty Kim is hosting a tour of Keystone Learning Center to highlight the benefits of onsite childcare and how investments could benefit childcare facilities. The tour will begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 12 at Keystone Learning Center, Room 125, 400 North St., Harrisburg. Following the tour, at 10 a.m., the media is encouraged to attend a news conference to learn more and ask questions about House Democrats’ plan. The PA Rescue Plan aims to ensure federal American Rescue Plan funding is invested for immediate impact and long-term success. Additional information about the plan is available at www.pahouse.com/parescueplan . Read more

 

Reading tour showcases successful implementation of opportunity zones and regional needs

(May 10, 2021)

READING, May 10 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Reading, and the Reading Redevelopment Authority showed the House Democratic Policy Committee how an infusion of investment could benefit Reading and how that success could be duplicated in communities across the state. Overcoming post-pandemic concerns for public safety was a point of concern from Reading Economic Development Director Jamal Abodalo. Alvernia University President John Loyack discussed the university’s renovation and small business incubator investments in Reading. “We have the potential to help lift people out of poverty with investments that would revitalize communities, encourage private investment and put people to work, said Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro. “We must capitalize on federal funding to help people across the state recover from the hardships of the pandemic.” “Our PA Rescue Plan would get money to local businesses, working people and schools to help them recover and thrive as we make our way through the COVID-19 pandemic,” Guzman said. “In the absence of any plan on the part of the majority party in Harrisburg to direct federal pandemic relief funds to these areas, I am happy to welcome my colleagues to the heart of Reading’s Keystone Opportunity Zone so that we can show the public how the plan I am working to enact would improve cities like Reading and communities throughout the state.” The PA Rescue Plan proposes a $475 Read more

 

Green collar jobs and clean energy investments focus of PA Rescue Plan hearing

(May 10, 2021)

PHILADELPHIA, May 10 – House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton today hosted a public hearing highlighting her caucus’s proposal to invest federal funding to help Pennsylvania recover, restore and reimagine, starting with investments in green collar jobs. The House Democratic Policy Committee hearing, held at the Community College of Philadelphia, focused on investments in clean energy and how the proposed $50 million investment would get Pennsylvanians back to work in jobs that pay livable wages. The committee heard testimony from: Dr. Donald Guy Generals, president, Community College of Philadelphia; Michael Neill, apprentice training director, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 98; Brian Myers, assistant apprentice training director, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 98; and Anna Shipp, executive director, Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners, Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia. “Green collar jobs are high-tech, high-wage and the fastest-growing career sector in any industry,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “By investing in the clean energy industry and supporting job training to get workers on the job, the PA Rescue Plan is creating a greener future in more ways than one.” State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, chairman of the Policy Committee added, “The last year doesn’t have to cripple our future. We can use federal dollars to help make Pennsylvania a leader in creating Read more

 

PA Rescue Plan: Green Collar Jobs

(May 10, 2021)

PA Rescue Plan hearing on green collar jobs hosted by Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton Read more

 

PA Rescue Plan: Green Collar Jobs

(May 09, 2021)

Pennsylvania Rescue Plan: Green Collar Jobs Read more

 

Eviction Sealing: Supporting Our Renters
May 25, 2021

We’ve lived the pain of separation from incarcerated loved ones. Pa. can do better for families. | Opinion
May 25, 2021

Alternative Housing Models to Increase Affordability and Stability
May 24, 2021

Edinboro professors, alumna want more time, details on PASSHE integration plan
May 22, 2021

PASSHE consolidation, potential impacts focus of virtual House Democratic Policy Committee hearing
May 20, 2021

Public Comment Period: PASSHE Consolidation
May 20, 2021

Virtual Hearing: PASSHE Consolidation - Testimony
May 20, 2021

Virtual Hearing: PASSHE Consolidation
May 20, 2021

Proposed PASSHE consolidation focus of Thursday’s House Democratic Policy Committee hearing
May 19, 2021

Virtual Hearing: PASSHE Consolidation
May 17, 2021

Schlossberg, Schweyer: Tour further highlights needs of service providers, nonprofits
May 13, 2021

Kim highlights PA Rescue Plan investments in child care, workers
May 12, 2021

PA House Dems to tour Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, identifying where PA Rescue Plan can help
May 11, 2021

Rep. Bizzarro, Policy Committee see how PA Rescue Plan could benefit Erie economy
May 11, 2021

PA Rescue Plan, $1.7 billion investment in workers’ focus of House Democratic leaders’ rally in State College Wednesday
May 11, 2021

Rep. Kim, Policy Committee to tour onsite childcare facility Wednesday in Harrisburg
May 11, 2021

Reading tour showcases successful implementation of opportunity zones and regional needs
May 10, 2021

Green collar jobs and clean energy investments focus of PA Rescue Plan hearing
May 10, 2021

PA Rescue Plan: Green Collar Jobs
May 10, 2021

PA Rescue Plan: Green Collar Jobs
May 09, 2021