HARRISBURG, Nov. 22 – State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, today announced that bipartisan legislation ( Act 146 of 2024 ) to better protect victims’ pets in domestic violence situations has been signed into law. The bill (H.B. 1210), introduced by Sappey with state Rep. Natalie Mihalek, R- Allegheny/Washington, amends Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order defendant to refrain from possessing, abusing or harming a petitioner’s companion animal. Previously, Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act gave judges the ability to order many kinds of relief to prevent further abuse but did not give explicit authority to order protective measures for a victim’s pets. “We have known for some time the horrific link between domestic violence and animal abuse, Sappey said. “Abusers will use harming pets to further torment the victim or keep them from leaving, exacerbating an already traumatic situation.” According to the Humane Society of the United States, data on domestic violence and child abuse cases reveal that a staggering number of animals are targeted by those who abuse their children or spouses. In one survey, 71% of domestic violence victims reported their abuser also targeted pets. Researchers have found links between coercive control and the abuse of pets, with abusers often using family pets as leverage in the torment of their victims, threatening to harm or kill Read more

State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara will commence her second term as chairwoman of the Pennsylvania House Democrats’ powerful Southeast Delegation. Read more

“We know families that experience financial hardships will do whatever they can to survive, living with relatives by couch surfing or spending nights in a car to stay together at all costs,” said state Rep. Gina H. Curry, who represents portions of Delaware County. “Homeless youth oftentimes go undetected, with parents unwilling to reveal their financial struggles out of the fear protective services will break up their family. That’s why we suspect this problem is even greater than the reported numbers, and it’s one of the driving forces in passing legislation to address this growing population.” Read more

Pa. state Rep. Gina H. Curry spoke on the need to further the resources of schools and agencies to help combat homelessness among the youth of the commonwealth. Curry says that changes need to also be made to shelters as many will not take in unaccompanied minors, leaving them to fend for themselves in the end. Read more

Mirmont received a grant of $250,000 that will support their facilities enhancement project. Nemours received two grants in amounts of $260,000 and $192,5000 for their Care Closets and Maternal and Newborn Kits programs. Read more

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – After nearly a decade of legislative efforts to create a study on conservation corridors, state Reps. Mary Jo Daley and Jason Ortitay said today that their offices have examined The Current Status of Conservation Connectivity in Pennsylvania , which was completed by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee and released this summer. The study was conducted as a result of the adoption of H.R. 87 by the House of Representatives, and the fall season represents an important time to highlight the report. Conservation corridors, also known as wildlife corridors, are paths that join two or more areas of wildlife habitat, allowing for safe passage from one area to another, typically via over- and underpasses on roads but also through waterways and wetlands. The purpose of the study was to determine how best to preserve and reconnect habitats, reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions, and maintain and enhance Pennsylvania as one of the nation’s top destinations for outdoor recreation. “With deer becoming more active, and Daylight Saving Time ending, deer move most during these times, and that should serve as A reminder to look out more closely,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “It’s also a good time to relate the findings of Pennsylvania’s study on its crossing corridors.” The LBFC’s report notes that Pennsylvania led the country in animal-collision Read more

HARRISBURG, Nov. 1– State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R-Montgomery/Berks, announced today that they secured $2.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants for projects in Montgomery County. “This $2.5 million in capital funding for Pottstown and Limerick will improve the quality of life in our district by restoring and expanding business operations to a disused historic building in Pottstown, improving transportation infrastructure in Limerick, and building up our area’s pharmaceutical and sustainable energy sectors,” Ciresi said. “This money will create jobs in our district, strengthening our district’s reputation as a thriving economic area.” “I am thrilled to see that these projects were approved. This funding will have a significant impact on our regional economy by creating high-paying jobs and expanding our local transportation network to allow for a more efficient movement of people and goods,” Pennycuick said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with my fellow legislator, Rep. Ciresi, to secure these grants for our constituents.” The grants awarded are: Downtown Pottstown Job Retention and Creation Initiative Montco Tech Center, LLC Pottstown Borough $500,000 RACP funds will be used for construction to renovate the old Harp Taxi Building, a Read more

HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, today announced that he secured $1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grants for projects in the 74th Legislative District. Read more

The Delaware County House and Senate Delegation stands united in full support of Attorney General Michelle Henry’s civil lawsuit against Prospect Medical Holdings. This aggressive action is crucial to hold accountable a company that has repeatedly placed profits over the health and well-being of Delaware County residents. Read more