INDIANA, Aug. 20 – The House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting in Indiana, Pa. Tuesday to learn about broadband affordability and access in Pennsylvania. “Low-cost, high-speed broadband is fundamental to a healthy and prosperous Pennsylvania. From helping Pennsylvania residents get the training necessary to be competitive in the workforce and be able to access essential services that will keep their families healthy to enabling our industries to capitalize on new economic opportunities and support our workforce, broadband equity is central to Pennsylvania’s future,” said Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, House Communications & Technology Committee Majority chair. “As the world hurtles forward along the information superhighway, our low-income and rural residents are being left behind due to the high cost of broadband and a lack of infrastructure. Investment in low-cost, high-speed broadband will help ensure the even development of Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting the growth of strong, healthy communities throughout the commonwealth for years to come.” Speakers included: Sharene Hess, Indiana County commissioner Jody Rainey, principal, Homer-Center Jr/Sr High School John B. Horrigan, Ph.D., senior fellow, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Christopher Ali, Ph.D., pioneers chair in telecommunications, Pennsylvania State University Dustin Bishop, project Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 19 – Due to the federal government’s recent proposals that would weaken the obligation of banks to invest in low- and middle-income communities, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, has announced his intention to introduce legislation that will preserve equitable banking in Pennsylvania. The legislation will be based on the Community Reinvestment Act , federal legislation passed in 1977 that requires commercial banks and savings associations to meet the needs of all borrowers in the local community – which has led to support for first time homebuyer programs, community health centers, accessibility improvements, land banks, daycare centers and small farmers across Pennsylvania and the nation. “The CRA is a vital tool that has been proven to be essential for small towns and marginalized communities throughout the commonwealth,” said Nelson . “Our Main Streets have historically been economic drivers of their communities, and our goal is to continue providing the much-needed resources. This legislation will ensure that every community in Pennsylvania has financial accessibility that fits their needs so that every one of our neighbors has a chance to shape their own future for the better. “It goes beyond recognizing our communities have needs but also acknowledges that these communities already have great things happening. These hidden gems are waiting for our investment; they Read more
ROYERSFORD, Aug. 18 – House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today issued a statement applauding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order holding data center developers accountable and protecting Pennsylvanians: “I applaud Governor Shapiro’s executive order to protect Pennsylvanians from unregulated data center development in the face of Senate Republican inaction on legislation passed by the House. “I was pleased that the executive order incorporates provisions from my bill prohibiting non-disclosure agreements between data centers and public officials. These protections will help ensure that the public is no longer kept in the dark about how data centers could affect their communities, environment and quality of life. “This executive order will foster the accountability, transparency and public involvement Pennsylvania needs for data center development to move forward.” Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 12 – The PA House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting in State College Tuesday to learn about the potential benefits that the development of quantum technologies could bring to Pennsylvania. Quantum technology uses quantum physics to create new capabilities in computing, sensing, communications, and cybersecurity that current technologies cannot achieve. “Quantum technologies are the next frontier, and we owe it to Pennsylvania and its people to connect and scale up the tremendous assets we already have -- our universities, manufacturers, technology, and people -- to develop the commonwealth into a world-class leader in the industry,” state Rep. Joe Ciresi, the committee’s chairman, said. “When Pennsylvania leads in innovation, our residents will reap substantial dividends for decades in high-paying jobs and stronger communities. “A key benefit of acting now before the quantum economy arrives is that we can ensure we have the right workforce education and training in place so that our residents can benefit from jobs in emerging and future technologies, but also so that our state and local governments are resilient and prepared for the very real cybersecurity risks that quantum computing will bring.” Speakers included: Matt Brandsema, associate research professor and Quantum & Multiphysics Department head, Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State Jen Read more
CHESTER, Aug. 5 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, announced today that Marcus Hook Borough will receive a Green Light-Go grant of $ 62,944 to support traffic signal system modernization upgrades at the intersection of 10th Street and Market Street. “This funding will help make a key community crossroads safer for drivers, pedestrians, and residents by improving the intersection and increasing traffic safety,” Kazeem said. “The state funding will have a long-term positive impact on the continued development of Marcus Hook’s downtown, making it an even more vibrant and welcoming place to live, work and visit.” The Greenlight-Go Program is a competitive state grant program designed to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals in Pennsylvania and is administered by the state Transportation Department. Applicants are required to provide a 20% match. Funding may be used for traffic signal retiming; study and removal of unwarranted traffic-control signals; monitoring of traffic signal corridors; innovative technologies; installation, upgrade or maintenance of traffic signal communication systems; upgrade or installation of detection systems and controllers; modernization upgrades; implementation of intelligent transportation system applications; or to replace traditional or LED bulbs with new LED bulbs. Read more
ROYERSFORD, Aug. 5 – A longtime advocate for infrastructure investments in Pottstown, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced that Pottstown will receive a Green Light-Go grant of $ 632,000 to modernize traffic signals and improve pedestrian accessibility. The funding will support upgrades at the intersections of Route 100 and King Street and Route 100 and Shoemaker Road, enhancing pedestrian safety, improving traffic flow and increasing accessibility for residents and visitors. “This funding will make Pottstown a safer, more connected place,” Ciresi said. “Modernized traffic signals and improved pedestrian accessibility will increase safety and improve mobility to create a more welcoming community for those who live and work here while supporting the borough’s continued economic growth.” The Greenlight-Go Program is a competitive state grant program designed to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals in Pennsylvania and is administered by the state Transportation Department. Applicants are required to provide a 20% match. Funding may be used for traffic signal retiming; study and removal of unwarranted traffic-control signals; monitoring of traffic signal corridors; innovative technologies; installation, upgrade or maintenance of traffic signal communication systems; upgrade or installation of detection systems and controllers; modernization upgrades; implementation of intelligent Read more
UPPER DARBY, July 29 – The Delaware County House Delegation today released the following statement on the race-based threats received by Delaware County Sheriff Siddiq Kamara: “The Delaware County House Delegation unequivocally condemns the recent terroristic threats directed at Delaware County Sheriff Siddiq Kamara. There is no place for intimidation, violence or hate against those who choose to serve and live in any community in our county and the state. “Public servants regardless of political party, position or ideology should never be subjected to threats of violence for carrying out their sworn responsibilities, or for their faith, background or culture. An attack or threat against one public official is an attack on the principles of democracy, public service and the rule of law that bind our Commonwealth together. “As members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, we stand in unwavering solidarity with Sheriff Kamara, his family and the dedicated professionals of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. We also stand with Delaware County's diverse communities, including our vibrant immigrant communities, who deserve to live free from fear, hate and intimidation. Now that an arrest has been made, those responsible for these terroristic threats must be held fully accountable and a clear precedent must be set that such acts of intimidation and violence against public servants will not be Read more
HARRISBURG, July 23 – State Rep. Tim Briggs, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, today expressed his support for legislation that responds to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in Commonwealth v. Lee by reforming second-degree murder sentencing while advancing additional criminal justice reforms focused on rehabilitation, accountability and fairness. House Bill 1042 , which passed the House with bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate for further consideration, addresses the court’s ruling that automatic life-without-parole sentences for individuals convicted of second-degree murder under the felony murder rule are unconstitutional. “Pennsylvania’s justice system must uphold both public safety and constitutional protections,” Briggs said. “This legislation provides a responsible path forward by ensuring that sentences are based on an individual’s level of culpability while maintaining safeguards to protect our communities.” Under the bill, the automatic life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder would be replaced with sentencing that considers an offender’s specific role and level of culpability. Individuals convicted of second-degree murder who receive a life sentence would become eligible to petition for parole consideration after serving 30 years. Briggs emphasized that parole eligibility is not parole, and the legislation does not guarantee release for Read more
HARRISBURG, July 22 – State Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Lee James, R-Venango/Crawford, have introduced House Bill 2709 to increase annual funding for Pennsylvania's Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program (EEEP) by $2 million, from $24 million to $26 million, to attract more touring Broadway productions to the commonwealth. According to Ciresi and James, touring Broadway productions require weeks of technical rehearsals and tour preparations, resulting in extended stays for visiting artists, crew and staff. These long stays generate significant business for local hospitality, restaurant and service businesses. Productions also create new jobs for Pennsylvania workers, including union stagehands, truck drivers, technicians, and other support staff. The EEEP currently provides a tax credit equal to 35% of qualified Pennsylvania expenditures for show design, construction, and operations. If enacted, House Bill 2709 would increase funding to enable venues like the Pittsburgh Cultural District and the Kimmel Center to host more Broadway tour launches. Each production can bring in more than 100 visiting artists and staff where they would work alongside local crews for several weeks. Ciresi and James point to Ohio as an example of the bill’s potential impact. In 2025, Ohio invested $3.5 million in tax incentives to attract four Broadway tours. The funded projects are expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs, generate $150 million in Read more
HARRISBURG, July 21 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, announced that her legislation to require additional trainings and certifications for County Veteran Assistance Directors regarding trauma-informed care, including Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD and traumatic brain injury, has been signed into law as Act 38 of 2026. Act 38, previously H.B. 2024, ensures that the staff supporting our veterans are best equipped to meet their post-service needs. Shusterman says these requirements come at the suggestion of the commonwealth’s Women Veterans Health Care Task Force. “Pennsylvania is home to nearly 700,000 veterans – so many of whom return home from their service with visible and not-so-visible injuries,” Shusterman said. “As with other forms of trauma, survivors of MST live with their experiences in different ways, and their mental and physical health may be significantly affected for years to come. We owe it to our veterans to ensure that the resources and support we provide them are effective. “I extend my gratitude to my co-prime sponsor Rep. Scheuren and Chair Solomon from the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committee for their work on this bill. This is a small step in continuing to provide for our commonwealth’s veterans. I look forward to finding more ways to continue serving those who sacrificed so much for us.” Governor Josh Shapiro signed the Read more
“Pennsylvania’s Medical Officer and Health Officer Incentive Program provides additional financial incentives for skilled medical professionals to enlist in the Pennsylvania National Guard. The program was launched nearly a decade ago and since then has proven to be a meaningful tool for bringing highly qualified health professionals into our National Guard,” Pielli said. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 17 – Two state representatives are introducing a bill to cut unnecessary IT spending across the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s four legislative caucuses to safeguard taxpayer dollars. State Reps. Paul Friel and Joe Ciresi said the UNITE Act would require state House and Senate Republicans and Democrats to work from the same IT providers, saving money and streamlining cybersecurity in Pennsylvania’s Capitol. “Having multiple expensive IT systems and Wi-Fi networks because of partisan mistrust is not a sustainable solution. However, there is an opportunity here – I believe we can save tax dollars and build a better working relationship with our colleagues across the aisle and in the other chamber,” said Friel, D-Chester. “We need to make sure that state government works efficiently for the people, and this is a good first step.” “In order to be better stewards of taxpayer dollars, we need to look for efficiencies and remove redundancies. The cost savings that would be achieved by combining the IT functions of all four caucuses in the House and Senate is something we should not pass up,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. This is not a new issue, the sponsors said. A 2010 statewide investigating grand jury, convened after the Bonusgate corruption scandal, recommended streamlining the legislature’s IT and purchasing operations and found that no witness could offer a Read more
CHESTER, July 17 – New funding of $4.8 million from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will support major construction, renovation and community development projects across the 159th Legislative District, state Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, announced today. “I’m beyond proud to have brought these dollars home,” Kazeem said. “The breadth of projects funded reflect our district’s rich diversity and respond to the needs of our communities. Whether it’s expanding educational opportunities, creating community gathering spaces or investing in infrastructure improvements, this funding will strengthen our neighborhoods, enhance our quality of life and energize our local economy. I’m committed to bringing back every single grant dollar to invest in projects that create opportunities for our residents.” $2.5 million for Widener University to renovate and modernize Latham Hall. Improvements will include construction of a masonry retaining wall, site grading to improve drainage, installation of an accessible entrance ramp and landscaping enhancements. $1.5 million for the Chester Upland School District to build a state-of-the-art athletic complex featuring an athletic training facility, grandstands, a concession stand, an eight-lane track, an artificial turf field and designated off-street parking. $500,000 for Monroe Energy LLC to install a new cooling tower to replace Read more
HARRISBURG, July 15 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, today announced the award of a $34 million low-interest state loan to help Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority replace its current chlorine gas-based disinfection system with a safer, ultraviolet light-based system. The benefits of the UV system will eliminate the need to use chlorine gas for wastewater disinfection, simplifying operations, removing the requirement for DELCORA’s chlorine risk management plan, and substantially improving facility operations and public safety. DELCORA will continue to use sodium hypochlorite for non-disinfection purposes, including return activated sludge treatment, chlorination, odor control, and utility water, as well as for backup disinfection. "This investment will help protect the health and safety of Delaware County residents while modernizing our wastewater treatment infrastructure," Kazeem said. "Replacing chlorine gas with a UV disinfection system reduces potential risks to workers, nearby communities, and the environment. I'm proud to support projects that make our public utilities safer, more efficient, and better equipped to serve our communities for years to come." PENNVEST is an independent agency that provides financial assistance for drinking water, sewer, and stormwater projects across Pennsylvania. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 14 – New guardrails regulating the use of food processing residuals are now law in Pennsylvania after being included in the newly passed state budget, establishing necessary oversight for commercial food waste that is disposed of on some farms. State Rep. Paul Friel, who advanced the proposal with bipartisan support, said that he was glad to see the General Assembly take action on a pervasive problem in the state. "For four years I've been working with stakeholders and with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to pass protective legislation. The process was extensive and worthwhile, because it led us to legislation that could pass with wide support, be signed into law, and get the job done," said Friel, D-Chester. Food processing residuals, also known as FPR, are the leftover products created by commercial food processing. They can include vegetable peelings, raw meat scraps and liquid waste from cleaning processes that might contain blood, fat, hair, feathers, and a variety of other vegetable and animal byproducts, as well as chemicals used in processing. The results of spreading FPR on farmland have included noxious odors, air quality problems and contaminated drinking water. Surrounding states have heavily restricted or banned the use of these residuals, making Pennsylvania a target for the cheap disposal of this commercial waste stream. "By embedding these Read more
HARRISBURG, July 13– State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, celebrated the 2026-27 state budget ’s delivery on three key priorities he has long championed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives: increased education funding, charter school oversight and data center transparency. “I’m gratified that my long-standing advocacy for protections for cyber charter students and data center transparency has been reflected in this budget,” Ciresi said. “Together with historic investments in education, this budget will create a stronger future for our students and a safer, healthier environment for our communities.” The budget makes a $670 million investment statewide in education, which includes a $565 million increase to help rectify historic funding discrepancies and $50 million increases in both basic education and special education funding to ensure every student can succeed. Ciresi said school districts in the 146th Legislative District will benefit from significant funding increases totaling more than $3.5 million: Pottstown School District: $2.5 million (7.9% increase) Pottsgrove School District: $681,000 (4.6% increase) Spring-Ford Area School District: $347,000 (1.8% increase) “This budget will strengthen our schools, ensuring Pennsylvania’s children have access to the education they need to succeed in the 21st century,” Ciresi said. “I am especially pleased that the budget will Read more
HARRISBURG, July 13 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, celebrated the 2026-27 state budget’s historic investments in education and support for Pennsylvania’s working families. “Our students deserve a high-quality education, so they have the skills and knowledge to adapt and thrive in an increasingly competitive global workforce,” Kazeem said. “This budget will ensure that all Pennsylvania’s students have access to educational opportunities that will lay the foundation for life-long success.” The budget makes a $670 million investment statewide in education, which includes a $565 million increase to help rectify historic funding discrepancies and a $58 million increase in basic education and $47 increase in special education funding, to ensure every student can succeed. Kazeem said the school districts in the 159th Legislative District will benefit from significant funding increases: $6.3 million, or 4.9% increase for Chester-Upland School District $1.5 million, or 7.1% increase for Chichester School District $1.3 million, or 5.1% increase for Ridley School District $404,000 or 3.4% increase for Penn-Delco School District Kazeem also praised the budget’s increased support for key healthcare programs: $615.2 million or 7% increase, for Medical Assistance managed care program $484.7 million or 16.1% increase, for Medical Assistance Capitation $130.5 million or 2.3% increase, for Medical Read more
A proposal championed by state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, to require parental notification of bullying in schools is headed to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature after passing the General Assembly today. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 2 – The House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting on Tuesday on space exploration and Pennsylvania’s leadership in space technology, scientific research, and airspace security. “Today’s meeting stressed the need for increased technological development to protect our airspace,” state Rep. Joe Ciresi, House Communications & Technology Committee Majority Chair, said. “Pennsylvania has the talent and the resources to lead the charge in developing technology to explore space and protect our airspace.” The committee heard from three speakers: Dr. Jason Wright, Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Penn State University on astronomical and scientific research, Ryan Graves, Founder/Executive Director, Americans for Safe Aerospace on aerospace and aviation perspectives, and Chris Mellon, Chairman of the Board, The Disclosure Foundation; Former Deputy Secretary of Defense; and Former Minority Staff Director, US Senate Intelligence Committee. “Exploration begins with curiosity,” state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila. said. “Pennsylvania has the talent and institutions to help push the boundaries of scientific discovery, and today's hearing was an important step in that direction — wherever the evidence leads" Wright said that the search for the means to find extraterrestrial intelligence is leading the development of detection technology, Read more
Hanbidge bill to protect homeowners’ rights to install solar energy systems on roofs passes PA House Read more
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