Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Southeast Delegation | News Center

House passes Borowski bill to simplify rules for ordinances adopted by townships

(1 day ago)

“This is homegrown legislation that provides a simple fix to a pervasive issue brought to my attention by Newtown Township Supervisor Leonard Altieri,” Borowski said. “The current five-day restriction is unique to second-class townships, which are our most common local government type in Pennsylvania, and it hinders their governing effectiveness." Read more

 

House approves measure to double penalties for child labor law violations

(Mar 25, 2025)

Today, the PA House of Representatives approved legislation introduced by state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, that would increase the fines for violations of the state child labor law. As state legislatures nationwide are weakening their child labor laws, H.B. 118 would ensure that Pennsylvania employers are held accountable for exploiting children by doubling the penalties for a first offense to $1,000, and $3,000 for each subsequent offense. “Our highest duty as legislators should be to protect our most vulnerable people who are unable to protect themselves, especially our children,” said Young following the vote. “Child labor violations are still too common in our state, with too many employers chalking it up to ‘the cost of doing business.’ That is straight up exploitation and unacceptable as we should work to guide and mentor our young people toward gainful employment. These fines have remained unchanged for over a decade as violations increase, so it’s clear they are an insufficient disincentive. Exploitation of children in any circumstance should be abhorrent to all Pennsylvanians. I’m hopeful that these doubled penalties will act as a stronger deterrent to the illegal employment of Pennsylvania’s children.” The bill was approved in the House by a 117-85 vote and now heads to the state Senate for its consideration. The 185th Legislative District is comprised of communities in South and Southwest Philadelphia, along with Tinicum Township and Colwyn Borough... Read more

 

O'Mara bill advances, expanding photo ID access for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and active-duty military families

(Mar 24, 2025)

“House Bill 410 eases the burden of renewal for those with persistent health conditions and military families, allowing them to maintain their licenses or IDs from home and continue their daily lives without interruption,” O'Mara said. Read more

 

Davidson appointed to serve on the Canada-U.S. Relations Committee

(Mar 20, 2025)

HARRISBURG, March 20 – This week, state Rep. Nate Davidson was appointed by Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton to serve on the Canada-United States Relations Committee of the Council of State Governments and welcomed the Canadian Consul General Tom Clark and a delegation of Canadian representatives to the Pennsylvania state Capitol. “It is a great honor and responsibility to be appointed to serve on the Canada-United States Relations Committee, especially at a time when our relationship is being tested by the reckless tariffs imposed by our federal government in Washington,” said Davidson, D-Cumberland/Dauphin. “In spite of the harm that will be inflicted on American consumers by those actions, I am eager to work with colleagues from across the nation to reinforce our bilateral relationship with Canada. As Consul General Clark reminded us, our ‘bond is built on friendship, trust and shared values,’ and we must be steadfast in our pledge to our Canadian neighbors that they will always have a friend in Pennsylvania.” The U.S. and Canada share one of the world’s most prosperous trade relationships, and Davidson emphasized the need for continued collaboration to support innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic development. “Canada is Pennsylvania’s No. 1 export partner, surpassing the next four largest export markets -- Mexico, China, the Netherlands and Japan -- Read more

 

House passes Borowski bill to simplify electronic prescription transfers between pharmacies & align with federal standards

(Mar 19, 2025)

The PA House unanimously passed legislation today authored by state Rep. Lisa Borowski and co-sponsored by fellow Southeast Delegation Reps. Boyd, Cerrato, Curry, Guenst, Hanbidge, Howard, Pielli, & Sanchez that would simplify prescription transfers between pharmacies and align Pennsylvania law with federal regulations, saving time and money for patients, doctors, and pharmacies. Read more

 

Nelson Introduces Bill to Protect PA from Foreign AI

(Mar 19, 2025)

HARRISBURG, March 19 – State Rep. Napoleon Nelson is spearheading a bipartisan initiative to safeguard Pennsylvania’s government systems from the risks posed by foreign adversary-controlled artificial intelligence and is circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum for legislation that would protect state data and information technology infrastructure from these growing threats. Artificial intelligence platforms have proven effective in numerous public and private sector applications, often relying on vast amounts of proprietary data to optimize decision-making, enhance operational efficiency, and facilitate complex processes. However, when these AI platforms are developed and controlled by foreign adversaries, such data becomes a potential weapon in the hands of those who seek to exploit it for malicious purposes. Contracts, financial records, and personal or corporate documents used by state agencies could be manipulated, contributing to harmful disinformation, unauthorized data collection, and the compromise of both commonwealth and national security. “Securing the integrity of Pennsylvania’s data is critical,” said Nelson, who serves on the House Communications and Technology Committee. “Allowing foreign adversary-controlled AI into our state-owned systems is a risk we cannot afford. This legislation will ensure that we protect sensitive information and technology infrastructure, safeguarding the privacy of Read more

 

House Insurance Committee approves bill to enshrine ACA protections into state law

(Mar 17, 2025)

HARRISBURG, March 17 — In a pivotal moment for health insurance reform, the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee, chaired by state Rep. Perry Warren, D-Bucks, reported out of committee four significant bills that safeguard health insurance in Pennsylvania in the event the federal government repeals protections of the Affordable Care Act. House Bill 404 , sponsored by Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, would allow parents to keep adult children on their health insurance plans until they turn 26. Before the Affordable Care Act became law, many kids turned 18 and were dropped from their parent’s insurance plan. Losing health insurance coverage led to many young health individuals leaving the health insurance market entirely. Because of the lack of healthy individuals to balance out the high-need policyholders, insurance premiums became unaffordable for many young people. “Ensuring young Pennsylvanians can stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until 26 will provide them with stability and peace of mind should the Republican Congressional majority repeal the Affordable Care Act,” Pashinski said. “That stability means they can begin pursuing their careers and building their lives without worrying about having the insurance needed to stay healthy and help in an emergency at a critical time in their lives.” House Bill 618 , sponsored by Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, would Read more

 

Pielli fights for veterans at West Chester rally

(Mar 14, 2025)

“Elon and Trump don’t get it. We are not suckers and losers. This isn’t a business. This isn’t about profit margins. This is about people. True American patriots who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country, if necessary, who now need our help. As a U.S Army soldier, I swore to support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. I made this pledge with my fellow veterans to the republic for which it stands, not to a king. Not to billionaires for their tax breaks and not to Russian dictators. As a PA state representative, I swear and pledge the same," Pielli said. Read more

 

Delaware County Delegation on the proposed closing of Crozer Health System

(Mar 06, 2025)

Prospect Medical Holdings’ reckless and devastating decision to shut down Crozer Medical Health System is a brazen attack on healthcare access in Southeast Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Brennan & Santarsiero to host Disability Resource Fair on April 10

(Mar 04, 2025)

Individuals with a disability and caregivers who need help navigating the system and/or learning what services are available can find information and connections at this fair. Read more

 

Kazeem secures $475,000 in state funding for transportation project in Upper Chichester Township

(Mar 03, 2025)

HARRISBURG, March 3 – As a longtime advocate for investments in transportation safety in the 159th Legislative District, state Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, helped secure $475,000 in state funding for a transportation improvement project in Upper Chichester Township through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the state’s Commonwealth Financing Authority. The $475,000 will be used for streetscape improvements along the Chichester Avenue and Meetinghouse Road intersection corridor in Upper Chichester Township, Delaware County. “I am proud to have helped secure this critical funding that will improve pedestrian safety in Upper Chichester Township,” Kazeem said. “Thanks to this $475,000 in state funding, pedestrians on Chichester Avenue and Meetinghouse Road will be safer walking, day or night. This project aligns with one of my focuses as state representative: to increase pedestrian safety through smart investments in our transportation infrastructure.” The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. Read more

 

Ciresi secures nearly $400,000 in state funds for area transportation projects

(Feb 24, 2025)

ROYERSFORD, Feb. 24 – Nearly $400,000 in state funding for transportation safety projects is coming to the 146th Legislative District through the disbursement of Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, according to state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “I am proud to have helped secure this critical funding for our district,” Ciresi said. “This money will make it safer to walk down Pottstown’s sidewalks and will enrich our local economy by drawing residents to a new development in Royersford Borough. These projects align with my focus as state representative: to increase public safety and to make our communities attractive places in which to reside for commuters and local professionals.” The projects and funding are as follows: $225,000 for streetscape improvements to Main Street and Walnut Street to support a new development located in Royersford Borough, Montgomery County. $139,997 to rehabilitate sidewalks and install street lighting along Beech Street in Pottstown Borough, Montgomery County. The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. For more information about the program, visit here . Read more

 

Young announces grant for Tinicum Township Fire Co.

(Feb 21, 2025)

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware announced today that a grant of $15,246 has been awarded to the Tinicum Township Fire Co.“Our volunteer fire and emergency companies are the backbone of our communities,” said Young. “A grant like this means that our volunteers at Station 48 can be better equipped to serve and protect our neighborhoods and spend less time fundraising to be able to do their vital work. I want to emphasize the value and importance of our local first responders to our communities.” Read more

 

It’s time to get serious about cyber charter school reform

(Feb 21, 2025)

We’ve got to get serious about cyber charter school reform. Don’t just take my word for it. This week, Republican Auditor General Timothy DeFoor released a blockbuster report that called for comprehensive charter school reform. And you know what, the report says the same things I’ve said for YEARS about cyber charter schools and makes the same calls for reform that I’ve tried to enact through legislative initiatives: A single statewide tuition rate for cyber charter schools that’s more related to the actual cost of cyber education. Additional oversight of cyber charter schools by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Limits on excessive cyber charter school fund balances. Despite all that I know about how cyber charter schools rip off Pennsylvania taxpayers, my blood still boiled when I read this audit of five PA cyber charter schools showing that from 2020 to 2023 the schools legally increased their revenues by $425 million and reserves by 144%. And what did the schools do with this extra taxpayer money? While our kids struggled in underfunded traditional public schools, these cyber charter schools legally used taxpayer dollars on staff bonuses, gift cards, vehicle payments and fuel stipends. While our seniors fought to pay property taxes so they could stay in their homes, one of the audited schools, Commonwealth Charter Academy, spent $196 million to purchase and/or renovate 21 buildings. What does a Read more

 

Fleming, Policy Committee highlight childcare crisis

(Feb 21, 2025)

“Childcare has overwhelming positive benefits, including preparing children to learn in a school setting as well as shaping expectations for behavior and interactions with adults and other children,” said state Rep. Justin Fleming, who represents portions of Dauphin County. “It’s nearly impossible for parents and guardians to make a living without childcare, so it’s important for the state to explore solutions to the childcare staffing crisis.” Read more

 

Student-athlete who survived cardiac arrest, local lawmaker push to get AEDs at all athletic fields

(Feb 20, 2025)

“To save a human life is worth the cost of preparation and this is a bill that will save lives,” said Rep. Brennan, (D) Bucks County. Read more

 

Ciresi announces nearly $162K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies

(Feb 11, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – A longtime proponent for community safety and first responders, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, today announced local fire and EMS companies have been awarded $161,876 in grants through the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. “Our fire and emergency responders are with us in our time of greatest need, but they have been struggling to respond to emergencies with limited resources and fewer recruits,” Ciresi said. “These funds are critical so they can continue to provide the life-saving services they do, day in, day out. I continue to advocate for funding to support our fire and emergency responders so that our communities remain safe.” Local fire and EMS companies that were awarded grants include: Friendship HLH&A Inc – Royersford – $15,000. Goodwill Steam Fire Engine Co No 1 – Pottstown – $31,106.84. Limerick Fire Department – Limerick – $40,000. North End Fire Company Num 1 of Pottstown – Pottstown – $15,000. Philadelphia Steam Fire Engine Co 1 – Pottstown – $15,461.31. Ringing Hill Fire Company – Pottstown – $15,461.31. Royersford Fire Department – Royersford – $14,815.77. Sanatoga Fire Co – Pottstown – $15,030.95. The Fire Company and Emergency Read more

 

Kazeem applauds Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget plan

(Feb 06, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – State Rep. Carol Kazeem, D-Delaware, issued this statement in support of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal: “The budget plan that Governor Shapiro unveiled yesterday would change life for the better for many residents in the communities I represent, and I am excited to help push it over the finish line. “I wholeheartedly support Governor Shapiro’s increased investments in our public school system. Countless studies have shown that a strong public school system can lift up individuals and their communities, but historic inequality in our funding system left richer school districts better funded at the expense of poorer ones, creating a legacy of structural inequality in our schools and across our commonwealth. Though last year’s historic investments in education made headway in rectifying this imbalance, there’s still a lot of work to be done to roll back years of neglect. This budget would deliver a needed $75 million increase in basic education and a $40 million increase in special education. “The governor’s plan to recruit and retain teachers lays the foundation for a great school system. I approve his plan to provide stipends to student teachers and invest in professional development for current teachers to help them stay on the cutting edge of education. “Studies have also shown that starting to educate kids in daycare helps them to acquire the social and Read more

 

Ciresi highlights continued progress on cyber charter reform, addressing education underfunding in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal

(Feb 04, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, reacted to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget unveiled today before a joint session of the General Assembly. “This budget proposal from Governor Shapiro continues the significant progress we’ve made in bringing state funding to our long-underfunded school districts.” Ciresi said. “Building on the historic investments in our public schools and steps to reform our broken charter school law that we achieved in the previous budget, this proposal would continue that work on education funding and cyber charter reform. The result will be lower property taxes, more resources for our public schools, and a fairer education system for all students and taxpayers.” Ciresi said the proposed budget includes an additional $641 million in education funding, mostly directed to school districts like Pottstown and Pottsgrove that have been identified as most in need of additional state aid. The proposal also includes $265 million in savings for school districts by setting a statewide cyber charter school tuition rate of $8,000 per student per year, aligning these payments of tax dollars from school districts with the actual expenses of providing an online education. This was a key component of comprehensive cyber charter reform legislation proposed by Ciresi last session. The combined education funding increases and cost savings from cyber charter reform would mean an Read more

 

Legislative Audit Advisory Commission accepts audit of General Assembly’s 2024 finances

(Feb 04, 2025)

“Transparency and accountability are essential when it comes to public funds,” Sanchez said. Read more

 

House passes Borowski bill to simplify rules for ordinances adopted by townships
1 day ago

House approves measure to double penalties for child labor law violations
Mar 25, 2025

O'Mara bill advances, expanding photo ID access for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and active-duty military families
Mar 24, 2025

Davidson appointed to serve on the Canada-U.S. Relations Committee
Mar 20, 2025

House passes Borowski bill to simplify electronic prescription transfers between pharmacies & align with federal standards
Mar 19, 2025

Nelson Introduces Bill to Protect PA from Foreign AI
Mar 19, 2025

House Insurance Committee approves bill to enshrine ACA protections into state law
Mar 17, 2025

Pielli fights for veterans at West Chester rally
Mar 14, 2025

Delaware County Delegation on the proposed closing of Crozer Health System
Mar 06, 2025

Brennan & Santarsiero to host Disability Resource Fair on April 10
Mar 04, 2025

Kazeem secures $475,000 in state funding for transportation project in Upper Chichester Township
Mar 03, 2025

Ciresi secures nearly $400,000 in state funds for area transportation projects
Feb 24, 2025

Young announces grant for Tinicum Township Fire Co.
Feb 21, 2025

It’s time to get serious about cyber charter school reform
Feb 21, 2025

Fleming, Policy Committee highlight childcare crisis
Feb 21, 2025

Student-athlete who survived cardiac arrest, local lawmaker push to get AEDs at all athletic fields
Feb 20, 2025

Ciresi announces nearly $162K in state funding for local fire, EMS companies
Feb 11, 2025

Kazeem applauds Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget plan
Feb 06, 2025

Ciresi highlights continued progress on cyber charter reform, addressing education underfunding in Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal
Feb 04, 2025

Legislative Audit Advisory Commission accepts audit of General Assembly’s 2024 finances
Feb 04, 2025