Pashinski, O’Mara re-introduce legislation to reform hospital closure process

(Mar 08, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Reps. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, and Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, introduced legislation recently that would bring more accountability to the process of hospital closures, ensuring that Pennsylvanians can receive uninterrupted care and that hospital systems honor their duty to their patients, staff, and the communities they serve. The legislation is a companion to state Sen. Carolyn Comitta’s S.B. 184, introduced in January. “When hospitals and health care facilities close or drastically reduce services with little or no notice, their patients, doctors, nurses, and staff suffer,” Pashinski said. “We witnessed this in Luzerne County last year with the sudden announcement and subsequent closure of First Hospital without any apparent plans in place to provide for continuity of care or help their staff transition. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would be a significant step toward ensuring health care facilities planning to close provide local communities and government agencies the time, information, and opportunity they need to adequately address these significant impacts and plan for related challenges.” “When a community hospital closes down, hundreds of thousands of people suddenly need to figure out how to access emergency health care. This especially applies to maternity wards, because if one of only two local labor and delivery units moves 30 minutes away, it creates a health Read more

 

Scott appointed to PA House committees

(Mar 08, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, announced today he has been appointed to the Finance, Gaming Oversight, Insurance and Veterans’ Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees for the 2023-24 session in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “I look forward to using the breadth and depth of expertise I have developed as a magisterial district judge, in local government and as a long-term volunteer firefighter on these committees whose work shapes the laws impacting Pennsylvanians’ lives,” Scott said. “From working to reduce tax burdens on residents to enhancing veteran programs, providing oversight to the gaming and insurance industries, and supporting our firefighters and EMTs, I am eager to engage with my colleagues in my party and across the aisle to ensure that the laws that go to the House to be voted on best serve the interests of the people of Pennsylvania.” The Finance Committee reviews bills dealing with financial issues for the state, including tax collection rates and policies, and banking policies. The Gaming Oversight Committee works with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Department of Revenue to evaluate bills that affect gaming in Pennsylvania, including the types of gaming allowed in the commonwealth, as well as rules for casinos and the use of gaming proceeds in Pennsylvania. The Insurance Committee reviews bills that regulate home, auto and Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El appointed to PA House committees

(Mar 08, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced today he has been appointed to the Committee on Committees, and Education, Housing and Community Development, Human Services and Local Government committees for the 2023-24 session in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. “I am honored that I have been named to these Pa. House committees that oversee the services that are the lifeblood of our community—education, human services, housing and local government,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I will use the knowledge and skills gained from my work on the Lancaster City Council, with the Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition and Community Action Partnership and as a community activist to evaluate the bills before the committees and advocate for legislation that will improve Pennsylvanians’ lives.” The Committee on Committees recommends to the House the names of members who are to serve on the standing committees of the House. The Education Committee reviews bills that pertain to educational funding, school choice and charter schools, teacher standards and more. The Housing and Community Development Committee was established in 2023. Formerly the Urban Affairs Committee, the committee reviews bills that pertain to cities and counties of the first, second and third class. Housing and public safety have been recent concerns for this committee. The Human Services Read more

 

Daley named House Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development Committee majority chair

(Mar 07, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 7 – State Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, said she gratefully accepted appointment to the post of majority chair of the Pennsylvania House Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development Committee by Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila., for the 2023-24 legislative session. The committee, previously named the Tourism & Recreational Development Committee, has been renamed the Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development Committee to reflect the industry’s impact on the economy. In her role as chair, Daley will have the authority to set the schedule and choose legislation for the committee to consider on improving the tourism industry in Pennsylvania. “The tourism industry generates more than $43.3 billion annually from visitor spending and provides for over half a million jobs,” Daley said. “As majority chair, I will promote legislation that fosters the development of Pennsylvania’s tourism industry to the benefit of its local businesses and communities.” The committee has jurisdiction over the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The committee’s subcommittees include Arts and Entertainment, Recreation, and Travel Promotion. “Each year, Pennsylvania hosts over 204 million travelers from across the United States, nearly 1.3 million visitors from Canada, and 1 million from overseas markets,” Daley said. “Almost 10 million travelers visit Read more

 

Sturla named chair of Housing and Community Development Committee

(Mar 07, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 7 – State. Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, has been named the majority chair of the House Housing and Community Development Committee by Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila., for the 2023-24 legislative session. “Having served as the Democratic chair of the House Urban Affairs Committee last session, I proposed that the committee be renamed the Housing and Community Development Committee to better reflect the committee’s work. I look forward to continuing the committee’s efforts to address important issues, such as affordable housing, blight, redevelopment and growth management.” Sturla added, “Since I was the majority chair of the House Professional Licensure Committee during the 2007-08 legislative session, I am prepared to effectively serve as a majority chair again and I expect a productive bipartisan session.” The Republican chair of the House Housing and Community Development Committee is Rep. Rich Irvin, R-Huntingdon/Franklin. The committee officially organized today in the House chamber. Committee members are Reps. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny; Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., Amen Brown, D-Phila.; Jose Giral, D-Phila.; Roni Green, D-Phila.; Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; Rick Krajewski, D-Phila.; Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin; Josh Siegel, D-Lehigh; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; James Barton, R-Schuylkill/Berks; Jill Cooper, R- Westmoreland; Thomas Jones, Read more

 

Rozzi authors bill to encourage Pennsylvanians to pursue education degrees

(Mar 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 6 – State Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, is introducing legislation to help remedy Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage and encourage students to pursue education degrees. Rozzi’s bill would establish the PA Teach Scholarship Program. This program would provide a scholarship of up to $8,000 per year, $32,000 in total, to eligible students studying at one of the 14 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools. To be eligible, students would have to be enrolled in a primary or secondary education program or in a student teaching role. “The demand for teachers continues to grow, but the supply of educators has not kept up. One reason for this is the astronomical price tag that comes with earning a degree here in Pennsylvania,” Rozzi said. “My bill would help ease the financial burden of earning an education degree, therefore incentivizing students to enter the field.” In addition to encouraging students to pursue teaching, Rozzi’s bill would ensure that their talents stay in the state and benefit Pennsylvania children. After graduating, scholarship recipients would have two requirements to meet, or they would have to reimburse the commonwealth all amounts received. One is to commence employment in Pennsylvania within one year of graduating. The second is to work within the commonwealth for a period of one year for each academic year that the student received a PA Teach scholarship. “Less and Read more

 

Krueger elected to House Democratic Caucus administrator position

(Mar 01, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 1 – State Rep. Leanne Krueger was elected to House Democratic majority leadership as administrator, becoming the first Democratic woman ever to earn the office, following Rep. Joanna McClinton’s election as speaker Tuesday. Krueger said that becoming a part of leadership will give her a greater platform to advocate for the people in her district, Delaware County and all of Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvanians voted for a new direction in Harrisburg, and I’m proud to be a part of that change,” said Krueger, D-Delaware. “Together with Speaker McClinton and our leadership team, I look forward to helping move the legislation and policy that are being called for by Pennsylvanians. It’s a new day in the Capitol.” Among her policy goals remain protecting access to women’s health care, passing a responsible contractor ordinance, raising the minimum wage, and supporting public education in Pennsylvania. “We have a lot of work to do, but I am energized by the promise of new vision in the Capitol and the leadership of newly elected Governor Josh Shapiro to see our commonwealth’s challenges through,” she said. The rest of the House Democratic leadership changes included state Rep. Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery, becoming majority leader, state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., becoming the House Appropriations chair, state Rep. Dan Miller, D-Allegheny, becoming whip, and state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, Read more

 

Pennsylvania House ready to take on business with new operating rules

(Mar 01, 2023)

Ultimately, new rules mean the legislature is now ready to negotiate and vote on bills, including the state budget. Read more

 

Rozzi leaves speaker's role with blistering words for Harrisburg

(Mar 01, 2023)

Rozzi said his own selection as speaker was an attempt to “hoodwink” the House and have him do the bidding of others. Read more

 

Rozzi announces funding awarded to Reading-based minority-owned business

(Feb 27, 2023)

READING, Feb. 27 – House Speaker Mark Rozzi today announced that J-Van Body Inc., a minority-owned business in Reading, was awarded a $195,000 loan for an initiative benefiting people living with disabilities. J-Van Body was approved for the loan through the Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority. Funding will go toward financing equipment to produce a Mobile Personal Care Vehicle, as well as working capital. The MPCV is a specialty van that provides critical services to people with disabilities. Through this project, the company will create three new jobs within three years and retain two full-time employees. “Supporting minority-owned businesses is a great way to stimulate economic growth here in Reading. By empowering these businesses, we not only create economic opportunities, but we also promote diversity and inclusivity,” Rozzi said. “I look forward to seeing how J-Van Body uses this funding to accomplish their mission of serving Pennsylvanians with disabilities.” Established in 1974, the PMBDA administers low-interest loan financing to businesses owned and operated by ethnic minorities to promote job creation and entrepreneurial development. J-Van Body is a Reading-based van body and truck equipment manufacturer established in 2016. Read more

 

Delaware Co. House Democrats congratulate area libraries for state grants

(Feb 24, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – State House Democrats in Delaware County today are congratulating five regional libraries for earning competitive state awards to improve their facilities. The libraries were each one of only 21 libraries in 15 counties to receive the state Department of Education grants. Darby Library Co., $728,726 Norwood Public Library, $14,811 Rachel Kohl Community Library, $190,398 Radnor Public Library, $47,000 Yeadon Public Library, $26,415 “Our libraries benefit the public with outstanding programs and services, and I congratulate the librarians and staff who put in so much hard work earning these awards,” House Majority Leader Joanna McClinton said. “This funding represents taxpayer money reinvested in our communities and expands reading and learning in Delco. It’s an outstanding win-win.” “Thank you to the Shapiro administration for this investment in Norwood and all of our communities,” state Rep. Dave Delloso said. “These competitive grants reflect highly on the great work that our library employees conduct every day for their neighbors.” “Congratulations are in order for Radnor and the rest of these amazing Delco libraries on funding hard fought and earned,” state Rep. Lisa Borowski said. “Libraries are one of the most valuable resources in a community, and I look forward to seeing the many returns on this investment for Read more

 

Hanbidge congratulates Wissahickon Valley Public Library for $182,622 state grant

(Feb 24, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Liz Hanbidge said she congratulates Wissahickon Valley Public Library on its competitive award of $182,622 today from the state’s Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities program. The state Department of Education grants are for the construction and rehabilitation of public library facilities across the commonwealth. Wissahickon Valley Public Library was one of 21 libraries in 15 counties to receive an award. “Wissahickon Valley Public Library benefits the public with its excellent services, so it’s fitting that it earns such a substantial and helpful award,” Hanbidge said. “This grant will go to good use expanding the library’s catalog of services and it saves local taxes. It’s always wonderful to see state money reinvested in our community.” The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund was established by the General Assembly in 1993. The Department of Education, through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of Library Development, administers the public library portion of this program, which is funded from a portion of the state’s realty transfer tax. Read more

 

Howard congratulates Malvern Public Library for $35,489 state grant

(Feb 24, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Kristine Howard said she congratulates Malvern Public Library on their competitive award of $35,489 today from the state’s Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities program. The state Department of Education grants are for the construction and rehabilitation of public library facilities across the commonwealth. Malvern Public Library was one of 21 libraries in 15 counties to receive an award. “The Malvern Library provides an invaluable service to the community, and I am thrilled with this award, which will enable the library to continue fostering a love of learning.” Read more

 

Berks Co. House Democrats congratulate Workforce Board on state grant

(Feb 22, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 22 – Three state lawmakers in Berks County are congratulating the Berks County Workforce Development board for receiving a Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnership Program award of $176,155 from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. This grant program, as part of the COVID-19 Nursing Workforce Initiative and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, blends the registered apprenticeship and industry partnership models and is designed to address the many workforce challenges in communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the money, the Berks County Workforce Development Board will partner with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance and Reading Area Community College to launch a new Greater Reading Healthcare Connections Industry Partnership, with a focus on creating strategies for employers to develop career pathways, establishing industry credentials to education partners, and designing and implementing a Registered Apprentice Home Health Aide to LPN career pathway. “Sincere congratulations are in order for the Workforce Development Board, whose application to the program reflected the need and vision for more pathways into nursing, for our area,” said House Speaker Mark Rozzi. “Kudos to all of the people who worked to show why the Reading area is a premier place for investing state dollars.” “With this development, more people will be able to choose a career in the nursing field Read more

 

Scott: $42K awarded to Hancock Elementary School to purchase oven

(Feb 22, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 22 – State Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, announced today that the Hancock Elementary School received $42,145 in Food Service Equipment grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the purchase of electric combi ovens so the school can provide hot meals to students. “Thanks to these grants, Hancock Elementary School will be able to serve hot and nutritious meals to its students,” Scott said. ”I am committed to making sure our community’s children receive all the resources they need to learn, and that begins with guaranteeing access to healthy and nutritious meals so they have the fuel to grow and flourish.” Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Grants are awarded to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program. Schools use the grants to purchase or upgrade equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves and dishwashers. More than 1 million children and students receive nutritious meals through federal school nutrition programs, which include the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program. The Shapiro administration and PDE are committed to ensuring that all children and students have access to healthy meals through state and federal programs and initiatives. For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education , Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El secures $115K for 49th District: District Office Open House Will Be Held Friday, March 3

(Feb 17, 2023)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 17 – State Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that he secured $115,000 in state grants for community organizations in the 49 th District and is inviting residents of the district to his District Office Open House on March 3 to learn more about the services his office provides. “ Our community organizations lift up the lives of so many in our district,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As state representative for Lancaster City, Lancaster Township, and Millersville, I am committed not just to legislating on behalf of our community, but to doing my part to encourage and support these organizations by bringing home the resources they need to give our neighbors the help they deserve.” The following groups received grants: Community Action Partnerships $20,000 to support the Crispus Attucks Community Center’s youth and community-serving programs was awarded by the PA Department of Human Services. City of Lancaster $20,000 to construct and establish the Beaver Street Pocket Park was awarded by PA Department of Community and Economic Development. City of Lancaster Bureau of Fire $15,000 to support fire services was awarded by the PA Office of State Fire Commissioner. Lancaster Township Fire Department $15,000 to support fire services was awarded by the PA Office of State Fire Commissioner. Blue Rock Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El & Sturla: GOP should redirect its wrath about school district budgets to cybercharters

(Feb 08, 2023)

The funding system in Pennsylvania is broken, but this is not a “can we fix it?” question. We have the tools, and we have the political will to pass real solutions. Are our colleagues in the GOP ready to join us? Read more

 

O'Mara: State laws can prevent tragedies without penalizing responsible gun owners

(Feb 02, 2023)

In honor of National Gun Violence Survivors Week, I urge everyone to open their minds and their hearts to how we can stop this epidemic and save lives. Read more

 

Speaker Rozzi announces statewide listening tour to break partisan divide, deliver justice to survivors of childhood sex abuse

(Jan 20, 2023)

"It is my hope that at the conclusion of this tour we will have a clear idea on how best to heal the divides in Harrisburg, what a fair set of House rules should include, and a plan to finally get survivors of childhood sexual assault the justice and truth that they so desperately deserve.” Read more

 

Pa. House speaker to turn to the public for ideas on ending partisan gridlock

(Jan 20, 2023)

Rozzi said he hopes the members of Speaker’s Workgroup join him on the tour and that by the end of it, “we will have a clear idea on how best to heal the divides in Harrisburg." Read more

 

Pashinski, O’Mara re-introduce legislation to reform hospital closure process
Mar 08, 2023

Scott appointed to PA House committees
Mar 08, 2023

Smith-Wade-El appointed to PA House committees
Mar 08, 2023

Daley named House Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development Committee majority chair
Mar 07, 2023

Sturla named chair of Housing and Community Development Committee
Mar 07, 2023

Rozzi authors bill to encourage Pennsylvanians to pursue education degrees
Mar 06, 2023

Krueger elected to House Democratic Caucus administrator position
Mar 01, 2023

Pennsylvania House ready to take on business with new operating rules
Mar 01, 2023

Rozzi leaves speaker's role with blistering words for Harrisburg
Mar 01, 2023

Rozzi announces funding awarded to Reading-based minority-owned business
Feb 27, 2023

Delaware Co. House Democrats congratulate area libraries for state grants
Feb 24, 2023

Hanbidge congratulates Wissahickon Valley Public Library for $182,622 state grant
Feb 24, 2023

Howard congratulates Malvern Public Library for $35,489 state grant
Feb 24, 2023

Berks Co. House Democrats congratulate Workforce Board on state grant
Feb 22, 2023

Scott: $42K awarded to Hancock Elementary School to purchase oven
Feb 22, 2023

Smith-Wade-El secures $115K for 49th District: District Office Open House Will Be Held Friday, March 3
Feb 17, 2023

Smith-Wade-El & Sturla: GOP should redirect its wrath about school district budgets to cybercharters
Feb 08, 2023

O'Mara: State laws can prevent tragedies without penalizing responsible gun owners
Feb 02, 2023

Speaker Rozzi announces statewide listening tour to break partisan divide, deliver justice to survivors of childhood sex abuse
Jan 20, 2023

Pa. House speaker to turn to the public for ideas on ending partisan gridlock
Jan 20, 2023