News Center

Legislation by Reps. Ciresi, Davis would provide financial relief to local bars, restaurants

(Aug 20, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi, Rep. Tina Davis

H.B. 2791 would utilize federal CARES Act funding, focus on smaller, community businesses rather than chains and national conglomerates, and place a cap on assistance to help as many businesses as possible. Read more

 

Ciresi calls for additional hazard pay for first responders, frontline workers

(Aug 19, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“While the recent hazard pay grants provided important support to many of our frontline heroes, we need to do more,” Ciresi said. “Unfortunately, due to program guidelines and funding limitations, many of those putting themselves in harm’s way were left out, including firefighters and EMS. We have a responsibility to them – as fellow Pennsylvanians – to honor their long-term sacrifices and risks with financial assistance.” Read more

 

Webster Addresses Structural Racism

(Aug 14, 2020) Rep. Joe Webster

Pa. state Rep. Joe Webster says we demand that Black Lives Matter. This extends beyond policing reform and applies to any situation in which Americans, specifically Americans of color, are discriminately impacted by policy and legislation: intentionally or not. There is no time for diversion & deliberate misinformation. It is time to recognize Black Lives Matter in all things, so all of Pennsylvania can move forward. Read more

 

Let’s champion adaptability, not blame, when we talk about a plan for reopening our schools

(Aug 14, 2020) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

I read state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff’s recent column on the need to prioritize our children’s safety, not politicize it. While I believe Rep. Benninghoff is sincere in his concern for children throughout the commonwealth, I think he and many others in his party are missing the mark when they talk about what our children need from us as this school year gets underway. Read more

 

Kinsey, Webster and PLBC members amplify call to remove Montco Commissioner Joe Gale

(Aug 13, 2020) Southeast Delegation

JEFFERSONVILLE, Aug. 13 – State Reps. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus; and Joe Webster, D-Montgomery, along with PLBC members state Reps. Margo Davidson, D-Delaware, and Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, today participated in a “Free from Hate” news conference led by PA Women Rise at the West Norriton Municipal Center. The group’s “Free from Hate” platform was centered around increased demands for the ousting of Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph Gale for his comments earlier this summer referring to people involved in the Black Lives Matter movement as terrorists. To further amplify their demands, the state legislators unveiled Webster’s H.R. 920 , which would impeach Gale and which Webster introduced in response to the offensive statement. “In our quest to free our communities of hate, we must condemn actors like Commissioner Gale who used his official capacity to perpetuate hate by vilifying residents’ calls for equality and justice,” Kinsey said. “Instead of being an active agent of change in upholding those calls, Gale chose to side with the powers of oppression. His actions demonstrate his complacency with injustice, making him unfit to serve the public, and for that, Gale must be removed immediately.” Concurring with Kinsey, Webster acknowledged the solidarity among lawmakers and community members, and also Read more

 

Women’s Health Caucus calls for investigation into ‘Real Alternatives’ nonprofit

(Aug 13, 2020) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

The WHC chairs called the actions of the nonprofit into question, writing, “For more than 20 years, an organization known as Real Alternatives has been enriching itself and its executives, mismanaging state-appropriated funding, and potentially misdirecting that funding for advertising and legal services, including using Pennsylvania dollars in other states.” Read more

 

Ciresi legislation aims to improve PA students’ living standards

(Aug 11, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“A student’s first off-campus apartment is an exciting and crucial step in his or her growth, but most student tenants are unaware of their rights as tenants or what to do if they experience an unsafe condition in their apartment,” Ciresi said. “This leads too many of our young people living in unsafe conditions or being treated unfairly by landlords.” Read more

 

Delaware County lawmakers call for investigation into violence against Black Lives Matter supporters

(Aug 07, 2020) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG (August 7, 2020) – Today, a group of state lawmakers from Delaware County called for District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer to investigate violence and intimidation aimed at Black Lives Matter supporters during a march in Ridley Township on Saturday, August 1 st . State Sens. Tim Kearney and Anthony Williams as well as State Reps. Leanne Krueger, Margo Davidson, David Delloso, Brian Kirkland, and Joanna McClinton signed the letter, which details how peaceful protesters were met with violence and intimidation by a group of counter-protesters. The letter calls for Delaware County’s District Attorney to investigate the counter-protesters’ actions and the Ridley Township Police Department’s response. “I was proud to participate in the Black Lives Matter protest and stand with people of all races and all ages against systemic racism,” said Sen. Tim Kearney . “But I was disturbed by the hate and intimidation that I witnessed firsthand from counter-protesters. We are better than that. We need to make sure our community feels safe when peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights.” “I join others across our community in expressing horror that this demonstration of love and support for Black lives was met by a menacing group with a mission to taunt and intimidate peaceful protesters,” said Rep. Leanne Krueger . “Instead of actively protecting the First Amendment rights of our Read more

 

Krueger releases statement on violence toward BLM marchers in Ridley

(Aug 05, 2020) Rep. Leanne Krueger

RIDLEY, Aug. 5 – State Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware, released the following statement denouncing violence and intimidation aimed at Black Lives Matter supporters during a march over the weekend here. “I am in awe of our neighbors, especially the young people, who organized a peaceful march through Ridley in support of Black Lives last weekend. By all accounts — from community members with whom I have spoken and video I have seen on social media — the group marching in support of Black Lives was inclusive and peaceful. “I join others across our community in expressing horror that this demonstration of love and support for Black lives was met by a menacing group of predominantly white men, some brandishing weapons and openly intoxicated, standing outside of the Ridley Township Police Station. White men in trucks and on motorcycles were also seen driving recklessly on MacDade Boulevard, dangerously close to protesters. “Videos posted online clearly show hostile and vitriolic language hurled at our neighbors, some of whom marched with young children, and the violent act of ripping a BLM flag out of the hands of a protester. Other incidents captured on camera and by the media suggest a potentially unsafe situation for the protesters. “Instead of actively protecting the First Amendment rights of our neighbors, it appears that Ridley Police were both late to the scene and seemed to be protecting the white counter-protesters Read more

 

New Ciresi legislation promotes cost-saving local government cooperation

(Aug 04, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“With strained budgets, local governments and school districts throughout Pennsylvania are looking for ways to provide necessary services without raising taxes,” Ciresi said. “We have a real opportunity to improve local government and reduce property taxes through back-office reform and shared services, allowing us to do more with less while keeping our local representation and community identity." Read more

 

Breastfeeding isn’t just healthy for mother and child; it’s good for the environment

(Jul 28, 2020) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

During my time as a state representative, I’ve been a strong advocate for the benefits of breastfeeding, and I continue my work to protect employees who are breastfeeding and to generally focus more attention on this subject. Read more

 

Pipeline Safety Investigation Under Way Involving Subsidence Incidents in West Whiteland Township, Chester County

(Jul 17, 2020) BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION & ENFORCEMENT, PA PUC

HARRISBURG – In response to reports of several earth subsidences or “sinkholes” near pipelines in Southeastern Pennsylvania, an investigation is under way involving engineers and experts from the Safety Division of the Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement (I&E) - the independent investigation and enforcement bureau of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). I&E has been, and continues to, closely monitor a string of events near the 400 block of East Lincoln Highway and Route 30/Lincoln Highway, in West Whiteland Township, Chester County. These events occurred near construction being conducted by Sunoco Pipeline LP (Sunoco). No active pipelines were exposed as a result of the subsidences and engineers from the Safety Division continue to closely monitor the situation. Safety Division engineers have been onsite gathering information for their investigation and monitoring the integrity of pipelines in the area. I&E has also been in communication with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT and West Whiteland Township. The first subsidence occurred on July 10, with additional events developing over the next several days. Most recently, mid-afternoon today (July 17), growing cracks were reported in the pavement on business Route 30 near the first reported sinkhole location, impacting some traffic on that roadway. The subsidence locations have been stabilized with grout Read more

 

Ciresi calls for investigation into PA charter schools receiving PPP payments

(Jul 16, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve to know that their tax dollars are spent responsibly and that the funding of a government program is used for its intended purpose. It is therefore important to determine how charter schools were able to justify and obtain these forgivable loans, and whether taxpayer funds from all sources are being used for their legally intended purposes by recipient charter schools and management organizations.” Read more

 

Ciresi, Hanbidge introduce bill to assist PA businesses by delaying registration fees

(Jul 15, 2020) Rep. Liz Hanbidge, Rep. Joseph Ciresi

House Bill 2703 will delay annual registration fees for Limited Liability Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships, Limited Liability Limited Partnerships and Restricted Professional Limited Liability Companies to Dec. 31, 2020. Read more

 

Williams’ police reform bill signed into law

(Jul 14, 2020) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 14 – A police reform bill sponsored by State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, that would bring about the most significant changes to Pennsylvania policing in at least 40 years was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf today as Act 59 of 2020. Williams’ H.B. 1910 will update police training in several areas, including recognizing and reporting child abuse; de-escalation and harm reduction techniques; interacting with individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds; and appropriate use of force. House Bill 1910 is one of 19 bills that members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus urged be considered by the House. The bill was recently passed unanimously by the House and the Senate, along with H.B. 1841 , which would require employers to disclose employment information to a law enforcement agency that is conducting a background investigation of an applicant. H.B.1841 was also signed into law by the governor. “A resounding cry for justice for all citizens has risen up throughout our commonwealth and our nation,” Williams said. “The General Assembly has responded to this impassioned demand to protect the vulnerable by passing these two police reform bills unanimously and by the governor by signing them into law. “I’m proud that my bill will enhance the training the police receive so they can better serve the public and expand the reporting system to Read more

 

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold public hearing on COVID-19 Plans for Long-Term Care Facilities Thursday in Capitol

(Jul 14, 2020) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 14 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on COVID-19 Plans for Long-Term Care Facilities as part of Disability Pride Philadelphia’s Virtual PA 2020. The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 16 in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building in Harrisburg. The media and public are invited to attend and watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . The hearing was requested by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., to explore how the disability community has been impacted by COVID-19 in long-term care facilities Testifiers and members will participate in person and remotely. Testifiers will include: Sarah Boateng , executive deputy secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Health Keara Klinepeter , special adviser to the secretary of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Health Kristin Ahrens , deputy secretary of the Office of Developmental Programs, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Matt Yarnell , president, SEIU Healthcare PA Emma Graham , certified nursing assistant Elyse Ford , vice president, District 1199C Misty Dixon , chief executive officer, Center for Independent Living of North Central PA Justin Bell , nursing home survivor For more information about the Policy Committee and testimonies, go to Read more

 

Ciresi condemns House blocking debate, amendments on constitutional amendment

(Jul 13, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“This extraordinary decision was a shameful abuse of legislative power,” Ciresi said. “While all bills deserve to be properly debated and discussed, and potentially improved through amendments, this is especially true for amendments to the constitution itself. To push through a bill of this magnitude without a public hearing or discussion, while refusing to even consider amendments that my colleagues worked hard to draft, is unacceptable.” Read more

 

Ciresi applauds Phoenixville rail study, pushes Montco service

(Jul 13, 2020) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“Bringing back the train is critical to reviving the downtowns of Pottstown and Royersford, creating new jobs, increasing property values, and improving quality of life. Everyone – not just train passengers – stands to benefit from these positive impacts. I am proud to continue to work with stakeholders on this important priority, and look forward to seeing further developments as we continue to move forward.” Read more

 

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold public hearing on COVID-19 health disparities Wednesday in Capitol

(Jul 13, 2020) Southeast Delegation

HARRISBURG, July 13 –State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that the House Democratic Policy Committee will hold public hearing on COVID-19 health disparities. The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building of the Capitol Complex. The media and public are invited to attend and watch the livestream at www.pahouse.com/live . The hearing was requested by state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and Democratic Chair of House Health Committee; state Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and chair of Pa. Legislative Black Caucus; and state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., and chair of the Welcoming PA Caucus to explore the impact of COVID-19 on health disparities. Testifiers and members will participate in person and remotely. Testifiers will include: Hannah Hardy, MPA, PhD , director, Allegheny County’s Chronic Diseases and Injury Prevention Program. Tyra Bryant-Stephens, MD , medical director of the Community Asthma Prevention Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the Philadelphia Board of Health. Tiffany Gary-Webb, MHS, PhD , associate professor in the departments of Epidemiology and Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health. Meagan Hume, MDP , health coordinator, HIAS Pennsylvania. For more information about the Policy Read more

 

Delloso announces shred event Saturday, July 11

(Jul 06, 2020) Southeast Delegation

State Rep. David Delloso, D-Delaware, will host his free Shred and Electronic Waste Event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 11 at the Norwood Fire Company. The fire company is located at 336 Chester Pike in Norwood. Read more

 

Legislation by Reps. Ciresi, Davis would provide financial relief to local bars, restaurants
Aug 20, 2020

Ciresi calls for additional hazard pay for first responders, frontline workers
Aug 19, 2020

Webster Addresses Structural Racism
Aug 14, 2020

Let’s champion adaptability, not blame, when we talk about a plan for reopening our schools
Aug 14, 2020

Kinsey, Webster and PLBC members amplify call to remove Montco Commissioner Joe Gale
Aug 13, 2020

Women’s Health Caucus calls for investigation into ‘Real Alternatives’ nonprofit
Aug 13, 2020

Ciresi legislation aims to improve PA students’ living standards
Aug 11, 2020

Delaware County lawmakers call for investigation into violence against Black Lives Matter supporters
Aug 07, 2020

Krueger releases statement on violence toward BLM marchers in Ridley
Aug 05, 2020

New Ciresi legislation promotes cost-saving local government cooperation
Aug 04, 2020

Breastfeeding isn’t just healthy for mother and child; it’s good for the environment
Jul 28, 2020

Pipeline Safety Investigation Under Way Involving Subsidence Incidents in West Whiteland Township, Chester County
Jul 17, 2020

Ciresi calls for investigation into PA charter schools receiving PPP payments
Jul 16, 2020

Ciresi, Hanbidge introduce bill to assist PA businesses by delaying registration fees
Jul 15, 2020

Williams’ police reform bill signed into law
Jul 14, 2020

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold public hearing on COVID-19 Plans for Long-Term Care Facilities Thursday in Capitol
Jul 14, 2020

Ciresi condemns House blocking debate, amendments on constitutional amendment
Jul 13, 2020

Ciresi applauds Phoenixville rail study, pushes Montco service
Jul 13, 2020

House Democratic Policy Committee to hold public hearing on COVID-19 health disparities Wednesday in Capitol
Jul 13, 2020

Delloso announces shred event Saturday, July 11
Jul 06, 2020