News Center

Khan Fights for Capitol Accessibility

(May 02, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

Pa. state Rep. Tarik Khan joined disability advocates, many with mobility issues, from around the Commonwealth as they climb the front steps of the state Capitol. Khan admired the strength of the advocates as they climbed up the steps to point out the lack of access to the Capitol, and says he will continue to fight to make sure people with disabilities have the access they need. Read more

 

Khan Rallies for Full Practice Authority

(May 01, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

As a nurse practitioner himself, Pa. state Rep. Tarik Khan emphasized why it’s critical to adopt full practice authority for nurse practitioners, removing barriers that would allow them to deliver better care to their patients. As it stands, 27 states have adopted full practice authority and the longer Pennsylvania waits to act, the more NPs will leave the state to practice elsewhere. Read more

 

Our Bipartisan Veterans Legislation Helps Give Our Brave Heroes Their Due

(Apr 29, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

Image: Rep Tarik Khan (D, Philadelphia) stands at podium with a bipartisan group of ten state legislators standing behind him in the PA Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg, PA A s Printed in the Chestnut Hill Local, East Falls Now, and Roxborough Review By State Representative Tarik Khan As my mom tells it, the neighborhood kids always wanted Dave on their team. Dave’s speed and confidence meant that his team usually won. Dave also constantly cracked jokes, which made those pick-up game’s victory all the sweeter. But after Dave's gallant military service in Vietnam, he told friends he never quite felt like himself. His throat always seemed to itch and tingle. Like a few sips of water might clear it. But never really did. The nagging cough began later, and then seemed to be constant. And although he was always a thriving kid, Dave's cycle of recurrent sinus infections now seemed endless. Dave's respiratory issues and other seemingly unrelated health problems always stumped his doctors. He was tired a lot. His hands and feet constantly tingled. Dave could not conceive children anymore, even though he had kids before the war. Later in adulthood, Dave never seemed to be able to catch a full breath of air. Years after his service, Dave and his many fellow Vietnam veterans learned their array of health problems stemmed from their exposure to Agent Orange. This Read more

 

Khan Restocks Wissahickon Creek

(Apr 25, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

Pa. state Rep. Tarik Khan spent an afternoon with state Rep. Mary Jo Daley along the Wissahickon Creek stocking it full of trout for the upcoming fishing season. Khan stresses the importance of getting outdoors and wishes you the best of luck this fishing season! Read more

 

Khan Recognizes 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators

(Apr 19, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

Pa. state Rep. Tarik Khan spoke about legislation that would reclassify 911 Public Safety Operators as First Responders, which would grant them better benefits, negotiable wages, boost recruitment, and ensure workplace dignity among dispatchers. In many cases, these dispatchers are listening to someone who may be taking their last breath or someone who is witnessing someone else dying. It’s time that 911 dispatchers get the recognition they rightfully deserve. Read more

 

State lawmakers call for support for PA’s telecommunicators

(Apr 17, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

HARRISBURG, April 17 – State Reps. Roni Green and Tarik Khan, both D-Phila., were joined by a bipartisan group of their legislative colleagues, public safety telecommunicators and advocates at the state Capitol today to celebrate “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” and discuss how the legislature can work to help Pennsylvania’s telecommunicators and 911 dispatchers. The telecommunicators and advocates who were present included Jack Morgan III, 911 operator from Allegheny County; Sara Slote, dispatch manager, Lancaster County 911; Bill Perkins, state constable; Garrett Rienhardt, recipient of life-saving care; Tyler Griffith, dispatcher; AFSCME members; and Gordon Zimmet, Local 1637 president. At the news conference, the legislators discussed a resolution (H.R. 377), introduced by Green that recognizes the week of April 14-20 “Public Safety Telecommunicators Week” in Pennsylvania. The resolution was adopted by the House later in the day. “911 dispatchers are the point of first contact between the caller and first responders. The speed and efficiency with which they work saves lives. They parse through heaps of information in very chaotic situations and support callers during what is often one of the most difficult moments of their lives,” Green said. “It’s time for the commonwealth to give back to 911 dispatchers the kind of support they give us. My daughter worked Read more

 

Khan to introduce bipartisan legislation empowering recovery community organizations

(Apr 10, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

HARRISBURG, April 10 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., today announced he will soon introduce bipartisan legislation to help prevent opioid overdose and support long-term recovery. This legislation would require Medicaid coverage and licensure for recovery community organizations providing peer recovery support services. Recovery community organizations help individuals and their families as they navigate to successful recovery and healthy lifestyles; however, they are currently not a licensable entity type in Pennsylvania, and individuals with substance use disorder only qualify for peer recovery services through Medicaid if they also have a mental illness. “So proud to help lead this effort to increase access to support services for individuals with substance use,” Khan said. “As a nurse practitioner and state legislator, I am committed to supporting recovery community organizations— key allies in increasing recovery and reducing overdoses across the state.” This bill has support from advocates outside the legislature including Robert D. Ashford, executive director for Unity Recovery, and Lauryn Wicks, family member and advocate. "Peer support workers and recovery community organizations are such a critical part of how we respond to substance use and mental health concerns in Pennsylvania,” Ashford said. “This legislation ensures that peers can be paid Read more

 

April 8, 2024 E-Newsletter

(Apr 08, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

Rep. Khan's E-Newsletter from April 8, 2024. Read more

 

Khan: Demand Action on #GhostGun Legislation

(Apr 05, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

PA state Rep. Tarik Khan stands with Philadelphia House Delegation colleagues to urge the #PASenate to take action on pending legislation that would close the ghost gun loophole. Khan says current state laws make it easy for untraceable firearms to end up in the wrong hands and urges every Pennsylvanian to call their state Senator and demand action. Read more

 

Khan Stands in Solidarity with University of Pennsylvania Workers

(Apr 03, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

Pledging #SolidarityForever, PA state Rep. Tarik Khan shows his support for the Coalition of Workers seeking union representation at the University of Pennsylvania. Khan says these workers, like all workers, deserve fair pay, good benefits, and healthy working conditions. Read more

 

Khan Honors Veterans with Two Resolutions

(Mar 28, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

PA state Rep. Tarik Khan joined state Reps. Paul Takac and Brian Munroe in drafting resolutions that would support Pennsylvania veterans by creating a task force to help veterans exposed to toxic chemicals access the programs and care they deserve and honor their service by declaring March 29, 2024, as “Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day” in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

State lawmakers aim to honor and support Pennsylvania veterans

(Mar 27, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

HARRISBURG, March 27 – Today, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers held a news conference at the Capitol touting legislation they’ve introduced to support Pennsylvania veterans exposed to the dangerous herbicide “Agent Orange” and other toxic chemicals during their service, and make March 29 Vietnam Veterans Day in Pennsylvania . This group of lawmakers includes state Reps. Paul Takac, D-Centre; Mike Cabell, R-Luzerne; Brian Munroe, D-Bucks; Dane Watro, R-Schuylkill/Luzerne; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; Zachary Mako, R-Northampton/Lehigh; Chris Pielli, D-Chester; and Abby Major, R-Armstrong/Westmoreland. Both bills were introduced earlier this year. “We owe all those who have served our country, especially those who have been harmed as a result of their service, not only our profound respect and gratitude but an enduring commitment to serve and support them and their families. That, of course, includes Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to -- and at the time, unknowingly harmed by -- Agent Orange. As our understanding of the extent of the damage caused by that chemical exposure has grown and evolved, so have the programs and benefits available to those affected,” Takac said. “Since taking office, one of my areas of focus has been ensuring that veterans and their families are aware of and can more easily access all of the benefits and support available to them,” he said. Read more

 

Schlossberg and Khan Offer Opening Prayer

(Mar 27, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

Embracing an opportunity to highlight common values and ideals, PA state Reps. Tarik Khan and Mike Schlossberg deliver the opening prayer for the #PAHouse, borrowed from the holy books of Judaism and Islam! Read more

 

Khan to introduce bipartisan legislation to assist small businesses impacted by natural disasters

(Mar 22, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

HARRISBURG, March 22 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., announced that he plans to introduce legislation with a bipartisan group of legislators to assist small businesses that are affected by natural disasters. Khan said he will be joined by state Reps. Jamie Flick, R-Lycoming/Union; Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery; Jason Ortitay, R-Washington/Allegheny; and Jose Giral, D-Phila, in introducing the legislation. the legislation would create a Small Business Catastrophe Savings Account, which would allow for small businesses to deposit pre-tax dollars into a specially designated savings account. Small businesses would be able to deduct this amount from their taxes; however, they would only be permitted to use these funds to help recover from a natural disaster when their insurance claim does not cover the full cost of rebuilding. If the small business needs the money in the future for another unrelated reason, the money could be withdrawn, but the business would need to remit all taxes owed. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, and we must do all that we can to ensure a natural disaster -- that they have no control over -- does not completely upend their business,” Khan said. “This legislation is fair and gives these businesses the opportunity to be better prepared financially in the case of one of these catastrophes.” The lawmakers expressed their belief that allowing Read more

 

Khan ‘Michael’s Law’ Bill Highlighted in House Committee Hearing

(Mar 21, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

PHILADELPHIA, March 21 – Today, the Pennsylvania House Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development Committee held a hearing at the Woodmere Art Museum about legislation introduced by state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila. Khan’s bill would require venues to waive admission fees for personal care attendants. This legislation is called “Michael’s Law” in honor of Michael Anderson, a Pennsylvania man with cerebral palsy, who was forced to pay a dual fee for entrance to a local museum because he required a paid personal-care aide to accompany him. “People with disabilities who require a personal care attendant should not have to pay double admission to go to a venue — once for themself and one for their vital caregiver,” Khan said. “Just as we wouldn't charge a EMT to enter a stadium because they were responding to a 911 call, we shouldn’t be charging people twice to enter a venue. This simple allowance opens venues for persons often marginalized in our society, and it is the right thing to do.” Committee Chair Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, echoed Khan’s sentiment for this legislation. “This legislation will help to ensure that those with disabilities are able to bring their caregivers with them to visit sports arenas, museums, theaters, and other venues,” she said. The committee heard from testifiers Read more

 

Khan Fights to Keep Chestnut Hill West Rail Service

(Mar 20, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

PA state Rep. Tarik Khan stands with colleagues, stakeholders and activists to demand adequate funding for public transportation across the commonwealth. Khan calls Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal a good start, but cautions that more funding is needed to guarantee service and safety in the future. Read more

 

State lawmakers take legislative aim to honor Muslim and Jewish Pennsylvanians

(Mar 14, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

HARRISBURG, March 14 – A diverse group of lawmakers proudly joined together today to unveil legislation honoring the heritage and contributions of Jewish and Muslim Pennsylvanians. “Growing up as a Muslim kid in a Jewish neighborhood with a Catholic mom, I saw every day how diversity makes us stronger, better and more empathetic,” said state Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., lead sponsor of the resolution to designate July 2024 as Muslim Heritage Month. “To paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi, ‘different religions are beautiful flowers from the same garden,’ and are equally true and majestic. Today’s resolutions are about celebrating these two equally beautiful and magnificent faiths.” The Muslim American Heritage Month measure will be introduced alongside of a resolution by state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, to designate May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month . “These two great faiths and cultures helped shape the world, and they also help shape almost every community in this commonwealth,” Frankel said. “At a time when conflict abroad has Jewish and Muslim Pennsylvanians feeling vulnerable, it’s more important than ever to create space for cultural education and appreciation.” Khan and Frankel were joined by several colleagues in the introduction of the two pieces of legislation: Reps. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton; Matt Gergely, D-Allegheny; Jose Read more

 

Khan to roll out healthcare workforce legislative package

(Mar 14, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

HARRISBURG, March 14 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., today announced that he plans to introduce two bills to help address shortages of healthcare workers so that all Pennsylvanians can receive high-quality medical care. These bills would provide for the recruitment and retainment of nursing faculty members and health care preceptors. The first bill would establish the New Nursing Faculty Grant Program to provide grants of up to $10,000 per year for newly employed, full-time nursing faculty members. The second bill would establish the Pennsylvania Health Care Preceptor Deduction to incentivize qualified individuals to serve as preceptors for advanced practice nurses, physicians, physician assistants and registered nurses by providing a $1,000 tax deduction for doing do. “As a nurse practitioner, I know how important it is to keep our healthcare workforce supply strong,” Khan said. “Recruiting nursing faculty is often difficult, and healthcare preceptors are often hard to find. Our bill will help ensure critical support for both nursing faculty and healthcare professional preceptors.” The nursing faculty grant program is modeled after a Maryland program that was highly successful. The second bill would make Pennsylvania the sixth state to take action to incentivize medical professionals to enter preceptorships. Nearly 80,000 applicants across the nation were not Read more

 

Khan Fights for Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners

(Mar 08, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

Pa. state Rep. Tarik Khan spoke during a joint House Health and Professional Licensure Committee meeting about the necessity of authorizing full practice authority for nurse practitioners. As a nurse practitioner since 2011, Khan recognizes the need for the safe, effective care that NP’s are able to provide their patients. Read more

 

Gallagher, Khan, Warren call for PA to update insurance laws around colorectal cancer screenings

(Mar 05, 2024) Rep. Tarik Khan

HARRISBURG, March 5 – Today, state Reps. Pat Galagher, Tarik Khan, both D-Phila., and Perry Warren, D-Bucks, hosted a news conference at the state Capitol announcing that they plan to introduce legislation that would update state insurance laws to expand coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths even though it is a very treatable form of cancer when caught early. When detected in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 90%. The legislators said their legislation would update Pennsylvania’s Insurance Company Law to reduce the age when colorectal cancer screenings are covered to 45 from 50. This legislation also prevents prior authorizations and advance notice for screening colonoscopies for individuals 45 and above. Current law requires health insurance coverage for routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50 based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008. Multiple other states have updated their law to reflect more recent American Cancer Society guidelines from 2018. The updated recommendations call for people to begin screening at age 45 rather than 50. Gallagher, who is a colorectal cancer survivor, said the legislation could result in more early detections and ultimately save lives. “As a survivor of colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the impact that early detection and proper care Read more

 

Khan Fights for Capitol Accessibility
May 02, 2024

Khan Rallies for Full Practice Authority
May 01, 2024

Our Bipartisan Veterans Legislation Helps Give Our Brave Heroes Their Due
Apr 29, 2024

Khan Restocks Wissahickon Creek
Apr 25, 2024

Khan Recognizes 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators
Apr 19, 2024

State lawmakers call for support for PA’s telecommunicators
Apr 17, 2024

Khan to introduce bipartisan legislation empowering recovery community organizations
Apr 10, 2024

April 8, 2024 E-Newsletter
Apr 08, 2024

Khan: Demand Action on #GhostGun Legislation
Apr 05, 2024

Khan Stands in Solidarity with University of Pennsylvania Workers
Apr 03, 2024

Khan Honors Veterans with Two Resolutions
Mar 28, 2024

State lawmakers aim to honor and support Pennsylvania veterans
Mar 27, 2024

Schlossberg and Khan Offer Opening Prayer
Mar 27, 2024

Khan to introduce bipartisan legislation to assist small businesses impacted by natural disasters
Mar 22, 2024

Khan ‘Michael’s Law’ Bill Highlighted in House Committee Hearing
Mar 21, 2024

Khan Fights to Keep Chestnut Hill West Rail Service
Mar 20, 2024

State lawmakers take legislative aim to honor Muslim and Jewish Pennsylvanians
Mar 14, 2024

Khan to roll out healthcare workforce legislative package
Mar 14, 2024

Khan Fights for Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners
Mar 08, 2024

Gallagher, Khan, Warren call for PA to update insurance laws around colorectal cancer screenings
Mar 05, 2024