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Neilson’s statement regarding transportation funding in Pa. budget

(Jul 12, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee Majority Chair Ed Neilson made the following statement today regarding increases in the budget for transportation funding and mass-transit funding. “Today’s budget agreement includes a lot to celebrate as it relates to transportation, including an increase of $110 million for highway maintenance, an increase of $75 million for road and bridge maintenance, and an additional $50 million for road and bridge construction – these are real investments to deliver a smoother, safer commute for everyone. “I am proud of what the House Democratic majority has accomplished in this budget for transportation, but this is only the beginning. After years of underfunding transit, today’s budget agreement includes a funding increase of $80.5 million for transit while we continue to negotiate a long-term funding solution. “This is the first time in over a decade that we have successfully increased state funding for transit, and it never would have happened without our House Democratic majority. This is a down payment and a promise to keep working and negotiating so we can fully fund our transit agencies in all 67 counties so that our residents in urban, suburban and rural communities can continue to have affordable and accessible ways to get to work, school, medical appointments and wherever they need to go. “I look forward to working with my colleagues over the coming Read more

 

House Democratic Leadership: 2024-25 state budget delivers for working families, invests historic funding for public education

(Jul 11, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

This budget delivers a win for all Pennsylvanians. It builds a better future for all of us Read more

 

Abney votes ‘yes’ on new state budget, calls plan a game-changer for education

(Jul 11, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, July 11 – State Rep. Aerion Abney today voted in favor of Pennsylvania’s new budget for 2024-25, saying that the plan will fundamentally change the way the state funds its public schools and provide a path toward equality in public education. “A public school education is supposed to be the great equalizer, but for decades, that hasn’t been the case here in PA because of an unconstitutional funding system that ties the quality of a student’s education to the wealth of their ZIP code,” Abney said. “I voted for the new state plan because I believe its $1.3 billion investment in students will be a game-changer. It’s time to level the playing field and ensure all Pennsylvania students get the quality education they deserve – and it’s also time to start easing the burden of rising property taxes residents have shouldered for too long. “The new plan also provides a more realistic formula for funding our cyber charters, so they don’t continue draining dollars from our brick-and-mortar public schools.” Abney said the new spending plan promises to make higher education more affordable for students. “Pennsylvania is ranked 49 th in the nation when it comes to public funding for higher education per student,” Abney said. “The result is that many young Pennsylvanians either forego college altogether or end up starting their lives and Read more

 

Ciresi highlights historic investment in education, cyber charter reform in PA budget

(Jul 11, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 11 – After his vote to approve the state budget tonight, state Rep. Joe Ciresi highlighted its progress in delivering historic education funding and investing in Pennsylvanians without raising taxes as the reasons for his support. Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 budget includes $1.3 billion in funding for public schools statewide, including reforms to the state’s cyber charter school law to require transparency in advertising and reducing special education overpayments by better aligning tuition to the real cost of educating students. Ciresi had proposed cyber charter reforms in his H.B. 1422, which passed the House with bipartisan support last year. “This budget delivers historic progress for public education, investing more than a billion new dollars in our schools and relieving overburdened property taxpayers,” Ciresi said. “Even though we have more work to do, we’ve also taken an important step for the first time in reforming our broken charter school law by ensuring transparency in cyber charter school advertising, providing relief to school districts paying for mandatory charter school costs, and returning $60 million each year back to the taxpayers. Our successes in delivering more funding for local schools has given them more resources for students and let them rely less on property taxes, and I look forward to seeing that continue with this budget.” Locally, the budget increases funding for Montgomery Read more

 

Benham PBM reform bill heads to governor’s desk

(Jul 11, 2024) Rep. Jessica Benham

Legislation to crack down on predatory drug pricing practices clears state House and Senate Read more

 

PBM reform legislation heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk

(Jul 11, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

A bill supported by state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta that would help smaller, local pharmacies stay in business while driving down medication prices for consumers is heading to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature. Kenyatta was a co-sponsor on of state Rep. Jessican Benham’s bill to save community pharmacies and lower prescription drug costs by reforming pharmacy benefit manager policies in Pennsylvania. “I will always support legislation that helps us refocus on small local businesses instead of huge national corporations,” Kenyatta said. “This bill does that by keeping the pharmacies in control of their business practices instead of arbitrary rules set in place by pharmacy benefit managers.” Once signed into law, H.B. 1993 will limit or ban specific PBM practices, including spread pricing, patient steering, retroactive recoupment of money paid by the PBM to the pharmacy, and forcing prescriptions to be ordered by mail. The bill has passed the state House and Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature. Read more

 

Neilson applauds passage of fair and equitable EV fee legislation

(Jul 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, said he was happy to work on a bipartisan agreement for legislation (S.B. 656) passed by the state House today that would require electric vehicle owners to pay their fair share to help upkeep Pennsylvania’s massive network of roads and bridges. “Everyone who uses Pennsylvania roads should have to pay their part to help keep our roads safe and our bridges in top shape,” Neilson said. “I’m happy to implement a solution that is fair, equitable and accommodating for Pennsylvania’s electric vehicle owners.” Currently, electric vehicle owners are supposed to be paying the Alternative Fuel Tax on electricity. However, most owners do not do this because they are unaware that they must and because the process is too cumbersome, with owners having to self-report the tax to the Department of Revenue monthly based on how much electricity they use to charge their vehicles at home. Neilson said the bill would repeal the impractical Alternative Fuel Tax on electricity for residential charging and replace it with an annual fee of $200 in 2025, then $250 in 2026. After that it would be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (rounded to the nearest dollar). Owners would have the option of paying the fee in full or in monthly installments. Owners of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles would pay a reduced fee of $50 in 2025, then $63 in 2026. “We Read more

 

Ciresi proposal waiving vehicle fees for decorated and injured veterans heading to governor’s desk

(Jul 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 10 – An omnibus transportation bill (HB 2301) including language from a bill introduced by state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, to waive vehicle title and registration fees for veterans who were captured, injured or received the Congressional Medal of Honor while serving has been sent to the governor’s desk. The proposal had been previously introduced by Ciresi as a standalone bill (HB 105), which passed the House unanimously in April. With its inclusion in and the passage of HB 2301, it is now on its way to be signed into law. “When veterans return home, the impact of their traumatic experiences are further compounded by financial hurdles such as relocation, finding new homes, applying for jobs and registering their vehicles,” Ciresi said. “These heroes deserve our compassion and gratitude, and that’s why I introduced this legislation to help relieve some of the pressure by waiving vehicle registration fees. By permanently removing registration fees for veterans who were injured, captured, or received our highest military decoration, we would show our permanent appreciation for their sacrifices and service.” Currently, recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, seriously injured veterans, and former POWs pay a $10 vehicle registration processing fee. Under the recently passed legislation, this fee will be removed, and they will no longer be subject to titling fees. For recipients of the Purple Heart, Read more

 

‘We need reform’: State Rep. calls for change in Philly Sheriff’s Office amid reports of growing dysfunction

(Jul 10, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“It seems like this is so ministerial and bureaucratic in nature. Why can’t we do this?” Solomon asked. “Our communities deserve a lot better.” Read more

 

Scott, Venkat: Bill to require insurers to provide multiple payment options to reimburse health care providers passes General Assembly

(Jul 10, 2024) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, July 8 — State Reps. Greg Scott and Arvind Venkat said a crucial piece of legislation that aims to protect health care practitioners and their patients from unfair reimbursement practices imposed by some insurers is headed to the governor’s desk. House Bill 1664 would address how certain insurers require claims payments to be made through credit or debit card equivalents, which involves the insurer providing a series of numbers that the health care provider must enter on a website or credit card terminal. This process forces health care practices to absorb transaction fees, sometimes as high as 5%, or pass these additional costs on to patients. Insurers sometimes even receive a percentage of the transaction fee. Many health care offices, particularly those run by small business owners, are not fully equipped to handle end-to-end electronic claims processing, especially for bulk claim payments. As a result, these practices may be forced to upgrade their payment systems simply to be paid for the services they provide to patients covered under an insurer’s plan. This requirement unfairly restricts their business practices and increases operational costs. "In passing House Bill 1664, we're taking a significant step to ensure fairness in health care reimbursement practices,” said Scott, D-Montgomery. “This legislation would be a victory for dentists and their patients, ensuring that Read more

 

Ciresi, Marcell bipartisan bill to allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional use passes the House

(Jul 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 9 – Bipartisan legislation ( H.B. 1526 ) introduced by state Reps. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Kristin Marcell, R-Bucks, which would allow Intermediate Units to own facilities for instructional space passed the state House today. IUs are regional educational service agencies created by the legislature in 1970. IUs provide high-quality programs to K-12 public school districts and non-public/private schools. Intermediate units also serve as liaisons between school districts and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Pennsylvania’s 29 intermediate units provide special education, professional development, and technical assistance services to school districts, charter schools and private schools. Every year, more than 175,000 students and 50,000 educators receive services and training from IUs, meeting a variety of needs for students and school districts. Currently, IUs are only permitted to own office space and warehouse facilities, a limitation that prohibits them from owning facilities used for instructional space; a limitation that does not apply to school districts, area career and technical schools, or charter schools. Many IUs operate classrooms and other instructional spaces as providers of important special education, pre-school programs and other educational services. All these instructional facilities must be leased, burdening IUs with rental costs that sometimes greatly exceed what it would cost the IU to purchase and own the Read more

 

Rabb encouraged by movement on adult use cannabis

(Jul 09, 2024) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

HARRISBURG, July 9 – After joining colleagues from the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus for a news conference on adult use cannabis today, state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., said he is encouraged by the continued groundswell of support among state legislators for equitable and inclusive adult use cannabis legalization. Rabb, founding member of the PA Cannabis Caucus and founding chair of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Equity Committee, has been a long-time advocate and ardent supporter of smart and truly equitable adult use cannabis legalization. “We have to get this right. It’s not about being the next state to legalize cannabis; it’s about being the best,” Rabb said. “We’re going to get it done right when people who are closest to the pain say, ‘this is good;’ it’s not going to be the lobbyists and it’s not going to be the industry elites. “We must commit to establishing a truly independent, autonomous quasi-governmental entity free from the political vicissitudes of the legislative and executive branches that abound. It is one thing to say we are going to set aside some money, but if you don’t empower and generously fund an independent and autonomous entity to steward those funds to do the things that our legislature has failed to do for generations, all is for naught. “The entity that oversees the broad array of social equity measures must be Read more

 

House adopts Abney resolution requiring state to study student barriers to career and technical education programs

(Jul 09, 2024) Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney

HARRISBURG, July 9 – With thousands of students being turned away from career and technical education programs, the Pennsylvania House today adopted a resolution introduced by state Rep. Aerion Abney that would require the state to study the problem and recommend ways to expand access to these programs. Abney said he introduced H.R. 481 – which calls on the Legislative Budget and Finance Commission to identify student barriers to CTE and make recommendations – to address a disturbing trend. “Our CTE programs are incredibly important because they provide young adults with the skills they need for good-paying, family-sustaining jobs,” Abney said. “Unfortunately, thousands of students are being turned away or wait-listed for these programs. It’s an issue that is depriving young adults of critical training tools and diminishing the pool of talented applicants that employers need to remain competitive. “If we’re really serious about maintaining a strong workforce and ensuring we can provide the kinds of opportunities that make young adults want to stay, raise families here and contribute back to the economy, then we need to address this issue. If the problem is one of capacity, then we need to secure the necessary funding to expand our CTE programs statewide. This study will be an important first step.” Abney said Pennsylvania has more than 68,000 students attending Read more

 

Bipartisan bill strengthening Pennsylvania’s election code passes the House

(Jul 09, 2024) Rep. Ben Sanchez

"Ensuring a standardized and timely certification process for election results is crucial to upholding the integrity of our democracy,” Sanchez said. Read more

 

Neilson applauds passage of omnibus transportation bill

(Jul 09, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House of Representatives passed legislation which would support many of the priorities set forth by state Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee. House Bill 2301, an omnibus transportation bill, would raise the annual income cap for retirees to qualify for an $10 vehicle registration by approximately $10,000. Neilson said that moving forward, the cap would rise annually to keep pace with inflation. This cost-cutting move to aid retired people was proposed by state Rep. Bob Merski in H.B. 250 which the House passed in September. He added that the bill would waive title and registration fees on any one vehicle owned by a U.S. veteran who was injured or captured while serving. This language comes from Rep. Ciresi's H.B. 150 which the House passed in April. Neilson said the bill also retains language that would extend the distracted driving license plate program and it include license plates proposed by Rep. Jose Giral (Borinqueneers) and Rep. Nancy Guenst (Women Veterans). The bill now heads to Gov. Shapiro's desk for his signature to enact it into state law. Read more

 

Parker’s bill to improve maternal and child health outcomes passes PA House

(Jul 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation authored by state Rep. Darisha Parker that would establish the Maternal Home Visiting Act passed the PA House of Representatives today. The legislation (H.B. 1425) would direct the state Department of Human Services to develop a five-year plan comprised of evidence-based steps that are proven to reduce negative health outcomes, prevent abuse and neglect, reduce crime and to provide parenting classes. “My biggest priority as a state lawmaker is the health and wellbeing of new and expanding Pennsylvania families,” Parker said. “Young families have enough burdens trying to navigate the new and unknown journey of parenthood; it’s our responsibility to support these families by providing resources that studies show help them thrive.” Parker said that Pennsylvania is eligible for federal funding to offer Maternal Home visits and she looks forward to working with the Department of Human Services to implement the program if it becomes law for all eligible families in the commonwealth. House Bill 1425 now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Period products aren’t a luxury — let’s stop treating them as such

(Jul 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

May is Menstrual Awareness Month, a time to break the stigma and promote understanding about menstruation. It’s a natural process that women experience, and a part of the miraculous biological process that creates life. Even though this process is completely natural and can result in something beautiful, menstruation is often shrouded in secrecy and referred to as something dirty that women must endure, forcing women to speak about it behind closed doors or in whispered voices. This attitude towards a completely natural biological process has contributed to a huge problem for women and girls when it comes to managing their monthly periods – period poverty. Women who can’t afford expensive period products often will miss important life events and even be left unable to attend school or work, creating a vicious cycle of poverty that becomes impossible to escape. Women who experience period poverty are often forced to use unhygienic items that can cause urinary tract and bacterial infections, such as old t-shirts, socks, and even newspaper. It’s not hard to imagine that this often increases incidents of depression and anxiety, leaving women feeling trapped by their own bodies. As elected officials, it’s our duty to look within the communities we serve, listen to their needs and do what we can to advocate for them. This isn’t an issue that constituents brought to my attention, this is something I dealt with as a young girl who started Read more

 

Giral celebrates Philadelphia tow truck accountability becoming law

(Jul 08, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, July 8 – Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed H.B. 816 (now Act 43) into law, requiring tow truck operators in Philadelphia to take photographic evidence of the violation for which they are towing or removing a vehicle. “I am pleased to see this commonsense measure signed into law,” state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., said. “This will benefit everyone involved, the courts, drivers and towing companies, and will ensure greater accountability and transparency in our city.” In Philadelphia, vehicle owners are allowed to provide evidence to the parking hearing examiner that their vehicle was towed unreasonably or unlawfully and avoid paying the associated fees, Giral said. However, without clear evidence of a violation, it’s difficult for the vehicle owners to prove their innocence, and this will change that for the better. Read more

 

Skill Games are a menace to community well being

(Jul 08, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Across Philadelphia, the proliferation of skill games presents a growing concern that threatens the very fabric of our neighborhoods. These games, often touted as harmless forms of entertainment or even sources of income, conceal a darker reality that undermines the quality of life for countless individuals. From the negative impact on social cohesion to the economic strain they impose, the presence of skill games casts a shadow over community life. Read more

 

Gergely’s employment flexibility bill amongst liquor-licensed establishments passes PA Senate

(Jul 03, 2024) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, July 3 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely’s bill that would allow individuals to work at more than one business licensed to sell alcohol passed the state Senate Tuesday, 47-3. Gergely is a member of the PA House Liquor Control Committee and recognized the need to assist licensed food and beverage establishments with H.B. 829 . “The pandemic took a heavy toll on small businesses across the country, especially those in the food and beverage industry. Not only that, bars, restaurants and other liquor-licensed entities are still facing a worker shortage in the post-COVID era, especially when it comes to hiring experienced and knowledgeable staff,” he said. “House Bill 829 would release such workers from the exclusive grip exercised by businesses with liquor licenses, and this new inclusivity would lead to higher profits and boost to local economies. Having extra money in their pockets will help workers and their families afford daily necessities and benefit their financial stability as well. “This bill is a win-win for Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvania small businesses,” Gergely added. “I want to thank House and Senate members on both sides of the aisle for helping this commonsense measure reach this point.” House Bill 829 is Gergely’s second piece of legislation to pass the state Senate this year and now heads to the governor for his signature. Read more

 

Neilson’s statement regarding transportation funding in Pa. budget
Jul 12, 2024

House Democratic Leadership: 2024-25 state budget delivers for working families, invests historic funding for public education
Jul 11, 2024

Abney votes ‘yes’ on new state budget, calls plan a game-changer for education
Jul 11, 2024

Ciresi highlights historic investment in education, cyber charter reform in PA budget
Jul 11, 2024

Benham PBM reform bill heads to governor’s desk
Jul 11, 2024

PBM reform legislation heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk
Jul 11, 2024

Neilson applauds passage of fair and equitable EV fee legislation
Jul 10, 2024

Ciresi proposal waiving vehicle fees for decorated and injured veterans heading to governor’s desk
Jul 10, 2024

‘We need reform’: State Rep. calls for change in Philly Sheriff’s Office amid reports of growing dysfunction
Jul 10, 2024

Scott, Venkat: Bill to require insurers to provide multiple payment options to reimburse health care providers passes General Assembly
Jul 10, 2024

Ciresi, Marcell bipartisan bill to allow intermediate units to own facilities for instructional use passes the House
Jul 09, 2024

Rabb encouraged by movement on adult use cannabis
Jul 09, 2024

House adopts Abney resolution requiring state to study student barriers to career and technical education programs
Jul 09, 2024

Bipartisan bill strengthening Pennsylvania’s election code passes the House
Jul 09, 2024

Neilson applauds passage of omnibus transportation bill
Jul 09, 2024

Parker’s bill to improve maternal and child health outcomes passes PA House
Jul 08, 2024

Period products aren’t a luxury — let’s stop treating them as such
Jul 08, 2024

Giral celebrates Philadelphia tow truck accountability becoming law
Jul 08, 2024

Skill Games are a menace to community well being
Jul 08, 2024

Gergely’s employment flexibility bill amongst liquor-licensed establishments passes PA Senate
Jul 03, 2024