News Center

E-BLAST: Updates from Harrisburg and more!

(Jun 16, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

Updates from Harrisburg, I-95 closure updates, upcoming events and more! Read more

 

E-BLAST: Busy Month in Harrisburg!

(Jun 09, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

As the June 30th budget deadline approaches, June is a particularly busy month in the House. Read more

 

Gov. Josh Shapiro stresses importance of free breakfast for school children during visit to Colonial School District

(Jun 05, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

Governor, education secretary highlight projected budgetary funding for school meals Read more

 

Scott announces series of Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Program Clinics throughout June

(Jun 02, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

NORRISTOWN, JUNE 2 – State Rep. Greg Scott, D- Montgomery, announced today a series of free Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program clinics that his office will hold in Montgomery County throughout June. “I am bringing my office services around the 54th district to help everyone who is eligible get cash rebates to help offset some of the cost of property taxes and rent,” Scott said. “The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is a fantastic program, particularly for so many of our seniors, and we want as many people from across the district to apply as possible before the June 30 deadline." The series of Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program clinics will be held at the following times, dates and locations: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, June 6, Conshohocken Community Center (at the Fellowship House), 515 Harry St., Conshohocken. 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, June 12, Greater Plymouth Community Center, 2910 Jolly Road, Plymouth Meeting. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 15, Conshohocken Free Library, 301 Fayette St., Conshohocken. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, June 22, Norristown District Office, 1019 W. Main St., Norristown. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is available to eligible Pennsylvanians 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and older, and people with disabilities 18 and older. The current annual income limit is $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters, with half of Social Security income excluded. Spouses, personal representatives or Read more

 

E-BLAST: NEW Housing Resources on my Website, Property Tax Clinics, and Events

(Jun 02, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

My website, PAHouse.com/Scott/Housing, now has a dedicated page for the plethora of housing and rental resources you may need for housing assistance. Read more

 

Fairness Act passes PA House

(May 02, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

HARRISBURG, May 2 – Today, the Fairness Act (H.B. 300) passed out of the Pennsylvania House and is headed to the Senate for a future vote. Below is a quote that can be attributed to the co-prime sponsors of this bill: Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila; Jessica Benham, Dan Frankel and La’Tasha D. Mayes, all D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery. “Today is a historic day, as we take a critical step to make Pennsylvania fairer. The Fairness Act is as simple as it is substantive. H.B. 300 would protect LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians from facing discrimination and allow all individuals in the commonwealth to file complaints with the PA Human Relations Commission. “Now, we call on the Senate to quickly consider and pass this legislation and send it to Governor Shapiro’s desk.” Read more

 

PA LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus holds rally for Fairness Act

(Apr 26, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

HARRISBURG, April 26 – Today, the PA House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, chaired by state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., and Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, held a rally on the PA Capitol steps in Harrisburg promoting the Fairness Act (H.B. 300), anti-discrimination legislation currently moving through the state House. House Bill 300 would prohibit discrimination in PA based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. On Monday, the bill was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee and is headed for an eventual vote by the full House. Today’s rally saw a huge turnout of legislators, advocates and the public. Kenyatta and Benham were joined by the other co-prime sponsors of H.B. 300, state Reps. Dan Frankel and Latasha D. Mayes, both D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery; to speak on their bill. “Pennsylvania is better when it’s fairer. Passing the Fairness Act is the right thing to do for our families, our commonwealth and for our economy. This legislation was first introduced 22 years ago -- leaving committee once before -- and never receiving a full vote,” Kenyatta said. “It’s time for that to change. Pennsylvanians are good and decent people. They know every single one of us should be treated with dignity and respect. We have a chance to deliver on that basic principle and we will.” “The Fairness Act is as Read more

 

‘Fairness Act’ reported out of House Judiciary Committee

(Apr 24, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

HARRISBURG, April 24 – Today, The Fairness Act (H.B. 300) was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee 12-9 and will now head to the House floor for a vote. Prime sponsors of the bill, state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila; Jessica Benham, Dan Frankel and Latasha D. Mayes, all D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery; issued the following statement following the Judiciary Committee vote. “The Fairness Act has been in the works for years and never received fair consideration. With today’s vote in the Judiciary Committee, we took a huge step toward making Pennsylvania fairer for our LGBTQ+ residents. “As H.B. 300 heads to the house floor for a vote, we are ready to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians. “Most Pennsylvanians believe what we believe; Pennsylvania is better when it’s fairer. We hope our colleagues in the House can see eye to eye with us and most Pennsylvanians, so they can meet this monumental moment for our commonwealth and pass H.B 300 out of the House and to the Senate.” Read more

 

Upcoming Events

(Apr 24, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

Check out my upcoming events! Read more

 

Roundtable examines negative impact of selling public water systems

(Apr 20, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, April 20 – The House Majority Policy Committee hosted a tour and roundtable today to discuss how Pennsylvania residents are negatively impacted when public water authorities are sold to for-profit companies, including rate hikes with little to no service improvements. The committee discussed the potential sale and fallout for residents from legal proceedings regarding the sale of Chester Water Authority, including its holding of about 2,000 acres of land. “The sale of this public water authority is bad news for any resident of Pennsylvania who values their ability to access clean water and open green spaces,” said state Rep. Carol Kazeem, who hosted the event and represents portions of Delaware County – including the city of Chester. “For the more than 200,000 paying customers of Chester Water Authority, this sale could result in skyrocketing rate hikes. People who enjoy the outdoors can also expect access to the 2,000 acres of land currently owned by Chester Water Authority to change dramatically – including access for boaters, hikers and anglers. The bottom line is the only one who benefits from this sale is the for-profit company trying to purchase Chester Water Authority.” The city of Chester’s sale of CWA to Essential Utilities , which also does business as Aqua America, is currently held up in court awaiting potential arguments before the state Supreme Read more

 

Rep. Scott to attend first ever Conshy GreenFest

(Apr 20, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

CONSHOHOCKEN, April 20 – State Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, said he will attend the first-ever Conshy GreenFest, hosted by the Conshohocken Environmental Advisory Council from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22 at the Conshohocken Community Center at the Fellowship House, located at 515 Harry St. “The purpose of the Conshy GreenFest is for people of all ages to explore key environmental topics including composting, green energy, climate change, ecofriendly gardening and landscaping, and others,” Scott said. “Educating the community on these issues and offering E-waste recycling drop-off protects the integrity of the future of our environment.” According to Scott, there will be an e-waste recycling point during the event for small items only, including old computers, cell phones and other electronic devices. Residents also can take part in fun exhibits and interactive learning opportunities on composting, tree planting, native plants, renewable energy, electric cars and bikes, and many more. Scott and his office staff will be there to assist with any legislative questions and constituent services, including SEPTA Key Cards, energy services and more. More information is available on the event page or by contacting Scott’s office at 484-685-3494. Read more

 

Lawmakers acknowledge esports as part of equitable solution

(Apr 19, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

PHILADELPHIA, April 19 – State lawmakers learned more about the billion-dollar industry of esports and its positive impact on the economy and education during a House Majority Policy Committee roundtable discussion and tour Wednesday. Esports, which is short for electronic sports, are video games played in organized, competitive environments for spectators or the viewing public. Esports are increasingly becoming more common in high schools and higher education, since it exposes a diverse group of students to not only careers in gaming and software but also a multitude of STEM-related careers – and develops familiarity with digital technology at a young age. “As we heard today, esports can provide the spark needed by students to encourage academic and emotional development,” said Rep. Danilo Burgos, who represents portions of Philadelphia and is the chairman of the Policy Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People. “One of the most exciting aspects about esports, for me as a legislator and Latino, is its potential for an equitable solution to our strikingly low number of Black and Hispanic workers in STEM-related careers. Esports attract a diverse group of students, regardless of race or gender, and it has proven itself as a gateway into encouraging young people to pursue STEM education as well as STEM-related careers.” While esports teams exist throughout Pennsylvania at the high school level, the cost associated with Read more

 

Second Annual Early Childhood Education Equity Champions from the 54th Legislative District

(Apr 18, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

Acting Secretary for the Department of Human Services Dr. Valerie Arkoosh today celebrated the Second Annual Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award with recipients from across the Commonwealth in the Capitol Rotunda. More than 50 award recipients, including individual professionals and exemplary programs, were recognized in the Second Annual Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Award from across the Commonwealth. Of those, I would like to congratulate recipients from the 54 th District ! Saint Francis ELC was selected for the GOLD level award. Theresa Paludi of Montgomery County early learning Center region 17 received BRONZE level award. Thank you for your work in promoting strong starts and life-long benefits for all children by enhancing equitable practices and providing quality services to children and families. Read more

 

Shapiro Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians to Submit Their Free Application for Federal Student Aid by May 1

(Apr 14, 2023) Pa Department of Education

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) by May 1, 2023. “Completing and submitting the FAFSA opens up a world of possibilities for many students across Pennsylvania – it’s the first step toward receiving both federal and state student aid. When the FAFSA is not filled out students are leaving money on the table that could potentially help them find their education,” said Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, Acting Secretary of Education. “Filling out the FAFSA can help make college an affordable reality for many students by reducing or eliminating the need to borrow money, helping students feel more financially prepared and ready to take on their futures.” All first-time applicants enrolled in a community college; business, trade, or technical school; hospital school of nursing; designated Pennsylvania open-admission institution; or nontransferable two-year program do have an extended deadline the first year they file: August 1, 2023. Over 140 school districts across the Commonwealth have 50 percent or higher student FAFSA completion. School districts that have 70 percent or higher student FAFSA completion include: Garnet Valley School District, 70% Jenkintown School District, 70% Lower Moreland Township School District, 70% Marple Newtown School District, 70% Old Forge Read more

 

Democratic lawmakers issue statement on introduction of “Fairness Act”

(Apr 14, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

HARRISBURG, April 13 – Today, the Fairness Act , whose prime sponsors are state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila.; Jessica Benham, Dan Frankel and Latasha D. Mayes, all D-Allegheny; Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; and Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, was introduced as H.B. 300. The following joint statement can be attributed to the members listed above: “Every single Pennsylvanian deserves to live with dignity and respect. For far too long, LGBTQ+ folks across the commonwealth have faced horrific discrimination for who they love, how they identify and who they are. “In 2020, in the landmark decision of Bostock v. Clayton County, the United States Supreme Court ruled that an employer cannot discriminate against an individual because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. While this decision was a historic victory for civil rights, it does not prevent someone in our state who identifies as LGBTQ+ from being denied housing, education or access to public accommodations. These protections must be codified into law. “Lack of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law in Pennsylvania is a deterrent for workers and businesses who could help grow our economy, and its passage is long overdue. Discrimination in any form degrades us all. We can and must do better. “That is why we are introducing the Fairness Act (H.B.300) to prohibit discrimination in our state based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. “We Read more

 

Governor Shapiro Highlights Commitment to Making Communities Safer, Investments in 9-1-1 Dispatch, Fire, and EMS Services in Visit to Montgomery County 9-1-1 Center

(Mar 30, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

I was happy to welcome Gov. Shapiro to Montgomery County to tour our Emergency Operations Center. As a member of the house VA EP & Finance committee I stand with the Governor and support his request to increase funding for our 911 Centers. We are in an unprecedented crisis in centers across this country. They’re short staffed and uber/lyft have better technology than the angels sitting on the other end of the line. As a volunteer Firefighter/EMT and resident I rely on our 911 Telecommunicators for my safety. It’s time we invest in our PSAPS to give them the tools they need to keep all of us safe! We need next gen 911 in Pennsylvania and a small increase in the cell phone tax can provide us the 50 million that goes directly to the centers. This technology will allow an unconscious patitent that called 911 from the 11 th floor of a high rise to receive help because the 911 operator will be able to use the location services capability on their cell phone to pinpoint their exact location. Read more

 

Scott attends House Majority Policy Committee hearing on housing crisis

(Mar 30, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

HARRISBURG, March 30 – State Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, attended the House Majority Policy Committee hearing on Tuesday on the housing crisis in Pennsylvania, which is negatively impacting Pennsylvania’s residents and economy. “Our community is in an unprecedented housing crisis,” Scott said. “At this week’s policy hearing on the issue, I learned that one of the big problems we are facing is the fact that the housing crisis is seen as a ‘low-income issue’ and often disregarded. In fact, the housing crisis is negatively impacting residents from all income levels throughout the state. By changing the narrative to focus on the breadth of people affected by this crisis, we will be able to garner political support for creative solutions to resolve this problem. No one in Pennsylvania should be without an affordable and safe place to live.” A report in 2022 faulted communities failing to produce enough housing options to meet housing needs for the widespread growth of the crisis. Tuesday’s House Majority Policy hearing featured testimony from Michaela Allwine and Jocelynn Ritchey from Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Holly Beck from the Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, and Lisette Rivera and Stephanie Thomas from Families in Transition. The committee pointed out that the housing crisis is having adverse effects on all income levels, not just low-income Pennsylvanians. Read more

 

Borowski introduces bill to provide new funding source for EMS

(Mar 21, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

HARRISBURG, March 21 – State Rep. Lisa Borowski announced today she has introduced a bill that would support emergency medical service providers by providing Medicaid reimbursement for every mile a patient is transported by ambulance. The bill, also sponsored by Rep. Greg Scott, D-Montgomery, would amend the Fiscal Code to eliminate the provision that limits the per-mile Medicaid reimbursement of at least $4 to each mile beyond 20 miles of patient transportation. “The ongoing hospital closures around the commonwealth are limiting Pennsylvanians’ access to care in many ways – one of them is by adding to the intense strain on our EMS system,” Borowski said. “This is a commonsense move to help deliver much-needed funding to these essential providers, giving them more flexibility to provide timely responses to medical emergencies in this unpredictable healthcare environment.” “Building this funding mechanism between Medicaid and our EMS providers would provide money for the critical work being performed,” Scott said. “We cannot continue to burden patients with thousands of dollars in medical debt any more than we can leave EMS providers without payment for lifesaving work. And as an EMT myself, I’m especially proud to partner with Rep. Borowski on this legislation.” Borowski said she has been visiting her district’s EMS providers to discuss the challenges they face. Their main concern Read more

 

Policy committee hearing in Darlington, PA: Train derailment

(Mar 20, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

This week, I attended the bipartisan policy committee hearing in Darlington, PA, which is just across the state border from East Palestine, Ohio, where the Norfolk Southern train derailed in February. We heard testimony on the state and local response to the derailment and what we can do to ensure greater rail safety. We heard consistent answers that long-term monitoring and investments will be needed to determine the negative long-term effects on public safety from the tragedy. We also heard that most emergency management systems across the country have outdated laws, are underfunded, understaffed and in some areas are non-existent until a disaster happens. I will be working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to make sure our systems can respond quickly and that the people of Darlington and its surrounding areas are supported in the years ahead. Read more

 

Policy Hearing on the Norfolk Southern Derailment

(Mar 20, 2023) Rep. Greg Scott

Last week, I attended the bipartisan policy committee hearing in Darlington, PA, which is just across the state border from East Palestine, Ohio, where the Norfolk Southern train derailed in February. We heard testimony on the state and local response to the derailment and what we can do to ensure greater rail safety. We heard consistent answers that long-term monitoring and investments will be needed to determine the negative long-term effects on public safety from the tragedy. We also heard that most emergency management systems across the country have outdated laws, are underfunded, understaffed and in some areas are non-existent until a disaster happens. I will be working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to make sure our systems can respond quickly and that the people of Darlington and its surrounding areas are supported in the years ahead. Read more

 

E-BLAST: Updates from Harrisburg and more!
Jun 16, 2023

E-BLAST: Busy Month in Harrisburg!
Jun 09, 2023

Gov. Josh Shapiro stresses importance of free breakfast for school children during visit to Colonial School District
Jun 05, 2023

Scott announces series of Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Program Clinics throughout June
Jun 02, 2023

E-BLAST: NEW Housing Resources on my Website, Property Tax Clinics, and Events
Jun 02, 2023

Fairness Act passes PA House
May 02, 2023

PA LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus holds rally for Fairness Act
Apr 26, 2023

‘Fairness Act’ reported out of House Judiciary Committee
Apr 24, 2023

Upcoming Events
Apr 24, 2023

Roundtable examines negative impact of selling public water systems
Apr 20, 2023

Rep. Scott to attend first ever Conshy GreenFest
Apr 20, 2023

Lawmakers acknowledge esports as part of equitable solution
Apr 19, 2023

Second Annual Early Childhood Education Equity Champions from the 54th Legislative District
Apr 18, 2023

Shapiro Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians to Submit Their Free Application for Federal Student Aid by May 1
Apr 14, 2023

Democratic lawmakers issue statement on introduction of “Fairness Act”
Apr 14, 2023

Governor Shapiro Highlights Commitment to Making Communities Safer, Investments in 9-1-1 Dispatch, Fire, and EMS Services in Visit to Montgomery County 9-1-1 Center
Mar 30, 2023

Scott attends House Majority Policy Committee hearing on housing crisis
Mar 30, 2023

Borowski introduces bill to provide new funding source for EMS
Mar 21, 2023

Policy committee hearing in Darlington, PA: Train derailment
Mar 20, 2023

Policy Hearing on the Norfolk Southern Derailment
Mar 20, 2023