News Center

Rabb to host February Fling event Saturday

(Feb 26, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 26 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., will host a February Fling heart month celebration and health fair for residents of his district on Saturday, Feb. 29. The event will be held from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 29, at Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center, 8500 Pickering Ave., Philadelphia, 19150. Rabb will join representatives from community health care providers and organizations. Rabb and his staff will be available to provide help with and information about state and local government-related programs and services. There will be music, lunch and giveaways for all those who attend. For more information, contact Rabb’s office at 215-242-7300. ### Read more

 

Solomon announces $22.5K grant for Wissinoming Civic Association to fund solar trash compactors on Torresdale Avenue

(Feb 26, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 26 – State Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., announced today that he has secured a $22,500 state grant for the Wissinoming Civic Association to fund solar trash compactors on Torresdale Avenue. “I am excited to announce this grant award as it is something we’ve been working with the leaders of Wissionoming on for some time,” Solomon said. “Torresdale Avenue is the spine of the Wissinoming community, and it needs to be equipped with all the tools to keep it litter-free, and these Big Belly receptacles are a big step in that direction. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a more comprehensive approach to rid our corridors of litter and make them vibrant, attractive, lively places to do business without trash blowing everywhere.” Solomon was joined during the news conference by representatives from the Wissinoming Civic Association and the Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association. The grant Solomon announced was funded through the Keystone Communities Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The Keystone Communities Program is designed to encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors that jointly support local initiatives such as the growth and stability of neighborhoods and communities; social and economic diversity; and a strong and secure quality of life. The program allows communities to Read more

 

Rabb, Policy Committee discuss voting and elections

(Feb 26, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 26 – Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing Tuesday, Feb. 25 to discuss voting and elections after recent historic changes were made to the state’s voting laws. “Voting is one of the most cherished rights endowed to the people in this country,” Rabb said. “When we cast our ballot, we’re giving voice to our values by choosing the people we want to serve as our representatives in the spheres that govern many aspects of our lives and determine how our resources are spent. Understanding the recent changes to our voting laws, which will affect people across Pennsylvania for years to come, is vital to our democracy, which is why I was grateful for the opportunity to facilitate discussion on the topic at this Policy Committee hearing.” Rabb was joined by fellow state legislators, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. “We must ensure that every Pennsylvanian who is eligible to vote understands the process so that his, her or their voice can be heard,” Sturla said. “Having conversations like the one at Tuesday’s Policy Committee hearing really brings that idea home.” Testifiers at the hearing held at the United Lutheran Seminary included Rachel Boss, community impact manager in the Bureau of Campaign Finance and Civic Engagement, PA Department of State; Omar Sabir, Read more

 

Bullock Discusses Mass Transit, REAL ID During Budget Hearing

(Feb 25, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

During a discussion with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pa. state Rep. Donna Bullock stressed the need to invest in mass transit and ensure that it’s accessible to everyone. Read more

 

Rabb to host Policy Committee hearing on voting and elections Tuesday in Philadelphia

(Feb 21, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 21 – Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., will host a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on voting and elections next week. The hearing will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 at United Lutheran Seminary, The Brossman Center, 7301 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, 19119. Rabb requested the hearing to discuss the changes to Pennsylvania’s voting laws with Act 77 of 2019 – the most comprehensive changes to the state’s election laws in more than 80 years – and how those changes will affect voters starting this year. He will be joined by fellow legislators from across the state, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. The current agenda is: p.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks 4:10 p.m. Panel One: Rachel Boss , Community Impact Manager in Bureau of Campaign Finance and Civic Engagement, Pa. Department of State Omar Sabir , City Commissioner, City of Philadelphia 4:50 p.m. Panel Two: Patrick Christmas , Policy Director, Committee of Seventy Marc Stier , Director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center 5:30 p.m. Panel Three: Sara Mullen , Associate Director, ACLU of Pennsylvania Kendra Cochran , Statewide Voter Engagement Coordinator, POWER Interfaith 6:10 p.m. Closing Remarks This hearing is among a series being held across the state on House Read more

 

Fracking has led to a ‘bust’ for Pennsylvania school district finances

(Feb 17, 2020) Matthew Gardner Kelly and Kai Schafft

In the last decade, unconventional natural gas development has transformed American energy — as well as communities across Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale region.Often popularly referred to as “fracking,” this highly industrialized process is used to extract energy resources from underground geologies such as shale or sandstone. Read more

 

It costs more than $70,000 a year for a Philadelphia family of four to live without help; in the suburbs, up to $88,000

(Feb 17, 2020) by Alfred Lubrano

A Philadelphia family of four must make more than $70,000 a year just to survive, a new report says — a stunning sum beyond the reach of most residents in a city beset by high poverty and meager chances.According to the newly released study based on 2019 data, two adults with one preschooler and one school-age child have to take in $70,613 to meet their needs without receiving public assistance or help from relatives or friends. Read more

 

Daley helps promote Highway Safety Law Awareness Week

(Feb 14, 2020) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

“The health and safety of vulnerable highway users is clearly of critical importance, which is why we just passed H.B. 1536 by an overwhelming majority,” Daley said. “I’m grateful to PennDOT for highlighting other crucial laws that are designed to make our roadways safer for everybody, and I’m happy to help promote the message.” Read more

 

Delloso hosting Opioids & Addiction Awareness Program on Tuesday

(Feb 13, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. David Delloso, D-Delaware, and a distinguished panel of guests will lead an Opioids and Addiction Awareness Program from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at Harcum College-Prospect Park. Read more

 

Frankel, Costa call for Clean Indoor Air Act extension

(Feb 12, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation would extend protections to additional public spaces, include e-cigarettes Read more

 

Burns: $149,000 to help drug offenders break addiction

(Feb 10, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Program aims to lower opioid use in community Read more

 

Frankel applauds Shapiro suit against e-cigarette manufacturer

(Feb 10, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Suit aims to protect Pennsylvania youth from deceptive marketing practices Read more

 

Solomon, community and business leaders announce $120K donation for economic development projects in Northeast Philadelphia

(Feb 10, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 10 – State Rep. Jared Solomon joined community and business partners today to announce a $120,000 donation to Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association from tax credits approved by the Neighborhood Assistance Program. “I’m grateful and thrilled to have such generous community partners in M&T Bank and Kinder Academy, willing to step forward and invest in the Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association,” Solomon said. “Their continued partnership with OCCCDA will have lasting impacts for the people of my district, who will see new entrepreneurship, workforce development and economic development programs for many years to come.” OCCDA will use the donation for a multitude of projects, including developing a small-business training program, creating a hub for education and community events, implementing a corridor enhancement program, investing in small business and technical support assistance and workforce development. These projects will help the people directly involved and the community at-large. “Oxford Circle Christian CDA is very thankful to DCED, M&T Bank and Kinder Academy for supporting the work we do for small businesses and those who live in the Oxford Circle community,” said Pearl Wang-Herrera, executive director. “With their support, over the next five years, we will be able to provide more employment and Read more

 

Medicaid block grant proposals spell trouble for patients and hospitals

(Feb 10, 2020) Kevin Mahoney, for the Inquirer

Medicaid is a longstanding partnership between states and the federal government to provide care to the poorest and sickest among us. A pair of proposals from Washington threaten to upset this joint commitment and fray the nation’s perilously thin safety net for vulnerable patients.Together, these proposals stand to trigger an erosion of the impressive gains we’ve made for patients across our country and region this past decade. Read more

 

House Finance Committee

(Feb 10, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Finance Committee is responsible for revewing legislation dealing with the financial issues of the state, with tax collection rates and tax policies regularly reviewed. The Select Subcommittee on Tax Modernization and Reform was established in 2017 to investigate and review Pennsylvania’s tax laws, explore other states’ best practices and methods for levying and collecting various taxes, and develop recommendations to encourage equitable and fair tax policy. The Democratic members of this select subcommittee, led by Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, continue to push for a fair tax policy that works for all Pennsylvanians, one which encourages job creation and economic fairness today, while laying the groundwork for a prosperous economy and workforce for tomorrow. Read more

 

Ciresi determined to find mass transit solution for commuters

(Feb 06, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Joe Ciresi traveled via mass transit from his home in Montgomery County to Philadelphia Thursday morning to illustrate the tremendous amount of time and effort commuters experience every day heading to work. Read more

 

Southeast Delegation elects Malagari treasurer

(Feb 05, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Democratic Southeast Delegation today elected state Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, treasurer. Read more

 

Wolf highlights Sanchez gun safety bill in budget address

(Feb 05, 2020) Rep. Ben Sanchez

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – Gov. Tom Wolf highlighted state Rep. Ben Sanchez’s bill requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms in his budget address today as part of his plan to reduce gun violence in the Commonwealth. Sanchez’s H.B. 1288 would require any owner or other person lawfully in possession of a firearm who suffers the loss or theft of a weapon to report it to law enforcement within 72 hours of the discovery. If a person fails to do so, he or she could be charged with a summary offense. “I’m pleased that Governor Wolf singled out my commonsense gun safety bill, which would require stronger reporting requirements for lost and stolen firearms and help keep guns off the streets,” said Sanchez, D-Montgomery. “The bill would deter gun trafficking by making firearm owners more accountable for their weapons and make our communities safer for all of us.” If H.B. 1288 becomes law, Pennsylvania would join a growing list of other states such as Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia that require the reporting of lost or stolen firearms. Sanchez’s bill previously was introduced by former state Rep. Madeline Dean, and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Read more

 

Ciresi applauds education cost-saving reforms in budget proposal

(Feb 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, released the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2020-21 budget unveiled today: “With a clear plan to reduce costs through comprehensive charter school reform, while increasing state funding for public education, this budget outlines a path for supporting our schools and providing property tax relief,” Ciresi said. “I am proud to be working with Governor Wolf as a partner in the push for education reform.” The budget includes an additional $403 million for public education statewide, achieved through increased basic and special education funding and cost savings through charter school reform. The charter school reform that Ciresi and Wolf have partnered on will achieve close to $300 million in savings statewide. These reforms include using the same special education funding formula used by school districts and setting a data-driven statewide tuition rate for cyber charter attendance. The local impact of this for the 146th District would be: District-wide net increase of $3.4 million, including over $2.6 million in charter school cost savings: Perkiomen Valley SD: $509,390 Pottsgrove SD: $703,768 Pottstown SD: $1.27 million Spring-Ford Area SD: $914,374 “The budget also offers a plan to redesign the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education,” Ciresi said. “It paves the way for better systemwide coordination and a Read more

 

Deasy issues statement following Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget address

(Feb 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, today issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget address: “Today, Governor Tom Wolf presented his annual budget address before the state House of Representatives, and I’m happy to announce that I’m encouraged by what I heard. “Governor Wolf’s Plan for PA was detailed in his state budget proposal, and it’s a plan that I support. I’m committed to continuing House Democrats’ fight to increase the state minimum wage, increase education funding, improve the safety of our schools, fight the ongoing opioid epidemic, improve our workforce and much more. “I was also encouraged to hear the governor’s desire to give our teachers the raise they not only need but deserve. We task our teachers in the commonwealth with molding the minds of our youth, so it’s only just that we ensure they, too, have what they need to get the job done, personally and professionally. “With that, I’m hopeful for a brighter future for the commonwealth. The building blocks laid forth today by the governor provide the foundation for a positive budget situation come June. I am eager to get to work in a bipartisan fashion with my colleagues, I am confident in our ability to get the job done, and I am optimistic that it can be done on time.” Read more

 

Rabb to host February Fling event Saturday
Feb 26, 2020

Solomon announces $22.5K grant for Wissinoming Civic Association to fund solar trash compactors on Torresdale Avenue
Feb 26, 2020

Rabb, Policy Committee discuss voting and elections
Feb 26, 2020

Bullock Discusses Mass Transit, REAL ID During Budget Hearing
Feb 25, 2020

Rabb to host Policy Committee hearing on voting and elections Tuesday in Philadelphia
Feb 21, 2020

Fracking has led to a ‘bust’ for Pennsylvania school district finances
Feb 17, 2020

It costs more than $70,000 a year for a Philadelphia family of four to live without help; in the suburbs, up to $88,000
Feb 17, 2020

Daley helps promote Highway Safety Law Awareness Week
Feb 14, 2020

Delloso hosting Opioids & Addiction Awareness Program on Tuesday
Feb 13, 2020

Frankel, Costa call for Clean Indoor Air Act extension
Feb 12, 2020

Burns: $149,000 to help drug offenders break addiction
Feb 10, 2020

Frankel applauds Shapiro suit against e-cigarette manufacturer
Feb 10, 2020

Solomon, community and business leaders announce $120K donation for economic development projects in Northeast Philadelphia
Feb 10, 2020

Medicaid block grant proposals spell trouble for patients and hospitals
Feb 10, 2020

House Finance Committee
Feb 10, 2020

Ciresi determined to find mass transit solution for commuters
Feb 06, 2020

Southeast Delegation elects Malagari treasurer
Feb 05, 2020

Wolf highlights Sanchez gun safety bill in budget address
Feb 05, 2020

Ciresi applauds education cost-saving reforms in budget proposal
Feb 04, 2020

Deasy issues statement following Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget address
Feb 04, 2020