News Center

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

 

Malagari applauds investments in Wolf's budget

(Feb 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-Montgomery, released the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2020-21 budget unveiled today. Read more

 

Philadelphia Delegation lauds Wolf’s 2020-21 state budget proposal

(Feb 04, 2020) Philadelphia Delegation

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – The House Democratic Philadelphia Delegation today lauded Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2020-21 budget proposal for including many of the priorities they identified as important to improving the quality of life for Philadelphians and for people across Pennsylvania, according to Delegation Chairman Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila. Wolf outlined his proposal before a joint session of the General Assembly this morning. Led by Dawkins, members of the Philadelphia Delegation met with the governor earlier in the year to stress their budget priorities, including state funding to rid Philadelphia schools of toxins and fix crumbling infrastructure; funding to reduce waiting lists and provide more support for seniors, people living in poverty and those with disabilities; raising the minimum wage to a living wage; creating good jobs with an education plan to provide the skills to fill them; and addressing poverty and gun violence as a public health crisis. “The Philadelphia Delegation is grateful for Governor Wolf’s vision for the state in this, his sixth budget plan,” Dawkins said. “His proposals are people-focused and seek to provide more opportunities for everyone, not just the privileged few. We will be a loud voice in making sure they are included this year.” Dawkins said the governor’s budget proposal includes $1.1 billion to ensure students, teachers and staff can learn and work in classrooms that aren’t Read more

 

Frankel: Wolf budget provides way forward on difficult, critical issues

(Feb 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Calls on legislature to pick up challenge and act on Pa.’s best interests Read more

 

Conklin: Budget is very good news for all Pennsylvanians, including its youngest residents

(Feb 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, released the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2020-21 budget unveiled today: “This budget is really good news for all Pennsylvanians. We have the opportunity to invest in our youngest children, especially through an expansion of full-day kindergarten, providing a wonderful opportunity for them to engage and learn at a critical time of their development. In addition, the governor’s proposed budget will make it easier for our older students to receive a college education, without having to go into significant amounts of debt. “With this budget, we also have an opportunity to provide a true livable wage, especially for single parents who have to work more than one job just to make ends meet. “I’m very pleased this realistic budget includes no new taxes and will truly do more to help all of our commonwealth’s residents. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the months ahead as we begin the budget hearings to discuss the proposals unveiled today in more detail.” Read more

 

Bizzarro lauds education, workforce development and environmental investments in Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2020 budget address

(Feb 04, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

Following Governor Tom Wolf’s budget address, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro said he’s looking forward to continuing to work for Pennsylvania and released the following statement Read more

 

Harkins: Budget proposals hold promise for state’s future

(Feb 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s address this morning on his proposed 2020-21 budget plan: “The budget plan the governor unveiled today is a work in progress, but I’m encouraged that it allocates resources to areas I feel are especially important to Pennsylvania’s future. “One of those areas is full-time kindergarten, a proposal I have been advocating for years. Studies show kindergartners who have access to a full-day program do better, both in terms of test scores and future long-term achievement, because they benefit from the extra time to develop literacy skills, social skills, confidence and more. I agree with the governor’s proposal to mandate free, full-time kindergarten, and I believe it's time for Pennsylvania to join other states that already do so. “On a related note, I support the governor’s proposal to address the problem of lead, asbestos and other hazards in our schools. Our community has been dealing with the problems of older buildings and the expenses associated with eliminating possible health hazards, and an investment of state resources will help ease the cost burdens and speed the process of ensuring our students have a safe environment. “Addressing the burden of loan debt for students graduating from our state-owned university system is another proposal I strongly Read more

 

Merski supports proposed budget’s investments in education, career training, healthy schools

(Feb 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, released the following statement today in reaction to Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2020-21 budget address: “How we spend our state resources determines the direction our state takes. When we invest in our people – from our students to our seniors – we all move forward. After hearing the governor’s proposed budget plan for the year ahead, I’m encouraged that it’s a plan that can move us in the right direction – without adding any new tax burden to residents. “I’m especially encouraged by the plan’s focus on education, including an additional $30 million to fund high-quality pre-K. As a teacher for many years, I know that a quality education is the starting point that lays the groundwork for all successes that flow later. When kids are given the right start, they achieve and succeed – and our entire state grows and prospers based on those successes. “Equally important to classroom learning is a healthy school environment. I strongly support the governor’s proposed funding to address lead and asbestos hazards in our schools; the health of our students is paramount, and they can’t learn and thrive in a toxic environment. “I’m encouraged that in addition to strong educational funding, the budget plan proposes strong continued investments in workforce development. Career and technical training Read more

 

Matzie calls budget ‘starting point,’ supports focus on education, healthy schools, workforce development

(Feb 04, 2020) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, released the following statement regarding Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2020-21 budget address today. “The governor’s budget proposal is just the starting point. At first glance, there are several areas that I can fully support. More money for schools, a focus on cleaning up lead and asbestos, protecting drinking water and creating more opportunities for workers are priorities that I share and would benefit western Pennsylvania greatly. “Most importantly, it holds the line on taxes. “As always, I’ll work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and ultimately support what best serves Beaver County and the residents of my district.” Read more

 

Daley supports limiting solitary confinement for most vulnerable

(Feb 03, 2020) Rep. Mary Jo Daley

As the Democratic chairwoman of the Women’s Health Caucus, Pa. state Rep. Mary Jo Daley joined her colleagues in supporting legislation that would limit solitary confinement for vulnerable individuals who are incarcerated. She explained why passing this bill is a critical component to criminal justice reform efforts in the commonwealth. Read more

 

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

Malagari applauds investments in Wolf's budget
Feb 04, 2020

Philadelphia Delegation lauds Wolf’s 2020-21 state budget proposal
Feb 04, 2020

Frankel: Wolf budget provides way forward on difficult, critical issues
Feb 04, 2020

Conklin: Budget is very good news for all Pennsylvanians, including its youngest residents
Feb 04, 2020

Bizzarro lauds education, workforce development and environmental investments in Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2020 budget address
Feb 04, 2020

Harkins: Budget proposals hold promise for state’s future
Feb 04, 2020

Merski supports proposed budget’s investments in education, career training, healthy schools
Feb 04, 2020

Matzie calls budget ‘starting point,’ supports focus on education, healthy schools, workforce development
Feb 04, 2020

Daley supports limiting solitary confinement for most vulnerable
Feb 03, 2020