News Center

Cepeda-Freytiz will lead rally to push passage of Educator Certification bill

(Aug 15, 2023) Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz

Cepeda-Freytiz said passing the proposal would expand essential access to teacher certification and open opportunities for quality teachers who are non-US. citizens. Read more

 

Addressing the use of AI in the health insurance claims process

(Aug 14, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Venkat will introduce legislation to disclose the use of AI algorithms in health care claim evaluations, define such algorithms to subject them to current laws and regulations related to clinical evidence, and require specialized health care professionals that review claims and rely upon initial AI algorithms to document their review of the records and data prior to their individualized documented decision to deny a claim. Read more

 

House Majority Policy Committee holds hearing on business diversity

(Aug 11, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“The region, state and nation is better served – and only capable of reaching its economic potential – when all parties have a seat at the table," Policy Chairman Representative Ryan Bizzarro said. Read more

 

Merski: America250PA committee hears testimony on local projects proposed for nation’s Semiquincentennial

(Aug 10, 2023) Rep. Robert Merski

“I’m honored to sit on the committee, and I was inspired by testimony we heard today about proposed projects here at home and in surrounding regions, from interpreting the history of Three Forts Presque Isle, to bringing Wi-Fi connectivity to the Erie Zoo, to projects that highlight the rich historical culture that Grove City has to offer in our area," Merski said. Read more

 

Kim joins Shapiro for Property Tax/Rent Rebate expansion bill signing

(Aug 10, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 10 – House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee majority chair, state Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro at the West Shore Senior Center in New Cumberland for the ceremonial signing of H.B. 1100. The new law expands the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to nearly 175,000 more Pennsylvania seniors and people with disabilities and doubles rebates for many of the 400,000 people who already qualify. A co-prime sponsor of H.B. 1100, Kim said that the bill delivers the largest targeted tax break for Pennsylvania seniors in nearly two decades. The new income limits and increased rebates from Act 7 of 2023 will be used when the 2024 program opens. “As majority chair of the Aging & Older Adult Services Committee, I’ve heard from many Pennsylvania seniors and individuals with disabilities about how important it is for them to stay in their homes for their health and sense of wellbeing,” Kim said. “The PTRR expansion will provide a critical financial lifeline to members of our families, friends and neighbors that will help enable them to keep up with the cost of living.” Act 7 of 2023 will increase the income limit to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters and raise the maximum rebate amount from $650 to $1,000. The overwhelmingly bipartisan passage of the law marks the first time the program has been updated since 2006 and the first time since 2009 that the income limits to qualify for Read more

 

Policy hearing highlights how diversity strengthens supply chain

(Aug 09, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Expanding diversity within the supply chain not only improves economic possibilities, but it also has the ability to enhance the quality of life within our communities,” said Rep. Aerion Abney, who represents a portion of Allegheny County and hosted the hearing. “If we embrace diversity in the supply chain, what we are really embracing is a stronger supply chain less susceptible to disruptions and a more secure economic future.” Read more

 

Gergely leads Policy Committee hearing on public safety at Kennywood

(Aug 08, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

WEST MIFFLIN, Aug. 8 – State Rep. Matthew R. Gergely, D-Allegheny, presided over a meeting of the PA House Democratic Policy Committee yesterday at Kennywood that focused on maintaining and promoting public safety. Testimony was provided by West Mifflin Borough Police Department Chief Gregory McCulloch and Flock Safety Director of Sales Rick Lombardo. “We heard from law enforcement and a community organizer on the best way to build neighborhood safety and reduce crime rates,” Gergely said. “These partnerships can be advanced through technology, including plate-reading devices in neighborhoods, but the foundation for all of this remains building relationships between police officers and residents. The community involvement aspect of this issue cannot be overstated.” Nearly one year ago, three individuals were wounded during a shooting that took place inside Kennywood. The park was set to close for an indefinite period of time, until updated and additional safety protocols could be put in place. Thanks to the efforts of Gergely, members of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation and others, the needed measures were implemented, and Kennywood opened for its 125th season this year. Read more

 

House Majority Policy Committee talks organ donation, education during roundtable discussion

(Aug 08, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Majority Policy Committee hosted a roundtable discussion Tuesday morning to discuss the importance of organ donation and education, along with finding ways to increase opportunities to register as a donor. Read more

 

Cephas praises end of contract with Real Alternatives

(Aug 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, Aug. 7 – Following the announcement that the Shapiro administration is terminating state funding for the organization Real Alternatives, state Rep. Morgan Cephas today expressed satisfaction for the decision and indicated that it signifies a step forward in the fight to protect freedom to choose for all Pennsylvanians. Cephas, Chair of the House Philadelphia Delegation and former co-chair of the Legislative Women’s Health Caucus, said that the decision to cut ties with the program that partners with crisis pregnancy centers was needed. The legislator explained that Real Alternatives was just a pricey obstacle for taxpayers that did not provide the impartial reproductive health services that she and her colleagues have been advocating for in Pennsylvania. “This is a long-awaited triumph; our efforts have paid off,” Cephas said. “It is no secret that these crisis pregnancy centers operating under the guidance of Real Alternatives were part of a radical agenda to strengthen restrictions on abortion access at the expense of taxpayers. “A person must be free to decide what they want to do with their own body, but as soon as you walk in to one of these centers you realize that your particular situation or need might not fit the core mission of this organization: ‘to provide life-affirming pregnancy.’ This means that they already decided for their patients in advance. No feedback Read more

 

Policy Committee explores ways to improve public safety

(Aug 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Relationships between law enforcement and community residents create long-lasting bonds where each side is after the same result – building a safe community where everyone can live and work together,” House Majority Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro said. Read more

 

West Mifflin police chief describes for lawmakers the need for juvenile detention facility

(Aug 07, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

"It's important to recognize why Shuman was closed. It's because it was not providing the services that it needed to juveniles, and the state stepped in and shut it down. That being said, there needs to be someplace where kids who are committing crimes have a place to go to get rehabilitation or get the services they may not have access to," Pisciottano said. Read more

 

McClinton, Shapiro, state officials celebrate expansion of Property Tax Rent Rebate Program

(Aug 04, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

SCRANTON, Aug. 4 – Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, joined Governor Josh Shapiro and several state officials at the United Neighborhood Center in Scranton today, as the governor signed an expansion in the state’s popular Property Tax Rent Rebate Program. The PTRR benefits hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania seniors, widowed people 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older by providing them a rebate on their property taxes or rent paid, if their income is below a specified threshold. Under the expansion nearly 175,000 additional Pennsylvanians will qualify, and the rebate amount is being increased. “Far too often I hear from my wisest neighbors that they no longer qualify for their property tax rebate because they have received modest increases in their Social Security payments over the years,” Speaker McClinton said. “But they still need the rebate money to help them pay bills, put fuel in the car, or purchase medication. “Expanding the income eligibility for the Property Tax Rent Rebate program and the increased rebate amounts, will provide our seniors more security as our economy continues to recover.” McClinton added that the income eligibility limits hadn’t been increased in nearly two decades. Under the new guidelines, eligible Pennsylvanians earning up to $45,000 a year will qualify for a rebate, and Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation praises more than $3.6 million in grant funding for education

(Aug 04, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 4 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their satisfaction after the Shapiro administration announced that $13.5 million in federal grant funding has been awarded to 26 school entities to support expectant and parenting learners. Pennsylvania’s Education Leading to Employment and Career Training Program is a federally funded program that works with intermediate units, school districts and charter schools to coordinate the continuity of educational services for people under 22 who are expecting or parenting a child and provides community resources to allow them to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. The School District of Philadelphia was awarded more than $3.62 million. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the group is pleased to see the inclusion of The Philadelphia School district in this program as it will help boost ongoing efforts to provide educational assistance to expectant and parenting youth. “ELECT is an outstanding program that helps schools keep this segment of the student population in school without disruptions. This is crucial in a student’s efforts to obtain a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate and secure post-graduation employment, education, or training. “If we want more financially independent adults, more empowered parents, we need to start by helping our young Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls out Sen. Devlin Robinson for disrespecting Pennsylvania firefighter

(Aug 04, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 4 – The Philadelphia House Delegation today said a recent incident where a firefighter was verbally disrespected is an outrageous act that demands more than a mere apology. State Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny, referred to Ken Pagurek, a first responder from Pennsylvania Task Force 1, as a “dick,” using the slur during a committee meeting on Tuesday. A video shows Robinson, who serves as the chair of the Labor and Industry Committee, leaning towards Sen. Doug Mastriano, making the disgraceful comment, presumably and wrongfully assuming that the microphone was off. The delegation noted that Mastriano seemed amused by the observation. Delegation Chair Morgan Cephas explained that the group is outraged by the confrontation and the lack of empathy shown towards the hardworking men and women who risk their lives every single day protecting communities across our commonwealth. “We are not going to let these types of degrading remarks go unchecked because of your proximity and disregard for the City of Philadelphia,” said chairwoman Cephas. “This is not a joke; it just shows the type of leadership that we have in the Pennsylvania Senate. As senators they are supposed to represent all Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, neither Robinson nor Mastriano embody the moral values that their positions require. House Democrats support the Read more

 

Pa. House Democrats rally at Carrick High School in push for public education funding

(Aug 04, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“State government has failed you,” state Rep. Jessica Benham, D-South Side, said. “We still live in a commonwealth where your ZIP code determines your educational opportunities. … These kids learn as early as kindergarten and first grade that our community has few safeguards for them.” Read more

 

PA House Democrats wrap up ‘Save Our Schools’ tour with stop in Allegheny Co.

(Aug 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

The House Majority leadership team and Policy Committee wrapped up the statewide “Save Our Schools” tour Thursday morning with a stop at Carrick High School in Pittsburgh to tour the building, discuss the need for fair funding for public education and rally with education advocates. Read more

 

Lawmakers hold roundtable to discuss improving education in rural areas

(Aug 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This is almost historic. The first woman speaker, individuals from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, Allentown, Scranton, and all across the state are here because we know how important it is that every child, no matter their zip code or where they grow up, have that equal chance,” said State Rep. Scott Conklin. Read more

 

House Dems hear from rural school admins about challenges to public education

(Aug 03, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“Challenges with housing insecurity. Students struggling with homelessness and mental health challenges since the pandemic. Learning loss and the ability for our districts, especially right here, to even be able to get our younger students interested in a pathway toward becoming educators to solve our shortage. We have work to do and we recognize that by fairly funding our public schools,” McClinton said, “we will have better jobs and have better communities.” Read more

 

Frankel issues statement after Pittsburgh synagogue shooter is sentenced to death

(Aug 02, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 2 – State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, released the following statement on the Tree of Life synagogue shooter being sentenced to death today: “I’m grateful that the trial is over, so our community can move forward in recovery. I respect the wisdom of a jury who has found this act of hate and violence abhorrent and beyond the bounds of rehabilitation. “This verdict doesn’t restore the lives of the people lost to hate. We will forever mourn them, and the loss is sewn into the fabric of our community, just as the building on the corner of Shady and Wilkins avenues attests to both the tragedy – and hopefully – the path forward in healing and education. “My small part in this is to continue to fight against hate, against hate crimes, and try to compel the full force of our government against this viciousness, this antisemitism, and these attacks against targeted communities.” Today’s sentence comes after a jury found the perpetrator guilty of all 63 counts against him and deemed the death penalty to be an appropriate punishment. Frankel is the co-chair of the PA Jewish Legislative Caucus and has introduced several anti-hate bills in the state House. Read more

 

House Majority Leadership sound SOS on education in Centre County

(Aug 02, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“As we’ve visited communities around Pennsylvania, one thing is clear: every community – rural, urban or suburban – they all want the best opportunities for their students,” Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila/Delaware, said. “And as a state we owe them that much. It is enshrined in our Constitution. We need to start living up to the promise we make our students and the promise we’ve made in our state’s future.” Read more

 

Cepeda-Freytiz will lead rally to push passage of Educator Certification bill
Aug 15, 2023

Addressing the use of AI in the health insurance claims process
Aug 14, 2023

House Majority Policy Committee holds hearing on business diversity
Aug 11, 2023

Merski: America250PA committee hears testimony on local projects proposed for nation’s Semiquincentennial
Aug 10, 2023

Kim joins Shapiro for Property Tax/Rent Rebate expansion bill signing
Aug 10, 2023

Policy hearing highlights how diversity strengthens supply chain
Aug 09, 2023

Gergely leads Policy Committee hearing on public safety at Kennywood
Aug 08, 2023

House Majority Policy Committee talks organ donation, education during roundtable discussion
Aug 08, 2023

Cephas praises end of contract with Real Alternatives
Aug 07, 2023

Policy Committee explores ways to improve public safety
Aug 07, 2023

West Mifflin police chief describes for lawmakers the need for juvenile detention facility
Aug 07, 2023

McClinton, Shapiro, state officials celebrate expansion of Property Tax Rent Rebate Program
Aug 04, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation praises more than $3.6 million in grant funding for education
Aug 04, 2023

Philadelphia House Delegation calls out Sen. Devlin Robinson for disrespecting Pennsylvania firefighter
Aug 04, 2023

Pa. House Democrats rally at Carrick High School in push for public education funding
Aug 04, 2023

PA House Democrats wrap up ‘Save Our Schools’ tour with stop in Allegheny Co.
Aug 03, 2023

Lawmakers hold roundtable to discuss improving education in rural areas
Aug 03, 2023

House Dems hear from rural school admins about challenges to public education
Aug 03, 2023

Frankel issues statement after Pittsburgh synagogue shooter is sentenced to death
Aug 02, 2023

House Majority Leadership sound SOS on education in Centre County
Aug 02, 2023