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Ciresi legislation to replace state song adopted by PA House

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 – A resolution (H.R. 41) sponsored by State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, to replace the state song was adopted by the House this afternoon. “The problem is this: most Pennsylvanians don’t know we have a state song, but they’ll probably recognize the state songs of Georgia, West Virginia, or New York,” Ciresi said. “State symbols are supposed to bring us together and be part of our identity. We should have a state song that everyone knows and loves because it reflects who we are as a people, and it should work to represent and market Pennsylvania and help bring in tourism.” In 1990, the state legislature adopted the current state song, “Pennsylvania,” by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner. State law establishes this as Pennsylvania’s official song for all public purposes, and the song is often performed at public events, such as gubernatorial inaugurations. “I’m very glad that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle voted to pass this resolution. We need a song that we take pride in singing because it reflects our pride in Pennsylvania, the cradle of liberty and home to today’s dynamic industries and diverse communities,” Ciresi said. The resolution will establish an independent commission to study the history of the state song, solicit submissions from the public, and recommend changes to the state song. The legislature will then have the option of passing Read more

 

Abney issues statement regarding U.S. Supreme Court affirmative action ruling

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision against affirmative action programs at the University of North Carolina and Harvard University: “I must express that although I am disappointed by the Supreme Court's recent ruling striking down affirmative action, their decision comes as no surprise. The existence of structural and systemic racism in our country is an unfortunate reality that, while not revelatory, has become increasingly evident in the times we live in today. “Affirmative action was established to confront both implicit and explicit biases which prevented individuals from accessing opportunities available to others solely based on their race. It recognized race as one among many factors considered when evaluating an applicant, rather than the sole determining factor. Unfortunately, using a sole determining factor was often used to deny applicants prior to this policy. This policy, however, successfully dismantled barriers that countless people faced and continue to face due to racial discrimination. “Today's ruling serves as another reminder that the system is not broken, and it operates exactly as it was designed to operate. Regardless, we will continue to work with our colleges and universities to help ensure that these institutions reflect the diversity that makes those institutions and our commonwealth a vibrant and Read more

 

Green Safe Community Grant bill approved by Judiciary Committee

(Jun 29, 2023) Rep. Roni Green

HARRISBURG, June 29 – The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee held a voting meeting Tuesday, where it reported House Bill 1130 out of committee and to the House floor. This legislation would establish the Safe Communities Grant Program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to provide grant funding to communities to install lighting and security cameras around schools, playgrounds, community centers and high crime areas. The legislation also would add a $10 fee to be paid by applicants for a license to carry a firearm that will go toward funding the program. “Violent crime is harming our communities here in Pennsylvania, and it’s time we take some innovative steps toward curbing it,” state Rep. Roni Green, the bill’s sponsor, said. “There’s robust evidence that taking care of the physical space — fixing broken windows and doors, trimming yards — and putting up lights and cameras in previously dimly lit public spaces helps to reduce violent crime in areas experiencing high crime rates. “This program will help communities in Pennsylvania afford to put in lights and cameras that will deter criminals and is a part of our commitment to the commonwealth’s residents to make the state a safe place to live.” Read more

 

Pa. Legislative Latino Caucus condemns Supreme Court affirmative action decision

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus today released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, banning race-conscious admissions, in the cases of Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College: “We stand for diversity. We have focused our work on policies that would improve minority representation in all facets of life in our state. This is why we feel compelled to raise our voices against a decision that is clearly a setback in our fight for racial justice. “This ends decades of precedent that granted schools access to programs aimed at boosting diversity on their campuses. “This ruling will have a harmful impact for underrepresented minorities now that the race factor was eliminated from the equation; we fear the selection process of students with no race consideration. “Affirmative action has been a crucial tool in addressing historical and ongoing disparities faced by underrepresented groups, including women, people of color and individuals from low-income backgrounds. It has played a pivotal role in leveling the playing field and opening doors of opportunity for those who have been historically disadvantaged, particularly for our sons and daughters here in Pennsylvania. “The Supreme Court's decision disregards the Read more

 

Pa. House passes legislation expanding access to menstrual hygiene products

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

“This legislation would remove barriers for those who menstruate and utilize these programs. Period poverty disproportionately affects communities of color, so this bill would address that systemic problem,” Parker said. “We need to provide dignity amongst women and girls. It’s sad many have to deal with scarcity of feminine products and diapers.” Read more

 

Merski bill to help police departments afford fleet upgrades heads to House

(Jun 29, 2023) Rep. Robert Merski

“Every dollar we can save government is a windfall for taxpayers, and that includes large-ticket expenditures like police fleet upgrades, which can pose major obstacles for stretched department budgets,” Merski said. Read more

 

House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus & Philadelphia House Delegation condemn Moms for Liberty event in Phila.

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 – The Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and Philadelphia House Delegation are condemning the upcoming Moms for Liberty summit that’s scheduled to take place in center city Philadelphia today through July 2. Moms for Liberty is a right-wing hate group that advocates against school curriculum that mentions LGBTQ+ rights, race and ethnicity, critical race theory and discrimination. LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Co-Chairs Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, and Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., who also serves as Philadelphia House Delegation treasurer, each issued comments condemning this summit. “I’m extremely disappointed to see this summit take place in our city. Our city shouldn’t be a backdrop for hate,” Kenyatta said. “We can’t allow the type of rhetoric and ideology that far-right groups, like Moms for Liberty, promote prevent us from becoming a more fair and equal society.” “Hate has no home in Pennsylvania,” Benham said. “I believe most of our state’s residents find it embarrassing that Pennsylvania’s largest city will host one of the nation’s most hostile anti-LGBTQ+ groups during the month of Pride. Alongside my colleagues in the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, I am eager to continue fighting back against the hateful rhetoric and policies pushed by groups like Moms for Liberty.” Philadelphia House Delegation Read more

 

Pa. House Dems. roll out good government reform measures.

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Reps. Jared Solomon and Malcolm Kenyatta, both Philadelphia Democrats, called Tuesday for a suite of good government reform measures that included a citizens' redistricting commission; campaign contribution limits; and more transparency on the way House lawmakers spend public money. Read more

 

Salisbury bill to reduce blight passes PA House

(Jun 29, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 29 – State Rep. Abigail Salisbury’s bill that would reduce severe blight and revitalize community properties passed the PA House yesterday. The legislation ( H.B. 1163 ) would update current property law to allow municipal governments to make vacant properties that have been severely blighted for five or more years subject to potential acquisition by land banks. Owners of such properties would be granted a set amount of time to make the repairs needed to reverse the designation and could appeal the designation. "In my five years as a borough council member, I saw firsthand how these neglected vacant properties can become safety hazards and sources of frustration for communities,” said Salisbury, D-Allegheny. “Residents begged me to do something about these unused properties and asked if I could force the owners to use them or sell them, but I was powerless to do anything under state law. Now as a state representative, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to amend the current law so that local elected officials are able to respond to these residents with action. “My goal with this legislation is to add another tool to local governments' toolboxes and help put properties back to productive use,” she added. “Today’s passage means that municipalities are that much closer to providing their residents with affordable housing and space for small businesses.” Salisbury said her legislation Read more

 

PA House passes legislation to increase penalties for Child Labor Act violations

(Jun 28, 2023) Rep. Regina Young

HARRISBURG, June 28 – A bill ( H.B. 1354 ) sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila., that would increase the penalties for employers found to be violating Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Act passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today by a vote of 180-23. The legislation would increase the penalties for Child Labor Act violations from $500 to $1,000 for initial violations. The fine for repeat violations would be raised from $1,500 to $3,000. “We cannot have companies thinking that violating Child Labor Act laws is just the cost of doing business here in the commonwealth,” Young said. “There are efforts in state legislatures across the country to weaken child labor laws, and this comes at a time when the U.S. Department of Labor reported a 283% increase in child labor law violations between 2015 and 2022. Here in Pennsylvania, we must make it clear: there will be penalties for exploiting the state’s children.” The bill now goes to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Bill to repudiate racially restricted deed covenants passes PA House

(Jun 28, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 28 – A bill sponsored by Rep. Justin Fleming, D-Dauphin, that would make it easier for property owners to repudiate discriminatory deed covenants passed the House today. A covenant stipulates what existing or future owners can and cannot do to the property. Racially discriminatory real estate covenants were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1948 under the Shelley v. Kraemer decision, ruling that these covenants are unenforceable under the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution. In addition, the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibited deed covenants that discriminate against protected classes. Although these covenants are no longer enforceable, Fleming said this harmful and discriminatory language still exists in many property deeds. Fleming’s bill ( H.B. 1289 ) impacts all restrictive covenants for classes of individuals covered under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and would allow a property owner to repudiate the covenant. Under the bill, a property owner or homeowner association could file a form with the county’s recorder of deeds office to repudiate a restrictive covenant at little or no cost. "The shameful legacy of restrictive covenants and practices like redlining have created massive inequality in wealth and home ownership rates among people of different races,” Fleming said. “This legislation would make it Read more

 

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill approved by Education Committee

(Jun 28, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 28 – Today, H.B. 1448 introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon, D-Phila., and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, was voted out of the House Education Committee and is headed to the full House for future consideration. The bill would r equire public schools to provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. This instruction would include topics such as skills of conflict resolution; respect for different cultures, races, and beliefs; effectively managing emotions; and how to resolve differences peacefully. The bill also would require the instruction to be age appropriate and incorporated into an appropriate area of study. The Department of Education would compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools can use to provide this instruction to students. Bellmon said that teaching conflict resolution in schools can help reduce violence. “In areas across the commonwealth, such as Philadelphia, we’re seeing far too many young lives taken by gun violence,” Bellmon said. “It’s imperative that our children know that conflicts can be resolved in a non-violent way, and that’s why I introduced this bill that can help save lives.” This is Bellmon’s first bill to be voted out of a House standing committee. He is urging quick passage in the full House. Read more

 

Kinsey bill to honor K. Leroy Irvis approved by House committee

(Jun 28, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 28 – Today, H.B. 651 , introduced by state Reps. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, was unanimously approved by the House State Government Committee and will head to the full House for future consideration. Kinsey’s bill would rename the South Lawn of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex as the “Irvis Equality Circle,” in honor of K. Leroy Irvis, who was the first Black speaker of the Pennsylvania House, and of any state legislature in the country’s history since Reconstruction. The Harrisburg community through the “Gathering at the Crossroads” commissioned a monument that now sits outside of the Irvis Office Building on the South Lawn in honor of the old 8 th Ward and the work that Speaker Irvis was able to do while serving in the legislature from 1958 to 1988. The South Lawn sits outside of the K. Leroy Irvis Building. It is bordered by Walnut Street and Commonwealth Avenue. “Speaker Irvis was an important trailblazer in our state’s history, and it’s only right that we continue to honor his legacy,” Kinsey said. “I’m glad to see this bill move out of committee. Now I hope to see my House colleagues vote to honor Speaker Irvis and everything he’s meant to our commonwealth.” “The “Irvis Equality Circle” will remind us that we must protect our fundamental right to vote with Read more

 

PA House Labor & Industry Committee approves resolution condemning exclusion of mandated water breaks for workers

(Jun 28, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 28 – During a voting meeting today, the Pennsylvania House Labor and Industry Committee reported a resolution ( H.R. 159 ) out of committee and to the full House that would condemn the elimination of local rules in Texas mandating water breaks for construction workers. State Rep. Jose Giral introduced the resolution after Texas recently eliminated local ordinances mandating water breaks for construction workers, undermining their safety and well-being. “I believe it is appallingly brutal to institute legislation that would disregard the basic needs of any human being. I wholeheartedly condemn the Texas legislation that eliminates mandated water breaks for construction workers,” Giral said. “People are not machines; these decisions impact the health and mental wellness of human lives. We need to protect all workers’ rights and collectively raise our voices against this irrational and inhumane legislation in Texas.” Read more

 

PA House establishes Roberto Clemente Day

(Jun 28, 2023) Rep. Nick Pisciottano

Adopts resolution commemorating baseball legend, humanitarian Read more

 

Pa. House votes to extend I-95 disaster proclamation until next June

(Jun 28, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

A resolution that would extend to next June Gov. Josh Shapiro’s emergency disaster declaration issued in the response to the collapse of a bridge on I-95 in Philadelphia passed the state House of Representatives. Read more

 

Neilson’s automated speed enforcement legislation passes PA House

(Jun 27, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

Legislation authored by state Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., chair of the House Transportation Committee, that would renew and expand automated enforcement programs throughout Philadelphia, passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today with bipartisan support. House Bill 1284 would eliminate the December 2023 expiration date of the Automated Speed Enforcement Program along Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia. It would also expand the ASE program to all roads in Philadelphia, contingent on PennDOT’s approval and the city’s adoption of a local ordinance and make necessary improvements to the ASE program. The ASE program on Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia, first implemented in June 2020, uses cameras to detect and record motorists exceeding the posted speed limit by 11 miles per hour or more along the boulevard. Crashes along Roosevelt Boulevard have declined by 36% since speed cameras were deployed, while total crashes in the rest of the city, where there are no speed cameras, have only declined by 6%. According to the Philadelphia Parking Authority, the ASE program has reduced speeding along Roosevelt Boulevard by a staggering 95%. Finally, and most importantly, Neilson said, the bill would protect schoolchildren on their walks through busy school zones by making fixes to the current law that authorizes school districts to use automated school bus stop-arm cameras and establishing a five-year pilot program for speed cameras in active Read more

 

PA House passes legislation allowing recycled materials in stuffed toys

(Jun 27, 2023) Rep. Jason Dawkins

HARRISBURG, June 27 – A bill sponsored by state Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., that would allow recycled materials to be used in stuffed toys passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a vote of 163-40. This legislation ( H.B. 1333 ) would bring Pennsylvania in line with all other global stuffed toy requirements, enabling manufacturers and retailers to make and sell stuffed toys with recycled materials in the commonwealth. “This is really just commonsense legislation,” said Dawkins, chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. “Not only is the use of recycled materials commonplace because it is safe and the materials undergo the same extensive testing as new materials, but it also allows toy manufacturers to reach their sustainability goals and is better for the environment.” House Bill 1333 is a companion bill to S.B. 756 , introduced by Pennsylvania Sens. Devlin Robinson, John Kane and Art Haywood. The bill now goes to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Giral doubles up efforts to reduce opioid and prescription drug abuse

(Jun 27, 2023) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

HARRISBURG, June 27 – Today, bills (H.B. 817 and H.B. 818) introduced by state Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The bills represent Giral’s dual effort to educate and support pharmacies to help reduce opioid and prescription drug abuse in communities. House Bill 817 (Educate pharmacies about drug takeback locations) would direct the State Board of Pharmacy to educate pharmacies about drug takeback programs. Pharmacies can institute takeback programs now, but many do not because they lack the necessary guidance and logistics plan. Giral highlights that the educational component in his bills is essential because educating pharmacies on the option to aid Pennsylvanians with safely and responsibly disposing of their unwanted or expired medications is crucial to preventing the misuse and diversion of prescription drugs. House Bill 818 (Provide support for drug takeback locations at pharmacies) would establish the Pharmaceutical Collection Sites Educational Program within the Department of State to assist pharmacy board efforts. The program would help pharmacies meet the cost and complete the necessary steps of setting up a takeback location. “I am proud to say today that we are moving legislation forward to address this issue,” Giral said. “We are now a step closer to take control of this serious public problem in our state. I am thankful to Read more

 

House passes Benham, Ortitay bill to help kids in kinship care

(Jun 27, 2023) Rep. Jessica Benham

Would expand foster care tuition waiver program Read more

 

Ciresi legislation to replace state song adopted by PA House
Jun 29, 2023

Abney issues statement regarding U.S. Supreme Court affirmative action ruling
Jun 29, 2023

Green Safe Community Grant bill approved by Judiciary Committee
Jun 29, 2023

Pa. Legislative Latino Caucus condemns Supreme Court affirmative action decision
Jun 29, 2023

Pa. House passes legislation expanding access to menstrual hygiene products
Jun 29, 2023

Merski bill to help police departments afford fleet upgrades heads to House
Jun 29, 2023

House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus & Philadelphia House Delegation condemn Moms for Liberty event in Phila.
Jun 29, 2023

Pa. House Dems. roll out good government reform measures.
Jun 29, 2023

Salisbury bill to reduce blight passes PA House
Jun 29, 2023

PA House passes legislation to increase penalties for Child Labor Act violations
Jun 28, 2023

Bill to repudiate racially restricted deed covenants passes PA House
Jun 28, 2023

Bellmon, McClinton school conflict resolution bill approved by Education Committee
Jun 28, 2023

Kinsey bill to honor K. Leroy Irvis approved by House committee
Jun 28, 2023

PA House Labor & Industry Committee approves resolution condemning exclusion of mandated water breaks for workers
Jun 28, 2023

PA House establishes Roberto Clemente Day
Jun 28, 2023

Pa. House votes to extend I-95 disaster proclamation until next June
Jun 28, 2023

Neilson’s automated speed enforcement legislation passes PA House
Jun 27, 2023

PA House passes legislation allowing recycled materials in stuffed toys
Jun 27, 2023

Giral doubles up efforts to reduce opioid and prescription drug abuse
Jun 27, 2023

House passes Benham, Ortitay bill to help kids in kinship care
Jun 27, 2023