News Center

Ciresi: Pharmacist-administered vaccinations must be covered by health insurers

(Feb 18, 2021) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

“Now more than ever, it’s imperative we ensure affordable, potentially life-saving immunizations administered by pharmacists are covered by all health insurers.” Read more

 

Schlossberg leads discussion on key role paraprofessionals have in Pa. Education services

(Feb 18, 2021) Policy Committee

Rep. Schlossberg said he will continue to advocate for fair, equitable education funding that would provide additional resources for paraprofessional training, acquisition and retention. Read more

 

Benham introduces legislation aimed at ensuring all Pennsylvanians safeguarded from pandemic debt

(Feb 17, 2021) Rep. Jessica Benham

“Safeguarding every Pennsylvanian, especially those medically impacted by the pandemic, on top of other economic costs associated with COVID-19 needs to be a top priority,” said Benham. “The people of this commonwealth deserve access to treatment and prevention options that don’t add to, or create any additional financial burden.” Read more

 

McNeill introduces legislation to address children’s educational disruption during district residency disputes

(Feb 17, 2021) Rep. Jeanne McNeill

House Bill 458 seeks to provide protection for children in the event of a residency dispute. Under McNeill’s legislation, a school district would not be permitted to remove a child from school until the dispute has been fully resolved and it has been determined which school district should correctly enroll the child. Read more

 

Brown, Malagari continue to advocate for hands-free driving law

(Feb 17, 2021) Rep. Steve Malagari

“Almost every one of Pennsylvania’s neighboring states enacted driver responsibility laws to not allow mobile device use while driving. It’s time that Pennsylvania catches up to make our roadways safer,” said Malagari. Read more

 

Improving rail, roads, waterways, technology could fuel jobs and public safety efforts

(Feb 17, 2021) Policy Committee

The committee heard testimony and held a roundtable discussion on how implementation of the National Infrastructure Bank would help the state improve broadband access, address transportation needs and invigorate the economy. Read more

 

Shusterman authors legislation to bolster small businesses, reform state lobbying practices

(Feb 17, 2021) Rep. Melissa Shusterman

Shusterman’s H.B. 267 would ensure that early and mid-stage businesses using the Second Stage Loan program create more job opportunities in Pennsylvania, and businesses that receive loan guarantees are not only located in Pennsylvania, but stay in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Hughes, Fiedler unveil plan to repair hazardous, toxic public schools across Pa.

(Feb 16, 2021) Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Sen. Vincent Hughes

Though Philadelphia has been the focal point of the issue, other public schools across Pennsylvania report similar ventilation problems, often in poor school districts without the means to address major capital improvements. Allentown, Scranton, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and many other cities and towns across Pennsylvania, have struggled with asbestos, lead and other toxins in their public school buildings. Read more

 

Miller, Bullock bill would provide certificate for former inmates to re-enter the workforce

(Feb 12, 2021) Rep. Dan Miller, Rep. Donna Bullock

The bill would require every person to receive a reentry certificate after leaving incarceration. The certificate would serve as proof to employers of the person’s achievements in skill development, rehabilitation, education and their readiness for safe reentry. Read more

 

Let’s work for – not against – women’s health in 2021-22

(Feb 11, 2021) Women’s Health Caucus

In the Women’s Health Caucus, we listen to women. We know that whether Republican, Democrat, Independent or other; whether wealthy, poor or middle class; whether residing in the city, the suburbs or rural Pennsylvania; whether young or old; there are real issues affecting women’s free choice, financial well-being and life itself. Read more

 

Briggs appointed to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency

(Feb 11, 2021) Rep. Tim Briggs

The mission of PCCD is to enhance quality, coordination and planning within the criminal and juvenile justice systems, to facilitate the delivery of services to victims of crime, and to increase the safety of Pennsylvania communities. Read more

 

Ciresi legislation seeks tax holiday for water, energy conservation

(Feb 10, 2021) Rep. Joseph Ciresi

Specifically, H.B. 461 would promote the purchase and use of WaterSense and Energy Star products by annually excluding those products from sales and use taxes from April 22 (Earth Day) through April 29. Read more

 

Miller, Benham to introduce bill to create new Pa. Department of Accessibility and Inclusion

(Feb 10, 2021) Rep. Dan Miller, Rep. Jessica Benham

Miller and Benham said the bill would consolidate several existing programs under the new department. It would also create a cabinet-level secretary position in the governor’s administration. Read more

 

OPINION/LETTER: During a crisis, we need leadership -- not partisanship

(Feb 09, 2021) Rep. Liz Hanbidge

Pennsylvanians deserve competent, decisive leadership, especially in times of crisis. COVID-19 isn't partisan. The virus does not care how you voted. Read more

 

Frankel, Democratic Health Committee members prioritize healthcare equality and access; abortion rights headed into 2021

(Feb 09, 2021) Rep. Dan B. Frankel

As the pandemic rages on, Democrats on the House Health Committee will fight for a science-based public health strategy to prevent the spread of COVID, support and protect the healthcare workforce, and ensure that everyone, regardless of income or technological proficiency, has access to the vaccines. Read more

 

Vaccine shortage and technology demands highlight of House Democratic Policy Committee

(Feb 08, 2021) Policy Committee

Those tasked with administering vaccines at the state and county levels, including pharmacies, reiterated that there are not enough vaccines being allocated to meet demand, especially with the recent expansion of the 1A group. Read more

 

Rabb ranked top Pa. legislator by ACLU-PA for civil rights and civil liberties-related voting record

(Feb 05, 2021) Rep. Christopher M. Rabb

Rabb said his family has a history of working to protect civil rights and civil liberties. Read more

 

Committee approves Markosek bill seeking tax exemptions for stimulus payments

(Feb 04, 2021) Rep. Brandon Markosek

Congress issued recovery rebates under the CARES Act to help people and businesses stay afloat during the pandemic. House Bill 359 would exclude those economic stimulus payments from being considered income, making them exempt from state and local taxation. Read more

 

Krajewski appointed to Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing

(Feb 04, 2021) Rep. Rick Krajewski

Krajewski, elected in 2020 to represent the 188th Legislative District in Philadelphia, was recommended for the appointment to the commission by House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, who held the post before she became House Democratic leader. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Now Open for Applications: March 31 Update

(Feb 01, 2021) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development: Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) (Funding Source: General Fund) Eligibility : 501c3 nonprofits Use : Tax credit program to encourage businesses to invest in projects by eligible nonprofits to serve low-income individuals and improve distressed areas. Projects can include affordable housing, community economic development, community services, education, neighborhood conservation, crime prevention, job training, or charitable food assistance. A special-priority category this year is COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Justice Issues, which can include a variety of COVID related services as well as projects that strive to increase awareness of or improve social justice issues within marginalized communities in Pennsylvania. See guidelines for more information. Funds : State tax credits up to 80%, depending upon the program category, for businesses that donate to the nonprofit. Application Deadline : May 28. Applicants submitting a solicitation plan in lieu of firm commitments must have their contributors confirmed by August 31, 2021. More Information : Click on https://dced.pa.gov/programs/neighborhood-assistance-program-nap/ . Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their projects prior to application with their Regional DCED Office: https://dced.pa.gov/dced-regional-offices/ . Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Read more

 

Ciresi: Pharmacist-administered vaccinations must be covered by health insurers
Feb 18, 2021

Schlossberg leads discussion on key role paraprofessionals have in Pa. Education services
Feb 18, 2021

Benham introduces legislation aimed at ensuring all Pennsylvanians safeguarded from pandemic debt
Feb 17, 2021

McNeill introduces legislation to address children’s educational disruption during district residency disputes
Feb 17, 2021

Brown, Malagari continue to advocate for hands-free driving law
Feb 17, 2021

Improving rail, roads, waterways, technology could fuel jobs and public safety efforts
Feb 17, 2021

Shusterman authors legislation to bolster small businesses, reform state lobbying practices
Feb 17, 2021

Hughes, Fiedler unveil plan to repair hazardous, toxic public schools across Pa.
Feb 16, 2021

Miller, Bullock bill would provide certificate for former inmates to re-enter the workforce
Feb 12, 2021

Let’s work for – not against – women’s health in 2021-22
Feb 11, 2021

Briggs appointed to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Feb 11, 2021

Ciresi legislation seeks tax holiday for water, energy conservation
Feb 10, 2021

Miller, Benham to introduce bill to create new Pa. Department of Accessibility and Inclusion
Feb 10, 2021

OPINION/LETTER: During a crisis, we need leadership -- not partisanship
Feb 09, 2021

Frankel, Democratic Health Committee members prioritize healthcare equality and access; abortion rights headed into 2021
Feb 09, 2021

Vaccine shortage and technology demands highlight of House Democratic Policy Committee
Feb 08, 2021

Rabb ranked top Pa. legislator by ACLU-PA for civil rights and civil liberties-related voting record
Feb 05, 2021

Committee approves Markosek bill seeking tax exemptions for stimulus payments
Feb 04, 2021

Krajewski appointed to Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing
Feb 04, 2021

State Grant Programs Now Open for Applications: March 31 Update
Feb 01, 2021