News Center

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

 

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

 

Leader McClinton statement on constitutional amendment

(Feb 01, 2021) Rep. Joanna E. McClinton

“This is heartbreaking for survivors of an unspeakable trauma who have waited too long for the chance to see justice. If there is any way to achieve a quicker legislative solution than waiting for two more years, the House Democratic Caucus will fully support it,” McClinton said. Read more

 

Solomon introduces legislation to bring open primaries to Pa., stresses importance of democracy and government accountability

(Jan 29, 2021) Rep. Jared G. Solomon

The legislation, Solomon said, will encourage democratic engagement and remove barriers for all Pennsylvania voters to take part in the selection of candidates for public office. Read more

 

Rozzi: Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse Have Waited Long Enough

(Jan 28, 2021) Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Mark Rozzi applauds his colleagues in the House for joining him in passing legislation to help victims of childhood sexual abuse get closure and redress on their harrowing experiences. Read more

 

Troubleshooting PUA claims: How to reopen/reactivate a PUA claim

(Jan 27, 2021) Labor & Industry

Step-by-step instructions to successfully reopen/reactivate a PUA claim. Read more

 

Rozzi hails progress toward justice for child sexual abuse victims

(Jan 27, 2021) Rep. Mark Rozzi

“We know all too well the life-long challenges victims of childhood sexual abuse face. Victims have waited long enough,” Rozzi said. “This opportunity is long overdue – and is sorely needed to finally allow childhood victims of sexual predators the chance to obtain closure and redress on their harrowing experiences.” Read more

 

Conklin introduces bill to better protect victims of domestic violence

(Jan 27, 2021) Rep. Scott Conklin

Conklin, D-Centre, said nearly half of states across the country permit electronic monitoring in such cases, and it’s time for Pennsylvania to do the same. Read more

 

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

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

Leader McClinton statement on constitutional amendment
Feb 01, 2021

Solomon introduces legislation to bring open primaries to Pa., stresses importance of democracy and government accountability
Jan 29, 2021

Rozzi: Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse Have Waited Long Enough
Jan 28, 2021

Troubleshooting PUA claims: How to reopen/reactivate a PUA claim
Jan 27, 2021

Rozzi hails progress toward justice for child sexual abuse victims
Jan 27, 2021

Conklin introduces bill to better protect victims of domestic violence
Jan 27, 2021