“It’s one thing to voice your support for veterans. It’s another to demonstrate it,” Rep. Tim Brennan (D-29) said, in a statement. “Time and again, this community demonstrates its respect for the people who have served our country, and I’m proud I get to be a part of that.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 23 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Cumberland/Dauphin, and state Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, today announced a state grant for $350,000 to the Broad Street Market . The Department of Community and Economic Development grant will go toward operating expenses, roof repairs and HVAC upgrades at the market. “This state funding saves significant costs for the urgently needed restoration of Broad Street Market,” Kim said. “I look forward to seeing this project continue to move forward and am happy to have helped the market and the many businesses that make Harrisburg thrive.” “We look forward to seeing a new design and more progress at the Broad Street Market, as it navigates its comeback,” Madsen said. “All eyes are on this reconstruction, and I’m happy that Rep. Kim and I were able to help deliver needed help.” “This funding commitment is an absolute game-changer for the Broad Street Market, which recently became financially solvent for the first time since last year’s fire, in conjunction with the financial sustainability plan put in place earlier this year,” said Eric Hagerty, chair of the market’s Board of Directors. “We will now be in a position to do more than barely make ends meet – we will be able to invest in the market’s facilities and address some long-standing needs for the businesses that operate at the market and the community Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 22 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced two bills earlier this summer to make it easier for residents to remain informed and participate in Pennsylvania Utility Commission rate cases: H.B. 2495 which would allow ratepayers to submit public comments to the PUC online, and H.B. 2496 which would require the outside of envelopes to indicate if they contain a notice of a proposed rate change. “Utility services such as water, wastewater and electricity are essential to modern daily life,” Ciresi said. “As our residents’ health and well-being are dependent on these services being safe, reliable and affordable, they need to be able to easily communicate to the PUC their concerns about utility rate changes and acquisitions which will have a direct and substantial impact on their quality of life.” Utilities are currently required to send ratepayers notice of proposed rate changes and include instructions on how to submit public comments by mail. According to Ciresi, the current notification system is neither efficient nor effective as notices can get lost in the volume of other notices sent by utilities and other companies. “We’re in the 21st century, and we are still expecting the public to send comments through the mail,” Ciresi said. “My legislation would modernize the PUC ratemaking process, making it more accessible to the public. These bills would call additional attention to Read more
I’m proud to bring back our tax dollars to support local projects. These two grants, which together total $852,112, will provide most of the funding needed for the estimated $1.1 million project budget. Read more
“Everyone deserves to be safe at work – that means free from physical harm as well as mental or psychological abuse,” said McClinton, who represents portions of Delaware County and Philadelphia. “While there are laws on the books to protect workers from environmental hazards, we need to do more to protect people from workplace psychological hazards like bullying and oppressive treatment that create toxic work environments and cause undue stress and anxiety for workers.” Read more
“A right to have an abortion, but no access to an abortion is no right at all,” said Rep. Heather Boyd, who represents portions of Delaware County and hosted the hearing. “Reproductive health care and abortion access needs to be protected in Pennsylvania. We know reproductive health care saves the lives of patients in the 21st century, and the last thing a patient needs is a lawmaker determining what health care is appropriate for others – especially absolute strangers.” Read more
ROYERSFORD, Aug. 9 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that $92,994 in state funding has been awarded to five Pottstown School District Pre-K and elementary schools to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Schools receiving the grants are: Barth Elementary School $20,196 Franklin Elementary School $22,308 Lincoln Elementary School $20,856 Pre-K Counts Annex Building $6,666 Rupert Elementary School $22,968 Through the program by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the schools will receive reimbursement for the cost of making free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students during the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal in one or more areas of the school during the school day. “This funding will help Pottstown schools provide healthy snack alternatives to our students during the day, helping to make healthy eating a habit,” Ciresi said. “This funding will also help give Pottstown’s school children the tools to make healthy choices for themselves. Students will learn that fruits and vegetables are not only the smart choice, but also the tastiest.” The goal of FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. Read more
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Brian Munroe D-Bucks County www.pahouse.com/Munroe Munroe presents check to Warminster Township Police Department Funding will be used for body cameras WARMINSTER, Aug. 6 – State Rep. Brian Munroe presented a $250,000 check to Warminster Township Police Department Chief Jim Donnelly today to help fund the purchase of body cameras for the police officers. Munroe, a retired police officer, secured the funding through the state Department of Community and Economic Development. “Protecting our police and giving them the resources that they need to do the job in the 21 st century is a top priority for me,” Munroe said. “Body cameras are now an essential piece of a police uniform, and I am more than proud and happy to be able to help provide those resources.” “Warminster Township and the Warminster Board of Supervisors are thrilled with the amount of support we have received for our police department,” Warminster Supervisor Judy Hoover said. “The body cameras will certainly add to the ability of our already excellent police department to protect our citizens.” Munroe represents the 144 th Legislative District composed of Ivyland, Warminster, Warrington and Read more
State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30. HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail. The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power. "Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.” Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive. "The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens Read more
HARRISBURG, July 30 – Pennsylvania House Tourism, Recreational and Economic Development Committee Chair Rep. Mary Jo Daley said she is pleased with a $15 million state budget increase to attract more tourists to the commonwealth’s many great restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts and resorts. “Pennsylvania is a four-seasons destination, with each of our great state’s regions offering educational, historical and recreational opportunities to travelers,” said Daley, D-Montgomery . “Providing more resources to the state’s Tourism Office helps bring more attention to all that Pennsylvania has to offer and, in turn, generates even more revenue for our state.” Gov. Josh Shapiro has been promoting Pennsylvania as the “Great American Getaway,” and the budget earmarks $19 million for tourism marketing to boost Pennsylvania’s economy, attract more visitors and support good-paying jobs. “We’re thrilled that tourism marketing received a $15 million increase in the 2024-25 budget to help boost our economy, attract more visitors, and support good paying jobs in Pennsylvania,” said Anne Ryan, deputy secretary of tourism for the Department of Community and Development . “Tourism, which is a key piece of Governor Josh Shapiro’s economic development strategy, generates over $76 billion and supports more than 486,000 jobs each year. We are working hard to encourage the tens of Read more
HARRISBURG, July 23 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s bill that will make it easier for relatives to claim a deceased person’s property being held by the state has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro as Act 65 of 2024. “The process of claiming unclaimed property as an heir can be complicated, expensive and burdensome – so much so that many would rather give up than continue with the process, especially if the sum is small,” said Ciresi, D-Montgomery. “Act 65 will slice through the red tape and simplify the current process of claiming unclaimed funds to help the people of Pennsylvania get what’s rightfully theirs.” According to Ciresi, the Pennsylvania Treasury holds some $4 billion in unclaimed property, such as uncashed checks, lost stocks or bonds, or closed bank accounts. Due to an inconsistency in inheritance law, some categories of relatives have had a harder time legitimately claiming that property on behalf of their deceased relatives. Surviving spouses, children, parents and siblings could file for unclaimed property using a notarized sworn relationship affidavit, saving them the effort and expense of having to open or re-open the deceased’s estate. But grandchildren, nephews, nieces and others could not claim by affidavit even if they are the closest surviving relative. Act 65 will allow grandchildren and their descendants, nieces and nephews and their descendants, and grandparents of the deceased Read more
HARRISBURG, July 18 – At state Rep. Joe Ciresi’s request, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has agreed to hold two hearings in Limerick Township on the proposed $126.7 million rate hike for Aqua Pennsylvania Inc and Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater Inc. on Monday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Spring-Ford Area High School (Auditorium), 350 S. Lewis Road, Royersford 19468. Aqua Water proposes to increase its annual operating revenues for water services by approximately $112 million (18.7%). Aqua Wastewater seeks a corresponding increase in its annual operating revenues for wastewater services by $14.6 million (20.1%). In total, the proposed rate increase requests would increase the company’s total annual operating revenues by approximately $126.7 million. “The time is now to act and have our voices heard about how these proposed skyrocketing rate hikes will have a devastating impact on our monthly household budgets, particularly on our seniors who live on a fixed income,” Ciresi said. “I am grateful that the PUC has scheduled two hearings in Limerick Township, where wastewater rates already doubled just a few years ago, so as many of our residents as possible can share how these outrageous rate increases will affect their quality of life.” Although Aqua made the request to the PUC saying the rate increase was necessary to pay for infrastructure investments, Ciresi pointed out that customers’ bills already Read more
HARRISBURG, July 22 – Pottstown School District was awarded a $17,200 workforce grant from the PA Department of Education to develop a new generation of special education teachers, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today. “Kids in special education classes need teachers who are specially trained to understand their unique needs and provide the necessary support so they can flourish intellectually, socially and emotionally in school,” Ciresi said. “Especially important in light of a statewide teacher shortage, this money will create new learning opportunities for Pottstown School District students. By raising awareness of career paths and job opportunities in special education, this will help recruit the teachers needed to provide a top-notch education for all students.” The Developing Future Special Educator grants will help local education agencies design and implement student-focused experiential learning opportunities for supporting students with disabilities and learning about career opportunities in the field of special education. The program builds on the department’s efforts to develop a teacher pipeline and retention program to guarantee that learners of all abilities across the state are guaranteed access to a top-notch education for years to come. Read more
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Perry Warren D-Bucks County www.pahouse.com/Warren Gov. Shapiro signs Rep. Warren's insurance and corporate bills into law HARRISBURG, July 22 – In the midst of state budget negotiations, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law two bills introduced by state Rep. Perry Warren. House Bill 2096 , now known as Act 45 of 2024, codifies the surplus insurance lines fee structure for personal surplus lines transactions. House Bill 1716 , signed into law as Act 59 of 2024, clarifies shareholder rights set forth in Pennsylvania’s Title 15 Corporations and Unincorporated Associations statute. Both bills passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate. “Neither of these new laws is controversial or flashy,” Warren said. “Rather, they both clarify and streamline the conducting of insurance and corporate business in Pennsylvania.” The surplus lines insurance market serves customers who need rare, specialty or high-risk insurance coverage unavailable on the regular market in Pennsylvania. High-risk flood insurance is one common example. To ensure that Pennsylvania insurance agents serve this specialty market, Act 45 permits and caps the fee that may be charged for placing a surplus lines policy. Act 59 clarifies language of Title 15 with Read more
KENNETT SQUARE, July 22 – State Rep. Christina Sappy has requested from the Public Utility Commission a public input hearing regarding the proposed rate increase for water and wastewater by Aqua PA Inc. The PUC has granted this hearing request, which will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 at the New Garden Township Municipal Building, 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. Sappey urges all customers who will be impacted by this potential rate increase to attend and participate in the hearing. Following the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate coming out against the proposed rate increase, Sappey filed a formal complaint with the PUC regarding this proposed 18.7% rate hike for Aqua PA Inc. and Aqua PA Wastewater Inc. “Many Aqua customers are still coping with a substantial rate increase from 2022 which, for some, tripled their wastewater bills. It’s imperative that residents speak up now to let both the PUC and Aqua know how a rate hike of this magnitude would impact their monthly household budgets,” Sappey said. Interested residents are encouraged to visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for information on how the hearing will be conducted. People with questions may contact Sappey’s office by calling (484) 200-8264 or by emailing repsappey@pahouse.net with “Aqua rate increase hearing” in the subject line. Sappey represents Read more
HARRISBURG, July 19 – Legislation to allow employer contributions for PA 529 accounts, as well as a plan to reform state law regarding net operating losses, each passed in the state budget deal signed last Thursday in Harrisburg. Originally planned as two bills by state Rep. Paul Friel, H.B. 1745 and H.B. 1483 respectively, the language and effect of his initiatives is now law under budget legislation. The first change would amend the state Tax Code to add the 529 Tuition Account Program Tax Credit, allowing for employer contributions to PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts. “We need new, creative solutions to help families afford a college education for their students, and for the commonwealth to invest into our workforce. Looping employers into the tuition savings process will help facilitate both,” Friel said. Meanwhile, the budget included a change to the Net Operating Loss tax deduction proposed by Friel, from 40% to 80%, which aligns with the federal standard to make Pennsylvania-based businesses more competitive. “The goal of the legislation is to ensure that Pennsylvania is an attractive place to start and grow a business, and this change goes a long way to accomplish that,” Friel said. Read more
Pennsylvanians are now better protected from frivolous lawsuits meant to intimidate them into silence thanks to legislation co-authored by state Rep. Lisa Borowski and signed into law today by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Read more
“I want to thank my colleagues in both the House and Senate for their support of this legislation,” said Shusterman. “I will always support initiatives to improve the lives of seniors in our Commonwealth. By encouraging communication between the Department of Health and nursing home staff, we hope that the exchange of ideas and information between these two groups will lead to a unified effort to provide the best senior care possible. I’m proud to have this bill signed in to law by Governor Shapiro.” Read more
HARRISBURG, July 17 – Three central Pennsylvania House Democrats said they are pleased to welcome historic federal funding for replacement of the John Harris Memorial Bridge. The Federal Highway Administration’s $500 million Large Bridge Project Grant, secured by the Shapiro administration through the Biden administration, is the largest grant in state history for a transportation project, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro . According to PennDOT , the I-83 South Bridge is reaching the end of its serviceable lifespan. In addition to replacing the bridge, the Lemoyne interchange will be reconfigured, the South Third Street bridge in Lemoyne will be replaced, and the viaduct from the Susquehanna River to Cameron Street, including the Front Street/2nd Street interchange, will be reconstructed. “We greatly appreciate the federal and state governments working together to secure this truly historic funding,” said state Rep. Patty Kim, D-Cumberland/Dauphin . “Investing in the greater Harrisburg region is always a wise move. Enhanced infrastructure not only improves daily commutes but also drives economic growth, connects us to opportunities and ensures a resilient and thriving region for generations to come.” “This historic infrastructure funding for the I-83 South Bridge will enhance transportation safety and reliability, create local jobs, and bolster our economy, without Read more
“This child care tax credit is an innovative step for Pennsylvania families and businesses. It will help employers retain employees and help employees continue working while ensuring that their children receive high quality child care,” Hanbidge said. Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.