2021 Accomplishments
Developed and funded programs to help with COVID-19 recovery
For individuals struggling to pay their bills and also for small business owners coping with the pandemic changes to their industries, particularly in hospitality
Established the Broadband Development Authority
Established the Broadband Development Authority to use at least $100 million to develop and deploy broadband services to unserved and underserved internet users
Held countless community events around the state
Held countless community events around the state, including a free baby shower, shredding events, electronics recycling, health fairs and more
Campaign for worker rights
Continued the campaign for worker rights by fighting to increase the minimum wage, provide front line worker hazard pay and mandate paid sick leave
Allocated $30 million for community violence prevention
Allocated $30 million for community violence prevention programs that will support local efforts to take preventive measures to stop growing gun violence that is occurring across the state.
$350 Million for Education
Supported a nearly $300 million increase for the basic education fund and a $50 million increase in special education funding in the 21-22 Fiscal Year budget
Student Loan Forgiveness
Worked with the Governor to ensure that student loan forgiveness programs would not be taxable by the state – saving young professionals a lot of money.
$11.4 million for Food Banks
Secured an $11.4 million investment in cold storage infrastructure for food banks serving every county of Pennsylvania.
Student Loan Relief for Nurses
Created the Student Loan Relief for Nurses program – forgiving $5 million in debts for nurses in Pennsylvania using American Rescue Plan funding.
Community Investment
Invested in all of our communities with state grants and loans to organizations doing great work.
Democratic sponsored bills that have passed the Senate in 2021:
SB 114 – Requires a driver to make a reasonable effort to remove snow or ice from their vehicle
SB 115 – Authorizes Pennsylvania to join the nurse licensure compact
SB 241 – Makes exemptions from fishing license fees for therapeutic recreation programs
SB 274 – Allows for a land conveyance in Allegheny County
SB 291 – Capital Budget Act of 2021-2022 to provide for funding of redevelopment capital projects throughout the Commonwealth
SB 337 – Increases fines and penalties for killing or unlawfully taking a bald or golden eagle
SB 480 – Updates the Borough Code
SB 486 – Gives veterans and their spouses preference in job training programs operated by local workforce development boards
SB 561 – Authorizes the procurement process for the sale of the former State Correctional Institute – Pittsburgh
SB 574 – Establishes a county demolition and rehabilitation fund in each county
SB 674 – Updates the Borough Code
SB 675 – Updates the Third Class City Code
SB 755 – Provides authorization for digital submissions and electronic transmittals of proposed comprehensive plans for municipal governments