Press Releases
Senators Applaud Advancement of Bill to Create Phone-Free Schools in PA
HARRISBURG – April 28, 2026 − Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37), Vincent Hughes (D-7), and Steve Santarseiro (D-10) issued the following joint statement after Senate Bill 1014 was approved by the House of Representatives Education Committee: “Today’s advancement of Senate...
House Passes Tartaglione Bill to Modernize Accessibility Standards in Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA, April 27, 2026 – Senator Tina Tartaglione (D-2, Philadelphia) today announced that the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed her legislation, Senate Bill 867, with overwhelming bipartisan support, marking a major step forward in restoring...
Senate Democratic Caucus Files Amicus Brief in Support of City of Philadelphia to Protect Black History at President’s House Exhibit
HARRISBURG, PA – April 27, 2026 − The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today filed an amicus brief in support of the City of Philadelphia urging the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to require the National Park Service to fully restore and maintain the exhibits...
Session Spotlight :: April 20, 2026
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Condemns Treasurer’s Denial of Security Upgrades to Governor’s Residence
HARRISBURG, PA – In response to State Treasurer Stacy Garrity’s letter stating her refusal to approve funds for security upgrades to Governor Shapiro’s residence, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa offers the following statement on behalf of the Pennsylvania Senate...
Senator Miller to Introduce Legislation to Curb ATV and Dirt Bike Use on Urban Roadways
HARRISBURG, PA – April 22, 2026 − State Senator Nick Miller (D-14) will introduce legislation to improve safety by incorporating ATVs and dirt bikes into the existing laws concerning evading police and reckless driving. Miller previously introduced similar legislation...
Senator Nick Miller Announces Funding to Expand Old Allentown Tree Initiative; Community Encouraged to Attend Planting Day
April 22, 2026 – The Old Allentown Preservation Association, together with Union and West End Cemetery, will hold a Tree Planting Day at 9:00 AM on Saturday, April 26 at 10th and Chew Streets, adding 44 new trees to the City of Allentown. Senator Miller...
Senate Approves Schwank’s Resolution to Study Municipal Planning Code
Reading, PA — April 22, 2026 — The Pennsylvania Senate yesterday passed Senate Resolution 211, introduced by Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), which directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of the Pennsylvania Municipalities...
Senate Democrats Champion Affordability Action Plan to Bring Down Costs and Expand Economic Opportunities to PA Families
HARRISBURG, PA − April 21, 2026 − Today, members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus were joined by Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis to hold a press conference in the Main Capitol Rotunda to kick off their Affordability Action Plan, which highlights...
Senator John I. Kane and Senate Democrats Urge Penn State to Respect Graduate Workers and Bargain in Good Faith
HARRISBURG, PA – April 21, 2026 − State Senator John I. Kane (D–Delaware/Chester) announced that he has joined his Senate Democratic colleagues in calling on Penn State University leadership to respect the will of its graduate assistants and move forward with good...
Miller, Yaw Bill Limiting Use of PFAS in Firefighting Foam Clears Senate Committee
HARRISBURG – April 21, 2026 − A bill to limit the use of firefighting foam containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was approved by the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and Sen. Nick...
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Commends Commonwealth Court Decision Ending State Prohibition on Reproductive Healthcare Spending
HARRISBURG, PA – April 20, 2026 − Today, the Commonwealth Court issued a decision holding that reproductive choice is a fundamental right guaranteed by the PA constitution, and that the state’s MA coverage prohibition on abortion services violates the Equal Rights...
During National Telecommunicators Week, Sen. Lindsey Williams Calls for 911 Dispatchers to be Classified as First Responders
Pittsburgh, Pa. − April 17, 2026 − In honor of National Telecommunicators Week this week, Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) is calling on the Senate to pass legislation that would define 911 dispatchers as emergency responders. “911 dispatchers are the first...
Senator Flynn Announces Student Ambassador Program Final Presentations, Selects Child Victim Recovery Fund Proposal to Move Forward
SCRANTON, PA − April 13, 2026 − Senator Marty Flynn announced the completion of the 2025–2026 Student Ambassador Program following final presentations held on April 9, where students introduced original policy proposals developed over the course of the program. Four...
Senator Hughes, Education Leaders Announce Opening of Student Teacher Support Program for ‘26-27 Academic Year
April 13, 2026 – Philadelphia, PA – Senator Vincent Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair, along with education leaders, announced that applications for student teacher stipends will open on Thursday, April 16, at 4PM for ‘26-27 academic year placements....
Sen. Nick Miller and State Rep. Jeanne McNeill Held Their 2026 Seniors & Veterans Expo
WHITEHALL, PA – April 10, 2026 − Senator Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton) and State Representative Jeanne McNeill (D-Lehigh) hosted a Seniors & Veterans Expo on Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Luke’s Sports Center in Whitehall, PA. “This event is about spreading...
Senate Democratic Caucus Policy Committee Hearing on Nursing Home Sustainability & Costs
WHITEHALL, PA − April 10, 2026 − Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing on the sustainability of nursing homes, statewide and regional aging demographics, projected needs for the aging community, effects on the labor force, and...
Collett Announces Legislation to Cut Healthcare Costs, Improve Access to Care
Harrisburg, Pa. − April 9, 2026 − Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery, Caucus Chair) has announced a new slate of legislation to address rising healthcare costs in Pennsylvania. With skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs, crippling medical debt, and...
Senator Nick Miller’s Statement on Major Arena Soccer League Team Coming to the PPL Center
April 9, 2026 - Senator Nick Miller issues the following statement on today’s announcement: “Soccer is a global sport that has united communities for generations, and now Downtown Allentown and the Lehigh Valley will finally have a team to call their own...
New Life for Former Scranton Times-Tribune Site: Senator Marty Flynn Highlights $15 Million Investment Bringing 58 Jobs to Scott Township
SCRANTON, PA − April 8, 2026 − Senator Marty Flynn (D-22) today highlighted a major economic development announcement from Governor Josh Shapiro that will bring new jobs and economic activity to Scott Township in Lackawanna County, located within the 22nd Senatorial...
State Senator Steve Santarsiero Statement on PECO’s Proposed Rate Increase
April 1, 2026 − The following is attributable to Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10): “Families across Bucks County are facing a real cost-of-living crisis, made worse by skyrocketing gas prices; PECO’s proposed rate increase is simply out of touch with that reality,”...
Leaders Announce Almost $15 Million Investment to Replace Versailles Avenue Viaduct in McKeesport
McKeesport, PA – April 1, 2026 – Federal, state, and local leaders gathered today at the closed Versailles Avenue Viaduct in McKeesport to announce a $14.75 million investment to replace it and restore a critical connection for thousands of residents and commuters....
Housing For All: PA Senators Highlight Efforts to Ensure Fair and Accessible Housing in Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA – April 1, 2026 – To mark the first day of Fair Housing Month, Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17, Montgomery/Delaware) and Senator Nikil Saval (D-1, Philadelphia) introduced Senate Resolution 260, recognizing April as “Fair Housing Month” in...
State Senator John I. Kane and State Representative Carol Kazeem Announce Upcoming Free Senior Expo
CHESTER, PA – March 31, 2026 – State Senator John I. Kane and State Representative Carol Kazeem are pleased to announce their upcoming Senior Expo on Thursday, April 9th, 2026. The event will be held at the Furey Road Fieldhouse, located at 8500 Furey Rd, Upper...
Senator Marty Flynn Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Competitive Balance in High School Athletics
SCRANTON, PA − March 30, 2026 − Senator Marty Flynn (SD-22) has introduced Senate Bill 1253 to address growing concerns around competitive balance in high school sports across Pennsylvania. The legislation would give the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic...
Senator Anthony H. Williams, Alongside Representative Morgan Cephas, Introduces Legislation to Combat Hit-and-Run Incidents in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA – March 27, 2026 – Senator Anthony Williams (SD-8) and Rep. Morgan Cephas (HD-192) recently introduced legislation that would require the City of Philadelphia to establish a pilot program to address hit-and-run accidents. The bill would provide...
Senator Sharif Street Criminal Justice Reform Advocates Respond to PA Supreme Court Felony-Murder Ruling
PHILADELPHIA, PA – March 27, 2026 – Pennsylvania State Senator Sharif Street joined criminal justice reform advocates yesterday at Philadelphia City Hall to respond to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s recent decision addressing mandatory life-without-parole...
Senator Lindsey M. Williams to Introduce Data Center Legislation That Prioritizes Community Voices Over Corporate Greed
Pittsburgh, Pa. − March 25, 2026 − Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) announced today that she has introduced Senate Bill 724, the Data Center Fair Share Act. This legislation would require data centers to pay for grid updates made for their benefit,...
Senator Collett, PA Lawmakers Launch Bipartisan, Bicameral Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus
HARRISBURG – March 24, 2026 – Sen. Maria Collett (D-12), Sen. Cris Dush (R-25), Sen. Marty Flynn (D-22), Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28), Rep. Danilo Burgos (D-197), Rep. Kate Klunk (R-169), Rep. Clint Owlett (R-68), and Rep. Regina G. Young...
Sen. Fontana Statement on Minimum Wage Bill Passing the PA House
Pittsburgh, March 25, 2026 – Today, state Senator Wayne Fontana issued the following statement on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voting to increase the commonwealth’s $7.25/hr minimum wage: “I am pleased to see the PA House, once again, pass legislation to...
Lawmakers, Advocates Push Bipartisan Legislation to Close Loopholes in Pet Cremation Industry
Harrisburg, PA – March 23, 2026 − State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny), co-chair of the bipartisan Animal Protection Caucus, joined fellow lawmakers, animal welfare advocates, veterinary professionals, and pet owners for a press conference in the Main Capitol Rotunda to call for reform in the pet cremation industry following the Pennsylvania House’s unanimous passage of House Bill 1750.
Miller, Rothman, and Santarsiero Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Allow Use of Radar Technology for Local Law Enforcement
HARRISBURG, PA – March 20, 2026 − State Senators Nick Miller (D-14), Greg Rothman (R-34), and Steve Santarsiero (D-10) introduced bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 1237, to modernize police technology by allowing local law enforcement agencies to use radar speed...