Press Releases
Senator Hughes Announces Coltrane 100 Philly Lineup for Citywide Centennial Honoring John Coltrane
PHILADELPHIA, July 23, 2026 — Today, Sen. Vincent Hughes, in partnership with Jazz Philadelphia, Creative Philadelphia, Ars Nova Workshop, and WRTI at Temple University, today announced the lineup for Coltrane 100 Philly, a citywide centennial celebration honoring jazz legend John Coltrane through more than 30 free and ticketed performances, community initiatives and artist grants taking place throughout the fall.
Statement from Senator Sharif Street on the Commonwealth v. Lee Legislative Deadline
PHILADELPHIA, PA − July 23, 2026 – The Pennsylvania Supreme Court made clear in Commonwealth v. Lee that our current mandatory sentencing scheme for second-degree murder is unconstitutional because it fails to account for individual culpability. The...
Approaching 120 Days: Senators Jay Costa and Amanda M. Cappelletti Address the Legislature’s Responsibility to Respond to Commonwealth v. Lee
Harrisburg – July 23, 2026 – The Pennsylvania Supreme Court deemed mandatory life sentences for people convicted of second-degree felony murder unconstitutional on March 26, 2026. The landmark Court ruling was then stayed, giving the Pennsylvania General Assembly 120...
Senator James Andrew Malone Issues Statement on Senate Bill 1400
July 23, 2026 − Senator James Andrew Malone issues the following statement on Senate Bill 1400: “In response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling in Commonwealth v. Lee, I voted yes on Senate Bill 1400, which was the legislative solution to address sentencing for...
Senator Nick Miller, Representative McNeill, and Coplay Borough Celebrated the Opening of New Pickleball Courts Funded Through a State Grant
July 22, 2026 – Senator Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton) and Representative Jeanne McNeill (D-Lehigh), joined by Coplay Borough officials and community members, today celebrated the grand opening of new pickleball courts made possible through a $181,900...
Delco Delegation Announces State RACP Grant Funding for Main Line Health Emergency Care Expansion
$4 Million Public Investment Begins Rebuilding Emergency Care in Delaware County After Private Equity’s Decisions Led to the Collapse of the Crozer Health System DELAWARE COUNTY, PA – July 17, 2026 – Members of the Delaware County Delegation announced today that $4...
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Democratic State Government Chair Steve Santarsiero, Strongly Condemn Trump’s Attempts to Rig Elections
HARRISBURG, PA – July 17, 2026 − Yesterday, President Donald Trump took an extraordinary step in his years-long efforts to undermine faith in US elections by delivering a prime-time speech disparaging American elections workers, spewing baseless allegations about...
Senator Kane Highlights Key Investments in Education, Affordability, And Public Safety in 2026-27 State Budget
HARRISBURG, PA − July 16, 2026 − State Senator John Kane announced the passage of Pennsylvania's 2026-27 state budget, highlighting significant investments in key areas around the Commonwealth. The budget also continues funding priorities that will directly benefit...
Senator Haywood Highlights Key Wins in 2026–27 State Budget
PHILADELPHIA, PA – July 16, 2027 − Senator Art Haywood (D-4) today highlighted key investments secured in the 2026–27 Pennsylvania state budget that will deliver meaningful resources to communities across the Commonwealth and the 4th District. Budget Wins...
Senator Santarsiero and Representative Ortitay Applaud the Inclusion of Eating Disorder Education in the PA Budget
BUCKS COUNTY – July 14, 2026 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Jason Ortitay (R-46) applaud the inclusion of eating disorder education in the Pennsylvania FY 26/27 state budget that was signed on July 12th by Governor Josh Shapiro. Parents will now...
Morrisville Borough School District Receives $3.5M in Additional Funding in the PA State Budget
BUCKS COUNTY – July 13, 2026 – Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Jim Prokopiak (D-140) are announcing $3.5 million in additional funds for the Morrisville Borough School District in the FY 26/27 Pennsylvania Budget that Governor Josh Shapiro signed...
Senator Cappelletti Responds to State Budget Passage, Reflects on Wins and Shortcomings
Harrisburg, PA − July 13, 2026 – On Sunday, Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17, Delaware/Montgomery) voted “YES” on Pennsylvania’s 2026-2027 state budget. The General Assembly sent the budget to Governor Shapiro’s desk 12 days after their constitutionally mandated...
“A Budget of Missed Opportunity”: Senator Saval’s Statement on the 2026–2027 PA State Budget
HARRISBURG, PA − July 13, 2026 − Today, following the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s passage of the 2026–2027 state budget during a special session that spanned the weekend, State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) issued the following statement:
Senator Tim Kearney Responds to Passage of 2026–2027 State Budget, Citing Key Investments and Unfinished Work
DELAWARE COUNTY, PA – July 14, 2026 − Today, after lawmakers advanced the 2026–2027 state budget following a rare weekend special session, Senator Tim Kearney (PA-26) issued the following statement highlighting both important investments and significant challenges the legislature must still confront.
Senator Hughes Applauds Third Round of Adequacy and Equity Funding in FY26-27 Budget
July 12, 2026 - Today, Governor Shapiro signed the FY26-27 state budget into law after it passed the state Senate and House with a bipartisan vote in both chambers. The new state budget includes critical investments that will support education, lift up Pennsylvania’s...
Senate Democratic Leaders Celebrates Signing of 2026-27 Pennsylvania Budget into Law
The $50.85 billion 2026-27 Pennsylvania Budget Builds on Four Years of Targeted Investments in Affordability, Safety, and Education
HARRISBURG, PA − July 12, 2026 − On Sunday, July 12, Senate Democrats joined House Democrats in the Governor’s Reception Room to participate in the signing of the 2026-27 Pennsylvania Budget, a $50.85 billion spending plan that passed the House and Senate along bipartisan lines.
Tartaglione Calls Budget a Step Forward That Makes Important Investments, But Falls Short for Working Pennsylvanians
Harrisburg, PA, July 12, 2026 – Following final passage of Pennsylvania's 2026-27 state budget, State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D–2, Philadelphia) released the following statement: "Every budget is about priorities, and this budget contains meaningful investments...
Senator Pisciottano Announces Passage of State Budget
Harrisburg, PA – July 12, 2026 − State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced the passage of Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 state budget, a bipartisan spending plan that invests in Pennsylvania’s future while lowering costs for families and strengthening...
Senator Miller Applauds 2026-27 State Budget Investments in Education, Community Safety, and Relief for Pennsylvanians
HARRISBURG, PA – July 12, 2026 – Senator Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton) releases the following statement on today’s passage of the state budget: “Today, we passed a fiscally responsible $50.8 billion budget that puts Pennsylvania families first,”...
Senator Malone Applauds Passage of the 2026-2027 Pennsylvania Budget
HARRISBURG, PA – July 12, 2026 − State Senator James Andrew Malone (D-36, Lancaster) today applauded the passage of the 2026-2027 Pennsylvania budget. “This budget is a responsible spending plan that funds education, invests in first responders, and lowers costs for...
Senator Collett Reacts to 2026-27 Budget Wins & Disappointments
Harrisburg, Pa. — July 12, 2026 — On Sunday, the Pennsylvania Senate passed the FY 2026-2027 budget bill, which now heads to Governor Shapiro for enactment. Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery, Democratic Caucus Chair) voted in favor of this...
Senator Patty Kim Issues Statement on Passage of the FY 26-27 State Budget
Harrisburg, PA – July 12, 2026 – On Sunday, the Pennsylvania General Assembly sent an approved FY 2026-2027 budget bill to the Governor for his signature. Senator Patty Kim (D-Dauphin) voted in favor of this year’s general appropriations bill and...
Senator Nick Miller Urges Senate Republicans to Schedule Vote on Responsible Data Center Regulations to Protect Pennsylvanians
July 11, 2026 − As communities across Pennsylvania raise concerns about the rapid growth of data centers and their impact on energy costs, Senator Nick Miller is calling on Senate Republicans to bring bipartisan legislation to the Senate floor that protects...
Senator Malone Announces $83,600 Grant for Flexible Student Workspaces at Manheim Central Middle School
HARRISBURG, PA – July 9, 2026 – On Wednesday, July 8, State Senator James Andrew Malone joined school district leadership and staff at Manheim Central Middle School to announce an $83,600 state grant he helped secure for flexible student workspaces. The funding was...
Creating Transparency During Parole Review: Pa. Legislature Unanimously Passes Senator Cappelletti’s Bipartisan SB1259
Harrisburg – July 9, 2026 – The Pennsylvania legislature unanimously passed Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti’s (D-17, Delaware/Montgomery) Senate Bill 1259 earlier this month, which will establish clear rules governing records and information related to the parole review...
Joint Statement from Senator Christine Tartaglione, Representative Anthony Bellmon, and Councilmember Anthony Phillips on Apparent Arson Attack at Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center
Philadelphia, PA − July 7, 2026 − Senator Christine Tartaglione, Representative Anthony Bellmon, and Councilmember Anthony Phillips released the following joint statement on Apparent Arson Attack at Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center: "We are deeply saddened and...
Senator Sharif Street Statement on The Passing of State Senator Shirley Kitchen
PHILADELPHIA, PA – July 7, 2026 – Senator Sharif Street (PA-3) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former State Senator Shirley Kitchen: The greatest legacy any public servant can leave isn’t found in the office they held. It’s found in the...
Senate Democratic Leader Jay CostaSenate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Forces Vote to Consider June 10 Discharge Petition to Raise PA’s Minimum Wage Forces Vote to Consider June 10 Discharge Petition to Raise PA’s Minimum Wage
HARRISBURG, PA: Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) made a motion to force the Senate to vote on whether to take up his June 10 discharge petition, which would force HB 2189 out of committee and onto the full Senate calendar. This was not a vote on...
Advocates Call for Transit Funding in the 2026–2027 PA State Budget
PHILADELPHIA, PA − June 26, 2026 − Today, transit advocates, community leaders, and elected representatives gathered near Independence Mall to call for funding in the 2026–2027 Pennsylvania state budget to keep transit systems moving across the Commonwealth. “Creating...
Boscola Applauds Adoption of Sales Tax Holiday for School Supplies
HARRISBURG, PA – June 25, 2026 – Senator Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) announced that her legislation establishing a sales tax holiday on school supplies was unanimously adopted by the state Senate as an amendment to House Bill 1667, tax code legislation advancing as...
Senate Unanimously Passes Boscola-Backed Legislation to Modernize Pharmaceutical Licensing
HARRISBURG, PA – June 24, 2026 – Senator Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) announced the Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously approved Senate Bill 1206, legislation that will modernize the Commonwealth's pharmaceutical manufacturer licensure process and strengthen...
Senate Democrats Highlight Housing Legislation to Deliver Safe, Affordable Housing to Every Pennsylvanian
HARRISBURG, PA − June 24, 2026 − Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucusgathered in the Main Capitol Rotunda today to champion bills, initiatives, and investments that will bring down the cost of housing for Pennsylvanians and empower renters. “As...