Press Releases
State Senate Hearing in Philly Focuses on Gun Violence
PHILADELPHIA – February 14, 2019 – At the request of state Senator Arthur Haywood (D-Philadelphia), the state Senate Democratic Policy Committee today held a hearing on ways to prevent gun violence in Pennsylvania. “This policy hearing is to share proven solutions to...
Senator Collett Reacts to EPA PFAS Plan Announcement
NORTH WALES – February 14, 2019 – The acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Andrew Wheeler, today announced the EPA’s intended nationwide PFAS action plan. Addressing the urgent PFAS crisis is Senator Maria Collett’s (D-12) top...
Sen. Fontana Renews “Extreme Risk” Gun Suspension Effort
PITTSBURGH - February 14, 2019 – On the one-year anniversary of the Parkland mass shooting tragedy, state Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today reintroduced legislation that would empower families and police officers to petition a court to temporarily remove...
Sen. Tartaglione, Gov. Wolf Lead Rally for Long-Overdue Raise to Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage
PHILADELPHIA, February 8, 2019 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf led a coalition of elected officials, labor leaders, worker advocates, and commuters at the bustling Frankford Transportation Center today to rally...
Joint State Legislative Hearing in Clairton Focuses on Improving Air Quality
CLAIRTON, February 7, 2019 – With an overflow crowd of steel workers and concerned citizens in attendance at Clairton City Hall, a joint state Senate-House Democratic Policy Committee hearing was held today on ways to improve air quality, community notification...
Dinniman, Wolf Call for Updating School Code to Ensure Kindergarten Programs
HARRISBURG - February 7, 2019 – Support from Governor Tom Wolf may help push the legislature to lower the age at which Pennsylvania children must enroll in school – a move that is long overdue – state Senator Andy Dinniman said this week. While most school...
Senator Haywood Responds to Governor Wolf’s Budget Address
PHILADELPHIA, February 5, 2019 –State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) issued the following statement today supporting Governor Tom Wolf’s Budget Address for the 2019-2020 fiscal year: “Following Governor Wolf’s address this morning on the Pennsylvania...
Blake: Budget Prioritizes Education, Career Readiness
HARRISBURG, February 5, 2019 – State Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe) today released the following statement regarding Governor Tom Wolf’s proposed $34.1 billion state budget: “I applaud Governor Wolf for his continued dedication to the issues and...
Brewster Applauds Direction of Proposed Budget, Investment in Schools, Workforce, No New Taxes
HARRISBURG, February 5, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) issued the following statement concerning Gov. Tom Wolf’s $34.1 billion General Fund budget request. Wolf proposed his budget during an address before a joint session of the...
Senator Collett Reacts to Governor Tom Wolf’s 2019 Budget Address
HARRISBURG, February 5, 2019 – Senator Maria Collett (D-Bucks/Montgomery) attended Governor Tom Wolf’s budget address today. The Governor’s budget proposal for the 2019 term focused primarily on the Statewide Workforce, Education and Accountability Program...
Fontana Praises Wolf’s Budget Proposal
HARRISBURG, February 5, 2019 – Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today provided the following statement on Gov. Tom Wolf’s $34.1 billion budget proposal for fiscal 2019-20: “I am encouraged by the governor’s budget proposal for its emphasis on strengthening a...
Sen. Hughes, Rep. Wheatley Recognize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG, February 4, 2019 – Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) and Representative Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny) held an event to recognize Feb. 7, 2019 as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in Pennsylvania. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day...
Dinniman, Fellow Lawmakers Introduce Pediatric Cancer Bills
HARRISBURG - February 4, 2019 – State Senator Andy Dinniman was joined by legislative colleagues today to discuss bipartisan efforts to fight pediatric cancer in Pennsylvania. “Our children are precious in their innocence, their promise, and their resilience and...
Sen. Hughes, Reps. Harris and Roebuck Renew Push for Free College
HARRISBURG— January 30, 2019 — Renewing their call for free college for all Pennsylvanians, Senator Vincent Hughes, (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery), Rep. Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia), Rep. James Roebuck (D-Philadelphia) and APSCUF President Ken Mash announced the next...
Senators Anthony H. Williams and Camera Bartolotta Unveil Probation Reform Legislation with Broad, Bipartisan Support
HARRISBURG − January 28, 2019 − On Monday afternoon, Senators Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) and Camera Bartolotta (R-Beaver, Greene and Washington) hosted a press conference to introduce Senate Bill 14, comprehensive probation reform legislation. They were...
Senator Lindsey Williams Urges PA Charter School Appeal Board to Deny Catalyst Academy Appeal
HARRISBURG - January 22, 2019 - Senator Lindsey Williams joined education advocates and representatives of One Pennsylvania, Education Rights Network, Pennsylvania Interface Impact Network, and the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers today to urge the Pennsylvania...
Senator Haywood and Community Sponsors Host Raise the Wage Rally at McDonald’s to Advocate for Minimum Wage Increase
PHILADELPHIA – January 22, 2019 – On Martin Luther King Day, State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) joined community sponsors POWER, the Unitarian Society of Germantown, Raise the Wage PA!, activists, and advocates for a Raise the Wage Rally. To...
Sen. Blake, Rep. Flynn & Rep. Mullins Discuss Financial Recovery Status Declaration for Scranton School District
HARRISBURG, January 16, 2019 – State Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe) and State Representatives Marty Flynn and Kyle Mullins today announced that the Scranton School District has been issued a declaration of Financial Recovery Status by the Pennsylvania...
Dinniman Announces New Low-Cost Loan Program for Pa. College Students
WEST CHESTER - January 14, 2019 – State Senator Andy Dinniman encouraged prospective college students who may be applying for financial aid this year to consider the new PA Forward Student Loan Program. The PA Forward State Grant Program provides low-cost,...
State Senators Write Banks Asking Institutions to Help 12,000 Federal Employees Working Without Pay
HARRISBURG, January 10, 2019 – On behalf of the 12,000 Pennsylvania federal employees, contractors and subcontractors who are not receiving a paycheck during the partial federal government shutdown, Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery), Senator...
Dinniman, Killion Introduce Comprehensive Pipeline Legislative Package
WEST CHESTER, January 2, 2019 – State Senators Andy Dinniman and Tom Killion announced today that they have introduced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at reforming Pennsylvania’s pipeline regulatory process to improve safety at schools and in local...
Senate Democrats Introduce Legislation to Protect Health Care for Pennsylvanians
HARRISBURG, December 20, 2018 –The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus continues its fight to protect the major tenets of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) through two legislative proposals that would ensure comprehensive, quality and...
Senators Haywood and Hughes Host Fair Housing Community Roundtable to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act
Philadelphia, December 12, 2018 - Today, State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) joined State Senator Vincent Hughes (D- Montgomery/Philadelphia), activists, advocates, and community organizations for a roundtable discussion on the Fair Housing Act...
State Senate Committee Holds Hearing in Philadelphia on Hair Braiding Licensure
PHILADELPHIA, December 12, 2018 – At the request of state Senator Anthony H. Williams (D-Phila./Delaware), the Senate Democratic Policy Committee today held a hearing in Philadelphia on the senator’s proposal to do away with the cosmetology school licensing...
State Senate Committee Holds Hearing in Pittsburgh on Climate Change
HARRISBURG– November 28, 2018 – At the request of state Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, the Senate Democratic Policy Committee today held a hearing in Pittsburgh on local and state efforts to address climate change. The full policy hearing can be viewed...
Costa Endorses Report of Commission that Examined Fire and Emergency Services Issues
Harrisburg – Nov. 28, 2018 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. (D-Allegheny) released the following statement regarding the adoption of the report from a select commission that examined issues impacting fire and emergency services. Costa served as a member...
State Senate Committee to Hold Hearing in Pittsburgh on Global Warming
HARRISBURG, November 21, 2018 – At the request of state Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, the Senate Democratic Policy Committee will hold a hearing in Pittsburgh next week on local and state efforts to address climate change. “In the absence of federal leadership...
Sen. Haywood Celebrates Disarming Protection from Abuse Violators with Advocates
HARRISBURG, November 16, 2018 — Sen. Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) released the following statement in connection with the passage of HB2060 that disarms Protection from Abuse (PFA) violators. “I want to congratulate the advocates, legislators, and...
Sen. Boscola re-elected to Chair Senate Democratic Policy Committee
HARRISBURG, November 14, 2018 -- State Senate Democrats today unanimously re-elected Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-Northampton/Lehigh) to chair the Senate Democratic Policy Committee. “I am proud to have the support of my senate caucus colleagues and look forward to...
Senator Sabatina: Increased Access for Seniors Seeking Prescription Drug Assistance
PHILADELPHIA, October 24, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) said today that the newly enacted Act 87 would expand the income limits for older Pennsylvanians who qualify for the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier...
Sen. Hughes, Rep. Schweyer Push to Protect Health Care for People with Pre-existing Conditions
HARRISBURG, October 16, 2018 – Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) was joined by Representative Pete Schweyer (D-Lehigh), Representative Tony DeLuca (D-Allegheny), Representative Helen Tai (D-Bucks) and Representative Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) Tuesday...
Dinniman, Coatesville Community Discuss Importance of Juvenile Justice & Alternative Programs
COATESVILLE, October 11, 2018 – State Senator Andy Dinniman recently joined officials from local and state police departments to recognize National Juvenile Justice Week. “Juvenile justice providers fulfill a vital mission in holding involved youth...