Pa. Bill Would Exempt More Small Businesses from Startup Fees
Pa. Bill Would Exempt More Small Businesses from Startup Fees

State lawmakers are looking to help small businesses get their footing as they launch in the commonwealth. Senate Bill 663 would waive the small business startup fee for certain from certain state and local business startup fees.  

September 29th, 2:59 PM EDT
Supporters, Opponents Discuss Probation Reform Bill Moving Through Pa. Capitol
Supporters, Opponents Discuss Probation Reform Bill Moving Through Pa. Capitol

Supporters and advocates call Senate Bill 838 a game changer for the state’s probation system. However, some are opposed to the measure which has broad support from lawmakers, business leaders, conservative and liberal think tanks, among others. 

Advocates March for Mental Health at Pa. Capitol
Advocates March for Mental Health at Pa. Capitol

Today, a mental health ‘March on Harrisburg’ brought over 100 advocates to the front steps of the State Capitol. Despite what advocates call “a modest” funding increase for mental health services in this year’s budget, they say more dollars are necessary.

Pa. Lawmakers Look to Assist Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Pa. Lawmakers Look to Assist Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Today, lawmakers highlighted legislation to assist the 84,000 Pennsylvania grandparents and kinship caregivers who are responsible for meeting the basic needs of their grandchildren.  

Pa. Lawmakers Target Indoor Smoking, Vaping with Worker Protection Bill
Pa. Lawmakers Target Indoor Smoking, Vaping with Worker Protection Bill

Pennsylvania banned smoking inside public buildings, like hotels and restaurants after passing the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2008. However, there are exemptions for casinos, private clubs and some bars. 

Special Election Will Determine Control of Pa. House, Again
Special Election Will Determine Control of Pa. House, Again

Today, voters in Pennsylvania's 21st House District are casting their ballots in the high-stakes special election. The majority is on the line, again, for Democrats, who hope to maintain it as Republicans look to regain control after losing it last fall. 

Tackling Stigma and Promoting Recovery, One Conversation at a Time
Tackling Stigma and Promoting Recovery, One Conversation at a Time

The Shapiro Administration is continuing to celebrate National Recovery Month throughout September. The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), led by Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, is highlighting stories of people living in recovery. 

Pa. Could See an Earlier Presidential Primary Election
Pa. Could See an Earlier Presidential Primary Election

Legislation making its way through the State Capitol could give Pennsylvania voters more influence in the 2024 Presidential Election. 

Commission Tasked With Exploring Solutions to Pa. School Funding Holds Hearing at Capitol
Commission Tasked With Exploring Solutions to Pa. School Funding Holds Hearing at Capitol

Today, Pennsylvania’s Basic Education Funding Commission held a hearing to gather testimony from experts and school officials. The 15-member commission consists of three members from each legislative caucus and three members of the administration

Lawmakers Look to Address Prison Infrastructure, Staffing Following Large-Scale Manhunts
Lawmakers Look to Address Prison Infrastructure, Staffing Following Large-Scale Manhunts

Since July, two major manhunts in Pennsylvania have captured national attention and thrust Pennsylvania county jails into the limelight. Now, state lawmakers say it’s time to learn from past mistakes to prevent future escapes.  

Honoring PA's Fallen EMS Heroes
Honoring PA's Fallen EMS Heroes

Today, the 13TH annual Emergency Medical Services (EMS) memorial service took place at the State Capitol.  Since 2011, the Pennsylvania EMS Provider Foundation has read the names of all emergency medical personnel who’ve lost their lives while serving.  

National Recovery Month Kicks Off in Pa. With Annual Event in Harrisburg
National Recovery Month Kicks Off in Pa. With Annual Event in Harrisburg

The annual recognition throughout September highlights the progress made in the lives of those living in recovery. It also shows that everyday people can and do recover from substance use disorder. 

Advocates and Teachers Unions Call for Lead Testing, Filters in All PA Schools
Advocates and Teachers Unions Call for Lead Testing, Filters in All PA Schools

Advocates in Harrisburg are looking to raise awareness about the importance of clean drinking water, especially in schools. Today, teachers' unions and environmental organizations shined a spotlight on an issue flowing into Pennsylvania schools: lead. 

Executive Order Expands Opportunities for Small Businesses to Partner with State
Executive Order Expands Opportunities for Small Businesses to Partner with State

Today, Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to give more small businesses a seat at the table when it comes to contracts and partnerships with the Commonwealth. 

Pa. Public Universities Partnering with Google to Expand Workforce Development
Pa. Public Universities Partnering with Google to Expand Workforce Development

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and Google are teaming up to expand workforce development opportunities in PA.

Pa. State Police Drop College Credit Requirement for Cadet Applications
Pa. State Police Drop College Credit Requirement for Cadet Applications

For aspiring Pennsylvania State Troopers, it just got a bit easier to join the ranks. Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro and PSP Commissioner Colonel Chris Paris announced college credits are no longer required for the PSP Cadet application process. 

Ukrainians, Supporters Celebrate Perseverance, Resiliency and Independence
Ukrainians, Supporters Celebrate Perseverance, Resiliency and Independence

Dozens of Ukrainians and supporters were at the state Capitol Thursday evening to celebrate the independence they have fought, and continue to, fight for.  

Pa. Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Block Explicit Content on Children's Devices
Pa. Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Block Explicit Content on Children's Devices

For parents across the country, keeping tabs on what their children are exposed to on devices is a difficult task. More states are looking to protect children by cracking down on explicit content. 

Pa. Is Expanding the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, Here’s What It Means and How It Works
Pa. Is Expanding the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, Here’s What It Means and How It Works

This January, more Pennsylvanians will be eligible for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The program provides rebates to over 400,000 seniors, widowers 50 over the age of 50 and disabled individuals who are at least 18. 

Pa. Lawmaker to Introduce Bill Protecting Child Social Media Influencers
Pa. Lawmaker to Introduce Bill Protecting Child Social Media Influencers

Pennsylvania is the latest state to take action toward protecting child social media stars. States like WA and IL have introduced legislation to prevent the financial exploitation of children, especially those featured in for-profit family vlogs. 

Shapiro Administration Highlights Funding for Historically Disadvantaged Businesses
Shapiro Administration Highlights Funding for Historically Disadvantaged Businesses

Today, Pa. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and state officials highlighted $20 million for the historically disadvantaged business program in this year’s budget. There are over one million small business owners in Pa who employ roughly 2.6 million people.

Pa. Lottery Generates Over $1 Billion to Benefit Seniors, Programs
Pa. Lottery Generates Over $1 Billion to Benefit Seniors, Programs

Pennsylvania’s aging population is growing and so are funds generated from the lottery. This week, Pennsylvania Lottery officials announced over $1 billion has been generated for programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians.  

Budget and Policy Experts Split on When, How to Spend Pa. Surpluses
Budget and Policy Experts Split on When, How to Spend Pa. Surpluses

Pennsylvania’s budget spends nearly $1 billion more than what the state is expected to generate in revenue. Because of the deficit, the state will have to tap into reserves this year, and in the years to come. 

Intellectual and Developmental Disability Community "Incredibly Disappointed" with Pa. Budget
Intellectual and Developmental Disability Community "Incredibly Disappointed" with Pa. Budget

Pennsylvania’s budget is signed, checks are being sealed and delivered. For many non-profits and school districts, months of advocacy efforts for a budget increase are finally paying off. However, that’s not the case for everyone. 

Pa. Senators Look to Expand Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans
Pa. Senators Look to Expand Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veterans

Pennsylvania is home to the fourth-highest veteran population in the country, with roughly 800,000 thousand veterans. According to the Housing Assistance Council, over 120,000 Pennsylvania veterans have a service-connected disability rating.  

State, Federal Officials Announce First Round Awards for EV Charging Infrastructure
State, Federal Officials Announce First Round Awards for EV Charging Infrastructure

Multiple rounds of federal dollars are on the way to help Pennsylvania with electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Today, officials announced the first round of conditional awards for National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding.