Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Republican State Lawmakers Block University of Pennsylvania Funding over Antisemitism Response

December 16, 2023December 15, 2023 Pennsylvania Daily Star Staff

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted down legislation Wednesday providing over $33 million in state funding for the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) veterinary school due to concerns about antisemitism on campus, according to The Associated Press.

Former UPenn President Liz Magill stepped down alongside Scott Bok, the chairman of UPenn’s Board of Trustees, on Dec. 9 after the university faced heavy criticism for UPenn’s handling of antisemitism on campus and Magill’s testimony to Congress earlier this month. The state’s House of Representatives passed the funding measure in the first two votes but failed to clear the necessary two-thirds majority required by the state’s Constitution, according to the AP.

Exit Clause for Abused Renters Debated in Pennsylvania House Committee

November 16, 2023November 15, 2023 The Center Square

Legislation offering an exit clause to renters subjected to domestic abuse is headed to the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, despite concerns that the proposal could cause unintended harm to landlords.

Under the bill, renters can break a lease on a property shared with an abuser after providing written notice to the landlord detailing their experiences and concerns. Police reports, medical notes, arrest records, protection from abuse orders, and documentation from the state’s Victim Advocate Office also suffice as notice.

$15-an-Hour Minimum Wage Bill Being Drafted in Pennsylvania House

May 22, 2023May 21, 2023 Bradley Vasoli

A new bill to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour is emerging in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Representative Patty Kim (D-Harrisburg), the bill as described in a memorandum appears similar to legislation Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) is spearheading in his chamber. It contrasts with a more radical measure authored by Representative Chris Rabb (D-Philadelphia) that would hike the wage floor to $16.50 in July 2025 and gradually increase it to $21 by mid-2028. The Rabb bill would also apply the state minimum wage to prisoners, vastly boosting their pay.

Both Democrats and Republican Claim a Majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Battle Over Special Election Powers

December 13, 2022December 12, 2022 Admin

It’s still unclear which party controls the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and the courts may have to settle the question.

Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia, arranged last week to be sworn in as House leader when it’s unclear who is legally the majority party. Over the weekend, Republicans filed a lawsuit to overturn McClinton’s scheduling of three special elections to fill House seats on February 7.

Pennsylvania Business Leaders Alert Lawmakers to Prosperity Hindrances

August 26, 2022August 25, 2022 Bradley Vasoli

Pennsylvania’s House Republican Policy Committee on Thursday heard testimony from several small-business executives Thursday suggesting that unemployment compensation (UC) taxes among other issues pose major impediments to economic growth in the Keystone State.

As The Pennsylvania Daily Star reported this week, Pennsylvania has lagged behind other states in terms of making up economic ground lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2022, about 6.17 million Pennsylvanians held jobs, a 2.8-percent rise over the same month one year prior. National employment meanwhile increased 3.7 percent during that time.

Pennsylvania Commission’s Redistricting Proposals Draw Ire for Gerrymandering

December 21, 2021December 21, 2021 Bradley Vasoli

After years of Pennsylvania Democrats excoriating Republicans for gerrymandering, the 2021 Legislative Reapportionment Commission’s state-level redistricting proposals are drawing ire from members of both parties.

Republicans have broadly opposed the preliminary redistricting plan for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and at least one Senate Democrat, Lisa Boscola (Bethlehem), is incensed about changes to her chamber’s map.