June 18th, 2025: Updates from Pennsylvania's State Government

Dive into the latest happenings from Pennsylvania's state government with comprehensive updates on legislative actions, public transit funding, affordable housing investments, and more.

Sen. Collett Urges Senate Republicans to Act on Mass Transit Funding

At a press conference held at Lansdale Station, Sen. Maria Collett (D-Montgomery) called on Senate Republicans to pass HB 1364, emphasizing the critical need for mass transit funding. Joined by Rep. Steven Malagari (D-Montgomery) and local leaders, she highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to keep Pennsylvania progressing.

Rep. Malagari, a co-sponsor of HB 1364, underscored the necessity of public transit for seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and working professionals, framing public transit as an essential service rather than a luxury. He shared personal testimonies from constituents who rely on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) for medical appointments, employment, and education.

The rally also featured speeches from local councilmembers and transportation advocates who stressed the environmental and economic benefits of public transit. They urged policymakers to support sustainable funding solutions to prevent service cuts and fare hikes.

Gov. Shapiro Showcases Historic Affordable Housing Investments

Gov. Josh Shapiro highlighted historic investments in affordable housing during a press conference in Lancaster. Announcing a $73 million investment across all counties, Shapiro emphasized the state's commitment to addressing the affordable housing crisis.

Shapiro's administration has nearly doubled the affordable housing investment to $100 million, aiming to support homeowners and address the rising costs of building and repairing units. The governor detailed efforts to support homeowners, including the largest increase in the property tax rent rebate in over two decades.

The event featured testimonials from local housing authority leaders and residents who praised the administration's efforts to improve housing quality and safety. Shapiro emphasized the importance of bipartisan support for housing initiatives and the need for comprehensive state coordination on homelessness.

Sen. Haywood Addresses Proposed U.S. Food and Health Care Budget Cuts

Sen. Art Haywood (D-Montgomery) held a press conference via Zoom to discuss the potential impacts of proposed federal budget cuts on food and health care programs. Joined by representatives from Hunger-Free Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN), Haywood warned of the devastating effects on low-income residents.

Haywood highlighted the reliance of many Pennsylvanians on programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. He shared stories of constituents who would be severely affected by the cuts, including seniors and students who depend on these programs for basic needs.

Advocates from Hunger-Free Pennsylvania and PHAN emphasized the broader economic impact of the cuts, warning of potential job losses in grocery stores and hospitals. They called on Pennsylvanians to contact their federal representatives to oppose the budget cuts and protect essential services.

Committee Hearing on Expanding Rural Dental Care Access

The Senate Republican Policy Committee held a public hearing at Lehigh Carbon Community College to address the shortage of dental care in rural Pennsylvania. Lawmakers and health professionals discussed the urgent need for solutions to attract dental professionals to underserved areas.

Testimonies highlighted the critical shortage of dental practitioners, with statistics showing that only 18% of licensed dentists practice in rural counties. The hearing emphasized the link between oral health and overall physical health, advocating for solutions like tele-dentistry and increased Medicaid reimbursement rates.

The committee discussed potential legislative actions, such as loan forgiveness programs, to encourage dental professionals to work in rural areas. The hearing underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach to improving dental care access across the state.

New Legislation Introduced in Pennsylvania's House and Senate

Several new bills were introduced in Pennsylvania's House and Senate on June 18, 2025. Key pieces of legislation include HB1624, which aims to protect individuals' location information, and HB1625, which seeks to establish the Keystone Artificial Intelligence Authority.

Other notable bills include SB852, which proposes increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2027, and SB860, which aims to provide comprehensive dental coverage for Medicaid recipients. These legislative efforts reflect ongoing priorities in data privacy, economic development, and health care.

The new bills will undergo further review and discussions in their respective committees before potentially advancing to the next stages of the legislative process.