Senate Democratic Policy Committee

Senator Katie Muth, Chair

Please contact the Dem Policy Team with any questions at (717) 787-1398 or via email at dempolicy@pasenate.com for information regarding the Policy Committee.

Upcoming Policy Hearings

APRIL

2

Death in Custody: A Public Health Crisis

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 | 10:00 am

Policy Hearing - Death in Custody: A Public Health Crisis - April 2, 2024

On April 2nd, Senator Katie Muth, Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and Senator Cappelletti will co-host a hearing on the Commonwealth’s absence of reliable information surrounding deaths in the custody of law enforcement and correctional institutions. To address the lack of reliable data, the federal Death in Custody Reporting Act (DCRA) mandates that these agencies notify the federal government of any fatalities that occur while a person is in custody. Currently, Pennsylvania ranks among the highest in the nation for death rates of individuals in custody, with state prison deaths increasing from 171 in 2019 to 239 in 2020. Disturbingly, county jails in the state reported 56 deaths in 2020, marking the highest death rate in two decades, with less than half of these cases being reported to the federal government. Comprehensive reporting is a crucial tool for public health and accountability, aiming to enhance transparency and maintain the integrity of the criminal justice system in the Commonwealth.

This hearing will be at the North Office Building Hearing Room 1, 401 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120

If you would like to participate virtually, register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqcO-oqT8oHtZFRJxm91uXmAAPCIZD03FX

APRIL

15

Pharmacy Deserts: Ensuring Access for All Pennsylvanians

Monday, April 15, 2024 | 1:00 pm

On April 15th, Senator Katie Muth, Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and Senator Haywood will host a hearing to address trends in pharmacy closures across Pennsylvania, which have a disproportionate impact on underserved communities. The purpose of this hearing is to learn from stakeholders why this is a problem in Pennsylvania and how the General Assembly can act to protect those impacted by pharmacy closures. The hearing will address a number of key concerns, including those affecting rural and urban communities, as well as independent and chain pharmacies.

This hearing will be fully virtual on Zoom. 

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMscu-tpzgrGNd0jmrpN51OM0u9Y7UKWXLQ

APRIL

17

Road Spreading of Brine in Pennsylvania

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | 11:00 am

On April 17, Senators Muth and Comitta will hold a hearing on the practice of spreading brine on Pennsylvania roads. This hearing aims to thoroughly examine the environmental and public health impacts associated with the practice of spreading oil and gas drilling waste, known as brine, on Pennsylvania’s roads for dust control and ice management. Despite a moratorium implemented in 2018, reports indicate continued use of conventional drilling waste for road applications, raising significant concerns over the potential release of harmful substances such as salts, metals, and radioactive materials into the environment.

This hearing will be at the Valley Township Building (1145 W Lincoln Hwy, Coatesville, PA 19320) with a virtual option.

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckfumqqDMiHt0sA8UTe3Drfet3Lp0Qlf-y

Save the Date

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Road Spreading of Brine in Pennsylvania

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Past Policy Hearings

Check below to view past policy hearing including video and testimony! Questions, comments or suggestions about the hearings, fill out the form below!

Eviction Sealing

February 14, 2024

Joint Policy Hearing Focuses on Legislation to Seal Eviction Records

WILKINSBURG, February 15, 2024 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Senator Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia), Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks), and several members of the House Democratic Policy Committee to host a joint public hearing on legislation that would establish a statewide policy on the sealing of eviction records.

The hearing, held at the Wilkinsburg Borough Building in Allegheny County, included discussion about the impact of evictions on Pennsylvania residents, the importance of fair and affordable housing, and the legal implications of not sealing eviction records.
Continue Reading →


Agenda →

Testimony

Panel 1: Affected People

Haley Passione, Court Resource Navigator – RentHelp PGH
Clara Weibel, Legislative Director – Pittsburgh City Councilmember Barb Warwick

Panel 2: Legal Implications

Holly Beck, Divisional Supervising Attorney – Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Deanna Dyer, Policy Director – Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Panel 3: Advocacy

Kyle Webster, Vice President of Housing & General Counsel – Action Housing
Maura Jacob, MPH, MSW, Policy & Community Impact Officer – The Pittsburgh Foundation
Aaron Zappia, Director of Government Affairs – Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania

Additional Testimony

Anil Dham, Housing Provider

Whole Home Repairs: Lessons from Year One

February 2, 2024

Policy Committee Highlights Whole-Home Repairs Program in Pittsburgh 

PITTSBURGH February 3, 2024 – The Senate Democratic Policy Committee traveled to Pittsburgh yesterday to host two events to highlight the successes of Pennsylvania’s groundbreaking Whole-Home Repairs Program. Less than a year after the distribution of funds, the Whole-Home Repairs program has already facilitated the repairs of hundreds of homes and changed thousands of lives, including many in Allegheny County.

“The Whole-Home Repairs Program is one of the best examples of how the government can directly support our constituents and meet one of their most important needs – safe housing,” state Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, said. “Our events in Pittsburgh really highlighted not only the success of the program and the positive impact it has made in people’s lives – but also the unmet needs across the Commonwealth and the requests for funding that were not approved because of the lack of adequate, yearly funding for Whole-Home Repairs.” 

Continue Reading →

Agenda →

Testimony

Panel 1: Allegheny County Analysis 

  • Dan Sullivan – Housing Stabilization Program Manager, Action Housing
  • Kelly Scatena – Homeowner
  • Justin Livingston – Owner & Project Manager, JL Homebuilders

Panel 2: Statewide Analysis

Additional Information

 

Reining in Water Rates: The Unintended Consequences of Act 12 of 2016

January 22, 2024

 

Policy Hearing Focuses on Addressing Rising Water, Wastewater Rates

WEST WHITELAND – January 23, 2024 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, joined Senator Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), Senator John Kane (D-Chester/Delaware), Senator Tim Kearney (D-Delaware), and Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) yesterday in Chester County to co-host a public hearing focused on water privatization and the unintended consequences of Act 12 of 2016.

The hearing, held at the West Whiteland Township Building in Exton, focused on privatization and consolidation of water and sewer utilities and how the provisions included in Act 12 of 2016 have led to significant rate increases across the Commonwealth.

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Minimizing Risk & Harm: Preparing for Pennsylvania’s Hydrogen Future

December 4, 2023

Policy Hearing Focuses on Minimizing Risk and Harm in Development of PA’s Hydrogen Infrastructure

EAST VINCENT, December 5, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, joined Senator Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), Democratic Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, to co-host a public hearing yesterday on the proposed development of hydrogen infrastructure in Pennsylvania.

The hearing, held at the East Vincent Township Building in Spring City, focused on potential environmental impacts, community safety implications, and the various risks and challenges associated with the development and reliance on hydrogen as an energy source. 

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A.I. and Its Impact on the Commonwealth

Novemeber 16, 2023

Senate Dems Discuss Impacts of Generative AI at Policy Hearing

PHOENIXVILLE, November 16, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined Senator Jimmy Dillon (D-Philadelphia) and Senator John Kane (D-Chester/Delaware) to co-host a public hearing to explore the potential impacts of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Commonwealth.

“The potential of AI is exciting: there are opportunities for public progress and improving efficiency in so many fields– but the introduction of AI also presents new layers of uncertainty and risk,” Muth said. “Today’s hearing was a great opportunity for all of us to learn more about how AI can impact our government, our workforce, and the future of healthcare.  The testifiers all  highlighted the urgent need to enact protective regulations and policies to ensure that generative AI is used in ways to benefit and help people and not harm them.”

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Water, Sewer, & Stormwater Infrastructure

October 24, 2023

 

Senate Dems Discuss Water, Sewer, Stormwater Infrastructure at Capitol Hearing

HARRISBURG, October 25, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined Senator Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny) and Senator Maria Collett (D-Montgomery) to co-host a public hearing on water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure issues facing Pennsylvania communities.  

The hearing, held at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, featured three panels of testimony that included representatives from state agencies, environmental experts, and local stormwater management professionals.  

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Freedom to Read: The Unsettling Increase of Censorship in our Libraries and Schools

October 5, 2023

Senate, House Dems Discuss Troubling Increase in Book Bans at Capitol Hearing

HARRISBURG, PA − October 6, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and state Rep. Ryan Bizarro (D-Erie), chair of the House Majority Policy Committee, joined Senator Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware) and Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester) to co-host a public hearing in Harrisburg yesterday on the impact of censorship and book bans in public and school libraries.

The hearing, held at the State Capitol, featured three panels of testimony that included perspectives from educators, parents, and policy experts who discussed the rise in book bans across the Commonwealth and the country.

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Skill Games in Pennsylvania

August 23, 2023

Senate Dems Discuss Skill Games at Radnor Hearing

RADNOR, August 24, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and Senator Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware) co-hosted a public hearing yesterday in Radnor to discuss skill games in Pennsylvania.

The hearing, held at the Radnor Township Municipal Building, featured three panels of testimony from experts in gaming, regulation, and law enforcement to discuss the current status of “skill games”, an ongoing court battle over the legality of the games, and how they affect people directly and indirectly.

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Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention

May 22, 2023

Senate Dems Discuss Domestic Violence Awareness, Funding at Capitol Hearing

HARRISBURG, May 26, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) co-hosted a public hearing earlier this week in Harrisburg to discuss the effectiveness and accessibility of support services, preventive measures, and the socioeconomic impact that abuse has on individuals and families. 

The hearing, held at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, featured three panels of testimony from experts in public policy, law enforcement, and prevention of domestic violence.

Continue Reading →

Promoting Railroad Safety: Addressing Unsafe Practices in the Railroad Industry

May 19, 2023

Senate Dems Discuss Improving Railroad Safety at Pittsburgh Hearing

PITTSBURGH, May 19, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined Senator Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny) and Senator Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) to host a public hearing in Pittsburgh on railroad safety.

The hearing, held earlier today at the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Local 400 Building in Pittsburgh, featured three panels of testimony that focused on unsafe practices in the railroad industry and how Pennsylvania can mitigate impacts of a train derailment.

Continue Reading →


Testimony

Panel 1: Environmental Impacts

Panel 2: Unsafe Industry Practices

  • Paul Pokrowka – Legislative Director, Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation Union

Panel 3:  First Responders

  • Tim Leech – Vice President, Pittsburgh Firefighters, IAFF Local No. 1
  • Matthew Brown – Chief, Allegheny County Emergency Medical Services
  • Question and Answer Period

Panel 4: State Agencies

    Neuro-Affirming Education in our Schools

    April 14, 2023

     

    Policy Hearing Focuses on Supportive Education for Neurodivergent Students

    PITTSBURGH, April 17, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee joined Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny) and Rep. Jessica Benham (D-Allegheny) to co-host a joint public hearing on supportive education for neurodivergent students.

    The hearing, held Friday at the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Local 400 Building, featured three panels of testimony from educators, advocates, students, parents, and experts.  

    Continue Reading →

     

    Opening Remarks

    • Senator Katie Muth, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair
    • Senator Lindsey Williams, Minority Chair – Senate Education Committee
    • Representative Jessica Benham, Co-Chair – LGBTQ+ Caucus

    Panel 1: Current Landscape

    • Lu Randall, Autism Connection of PA
    • Kristie Lee Lindblom, MA, Permanency Social Worker, The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center
    • Question and Answer Period

    Panel 2: Student Perspective

    • Seamus Lindblom, Student – North Hills School District
    • Adam King, Student – Pittsburgh Public Schools
    • Question and Answer Period

    Panel 3:  Emerging Practices

    Closing Remarks

    • Representative Jessica Benham, Co-Chair – LGBTQ+ Caucus
    • Senator Lindsey Williams, Minority Chair – Senate Education Committee
    • Senator Katie Muth – Senate Policy Committee Chair

    OSHA Protections for Public Employees

    March 20, 2023

     

    Senate, House Dems Discuss Bills to Extend Workplace Protections to Public Employees

    HARRISBURG, March 20, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and House Democratic Policy Committee Chair Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) joined join Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) and Rep. Patrick Harkins (D-Erie) to co-host a joint public hearing on legislation that would extend Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) protections to public employees in Pennsylvania.

    The hearing, held earlier today at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, featured two panels of testimony on both sides of the issue of extending OSHA protections to public employees in Pennsylvania.

    Continue Reading →

     

    Violence and Juvenile Prevention Programming for Adolescence

    March 15, 2023

     

    Senate Democrats Discuss Strategies to Prevent Youth Violence at Policy Hearing

    READING, March 17, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, joined Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) earlier this week at Alvernia University in Reading to discuss strategies to engage youth to reduce violence and keep them out of the justice system.

    The hearing featured testimony from experts in law enforcement and state agencies as well as nonprofit service providers who each discussed the challenges and opportunities related to Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system and community violence. 

    Continue Reading →

     

    Roundtable Discussion – Senate Rules Reform

    December 7, 2022

     

    Sen. Muth, Sen. Williams Highlight Need for Senate Rules Reforms at Virtual Roundtable

    HARRISBURG, December 9, 2022 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and state Senator Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny) hosted a virtual roundtable discussion Wednesday night on the operating rules of the Pennsylvania State Senate and their package of reforms that would enhance transparency and ensure fairness in the legislative process.

    The Senate Rules are the parliamentary procedures by which the Senate adheres to and the process by which  the Senate  creates public policy, considers issues and resolves disputes. The Senate Rules are adopted at the beginning of each two-year legislative session by a simple majority vote and will be voted on when the Senate reconvenes for the new legislative session on January 3, 2023.

    Continue Reading →

    Read to Succeed: Early Childhood Education and its Effects on Childhood Literacy

    November 17, 2022

     

    Senate Democrats Discuss Early Childhood Education and Literacy at Marywood University

    DUNMORE, November 18, 2022 – Yesterday, State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, joined state Senator Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne) to host a public hearing at the Fricchione Early Learning Center at Marywood University on access to early childhood education and literacy issues facing Pennsylvania students.

    The hearing featured testimony from various educators and policy experts who all discussed the importance of high-quality childcare, early language, and pre-literacy skill development and how literacy has lifelong impacts on mental health, academic achievement, and professional success.  Also discussed were issues regarding Pennsylvanians staffing shortages and inadequate compensation.  A recent survey of almost 1,000 PA childcare programs showed nearly 7,000 vacant positions, resulting in more than 32,000 children languishing on waitlists for childcare.

    Continue Reading →

    Deceptive Practices of Anti-abortion Centers II

    October 28, 2022

     

    Senate Democrats Discuss Issue of Anti-Abortion Centers at Capitol Hearing

    HARRISBURG, October 28, 2022 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Senator Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware) to host a hearing to explore the issues and history of state funding for so-called crisis pregnancy centers.

    The hearing, which was the second held by the Senate Democratic Policy Committee on the topic of anti-abortion centers, took place at the Capitol in Harrisburg and featured testimony from medical professionals, students, a former volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center, and an advocate for the so-called crisis pregnancy centers.

    Continue Reading →

    Why Pennsylvania Needs a Statewide Rape Kit Tracking System

    September 23, 2022

     

    Policy Hearing Addresses Critical Need to Establish Statewide Rape Kit Tracking System

    PHOENIXVILLE, September 23, 2022 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined state Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) and members of the Senate and House Democratic Policy Committees at a joint public hearing that focused the need to establish a statewide rape kit tracking system in Pennsylvania.  

    The hearing took place at the Upper Providence Township Building in Phoenixville and featured three panels of testimony from members of law enforcement, victim advocates, and survivors of sexual assault.

    Continue Reading →

     

     

    Agenda →

    Testimony

    Panel 1: Survivors’ Perspective 

    Panel 2: Overview of the Current System & Law Enforcement Perspective

    Panel 3: Policy Solutions

    Health Equity: Enhancing Mobile & Community Clinics in PA

    September 13, 2022

     

    Policy Hearing Highlights Importance of Mobile Health Clinics in PA

    HARRISBURG, September 13, 2022 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, joined state Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) to host a virtual public hearing on strategies to enhance mobile health clinics and community health centers in Pennsylvania.

    The hearing, held earlier today on Zoom, featured two panels of expert testimony from health care providers, advocates and professionals on community healthcare delivery in Pennsylvania.

    Continue Reading →

    1:54:31

     

    Agenda →

    Testimony

    Panel 1: Community Health 

    • Eric Kiehl, APR − Director of Policy and Partnerships, Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers
    • Richard Rinehart − CEO, Cornerstone Care Community Health Centers
    • Donna Simpson − Director of Communication, Outreach and Mobile Services, Cornerstone Care Community Health Centers

    Panel 2: Mobile Clinics

    • Tracy Wood − Executive Director, Black Doctors Consortium
    • Michael McShane, MD, EdM − Assistant Professor of Medicine | Penn State Health Medical Director, LION Mobile Clinic | Assistant Director of Core Clinical Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine | Health Equities Co-Clerkship Director, Penn State College of Medicine
    • Morgan Hutchinson, MD − Assistant Medical Director, Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital/JMH | Director of Education and SI-Design Track, Health Design Lab, SKMC

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