Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to adjust funding rates for personal assistance services provided under the Community HealthChoices program starting in January 2025. It mandates that providers receiving these funds spend at least 80% of their budget on worker salaries and benefits, while offering an enhanced rate to providers who invest 90% or more in wages. The legislation also directs the Department of Human Services to conduct regular reviews of these rates every three years to ensure they reflect local wage data and cost factors. Additionally, the bill allocates specific budget increases for direct care workers, including a 16% raise for consumer-directed services and a 10% raise for agency-directed services.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania election laws to allow the use of electronic poll books and establishes a funding mechanism through bonds to purchase election infrastructure equipment. It requires county election boards to adopt these digital systems for early voting locations and half of all polling places on election day starting in 2025, with full implementation across all precincts by 2026. The legislation mandates that these devices must securely connect to the statewide voter registration system, track voter participation in real-time, and maintain paper backups in case of technical failures. Additionally, the bill introduces same-day voter registration options on election day and during early voting periods while removing previous rules regarding voter registration transfers and party enrollment changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to improve access for non-English speakers by requiring the state department to provide forms in Spanish and other widely used languages. The new provisions mandate that these forms explain how inaction can affect rights and provide contact details for translation services. Additionally, if a non-native English speaker wins a workers' compensation case, the employer must reimburse the costs for any interpreters or translators used during the legal process. These changes aim to ensure that language barriers do not hinder workers from understanding their rights or participating effectively in their claims.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require schools to maintain a supply of bronchodilators for students with asthma. It changes the rules so that these medications can be administered by designated individuals rather than just school nurses or trained staff. The legislation also mandates that if a school uses a reporting system, it must record who gave the medication to the student. These changes aim to improve access to emergency asthma treatment within school settings.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 8, 2024, as Marian Anderson Day in Pennsylvania to honor the African American contralto. The resolution specifically commemorates the day the Philadelphia Orchestra rededicated Verizon Hall as Marian Anderson Hall, marking 85 years since Anderson was denied a performance at Constitution Hall due to her race. It serves as a ceremonial recognition of this historical event and the renaming of the venue.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates specific times in May 2024 as "Bike Month," "Bike to Work Week," and "Bike to Work Day" throughout Pennsylvania to encourage cycling. It serves as a symbolic resolution intended to raise awareness about the health, environmental, and economic benefits of using bicycles for commuting. The measure does not create new laws or change funding but rather formally recognizes these dates to promote community participation in cycling events. By highlighting the advantages of biking, such as improved air quality and employee well-being, the bill aims to foster a culture of active transportation in the state.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates May 2024 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month to highlight the condition known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The bill directly affects the state's House of Representatives and aims to increase public understanding of ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease that causes muscle weakness and affects thousands of adults annually. By officially recognizing this month, the legislation seeks to acknowledge the challenges faced by patients and their families while promoting awareness of ongoing research efforts. The measure does not alter laws or allocate funding, serving instead as a symbolic gesture to foster community recognition of the disease.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new eligibility rules for Pennsylvania business corporations seeking state contracts, funding, or grants. It directly affects domestic and foreign corporations with 200 or more employees in the Commonwealth by disqualifying them if they have violated federal fair labor standards, committed unfair labor practices, or broken the state's prevailing wage law within the last five years. Additionally, the bill requires these large corporations to submit bylaws ensuring that at least 20% of their governing board consists of current employees elected by the workforce. The restrictions only apply to agreements approved on or after the law's effective date, which is set to occur 60 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania resolution designates the week of November 3 through 9, 2024, as "Election Official and Election Worker Appreciation Week." The measure aims to formally recognize and honor the service of election officials and workers across the state who manage voting processes and maintain election integrity. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the efforts of these public servants.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs Pennsylvania's Department of Health to conduct a study on how smartphone use affects children's health and development. The legislation is based on concerns that early phone ownership and increased social media access may contribute to mental health issues and disrupted sleep patterns in young people. If completed, the study must result in a public report, recommendations for parents, and guidelines for pediatricians to share with families within one year.