Rep. Missy Cerrato

Maddy summaryHR 182 is a symbolic resolution recognizing June 2025 as "Scleroderma Awareness Month" and June 29, 2025, as "World Scleroderma Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges scleroderma - a rare autoimmune disease affecting skin and internal organs - as part of a broader effort to raise public awareness. The resolution cites statistics about scleroderma's impact (e.g., affecting ~300,000 U.S. residents, with higher prevalence in women and African Americans) and highlights ongoing research in Pennsylvania. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no direct effect on healthcare access, funding, or legislation.

Maddy summaryHR 230 is a symbolic resolution designating September 15-21, 2025, as "Diaper Need Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. It directly affects low-income families, infants, toddlers, and incontinent adults who face challenges affording diapers, as highlighted by statistics showing 46% of affected families cut food or utility spending to cover costs. The resolution recognizes Pennsylvania’s 10 active diaper banks and the National Diaper Bank Network, while encouraging public support through community donations and diaper drives. It does not create new funding or regulations but aims to raise awareness about the lack of access to diapers, which impacts health, childcare participation, and economic stability.

Maddy summaryHB 1610 amends Pennsylvania's corporate tax rules to change how businesses with multiple related entities (unitary businesses) calculate their state tax liability. Starting in 2026, these businesses will determine Pennsylvania tax based on their total sales within the state relative to their nationwide sales, using a new "water's-edge" apportionment method. The bill specifically revises definitions and tax calculation rules for corporations, including adjustments to how income from intercompany transactions is treated and how nonbusiness income is allocated. This primarily affects large corporations operating across state lines as unified business groups. The changes aim to align Pennsylvania's tax calculation with federal reporting requirements for such entities.

Maddy summaryHR 263 is a noncontroversial resolution expressing condolences and honoring Alec Campbell, a park resource ranger with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources who died while on duty. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes his service and sacrifice. The resolution directly affects the memory of Alec Campbell and his family by providing a formal expression of respect from the legislative body. It is purely ceremonial and does not impose any obligations or changes on government operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1347 establishes a framework for creating tourism improvement districts (TIDs) in local areas. These districts can collect special fees from participating businesses to fund tourism promotion, infrastructure, and marketing projects. The bill requires each TID to form a management association to oversee funds and operations, with mandatory annual financial audits. This directly affects local governments, tourism businesses within designated districts, and residents who may see changes to tourism-related services and facilities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Pennsylvania school districts to consider later start times for secondary schools (high schools), citing studies showing teens need 8-10 hours of sleep but 98% of PA schools begin before 8:30 a.m. It references CDC and AAP research linking later start times to improved academic performance, reduced absenteeism, and better mental health outcomes. The bill encourages districts to collaborate with health professionals and educators to develop schedules that maintain educational activities while adopting later start times, and asks state agencies to provide resources and public education on adolescent sleep needs. As a non-binding resolution, it does not require policy changes but recommends action based on existing evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 1669 requires Pennsylvania public schools serving kindergarten through grade five to provide at least 30 minutes of daily supervised, unstructured free-play recess for all students. This means students cannot replace recess with extra classwork, and schools cannot withhold recess as punishment for behavior or missed assignments. The bill mandates that recess occur outdoors when weather and facilities permit, while allowing exceptions based on medical advice or a student's individualized education plan. It defines "free-play recess" as time away from structured learning for physical activity or social play, excluding scheduled physical education classes. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 1534 creates Pennsylvania's Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit Program, directly affecting residents who claim the federal child care tax credit. For 2022, it provides a 30% state credit on up to $3,000 ($6,000 for two+ dependents) of qualifying employment-related care expenses, matching federal limits. Starting in 2023, the credit increases to 100% of those same expense limits. An alternate credit for those using dependent care assistance programs (via Section 129 of the federal tax code) begins in 2025. The credit reduces state tax liability, with refunds issued if the credit exceeds tax owed.

Maddy summaryHB 1670 requires health insurance plans in Pennsylvania, including Medicare and Medicaid coverage, to provide hearing aid benefits. Specifically, it mandates that insurers offer at least $2,500 in coverage every three years for hearing aids sold under state registration rules, with benefits applicable to either hearing aid sellers or contracted fitters. This applies to most health insurance policies but excludes dental, vision, Medicare supplements, and other specified plans. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, impacting insurers and enrollees in covered health plans across the state.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania House resolution urges Congress to expand Medicare to cover hearing aids. Currently, Medicare does not cover hearing aids or their fittings - only limited diagnostic exams under Part B. It specifically targets the gap affecting over 48 million Americans with hearing loss who rely on Medicare. The resolution requests Congressional action to amend Medicare policy but has no legal force.