Upcoming Policy Hearings
APRIL
2
Death in Custody: A Public Health Crisis
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 | 10:00 am
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
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
Committee News
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...
Policy Committee Hearing: Eviction Sealing
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...
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...
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...
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...
Senate Dems Discuss Need for Universal Background Checks at Philly Hearing
PHILADELPHIA − October 30, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) to co-host a public hearing on the need for universal...
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...
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...