May 13, 2025
Harrisburg, Pa. — Senator Maria Collett (D-12, Montgomery) and Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-45, Allegheny) announced their introduction of the Pennsylvania Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act on Wednesday, May 13, which would strengthen workers’ rights and modernize the state’s labor laws. The Collett and Pisciottano bill is a companion to HB 1029, introduced by Reps. Dan Williams (D – Chester), Joe Ciresi (D – Montgomery), David Delloso (D – Delaware), Steve Malagari (D – Montgomery), and Jennifer O’Mara (D – Delaware).
“With union approval at near-record highs of 70 percent, it’s clear Pennsylvanians understand the vital role organized labor plays in building a strong middle class that delivers for working families,” said Sen. Collett. “This legislation will help ensure our workers have the protections they need to organize effectively and fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, and better benefits.”
The PRO Act includes several key provisions to protect workers’ rights:
- Establishes clear penalties for worker misclassification and unfair labor practices;
- Requires employers to provide employee contact information to prospective unions during organizing efforts;
- Implements a streamlined process for initial collective bargaining agreements;
- Protects workers’ rights to pursue collective legal action;
- Creates new protections against coercive anti-union activities.
“We must take action to protect our working families. Every American has the right to organize, and this legislation modernizes our laws to uphold fair labor practices,” said Sen. Pisciottano. “This is about standing up for workers—preventing worker misclassification, ensuring fair wages, and safeguarding work environments.”
The bill also includes significant enforcement mechanisms, including:
- Civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation, doubled for repeat offenders;
- Liquidated damages for workers who face discrimination or serious economic harm;
- Enhanced mediation and arbitration procedures for contract negotiations;
- Strengthened remedies for workers facing unfair labor practices.
“Whether you work in healthcare, retail, construction, or on the factory floor, every Pennsylvania worker deserves the right to advocate for better working conditions without fear of retaliation,” added Sen. Collett. “This legislation is critical for protecting workers’ rights and securing a prosperous future for our Commonwealth.”
The senators encourage workers’ rights supporters and advocates to contact their state legislators and voice their support for this important legislation.
May 7, 2025
Harrisburg, PA, May 7, 2025– State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced the introduction of landmark legislation designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s steel industry, protect and create jobs, and reestablish the Commonwealth’s leadership in American manufacturing. The legislation, titled Fueling Opportunities for the Revitalization, Growth, and Efficiency of Steel (FORGES), aims to support domestic steel production and protect one of the state’s most critical industries from global economic pressures.
“For more than a century, Pennsylvania’s steel helped build this country’s cities, powered its military victories, and created the union jobs that built the American middle class,” said Senator Pisciottano. “It’s time we recommit to that legacy and invest in the future of steelmaking in our state.”
Steel production has long been a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economic and cultural identity. In the early 20th century, Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania produced over half of the nation’s steel. That legacy remains, but in recent decades, foreign competition and outdated infrastructure have placed pressure on domestic producers and weakened the industry’s competitive edge.
The FORGES legislation aims to reverse that trend through a two-pronged strategy:
- Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Pennsylvania-Made Steel: This initiative will eliminate state sales tax on steel manufactured within Pennsylvania, encouraging businesses to buy local, high-quality steel and creating a competitive edge for in-state producers.
- FORGES Tax Credit Program: Designed to promote long-term investment, this program will offer tax credits for capital upgrades to steelmaking facilities. Additional incentives will be available for adopting state-of-the-art, energy-efficient technologies that modernize production and reduce environmental impact.
“This legislation is about more than economics, it is about our identity, our workforce, and our security,” said Pisciottano. “Steel remains a vital industrial asset and a key component of our national infrastructure and defense systems. We must do everything we can to keep this industry strong and growing.”
Senator Pisciottano emphasized his commitment to working alongside legislative colleagues, industry leaders, and labor unions to advance the FORGES legislation and craft a comprehensive economic package that positions Pennsylvania as a hub of modern steelmaking.
“Our communities built this nation from steel and sweat. Now, it’s time to build the future. I encourage my fellow lawmakers to join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure that Pennsylvania steel continues to be a foundation for prosperity and progress for generations to come.”
April 30, 2025
Monroeville, PA, April 20, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced that Munhall Volunteer Fire Company #4 has been awarded a $40,000 grant to support a new pilot program focused on the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.
The funding will enable the fire company to launch a data-driven initiative designed to attract and retain volunteer personnel which has proven to be an ongoing challenge for departments across the Commonwealth.
“By giving our local fire departments the resources and tools to understand what works in recruiting and keeping volunteers, we’re helping them build a stronger, more sustainable future,” said Senator Pisciottano. “Volunteer fire companies like Munhall #4 are essential, and we must continue to find innovative ways to support and strengthen them.”
The grant funding will allow Munhall VFC #4 to enhance its operations, increase outreach efforts, and better support its dedicated volunteers. Department leadership sees this investment as a major step forward in strengthening the fire service locally and across Pennsylvania.
“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Pisciottano for his support in helping us secure this critical funding,” said Dan Rojtas, Fire Chief of Munhall Volunteer Fire Department #4. “This grant will enhance our ability to deliver emergency services and expand our community risk reduction efforts in ways that would not have been possible otherwise. The dedicated men and women of Munhall VFC #4 work tirelessly for our community, and we’re excited to have the means to recognize and reward their commitment. The fire service in Pennsylvania is evolving, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of that progress.”
Senator Pisciottano has been a steadfast advocate for fire and emergency services, both in his current role in the Senate and during his tenure as a State Representative. His leadership has been instrumental in securing funding and policy support for first responders across Allegheny County and the Commonwealth.
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line for us every day,” Pisciottano added. “We owe it to them to make sure they have the resources and staffing they need to continue protecting our communities.”
Senator Pisciottano also thanked State Representative Dan Goughnour for his role in securing these funds and for his continued support of public safety initiatives in the region.
The pilot program will focus on developing data and performance metrics to help Munhall Volunteer Fire Company #4 enhance its recruitment and retention strategies. The insights gained will position the fire company to seek additional support from the Borough of Munhall, as well as future state and federal grant opportunities.
April 15, 2025
PITTSBURGH, PA − April 15, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing to examine the needs of regional mass transit systems and assess ways to ensure that their benefits remain accessible to residents and local businesses in Pennsylvania.
“Across our Commonwealth, we have noticed a rising mass transit funding crisis characterized by substantial cuts in services due to budget limitations. Consequently, we are jeopardizing the daily lives of our residents who depend on public transportation to get to work, visit friends and loved ones, and traverse these regions for everyday needs,” said Senator Miller. “Though today’s hearing focused on Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, we are seeing reduction in access to transit in every corner of the commonwealth, including rural and suburban areas. In my district, Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) has also been impacted by this crisis and recently reduced services. Today’s hearing highlights the importance of collaboration to identify a solution that ensures our mass transit systems remain accessible to all residents, regardless of age or ability.”
“Today’s hearing was a critical step in understanding the work before us in delivering excellent public transit for every Pennsylvanian, and I am grateful for all the testifiers who shared their knowledge and expertise with us,” said Senator Costa. “Public transit is critical infrastructure for our students, our seniors, our workers, our tourists, our disabled friends and neighbors, our parents, and our climate. While providing essential services to riders, public transit also fuels our region’s economy by connecting workers to workplaces, improving access to family sustaining jobs and providing workforce needs for employers. I look forward to making progress in this critical space together as we move forward.”
“Public transportation is an essential asset to communities across the commonwealth, including here in Western Pennsylvania where transit authorities serve residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Senator Fontana. “It is incumbent upon us to ensure long-term sustainability of our transit systems so that we not again facing drastic cuts to the services so many our constituents depend upon.”
“As a new member of the PRT board and the State Senator representing the region of Allegheny County with the most service cuts since 2013, I am committed to finding a long-term funding solution for our public transit system to not only keep it alive, but for it to thrive,” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “Our people, our workforce, and the future economic prosperity of Pennsylvania depends on access to transportation. I’m grateful to today’s testifiers, who represented the senior and disabled communities and our region’s largest employers and clearly communicated the dire need for a funded system of public transportation.”
“We need to think boldly about the future of transportation in Allegheny County and across Pennsylvania,” said Senator Pisciottano. “We are actively working with state and local leaders to explore solutions that address the current funding gaps and prevent harmful service cuts, including advocating for sustainable, long-term investments in public transit to support riders and ensure equitable service. By making smart investments today, we can build a transit system that serves our communities for generations to come.”
Katharine Kellman, CEO of Pittsburgh Regional Transit, stated the importance of finding a funding solution that will avoid service disruptions and economic setbacks.
“If we don’t come together and identify a lasting solution, the fiscal cliff transit agencies across Pennsylvania face ultimately will make it harder to support economic opportunities, attract and retain employees, and support the social and business needs of our Commonwealth,” said Katharine Kellman. “Transit is not and should not be an optional priority—it is a foundational one.”
Michael Carroll, Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), highlighted their commitment to strengthening the public transportation system through continued collaboration, innovation, and strategic investments.
“Across Pennsylvania, 53 public transit agencies deliver millions of trips every year—supporting mobility in every one of our 67 counties. In rural areas, small towns, and cities like Pittsburgh, transit is a daily necessity,” said Michael Carroll. “In fact, outside the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions, over 45,000 trips occur every day, keeping tens of thousands of cars off our roads and reducing congestion and emissions.”
Kendra Ross, Head of Social Impact at Duolingo, expressed concerns amongst the growing workforce in Pittsburgh.
“We’re fortunate to be well-served by PRT today and we hope that that can continue. The proposed service cuts will directly impact us as well as many other businesses in our community, with several lines in East Liberty set to be cut or significantly scaled back,” said Kendra Ross. “It’s been a topic of significant concern among our workforce; I have heard from many of our employees, worried about what this will mean for their commute.”
Lauren Poskin, the Executive Director of Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, emphasized the need to invest in public transit for the community’s well-being, economy, and quality of life.
“Transportation avoids institutionalization, which is both extremely costly and not what people want,” said Lauren Poskin. “People want to age in community. Both from the human and fiscal perspectives, this is an investment we can’t afford not to make.”
The panelists for today’s hearing included:
- Michael Carroll, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
- Donminika Brown, Chief Financial Officer, Pittsburgh Regional Transit
- Katherine Kelleman, CEO, Pittsburgh Regional Transit
- Ross Nicotero, President Business Manager, A.T.U. Local 85
- Dan Yablonsky, Digital Organizing Director, Pittsburghers for Public Transit
- Laura Poskin, Executive Director, Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh
- Kendra Ross, Head of Social Impact, Duolingo
- Vic Vercammen, Vice President, Safety, Regulatory & Government Affairs, Giant Eagle, Inc
- Dr. Mark Rubino, President, Allegheny Health Network Forbes and Allegheny Valley Hospitals
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his fifth as Chair.
Footage of the hearing, as well as the written testimony of the panel, is available at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Photographs and downloadable video are available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats commitment to protecting our commonwealth’s healthcare needs and other legislative priorities at www.pasenate.com.
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Testimony
Panel 1: The Commonwealth’s Outlook
Panel 2: The State of Pittsburgh Regional Transit
Panel 3: Community Impacts
Panel 4: Regional Economic Effect
Additional Testimony
