Latest news with #Bizzarro
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania lawmakers introduce bill to combat nursing home crisis
(WHTM) — Two Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced a bill to help combat the state's nursing home crisis. House Bill 1310 aims to help end the financial crisis that many of the state's nursing homes are facing by providing predictable funding. The bill, introduced by State Representatives Ryan Bizzarro (D) and Maureen Madden (D), would set predictable funding by using a formula to determine the minimum reimbursement rate. According to the memo, this would allow aging services facilities to set their budgets, making it easier to address staffing concerns. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now According to Rep. Bizzarro, over 30 nursing homes and long-term care facilities have closed in Pennsylvania since the Pandemic. Additionally, Pennsylvania has a lower reimbursement rate than its neighboring states. 'Pennsylvania ranks in the top five in the nation when it comes to our older population,' said Rep. Madden, who is the majority chair on the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. 'This bill is desperately needed to replace legislation that was intended to be a one-year fix to escalating nursing home costs 20 years ago.' Bizzarro says the bill would improve care for seniors at all government-run, nonprofit, and for-profit nursing homes. He added that the bill would help operators properly address budgets and other issues. Butler Street Senior Living in Harrisburg closed in early 2024 due to 'shifting healthcare dynamics and industry challenges.' The closure impacted 40 of the facility's residents. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill would let homeless children in Pennsylvania get driver's license for free
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Homeless children old enough to legally drive may be able to get their licenses for free soon. House Bill 472, which passed the House with bipartisan support, would get rid of fees for homeless youth to get their driver's license or identification card. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now A shelter or school address can be temporarily used for the license, and adults that can sign off on paperwork would now include social workers, children and youth caseworkers, and teachers. The bill was sponsored by State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie). 'By waiving the license fee, we're removing financial barriers to allow youth identified as homeless to get a license or ID card and use that to enroll or transfer schools, make doctor's appointments, and enroll in food and housing assistance programs,' Bizzarro said. 'These are vital services that can help keep these youth connected to their schools and communities while their lives stabilize.' The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro receives media award for enacting bill to protect free speech
State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro has been recognized for his efforts to protect First Amendment freedoms. The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, a nonprofit trade association for print and online news media, awarded Bizzarro its 2024 Advocate of the Year award, according to a news release Monday. The award recognizes Bizzarro's role in helping to enact legislation that protects against frivolous lawsuits targeting individuals or organizations ― including news media outlets ― that speak out on issues of public interest or concern. Philadelphia attorney Michael Berry, who drafted the legislation, was also awarded the 2024 Advocate of the Year award. Bizzarro's bill, which became the state's new anti-SLAPP law, will curtail Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, or SLAPPs. These lawsuits have been historically used to silence or deter people from sounding a warning against people or organizations that take a position on a matter of public interest. The new law establishes a mechanism to quickly dismiss SLAPP lawsuits based on protection of free speech through a court motion. If the dismissal motion is granted, defendants may recover legal fees and damages from the lawsuit. More: Democrat Bizzarro easily wins re-election in 3rd District state House contest Bizarro, D-3rd, was the prime sponsor of the legislation. The bill passed both the House and Senate with unanimous support and was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro on July 17. 'I'm a strong advocate for the First Amendment, and in these uncertain times it is important to preserve our rights to protest and speak up against injustice,' Bizzarro said in the news release. 'I'm glad I could make sure 2024 was the year we finally got this done.' Bizzarro added it was an honor to be recognized beside Berry. 'He has been the constant in this effort, translating advocacy into action in the Legislature," Bizzarro said. "Mike was there to catch the smallest details and made sure we had an effective bill that both parties and both chambers could agree to. The unanimous votes are proof of that." Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association President and CEO William Cotter praised Bizzarro and Berry for their efforts. 'We are so appreciative of Rep. Bizzarro and Mike Berry's tireless efforts and support of Pennsylvania's anti-SLAPP law, seeing it across the finish line after more than 10 years of work," he said in the release. 'The new law will have an incredibly positive impact on local journalism statewide and protect freedom of expression for all Pennsylvanians.'' Bizzarro, who was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2013, is serving his seventh two-year term in the 3rd legislative district, which covers Millcreek and Fairview townships. Bizzarro, 39, is from Millcreek Township. More: Bizzarro draws line: Pa. Senate must act on public transit plan vital to Erie growth A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@ Follow him on X @ETNRao. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Bizzarro receives media award for efforts to protect free speech
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro named Advocate of the Year for anti-SLAPP law
A state representative from Erie County is recognized for his efforts to protect First Amendment freedoms in the Commonwealth. Third District Representative Ryan Bizzarro was given the first-ever Advocate of the Year award from the Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association. Pennsylvania bill to curtail SLAPP cases becomes law According to the association, bizzarro is recognized for his pivotal role in the enactment of the new Pennsylvania anti-SLAPP law, Act 72 of 2024. Bizzarro said this legislation prohibits frivolous lawsuits from taking place, where a judge could automatically slap them down. Erie man recognized for saving the life of injured Erie man 'This legislation was signed into law on November 13th, 2024 and I'm very proud of it. I think we're seeing right now that folks who had frivolous lawsuits before these judges they are getting slapped down and it's doing what it needs to do to protect Pennsylvanians and protect and preserve our First Amendment rights and free speech,' Bizzarro said. Attorney Michael Berry from Philadelphia was also given this award. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
16th annual Knockout Homelessness fundraising event takes place Tuesday
Some local celebrities went head-to-head in the boxing ring Tuesday night in a fight against homelessness. The Erie City Mission and the Bizzarro family hosted the 16th annual Knockout Homelessness fundraiser event at the Bayfront Convention Center. Local shelters provide warmth as homeless population battles bitter cold temps. This year's celebrity fighters were Chris Pine, executive director of Erie Events, and Drew Whiting, CEO of the Downtown Development Corporation. The event featured raffles, dinner, and of course, boxing matches to raise money for the City Mission's Men's Shelter Program. Crawford Co. residents impacted by stolen SNAP benefits 'Ticket sales are great. You see a sold-out crowd here… over 600 people and every single one of them here to support a really good cause,' said Erin Layden, director of development for the Erie City Mission. Layden also said the organization brought a live auction back to the event this year which was very popular. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
