Press Releases
Senators Cappelletti and Saval Fight for Accountable Policing, Introduce Bill to Unmask Federal ICE Agents
Harrisburg, PA − November 24, 2025 – As Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents continue to ramp up their efforts to detain and arrest civilians, Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17, Montgomery/Delaware) and Senator Nikil Saval (D-1, Philadelphia) introduced...
Sen. Saval, Rep. Smith-Wade-El Join Advocates in Announcing Introduction of Bill to Prevent the Criminalization of Homelessness
HARRISBURG, PA − November 18, 2025 − Citing the need for permanent solutions to the Commonwealth’s ongoing housing crisis, today State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) and State Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El (D–Lancaster) joined housing advocates to announce the introduction of the Shelter First Act, legislation to prevent the criminalization of homelessness in Pennsylvania.
Senate Democratic Caucus Policy Committee Holds Hearing Regarding Supporting Home Care Workers & Consumers
PHILADELPHIA, PA − November 10, 2025 −Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing to examine direct care employee wages, and the trends observed in the Commonwealth over the last decade. “Earlier this year, I walked a day in the life of a home care worker...
Senators Tartaglione and Saval Partner with Student Leaders to Introduce Lifesaving Naloxone-in-Schools Legislation
Harrisburg, PA, October 15, 2025 – State Senators Christine M. Tartaglione (D–Philadelphia) and Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) today announced the introduction of Senate Bill 1054, groundbreaking legislation that would require all high schools in Pennsylvania to...
Senator Saval to Introduce Resolution Recognizing October 6, 2025 as International Tenants’ Day
Philadelphia, PA − October 3, 2025 − Today, State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) announced plans to introduce a resolution to name October 6, 2025, as International Tenants’ Day, recognizing the 1.6 million households across the state who rent their homes and uplifting the importance of safe, dignified, affordable housing for everyone.
Senators Saval, Cappelletti Joined Community Leaders, Advocates, Labor Partners, and Local Officials in Highlighting Urgent Need for No Secret Police Legislation
Philadelphia, PA — August 14, 2025 — Today, State Senators Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia County) and Amanda Cappelletti (D–Delaware and Montgomery Counties) joined advocates, community leaders, labor partners, and local officials outside of ICE's Philadelphia Field...
Senator Saval Votes NO on HB257, a Bill that Robs PA Transit Agencies of Crucial Safety and Maintenance Funds
Harrisburg, PA (Wednesday, August 12, 2025)—Today, with Pennsylvania’s state budget six weeks late and transit agencies across the Commonwealth racing toward imminent financial cliffs, the Republican-led Senate advanced House Bill 257, a bill that would rob transit...
Philly-Area State Senators, Transit Riders, and Labor Leaders Call on Senate Republicans to Fund Transit
Philadelphia, PA − August 6, 2025 − With SEPTA just days away from implementing devastating service cuts, today Democratic State Senators, transit riders and advocates, and labor leaders joined hundreds of people at Philadelphia City Hall to call on Senate Republications to swiftly pass a budget that invests in communities across the Commonwealth, including full funding for public transit.
Senators Cappelletti and Saval announce legislation to Unmask ICE
Harrisburg, PA − July 25, 2025 −Yesterday afternoon, Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware) and Senator Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) announced their intent to introduce legislation to prohibit the use of face coverings by law enforcement agents while...
Senator Saval Condemns Passage of Trump’s Devastating Tax and Spending Bill
Philadelphia, PA − July 3, 2025 − Today, following the narrow and contentious passage of President Trump’s devastating tax and spending bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) issued the following statement: “Trump’s...
Hundreds of Transit Riders, Advocates, Labor Leaders, and Businesses Rallied at the Capitol to Call for Dedicated State Funding to Restore and Stabilize Transit Across PA
Harrisburg, PA − June 4, 2025 − Today, as the General Assembly returned to session this week in the run-up to the passage of the 2025–2026 state budget, hundreds of transit riders, advocates, labor leaders, and businesses convened at the state Capitol to rally for full funding for transit across Pennsylvania.
State Legislators Announce PA Home Preservation Program in Bipartisan Effort to Tackle Pennsylvania’s Housing Crisis
Responding to the enormous need revealed from the implementation of previous home repairs programs, the PA Home Preservation Program will increase the resources available to support critical health and safety repairs for low- and moderate-income homeowners. ...
Elected Officials, Transit Riders, and Community Leaders Kicked Off SEPTA’s Public Hearings with a Rally and a Call for Full Transit Funding
Philadelphia, PA − May 19, 2025 − State lawmakers from Philadelphia and the surrounding counties rallied today outside of SEPTA’s headquarters in Center City as the transit agency began a series of public hearings on its proposed 2025–2026 budget, including the severe service cuts and steep fare hikes it will be forced to implement without crucial state funding.
Senate Democrats Hold Policy Hearing Regarding the Worker Protections
PHILADELPHIA, PA − May 14, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing to examine ways to protect Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and economy with a skilled, protected, and reliable workforce. “The testimony we heard today from...
Senators Nikil Saval and Lindsey Williams Announce Transit for All PA Funding Package
HARRISBURG, PA − April 29, 2025 −Today State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) and State Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D–Allegheny) announced the Transit for All PA Funding Package, a suite of legislative proposals to help secure full funding for transit agencies across Pennsylvania.
Senator Nikil Saval, Representative Ben Waxman, and Friends of Schuylkill River Park Celebrate Reopening of Dog Run After Major Upgrades
Philadelphia, PA − Tuesday, April 29, 2025 − On Sunday, State Senator Nikil Saval and State Representative Ben Waxman joined the Friends of Schuylkill River Park in celebrating the official reopening of the beloved dog run following the completion of the first major upgrades since its opening.
State Lawmakers Rally with Hundreds of Transit Riders, Workers, and Community Members to Call on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to Fully Fund SEPTA
Philadelphia, PA − April 11, 2025 − In response to SEPTA’s announcement of steep fare increases and devastating service cuts, state lawmakers rallied today with hundreds of community members in a united call for Pennsylvania’s General Assembly to fully fund the region’s vital transportation authority.
State Lawmakers Release Plans to Protect PA Immigrant Communities
HARRISBURG – March 26, 2025 – Today, members of the Pennsylvania Legislature’s Welcoming Caucus united at the State Capitol to announce legislative initiatives to support families, fortify communities, protect workers, and uphold the integrity of our legal...
State and Federal Lawmakers, and Advocates Fight Back Against Housing Discrimination
March 18, 2025 − Philadelphia, PA − Senator Vincent Hughes, PA Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair, gathered a group of federal and state lawmakers, housing advocates, and community members to call out Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and...
Sen. Saval and Rep. Fiedler Celebrate $1,500,000 State Grant to IATSE Local No. 8
Philadelphia, PA − March 13, 2025 − Today State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler (D–Philadelphia) and State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) joined IATSE Local No. 8 leadership and workers to celebrate a $1,500,000 state grant for an expansion of the union’s...
Senator Saval Announces $2 Million for Multimodal Transportation Initiatives
Philadelphia, PA − Monday, February 24 − Today State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) announced $2,031,000 in state grants for five infrastructure projects that will help make traveling through Philadelphia safer and more accessible. These grants are awarded through the Commonwealth’s Multimodal Transportation Fund and administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Rep. Fiedler, Sen. Saval, & Phila. Parks and Rec Celebrate $600,000 State Grant to Murphy Rec Center
Philadelphia PA − February 14, 2025 − Yesterday evening State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler (D–Philadelphia) and State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) joined Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson and South Philadelphia neighbors to celebrate a $600,000 state grant for repairs and upgrades to Murphy Recreation Center, a beloved South Philadelphia institution.Â
Senator Saval Celebrates a Budget Recognizing Housing as an Essential Need
Harrisburg, PA − February 4, 2025 − Celebrating the housing proposals in Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025–2026 budget address, State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia), who serves as Democratic Chair of the Senate’s Urban Affairs and Housing Committee and chairs the...
Public Officials Respond to Federal Immigration Actions, Pledge Commitment to Safety and Justice for All
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – February 4, 2025 – On January 31, 2025 in response to recent federal immigration actions across the country, local and state elected officials held a press conference to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of...
Members of PA General Assembly and Philadelphia City Council Issue Joint Statement on ICE Raid in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA − January 29, 2025 —Today members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly representing districts in Philadelphia and members of Philadelphia City Council issued a statement in response to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) raid on a...
Senator Saval Announces Committee Assignments for 2025–2026 Session
Harrisburg, PA − January 14, 2025 − Today State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) announced his committee assignments for the 2025–2026 legislative session. Saval will serve a third term as Democratic Chair of the Senate’s Urban Affairs and Housing Committee and will join the Senate’s Transportation Committee, the only member to represent a district in Philadelphia.
Senator Saval Announces Nearly $46 Million in Grants for Philadelphia Organizations and Institutions
Philadelphia, PA − November 4, 2024 − Today State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) announced $45,550,000 in grants to organizations and institutions throughout Pennsylvania’s First Senatorial District. These grants are awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance...
Senator Saval Announces $10 Million in Grants for Philadelphia Organizations and Institutions
Philadelphia, PA − Tuesday, October 22, 2024 − Today State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) announced $10,500,263 in grants to organizations and institutions throughout Pennsylvania’s First Senatorial District, awarded through the Commonwealth’s Statewide Local...
Senate Democrats File Lawsuits Seeking to Block Enforcement of Senate Resolution 334
HARRISBURG, PA – October 9, 2024 − Today, four members of the Senate Democratic Caucus filed suit in Commonwealth Court against President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Senator Joe Pittman, and Senator Jarret Coleman in order to halt a subpoena compelling Secretary of Revenue...
Senator Saval Opposes Arena in Chinatown, Citing Harm to Community
Philadelphia, PA - September 7, 2024 - Today State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) joined more than a thousand people at a rally and march through Center City against the proposed Sixers arena in Chinatown. The event was organized by the Save Chinatown Coalition,...
Senator Nikil Saval Responds to Lack of Funding for Whole-Home Repairs in State Budget
Harrisburg, PA − July 12, 2024 − Pennsylvania’s 2024–2025 state budget passed late yesterday evening, and in response to the lack of additional funding for Pennsylvania’s wildly popular Whole-Home Repairs Program, State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) issued the following statement:
“Every person in our Commonwealth deserves a home that is healthy and safe.
Senators Saval, Hughes, Cappelletti, and Kearney Announce Intention to Introduce Bill Preventing Criminalization of Homelessness
Harrisburg, PA − July 2, 2024 − Today State Senators Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia County), Vincent Hughes (D–Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties), Amanda Cappelletti (D–Delaware and Montgomery Counties), and Tim Kearney (D–Delaware County) announced their intention to introduce legislation preventing the criminalization of homelessness in Pennsylvania.
Senator Nikil Saval’s Statement on His Vote Against Senate Bill 1260
Harrisburg, PA − June 27, 2024 − Today State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) issued the following statement with regard to his vote against Senate Bill 1260: “In the wake of the horror of the deadly attack on Israel on October 7, and of the ongoing devastation of...
Senator Nikil Saval Arrested for Protesting Aramark’s Treatment of Philadelphia Stadium Workers
Philadelphia, PA − June 12, 2024 − Following his arrest at a rally in protest of Aramark’s treatment of Philadelphia stadium workers, today State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) issued the following statement:Senator Nikil Saval Arrested for Protesting Aramark’s...
Senator Nikil Saval Issues Statement on Announced Closure of University of the Arts
Philadelphia, PA − Saturday, June 1, 2024 — Today State Senator Nikil Saval (D–Philadelphia) issued the following statement in response to the sudden announcement of the closure of Philadelphia’s renowned University of the Arts:
Policy Committee Discusses Challenges of New Home Owners in Pennsylvania
PHOENIXVILLE − May 10, 2024 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, joined Sen. Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) and Sen. Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) today in Phoenixville to co-host a public...
Penn Faculty, Philadelphia Elected Representatives Urge University to Protect Students’ Rights and Safety
Philadelphia, PA − April 27, 2024 − Today, in the wake of escalating police violence against students and faculty on campuses across the country, faculty at the University of Pennsylvania joined with Philadelphia elected representatives to urge administrators at...
Senator Nikil Saval, Rep. Mary Isaacson Celebrate $500,000 State Grant to Zhang Sah Martial Arts & Learning Center
Philadelphia, PA − April 15, 2024 − Last Friday State Senator Nikil Saval and State Representative Mary Isaacson celebrated a $500,000 grant to Zhang Sah Martial Arts & Learning Center through the commonwealth’s Local Share Account–Philadelphia program, an initiative that awards funding to economic development, neighborhood revitalization, community improvement, and public interest projects in the City of Philadelphia.
Senator Nikil Saval, Rep. Ben Waxman, Friends of Rittenhouse Square Celebrate Lawn Restoration Project
Philadelphia, PA − March 17, 2024 − Today, State Senator Nikil Saval and State Representative Ben Waxman joined the Friends of Rittenhouse Square to update and celebrate the ongoing work on behalf of one of Philadelphia’s most beloved parks. “One of the oldest...
Joint Policy Hearing Focuses on Legislation to Seal Eviction RecordsÂ
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...