A functioning democracy depends on an informed public. Robust local public service journalism is indispensable for democracy,

To curb the decline of local news and help ensure Pennsylvanians stay informed, Common Cause Pennsylvania has endorsed two bills:

• HB 2048 will create and fund a Pennsylvania Civic Information Consortium (CIC), which will distribute grants to local newsrooms and organizations focused on filling the most critical information gaps facing Pennsylvanians.

• HB 2047 will establish a state fellowship program for local news, placing early- and mid-career journalists in community newsrooms across the state to strengthen reporting capacity where it’s needed most.

These bills would provide a lifeline for journalism in Pennsylvania, especially in underserved communities. We need your help to push representatives to support, co-sponsor, and pass both of these local news bills.