HARRISBURG, Pa. (WJET) -- Dozens of bills were passed over the course of the year, but now we're looking to highlight some of the key pieces of legislation that may impact you and your loved ones.
Bills of all kinds were passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly over the past year.
The impact of those decisions in Harrisburg will likely be seen and felt in Erie, one of those being increased funding to public schools.
"Hopefully it helps keep tow the line on property tax increases. By getting extra funds from the state, that means we have to rely less on property owners," said Bob Merski, PA State Representative for District 2.
Legislators were also hoping to reel in costs, already helping members of our older population.
"Senior citizens who are eligible are going to receive more money back on their property tax and rent rebates," said Ryan Bizzarro, PA State Representative for District 3. "We were able to expand the pool of money available and expand the number of people who can now go into that program."
And several laws and changes go into effect at the start of 2025, with several focused on keeping Pennsylvanians healthy.
For one, biomarker testing will covered by a variety of insurance plans including Medicaid.
The bill is especially personal to Representative Bizzarro, a childhood leukemia survivor.
"We all know somebody who is suffering from some type of cancer or terminal illness. This pinpoints that early and helps develop an effective treatment plan," said Bizzarro.
In line with medical care, the commonwealth is expanding expecting mother's access to doulas
Doulas are professionals trained in emotional, physical, and educational support for mothers.
Their care significantly increases successful labor and birth. This expansion significantly helps black and Latino Pennsylvanians who face more barriers to care.
"I think that being able to really forge past those barriers is going to allow more women and babies to have optimal outcomes and I think that it is an incredibly responsible and necessary call in terms of legislation," said Brandy Gentry, lead doula at the Birth Circle at UPMC Hamot.
What's more is first responders will now be eligible for compensation if they develop PTSD.
"This isn't a normal job where it's 9-5. You're dealing with shootings, murders, violent car accidents, and other accidents and it can affect you," said Merski.
Merski said a big goal for 2025 is working on protections for consumers and citizens against artificial intelligence, while at the same time understanding its efficiencies.
He also said they're focusing on affordability and cost containment with a goal of making life more affordable for Pennsylvanians, especially those living on fixed incomes.
Meraki hopes in the next year, the Pennsylvania House and Senate can get more done together.
He said in the past year, the house has passed over 300 bills. And in the Senate, only 10% of those bills were passed.
"That's frustrating sometimes because we all get lumped in and people feel like none of us are working hard, and we're working hard in the house," said Merski.
In other news, lawmakers and state officials including state supreme court judges and even Governor Josh Shapiro are getting a raise. That number is about 3.4%.