by Christin Brown | October 2, 2018 | News Releases
The senator’s annual Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol will highlight ways that people with disabilities can contribute meaningfully in the workplace and beyond.
HARRISBURG, PA, October 2, 2018 – The Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously adopted Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s resolution recognizing October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in the Commonwealth. Tartaglione will kick off the month-long campaign tomorrow, Oct. 3, when she hosts her annual Disability Awareness Day in the Capitol’s Main Rotunda.
Pennsylvania’s observance coincides with National Disability Awareness Month and shares the same goals: to call attention to disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is America’s Workforce: Empowering All.
“Twenty-eight years ago, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities,” Tartaglione said. “Today, millions of Americans are living with disabilities, including many military veterans – and including myself. We deserve the opportunity to work productively, to support ourselves financially and to contribute to the economic prosperity of our society.”
Senator Tartaglione urged all employers, labor organizations and community groups to participate in Disability Employment Awareness Month in any number of ways. Companies or employees may hang a commemorative poster at the workplace or do something more elaborate, like implementing a disability education program. For more ideas and resources, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website here: https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam/
More disability employment resources will be available to visitors to the Capitol’s Main Rotunda this Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., when Senator Tartaglione will host her annual Disability Awareness Day. Exhibitors will share information about assistive technologies, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, service animals and many other topics.
“Together, we can help foster a more inclusive workforce where people are recognized not for their limitations, but for their abilities,” Tartaglione said.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | September 24, 2018 | News Releases
The month-long national observance will continue through October 15 and recognize the achievements of Hispanic Americans while celebrating their rich culture
PHILADELPHIA, PA, September 24, 2018 – The Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously adopted Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s resolution designating Hispanic Heritage Month in the Commonwealth. The commemoration began on Sept. 15 and will continue through Oct. 15. It coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States.
The commemoration recognizes the many achievements of Hispanic Americans and celebrates their rich contributions to the American melting pot. President Lyndon Johnson created Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the inaugural National Hispanic Heritage Month, starting on Sept. 15 that year. That date coincides with independence observances in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence in mid-September.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to indulge in cultural fiestas, but it’s also a wonderful educational opportunity,” Tartaglione said. “We can learn how some of the nation’s earliest settlers brought Hispanic traditions and customs to Pennsylvania during the 1400s, and how Hispanic Americans constitute the nation’s largest and fastest growing ethnic group.”
Senator Tartaglione noted the contributions of many distinguished Hispanic Americans including Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, Labor Organizer Cesar Chavez, Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Member Carlos Santana and multi-award-winning Performer Rita Moreno.
She also invited all Pennsylvanians to visit Philadelphia on Sept. 30 for the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival, a community tradition for more than 50 years.
“The Hispanic community has made a profound and positive influence on our Commonwealth through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work and service,” Tartaglione said.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | June 22, 2016 | News Releases
June 22, 2016 – State Senate Democratic Whip Anthony H. Williams (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) today said that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) has been devastated by recurring state budget cuts and that the state spending plan now under consideration needs to address agency funding shortfalls.
“The PHRC has an incredibly important job to do and it cannot function properly if its funding is slashed year in and year out,” Williams said today.
Williams was joined at a news conference at the Capitol by his Democratic colleague from Philadelphia Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), Senate Democratic leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Democratic Appropriations Chair Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) other Democratic senators and advocates.
“The agency’s ability to ensure that civil rights protections are upheld has been compromised by chronic underfunding,” Tartaglione said. “We are here to request that additional funds be included in the appropriation for the commission so it has the resources to do its important work.”
The state appropriation for the PHRC has fallen from $10.6 million in 2008 to $8.7 million last year. The total agency budget was reduced from $14.1 million to $10 million over the same time span.
“Incredibly, at a time when we should be doing more to protect civil rights, the agency dedicated to this purpose has had to dramatically cut staff and is under pressure to close cases without proper investigation,” Williams said.
The lawmakers are seeking an additional $2 million in state funding in this budget to bolster operations at the PHRC.
“I am pleased that my Senate Democratic colleagues and those representatives that have been touched by the work of the PHRC have come out today to support the call for more funding,” Williams said. “It is important that those of us who are committed to preserving this agency as a protector of civil rights stay united and put pressure on budget negotiators.”
Williams said that staffing at the commission is at a crisis point. According to the senator, the historical complement of investigators and professional staff has been just under 200 employees. Today, there are only 76 investigators and professionals to handle the agency’s responsibilities.
“Values like equality, service, integrity, excellence and teamwork were once associated with the commission and its operations,” Williams said. “The PHRC was once recognized as a preeminent protector of civil rights.
“We can get the agency back to that position of being a nationally-recognized leader, but it has to be funded properly.”
The call for more funding and for making systemic repairs at the commission follows media reports about upheaval at the agency over the last several years. Allegations of long-time staff being forced out, hostile working conditions and discriminatory hiring practices have been cited in news reports.
The operations of the commission were recently examined at a Senate State Government Committee hearing requested by Williams earlier this month.
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by Christin Brown | April 13, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, April 13, 2015 – Thanks to the legislative efforts of Sens. Christine M. Tartaglione and Rob Teplitz, April in Pennsylvania is now “Sexual Assault Awareness Month.”
April became “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” when the senators successfully introduced a resolution making it so.
“By taking precautionary steps in our schools, across college campuses and in workplaces, by teaching people how to recognize the signs of sexual abuse and what to do when someone is assaulted and abused, every one of us can make a difference in someone’s life,” Sen. Tartaglione said today while introducing the resolution on the floor of the Senate.
Tartaglione credited organizations like the National Sexual Violence Resource Center for taking steps to combat and prevent sexual assault, and help survivors gain counseling services so they can overcome their nightmare.
“Sexual assault is a serious issue that affects all of us. And, the more we talk about it and educate people about it, the better chance we have of preventing it,” Tartaglione said.
“We need to act now to stop the violence.”
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by Christin Brown | March 10, 2015 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, March 10, 2015 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione will continue her push to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage tomorrow when the House Democratic Policy Committee convenes a hearing at Temple University.
Tartaglione has proposed a package of legislation that would increase the minimum wage to $10.10 by Jan. 1 (Senate Bill 195), increase the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular minimum wage (SB 196), and add an annual cost-of-living increase (SB 197).
The committee is meeting at the request of Philadelphia Democratic Rep. Leslie Acosta.
Media coverage is invited.
WHAT: Sen. Tartaglione to participate in minimum wage public hearing
WHEN: 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 11
WHERE: Room 301-D, Morgan Hall, Temple University, 1601 N. Broad St., Philadelphia
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by Christin Brown | March 4, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, March 4, 2015 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today applauded Gov. Tom Wolf for his bold and promising 2015-2016 budget proposal.
She said his willingness to push a higher minimum wage, his belief in proper education funding, his support of her idea to close the Delaware loophole, and ideas to help relieve the tax burden of Philadelphians are welcomed, overdue efforts.
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“For four years, the Republican in the governor’s office said he couldn’t afford to invest new dollars in education, couldn’t support people who need government help, and couldn’t afford to ask businesses to pay their minimum wage workers more than $7.25 an hour,” Tartaglione said. “But he could afford to protect the natural gas industry and corporate partners, and Pennsylvania has suffered because of that.”
Sen. Tartaglione said she is glad that the governor is reiterating his support of a $10.10 an hour minimum wage, as well as future minimum wage increases that are tied to a cost-of-living index.
Tartaglione has proposed Senate Bill 195 to increase the minimum wage to $10.10 by Jan. 1, 2016. Senate Bill 196 would eventually set the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular base hourly rate.
A recent study by the Keystone Research Center said an increase to $10.10 would benefit more base hourly wage earners than similar bills that would up the minimum much less (1.27 million Pennsylvanians to 404,000). It also said an increase to $10.10 would generate 6,000 new jobs; or nearly nine times more than an increase to $8.75.
Currently, a parent who works a full-time minimum-wage job and has two children is below the federal poverty line.
The Philadelphia Democrat said she is also pleased by the governor’s call to restore the $1 billion that the Corbett administration stripped from basic and higher education, and his call to finally close the Delaware loophole.
The Delaware loophole gives Pennsylvania businesses the opportunity to incorporate in Delaware so they can avoid paying PA corporate income taxes. Tartaglione’s Senate Bill 274 would close the Delaware loophole. It is awaiting action in the Senate Finance Committee.
Seventy percent of the corporations that operate in the commonwealth do not pay taxes because of the loophole, Tartaglione said. The New York Times reported that Delaware collected $860 million from absentee corporations operating in other American states in 2011, including Pennsylvania.
If the governor’s idea is accepted, closing the loophole would help the commonwealth reduce the corporate net income tax rate by 40 percent on Jan. 1 and by 50 percent over the next three years.
“Gov. Wolf’s idea to slash the CNI from 9.99 percent to 5.99 percent will more than make up for the money corporations are avoiding by formally organizing in a small post office box in Delaware,” Tartaglione said.
The senator said Pennsylvanians should accept the governor’s first budget proposal as a significant – and necessary – change in how the commonwealth governs and pays for government.
“Bad thinking and insufficient leadership got us into the sorry financial situation we are in,” she said. “We cannot accept the same approach in finding a way out. We must work on the Wolf budget and make sure it is signed into law no later than June 30.
“This is promising to be a tough battle, however, as Republicans who are in the majority in the House and Senate are already voicing their opposition,” Tartaglione said.
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by Christin Brown | February 20, 2015 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 20, 2015 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione is urging her constituents to participate next week in “America Saves Week.”
“America Saves Week” is designed to increase awareness of the need for people to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth with a primary focus on financial action: setting goals, making a plan, and setting up automatic savings and investments.
“Only half of American households have a savings plan with specific goals, and only 40 percent have a budget that allows for sufficient savings,” Tartaglione said. “Stagnant wages and prolonged unemployment and underemployment have meant that many Philadelphians are struggling to save and protect their futures.”
A 2012 National Financial Capability Study showed that 53 percent of Pennsylvanians are not setting aside money to cover expenses in case of emergencies.
“Study after study shows us that more needs to be done to create a more financially literate community, and I am proud to join the PA Treasury’s efforts to help shine a light on the importance of saving,” Tartaglione said.
The senator is joining with Treasury and its partners to offer a series of webinars designed to help people build wealth and get out of debt.
Each webinar – presented by an experienced financial professional from the public or private sector – will provide guidance on common financial challenges such as how to budget and create a plan to save, manage debt, and save for higher education.
The webinar schedule is as follows:
- Monday, Feb. 23, at 12:00 p.m. – Saving for That Big Purchase, presented by Tami Noll Russo, CPA, CFP, and member of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs.
- Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 12:00 p.m. – Savings 101, presented by the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association.
- Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 6:00 p.m. – Saving for Higher Education, presented by the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program.
- Thursday, Feb. 26, at 12:00 p.m. – Show Me My Money: A Lesson on Saving and Spending, presented by Clarifi.
- Friday, Feb. 27, at 12:00 p.m. – Teach Children to Save, presented by the PA Bankers Association.
To register for the webinar series, see a complete schedule, or learn more about “America Saves Week,” visit PA529.com.
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by Christin Brown | February 17, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 17, 2015 – Because it’s more prevalent than breast cancer or any other type of cancer, state Sens. Christine M. Tartaglione and Lisa Baker today proposed a resolution designating “National Wear Red Day in Pennsylvania.”
Sen. Tartaglione read the following statement this evening on the floor of the Senate:
“Too often, women are the caretakers in their families. They take care of their children, spouses and everyone around them, but they don’t take care of themselves.
“When faced with a heart attack, women are the last to get help and the first to suffer the ultimate consequence … death. Not only does heart disease claim the lives of more women than men each year, but it also is the most deadly of all diseases among women.
“This year, Sen. Baker and I hope to change these odds.
“As part of the American Heart Association’s ‘Go Red Campaign,’ we are offering this resolution to ensure women understand the risks of heart disease, and we are encouraging every female in this state to become more aware and proactive in maintaining their own cardiovascular health.
“We are asking everyone in the Senate to please wear the red pins Sen. Baker and I have placed on their desks in support of this important cause … so that we may continue our outreach efforts until we reach every mother, daughter, sister and friend in the commonwealth. “
According to the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, preventing heart disease is possible through lifestyle changes, medicines, and medical or surgical procedures.
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by Christin Brown | February 11, 2015 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 11, 2015 – Working with the Salvation Army and other charities to identify people who need help staying warm outside, Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione, Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Forman Mills will give out vouchers for coats, hats and scarves.
The “Giveback Giveaway” will start at 3 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 12, at the Forman Mills stores at 48th and Market streets in West Philly, and 5694 Rising Sun Ave. in Northeast Philly.
Sen. Tartaglione will be at the Rising Sun Avenue store for the voucher giveaways, which is expected to happen at approximately 5 p.m.
Media coverage is invited.
WHAT: Sen. Tartaglione to participate in Forman Mills’ “Giveback Giveaway”
WHEN: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12. Sen. Tartaglione expected to arrive at
4 p.m.
WHERE: Forman Mills, 5694 Rising Sun Ave., Philadelphia
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by Christin Brown | February 9, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9, 2015 – Republicans and Democrats, advocacy groups and minimum wage earners filled a church near the state Capitol this afternoon to organize for a new effort to finally increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10.
“We need to help the ones who need help the most,” Sen. Tartaglione said during the kickoff to Raise the Wage PA’s minimum wage kickoff event. “Every other neighboring state believes that, and they have acted to increase their minimum wage rates to much healthier levels.
“Not only would my proposal to increase the minimum wage to $10.10 by Jan. 1 help those who need it most, it would help thousands more Pennsylvanians than any other proposal promising a token increase,” she said.
Tartaglione unveiled a five-bill proposal last month that would increase the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2016 and make the state’s tipped minimum equal 70 percent of the regular base hourly rate. After the increase to $10.10, her proposal would tie future increases to the rate of inflation.
Today’s three-hour event, organized by Raise the Wage PA, included Republican and Democratic state lawmakers, AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale, CEOs, the NAACP, PA Council of Churches, workers, officials from the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, the United Food and Commercial Workers, and others.
The group walked en masse from Grace United Methodist Church to the Capitol later in the afternoon.
“We are doing this as a group because we believe that a rising tide lifts all boats,” Tartaglione said. “We know there will soon be proposals to nominally increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage by 50 cents an hour, but we can – and should – do better than that.
“We must do what’s right for our frontline workers just our neighboring states have done what’s right for their workers.
“Study after study shows that there is more benefit than detriment following an increase in the minimum wage. Once we finally approve a $10.10 an hour minimum wage, history as a guide will prove to be right, and our workers and economies will all get a positive bounce from the fairer minimum,” the senator said.
Tartaglione’s Senate Bill 195 would increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $8.67 an hour by July 1 and $10.10 an hour by Jan. 1, 2016.
The tipped minimum wage, covered by Senate Bill 196, would increase from $2.83 an hour to $3.95 an hour on July 1, and would equal 70 percent of the regular minimum at the start of 2016.
The other three bills in Sen. Tartaglione’s minimum wage package include:
- Senate Bill 197, which would provide annual cost-of-living increases to the minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index,
- Senate Bill 198, which would modernize the state wage payment and collection law to increase recordkeeping requirements for employers and enforcement duties of the state Department of Labor & Industry. It would also allow employees to receive back wages and two times those wages in damages, and
- Senate Bill 199, which would prohibit employers from deducting bank fees or charges from employee tips when a customer pays their bill with a credit card.
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by Christin Brown | February 6, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 6, 2015 — The case for aggressive action on Pennsylvania’s stagnant minimum wage was made stronger today by new economic research, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said.
Tartaglione praised the Keystone Research Center’s thorough comparison of her minimum wage bill (Senate Bill 195) and a watered-down version proposed by a Republican colleague.
“The research shows that weak action will yield weak results and that’s not what Pennsylvania’s working families need right now,” Tartaglione said. “The economic argument for restoring the buying power of the minimum wage is strong and so is public support.”
Tartaglione’s bill would raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by Jan. 1, 2016.
According to the KRC research “the proposed increase to $10.10 would benefit many more workers, provide a far bigger boost to the economy and benefit nearly three times as many adults as the lower proposed increase.”
“Measured by the positive impact on families and the economy, there’s no real comparison between these two proposals,” David Cooper, co-author of the report and senior economic analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, said. “An increase to $10.10 per hour provides a meaningful boost to Pennsylvania and Pennsylvanians. An increase to $8.75 with some youth still stuck at $7.25 does not.”
Tartaglione said the group’s work has made an already strong case for action even stronger.
“Over the next few months we’re going to be faced with a choice of whether to heed the research or listen to some tired rhetoric,” she said. “For millions of Pennsylvanians that choice is clear.
Tartaglione has introduced a sweeping series of minimum wage bills. They include:
- Senate Bill 196, would increase from $2.83 an hour to $3.95 an hour on July 1, and would equal 70 percent of the regular minimum at the start of 2016.
- Senate Bill 197, which would provide annual cost-of-living increases to the minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index,
- Senate Bill 198, which would modernize the state wage payment and collection law to increase recordkeeping requirements for employers and enforcement duties of the state Department of Labor & Industry. It would also allow employees to receive back wages and two times those wages in damages, and
- Senate Bill 199, which would prohibit employers from deducting bank fees or charges from employee tips when a customer pays their bill with a credit card.
The full study can be found by clicking here.
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by Christin Brown | January 27, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Jan. 27, 2015 – Pennsylvania’s frontline workers who are languishing with poverty-level wages would finally be paid more under new minimum wage legislation that state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione announced today.
The five-bill proposal would increase the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2016 and make the state’s tipped minimum 70 percent of the regular base hourly rate. After the increase to $10.10, Sen. Tartaglione’s proposal would tie future increases to the rate of inflation.
“Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast that has not listened to the cries of tens of thousands of hardworking residents who are suffering because prices have increased but their paychecks have not for six long years,” Tartaglione said. “We must agree to require businesses to pay workers higher wages not because other states have done it; we must agree to more because it is the right thing to do for them, for taxpayers, and the economy.”
Tartaglione’s Senate Bill 195 would increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $8.67 an hour by July 1 and $10.10 an hour by Jan. 1, 2016.
The tipped minimum wage, covered by Senate Bill 196, would increase from $2.83 an hour to $3.95 an hour on July 1, and would equal 70 percent of the regular minimum at the start of 2016.
“More than 87,000 Pennsylvanians receive just $7.25 for each 60 minutes they work,” Tartaglione said. “It’s hard for many minimum wage workers to buy the things their employers are selling because they don’t have the money to pay for other important things, like electricity.”
Nearly twice as many workers (157,000), the senator said, receive the tipped minimum wage.
The other three bills in Sen. Tartaglione’s minimum wage package include:
- Senate Bill 197, which would provide annual cost-of-living increases to the minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index,
- Senate Bill 198, which would modernize the state wage payment and collection law to increase recordkeeping requirements for employers and enforcement duties of the state Department of Labor & Industry. It would also allow employees to receive back wages and two times those wages in damages, and
- Senate Bill 199, which would prohibit employers from deducting bank fees or charges from employee tips when a customer pays their bill with a credit card.
According to a Wall Street Journal analysis last December of federal consumer spending statistics between 2007 and 2013, middle class Americans had to adjust for a 24-percent increase in healthcare costs, 26-percent higher rent bills and 12.5 percent more for food.
“Unfortunately, a minimum wage earner doesn’t need a study to confirm that most everything for them costs too much money,” Tartaglione said. “We need a higher minimum wage now because the cost of not making this a requirement will cause more harm.”
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by Christin Brown | January 15, 2015 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 15, 2015 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione announced that she will once again hold an influential seat to continue fighting for labor rights and an increase in the minimum wage as the Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.
“Serving as the Democratic Chair of this important panel ensures that thousands of working Pennsylvanians, including many who work for the lowest of wages, will continue to have a voice in Harrisburg,” Tartaglione said. “I am hopeful that a pledge of greater bipartisanship and a governor who supports a higher minimum wage will combine with my fervent desire to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage soon.”
Sen. Tartaglione said she will introduce her new minimum wage package of proposals later this month.
In addition to Labor and Industry, the six-term lawmaker will serve on Appropriations, Banking and Insurance, Law and Justice, Policy, and the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees.
For the 2015-2016 legislative session, Sen. Tartaglione has committed to focus on legislation dealing with gun violence, people with disabilities and delivering heart and lung benefits to paramedics.
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by Christin Brown | January 6, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBRUG, Jan. 6, 2015 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today took the oath of office today for her sixth term in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and promised to continue her fight for better policies that promote economic development, raise the minimum wage, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
“Many of Pennsylvania’s neighboring states increased their minimum wage rates Jan. 1, which means we now are the only ones paying substandard, poverty-level stipends,” Tartaglione said following her oath of office.
“I am looking forward to working with the newly elected Republican leadership in the Senate and Gov. Tom Wolf to make sure Pennsylvania finally increases the minimum wage this year,” she said.
Tartaglione – who was accompanied by her mother, Margaret Tartaglione – joined other Senate Democrats in the swearing-in ceremony who were newly elected or re-elected in the November General Election.
“Many elected officials today said they are promising to work openly and together to solve Pennsylvania’s problems and improve life in this great state for everyone. I am encouraged by this and pledge to work at least as cooperatively,” Tartaglione said.
This is the beginning of Tartaglione’s sixth term in the Senate. She was first elected to the chamber in 1995.
For the 2015-2016 legislative session, Sen. Tartaglione has agreed to co-sponsor bills dealing with gun violence, people with disabilities, credit card deductions for tipped wage earners, and delivering heart and lung benefits to paramedics.
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by Christin Brown | December 18, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 18, 2014 – A Pennsylvania group that works to improve life for people with developmental disabilities will hold four meetings next month, including one in Norristown, to gage how it can best target funding under a new grant program, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today.
The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council is also seeking proposals for its Grassroots Grants Program.
“This is a great opportunity for groups and businesses that work with Pennsylvanians who have developmental disabilities to provide input and get funding for their ideas,” Tartaglione said. “Philadelphians with developmental disabilities will be helped if we work together to make a difference.”
January’s four meetings – called “conversations” – will be held Jan. 12 in Pittsburgh; Jan. 21 in Camp Hill; Jan. 22 at Montgomery County Behavioral Health, 1430 DeKalb St., Norristown; and Jan. 23 during a statewide webinar/conference call (1-866-210-1669, participant code 3478987#).
Grassroots Grants of as much as $10,000 are designed to support short-term projects of up to 18 months.
Applicants should be prepared to provide a brief statement explaining: who they are, the problem they are trying to address, how they are trying to address the problem, and how their proposal relates to the council’s mission.
The deadline for applications is 3 p.m., Feb. 11.
“The upcoming conversations are necessary and important,” Tartaglione said. “Anyone with a stake in providing a better future for Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities should participate and apply for funding.”
For more information, visit the council’s website at www.paddc.org or contact David Golin at 717-772-4127 or dgolin@pa.gov.
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by Christin Brown | December 3, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 3, 2014 – As the Corbett administration continued its subterfuge during its final mid-year budget briefing, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today said Pennsylvania would generate new revenue if it finally approved a minimum wage increase.
“Other state economies that are doing a better job recovering from the recession have one thing in common,” Tartaglione said. “They have increased their minimum wage rates.
“Raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from its poverty-level $7.25 an hour to at least $10.10 an hour by 2016 will not completely close Gov. Corbett’s new $2 billion deficit, nor will it completely change the opinion of those who set our credit rating. It also will not make paying for basic education a more equitable system.
“Raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage will, however, help employers keep and hire more productive workers. It will put more money in workers’ pockets and it will deliver more income tax revenue for the Corbett-decimated economy,” the senator said.
No proposal to increase the minimum wage was voted out of committee during the 2013-2014 legislative session, including Sen. Tartaglione’s proposals to incrementally increase the base hourly rate from $7.25 to $10.10 by 2016 and to make the tipped minimum wage 70 percent of the regular minimum.
Tartaglione said she will re-introduce proposals to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage when the legislature opens its new session in January.
“We need a higher minimum wage because Pennsylvania workers need it to survive and to be less dependent on social services,” Tartaglione said.
Ten states and Washington D.C. increased their minimum wage rates in 2014, including Delaware and Maryland.
Minimum wages will increase in nine states Jan. 1, including in New Jersey and Ohio.
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by Christin Brown | November 6, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6, 2014 – To help keep heaters working and the lights on through winter, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today said the time is now for low-income residents in her district to apply for the popular Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; better known as LIHEAP.
The application window for federally funded LIHEAP grants will stay open through the beginning of April.
“LIHEAP will help people pay for emergency repairs they didn’t budget for,” Tartaglione said. “Whether it’s a frozen pipe or the threatened termination of electrical service, LIHEAP’s crisis grants can help people who need help to get through the winter.”
The energy assistance program delivered grants totaling $14.3 million last winter.
If needed, LIHEAP can provide a cash grant of up to $1,000 per customer. The grants are directly paid to a utility or other vendor, like PECO. Grants can cover payments to get service restored. The maximum grant funding for emergencies is $500.
Annual household income limits apply. A one-person household must not earn more than $17,505 while an eight-person household can earn a maximum annual stipend of $60,135. Add $6,090 for each additional person.
“My office can help residents apply for the LIHEAP program if they have questions or concerns,” the senator said.
Either of Tartaglione’s district offices can provide applications. Questions may be asked by calling her Bridge Street office, 215-533-0440, or her Susquehanna Avenue office, 215-291-4653.
The LIHEAP application is also available online.
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by Christin Brown | October 21, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 21, 2014 – The nation’s oldest, private psychiatric hospital will be able to preserve a tract of land near Tacony Park, thanks to a $ 150,000 state grant secured today by state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione.
The Natural Lands Trust will use the money from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to preserve the property around Friends Hospital.
That tract includes a trail that is part of the Fairmount Park System.
“This important investment will help the trust place a conservation easement on this historic piece of land so that it, and the trail, continue as a great place for people to get outside, be healthy and enjoy nature,” Tartaglione said. “It will also help to build a new trail on the other side of Tacony Creek.”
Friends Hospital was founded by the Quakers in 1813 with the mission of treating “every person … with dignity, respect and equality.”
The Commonwealth Financing Authority is an independent agency of the commonwealth that is designed to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments.
CFA’s next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14 in Harrisburg.
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by Christin Brown | October 20, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 20, 2014 – Wissinoming Park will offer many new features to summertime visitors now that a $ 300,000 state grant has been awarded to help pay for their construction, Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today.
Wissinoming is getting a Community Conservation Partnerships Grant for the project. It’s one of 219 awarded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The total value of all grants is $33 million.
“Many outdoor spaces throughout the commonwealth will benefit from these new investments, but I am particularly happy that Wissinoming Park will get this money to convert the park into a new destination for outdoor enthusiasts,” Tartaglione said.
“Because we live in an urban setting, it is important that we continue to invest in our green spaces. Wissinoming Park is a vital part of the 2nd Senatorial District and the project promises to transform the space into a better experience once the improvements are finished,” she said.
A new spray park, playground equipment and a picnic grove will be added with the $300,000 grant.
Tartaglione said Wissinoming will also get improved ADA access, walkways, landscaping and signage.
DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Grant program is administered by its Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to provide financial assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts and other non-profits for planning, acquisition and development of park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects.
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by Christin Brown | October 15, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 15, 2014 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today helped to quash a backdoor attempt to weaken unions by joining a bipartisan push to defeat an amendment that would have prohibited employers from automatically deducting membership dues from a worker’s paycheck.
Called “paycheck protection” by proponents, Tartaglione said the proposal, introduced by Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) as an amendment to a bill designed to help children with food allergies, was not democratic.
“The only thing Sen. Wagner’s amendment would do is eliminate unions’ abilities to choose who they want to represent them in government,” Tartaglione said. “It would eliminate the voices of the men and women who work hard day-in and day-out to put food on the table for their families, just because they belong to a union.
“Union members can already decide whether or not they want to contribute to union political spending. The law protects them if they choose not to contribute. And, she said, for every hour worked by a teacher, the money they earn for that work is no longer the state’s money; it is the employee’s.
“So, I ask you: why do we call this measure ‘paycheck protection?’” she said on the Senate floor.
Tartaglione added that voting in favor of the Wagner amendment would have handed control of the commonwealth to corporations “and their one-sided political agendas.”
The Senate voted 28 to 20 to defeat the freshman Republican’s proposal.
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by Christin Brown | October 7, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 7, 2014 – State lawmakers and Capitol visitors had the opportunity today to experience how people live with disabilities during Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s annual Disability Awareness Day.
People without disabilities were able to experience “blindness” or what it is like to move around in a wheelchair during the three-hour event.
“I present this important day because personal experiences can have a bigger impact on our decision makers,” Tartaglione said. “People with disabilities face real challenges many times a day, all of the time. Experiencing what they experience helps us as a commonwealth improve services and be more thoughtful when budgeting decisions need to be made.”
Wheelchairs, walkers, vision-distorting goggles, magnifiers, arm restraints and noise-canceling headphones helped volunteers simulate life with a disability.
Informational hand-outs and service dog demonstrations emphasized the available services that make a difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians who do live with disabilities every day.
The following organizations participated today in the senator’s Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol:
- PA Initiative on Assistive Technology at the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
- Magee Rehabilitation Hospital
- PA Statewide Independent Living Council
- PA Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services
- Susquehanna Service Dogs
- UniqueSource
- United Cerebral Palsy of Central PA
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by Christin Brown | October 6, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 6, 2014 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione is urging the administration of Gov. Tom Corbett to finally take immediate action to improve Pennsylvania’s website for job seekers.
In a letter to state Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway, the senator said the administration must stop importing postings from websites such as Craigslist to ensure salacious job “opportunities” like exotic dancers and casting couch openings are filtered out.
“It is critical that the department address the overarching problems with this site, so that individuals are able to find quality, family-sustaining jobs with ease,” Sen. Tartaglione wrote in her Oct. 2 letter. “As such, I am requesting the department develop and communicate a plan to improve the job component which includes encouraging or requiring all employers in the commonwealth to make use of this website.”
Tartaglione’s letter is here:
October 2, 2014
The Honorable Julia Hearthway
Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
1713 Labor & Industry Building
651 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Dear Secretary Hearthway:
The purpose of this letter is to discuss the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Job Gateway website. On numerous occasions, my staff and I have communicated our concerns regarding the accessibility of the site and the quality of the jobs posted on it. It is critical that the department address the overarching problems with this site, so that individuals are able to find quality, family-sustaining jobs with ease. As such, I am requesting the department develop and communicate a plan to improve the job component which includes encouraging or requiring all employers in the commonwealth to make use of this website.
Currently, as you know, all unemployed persons in the commonwealth are required to register with and use Job Gateway in order to receive unemployment compensation benefits in the state. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find legitimate employment through Job Gateway in its present form, as the site, as demonstrated by recent media accounts, is clouded with unverified positions from unregistered employers. For this reason, I previously requested the department no longer post unregistered employers and unverified jobs on its site, and I asked the department to undertake efforts to increase the number of registered employers. To address these issues, I would like to suggest that the department to stop including sites that are unprofessional in nature, such as Craig’s List, in the Job Spidering used by Job Gateway. Only websites that are strictly designed for employment purposes, and that offer sustainable wages, should be utilized for the department’s job portal. If this website is truly for the good of the commonwealth, I think you will agree these conditions are in the best interests of all persons seeking employment in Pennsylvania.
At this time, please consider incorporating the above-requested changes into its Job Gateway site. I look forward to discussing this matter further with you. In the meantime, should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (717)787-1141.
Sincerely,
Christine M. Tartaglione
State Senator
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by Christin Brown | September 29, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 29, 2014 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione, advocates and members of Raise the Wage PA today marched to Gov. Tom Corbett’s office here to finally urge his endorsement of legislation that would increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.
Raise the Wage PA’s “statewide action day” featured similar rallies in nine other cities.
Sen. Tartaglione’s Senate Bill 1300 would incrementally increase the commonwealth’s minimum from $7.25 to $10.10. Her companion proposal, Senate Bill 1099, would increase the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular base hourly rate.
“We continue our fight because Pennsylvania is falling behind dozens of other states that have already agreed that raising the minimum wage is the right thing to do,” Tartaglione said today. “Our front-line workers have not been able to sustain themselves on $7.25 an hour for years.
“Mandating that they receive a fairer $10.10 an hour would be good for them and it would be good for their employers and their communities. Most studies show that a more livable minimum wage will help more than it will hurt,” she said.
Gov. Corbett and leading Republican lawmakers have so far refused to consider her proposals and those presented by other House and Senate members.
Meanwhile, 10 states and Washington D.C. raised their minimum wage rates this year to bring the total count of states with higher base hourly wages to 23 plus D.C.
As Tartaglione and Raise the Wage PA were marching today from Fergie’s Pub to the governor’s office, rallies in support of a higher minimum wage were happening – or had happened – in Allentown, Altoona, Erie, Harrisburg, Media, Morrisville, Pittsburgh, Reading and York.
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by Christin Brown | September 23, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Sept. 23, 2014 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today stood with advocates and fellow state lawmakers as they called for immediate action to expand Pennsylvania’s hate crimes statute to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens.
“We cannot sit idly as people attack our relatives and neighbors because they disagree with their sexual orientation,” Tartaglione said. “Too many people are being attacked and/or killed because of these hate crimes. We must do more. We need to bring them under this protective umbrella.”
The General Assembly’s Equality Caucus, Equality PA and many advocates rallied in the Capitol this morning to urge the adoption of Senate Bill 42 and House Bill 177 and expand the state’s hate crimes law.
Specifically, the legislation would extend Title 18 language under the ethnic intimidation clause of Chapter 27 to include ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity.
“We urged the adoption of these bills today because we are outraged by the Sept. 11 attack in Philly of two gay men,” Tartaglione said. “But we are as equally outraged by all of the hateful attacks against the LGBT community, and we can no longer just talk about doing something.
“We need the Republican-controlled committees that are holding SB 42 and HB 177 to bring them up for a vote, move them to their respective floors, and finally deliver.”
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by Christin Brown | September 18, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 18, 2014 – Hundreds of 2nd Senatorial District residents learned about beneficial services and vital information today during the second of state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s three senior expos.
Attendees also had the opportunity to have free vision, blood pressure and prescription drug screenings and reviews during the event, which was held at the Philadelphia Protestant Home.
“So many services exist in Pennsylvania that can dramatically improve the golden years for our older relatives and neighbors,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “Bringing so many organizations together in one place shows how dramatic the breadth of public support really is.
“I’ve planned three senior expos this year because I want everyone in my district who is older than 50 to know that help is available.”
Tartaglione’s first expo happened Sept. 11 at the Mayfair Community Center on St. Vincent Street. Her next expo, set for Oct. 16, will take place at Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, 1100 E. Erie Ave.
People who attended today’s event received free tote bags and boxed lunches.
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Editor’s Note: The following vendors attended Sen. Tartaglione’s senior expo:
AARP: Medicare Supplement
AARP: Pennsylvania
Aetna Better Health CHIP
Always Best Care Senior Services
Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired
BenePhilly
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Cigna-Health Spring (Bravo)
Coalition Against Hunger
Delaware Valley Cremation Service
Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services
Dr. Donna Skerry
Ema Care Pharmacy
Eye Care Vision
Foot Comfort Center
Gateway Health Plan
Gateway Funding
Golden Times
Greater Philadelphia Health Action Inc.
Health Partners Plans
Heron Companions
Independence Blue Cross
Independence CHIP
Isabelle Neris Consultant
Jewish Relief Agency
Keystone VIP Choice
Legal Clinic For the Disabled
Marilyn Burstin
Mental Health Association of SEPA-Successful Aging Taskforce
Nazareth Hospital
New Courtland
PA Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection
PA Housing Finance Agency
PA Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)
PA Office of Consumer Advocate
PA Public Utility Commission
PA State Police
PACE
PECO Smart Ideas
Peter Bressi Northeast Senior Center
PhilAbundance
Philadelphia Police Department: 2nd District
Philadelphia City Commissioners Office
Philadelphia City Controller
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Philadelphia Fire Department (SAPFA)
Philadelphia Gas Works
Philadelphia Police Department Special Victis Unit
Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office
Philadelphia Streets Department:Traffic
Philadelphia Water Revenue
Philadelphia Water Department
Register of Wills
Rhawnhurst NORC
Rite Aid
Senior Care Max
State Representative Cohen
Tax Consultant Financial Services
Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)
Temple Ready Care
Temple University School of Pharmacy
Washington Savings Bank
