by Christin Brown | Octubre 25, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Octubre 25, 2016 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said that an amendment was approved by the Senate today that would aid seasonal/cyclical workers who were negatively impacted by a change in the unemployment compensation (UC) law adopted four years ago.
The amended legislation (House Bill 319) is expected to be considered for final passage in the Senate tomorrow.
“It is imperative that we restore unemployment compensation eligibility for seasonal and cyclical workers who were disadvantaged by the law,” Tartaglione said. “Far too many workers were negatively impacted and this needs to be rectified as soon as possible.”
Tartaglione said the legislation was amended to reduce the percentage of income earned outside an employee’s high quarter in order to be eligible for unemployment compensation benefits.
The formula was changed four years ago by Act 60. Under that law, a worker earning less than 49.5 percent of income in the three quarters outside the high quarter was ineligible for UC benefits. The legislation reduces the percentage to 37 percent and restores it to the previous rate.
Tartaglione said the change is estimated to benefit 44,000 workers. She said many of the workers are in the building trades who became victims of the unintended consequences of the change.
“Families were needlessly impacted and lives disturbed,” Tartaglione said. “Seasonal and cyclical workers were being penalized through no fault of their own.”
Tartaglione, who serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, was involved in negotiating the legislative language to help the workers, in addition to other provisions in the legislation.
She said that she was pleased with the bipartisan work that went into developing the amendment and thanked the chair of the committee, Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) for her assistance.
The amendment includes a number of other UC provisions including an increase in the reserve, a modification of the benefit rate, amnesty and anti-fraud provisions and solvency trigger changes that are intended to preserve the integrity of the UC Trust Fund.
The amendment was approved on a 39-9 vote.
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 14, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Octubre 14, 2016 – A $2 million state grant was approved for Nueva Esperanza, Inc. to renovate and build on its campus in North Philadelphia, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today.
“This grant is excellent news,” Tartaglione said. “The funding will allow renovations to occur and new construction to take place at the campus.”
Tartaglione said that the state grant will address various needs on Esperanza’s 7-acre campus. The project includes the addition of a middle school gym, theatre and removal of a blighted building.
“The grant will address immediate needs and bolster the quality of the physical plant at Esperanza,” Tartaglione said. “The facility’s footprint will change as a result of the removal of the blighted building which will open up more parking and landscaping at the site.”
Tartaglione said the grant was approved through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). RACP grants can be used for acquisition and construction of economic development projects in a number of categories including cultural, civic, recreation and historical.
“I am very pleased that the governor has released funding for this important project” Tartaglione said. “The ability to access state funds for critical local projects is essential to transforming communities and expanding services.”
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 12, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Oct. 12, 2016 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today reminded seniors that she is hosting two Senior Expos in Philadelphia in Octubre.
“The Senior Expos provide very valuable information,” Tartaglione said. “There will be free health screenings and representatives of various agencies will be on hand to answer questions and help seniors navigate government programs.”
The first expo is being held on Jueves, Oct. 13 at the Mayfair Recreation Center, 2900 St. Vincent Street in Philadelphia. The Senior Expo begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m.
Tartaglione’s second Senior Expo in Octubre is scheduled for Oct. 27 at Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, 1100 East Erie Avenue beginning at 10 a.m..
“It is important for seniors and their caregivers to have access to crucial programs and services that aid seniors,” Tartaglione said. “Senior expos are an excellent way to open lines of communication and gain insight into how various programs can be helpful.”
Tartaglione said that all seniors and primary caregivers are invited to attend.
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by Christin Brown | Septiembre 28, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg − Sept. 28, 2016 − State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today presented a copy of a Senate resolution declaring Sept. 10, 2016 as “World Suicide Prevention Day” to a group of advocates and families in the Capitol Rotunda.
Sen. Tartaglione at the “World Suicide Prevention Day” event in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.
“The goal in declaring ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ and presenting a copy of the resolution to advocates and families is to raise awareness about how suicides are a major health concern,” Tartaglione said. “The hope is that we can save lives by calling attention to this very difficult issue.”
Tartaglione said that each year on Sept. 10 the International Association for Suicide Prevention and World Health Organization (WHO) observe “World Suicide Prevention Day.”
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. There are about 800,000 people who die from suicide every year, according to WHO. Suicide survivors are 25 times more likely to commit suicide in the future.
“Heightened awareness about suicides may result in a friend in distress going to see a mental health professional for treatment,” Tartaglione said.
On behalf of Gov. Tom Wolf, Tartaglione also presented a gubernatorial proclamation to the advocates and families.
Tartaglione’s legislation, Senate Resolution 425, was approved by the full Senate on Sept. 26.
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by Christin Brown | Septiembre 26, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg - 26 de septiembre de 2016 - La legislación diseñada para preservar un fondo que ayuda en el procesamiento, administración y adjudicación de las reclamaciones de desempleo ha sido aprobada por el Comité de Trabajo e Industria del Senado, según la patrocinadora del proyecto de ley, la senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia).
"El Fondo de Servicios e Infraestructuras se creó para ayudar a tramitar las solicitudes de indemnización por desempleo, eliminar los retrasos y hacer más eficaz el sistema", declaró Tartaglione. "Los trabajadores en paro deben tener la seguridad de que sus solicitudes se tramitan con rapidez y de que las prestaciones que les corresponden se desembolsarán sin demora".
Tartaglione dijo que su legislación (Proyecto de Ley del Senado 1335) ampliaría el fondo hasta 2020. El fondo se creó en 2013 para hacer frente a los retrasos del sistema y mejorar la tramitación de las solicitudes. Los fondos también pueden utilizarse para la formación del personal y los empleados, la tecnología de la información y otras mejoras.
"El fondo se creó para mejorar la eficiencia y eficacia del sistema de tramitación de las solicitudes de desempleo", declaró Tartaglione. "Mi legislación garantizaría que los recursos seguirán estando disponibles".
La legislación exige a Trabajo e Industria que informe anualmente a la Asamblea General sobre la situación del fondo. El importe del fondo no podrá superar los 200 millones de dólares.
El subsidio de desempleo proporciona 26 semanas de prestaciones a las personas que pierden un empleo por causas ajenas a su voluntad.
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by Christin Brown | Septiembre 14, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg, 14 de septiembre de 2016 - La senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia) anunció hoy que su oficina será anfitriona de una Oficina de Distrito Móvil todos los jueves de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. en CORA, 8540 Verree Road en Filadelfia.
"Mi personal estará disponible todos los jueves en CORA para tramitar formularios de PennDOT, pases gratuitos de SEPTA para personas mayores, solicitudes de devolución del impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles y del alquiler y ayudar a resolver problemas y cuestiones relacionadas con el gobierno estatal", dijo Tartaglione.
El senador dijo que el personal también puede atender preguntas de PECO y PGW, problemas de compensación por desempleo y consultas sobre asistencia pública, entre otras cuestiones.
"Encontrar formas de llevar los servicios de mi oficina a diversas comunidades de todo el distrito mejora el acceso de las personas a importantes programas y servicios estatales y locales", dijo Tartaglione.
Si los residentes locales tienen preguntas sobre la Oficina de Distrito Móvil de la CORA pueden llamar a Gizela Burnside al (215) 533-0400 o enviar un correo electrónico a [email protected].
Tartaglione dijo que si los residentes no pueden visitarla durante el horario de la oficina de distrito móvil, pueden llamar a sus oficinas de distrito permanentes en Filadelfia. Tiene una oficina de distrito en 1061 Bridge Street, abierta de 9.00 a 17.00 horas, a la que se puede llamar por teléfono al (215) 533-0440. Otra oficina se encuentra en el 2301 de Front Street, también abierta de 9 a 17 h. El teléfono de la oficina de Front Street es (215) 291-4653.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 29, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg - 29 de junio de 2016 - La senadora estatal Christine Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia) dijo hoy que el aumento de las inversiones en educación básica y superior eran aspectos críticos del plan de gastos del estado que fue aprobado hoy por el Senado.
La legislación - Proyecto de Ley del Senado 1073 - representa un 31,53 mil millones dólares propuesta de presupuesto del Fondo General. La medida fue aprobada por el Senado 47 a 3. Tartaglione apoyó la propuesta.
El proyecto de presupuesto revisado vuelve ahora a la Cámara de Representantes para su examen.
A continuación, los comentarios de Tartaglione sobre la aprobación del plan de gastos del Estado:
"Este año hay importantes retos fiscales y los ingresos son escasos, por lo que es importante reconocer las nuevas inversiones en educación. El plan de gasto estatal incluye 250 millones de dólares más para educación básica, educación especial, Pre-K y Head Start y aumenta la financiación de la educación superior.
"El plan presupuestario estatal que ha aprobado hoy el Senado amplía los dólares para cubrir el aumento de los gastos obligatorios, como los pagos del servicio de la deuda, los costes de las pensiones y los correccionales. El plan ayuda a mantener las iniciativas de servicios humanos y los programas de la red de seguridad social.
"Me complace que este presupuesto invierta más en educación y proporcione recursos adicionales a las escuelas".
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by Christin Brown | Junio 22, 2016 | News Releases
Junio 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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por Christin Brown | 17 de junio de 2016 | Comunicados de prensa
Casey, Brady, Evans y Carrelli asisten a la manifestación y al debate
Filadelfia - 17 de junio de 2016 - La senadora estatal Christine Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia) empleó una demostración de ReWalk -un traje exoesqueleto motorizado que permite a los pacientes con parálisis de las extremidades inferiores ponerse de pie y caminar- para detallar su visión de una clínica que aborde las necesidades específicas de rehabilitación de los veteranos.
"Hay muchos veteranos que podrían beneficiarse de esta tecnología y de otras tecnologías robóticas de rehabilitación que ofrecen MossRehab y otros centros", afirma Tartaglione. "Trabajando juntos, podemos poner en marcha una nueva clínica que resultará beneficiosa para los veteranos y cambiará vidas".
Tartaglione hizo una demostración del traje ante el senador demócrata Bob Casey, el diputado demócrata Bob Brady, el diputado demócrata Dwight Evans y el general Anthony Carrelli en MossRehab de Elkins Park. Tras la demostración, Tartaglione detalló su plan para la clínica.
"Nuestros hombres y mujeres de uniforme han hecho enormes sacrificios por su país, dando lo que el Presidente Lincoln llamó 'la última medida completa de devoción'", dijo Casey. "Esta tecnología punta cambiará vidas y ayudará en las necesidades de rehabilitación de los veteranos de nuestra nación. Agradezco el duro trabajo y la determinación del senador Tartaglione para mejorar la vida de nuestros veteranos y de todas las personas con discapacidades."
"Doy las gracias tanto a la senadora Tartaglione por su constante defensa como a Moss Rehabilitation por su compromiso de utilizar la tecnología más avanzada en beneficio de nuestros héroes veteranos", declaró Brady.
"Dado el extraordinario sacrificio de los militares y la necesidad de centros de rehabilitación excepcionales para los veteranos, me pareció importante detallar cómo una clínica con tecnologías como las de MossRehab puede ayudar a los veteranos", dijo Tartaglione.
Tartaglione busca ayuda federal y estatal para construir la clínica. La idea de Tartaglione fue apoyada por funcionarios de MossRehab.
"MossRehab elogia la visión y el compromiso del senador Tartaglione con las necesidades de rehabilitación de nuestros veteranos", dijo Thomas Smith, vicepresidente adjunto de Rehabilitación. "La aplicación de la tecnología más avanzada por parte de nuestros expertos clínicos con un toque personal de cuidado permite a MossRehab avanzar en nuestra misión de mejorar la vida de las personas con discapacidad."
La senadora dijo que sabe por experiencia propia que la rehabilitación es increíblemente difícil y frustrante, pero gracias a los esfuerzos de especialistas que emplean nuevas tecnologías los veteranos pueden recibir servicios que les cambian la vida.
"En MossRehab estamos encantados con los progresos de la senadora Tartaglione y con el aumento de su capacidad para caminar, de su resistencia y de su movilidad articular gracias a ReWalk", dijo el Dr. Alberto Esquenazi, catedrático de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación John Otto Haas de MossRehab. "Sus esfuerzos y determinación, combinados con la experiencia del personal y la tecnología avanzada de MossRehab hacen posible esta mejora".
Tartaglione afirmó que, aunque puede resultar difícil abordar las necesidades de financiación asociadas a la creación de una clínica de ayuda a los veteranos, merece la pena el esfuerzo por los beneficios que reporta a los veteranos.
"Los veteranos hicieron el sacrificio por nosotros y nosotros tenemos que ayudarles cuando regresan con problemas médicos que requieren una rehabilitación intensiva", declaró Tartaglione.
La legisladora dijo que se necesitará un esfuerzo importante para educar a sus colegas a nivel estatal sobre la necesidad de la clínica y esperaba que la manifestación y el debate con el Sen. Casey, los Reps. Casey, los representantes Brady y Evans y el general Carrelli.
"No tengo palabras para agradecer al senador Casey, al representante Brady, al representante estatal Evans y al general Carrelli su interés por conocer mejor la tecnología y mi visión de una clínica de ayuda a los veteranos", declaró Tartaglione.
Tartaglione dijo que buscará financiación estatal para la clínica en los presupuestos del Estado.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 14, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Junio 14, 2016 – A grant of $80,877 has been awarded to the Norris Square Senior Community Center, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today.
“Grants for senior centers help bolster activities and provide critical assistance to seniors in Philadelphia and the surrounding region,” Tartaglione said. “The funding approved today for the Norris Square Senior Community Center will help the center continue providing invaluable service to the area.”
According to the Department of Aging, 43 senior centers from around the state will share in $2 million in grant funding in this round.
The funding helps advance programming for seniors. It also enables senior centers to complete critical projects, improve technology, recruit new members and meet the needs of area seniors. Grants enhance social and recreational activities while providing a safe community meeting place, Tartaglione said.
“The grants are resources that can be used to help seniors stay involved in the community,” Tartaglione said.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 2, 2016 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Junio 2, 2016 − State Sens. Christine M. Tartaglione and Shirley M. Kitchen today joined Gov. Tom Wolf for a tour of one of the nation’s leading research centers investigating the causes of drug addiction.
The Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), at Temple University’s Lewis J. Katz School of Medicine, brings together dozens of experts from across Temple campuses to carry out interdisciplinary research to understand the biological basis of drug addiction and other effects of addictive drugs that result in altered states of biological function.
“As we face an opioid overdose epidemic in Pennsylvania, we are fortunate to have the substantial resources of Temple University to approach the problem at the most fundamental level,” Tartaglione said. “It’s inspiring to be in the midst of incredibly talented people doing incredibly important work.”
CSAR recently received a $1 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to develop and implement an educational program called SEADAP (Science Education Against Drug Abuse Partnership) to teach students in grades 6 through 12 about how commonly abused drugs work in the brain to produce addiction.
“While we face this very serious challenge in our community, it’s encouraging to see that we have the tools here that can lead to success,” said Kitchen, who, for years, has worked closely with the recovery community. “We have the talent right here in North Philadelphia that can help transform lives across Pennsylvania.”
The senators joined the governor on a tour of Temple research facilities and took part in a roundtable discussion about the intersection of academic research and public policy.
After the tour, Wolf, who has made mitigating the opioid crisis a priority for his administration, said the facility is “bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and drug addiction.”
“The challenge is how we take the good research that’s going on here and turn it into good public policy,” he said.
Kitchen and Tartaglione recently announced support for a legislative package intended to address the opioid addiction crisis from prevention through recovery. To read details of that effort, click here.
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by Christin Brown | Mayo 17, 2016 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, 17 de mayo de 2016 - Con la promesa de "luchar con uñas y dientes" para garantizar la financiación estatal de un grupo especial que ayuda a las personas con discapacidad a pagar por la tecnología que ayuda a mejorar su calidad de vida, la senadora estatal Christine Tartaglione se ha movilizado hoy en apoyo de la Fundación de Tecnología de Asistencia de Pensilvania.
"Conozco el trabajo que hace la fundación", dijo el senador Tartaglione durante una rueda de prensa en el Capitolio. "¿Para mí tener una ducha? Es importante. ¿Para que yo pueda entrar y salir de mi casa? Es importante. Tener independencia, libertad y dignidad es importante para mí".
"Sé que los préstamos que se hacen llegan muy lejos. Voy a luchar con uñas y dientes para asegurarme de que podemos conseguir toda la financiación que podamos."
Hace unos 13 años, Tartaglione sufrió un accidente de navegación.
"Mi vida cambió en un abrir y cerrar de ojos", afirma.
La Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation ha publicado hoy su informe anual 2015-'16.
Los responsables del PATF afirman que son capaces de convertir una pequeña cantidad de fondos públicos en un gran número de préstamos. El reembolso de los préstamos de prestatarios anteriores también proporciona financiación para futuros prestatarios.
La fundación es una organización sin ánimo de lucro, con sede en King of Prussia, cuya misión es ofrecer oportunidades de educación y financiación a personas con discapacidad y mayores de Pensilvania para que puedan adquirir dispositivos y servicios de tecnología asistencial que mejoren su calidad de vida.
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por Christin Brown | 10 de mayo de 2016 | Comunicados de prensa
HARRISBURG, 10 de mayo de 2016 - Sens. Christine Tartaglione ganó hoy la aprobación de una resolución que marca mayo como "Older Americans Month" en Pennsylvania.
"Cuando pensamos en nuestro futuro, es importante pensar en el pasado y en el duro trabajo de los que nos precedieron", dijo Tartaglione esta tarde en el pleno del Senado. "Los esfuerzos de esos estadounidenses mayores han hecho posibles nuestras vidas y nuestros sueños.
"Creo que es nuestro deber reconocer a todas las personas que nos han precedido y que han allanado el camino para nuestro futuro. Nosotros, como nación, debemos a todos los estadounidenses mayores unos momentos de nuestro tiempo, y rendirles el respeto que se merecen.
"Debemos centrarnos en cómo los mayores de nuestra comunidad lideran e inspiran a otros, cómo podemos apoyarlos y aprender de ellos, y cómo podemos seguir sus ejemplos para abrir caminos propios.
"Y debemos demostrarles nuestro aprecio, para que sepan lo importantes que son sus contribuciones pasadas y cuánto nos siguen inspirando su sabiduría y sus conocimientos", afirmó el senador.
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by czsmith | Abril 5, 2016 | News Releases
by Christin Brown | Abril 4, 2016 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Abril 4, 2016 – State Sens. Christine Tartaglione and Rob Teplitz today won approval of a resolution marking Abril as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.
Sen. Tartaglione said increasing awareness is vital because 20 percent of women and one-in-33 men will experience sexual assault sometime during their lifetimes.
“The more we talk about sexual assault and the more educated people become about sexual assault, the better chance we have of preventing it,” Tartaglione said during floor remarks today. “And yet, the majority of sexual assaults are never reported to the police. We need to act to stop the violence now.”
Tartaglione said about 63 percent of sexual assault victims do not tell police about the crime committed against them.
“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,” she said.
Sen. Tartaglione also applauded the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, a Harrisburg-based advocacy group that works to stop sexual assault and defend the rights of victims, for its work. On its website, PCAR defines sexual violence as “any type of unwanted sexual contact, ranging from sexist attitudes and actions to rape and murder.”
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by Christin Brown | Marzo 1, 2016 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Marzo 1, 2016 – With the promise of economic renewal and 140 new jobs in a North Philadelphia community that is part of her district, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione today helped to break ground for an 85,000-square-foot retail facility.
Tartaglione’s efforts secured a $2.5 million low-interest loan from the Commonwealth Finance Authority for the Plaza Allegheny project.
“Plaza Allegheny will help the residents of Fairhill in countless ways,” Tartaglione said. “People will find jobs; more people will come here to shop and spend their money, which benefits the local economy; and we are converting an underutilized property into productive use.
“My thanks to the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the City of Philadelphia, Mayor Jim Kenney, Legend Properties and others for their time and dedication in making this day a reality.”
Sen. Tartaglione said Plaza Allegheny has received the full support of area union members who have been involved in the project planning discussions and will serve an integral role during construction.
Plaza Allegheny is at 400 W. Allegheny Ave., across from the Maria De Los Santos Health Center.
In addition to the low-interest CFA loan, the Plaza Allegheny project secured $13.64 million in matching funds.
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Contacto: Mark Shade
Phone: 717-787-9220
[email protected]
by Christin Brown | Febrero 10, 2016 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 10, 2016 – As state budget negotiators struggle to find new sources of revenue, Sen. Christine Tartaglione told a Capitol rally today that a $10.10 minimum wage would generate millions in new state income and save the commonwealth millions more.
“Paying people a fair wage of not less than $10.10 per hour reaps huge benefits for this commonwealth and all of the families who live here,” Tartaglione, the state’s leading minimum wage advocate in the General Assembly, said. “It’s a very common-sense approach to a very large and expanding problem we face here in Harrisburg.
“There would be a $121.5 million increase in state income and sales taxes and a shift of $104 million in Medicaid payments from the state to the federal government
“These changes would go a long way in a budget environment like ours.”
The Philadelphia Democrat proposed Senate Bill 195 this session to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10. Her Senate Bill 196 would raise the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular rate.
“It’s long past time that Pennsylvania raises its minimum wage to compete with all of our surrounding states,” Sen. Tartaglione said during the Raise The Wage PA-organized rally. “The time is now to enact this common sense legislation.”
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by Christin Brown | Febrero 9, 2016 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9, 2016 – Despite the financial challenges facing Pennsylvania due to Republican intransigence, the commonwealth’s leading advocate for a fairer minimum wage said she is pleased that Gov. Tom Wolf is calling for a $10.15 base hourly rate.
“The tunnel vision that has led Pennsylvania to a fiscal cliff has also prevented our frontline workers from receiving a pay raise for the past seven years,” Sen. Christine Tartaglione said following the governor’s annual budget address today.
“But $10.15 an hour is the best indication that our fight for a fair minimum wage will continue in earnest.”
Sen. Tartaglione led the charge to get Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $7.15 an hour in 2006. The state’s base hourly pay rate ticked up to its current level, $7.25 an hour, when the federal government approved that wage in 2009.
The Philadelphia Democrat’s current legislation, Senate Bill 195, move Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10. Her Senate Bill 196 would hike the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular rate (or $3.95 an hour, based on a $10.10 minimum wage).
“More than a million workers will get a pay raise, countless employers will have more focused employees, and government subsidies will fall when the Republican leadership gets out of the way and finally allows a vote on proposals to increase the minimum wage,” Tartaglione said. “These increases are overdue. We must make this a priority.”
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Contacto: Mark Shade
[email protected]
by Christin Brown | Enero 27, 2016 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, 27 de enero de 2016 - Para crear mayor conciencia sobre ciertos riesgos para la salud que enfrentan las mujeres, las senadoras estatales. Christine M. Tartaglione y Lisa Baker se vistieron hoy de rojo y presentaron una resolución que marca el 5 de febrero como el "Día Nacional de Vestir de Rojo" en Pensilvania.
"Las mujeres son las cuidadoras de sus familias. Cuidan de sus hijos, de sus cónyuges y de todos los que les rodean. Por desgracia, no se cuidan a sí mismas", dijo Tartaglione durante su intervención.
"Las cardiopatías no sólo se cobran la vida de más mujeres que hombres cada año, sino que una mujer muere cada 80 segundos a causa de una enfermedad cardiovascular, lo que la convierte en la más mortal de todas las enfermedades entre las mujeres."
Aun así, la senadora Tartaglione afirmó que sólo una de cada cinco mujeres estadounidenses cree que las enfermedades cardiacas son su mayor amenaza para la salud.
La campaña "Go Red For Women" está diseñada para inspirar a las mujeres a realizar cambios en su estilo de vida, movilizar a las comunidades y dar forma a las políticas para salvar vidas, dijo la senadora.
"Como parte de la campaña 'Go Red' de la Asociación Americana del Corazón, ofrecemos esta resolución para asegurarnos de que las mujeres comprenden los riesgos de las enfermedades cardiacas. Y estamos animando a todas las mujeres de este estado a ser más conscientes y proactivas en el mantenimiento de su propia salud cardiovascular", dijo el senador Tartaglione.
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por Christin Brown | 8 de diciembre de 2015 | Comunicados de prensa
HARRISBURG, 8 de diciembre de 2015 - La tecnología robótica de asistencia más avanzada, diseñada para ayudar a las personas a volver a caminar, ha atraído hoy a los principales legisladores del estado cuando la senadora Christine M. Tartaglione, representantes del desarrollador de la tecnología y funcionarios de MossRehab de Einstein Health Network han presentado el dispositivo.
La tecnología, Re-Walk, es un exoesqueleto motorizado que está ayudando a las personas con parálisis a ponerse de pie, caminar y recuperar una mejor calidad de vida. El Dr. Alberto Esquenazi, de MossRehab, ha trabajado con el senador Tartaglione y otras personas con lesiones medulares para utilizar Re-Walk.
"Re-Walk me ha dado la esperanza de poder caminar algún día con su ayuda", dijo Tartaglione durante la demostración especial. "Creo que también ayudará a muchas otras personas; especialmente a miembros de nuestro ejército que han quedado relegados a una silla de ruedas tras sufrir parálisis en combate".
La senadora Tartaglione ha practicado con Re-Walk, pero hoy no ha hecho una demostración de la tecnología debido a una lesión de tobillo que sufrió a principios de año.
"Estoy imaginando el día en que yo misma entre en el hemiciclo del Senado con la ayuda de Re-Walk", dijo. "También tengo claro que este maravilloso artilugio devolverá a muchos ciudadanos de Pensilvania un modo de vida más familiar e independiente".
Re-Walk es una tecnología aprobada por la FDA que puede utilizarse en casa o en el trabajo. También se utiliza en centros de rehabilitación, como MossRehab.
Según sus desarrolladores, Re-Walk está diseñado para "caminar todo el día" e incluso ayuda a los usuarios a subir y bajar escaleras.
El Senador Randy Vulakovich (R-Allegheny) participó en el acto de hoy.
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Contacto: Mark Shade
[email protected]
by Christin Brown | Octubre 28, 2015 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Octubre 28, 2015 – At the request of state Sen. Vince Hughes (D-Phila.), the Senate Democratic Policy Committee today held a hearing on the devastating impact that the state’s 120-day budget impasse is having on schools across the state.
“While many of the budget dispute points remain unresolved, what is clear is that the consequences of this impasse are far-reaching,” said Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton), who chairs the committee. “This hearing gives lawmakers a sense of how schools are handling the funding shortfall, and what problems they’ll face if this stalemate continues to drag on.”
Hughes added, “A growing number of schools have been cornered into borrowing money and taking out credit lines just to keep their doors open. Hopefully, this hearing’s focus on this worsening statewide financial crisis will encourage greater urgency, cooperation and compromise in the ongoing budget negotiations.”
During the hearing, state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale testified that at least 27 school districts have taken out loans totaling more than $431 million. He projected that interest payments will total $30 million if the stalemate reaches mid-Noviembre.
Those who testified decried how the impasse has harmed students, depleted reserves and how taxpayers will be needlessly saddled with paying the interest on the growing number of loans and credit lines that schools are obtaining to keep their doors open.
Erie Public Schools Superintendent Jay Badams lamented that his district will need to borrow $30 million just to get through Enero.
“That’s $114,000 in wasted interest money that could have been used for so many badly needed educational expenses,” Badams said.
Dr. Joseph Roy, who serves as superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District in Northampton County, added that “choices at the state level continue to hammer school districts.” He said the diversion of funds to charter and cyber schools and a “punitive” approach to public education has blown up school expenditures.
Dr. Rula Skezas, who serves as superintendent of the McKeesport Area School District in Allegheny County, noted that even if the district receives its proposed funding it would still fall short of what it received during the 2011 school year. She said McKeesport has taken out a $5 million line of credit to make it to Diciembre. She said the district has already eliminated 110 staff positions to try and make ends meet.
Hughes, who serves as Democratic chair of the Appropriations Committee, said public, charter and private schools are already reeling from years of being underfunded. He noted that the Philadelphia School District has already borrowed $275 million during the impasse. Fran Burns, who serves as chief operating officer for the School District of Philadelphia, testified that the district has struggled to contend with a “structural deficit.”
Lamenting the impact on local working families who fund schools through property taxes, Boscola pointed toward an educational survey conducted earlier this year showing that nearly 75 percent of districts were planning to impose property tax hikes, 30 percent were planning on making additional program cuts, and 41 percent were making more staff cuts. She said the state has withheld approximately $3 billion in school funds since the budget impasse began in Julio.
Joining Boscola and Hughes at the Capitol committee hearing were Senators John Blake (D-Lackawanna), Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny), Andrew Dinniman (D-Montgomery), Christine Tartaglione (D-Phila.) and Sean Wiley (D-Erie),
Those testifying included:
- The Honorable Eugene DePasquale
Pennsylvania Auditor General
- Fran Burns
Chief Operating Officer, School District of Philadelphia
- Joseph Gorham
Superintendent of Schools, Carbondale Area School District
- Dr. Joseph Roy
Superintendent of Schools, Bethlehem Area School District
- Dr. Jay D. Badams
Superintendent, Erie Public Schools
- Dr. Rula S. Skezas
Superintendent, McKeesport Area School District
- Marjorie Neff
Chair, School Reform Commission
- Anthony Pirrello
CEO, Montessori Regional Charter School of Erie, and Vice President of Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools
- Matt Przywara
Member, PASBO
Chief Financial and Operations Officer, School District of Lancaster
- Bill LaCoff
President, Pennsylvania School Boards Association
- Susan Gobreski
Education Voters of Pennsylvania
- Dr. Pearl English
School Nurse, School District of Philadelphia
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 21, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21, 2015 – Following up on her promise to force a vote on her bill to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today submitted her discharge petition on Senate Bill 195.
Tartaglione said she planned to introduce the petition during a Sept. 30 press conference. However, she delayed that course of action after Republican lawmakers said they would work with her on the bill.
“But there has been no alternative solution, and there has been little movement since then,” Tartaglione said today. “So, today, I told the full Senate I am formally submitting my discharge petition on my Senate Bill 195 to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10.”
The discharge petition gives the Senate 10 legislative days to consider Sen. Tartaglione’s request. SB 195 has been in the Senate Labor & Industry Committee since Jan. 28.
“We must, as a body, act on this proposal now. We must, for the wellbeing of Pennsylvania businesses and workers and taxpayers, act on this proposal now. We’ve waited too long,” Tartaglione said. “Pennsylvania is becoming third world while our neighbors and many other states move to raise hourly compensation to more appropriate levels.”
Of the Northeast U.S. states with a minimum wage, Pennsylvania’s base hourly rate of $7.25 is the lowest paid to hourly workers.
Maryland’s minimum wage is $8.25 and is set to increase in stages to $10.10 by Julio 2018. New Jersey’s minimum wage is $8.38 but it is now indexed to the Consumer Price Index. New York’s base hourly rate is $8.75 and is going to $9 at the end of this year, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo is fighting for a $15 minimum. Ohio is paying $8.10 an hour and will pay more when the CPI is adjusted. West Virginia’s $8 minimum wage is set to hit $8.75 after Christmas. Finally, Delaware is paying $8.25.
“Do not let calamity-howling executives who make $10,000 a day tell you that a wage of $404 a week is going to hurt their bottom lines. It’s time to help Pennsylvania workers get a raise,” the senator said as she formally submitted her discharge petition.
Twenty-nine states and Washington D.C. pay more than the Pennsylvania/federal minimum of $7.25.
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 20, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, 20 de octubre de 2015 - Con algunos legisladores usando gafas de distorsión de la visión y otros usando una silla de ruedas o un andador por primera vez, los tomadores de decisiones tuvieron la oportunidad durante el "Día de las Discapacidades en el Capitolio" de la senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione de experimentar la vida como una persona con discapacidad.
El senador también consiguió la aprobación unánime de una resolución que declara octubre "Mes nacional de concienciación sobre el empleo de discapacitados" en Pensilvania.
"Debemos recordar que los avances en la causa del empleo de los discapacitados han exigido el sacrificio de generaciones de trabajadores y de quienes les apoyan", dijo Tartaglione esta tarde durante su intervención en el pleno del Senado.
"Al tiempo que destacamos la importancia del trabajo para mantener familias y comunidades fuertes, reconocemos a aquellas personas que han superado retos para cumplir sus ambiciones profesionales", declaró.
Durante la exposición del "Día de la Discapacidad", en la que los legisladores pudieron experimentar la vida de una persona con discapacidad, representantes de la Oficina de Ceguera y Servicios Visuales de L&I, el Hospital de Rehabilitación Magee de Filadelfia, el Consejo de Vida Independiente del Estado de Pensilvania, la Extensión de la Universidad Estatal de Pensilvania, la Oficina de Rehabilitación Profesional de Pensilvania, Susquehanna Service Dogs, Self Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania, UniqueSource y United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania ayudaron a transmitir un mensaje importante.
"Son un ejemplo de los cientos de organizaciones de apoyo en toda Pennsylvania que, todos los días, ayudar a hacer posible el empleo para las personas con discapacidad y posible es el mundo para recordar lo que es necesario y bueno", dijo el senador Tartaglione. "Debemos alentar a la mano de obra de Pensilvania y sus industrias para crear mejores estrategias para trabajar juntos en la contratación, formación y retención de nuestros amigos, vecinos y seres queridos con discapacidad."
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 19, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, 19 de octubre de 2015 - A pesar de los avances en la investigación del cáncer de mama, la senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione dijo hoy que se necesita hacer más, e instó al Senado de Pensilvania a aprobar su resolución haciendo de octubre el "Mes de Concienciación sobre el Cáncer de Mama" y el 16 de octubre el "Día Nacional de la Mamografía."
El Senado aprobó la resolución del senador Tartaglione.
"Desgraciadamente, la financiación de la investigación no ha variado en los últimos diez años, lo que se traduce en recortes reales del 25%", declaró Tartaglione durante su intervención. Por ello, me presento hoy ante ustedes con la intención de seguir concienciando y trabajando para reducir su prevalencia". "
Aunque muchas mujeres diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama tienen una tasa de supervivencia del 100% si la enfermedad se diagnostica precozmente, Tartaglione afirmó que hay demasiadas mujeres que no toman medidas para obtener ese diagnóstico.
Para ayudar a mejorar la tasa de mamografías, Tartaglione dijo que parte de su resolución es convertir el 16 de octubre en el "Día Nacional de la Mamografía" en Pensilvania.
"En honor de las personas que han perdido sus batallas contra el cáncer de mama; por las que actualmente viven con él; por las que han sobrevivido; por las que están impacientes por encontrar una cura; y, por todos sus familiares y amigos, ofrezco esta resolución que reconoce octubre como el Mes de Concienciación sobre el Cáncer de Mama y el 16 de octubre como el Día Nacional de la Mamografía", dijo el senador Tartaglione.
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 19, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 19, 2015 – To help decision makers better understand the needs of Pennsylvanians with disabilities, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione will once again hold her “Disabilities Day at the Capitol.”
“I hold Disabilities Day to help people with disabilities find gainful employment, and to help employers without those same disabilities better understand what it’s like to have them,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “It also serves a good purpose by educating employers about the things they can do to help workers with disabilities be as productive as they expect.”
Joining the senator during her annual awareness event will be L&I Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia, PA Statewide Independent Living Council, Penn State University Extension, PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Susquehanna Service Dogs, Self Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania, UniqueSource, and United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania.
Media coverage is encouraged.
WHAT: Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s annual “Disabilities Day at the Capitol”
WHEN: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Martes, Oct. 20
WHERE: Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg
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