by Christin Brown | Octubre 14, 2015 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 14, 2015 – Older Philadelphians and their family members will have the opportunity to learn about programs that can enrich their lives at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Oct. 15, at the Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School during state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s annual Senior Expo.
Representatives from various government agencies as well as public and private service providers will be available to discuss programs and services for older Philadelphians.
Attendees will get free health screenings, entertainment and refreshments.
Media coverage is encouraged.
WHAT: Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s annual Senior Expo
WHEN: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Miércoles, Oct. 15
WHERE: Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, 1100 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 7, 2015 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Oct. 7, 2015 – At a recent hearing of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, members learned first-hand about the impact of recent changes in the unemployment compensation system as it applied to seasonal workers, according to state Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia).
Tartaglione said the hearing, which was held on Oct. 6 at Philadelphia City Hall, included testimony from Kathy Manderino, the state secretary of the Department of Labor and Industry, AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale, representatives of various labor unions, legal services, law firms and employment consultants.
“The labor committee has held hearings on the effect of changes to the unemployment compensation system that involve how seasonal workers are treated,” Tartaglione said. “These hearings provide members with insight into how seasonal workers are now handled in the unemployment system as a result of changes that were recently signed into law.”
Tartaglione said that Act 6 and Act 60 alterations imposed changes in wage calculations for seasonal workers. As a result of Act 6 and Act 60 changes, she said that an estimated 48,000 workers are ineligible for unemployment compensation benefits.
The changes have created difficulties for workers who fail to earn more than 49.5 percent of their earnings outside of the high quarter by making them ineligible for unemployment compensation, the senator said.
“Act 6 and Act 60 changes are a hardship for seasonal workers, especially those who are employed in jobs where the work is highly concentrated in a quarter,” Tartaglione said. “I am hopeful that we can adjust the law to make it more equitable.”
The committee hearing in Philadelphia was the second one that was held concerning the impact of Act 6 and Act 60 changes. The first hearing was convened in Erie earlier this year.
Tartaglione said she expected to discuss this issue more over the next several weeks.
by Christin Brown | Octubre 6, 2015 | News Releases
by Christin Brown | Septiembre 30, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Sept. 30, 2015 – Pennsylvania’s leading fighter for increasing the minimum wage today said she will introduce a discharge petition to force the state Senate to vote on her bill to finally increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour.
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Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said her Senate Bill 195 has been in committee long enough and it’s clear that it will not be considered, despite overwhelming support for the increase.
“Two-hundred-and-forty-five days ago – my proposal to finally give a raise to the lowest paid of Pennsylvania’s workers – minimum wage earners – was referred to the Senate Labor and Industry Committee,” Tartaglione said during a news conference today with fellow Democratic senators, Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks), and staunch minimum wage advocates from the Sierra Club and Raise The Wage PA.
“I am introducing a discharge resolution today to get the Senate to vote on what has long been an unfair situation – and is becoming dire for those who are only earning $7.25 an hour.
“Every day there is a story about a city or state that has either voted to approve raising the minimum wage or is strongly considering an increase.
“Minimum wage efforts have become so successful that – in many cities – $10.10 is now cheap,” Tartaglione said. “But $10.10 is the number that Pennsylvania lawmakers need to approve.”
Of the Northeast U.S. states with a minimum wage, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage 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.
In total, 29 states and Washington D.C. pay more than the Pennsylvania/federal minimum of $7.25.
Tartaglione noted opposition to raising the minimum wage, but said their claims are as trite and historically inaccurate as they have always been.
“What the naysayers contend about higher minimum wage rates are the same things that were said when FDR proposed the first minimum wage of 25-cents: ‘Do not let any calamity-howling executive with an income of $1,000 a day … tell you … that a wage of $11 a week is going to have a disastrous effect on all American industry’,” Tartaglione said.
“It’s time to help Pennsylvania workers get a raise. It’s time that the Senate vote now on my proposal to increase the minimum wage to $10.10, so they are getting my discharge resolution to get this done,” she said.
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee Chairman Vincent Hughes, Sens. Art Haywood, John Sabatina, Larry Farnese, Sean Wiley, Rep. DiGirolamo, and United Food & Commercial Workers 1776’s John Meyerson joined Sen. Tartaglione at today’s press conference.
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by Christin Brown | Septiembre 29, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Sept. 29, 2015 – The General Assembly’s leading minimum wage advocate will hold a press conference at 10:30 a.m., Miércoles, Sept. 30, in the Capitol Rotunda to explain how she plans to get Republicans to finally consider increasing the base hourly rate to $10.10.
Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione has proposed measures to move Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10 but her bill has received no consideration since it was referred to the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.
Of the Northeast U.S. states with a minimum wage, Pennsylvania’s $7.25 is the lowest paid to hourly workers.
The senator will be joined by minimum wage advocates and other members of her Democratic caucus.
Media coverage is encouraged.
WHAT: Sen. Christine Tartaglione, colleagues, advocates to hold a press conference to outline her next step to gain consideration of her proposal to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage
WHEN: 10:30 a.m., Miércoles, Sept. 30
WHERE: Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg
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by Christin Brown | Septiembre 17, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Sept. 17, 2015 – To mark the 25th anniversary of the federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in many places, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today won unanimous approval of a resolution.
The Americans with Disabilities Act came into being in 1990, and has been amended several times since then.
“Since its passage, the Americans with Disabilities Act has made important strides in all areas of life as we know it,” Tartaglione said during floor remarks “from curb cutouts to accessible hotels and medical facilities, to speech, hearing and visual aids at public events.
“With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities gained more options for leaving their homes to run errands or go to work. It opened greater job opportunities and security in the workplace, and it gave people the ability to become more active in their communities.”
Four federal agencies enforce ADA, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces regulations covering employment; the Department of Transportation, which enforces regulations governing transit; the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which enforces regulations covering telecommunication services; and the Department of Justice, which enforces regulations governing public accommodations and state and local government services.
“I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Tartaglione said. “I ask that they acknowledge the strength and resolve of disabled residents who have waited patiently for change and who have worked hard to overcome challenges.”
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by Christin Brown | Septiembre 11, 2015 | News Releases
Two more senior expos planned for Octubre
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 11, 2015 – A multitude of Philadelphia area seniors and their caregivers collected helpful information, enjoyed being entertained and had free health screenings Jueves during state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s “Senior Expo 2015.”
The event, held for the third consecutive year at Mayfair Community Center, gave attendees a one-stop opportunity to learn about new and existing programs and services for older Philadelphians.
“It can be overwhelming for many people when the time comes to explore senior living options,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “My Senior Expo is designed to take the fear out of taking the next step, and doing what is necessary for older Philadelphians to better enjoy their golden years.”
Representatives from various government agencies, plus public- and private-service providers shared program information with Senior Expo visitors.
Free blood pressure and prescription drug screenings were also available.
Tartaglione is planning similar senior expos Oct. 1 (Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6500 Tabor Ave.) and Oct. 15 (Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, 1100 E. Erie Ave). The Oct. 15 senior expo will be geared to the senator’s Spanish-speaking constituents.
Sen. Tartaglione’s Senior Expo 2015 is presented in partnership with North Philadelphia Health System, Temple Health, Shop Rite of Aramingo Avenue, and Keystone First.
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by Christin Brown | Agosto 4, 2015 | News Releases
Erie, 4 de agosto de 2015 - Hoy, el Comité de Trabajo e Industria del Senado celebró una audiencia pública para examinar los recientes cambios en la elegibilidad de compensación por desempleo y los posibles impactos negativos para los trabajadores de temporada. La reunión fue convocada a petición del senador Sean Wiley (D-49) que ha abogado durante mucho tiempo por un foro para que los legisladores escuchen directamente de la gran comunidad de Erie.
En virtud de la Ley 60 de 2012, la Asamblea General adoptó medidas para reducir una deuda de 4.000 millones de dólares con el Gobierno federal y abordar la solvencia a largo plazo del sistema de compensación por desempleo. Un ajuste significativo modificó la forma de calcular la elegibilidad, dando lugar a una descalificación para los trabajadores que ganan el 50,5% o más de sus ingresos anuales en un trimestre, donde el umbral anterior era del 63%.
"Comprendo la intención de la Ley 60, pero, por desgracia, los trabajadores de la gran comunidad de Erie que están a merced de las condiciones meteorológicas para realizar su trabajo se ven desproporcionadamente afectados", dijo Wiley.
La presidenta del Comité, la senadora Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), declaró: "Desde hace algún tiempo, nos llegan informes que indican que la última ronda de reformas de la ley de compensación por desempleo está afectando negativamente a los trabajadores temporeros". "La audiencia ofreció alguna información valiosa para ayudarnos a determinar el alcance del problema y la viabilidad y el coste de los posibles remedios."
"Las consecuencias no deseadas de los cambios realizados a través de la Ley 60, el número desproporcionado de trabajadores estacionales, y los que responden a las emergencias - como el huracán Sandy - nos obligan a revisar estos cambios", dijo el presidente del Comité Demócrata senador Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia). "Las prestaciones por desempleo son una red de seguridad financiera vital para los hombres y mujeres que han perdido sus puestos de trabajo. Asegurarse de que no sufren más es la razón por la que hemos estado trabajando duro para rectificar esta cuestión."
Wiley también dijo: "Felicito a la senadora Baker por su liderazgo en este asunto y su voluntad de escuchar a los afectados de esta comunidad. Espero que el testimonio prestado hoy ante el comité sea útil para desarrollar una posible solución."
Entre los que aportaron su testimonio se encontraban representantes de la Cámara de Comercio e Industria de Pensilvania, la Federación Nacional de Empresas Independientes, el Consejo Estatal de Edificación y Construcción de Pensilvania, el Sindicato Internacional de Trabajadores de Norteamérica, el Consejo Americano de Empresas de Ingeniería, Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, así como empresas y empleados locales.
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by Christin Brown | Julio 9, 2015 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Julio 9, 2015 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today issued the following statement as she remembered the life and work of former state Sen. Len Bodack, who died today at the age of 82:
“We represented people from opposite ends of Pennsylvania but we shared a passion for working on the issues that mattered – and still matter – for the people who elected us as their representatives in the Senate.
“Whether it was minimum wage, worker rights, or acting to improve the quality of life in our communities, Len showed me and others that if it needed to be done it should be done, and it should be done well.
“I am saddened to hear of his passing, but I will always remember our time together.
“My heartfelt condolences to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
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by Christin Brown | Junio 30, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Junio 30, 2015 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today voted against the Republican state budget proposal for 2015-2016, saying it falls far short of the needed investments in education, workers and taxpayers.
“Many people believed we were heading in a new and better direction when the voters elected Tom Wolf to replace Tom Corbett,” Tartaglione said, “but the nightmare Corbett budget strategies continue.
“Voters overwhelmingly said they want someone who better understands the need to invest in our children and their education, to increase the minimum wage for people working in poverty, and to finally adopt an impactful property tax reform bill.
“Instead, we received a steamrolled Republican budget that looks too much like the past Corbett budgets, and all of Pennsylvania should shiver thinking about how this will continue to hold us back,” the senator said.
“I’ve heard Republican lawmakers say they, too, were granted a mandate because they increased their majorities in the House and Senate during the Noviembre election, but let me remind them that they merely enjoyed the fruits of their partisan redistricting efforts.
“This sham budget is not what Philadelphians and Pennsylvanians want or need,” Tartaglione said.
The Philly Democrat said the budget proposal heading to Gov. Wolf should include a significant natural gas extraction tax, a minimum wage increase to $10.10 an hour, liquor modernization (not a sell-off), less dependence on one-time budget tricks, and the restoration of the basic education funds that were siphoned away from school teachers and students for the past four years.
“Gov. Wolf has promised a veto, and I am waiting to see that happen,” Tartaglione said. “Once it does happen, House and Senate Democrats – who were blocked from contributing to this budget bill – will make sure a better job is done to be more equitable to Philadelphians and everyone in the commonwealth.”
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by Christin Brown | Junio 24, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Junio 24, 2015 – In her ongoing work to include Pennsylvanians with disabilities in daily life, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today won Senate passage of resolutions that will designate Septiembre as “National Spinal Cord Awareness Month” and Sept. 10 as “World Suicide Prevention Day” in the commonwealth.
During the month-long “National Spinal Cord Awareness Month,” Tartaglione said the designation is important to her because of the boating accident that changed her life, and because spinal cord injuries happen too frequently.
“Did you know that every 48 minutes, another person in the U.S. becomes paralyzed from a spinal cord injury?” Tartaglione asked fellow senators this afternoon. “Today, we have more Americans living with paralysis than ever before, and that number is growing exponentially as our veteran population expands.
“I ask that we take the necessary steps to ensure everyone gains access to the latest medical treatments and technologies because every individual with a spinal cord injury deserves the opportunity for a better quality of life,” she said.
For “World Suicide Prevention Day,” Tartaglione said it’s important for people to learn more about suicide because 1,700 Pennsylvanians take their own lives every year.
“By taking part in this important event, all of us can help put an end to suicide,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “From government to health professionals, from interest groups to family, friends and co-workers; everyone plays an equally important role in suicide prevention.
“Working together, we can increase awareness and education, so that individuals at-risk of suicide are identified, treated and provided with the post-intervention services they need.”
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by Christin Brown | Junio 24, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Junio 24, 2015 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione added her strong and enthusiastic support today to a new proposal that would eliminate school property taxes for millions of homeowners throughout Pennsylvania and significantly reduce many taxes in Philadelphia.
The Senate Democratic Caucus introduced the PA Home Rebate Plan today.
“Philadelphians and taxpayers throughout the commonwealth have been looking for a good tax-reduction plan like someone lost in a desert,” Tartaglione said following this morning’s news conference in the Capitol. “The PA Home Rebate Plan is more than a mirage; it promises to be a wellspring of long-term relief for over-taxed Pennsylvanians everywhere.”
Under PA Home Rebate, property taxpayers would be eligible for a 100 percent rebate of their school property tax bills up to $1,990, while renters would receive rebates of $500 if their income is less than $50,000. The rebates would be available annually.
In Philadelphia, funds will be used for the reduction of a mix of wage, sales and use, cigarette and property taxes.
“Not only does this sound good, the state’s Independent Fiscal Office has verified its positive impact,” the senator said.
The IFO said the total cost of the property tax rebate portion of the program is estimated to be $3.945 billion, and the cost of the rent rebate program will be $400 million.
The PA Home Rebate will be funded by a 0.78 percent increase in the Personal Income Tax, a 0.6 percent increase in the Sales and Use Tax, a $1-per-pack increase in the state cigarette tax, and a 40 percent tax on other tobacco products.
“Most school districts in Pennsylvania use state funds and rely heavily on the property tax to balance their books, but Philly heavily relies on wage and other taxes to pay for basic education,” Sen. Tartaglione said.
“PA Home Rebate includes a balanced distribution for our great city and it gives us the flexibility to reduce property, wage and cigarette taxes to finally deliver relief. “
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por Christin Brown | 10 de junio de 2015 | Comunicados de prensa
HARRISBURG, 10 de junio de 2015 - El anuncio de hoy del gobernador Tom Wolf de que va a renunciar a las tasas para las autorizaciones de abuso infantil y las comprobaciones de antecedentes penales para los voluntarios que trabajan con niños está recibiendo la aprobación de la senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione.
La administración Wolf anunció el cambio esta tarde, y también dijo que habrá una disminución en el costo de abuso infantil y los controles de antecedentes penales para todos los demás solicitantes. La nueva cuota será de $ 8 en lugar de $ 10.
"Esta es una buena respuesta a un problema que se creó con buenas intenciones", dijo el senador Tartaglione. "La legislatura cambió la forma en que controlamos, informamos y perseguimos los casos de abuso y negligencia infantil a raíz de la saga de Jerry Sandusky, pero nos pasamos un poco en quién debe pagar esas comprobaciones de antecedentes".
"El gobernador Wolf ha hecho hoy lo correcto al suprimir la tasa para los voluntarios y reducirla un 20% para todos los demás".
A partir del 1 de julio, los voluntarios están obligados por la Ley 153 de 2014 a obtener la verificación de antecedentes, incluida la autorización de antecedentes de abuso infantil del Departamento de Servicios Humanos, y la verificación de antecedentes penales por parte de la policía estatal.
Si alguien está buscando empleo para trabajar con niños y otras personas, se le seguirá cobrando por las autorizaciones, pero a un coste reducido de 8 $. Las personas que sean voluntarias no tendrán que pagar por la investigación.
Encontrará más información sobre las autorizaciones exigidas por la Ley de Servicios de Protección de Menores en www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov. Las personas que deseen obtener una autorización pueden visitar www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis para crear una cuenta y solicitar electrónicamente su autorización de maltrato infantil.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 9, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, 9 de junio de 2015 - Ante un mar de camisetas de colores vestidas por aprendices del sindicato, la senadora estatal Christine Tartaglione volvió a celebrar hoy en la Rotonda del Capitolio el5º Día Anual de Concienciación sobre el Aprendizaje.
Conocido en toda Pensilvania como uno de los principales defensores de los sindicatos, Tartaglione afirmó que los aprendices están aprendiendo grandes habilidades que ayudarán a dar un giro a las economías locales y regionales.
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"Desde nuestras carreteras y puentes hasta las estructuras de nuestros edificios, tenemos mucho trabajo por hacer si queremos que Pensilvania siga siendo competitiva a nivel nacional y mundial", dijo Tartaglione. "Los aprendices, trabajadores, coordinadores e instructores que están aquí conmigo son los que nos van a ayudar a conseguirlo.
"Son el latido de esta mancomunidad y representan nuestro progreso futuro".
El Día de la Concienciación sobre el Aprendizaje está patrocinado por la Asociación de Coordinadores de Aprendices de Pensilvania. Los programas de aprendizaje están gestionados por el Pennsylvania State Building & Construction Trades Council.
Aunque el salario de los aprendices es algo inferior al de los "oficiales", la PACA afirma que los aprendices reciben aumentos salariales a medida que avanzan en sus programas. Algunos aumentan cada seis meses o cada año.
El Departamento de Trabajo e Industria del estado afirma que en Pensilvania hay unos 11.000 puestos de aprendizaje activos, de los cuales unos 7.700 corresponden a oficios relacionados con la construcción.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 2, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Junio 2, 2015 – The statewide foundation that helps Pennsylvanians with disabilities improve the quality of their lives with assistive technologies won the promise of Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today to work for a greater state investment in the organization.
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation provides low-interest loans to people with disabilities. Since its founding in 2002, the group has approved more than 2,500 lines of credit totaling more than $33 million. More than 200 people were approved for more than $1.3 million in loans in 2014.
“I know how important the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation is,” said Sen. Tartaglione, who was partially paralyzed in a 2003 boating accident.
“I know what a chair rail is. I know how important that lift is to give me that independence to help me get outside of my home. My freedom is something I could never fathom to lose,” she said.
PATF helps people of all ages, incomes and disabilities buy assistive technologies like adapted vehicles, wheelchairs, and home modifications – and pay back the money through one of two programs:
Assistive devices that cost more than $1,500 can be had with a 3.75 percent loan. If the cost is less, PATF offers a zero-percent mini-loan that carries a $20 monthly payment.
“This is one of my first budget requests because I know how important it is for PATF to continue providing the good services they have been providing for 13 years,” Tartaglione said.
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by Christin Brown | Mayo 13, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, 13 de mayo de 2015 - Con miles de millones de dólares de jubilación y de impuestos en juego, la senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione criticó hoy la nueva propuesta republicana del Senado para la reforma de las pensiones diciendo que el proyecto de ley inconstitucional no ha sido debidamente examinado por el público.
"Tenemos 53.000 millones de dólares de atrasos con nuestros dos sistemas públicos de pensiones debido a malas decisiones que también se tomaron a puerta cerrada", dijo hoy el senador Tartaglione. "Ahora estamos apresurando una propuesta que promete hacer mejoras, pero en realidad sólo amenaza los años dorados de los empleados estatales y los maestros que han dedicado sus vidas a Pensilvania y sus residentes."
Tartaglione dijo que es un error que el proyecto de ley 1 del Senado se haya elaborado a puerta cerrada como un texto legislativo de más de 400 páginas que luego se llevó a toda prisa al pleno del Senado para someterlo a votación.
La veterana legisladora demócrata de Filadelfia votó en contra del proyecto de ley 1 del Senado ayer, cuando fue examinado por el Comité de Asignaciones del Senado, y votó en contra hoy, cuando el pleno del Senado lo sometió a consideración.
Además de la falta de transparencia y la velocidad vertiginosa con la que se está moviendo el SB 1, Tartaglione dijo que la mayoría de los republicanos se olvidan de que este tipo de propuestas de los estados que buscan ahorrar dinero a costa de los trabajadores que no tienen la culpa de sus decisiones han sido consideradas inconstitucionales por los tribunales supremos de esos estados.
"Inconstitucional, en este caso, significa que estamos rompiendo un contrato con los empleados estatales y los profesores que han hecho regularmente pagos mensuales automáticos para su propia jubilación", dijo el senador. "Y han estado haciendo esos pagos basándose en los términos de un acuerdo legal que ellos y la mancomunidad aceptaron juntos".
"Uno de los elementos más atroces de esta propuesta republicana es cómo diezmaría las jubilaciones de miles de profesores, los mismos profesores que enseñaron a muchos de los legisladores que ahora se apresuran a tomar decisiones malas, injustas y equivocadas", dijo.
Según un análisis, el ahorro total del SB 1 para la Commonwealth sería de 3.300 millones de dólares en los próximos 33 años, y de 2.600 millones para los distritos escolares.
"Ese supuesto ahorro significa que los empleados estatales van a perder mucho dinero y tranquilidad por culpa de un mal proyecto de ley que apenas aliviará nuestros atribulados sistemas de pensiones", dijo el senador Tartaglione.
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by Christin Brown | Mayo 5, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Mayo 5, 2015 – With mounting public pressure and a governor who has called for Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to be increased to $10.10 an hour, a committee co-chaired by Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione listened today as workers, employers and opponents discussed the issue during an informational hearing.
“Supporters clearly showed reasoned, real-world evidence for the increase,” Tartaglione said following the three-hour session before the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.
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Sen. Tartaglione has introduced a five-bill package that would up Pennsylvania’s base hourly rate from $7.25 to $10.10 in Enero, add an annual cost-of-living adjustment, and move the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular minimum.
Other lawmakers – Republican and Democratic – have also proposed increases. Today’s hearing, however, was to consider the plusses and minuses of increasing the minimum wage to something higher than the current poverty-level rate. No specific bills were discussed.
Following the hearing, Tartaglione held a press conference with some of the employers and workers who clearly demonstrated the need for an increase, and also showed how paying employees more helps them and their businesses.
The co-owner of Pittsburgh’s Bar Marco, Robert Fry, said his restaurant’s decision several years ago to offer base $35,000 a year salaries to employees – and do away with the tipped minimum wage – has been an excellent policy.
“There are significant cost offsets that come with better paid staff, including lower turnover, reduced waste and increased efficiency, and better employee performance and loyalty,” Fry said in his testimony. “All of this saves my business money in the short run as well as the long run.”
Another Pittsburgh-area business owner, Simon Arias, said he pays his employees more than double the minimum wage.
“Paying a higher wage has not hurt my business, but has been a sustaining factor in my growth,” Arias, the owner of Arias Agencies, Wexford, testified. “My employees know they can grow along with my business, and over half have been with me for at least 7 years, with the rest at least 2 and a half years.”
Workers, also, spoke with passion as they explained why lawmakers must approve a higher base hourly rate.
While Maria Perez and Chuck Harford are currently making a little more than the federally required minimum wage, they said $10.10 would help them with cover their basic daily needs.
“I am very fortunate that I live with my mother. However, I know and worry that a major repair to my car or an illness could be devastating to me,” said Harford, who works at an independent grocery store in Duncannon, Dauphin County.
“In three years that I’ve been working (at Brightside Academy Child Care Center, Philadelphia) … I only got a $.10/hour raise. I get paid $620 every two weeks. Somehow I manage to pay rent which is $700, plus bills for electric, car note, insurance, gas and cable,” Perez said. “We all have credits from colleges and also have major experience in the work field, but we struggle to take care of our children while we educate yours.”
In all of the testimony, Sen. Tartaglione said there is one thing that stands out that people should remember.
“Raising the minimum wage is as controversial today as it was in 2006 when we last increased the hourly rate,” Tartaglione said. “What’s also the same is the gloom and doom from opponents. However, today, the real employers who are paying higher wages and the employees who need higher wages are showing the way forward for the commonwealth.”
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by Christin Brown | Mayo 4, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, 4 de mayo de 2015 - Después de una audiencia del comité del Senado que duró toda la mañana sobre su proyecto de ley para aumentar el salario mínimo de Pensilvania de $ 7,25 a $ 10,10, la senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione, hombres y mujeres trabajadores y otros partidarios de un salario base más alto ofrecerán una conferencia de prensa a la 1:30 p.m., el martes 5 de mayo, en la Rotonda del Ala Este.
A pesar del éxito de los esfuerzos realizados en todo el país para aumentar el salario mínimo y de las numerosas propuestas legislativas para elevar la tasa de la Commonwealth, Pensilvania sigue exigiendo a los empresarios que paguen sólo 7,25 dólares la hora.
El proyecto de ley 195 del Senado de Tartaglione aumentaría el salario mínimo de Pensilvania a 10,10 dólares en enero e incluiría un ajuste automático por el coste de la vida. Otra propuesta de su paquete de cinco proyectos de ley aumentaría el mínimo de propinas al 70% del mínimo regular.
La Comisión de Trabajo e Industria del Senado iniciará su audiencia mañana a las 9.00 horas en la sala de audiencias del Edificio de Oficinas Norte. El orden del día está disponible aquí.
Se anima a los medios de comunicación a cubrir ambos actos.
QUÉ: La senadora Christine Tartaglione, trabajadores con salario mínimo y otros simpatizantes ofrecerán una rueda de prensa para instar a los legisladores a aprobar el aumento del salario mínimo.
CUÁNDO: Martes, 5 de mayo, a las 13.30 horas.
DÓNDE: Rotonda del ala este, Capitolio, Harrisburg
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by Christin Brown | Abril 23, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Abril 23, 2015 – As one of the leading lawmakers who worked to address the issue of mandatory overtime for healthcare professionals, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said the revelation that the 2009 law has not been followed is bad news for patients and workers.
Auditor General Eugene De Pasquale released his audit of the Department of Labor and Industry’s oversight of Act 102. His auditors concluded that L&I woefully missed deadlines for establishing the new regulations and that it was not a priority of the Corbett administration-era agency to do that.
“It’s outrageous that patients and workers were at risk even though the legislature had acted to protect them,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “People have needlessly suffered as tired healthcare professionals did the best they could to care for them,” she said.
The good news, Tartaglione said, is that Act 102 is now a priority as L&I Secretary Kathy Manderino said she will be hiring five people to do the required oversight “to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Tartaglione proposed Senate Bill 835 in 2007. The bill that then-Gov. Ed Rendell signed into law on Oct. 8, 2008, was the companion legislation, House Bill 834.
As she said when she introduced her bill, the need for the law existed because healthcare professionals who protested too many shifts of long hours risked losing their jobs.
“Nurses and other caregivers are committed to their patients first and foremost. They also know their limits,” Tartaglione said on the floor of the Senate in 2007. “Asking a nurse to volunteer for extra hours is a completely different scenario than mandating them to work whether they feel competent to continue or not.”
AG De Pasquale said his auditors found:
- Despite a legal mandate requiring L&I to promulgate regulations by Abril 1, 2010, these regulations were not actually promulgated until Julio 19, 2014, or some four years after the required due date. And,
- L&I failed to accurately record, investigate and respond to all Act 102-related complaints it received between Julio 1, 2009, and Aug. 31, 2014.
Act 102 prohibits a health care facility from requiring employees to work more than agreed to, predetermined and regularly scheduled work shifts. Employees covered under Act 102 are individuals involved in direct patient care or clinical care services who receive an hourly wage or who are classified as nonsupervisory employees for collective bargaining purposes.
New York, West Virginia and New Jersey, by comparison, were able to more quickly implement laws dealing with mandatory overtime.
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by Christin Brown | Abril 22, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, 22 de abril de 2015 - Debido a que "una marea creciente levanta todos los barcos", la senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione dijo hoy que un nuevo estudio muestra que si Pensilvania finalmente aprueba un salario mínimo de $ 10,10 por hora, los residentes de cada uno de los 67 condados del estado se beneficiarán.
"La historia ha demostrado, una y otra vez, que los aumentos del salario mínimo no causan dolor generalizado, a pesar de las afirmaciones de los críticos", dijo el senador Tartaglione esta mañana durante una conferencia de prensa con Raise The Wage PA.
"El nuevo estudio del Keystone Research Center es un dedo más en el dique de la oposición. El trabajo del KRC muestra claramente que un mínimo más alto en Pensilvania ayudaría a los trabajadores que no han recibido un aumento salarial desde 2007.
"Cuando los precios de los alimentos, la ropa y la vivienda han aumentado drásticamente, el poder adquisitivo de 7,25 dólares ha disminuido", dijo Tartaglione. "Pensilvania no puede permitirse mantener a los trabajadores con salario mínimo empobrecidos. Necesitamos que se aprueben los 10,10 dólares ya; los trabajadores con salario mínimo por propinas también necesitan un aumento."
El salario mínimo por propina en Pensilvania es de 2,83 dólares la hora y no ha aumentado desde 1999.
El proyecto de ley 195 del Senado aumentaría el salario mínimo de Pensilvania a 8,67 dólares la hora el 1 de julio y a 10,10 dólares la hora el 1 de enero, mientras que el proyecto de ley 196 del Senado aumentaría el mínimo por propina a 3,95 dólares la hora el 1 de julio y lo situaría en el 70% del mínimo normal a principios de 2016.
Los otros tres proyectos de ley del paquete de salario mínimo del senador Tartaglione incluyen:
- El proyecto de ley 197 del Senado, que establecería aumentos anuales del coste de la vida para los asalariados con salario mínimo basados en el Índice de Precios al Consumo,
- El proyecto de ley 198 del Senado, que modernizaría la ley estatal de pago y cobro de salarios para aumentar los requisitos de mantenimiento de registros para los empresarios y las obligaciones de ejecución del Departamento de Trabajo e Industria del estado. También permitiría a los empleados recibir salarios atrasados y el doble de esos salarios en concepto de daños y perjuicios, y
- El proyecto de ley 199 del Senado, que prohibiría a los empresarios deducir comisiones o gastos bancarios de las propinas de los empleados cuando un cliente pague su cuenta con tarjeta de crédito.
Un salario mínimo más elevado no sólo ayudaría a miles de trabajadores, sino que, según el senador Tartaglione, serviría de estímulo económico para muchas economías locales de Pensilvania.
Aunque el estudio del KRC afirma que un salario mínimo de 10,10 dólares ayudaría a 1,2 millones de trabajadores de Pensilvania, también afirma que el aumento aportaría casi 2.000 millones de dólares a la economía del Estado.
Según Tartaglione, se beneficiarán casi uno de cada cuatro trabajadores de los 48 condados rurales del Estado y más de 700.000 trabajadores, es decir, el 18%, de los condados urbanos.
"Más de 200.000 personas de los condados de Filadelfia y Allegheny también recibirían un impulso", dijo el senador.
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by Christin Brown | Abril 13, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Abril 13, 2015 – Thanks to the legislative efforts of Sens. Christine M. Tartaglione and Rob Teplitz, Abril in Pennsylvania is now “Sexual Assault Awareness Month.”
Abril 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 | Marzo 13, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Marzo 13, 2015 – The organization charged with promoting and supporting the arts and cultures throughout Pennsylvania has picked up the fervent abilities of state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione.
Tartaglione, who has been a member of the Legislative Arts and Culture Caucus in Harrisburg, has been appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
“Pennsylvania has a global reach in the arts, and my experience working with the many high quality arts organizations and programs in Philadelphia will help me amplify the council’s great work,” Sen. Tartaglione said today.
“As Henry David Thoreau once said, ‘This world is but a canvas to our imagination.’ Pennsylvania has contributed vibrant colors and tones throughout its communities through education and investment,” Tartaglione said. “I look forward to continuing this gift.”
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is a 19-member body that works to “foster the excellence, diversity, and vitality of the arts in Pennsylvania and to broaden the availability and appreciation of those arts throughout the state.”
Tartaglione is one of four legislators on the 49-year-old panel. Fifteen other members, including three from Philadelphia, are citizens.
Among other things, the council funds grants for arts organizations, arts programming in colleges and universities, departments of government, fiscally sponsored projects, individuals, arts projects, and artist residencies in schools and community centers.
It also delivers Governor’s Awards for the Arts, folk and traditional arts apprenticeships, and professional development and outreach.
To learn more about the council, visit www.arts.pa.gov.
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Siga a la senadora Christine Tartaglione en Facebook, Twitter y a través de su sitio web.
by Christin Brown | Marzo 11, 2015 | News Releases
FILADELFIA, 11 de marzo de 2015 - Los veteranos de Pensilvania que lucharon en el Teatro del Golfo Pérsico a principios de la década de 1990 podrían recibir hasta 525 dólares al mes por su servicio si solicitan ahora una bonificación especial y única, dijo hoy la senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione.
Los pagos, a través del Departamento de Asuntos Militares y de Veteranos, son para los veteranos que estuvieron en servicio activo durante las operaciones Escudo del Desierto o Tormenta del Desierto entre el 2 de agosto de 1990 y el 31 de agosto de 1991.
La fecha límite para presentar solicitudes es el 31 de agosto.
"Ahora es el momento para nuestros valientes Pennsylvanians que fueron a Oriente Medio para aprovechar esta oferta de tiempo limitado", dijo Tartaglione. "La bonificación podría marcar la diferencia con los veteranos de la Guerra del Golfo que necesitan ayuda, y espero que ayude a todos los que merecen el dinero".
El DMVA también pide a los veteranos a los que se les haya denegado la bonificación que vuelvan a solicitarla. Se requieren nuevas solicitudes para reabrir una reclamación.
Desde el inicio del programa en 2008, unos 11.000 veteranos del Golfo Pérsico han solicitado el estipendio mensual.
La bonificación abona 75 $ al mes a los miembros del servicio activo que reúnan los requisitos necesarios, hasta un máximo de 525 $ al mes.
Para el personal cuyo fallecimiento esté relacionado con una enfermedad o lesión sufrida en acto de servicio en las operaciones Escudo del Desierto o Tormenta del Desierto, hay 5.000 dólares adicionales a disposición de la familia superviviente. Los miembros del servicio que fueron declarados prisioneros de guerra también pueden optar a 5.000 dólares adicionales.
En cada caso, el miembro del servicio debe tener:
- Sirvió en las Fuerzas Armadas de EE.UU., en un componente de reserva de las Fuerzas Armadas de EE.UU. o en la Guardia Nacional de Pensilvania,
- Prestó servicio activo en el Teatro de Operaciones del Golfo Pérsico durante el periodo comprendido entre el 2 de agosto de 1990 y el 31 de agosto de 1991, y recibió la Medalla al Servicio en el Suroeste Asiático,
- Haber residido legalmente en Pensilvania en el momento del servicio activo,
- Haber sido licenciado del servicio activo en condiciones honorables, si no está actualmente en servicio activo. Y,
- Recibió la Medalla al Servicio en el Suroeste Asiático.
Para obtener instrucciones detalladas sobre cómo presentar la solicitud, visite www.persiangulfbonus.state.pa.us.
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by Christin Brown | Marzo 10, 2015 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Marzo 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., Miércoles, Marzo 11
WHERE: Room 301-D, Morgan Hall, Temple University, 1601 N. Broad St., Philadelphia
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by Christin Brown | Marzo 4, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Marzo 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 Junio 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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