by Christin Brown | Octubre 2, 2018 | News Releases
The senator’s annual Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol will highlight ways that people with disabilities can contribute meaningfully in the workplace and beyond.
HARRISBURG, PA, Octubre 2, 2018 – The Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously adopted Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s resolution recognizing Octubre as Disability Employment Awareness Month in the Commonwealth. Tartaglione will kick off the month-long campaign tomorrow, Oct. 3, when she hosts her annual Disability Awareness Day in the Capitol’s Main Rotunda.
Pennsylvania’s observance coincides with National Disability Awareness Month and shares the same goals: to call attention to disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is America’s Workforce: Empowering All.
“Twenty-eight years ago, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities,” Tartaglione said. “Today, millions of Americans are living with disabilities, including many military veterans – and including myself. We deserve the opportunity to work productively, to support ourselves financially and to contribute to the economic prosperity of our society.”
Senator Tartaglione urged all employers, labor organizations and community groups to participate in Disability Employment Awareness Month in any number of ways. Companies or employees may hang a commemorative poster at the workplace or do something more elaborate, like implementing a disability education program. For more ideas and resources, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website here: https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam/
More disability employment resources will be available to visitors to the Capitol’s Main Rotunda this Miércoles, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., when Senator Tartaglione will host her annual Disability Awareness Day. Exhibitors will share information about assistive technologies, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, service animals and many other topics.
“Together, we can help foster a more inclusive workforce where people are recognized not for their limitations, but for their abilities,” Tartaglione said.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en [email protected].
by Christin Brown | Septiembre 24, 2018 | News Releases
The month-long national observance will continue through Octubre 15 and recognize the achievements of Hispanic Americans while celebrating their rich culture
PHILADELPHIA, PA, Septiembre 24, 2018 – The Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously adopted Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s resolution designating Hispanic Heritage Month in the Commonwealth. The commemoration began on Sept. 15 and will continue through Oct. 15. It coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States.
The commemoration recognizes the many achievements of Hispanic Americans and celebrates their rich contributions to the American melting pot. President Lyndon Johnson created Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the inaugural National Hispanic Heritage Month, starting on Sept. 15 that year. That date coincides with independence observances in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence in mid-Septiembre.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to indulge in cultural fiestas, but it’s also a wonderful educational opportunity,” Tartaglione said. “We can learn how some of the nation’s earliest settlers brought Hispanic traditions and customs to Pennsylvania during the 1400s, and how Hispanic Americans constitute the nation’s largest and fastest growing ethnic group.”
Senator Tartaglione noted the contributions of many distinguished Hispanic Americans including Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, Labor Organizer Cesar Chavez, Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Member Carlos Santana and multi-award-winning Performer Rita Moreno.
She also invited all Pennsylvanians to visit Philadelphia on Sept. 30 for the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival, a community tradition for more than 50 years.
“The Hispanic community has made a profound and positive influence on our Commonwealth through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work and service,” Tartaglione said.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en [email protected].
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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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 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.
[hdvideo id=38]
“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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por Christin Brown | 20 de febrero de 2015 | Comunicados de prensa
FILADELFIA, 20 de febrero de 2015 - La senadora Christine M. Tartaglione insta a sus electores a participar la próxima semana en la "Semana del Ahorro en Estados Unidos".
La "Semana del Ahorro en Estados Unidos" está concebida para concienciar a la gente de la necesidad de ahorrar dinero, reducir la deuda y crear riqueza, centrándose principalmente en la acción financiera: fijar objetivos, elaborar un plan y establecer ahorros e inversiones automáticos.
"Sólo la mitad de los hogares estadounidenses tiene un plan de ahorro con objetivos específicos, y sólo el 40% tiene un presupuesto que le permita ahorrar lo suficiente", dijo Tartaglione. "El estancamiento de los salarios y el prolongado desempleo y subempleo han hecho que muchos habitantes de Filadelfia tengan dificultades para ahorrar y proteger su futuro."
Un Estudio Nacional de Capacidad Financiera de 2012 mostró que el 53 por ciento de los habitantes de Pensilvania no reservan dinero para cubrir gastos en caso de emergencias.
"Un estudio tras otro nos muestra que es necesario hacer más para crear una comunidad con una mayor cultura financiera, y me enorgullece unirme a los esfuerzos del Tesoro de la AP para ayudar a arrojar luz sobre la importancia del ahorro", dijo Tartaglione.
El senador se une al Tesoro y a sus socios para ofrecer una serie de seminarios web diseñados para ayudar a la gente a crear riqueza y salir de la deuda.
Cada seminario web -presentado por un profesional financiero experimentado del sector público o privado- ofrecerá orientación sobre los retos financieros más comunes, como la elaboración de presupuestos y la creación de un plan de ahorro, la gestión de la deuda y el ahorro para la educación superior.
El calendario del seminario web es el siguiente:
- Lunes, 23 de febrero, a las 12:00 p.m. - Ahorrar para esa gran compra, presentado por Tami Noll Russo, CPA, CFP, y miembro del Instituto de CPA de Pennsylvania.
- Martes, 24 de febrero, a las 12:00 p.m. - Ahorro 101, presentado por la Asociación de Cooperativas de Crédito de Pensilvania.
- Miércoles, 25 de febrero, a las 6:00 p.m.- Ahorrar para la educación superior, presentado por el Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program.
- Jueves, 26 de febrero, a las 12:00 p.m. - Muéstrame mi dinero: Una lección sobre el ahorro y el gasto, presentado por Clarifi.
- Viernes 27 de febrero, a las 12.00 horas - Teach Children to Save, presentado por la PA Bankers Association.
Para inscribirse en la serie de seminarios web, consultar el programa completo u obtener más información sobre la "Semana del Ahorro en Estados Unidos", visite PA529.com.
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by Christin Brown | Febrero 17, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, 17 de febrero de 2015 - Debido a que es más frecuente que el cáncer de mama o cualquier otro tipo de cáncer, el estado Sens. Christine M. Tartaglione y Lisa Baker propusieron hoy una resolución designando "Día Nacional de Vestir de Rojo en Pensilvania".
El Senador Tartaglione leyó la siguiente declaración esta tarde en el pleno del Senado:
"Con demasiada frecuencia, las mujeres son las cuidadoras de sus familias. Cuidan de sus hijos, de sus cónyuges y de todos los que les rodean, pero no se cuidan a sí mismas.
"Ante un infarto, las mujeres son las últimas en recibir ayuda y las primeras en sufrir la consecuencia última... la muerte. Las cardiopatías no sólo se cobran la vida de más mujeres que hombres cada año, sino que además son las enfermedades más mortales entre las mujeres.
"Este año, el Senador Baker y yo esperamos cambiar estas probabilidades.
"Como parte de la campaña 'Go Red' de la Asociación Americana del Corazón, ofrecemos esta resolución para garantizar que las mujeres comprendan los riesgos de las enfermedades cardiacas, y animamos a todas las mujeres de este estado a ser más conscientes y proactivas en el mantenimiento de su propia salud cardiovascular.
"Pedimos a todos en el Senado que, por favor, lleven los pins rojos que la senadora Baker y yo hemos colocado en sus mesas en apoyo de esta importante causa... para que podamos continuar nuestros esfuerzos de divulgación hasta que lleguemos a cada madre, hija, hermana y amiga de la Commonwealth". "
Según el Instituto Nacional del Corazón, los Pulmones y la Sangre, es posible prevenir las cardiopatías mediante cambios en el estilo de vida, medicamentos y procedimientos médicos o quirúrgicos.
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by Christin Brown | Febrero 11, 2015 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 11, 2015 – Working with the Salvation Army and other charities to identify people who need help staying warm outside, Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione, Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Forman Mills will give out vouchers for coats, hats and scarves.
The “Giveback Giveaway” will start at 3 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 12, at the Forman Mills stores at 48th and Market streets in West Philly, and 5694 Rising Sun Ave. in Northeast Philly.
Sen. Tartaglione will be at the Rising Sun Avenue store for the voucher giveaways, which is expected to happen at approximately 5 p.m.
Media coverage is invited.
WHAT: Sen. Tartaglione to participate in Forman Mills’ “Giveback Giveaway”
WHEN: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Jueves, Feb. 12. Sen. Tartaglione expected to arrive at
4 p.m.
WHERE: Forman Mills, 5694 Rising Sun Ave., Philadelphia
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by Christin Brown | Febrero 9, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9, 2015 – Republicans and Democrats, advocacy groups and minimum wage earners filled a church near the state Capitol this afternoon to organize for a new effort to finally increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10.
“We need to help the ones who need help the most,” Sen. Tartaglione said during the kickoff to Raise the Wage PA’s minimum wage kickoff event. “Every other neighboring state believes that, and they have acted to increase their minimum wage rates to much healthier levels.
“Not only would my proposal to increase the minimum wage to $10.10 by Jan. 1 help those who need it most, it would help thousands more Pennsylvanians than any other proposal promising a token increase,” she said.
Tartaglione unveiled a five-bill proposal last month that would increase the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2016 and make the state’s tipped minimum equal 70 percent of the regular base hourly rate. After the increase to $10.10, her proposal would tie future increases to the rate of inflation.
Today’s three-hour event, organized by Raise the Wage PA, included Republican and Democratic state lawmakers, AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale, CEOs, the NAACP, PA Council of Churches, workers, officials from the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, the United Food and Commercial Workers, and others.
The group walked en masse from Grace United Methodist Church to the Capitol later in the afternoon.
“We are doing this as a group because we believe that a rising tide lifts all boats,” Tartaglione said. “We know there will soon be proposals to nominally increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage by 50 cents an hour, but we can – and should – do better than that.
“We must do what’s right for our frontline workers just our neighboring states have done what’s right for their workers.
“Study after study shows that there is more benefit than detriment following an increase in the minimum wage. Once we finally approve a $10.10 an hour minimum wage, history as a guide will prove to be right, and our workers and economies will all get a positive bounce from the fairer minimum,” the senator said.
Tartaglione’s Senate Bill 195 would increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $8.67 an hour by Julio 1 and $10.10 an hour by Jan. 1, 2016.
The tipped minimum wage, covered by Senate Bill 196, would increase from $2.83 an hour to $3.95 an hour on Julio 1, and would equal 70 percent of the regular minimum at the start of 2016.
Los otros tres proyectos de ley del paquete de salario mínimo del senador Tartaglione incluyen:
- Senate Bill 197, which would provide annual cost-of-living increases to the minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index,
- Senate Bill 198, which would modernize the state wage payment and collection law to increase recordkeeping requirements for employers and enforcement duties of the state Department of Labor & Industry. It would also allow employees to receive back wages and two times those wages in damages, and
- Senate Bill 199, which would prohibit employers from deducting bank fees or charges from employee tips when a customer pays their bill with a credit card.
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by Christin Brown | Febrero 6, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 6, 2015 — The case for aggressive action on Pennsylvania’s stagnant minimum wage was made stronger today by new economic research, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said.
Tartaglione praised the Keystone Research Center’s thorough comparison of her minimum wage bill (Senate Bill 195) and a watered-down version proposed by a Republican colleague.
“The research shows that weak action will yield weak results and that’s not what Pennsylvania’s working families need right now,” Tartaglione said. “The economic argument for restoring the buying power of the minimum wage is strong and so is public support.”
Tartaglione’s bill would raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by Jan. 1, 2016.
According to the KRC research “the proposed increase to $10.10 would benefit many more workers, provide a far bigger boost to the economy and benefit nearly three times as many adults as the lower proposed increase.”
“Measured by the positive impact on families and the economy, there’s no real comparison between these two proposals,” David Cooper, co-author of the report and senior economic analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, said. “An increase to $10.10 per hour provides a meaningful boost to Pennsylvania and Pennsylvanians. An increase to $8.75 with some youth still stuck at $7.25 does not.”
Tartaglione said the group’s work has made an already strong case for action even stronger.
“Over the next few months we’re going to be faced with a choice of whether to heed the research or listen to some tired rhetoric,” she said. “For millions of Pennsylvanians that choice is clear.
Tartaglione has introduced a sweeping series of minimum wage bills. They include:
- Senate Bill 196, would increase from $2.83 an hour to $3.95 an hour on Julio 1, and would equal 70 percent of the regular minimum at the start of 2016.
- Senate Bill 197, which would provide annual cost-of-living increases to the minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index,
- Senate Bill 198, which would modernize the state wage payment and collection law to increase recordkeeping requirements for employers and enforcement duties of the state Department of Labor & Industry. It would also allow employees to receive back wages and two times those wages in damages, and
- Senate Bill 199, which would prohibit employers from deducting bank fees or charges from employee tips when a customer pays their bill with a credit card.
The full study can be found by clicking here.
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by Christin Brown | Enero 27, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, 27 de enero de 2015 - Los trabajadores de primera línea de Pensilvania que languidecen con salarios de nivel de pobreza finalmente recibirían un pago mayor bajo la nueva legislación de salario mínimo que la senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione anunció hoy.
La propuesta de cinco proyectos de ley aumentaría el salario mínimo a $ 10.10 por hora en 2016 y hacer el mínimo del estado propina 70 por ciento de la tarifa por hora base regular. Tras el aumento a 10,10 dólares, la propuesta del senador Tartaglione vincularía los futuros aumentos a la tasa de inflación.
"Pensilvania es el único estado del noreste que no ha escuchado los gritos de decenas de miles de residentes trabajadores que están sufriendo porque los precios han aumentado pero sus cheques de pago no lo han hecho durante seis largos años", dijo Tartaglione. "Debemos aceptar exigir a las empresas que paguen a los trabajadores salarios más altos no porque otros estados lo hayan hecho; debemos aceptar más porque es lo correcto para ellos, para los contribuyentes y para la economía."
El proyecto de ley 195 del Senado, presentado por Tartaglione, 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 de 2016.
El salario mínimo por propina, contemplado en el proyecto de ley 196 del Senado, pasaría de 2,83 a 3,95 dólares la hora el 1 de julio, y equivaldría al 70% del mínimo regular a principios de 2016.
"Más de 87.000 ciudadanos de Pensilvania reciben sólo 7,25 dólares por cada 60 minutos que trabajan", dijo Tartaglione. "Para muchos trabajadores con salario mínimo es difícil comprar las cosas que venden sus empleadores porque no tienen dinero para pagar otras cosas importantes, como la electricidad".
Casi el doble de trabajadores (157.000), según el senador, perciben el salario mínimo por propina.
Los otros tres proyectos de ley del paquete de salario mínimo del senador Tartaglione incluyen:
- El proyecto de ley 197 del Senado, que prevé aumentos anuales del salario mínimo en función del 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.
Según un análisis del Wall Street Journal del pasado diciembre sobre las estadísticas federales de gasto de los consumidores entre 2007 y 2013, los estadounidenses de clase media tuvieron que ajustarse a un aumento del 24% en los costes sanitarios, un 26% más en las facturas de alquiler y un 12,5% más en alimentos.
"Por desgracia, un asalariado con salario mínimo no necesita un estudio para confirmar que casi todo para ellos cuesta demasiado dinero", dijo Tartaglione. "Necesitamos un salario mínimo más alto ahora porque el coste de no convertirlo en un requisito causará más daño".
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by Christin Brown | Enero 15, 2015 | News Releases
FILADELFIA, 15 de enero de 2015 - La senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione anunció que volverá a ocupar un influyente escaño para seguir luchando por los derechos laborales y un aumento del salario mínimo como presidenta demócrata de la Comisión de Trabajo e Industria del Senado.
"Servir como Presidente Demócrata de este importante panel asegura que miles de trabajadores de Pensilvania, incluyendo muchos que trabajan por el más bajo de los salarios, seguirán teniendo una voz en Harrisburg", dijo Tartaglione. "Tengo la esperanza de que una promesa de mayor bipartidismo y un gobernador que apoye un salario mínimo más alto se combinen con mi ferviente deseo de aumentar pronto el salario mínimo de Pensilvania".
La senadora Tartaglione dijo que presentará su nuevo paquete de propuestas sobre el salario mínimo a finales de este mes.
Además de Trabajo e Industria, el legislador de seis mandatos formará parte de los comités de Asignaciones, Banca y Seguros, Derecho y Justicia, Política y Asuntos de Veteranos y Preparación para Emergencias.
Para la sesión legislativa 2015-2016, el senador Tartaglione se ha comprometido a centrarse en la legislación que se ocupa de la violencia armada, las personas con discapacidad y la entrega de beneficios cardíacos y pulmonares a los paramédicos.
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by Christin Brown | Enero 6, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBRUG, Jan. 6, 2015 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today took the oath of office today for her sixth term in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and promised to continue her fight for better policies that promote economic development, raise the minimum wage, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
“Many of Pennsylvania’s neighboring states increased their minimum wage rates Jan. 1, which means we now are the only ones paying substandard, poverty-level stipends,” Tartaglione said following her oath of office.
“I am looking forward to working with the newly elected Republican leadership in the Senate and Gov. Tom Wolf to make sure Pennsylvania finally increases the minimum wage this year,” she said.
Tartaglione – who was accompanied by her mother, Margaret Tartaglione – joined other Senate Democrats in the swearing-in ceremony who were newly elected or re-elected in the Noviembre General Election.
“Many elected officials today said they are promising to work openly and together to solve Pennsylvania’s problems and improve life in this great state for everyone. I am encouraged by this and pledge to work at least as cooperatively,” Tartaglione said.
This is the beginning of Tartaglione’s sixth term in the Senate. She was first elected to the chamber in 1995.
For the 2015-2016 legislative session, Sen. Tartaglione has agreed to co-sponsor bills dealing with gun violence, people with disabilities, credit card deductions for tipped wage earners, and delivering heart and lung benefits to paramedics.
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by Christin Brown | Diciembre 18, 2014 | News Releases
FILADELFIA, 18 de diciembre de 2014 - Un grupo de Pensilvania que trabaja para mejorar la vida de las personas con discapacidades del desarrollo celebrará cuatro reuniones el próximo mes, incluyendo una en Norristown, para evaluar cómo puede orientar mejor la financiación bajo un nuevo programa de subvenciones, dijo hoy la senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione.
El Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Pensilvania también busca propuestas para su Programa de Subvenciones Grassroots.
"Esta es una gran oportunidad para los grupos y empresas que trabajan con los residentes de Pensilvania que tienen discapacidades del desarrollo para proporcionar información y obtener financiación para sus ideas", dijo Tartaglione. "Los habitantes de Filadelfia con discapacidades del desarrollo recibirán ayuda si trabajamos juntos para marcar la diferencia".
Las cuatro reuniones de enero -denominadas "conversaciones"- se celebrarán el 12 de enero en Pittsburgh; el 21 de enero en Camp Hill; el 22 de enero en Montgomery County Behavioral Health, 1430 DeKalb St., Norristown; y el 23 de enero durante un seminario web/conferencia telefónica a escala estatal (1-866-210-1669, código de participante 3478987#).
Las Subvenciones Grassroots de hasta 10.000 dólares están diseñadas para apoyar proyectos a corto plazo de hasta 18 meses.
Los solicitantes deben estar preparados para presentar una breve declaración en la que expliquen: quiénes son, el problema que intentan resolver, cómo intentan resolver el problema y cómo se relaciona su propuesta con la misión del consejo.
El plazo de presentación de solicitudes finaliza a las 15.00 horas del 11 de febrero.
"Las próximas conversaciones son necesarias e importantes", dijo Tartaglione. "Cualquier persona con un interés en proporcionar un futuro mejor para los residentes de Pennsylvania con discapacidades del desarrollo deben participar y solicitar financiación."
Para más información, visite el sitio web del consejo en www.paddc.org o póngase en contacto con David Golin en el 717-772-4127 o en [email protected].
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Siga a la senadora Christine Tartaglione en Facebook y en su sitio web.
by Christin Brown | Diciembre 3, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 3, 2014 – As the Corbett administration continued its subterfuge during its final mid-year budget briefing, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today said Pennsylvania would generate new revenue if it finally approved a minimum wage increase.
“Other state economies that are doing a better job recovering from the recession have one thing in common,” Tartaglione said. “They have increased their minimum wage rates.
“Raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from its poverty-level $7.25 an hour to at least $10.10 an hour by 2016 will not completely close Gov. Corbett’s new $2 billion deficit, nor will it completely change the opinion of those who set our credit rating. It also will not make paying for basic education a more equitable system.
“Raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage will, however, help employers keep and hire more productive workers. It will put more money in workers’ pockets and it will deliver more income tax revenue for the Corbett-decimated economy,” the senator said.
No proposal to increase the minimum wage was voted out of committee during the 2013-2014 legislative session, including Sen. Tartaglione’s proposals to incrementally increase the base hourly rate from $7.25 to $10.10 by 2016 and to make the tipped minimum wage 70 percent of the regular minimum.
Tartaglione said she will re-introduce proposals to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage when the legislature opens its new session in Enero.
“We need a higher minimum wage because Pennsylvania workers need it to survive and to be less dependent on social services,” Tartaglione said.
Ten states and Washington D.C. increased their minimum wage rates in 2014, including Delaware and Maryland.
Minimum wages will increase in nine states Jan. 1, including in New Jersey and Ohio.
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Siga a la senadora Christine Tartaglione en Facebook y en su sitio web.
by Christin Brown | Noviembre 6, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6, 2014 – To help keep heaters working and the lights on through winter, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today said the time is now for low-income residents in her district to apply for the popular Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; better known as LIHEAP.
The application window for federally funded LIHEAP grants will stay open through the beginning of Abril.
“LIHEAP will help people pay for emergency repairs they didn’t budget for,” Tartaglione said. “Whether it’s a frozen pipe or the threatened termination of electrical service, LIHEAP’s crisis grants can help people who need help to get through the winter.”
The energy assistance program delivered grants totaling $14.3 million last winter.
If needed, LIHEAP can provide a cash grant of up to $1,000 per customer. The grants are directly paid to a utility or other vendor, like PECO. Grants can cover payments to get service restored. The maximum grant funding for emergencies is $500.
Annual household income limits apply. A one-person household must not earn more than $17,505 while an eight-person household can earn a maximum annual stipend of $60,135. Add $6,090 for each additional person.
“My office can help residents apply for the LIHEAP program if they have questions or concerns,” the senator said.
Either of Tartaglione’s district offices can provide applications. Questions may be asked by calling her Bridge Street office, 215-533-0440, or her Susquehanna Avenue office, 215-291-4653.
The LIHEAP application is also available online.
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Siga a la senadora Christine Tartaglione en Facebook y en su sitio web.
by Christin Brown | Octubre 21, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 21, 2014 – The nation’s oldest, private psychiatric hospital will be able to preserve a tract of land near Tacony Park, thanks to a $ 150,000 state grant secured today by state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione.
The Natural Lands Trust will use the money from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to preserve the property around Friends Hospital.
That tract includes a trail that is part of the Fairmount Park System.
“This important investment will help the trust place a conservation easement on this historic piece of land so that it, and the trail, continue as a great place for people to get outside, be healthy and enjoy nature,” Tartaglione said. “It will also help to build a new trail on the other side of Tacony Creek.”
Friends Hospital was founded by the Quakers in 1813 with the mission of treating “every person … with dignity, respect and equality.”
The Commonwealth Financing Authority is an independent agency of the commonwealth that is designed to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments.
CFA’s next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14 in Harrisburg.
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Siga a la senadora Christine Tartaglione en Facebook y en su sitio web.
by Christin Brown | Octubre 20, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 20, 2014 – Wissinoming Park will offer many new features to summertime visitors now that a $ 300,000 state grant has been awarded to help pay for their construction, Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today.
Wissinoming is getting a Community Conservation Partnerships Grant for the project. It’s one of 219 awarded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The total value of all grants is $33 million.
“Many outdoor spaces throughout the commonwealth will benefit from these new investments, but I am particularly happy that Wissinoming Park will get this money to convert the park into a new destination for outdoor enthusiasts,” Tartaglione said.
“Because we live in an urban setting, it is important that we continue to invest in our green spaces. Wissinoming Park is a vital part of the 2nd Senatorial District and the project promises to transform the space into a better experience once the improvements are finished,” she said.
A new spray park, playground equipment and a picnic grove will be added with the $300,000 grant.
Tartaglione said Wissinoming will also get improved ADA access, walkways, landscaping and signage.
DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Grant program is administered by its Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to provide financial assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts and other non-profits for planning, acquisition and development of park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects.
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Siga a la senadora Christine Tartaglione en Facebook y en su sitio web.
by Christin Brown | Octubre 15, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 15, 2014 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today helped to quash a backdoor attempt to weaken unions by joining a bipartisan push to defeat an amendment that would have prohibited employers from automatically deducting membership dues from a worker’s paycheck.
Called “paycheck protection” by proponents, Tartaglione said the proposal, introduced by Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) as an amendment to a bill designed to help children with food allergies, was not democratic.
“The only thing Sen. Wagner’s amendment would do is eliminate unions’ abilities to choose who they want to represent them in government,” Tartaglione said. “It would eliminate the voices of the men and women who work hard day-in and day-out to put food on the table for their families, just because they belong to a union.
“Union members can already decide whether or not they want to contribute to union political spending. The law protects them if they choose not to contribute. And, she said, for every hour worked by a teacher, the money they earn for that work is no longer the state’s money; it is the employee’s.
“So, I ask you: why do we call this measure ‘paycheck protection?’” she said on the Senate floor.
Tartaglione added that voting in favor of the Wagner amendment would have handed control of the commonwealth to corporations “and their one-sided political agendas.”
The Senate voted 28 to 20 to defeat the freshman Republican’s proposal.
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Siga a la senadora Christine Tartaglione en Facebook y en su sitio web.
by Christin Brown | Octubre 7, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 7, 2014 – State lawmakers and Capitol visitors had the opportunity today to experience how people live with disabilities during Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s annual Disability Awareness Day.
People without disabilities were able to experience “blindness” or what it is like to move around in a wheelchair during the three-hour event.
“I present this important day because personal experiences can have a bigger impact on our decision makers,” Tartaglione said. “People with disabilities face real challenges many times a day, all of the time. Experiencing what they experience helps us as a commonwealth improve services and be more thoughtful when budgeting decisions need to be made.”
Wheelchairs, walkers, vision-distorting goggles, magnifiers, arm restraints and noise-canceling headphones helped volunteers simulate life with a disability.
Informational hand-outs and service dog demonstrations emphasized the available services that make a difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians who do live with disabilities every day.
The following organizations participated today in the senator’s Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol:
- PA Initiative on Assistive Technology at the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
- Hospital de Rehabilitación Magee
- PA Statewide Independent Living Council
- PA Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services
- Susquehanna Service Dogs
- UniqueSource
- United Cerebral Palsy of Central PA
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Siga a la senadora Christine Tartaglione en Facebook y en su sitio web.
by Christin Brown | Octubre 6, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 6, 2014 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione is urging the administration of Gov. Tom Corbett to finally take immediate action to improve Pennsylvania’s website for job seekers.
In a letter to state Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway, the senator said the administration must stop importing postings from websites such as Craigslist to ensure salacious job “opportunities” like exotic dancers and casting couch openings are filtered out.
“It is critical that the department address the overarching problems with this site, so that individuals are able to find quality, family-sustaining jobs with ease,” Sen. Tartaglione wrote in her Oct. 2 letter. “As such, I am requesting the department develop and communicate a plan to improve the job component which includes encouraging or requiring all employers in the commonwealth to make use of this website.”
Tartaglione’s letter is here:
Octubre 2, 2014
The Honorable Julia Hearthway
Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
1713 Labor & Industry Building
651 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Dear Secretary Hearthway:
The purpose of this letter is to discuss the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Job Gateway website. On numerous occasions, my staff and I have communicated our concerns regarding the accessibility of the site and the quality of the jobs posted on it. It is critical that the department address the overarching problems with this site, so that individuals are able to find quality, family-sustaining jobs with ease. As such, I am requesting the department develop and communicate a plan to improve the job component which includes encouraging or requiring all employers in the commonwealth to make use of this website.
Currently, as you know, all unemployed persons in the commonwealth are required to register with and use Job Gateway in order to receive unemployment compensation benefits in the state. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find legitimate employment through Job Gateway in its present form, as the site, as demonstrated by recent media accounts, is clouded with unverified positions from unregistered employers. For this reason, I previously requested the department no longer post unregistered employers and unverified jobs on its site, and I asked the department to undertake efforts to increase the number of registered employers. To address these issues, I would like to suggest that the department to stop including sites that are unprofessional in nature, such as Craig’s List, in the Job Spidering used by Job Gateway. Only websites that are strictly designed for employment purposes, and that offer sustainable wages, should be utilized for the department’s job portal. If this website is truly for the good of the commonwealth, I think you will agree these conditions are in the best interests of all persons seeking employment in Pennsylvania.
At this time, please consider incorporating the above-requested changes into its Job Gateway site. I look forward to discussing this matter further with you. In the meantime, should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (717)787-1141.
Sincerely,
Christine M. Tartaglione
Senador del Estado
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Siga a la senadora Christine Tartaglione en Facebook y en su sitio web.
by Christin Brown | Septiembre 29, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 29, 2014 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione, advocates and members of Raise the Wage PA today marched to Gov. Tom Corbett’s office here to finally urge his endorsement of legislation that would increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.
Raise the Wage PA’s “statewide action day” featured similar rallies in nine other cities.
Sen. Tartaglione’s Senate Bill 1300 would incrementally increase the commonwealth’s minimum from $7.25 to $10.10. Her companion proposal, Senate Bill 1099, would increase the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular base hourly rate.
“We continue our fight because Pennsylvania is falling behind dozens of other states that have already agreed that raising the minimum wage is the right thing to do,” Tartaglione said today. “Our front-line workers have not been able to sustain themselves on $7.25 an hour for years.
“Mandating that they receive a fairer $10.10 an hour would be good for them and it would be good for their employers and their communities. Most studies show that a more livable minimum wage will help more than it will hurt,” she said.
Gov. Corbett and leading Republican lawmakers have so far refused to consider her proposals and those presented by other House and Senate members.
Meanwhile, 10 states and Washington D.C. raised their minimum wage rates this year to bring the total count of states with higher base hourly wages to 23 plus D.C.
As Tartaglione and Raise the Wage PA were marching today from Fergie’s Pub to the governor’s office, rallies in support of a higher minimum wage were happening – or had happened – in Allentown, Altoona, Erie, Harrisburg, Media, Morrisville, Pittsburgh, Reading and York.
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Siga a la senadora Christine Tartaglione en Facebook y en su sitio web.
by Christin Brown | Septiembre 23, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Sept. 23, 2014 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today stood with advocates and fellow state lawmakers as they called for immediate action to expand Pennsylvania’s hate crimes statute to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens.
“We cannot sit idly as people attack our relatives and neighbors because they disagree with their sexual orientation,” Tartaglione said. “Too many people are being attacked and/or killed because of these hate crimes. We must do more. We need to bring them under this protective umbrella.”
The General Assembly’s Equality Caucus, Equality PA and many advocates rallied in the Capitol this morning to urge the adoption of Senate Bill 42 and House Bill 177 and expand the state’s hate crimes law.
Specifically, the legislation would extend Title 18 language under the ethnic intimidation clause of Chapter 27 to include ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity.
“We urged the adoption of these bills today because we are outraged by the Sept. 11 attack in Philly of two gay men,” Tartaglione said. “But we are as equally outraged by all of the hateful attacks against the LGBT community, and we can no longer just talk about doing something.
“We need the Republican-controlled committees that are holding SB 42 and HB 177 to bring them up for a vote, move them to their respective floors, and finally deliver.”
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by Christin Brown | Septiembre 18, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 18, 2014 – Hundreds of 2nd Senatorial District residents learned about beneficial services and vital information today during the second of state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s three senior expos.
Attendees also had the opportunity to have free vision, blood pressure and prescription drug screenings and reviews during the event, which was held at the Philadelphia Protestant Home.
“So many services exist in Pennsylvania that can dramatically improve the golden years for our older relatives and neighbors,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “Bringing so many organizations together in one place shows how dramatic the breadth of public support really is.
“I’ve planned three senior expos this year because I want everyone in my district who is older than 50 to know that help is available.”
Tartaglione’s first expo happened Sept. 11 at the Mayfair Community Center on St. Vincent Street. Her next expo, set for Oct. 16, will take place at Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, 1100 E. Erie Ave.
People who attended today’s event received free tote bags and boxed lunches.
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Siga a la senadora Christine Tartaglione en Facebook y en su sitio web.
Editor’s Note: The following vendors attended Sen. Tartaglione’s senior expo:
AARP: Medicare Supplement
AARP: Pennsylvania
Aetna Better Health CHIP
Always Best Care Senior Services
Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired
BenePhilly
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Cigna-Health Spring (Bravo)
Coalition Against Hunger
Delaware Valley Cremation Service
Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services
Dr. Donna Skerry
Ema Care Pharmacy
Eye Care Vision
Foot Comfort Center
Gateway Health Plan
Gateway Funding
Golden Times
Greater Philadelphia Health Action Inc.
Health Partners Plans
Heron Companions
Independence Blue Cross
Independence CHIP
Isabelle Neris Consultant
Jewish Relief Agency
Keystone VIP Choice
Legal Clinic For the Disabled
Marilyn Burstin
Mental Health Association of SEPA-Successful Aging Taskforce
Nazareth Hospital
New Courtland
PA Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection
PA Housing Finance Agency
PA Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)
PA Office of Consumer Advocate
PA Public Utility Commission
Policía Estatal de PA
PACE
PECO Smart Ideas
Peter Bressi Northeast Senior Center
PhilAbundance
Philadelphia Police Department: 2nd District
Philadelphia City Commissioners Office
Philadelphia City Controller
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Philadelphia Fire Department (SAPFA)
Philadelphia Gas Works
Philadelphia Police Department Special Victis Unit
Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office
Philadelphia Streets Department:Traffic
Philadelphia Water Revenue
Philadelphia Water Department
Register of Wills
Rhawnhurst NORC
Rite Aid
Senior Care Max
State Representative Cohen
Tax Consultant Financial Services
Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)
Temple Ready Care
Temple University School of Pharmacy
Washington Savings Bank
