by Christin Brown | October 25, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – October 25, 2016 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said that an amendment was approved by the Senate today that would aid seasonal/cyclical workers who were negatively impacted by a change in the unemployment compensation (UC) law adopted four years ago.
The amended legislation (House Bill 319) is expected to be considered for final passage in the Senate tomorrow.
“It is imperative that we restore unemployment compensation eligibility for seasonal and cyclical workers who were disadvantaged by the law,” Tartaglione said. “Far too many workers were negatively impacted and this needs to be rectified as soon as possible.”
Tartaglione said the legislation was amended to reduce the percentage of income earned outside an employee’s high quarter in order to be eligible for unemployment compensation benefits.
The formula was changed four years ago by Act 60. Under that law, a worker earning less than 49.5 percent of income in the three quarters outside the high quarter was ineligible for UC benefits. The legislation reduces the percentage to 37 percent and restores it to the previous rate.
Tartaglione said the change is estimated to benefit 44,000 workers. She said many of the workers are in the building trades who became victims of the unintended consequences of the change.
“Families were needlessly impacted and lives disturbed,” Tartaglione said. “Seasonal and cyclical workers were being penalized through no fault of their own.”
Tartaglione, who serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, was involved in negotiating the legislative language to help the workers, in addition to other provisions in the legislation.
She said that she was pleased with the bipartisan work that went into developing the amendment and thanked the chair of the committee, Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) for her assistance.
The amendment includes a number of other UC provisions including an increase in the reserve, a modification of the benefit rate, amnesty and anti-fraud provisions and solvency trigger changes that are intended to preserve the integrity of the UC Trust Fund.
The amendment was approved on a 39-9 vote.
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by Christin Brown | October 14, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – October 14, 2016 – A $2 million state grant was approved for Nueva Esperanza, Inc. to renovate and build on its campus in North Philadelphia, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today.
“This grant is excellent news,” Tartaglione said. “The funding will allow renovations to occur and new construction to take place at the campus.”
Tartaglione said that the state grant will address various needs on Esperanza’s 7-acre campus. The project includes the addition of a middle school gym, theatre and removal of a blighted building.
“The grant will address immediate needs and bolster the quality of the physical plant at Esperanza,” Tartaglione said. “The facility’s footprint will change as a result of the removal of the blighted building which will open up more parking and landscaping at the site.”
Tartaglione said the grant was approved through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). RACP grants can be used for acquisition and construction of economic development projects in a number of categories including cultural, civic, recreation and historical.
“I am very pleased that the governor has released funding for this important project” Tartaglione said. “The ability to access state funds for critical local projects is essential to transforming communities and expanding services.”
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by Christin Brown | October 12, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Oct. 12, 2016 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today reminded seniors that she is hosting two Senior Expos in Philadelphia in October.
“The Senior Expos provide very valuable information,” Tartaglione said. “There will be free health screenings and representatives of various agencies will be on hand to answer questions and help seniors navigate government programs.”
The first expo is being held on Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Mayfair Recreation Center, 2900 St. Vincent Street in Philadelphia. The Senior Expo begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m.
Tartaglione’s second Senior Expo in October is scheduled for Oct. 27 at Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, 1100 East Erie Avenue beginning at 10 a.m..
“It is important for seniors and their caregivers to have access to crucial programs and services that aid seniors,” Tartaglione said. “Senior expos are an excellent way to open lines of communication and gain insight into how various programs can be helpful.”
Tartaglione said that all seniors and primary caregivers are invited to attend.
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by Christin Brown | September 28, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg − Sept. 28, 2016 − State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today presented a copy of a Senate resolution declaring Sept. 10, 2016 as “World Suicide Prevention Day” to a group of advocates and families in the Capitol Rotunda.
Sen. Tartaglione at the “World Suicide Prevention Day” event in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.
“The goal in declaring ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ and presenting a copy of the resolution to advocates and families is to raise awareness about how suicides are a major health concern,” Tartaglione said. “The hope is that we can save lives by calling attention to this very difficult issue.”
Tartaglione said that each year on Sept. 10 the International Association for Suicide Prevention and World Health Organization (WHO) observe “World Suicide Prevention Day.”
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. There are about 800,000 people who die from suicide every year, according to WHO. Suicide survivors are 25 times more likely to commit suicide in the future.
“Heightened awareness about suicides may result in a friend in distress going to see a mental health professional for treatment,” Tartaglione said.
On behalf of Gov. Tom Wolf, Tartaglione also presented a gubernatorial proclamation to the advocates and families.
Tartaglione’s legislation, Senate Resolution 425, was approved by the full Senate on Sept. 26.
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by Christin Brown | September 26, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg − Sept. 26, 2016 − Legislation designed to preserve a fund that aids in the processing, administration and adjudication of unemployment claims has cleared the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, according to the bill’s sponsor state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia).
“The Service and Infrastructure Fund was created to help process unemployment compensation claims, remove backlogs and make the system more efficient,” Tartaglione said. “Unemployed workers should be assured that their claims are handled quickly and that the benefits they are due will be promptly disbursed.”
Tartaglione said that her legislation (Senate Bill 1335) would extend the fund until 2020. The fund was created in 2013 to address system backlogs and make improvements in claim processing. Funds can be also be used for staff and employee training, information technology and other improvements.
“The fund was created to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the unemployment claims processing system,” Tartaglione said. “My legislation would ensure that resources will continue to be available.”
The legislation requires Labor and Industry to report yearly to the General Assembly on the status of the fund. The amount in the fund may not exceed $200 million.
Unemployment Compensation provides 26 weeks of benefits for those who lose a job through no fault of their own.
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by Christin Brown | September 14, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg, Sept. 14, 2016 − State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) announced today that her office will be hosting a Mobile District Office each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CORA, 8540 Verree Road in Philadelphia.
“My staff will be available every Thursday at CORA to process PennDOT forms, free senior SEPTA passes, Property Tax and Rent Rebate applications and help resolve problems and issues involving state government,” Tartaglione said.
The senator said that the staff can also address PECO and PGW questions, unemployment compensation problems and public assistance inquiries among other concerns.
“Finding ways to bring the services of my office into various communities throughout the district improves an individual’s access to important state and local programs and services,” Tartaglione said.
If local residents have questions about the Mobile District Office at CORA they can call Gizela Burnside at (215) 533-0400 or email at [email protected].
Tartaglione said that if residents are unable to visit during mobile district office hours, they can call her permanent district offices in Philadelphia. She has a district office at 1061 Bridge Street that is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that can be reached by phone at (215) 533-0440. Another office is located 2301 Front Street, which is also open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The telephone number for the Front Street office is (215) 291-4653.
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by Christin Brown | June 29, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – June 29, 2016 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today that increased investments in basic and higher education were critical aspects of the state spending plan that was approved by the Senate today.
The legislation – Senate Bill 1073 – represents a $31.53 billion General Fund budget proposal. The measure passed the Senate 47 to 3. Tartaglione supported the proposal.
The revised budget proposal now returns to the state House for consideration.
Tartaglione’s comments about the passage of the state spending plan follow:
“There are significant fiscal challenges this year and revenues are scarce, so it is important to recognize the new investments in education. The state spending plan includes $250 million more for basic education, special education, Pre-K and Head Start and increases funding for higher education.
“The state budget plan that passed the Senate today stretched dollars to cover increased mandated expenses such as debt service payments, pension costs and corrections. The plan helps maintain human services initiatives and social safety net programs.
“I am pleased that this budget invests more in education and provides additional resources for schools.”
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by Christin Brown | June 22, 2016 | News Releases
June 22, 2016 – State Senate Democratic Whip Anthony H. Williams (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) today said that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) has been devastated by recurring state budget cuts and that the state spending plan now under consideration needs to address agency funding shortfalls.
“The PHRC has an incredibly important job to do and it cannot function properly if its funding is slashed year in and year out,” Williams said today.
Williams was joined at a news conference at the Capitol by his Democratic colleague from Philadelphia Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), Senate Democratic leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Democratic Appropriations Chair Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) other Democratic senators and advocates.
“The agency’s ability to ensure that civil rights protections are upheld has been compromised by chronic underfunding,” Tartaglione said. “We are here to request that additional funds be included in the appropriation for the commission so it has the resources to do its important work.”
The state appropriation for the PHRC has fallen from $10.6 million in 2008 to $8.7 million last year. The total agency budget was reduced from $14.1 million to $10 million over the same time span.
“Incredibly, at a time when we should be doing more to protect civil rights, the agency dedicated to this purpose has had to dramatically cut staff and is under pressure to close cases without proper investigation,” Williams said.
The lawmakers are seeking an additional $2 million in state funding in this budget to bolster operations at the PHRC.
“I am pleased that my Senate Democratic colleagues and those representatives that have been touched by the work of the PHRC have come out today to support the call for more funding,” Williams said. “It is important that those of us who are committed to preserving this agency as a protector of civil rights stay united and put pressure on budget negotiators.”
Williams said that staffing at the commission is at a crisis point. According to the senator, the historical complement of investigators and professional staff has been just under 200 employees. Today, there are only 76 investigators and professionals to handle the agency’s responsibilities.
“Values like equality, service, integrity, excellence and teamwork were once associated with the commission and its operations,” Williams said. “The PHRC was once recognized as a preeminent protector of civil rights.
“We can get the agency back to that position of being a nationally-recognized leader, but it has to be funded properly.”
The call for more funding and for making systemic repairs at the commission follows media reports about upheaval at the agency over the last several years. Allegations of long-time staff being forced out, hostile working conditions and discriminatory hiring practices have been cited in news reports.
The operations of the commission were recently examined at a Senate State Government Committee hearing requested by Williams earlier this month.
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by Christin Brown | June 17, 2016 | News Releases
Casey, Brady, Evans, Carrelli attend demonstration, discussion
Philadelphia – June 17, 2016 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) employed a demonstration of ReWalk — a motorized exoskeleton suit that allows patients with lower limb paralysis to stand and walk – to detail her vision for a clinic to address specific rehabilitation needs of veterans.
“There are so many veterans who might be helped by this technology and other robotic rehabilitative technologies offered by MossRehab and other facilities,” Tartaglione said. “By working together, we can put a new clinic together that will prove beneficial for veterans and change lives.”
Tartaglione demonstrated the suit for U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (D-Phila.), state Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Phila.) and Acting Adjutant Gen. Anthony Carrelli at MossRehab in Elkins Park. Following the demonstration, Tartaglione detailed her plan for the clinic.
“Our men and women in uniform have made tremendous sacrifices for their country, giving what President Lincoln called the ‘last full measure of devotion,'” Casey said. “This state-of-the-art technology will change lives, and help in the rehabilitation needs of our nation’s veterans. I am grateful for Senator Tartaglione’s hard work and determination in improving the lives of our veterans and all persons with disabilities.”
“I thank both Senator Tartaglione for her continuing advocacy and Moss Rehabilitation for its commitment to utilizing the newest technology on behalf of our wounded hero men and women veterans,” Brady said.
“Given the extraordinary sacrifice by those in the military and the need for exceptional rehabilitation facilities for veterans, I felt it was important to detail how a clinic featuring technologies like those at MossRehab can assist veterans,” Tartaglione said.
Tartaglione is seeking federal and state assistance in constructing the clinic. Tartaglione’s idea was supported by officials at MossRehab.
“MossRehab commends Senator Tartaglione’s vision and commitment to the rehabilitation needs of our veterans,” said Thomas Smith, Assistant Vice President of Rehabilitation. “The application of state-of-the-art technology by our clinical experts with a caring personal touch allows MossRehab to further our mission of enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities.”
The senator said she knows from first-hand experience that rehabilitation is incredibly difficult and frustrating, but through the efforts of specialists employing new technologies veterans can receive life-changing services.
“We at MossRehab are thrilled with Senator Tartaglione’s progress and the increasing walking ability, endurance and gains in joint motion she has made by using ReWalk,” said Dr. Alberto Esquenazi, John Otto Haas Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at MossRehab. “Her efforts and determination, combined with staff expertise and advanced technology at MossRehab make this improvement possible.”
Tartaglione said that while it may be challenging to try and address the funding needs associated with the establishment of a clinic to aid veterans, it is worth the effort because of the benefits for veterans.
“Veterans made the sacrifice for us and we need to come through for them when they return with medical issues that requires intensive rehabilitation,” Tartaglione said.
The lawmaker said that it will take a significant effort to educate her colleagues at the state level about the necessity of the clinic and was hoping that the demonstration and discussion with Sen. Casey, Reps. Brady and Evans and Gen. Carrelli will spur federal action.
“I can’t thank Senator Casey, Representative Brady, state Representative Evans and General Carrelli enough for their interest in learning more about the technology and my vision for a clinic to aid veterans,” Tartaglione said.
Tartaglione said she will seek state funding for the clinic in the state budget.
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by Christin Brown | June 14, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – June 14, 2016 – A grant of $80,877 has been awarded to the Norris Square Senior Community Center, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today.
“Grants for senior centers help bolster activities and provide critical assistance to seniors in Philadelphia and the surrounding region,” Tartaglione said. “The funding approved today for the Norris Square Senior Community Center will help the center continue providing invaluable service to the area.”
According to the Department of Aging, 43 senior centers from around the state will share in $2 million in grant funding in this round.
The funding helps advance programming for seniors. It also enables senior centers to complete critical projects, improve technology, recruit new members and meet the needs of area seniors. Grants enhance social and recreational activities while providing a safe community meeting place, Tartaglione said.
“The grants are resources that can be used to help seniors stay involved in the community,” Tartaglione said.
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by Christin Brown | June 2, 2016 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, June 2, 2016 − State Sens. Christine M. Tartaglione and Shirley M. Kitchen today joined Gov. Tom Wolf for a tour of one of the nation’s leading research centers investigating the causes of drug addiction.
The Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), at Temple University’s Lewis J. Katz School of Medicine, brings together dozens of experts from across Temple campuses to carry out interdisciplinary research to understand the biological basis of drug addiction and other effects of addictive drugs that result in altered states of biological function.
“As we face an opioid overdose epidemic in Pennsylvania, we are fortunate to have the substantial resources of Temple University to approach the problem at the most fundamental level,” Tartaglione said. “It’s inspiring to be in the midst of incredibly talented people doing incredibly important work.”
CSAR recently received a $1 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to develop and implement an educational program called SEADAP (Science Education Against Drug Abuse Partnership) to teach students in grades 6 through 12 about how commonly abused drugs work in the brain to produce addiction.
“While we face this very serious challenge in our community, it’s encouraging to see that we have the tools here that can lead to success,” said Kitchen, who, for years, has worked closely with the recovery community. “We have the talent right here in North Philadelphia that can help transform lives across Pennsylvania.”
The senators joined the governor on a tour of Temple research facilities and took part in a roundtable discussion about the intersection of academic research and public policy.
After the tour, Wolf, who has made mitigating the opioid crisis a priority for his administration, said the facility is “bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and drug addiction.”
“The challenge is how we take the good research that’s going on here and turn it into good public policy,” he said.
Kitchen and Tartaglione recently announced support for a legislative package intended to address the opioid addiction crisis from prevention through recovery. To read details of that effort, click here.
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by Christin Brown | May 17, 2016 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, May 17, 2016 – Promising to “fight tooth and nail” to ensure the state funding of a special group that helps people with disabilities pay for technology that helps improve their quality of life, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione today rallied in support of the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation.
“I know the work the foundation does,” Sen. Tartaglione said during a Capitol press conference. “For me to get a shower? It’s important. For me to get in and out of my house? It’s important. To have independence and freedom and dignity is important to me.
“I know the loans that you make go a long way. I’m going to fight tooth and nail to make sure we can get every bit of funding that we can.”
About 13 years ago, Tartaglione was in a boating accident.
“My life changed in a heartbeat,” she said.
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation issued its 2015-’16 annual report today.
PATF officials said they are able to leverage a small amount of public funding into a large number of loans. The repayment of loans from past borrowers also provides funding for future borrowers.
The foundation is a non-profit organization, based in King of Prussia, whose mission is to provide education and financing opportunities for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians so they can buy assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives.
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by Christin Brown | May 10, 2016 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, May 10, 2016 – State Sens. Christine Tartaglione today won approval of a resolution marking May as “Older Americans Month” in Pennsylvania.
“When we think about our future, it is important to think about the past and the hard work of those that came before us,” Tartaglione said this afternoon on the floor of the Senate. “The efforts of those older Americans have made our lives and dreams possible.
“I feel that it is our duty to recognize all the individuals that have gone before us that have paved the way for our future. We, as a nation, owe all older Americans a few moments of our time, and pay them the respect that they deserve.
“We must focus on how older adults in our community are leading and inspiring others, how we can support and learn from them, and how we might follow their examples to blaze trails of our own.
“And, we must demonstrate our appreciation for them, so that they know how important their past contributions are and how much their wisdom and knowledge continues to inspire us,” the senator said.
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by czsmith | April 5, 2016 | News Releases
by Christin Brown | April 4, 2016 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, April 4, 2016 – State Sens. Christine Tartaglione and Rob Teplitz today won approval of a resolution marking April as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.
Sen. Tartaglione said increasing awareness is vital because 20 percent of women and one-in-33 men will experience sexual assault sometime during their lifetimes.
“The more we talk about sexual assault and the more educated people become about sexual assault, the better chance we have of preventing it,” Tartaglione said during floor remarks today. “And yet, the majority of sexual assaults are never reported to the police. We need to act to stop the violence now.”
Tartaglione said about 63 percent of sexual assault victims do not tell police about the crime committed against them.
“By teaching people how to recognize the signs of sexual abuse and what to do when someone is assaulted and abused. Every one of us can make a difference in someone’s life,” she said.
Sen. Tartaglione also applauded the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, a Harrisburg-based advocacy group that works to stop sexual assault and defend the rights of victims, for its work. On its website, PCAR defines sexual violence as “any type of unwanted sexual contact, ranging from sexist attitudes and actions to rape and murder.”
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by Christin Brown | March 1, 2016 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, March 1, 2016 – With the promise of economic renewal and 140 new jobs in a North Philadelphia community that is part of her district, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione today helped to break ground for an 85,000-square-foot retail facility.
Tartaglione’s efforts secured a $2.5 million low-interest loan from the Commonwealth Finance Authority for the Plaza Allegheny project.
“Plaza Allegheny will help the residents of Fairhill in countless ways,” Tartaglione said. “People will find jobs; more people will come here to shop and spend their money, which benefits the local economy; and we are converting an underutilized property into productive use.
“My thanks to the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the City of Philadelphia, Mayor Jim Kenney, Legend Properties and others for their time and dedication in making this day a reality.”
Sen. Tartaglione said Plaza Allegheny has received the full support of area union members who have been involved in the project planning discussions and will serve an integral role during construction.
Plaza Allegheny is at 400 W. Allegheny Ave., across from the Maria De Los Santos Health Center.
In addition to the low-interest CFA loan, the Plaza Allegheny project secured $13.64 million in matching funds.
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Contact: Mark Shade
Phone: 717-787-9220
[email protected]
by Christin Brown | February 10, 2016 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 10, 2016 – As state budget negotiators struggle to find new sources of revenue, Sen. Christine Tartaglione told a Capitol rally today that a $10.10 minimum wage would generate millions in new state income and save the commonwealth millions more.
“Paying people a fair wage of not less than $10.10 per hour reaps huge benefits for this commonwealth and all of the families who live here,” Tartaglione, the state’s leading minimum wage advocate in the General Assembly, said. “It’s a very common-sense approach to a very large and expanding problem we face here in Harrisburg.
“There would be a $121.5 million increase in state income and sales taxes and a shift of $104 million in Medicaid payments from the state to the federal government
“These changes would go a long way in a budget environment like ours.”
The Philadelphia Democrat proposed Senate Bill 195 this session to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10. Her Senate Bill 196 would raise the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular rate.
“It’s long past time that Pennsylvania raises its minimum wage to compete with all of our surrounding states,” Sen. Tartaglione said during the Raise The Wage PA-organized rally. “The time is now to enact this common sense legislation.”
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by Christin Brown | February 9, 2016 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9, 2016 – Despite the financial challenges facing Pennsylvania due to Republican intransigence, the commonwealth’s leading advocate for a fairer minimum wage said she is pleased that Gov. Tom Wolf is calling for a $10.15 base hourly rate.
“The tunnel vision that has led Pennsylvania to a fiscal cliff has also prevented our frontline workers from receiving a pay raise for the past seven years,” Sen. Christine Tartaglione said following the governor’s annual budget address today.
“But $10.15 an hour is the best indication that our fight for a fair minimum wage will continue in earnest.”
Sen. Tartaglione led the charge to get Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $7.15 an hour in 2006. The state’s base hourly pay rate ticked up to its current level, $7.25 an hour, when the federal government approved that wage in 2009.
The Philadelphia Democrat’s current legislation, Senate Bill 195, move Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10. Her Senate Bill 196 would hike the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular rate (or $3.95 an hour, based on a $10.10 minimum wage).
“More than a million workers will get a pay raise, countless employers will have more focused employees, and government subsidies will fall when the Republican leadership gets out of the way and finally allows a vote on proposals to increase the minimum wage,” Tartaglione said. “These increases are overdue. We must make this a priority.”
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Contact: Mark Shade
[email protected]
by Christin Brown | January 27, 2016 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Jan. 27, 2016 – To bring greater awareness to certain health risks facing women, state Sens. Christine M. Tartaglione and Lisa Baker today dressed in red and ushered a resolution marking Feb. 5 as “National Wear Red Day” in Pennsylvania.
“Women are the caretakers in their families. They take care of their children, spouses and everyone around them. Unfortunately, they don’t take care of themselves,” Tartaglione said during floor remarks.
“Not only does heart disease claim the lives of more women than men each year but one women is killed every 80 seconds by cardiovascular disease, making it the most deadly of all diseases among women.”
Still, Sen. Tartaglione said just one-in-five American women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat.
The “Go Red For Women” campaign is designed to inspire women to make lifestyle changes, mobilize communities, and shape policies to save lives, the senator said.
“As part of the American Heart Association’s ‘Go Red Campaign,’ we are offering this resolution to ensure women understand the risks of heart disease. And, we are encouraging every female in this state to become more aware and proactive in maintaining their own cardiovascular health,” Sen. Tartaglione said.
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by Christin Brown | December 8, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Dec. 8, 2015 – Cutting edge robotic assistive technology designed to help people walk again gained an audience of leading state lawmakers today when Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione, representatives from the technology’s developer, and officials from Einstein Health Network’s MossRehab showcased the device.
The technology, Re-Walk, is a motorized exoskeleton that is helping people with paralysis to stand up, walk and regain a better quality of life. MossRehab’s Dr. Alberto Esquenazi has been working with Sen. Tartaglione and others with spinal injuries to use Re-Walk.
“Re-Walk has given me hope that I will one day be able to walk with its help,” Tartaglione said during the special demonstration. “I believe it will help many other people, too; especially members of our military who have been relegated to a wheelchair after suffering paralysis in battle.”
Sen. Tartaglione has practiced with Re-Walk but she did not demonstrate the technology today due to an ankle injury she suffered earlier this year.
“I am envisioning the day when I walk onto the Senate floor myself with the help of Re-Walk,” she said. “It’s also clear to me that this wonderful devise will return many Pennsylvanians to a way of life that is more familiar and independent.”
Re-Walk is an FDA-approved technology that can be used at home or work by individuals. It is also being used at rehabilitation facilities, like MossRehab.
According to its developers, Re-Walk is designed for “all-day walking” and even helps users go up and down stairs.
Sen. Randy Vulakovich (R-Allegheny) participated in today’s event.
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Contact: Mark Shade
[email protected]
by Christin Brown | October 28, 2015 | News Releases
Harrisburg – October 28, 2015 – At the request of state Sen. Vince Hughes (D-Phila.), the Senate Democratic Policy Committee today held a hearing on the devastating impact that the state’s 120-day budget impasse is having on schools across the state.
“While many of the budget dispute points remain unresolved, what is clear is that the consequences of this impasse are far-reaching,” said Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton), who chairs the committee. “This hearing gives lawmakers a sense of how schools are handling the funding shortfall, and what problems they’ll face if this stalemate continues to drag on.”
Hughes added, “A growing number of schools have been cornered into borrowing money and taking out credit lines just to keep their doors open. Hopefully, this hearing’s focus on this worsening statewide financial crisis will encourage greater urgency, cooperation and compromise in the ongoing budget negotiations.”
During the hearing, state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale testified that at least 27 school districts have taken out loans totaling more than $431 million. He projected that interest payments will total $30 million if the stalemate reaches mid-November.
Those who testified decried how the impasse has harmed students, depleted reserves and how taxpayers will be needlessly saddled with paying the interest on the growing number of loans and credit lines that schools are obtaining to keep their doors open.
Erie Public Schools Superintendent Jay Badams lamented that his district will need to borrow $30 million just to get through January.
“That’s $114,000 in wasted interest money that could have been used for so many badly needed educational expenses,” Badams said.
Dr. Joseph Roy, who serves as superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District in Northampton County, added that “choices at the state level continue to hammer school districts.” He said the diversion of funds to charter and cyber schools and a “punitive” approach to public education has blown up school expenditures.
Dr. Rula Skezas, who serves as superintendent of the McKeesport Area School District in Allegheny County, noted that even if the district receives its proposed funding it would still fall short of what it received during the 2011 school year. She said McKeesport has taken out a $5 million line of credit to make it to December. She said the district has already eliminated 110 staff positions to try and make ends meet.
Hughes, who serves as Democratic chair of the Appropriations Committee, said public, charter and private schools are already reeling from years of being underfunded. He noted that the Philadelphia School District has already borrowed $275 million during the impasse. Fran Burns, who serves as chief operating officer for the School District of Philadelphia, testified that the district has struggled to contend with a “structural deficit.”
Lamenting the impact on local working families who fund schools through property taxes, Boscola pointed toward an educational survey conducted earlier this year showing that nearly 75 percent of districts were planning to impose property tax hikes, 30 percent were planning on making additional program cuts, and 41 percent were making more staff cuts. She said the state has withheld approximately $3 billion in school funds since the budget impasse began in July.
Joining Boscola and Hughes at the Capitol committee hearing were Senators John Blake (D-Lackawanna), Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny), Andrew Dinniman (D-Montgomery), Christine Tartaglione (D-Phila.) and Sean Wiley (D-Erie),
Those testifying included:
- The Honorable Eugene DePasquale
Pennsylvania Auditor General
- Fran Burns
Chief Operating Officer, School District of Philadelphia
- Joseph Gorham
Superintendent of Schools, Carbondale Area School District
- Dr. Joseph Roy
Superintendent of Schools, Bethlehem Area School District
- Dr. Jay D. Badams
Superintendent, Erie Public Schools
- Dr. Rula S. Skezas
Superintendent, McKeesport Area School District
- Marjorie Neff
Chair, School Reform Commission
- Anthony Pirrello
CEO, Montessori Regional Charter School of Erie, and Vice President of Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools
- Matt Przywara
Member, PASBO
Chief Financial and Operations Officer, School District of Lancaster
- Bill LaCoff
President, Pennsylvania School Boards Association
- Susan Gobreski
Education Voters of Pennsylvania
- Dr. Pearl English
School Nurse, School District of Philadelphia
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by Christin Brown | October 21, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21, 2015 – Following up on her promise to force a vote on her bill to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today submitted her discharge petition on Senate Bill 195.
Tartaglione said she planned to introduce the petition during a Sept. 30 press conference. However, she delayed that course of action after Republican lawmakers said they would work with her on the bill.
“But there has been no alternative solution, and there has been little movement since then,” Tartaglione said today. “So, today, I told the full Senate I am formally submitting my discharge petition on my Senate Bill 195 to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10.”
The discharge petition gives the Senate 10 legislative days to consider Sen. Tartaglione’s request. SB 195 has been in the Senate Labor & Industry Committee since Jan. 28.
“We must, as a body, act on this proposal now. We must, for the wellbeing of Pennsylvania businesses and workers and taxpayers, act on this proposal now. We’ve waited too long,” Tartaglione said. “Pennsylvania is becoming third world while our neighbors and many other states move to raise hourly compensation to more appropriate levels.”
Of the Northeast U.S. states with a minimum wage, Pennsylvania’s base hourly rate of $7.25 is the lowest paid to hourly workers.
Maryland’s minimum wage is $8.25 and is set to increase in stages to $10.10 by July 2018. New Jersey’s minimum wage is $8.38 but it is now indexed to the Consumer Price Index. New York’s base hourly rate is $8.75 and is going to $9 at the end of this year, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo is fighting for a $15 minimum. Ohio is paying $8.10 an hour and will pay more when the CPI is adjusted. West Virginia’s $8 minimum wage is set to hit $8.75 after Christmas. Finally, Delaware is paying $8.25.
“Do not let calamity-howling executives who make $10,000 a day tell you that a wage of $404 a week is going to hurt their bottom lines. It’s time to help Pennsylvania workers get a raise,” the senator said as she formally submitted her discharge petition.
Twenty-nine states and Washington D.C. pay more than the Pennsylvania/federal minimum of $7.25.
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by Christin Brown | October 20, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 20, 2015 – With some lawmakers wearing vision-distortion glasses and others using a wheelchair or a walker for the first time, decision-makers got the chance during state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s “Disabilities Day at the Capitol” to experience life as a person with disabilities.
The senator also won unanimous approval of a resolution making October “National Disability Employment Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.
“We should be reminded that advancements in the cause of employment for the handicapped have required the sacrifice of generations of workers and their supporters,” Tartaglione said this afternoon during Senate floor remarks.
“While highlighting the importance of work in maintaining strong families and communities, we acknowledge those individuals who have overcome challenges to fulfill their career ambitions,” she said.
During the lawmaker’s “Disabilities Day” expo, where lawmakers could experience life as a person with disabilities, representatives from L&I Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia, PA Statewide Independent Living Council, Penn State University Extension, PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Susquehanna Service Dogs, Self Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania, UniqueSource, and United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania helped to drive home an important message.
“They are an example of the hundreds of support organizations across Pennsylvania that, everyday, help to make employment possible for people with disabilities and possible is the world to remember what’s necessary and good,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “We must encourage Pennsylvania’s labor force and its industries to create better strategies to work together in hiring, training and retaining our friends, neighbors and loved ones with disabilities.”
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by Christin Brown | October 19, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 19, 2015 – Despite inroads in breast cancer research, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today said more needs to be done, and she urged the Pennsylvania Senate to approve her resolution making October “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” and Oct. 16 “National Mammography Day.”
The Senate approved Sen. Tartaglione’s resolution.
“Unfortunately, funding for research has stayed flat for the past 10 years and that translates into real-dollar funding cuts of 25 percent,” Tartaglione said during floor remarks. “So, I stand before you today in an effort to continue raising awareness and working to reduce its prevalence. “
Even though many women diagnosed with breast cancer have a 100 percent survival rate if their disease is diagnosed early, Tartaglione said there are too many women who fail to take action to get that diagnosis.
To help improve the rate of mammography, Tartaglione said part of her resolution is to make Oct. 16 “National Mammography Day” in Pennsylvania.
“In honor of the individuals who have lost their battles with breast cancer; for those who are currently living with it; for those who have survived it; for those who are impatient to find a cure; and, for all of their family members and friends, I offer this resolution recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 16 as National Mammography Day,” Sen. Tartaglione said.
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by Christin Brown | October 19, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 19, 2015 – To help decision makers better understand the needs of Pennsylvanians with disabilities, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione will once again hold her “Disabilities Day at the Capitol.”
“I hold Disabilities Day to help people with disabilities find gainful employment, and to help employers without those same disabilities better understand what it’s like to have them,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “It also serves a good purpose by educating employers about the things they can do to help workers with disabilities be as productive as they expect.”
Joining the senator during her annual awareness event will be L&I Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia, PA Statewide Independent Living Council, Penn State University Extension, PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Susquehanna Service Dogs, Self Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania, UniqueSource, and United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania.
Media coverage is encouraged.
WHAT: Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s annual “Disabilities Day at the Capitol”
WHEN: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20
WHERE: Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg
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