by Christin Brown | February 20, 2015 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 20, 2015 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione is urging her constituents to participate next week in “America Saves Week.”
“America Saves Week” is designed to increase awareness of the need for people to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth with a primary focus on financial action: setting goals, making a plan, and setting up automatic savings and investments.
“Only half of American households have a savings plan with specific goals, and only 40 percent have a budget that allows for sufficient savings,” Tartaglione said. “Stagnant wages and prolonged unemployment and underemployment have meant that many Philadelphians are struggling to save and protect their futures.”
A 2012 National Financial Capability Study showed that 53 percent of Pennsylvanians are not setting aside money to cover expenses in case of emergencies.
“Study after study shows us that more needs to be done to create a more financially literate community, and I am proud to join the PA Treasury’s efforts to help shine a light on the importance of saving,” Tartaglione said.
The senator is joining with Treasury and its partners to offer a series of webinars designed to help people build wealth and get out of debt.
Each webinar – presented by an experienced financial professional from the public or private sector – will provide guidance on common financial challenges such as how to budget and create a plan to save, manage debt, and save for higher education.
The webinar schedule is as follows:
- Monday, Feb. 23, at 12:00 p.m. – Saving for That Big Purchase, presented by Tami Noll Russo, CPA, CFP, and member of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs.
- Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 12:00 p.m. – Savings 101, presented by the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association.
- Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 6:00 p.m. – Saving for Higher Education, presented by the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program.
- Thursday, Feb. 26, at 12:00 p.m. – Show Me My Money: A Lesson on Saving and Spending, presented by Clarifi.
- Friday, Feb. 27, at 12:00 p.m. – Teach Children to Save, presented by the PA Bankers Association.
To register for the webinar series, see a complete schedule, or learn more about “America Saves Week,” visit PA529.com.
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by Christin Brown | February 17, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 17, 2015 – Because it’s more prevalent than breast cancer or any other type of cancer, state Sens. Christine M. Tartaglione and Lisa Baker today proposed a resolution designating “National Wear Red Day in Pennsylvania.”
Sen. Tartaglione read the following statement this evening on the floor of the Senate:
“Too often, women are the caretakers in their families. They take care of their children, spouses and everyone around them, but they don’t take care of themselves.
“When faced with a heart attack, women are the last to get help and the first to suffer the ultimate consequence … death. Not only does heart disease claim the lives of more women than men each year, but it also is the most deadly of all diseases among women.
“This year, Sen. Baker and I hope to change these odds.
“As part of the American Heart Association’s ‘Go Red Campaign,’ we are offering this resolution to ensure women understand the risks of heart disease, and we are encouraging every female in this state to become more aware and proactive in maintaining their own cardiovascular health.
“We are asking everyone in the Senate to please wear the red pins Sen. Baker and I have placed on their desks in support of this important cause … so that we may continue our outreach efforts until we reach every mother, daughter, sister and friend in the commonwealth. “
According to the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, preventing heart disease is possible through lifestyle changes, medicines, and medical or surgical procedures.
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by Christin Brown | February 11, 2015 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 11, 2015 – Working with the Salvation Army and other charities to identify people who need help staying warm outside, Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione, Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Forman Mills will give out vouchers for coats, hats and scarves.
The “Giveback Giveaway” will start at 3 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 12, at the Forman Mills stores at 48th and Market streets in West Philly, and 5694 Rising Sun Ave. in Northeast Philly.
Sen. Tartaglione will be at the Rising Sun Avenue store for the voucher giveaways, which is expected to happen at approximately 5 p.m.
Media coverage is invited.
WHAT: Sen. Tartaglione to participate in Forman Mills’ “Giveback Giveaway”
WHEN: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12. Sen. Tartaglione expected to arrive at
4 p.m.
WHERE: Forman Mills, 5694 Rising Sun Ave., Philadelphia
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by Christin Brown | February 9, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9, 2015 – Republicans and Democrats, advocacy groups and minimum wage earners filled a church near the state Capitol this afternoon to organize for a new effort to finally increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10.
“We need to help the ones who need help the most,” Sen. Tartaglione said during the kickoff to Raise the Wage PA’s minimum wage kickoff event. “Every other neighboring state believes that, and they have acted to increase their minimum wage rates to much healthier levels.
“Not only would my proposal to increase the minimum wage to $10.10 by Jan. 1 help those who need it most, it would help thousands more Pennsylvanians than any other proposal promising a token increase,” she said.
Tartaglione unveiled a five-bill proposal last month that would increase the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2016 and make the state’s tipped minimum equal 70 percent of the regular base hourly rate. After the increase to $10.10, her proposal would tie future increases to the rate of inflation.
Today’s three-hour event, organized by Raise the Wage PA, included Republican and Democratic state lawmakers, AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale, CEOs, the NAACP, PA Council of Churches, workers, officials from the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, the United Food and Commercial Workers, and others.
The group walked en masse from Grace United Methodist Church to the Capitol later in the afternoon.
“We are doing this as a group because we believe that a rising tide lifts all boats,” Tartaglione said. “We know there will soon be proposals to nominally increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage by 50 cents an hour, but we can – and should – do better than that.
“We must do what’s right for our frontline workers just our neighboring states have done what’s right for their workers.
“Study after study shows that there is more benefit than detriment following an increase in the minimum wage. Once we finally approve a $10.10 an hour minimum wage, history as a guide will prove to be right, and our workers and economies will all get a positive bounce from the fairer minimum,” the senator said.
Tartaglione’s Senate Bill 195 would increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $8.67 an hour by July 1 and $10.10 an hour by Jan. 1, 2016.
The tipped minimum wage, covered by Senate Bill 196, would increase from $2.83 an hour to $3.95 an hour on July 1, and would equal 70 percent of the regular minimum at the start of 2016.
The other three bills in Sen. Tartaglione’s minimum wage package include:
- Senate Bill 197, which would provide annual cost-of-living increases to the minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index,
- Senate Bill 198, which would modernize the state wage payment and collection law to increase recordkeeping requirements for employers and enforcement duties of the state Department of Labor & Industry. It would also allow employees to receive back wages and two times those wages in damages, and
- Senate Bill 199, which would prohibit employers from deducting bank fees or charges from employee tips when a customer pays their bill with a credit card.
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by Christin Brown | February 6, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 6, 2015 — The case for aggressive action on Pennsylvania’s stagnant minimum wage was made stronger today by new economic research, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said.
Tartaglione praised the Keystone Research Center’s thorough comparison of her minimum wage bill (Senate Bill 195) and a watered-down version proposed by a Republican colleague.
“The research shows that weak action will yield weak results and that’s not what Pennsylvania’s working families need right now,” Tartaglione said. “The economic argument for restoring the buying power of the minimum wage is strong and so is public support.”
Tartaglione’s bill would raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by Jan. 1, 2016.
According to the KRC research “the proposed increase to $10.10 would benefit many more workers, provide a far bigger boost to the economy and benefit nearly three times as many adults as the lower proposed increase.”
“Measured by the positive impact on families and the economy, there’s no real comparison between these two proposals,” David Cooper, co-author of the report and senior economic analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, said. “An increase to $10.10 per hour provides a meaningful boost to Pennsylvania and Pennsylvanians. An increase to $8.75 with some youth still stuck at $7.25 does not.”
Tartaglione said the group’s work has made an already strong case for action even stronger.
“Over the next few months we’re going to be faced with a choice of whether to heed the research or listen to some tired rhetoric,” she said. “For millions of Pennsylvanians that choice is clear.
Tartaglione has introduced a sweeping series of minimum wage bills. They include:
- Senate Bill 196, would increase from $2.83 an hour to $3.95 an hour on July 1, and would equal 70 percent of the regular minimum at the start of 2016.
- Senate Bill 197, which would provide annual cost-of-living increases to the minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index,
- Senate Bill 198, which would modernize the state wage payment and collection law to increase recordkeeping requirements for employers and enforcement duties of the state Department of Labor & Industry. It would also allow employees to receive back wages and two times those wages in damages, and
- Senate Bill 199, which would prohibit employers from deducting bank fees or charges from employee tips when a customer pays their bill with a credit card.
The full study can be found by clicking here.
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by Christin Brown | January 27, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Jan. 27, 2015 – Pennsylvania’s frontline workers who are languishing with poverty-level wages would finally be paid more under new minimum wage legislation that state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione announced today.
The five-bill proposal would increase the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2016 and make the state’s tipped minimum 70 percent of the regular base hourly rate. After the increase to $10.10, Sen. Tartaglione’s proposal would tie future increases to the rate of inflation.
“Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast that has not listened to the cries of tens of thousands of hardworking residents who are suffering because prices have increased but their paychecks have not for six long years,” Tartaglione said. “We must agree to require businesses to pay workers higher wages not because other states have done it; we must agree to more because it is the right thing to do for them, for taxpayers, and the economy.”
Tartaglione’s Senate Bill 195 would increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $8.67 an hour by July 1 and $10.10 an hour by Jan. 1, 2016.
The tipped minimum wage, covered by Senate Bill 196, would increase from $2.83 an hour to $3.95 an hour on July 1, and would equal 70 percent of the regular minimum at the start of 2016.
“More than 87,000 Pennsylvanians receive just $7.25 for each 60 minutes they work,” Tartaglione said. “It’s hard for many minimum wage workers to buy the things their employers are selling because they don’t have the money to pay for other important things, like electricity.”
Nearly twice as many workers (157,000), the senator said, receive the tipped minimum wage.
The other three bills in Sen. Tartaglione’s minimum wage package include:
- Senate Bill 197, which would provide annual cost-of-living increases to the minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index,
- Senate Bill 198, which would modernize the state wage payment and collection law to increase recordkeeping requirements for employers and enforcement duties of the state Department of Labor & Industry. It would also allow employees to receive back wages and two times those wages in damages, and
- Senate Bill 199, which would prohibit employers from deducting bank fees or charges from employee tips when a customer pays their bill with a credit card.
According to a Wall Street Journal analysis last December of federal consumer spending statistics between 2007 and 2013, middle class Americans had to adjust for a 24-percent increase in healthcare costs, 26-percent higher rent bills and 12.5 percent more for food.
“Unfortunately, a minimum wage earner doesn’t need a study to confirm that most everything for them costs too much money,” Tartaglione said. “We need a higher minimum wage now because the cost of not making this a requirement will cause more harm.”
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by Christin Brown | January 15, 2015 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 15, 2015 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione announced that she will once again hold an influential seat to continue fighting for labor rights and an increase in the minimum wage as the Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.
“Serving as the Democratic Chair of this important panel ensures that thousands of working Pennsylvanians, including many who work for the lowest of wages, will continue to have a voice in Harrisburg,” Tartaglione said. “I am hopeful that a pledge of greater bipartisanship and a governor who supports a higher minimum wage will combine with my fervent desire to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage soon.”
Sen. Tartaglione said she will introduce her new minimum wage package of proposals later this month.
In addition to Labor and Industry, the six-term lawmaker will serve on Appropriations, Banking and Insurance, Law and Justice, Policy, and the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees.
For the 2015-2016 legislative session, Sen. Tartaglione has committed to focus on legislation dealing with gun violence, people with disabilities and delivering heart and lung benefits to paramedics.
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by Christin Brown | January 6, 2015 | News Releases
HARRISBRUG, Jan. 6, 2015 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today took the oath of office today for her sixth term in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and promised to continue her fight for better policies that promote economic development, raise the minimum wage, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
“Many of Pennsylvania’s neighboring states increased their minimum wage rates Jan. 1, which means we now are the only ones paying substandard, poverty-level stipends,” Tartaglione said following her oath of office.
“I am looking forward to working with the newly elected Republican leadership in the Senate and Gov. Tom Wolf to make sure Pennsylvania finally increases the minimum wage this year,” she said.
Tartaglione – who was accompanied by her mother, Margaret Tartaglione – joined other Senate Democrats in the swearing-in ceremony who were newly elected or re-elected in the November General Election.
“Many elected officials today said they are promising to work openly and together to solve Pennsylvania’s problems and improve life in this great state for everyone. I am encouraged by this and pledge to work at least as cooperatively,” Tartaglione said.
This is the beginning of Tartaglione’s sixth term in the Senate. She was first elected to the chamber in 1995.
For the 2015-2016 legislative session, Sen. Tartaglione has agreed to co-sponsor bills dealing with gun violence, people with disabilities, credit card deductions for tipped wage earners, and delivering heart and lung benefits to paramedics.
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by Christin Brown | December 18, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 18, 2014 – A Pennsylvania group that works to improve life for people with developmental disabilities will hold four meetings next month, including one in Norristown, to gage how it can best target funding under a new grant program, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today.
The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council is also seeking proposals for its Grassroots Grants Program.
“This is a great opportunity for groups and businesses that work with Pennsylvanians who have developmental disabilities to provide input and get funding for their ideas,” Tartaglione said. “Philadelphians with developmental disabilities will be helped if we work together to make a difference.”
January’s four meetings – called “conversations” – will be held Jan. 12 in Pittsburgh; Jan. 21 in Camp Hill; Jan. 22 at Montgomery County Behavioral Health, 1430 DeKalb St., Norristown; and Jan. 23 during a statewide webinar/conference call (1-866-210-1669, participant code 3478987#).
Grassroots Grants of as much as $10,000 are designed to support short-term projects of up to 18 months.
Applicants should be prepared to provide a brief statement explaining: who they are, the problem they are trying to address, how they are trying to address the problem, and how their proposal relates to the council’s mission.
The deadline for applications is 3 p.m., Feb. 11.
“The upcoming conversations are necessary and important,” Tartaglione said. “Anyone with a stake in providing a better future for Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities should participate and apply for funding.”
For more information, visit the council’s website at www.paddc.org or contact David Golin at 717-772-4127 or [email protected].
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by Christin Brown | December 3, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 3, 2014 – As the Corbett administration continued its subterfuge during its final mid-year budget briefing, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today said Pennsylvania would generate new revenue if it finally approved a minimum wage increase.
“Other state economies that are doing a better job recovering from the recession have one thing in common,” Tartaglione said. “They have increased their minimum wage rates.
“Raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from its poverty-level $7.25 an hour to at least $10.10 an hour by 2016 will not completely close Gov. Corbett’s new $2 billion deficit, nor will it completely change the opinion of those who set our credit rating. It also will not make paying for basic education a more equitable system.
“Raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage will, however, help employers keep and hire more productive workers. It will put more money in workers’ pockets and it will deliver more income tax revenue for the Corbett-decimated economy,” the senator said.
No proposal to increase the minimum wage was voted out of committee during the 2013-2014 legislative session, including Sen. Tartaglione’s proposals to incrementally increase the base hourly rate from $7.25 to $10.10 by 2016 and to make the tipped minimum wage 70 percent of the regular minimum.
Tartaglione said she will re-introduce proposals to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage when the legislature opens its new session in January.
“We need a higher minimum wage because Pennsylvania workers need it to survive and to be less dependent on social services,” Tartaglione said.
Ten states and Washington D.C. increased their minimum wage rates in 2014, including Delaware and Maryland.
Minimum wages will increase in nine states Jan. 1, including in New Jersey and Ohio.
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by Christin Brown | November 6, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6, 2014 – To help keep heaters working and the lights on through winter, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today said the time is now for low-income residents in her district to apply for the popular Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; better known as LIHEAP.
The application window for federally funded LIHEAP grants will stay open through the beginning of April.
“LIHEAP will help people pay for emergency repairs they didn’t budget for,” Tartaglione said. “Whether it’s a frozen pipe or the threatened termination of electrical service, LIHEAP’s crisis grants can help people who need help to get through the winter.”
The energy assistance program delivered grants totaling $14.3 million last winter.
If needed, LIHEAP can provide a cash grant of up to $1,000 per customer. The grants are directly paid to a utility or other vendor, like PECO. Grants can cover payments to get service restored. The maximum grant funding for emergencies is $500.
Annual household income limits apply. A one-person household must not earn more than $17,505 while an eight-person household can earn a maximum annual stipend of $60,135. Add $6,090 for each additional person.
“My office can help residents apply for the LIHEAP program if they have questions or concerns,” the senator said.
Either of Tartaglione’s district offices can provide applications. Questions may be asked by calling her Bridge Street office, 215-533-0440, or her Susquehanna Avenue office, 215-291-4653.
The LIHEAP application is also available online.
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by Christin Brown | October 21, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 21, 2014 – The nation’s oldest, private psychiatric hospital will be able to preserve a tract of land near Tacony Park, thanks to a $ 150,000 state grant secured today by state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione.
The Natural Lands Trust will use the money from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to preserve the property around Friends Hospital.
That tract includes a trail that is part of the Fairmount Park System.
“This important investment will help the trust place a conservation easement on this historic piece of land so that it, and the trail, continue as a great place for people to get outside, be healthy and enjoy nature,” Tartaglione said. “It will also help to build a new trail on the other side of Tacony Creek.”
Friends Hospital was founded by the Quakers in 1813 with the mission of treating “every person … with dignity, respect and equality.”
The Commonwealth Financing Authority is an independent agency of the commonwealth that is designed to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments.
CFA’s next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14 in Harrisburg.
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by Christin Brown | October 20, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 20, 2014 – Wissinoming Park will offer many new features to summertime visitors now that a $ 300,000 state grant has been awarded to help pay for their construction, Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today.
Wissinoming is getting a Community Conservation Partnerships Grant for the project. It’s one of 219 awarded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The total value of all grants is $33 million.
“Many outdoor spaces throughout the commonwealth will benefit from these new investments, but I am particularly happy that Wissinoming Park will get this money to convert the park into a new destination for outdoor enthusiasts,” Tartaglione said.
“Because we live in an urban setting, it is important that we continue to invest in our green spaces. Wissinoming Park is a vital part of the 2nd Senatorial District and the project promises to transform the space into a better experience once the improvements are finished,” she said.
A new spray park, playground equipment and a picnic grove will be added with the $300,000 grant.
Tartaglione said Wissinoming will also get improved ADA access, walkways, landscaping and signage.
DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Grant program is administered by its Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to provide financial assistance to local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts and other non-profits for planning, acquisition and development of park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects.
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by Christin Brown | October 15, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 15, 2014 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today helped to quash a backdoor attempt to weaken unions by joining a bipartisan push to defeat an amendment that would have prohibited employers from automatically deducting membership dues from a worker’s paycheck.
Called “paycheck protection” by proponents, Tartaglione said the proposal, introduced by Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) as an amendment to a bill designed to help children with food allergies, was not democratic.
“The only thing Sen. Wagner’s amendment would do is eliminate unions’ abilities to choose who they want to represent them in government,” Tartaglione said. “It would eliminate the voices of the men and women who work hard day-in and day-out to put food on the table for their families, just because they belong to a union.
“Union members can already decide whether or not they want to contribute to union political spending. The law protects them if they choose not to contribute. And, she said, for every hour worked by a teacher, the money they earn for that work is no longer the state’s money; it is the employee’s.
“So, I ask you: why do we call this measure ‘paycheck protection?’” she said on the Senate floor.
Tartaglione added that voting in favor of the Wagner amendment would have handed control of the commonwealth to corporations “and their one-sided political agendas.”
The Senate voted 28 to 20 to defeat the freshman Republican’s proposal.
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by Christin Brown | October 7, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 7, 2014 – State lawmakers and Capitol visitors had the opportunity today to experience how people live with disabilities during Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s annual Disability Awareness Day.
People without disabilities were able to experience “blindness” or what it is like to move around in a wheelchair during the three-hour event.
“I present this important day because personal experiences can have a bigger impact on our decision makers,” Tartaglione said. “People with disabilities face real challenges many times a day, all of the time. Experiencing what they experience helps us as a commonwealth improve services and be more thoughtful when budgeting decisions need to be made.”
Wheelchairs, walkers, vision-distorting goggles, magnifiers, arm restraints and noise-canceling headphones helped volunteers simulate life with a disability.
Informational hand-outs and service dog demonstrations emphasized the available services that make a difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians who do live with disabilities every day.
The following organizations participated today in the senator’s Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol:
- PA Initiative on Assistive Technology at the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
- Magee Rehabilitation Hospital
- PA Statewide Independent Living Council
- PA Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services
- Susquehanna Service Dogs
- UniqueSource
- United Cerebral Palsy of Central PA
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by Christin Brown | October 6, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Oct. 6, 2014 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione is urging the administration of Gov. Tom Corbett to finally take immediate action to improve Pennsylvania’s website for job seekers.
In a letter to state Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway, the senator said the administration must stop importing postings from websites such as Craigslist to ensure salacious job “opportunities” like exotic dancers and casting couch openings are filtered out.
“It is critical that the department address the overarching problems with this site, so that individuals are able to find quality, family-sustaining jobs with ease,” Sen. Tartaglione wrote in her Oct. 2 letter. “As such, I am requesting the department develop and communicate a plan to improve the job component which includes encouraging or requiring all employers in the commonwealth to make use of this website.”
Tartaglione’s letter is here:
October 2, 2014
The Honorable Julia Hearthway
Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
1713 Labor & Industry Building
651 Boas Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Dear Secretary Hearthway:
The purpose of this letter is to discuss the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Job Gateway website. On numerous occasions, my staff and I have communicated our concerns regarding the accessibility of the site and the quality of the jobs posted on it. It is critical that the department address the overarching problems with this site, so that individuals are able to find quality, family-sustaining jobs with ease. As such, I am requesting the department develop and communicate a plan to improve the job component which includes encouraging or requiring all employers in the commonwealth to make use of this website.
Currently, as you know, all unemployed persons in the commonwealth are required to register with and use Job Gateway in order to receive unemployment compensation benefits in the state. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find legitimate employment through Job Gateway in its present form, as the site, as demonstrated by recent media accounts, is clouded with unverified positions from unregistered employers. For this reason, I previously requested the department no longer post unregistered employers and unverified jobs on its site, and I asked the department to undertake efforts to increase the number of registered employers. To address these issues, I would like to suggest that the department to stop including sites that are unprofessional in nature, such as Craig’s List, in the Job Spidering used by Job Gateway. Only websites that are strictly designed for employment purposes, and that offer sustainable wages, should be utilized for the department’s job portal. If this website is truly for the good of the commonwealth, I think you will agree these conditions are in the best interests of all persons seeking employment in Pennsylvania.
At this time, please consider incorporating the above-requested changes into its Job Gateway site. I look forward to discussing this matter further with you. In the meantime, should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (717)787-1141.
Sincerely,
Christine M. Tartaglione
State Senator
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by Christin Brown | September 29, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 29, 2014 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione, advocates and members of Raise the Wage PA today marched to Gov. Tom Corbett’s office here to finally urge his endorsement of legislation that would increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour.
Raise the Wage PA’s “statewide action day” featured similar rallies in nine other cities.
Sen. Tartaglione’s Senate Bill 1300 would incrementally increase the commonwealth’s minimum from $7.25 to $10.10. Her companion proposal, Senate Bill 1099, would increase the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular base hourly rate.
“We continue our fight because Pennsylvania is falling behind dozens of other states that have already agreed that raising the minimum wage is the right thing to do,” Tartaglione said today. “Our front-line workers have not been able to sustain themselves on $7.25 an hour for years.
“Mandating that they receive a fairer $10.10 an hour would be good for them and it would be good for their employers and their communities. Most studies show that a more livable minimum wage will help more than it will hurt,” she said.
Gov. Corbett and leading Republican lawmakers have so far refused to consider her proposals and those presented by other House and Senate members.
Meanwhile, 10 states and Washington D.C. raised their minimum wage rates this year to bring the total count of states with higher base hourly wages to 23 plus D.C.
As Tartaglione and Raise the Wage PA were marching today from Fergie’s Pub to the governor’s office, rallies in support of a higher minimum wage were happening – or had happened – in Allentown, Altoona, Erie, Harrisburg, Media, Morrisville, Pittsburgh, Reading and York.
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by Christin Brown | September 23, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Sept. 23, 2014 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today stood with advocates and fellow state lawmakers as they called for immediate action to expand Pennsylvania’s hate crimes statute to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens.
“We cannot sit idly as people attack our relatives and neighbors because they disagree with their sexual orientation,” Tartaglione said. “Too many people are being attacked and/or killed because of these hate crimes. We must do more. We need to bring them under this protective umbrella.”
The General Assembly’s Equality Caucus, Equality PA and many advocates rallied in the Capitol this morning to urge the adoption of Senate Bill 42 and House Bill 177 and expand the state’s hate crimes law.
Specifically, the legislation would extend Title 18 language under the ethnic intimidation clause of Chapter 27 to include ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity.
“We urged the adoption of these bills today because we are outraged by the Sept. 11 attack in Philly of two gay men,” Tartaglione said. “But we are as equally outraged by all of the hateful attacks against the LGBT community, and we can no longer just talk about doing something.
“We need the Republican-controlled committees that are holding SB 42 and HB 177 to bring them up for a vote, move them to their respective floors, and finally deliver.”
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by Christin Brown | September 18, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 18, 2014 – Hundreds of 2nd Senatorial District residents learned about beneficial services and vital information today during the second of state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s three senior expos.
Attendees also had the opportunity to have free vision, blood pressure and prescription drug screenings and reviews during the event, which was held at the Philadelphia Protestant Home.
“So many services exist in Pennsylvania that can dramatically improve the golden years for our older relatives and neighbors,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “Bringing so many organizations together in one place shows how dramatic the breadth of public support really is.
“I’ve planned three senior expos this year because I want everyone in my district who is older than 50 to know that help is available.”
Tartaglione’s first expo happened Sept. 11 at the Mayfair Community Center on St. Vincent Street. Her next expo, set for Oct. 16, will take place at Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, 1100 E. Erie Ave.
People who attended today’s event received free tote bags and boxed lunches.
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Editor’s Note: The following vendors attended Sen. Tartaglione’s senior expo:
AARP: Medicare Supplement
AARP: Pennsylvania
Aetna Better Health CHIP
Always Best Care Senior Services
Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired
BenePhilly
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Cigna-Health Spring (Bravo)
Coalition Against Hunger
Delaware Valley Cremation Service
Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services
Dr. Donna Skerry
Ema Care Pharmacy
Eye Care Vision
Foot Comfort Center
Gateway Health Plan
Gateway Funding
Golden Times
Greater Philadelphia Health Action Inc.
Health Partners Plans
Heron Companions
Independence Blue Cross
Independence CHIP
Isabelle Neris Consultant
Jewish Relief Agency
Keystone VIP Choice
Legal Clinic For the Disabled
Marilyn Burstin
Mental Health Association of SEPA-Successful Aging Taskforce
Nazareth Hospital
New Courtland
PA Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection
PA Housing Finance Agency
PA Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)
PA Office of Consumer Advocate
PA Public Utility Commission
PA State Police
PACE
PECO Smart Ideas
Peter Bressi Northeast Senior Center
PhilAbundance
Philadelphia Police Department: 2nd District
Philadelphia City Commissioners Office
Philadelphia City Controller
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Philadelphia Fire Department (SAPFA)
Philadelphia Gas Works
Philadelphia Police Department Special Victis Unit
Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office
Philadelphia Streets Department:Traffic
Philadelphia Water Revenue
Philadelphia Water Department
Register of Wills
Rhawnhurst NORC
Rite Aid
Senior Care Max
State Representative Cohen
Tax Consultant Financial Services
Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)
Temple Ready Care
Temple University School of Pharmacy
Washington Savings Bank
by Christin Brown | September 9, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 9, 2014 – Fire Departments, volunteer ambulance companies and rescue squads needing financial assistance to buy equipment, make renovations or repairs to their facilities or train new members should act soon to apply for a state grant, Sen. Christine Tartaglione said today.
Pennsylvania’s “Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program” is accepting applications until Oct. 17.
“Emergency responders who dedicate their lives to protecting the lives of others can take steps to improve their services by applying for this state grant,” Tartaglione said. “With better facilities, new equipment and added training, our first responders can help to save more lives and protect more property.”
All fire departments, volunteer fire companies and volunteer rescue companies are eligible for grants of between $2,500 and $15,000. Volunteer ambulance services can receive between $2,500 and $10,000, according to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
Grants may be used to help pay to build or renovate facilities; buy or fix items that are “necessary to maintain or improve the capability of the company to provide fire, ambulance and rescue services;” buy or repair equipment; reduce debt; and train and certify members.
The application and requirements of the grant program are available on the fire commissioner’s website.
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by Christin Brown | August 21, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21, 2014 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione visited Wissinoming Park today to continue her picnic series with constituents, hand out free backpacks and school supplies to children, and experience the chilly pour of a bucket of ice to benefit the ALS Foundation.
“It’s good to be back at Wissinoming Park,” Tartaglione said. “New friendships sparked today; children received some great, free school supplies that were donated by the community and local businesses; and we all enjoyed some good food.
“Doing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was a chilling surprise, but it was an exhilarating experience – one I will never forget – and I’m glad to be a part of a national movement to help end a dastardly disease,” she said as she challenged Sens. Mike Stack, Vince Hughes and Anthony Hardy Williams to step up to the ALS plate.
Since its impromptu start last month, the Ice Bucket Challenge has generated about $42 million, according to the ALS Foundation. Compared to fundraising efforts during the same time in 2013, that’s 20 times more money raised.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. And, when the motor neurons die, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control muscle movement. Patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.
Today’s picnic at Wissinoming Park was the third district-wide event organized by Sen. Tartaglione. She picnicked with families and constituents at Burholme Park last week and Norris Square Park on Aug. 7.
The school supplies handed out to children were donated and collected from businesses and residents during Sen. Tartaglione’s recent “Stuff the Bus” event.
“My sincerest thank you to the businesses and individuals who helped to make these community picnics happen,” the senator said. “We do this because it’s important to know who we are as a neighborhood. We share common interests and we want our children to learn and succeed.
“We also want to send ALS to the annals of medicinal history, and we hope our Ice Bucket Challenge moved us closer to that, too,” she said.
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Editor’s Note: The following businesses contributed to Sen. Tartaglione’s picnic:
Always Best Care Senior Services
Aramingo Soprite
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Concilio
Esperanza
Forman Mills
Health Partners
Impacto Latino
JL Entertainment LLC
Kensington EPIC Stakeholders
Keystone First
La Fortaleza
Mayfair Shop N Bag
MIMIC
Nazareth Hospital
PECO Solutions
PGW
Philadelphia Federal Credit Union
Philadelphia 2nd Police District
Philadelphia 15th Police District
Philadelphia Police 26th District
Philadelphia Pharmacy
West Kensington Ministries
by Christin Brown | August 14, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 12, 2014 – Hundreds of children are preparing to go back to school with the supplies they need, and communities in the 2nd Senatorial District are enjoying some summer fun with the latest picnic sponsored by state Sen. Christine Tartaglione.
The senator and her staff visited historic Burholme Park today and handed out free backpacks and school supplies to hundreds of children. The supplies were donated and collected from businesses and residents during Sen. Tartaglione’s recent “Stuff the Bus” event.
“Philadelphia’s school children are smart, passionate and they want to learn,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “Most people know about the financial struggles of the school district and how Republicans in Harrisburg have used them as political pawns.
“These picnics are important ways to give back to the children and make sure they have the things they need for their return to the classroom so they can succeed academically,” she said.
Tartaglione’s first community picnic last week at Norris Square Park delivered 600 backpacks and school supplies plus free snacks and drinks.
Today’s visit to Burholme Park is the first one for the senator as the 85 acres between Cottman and Central avenues was located outside of her district prior to the legislature’s redrawing of senatorial boundaries.
Sen. Tartaglione is scheduled to visit Wissinoming Park on Frankford Avenue next Thursday, Aug. 21.
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Editor’s Note: The following businesses contributed to Sen. Tartaglione’s picnic:
Always Best Care Senior Services
Forman Mills
Keystone First
Aramingo Soprite
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Concilio
Esperanza
Health Partners
Impacto Latino
JL Entertainment LLC
Kensington EPIC Stakeholders
La Fortaleza
Mayfair Shop N Bag
MIMIC
Nazareth Hospital
PECO Solutions
PGW
Philadelphia Pharmacy
Philadelphia Police 26th District
West Kensington Ministries
Follow Sen. Christine Tartaglione on Facebook and her website.
by Christin Brown | August 12, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 12, 2014 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione today said time is running out for property owners to shave hundreds from their annual tax bills through Pennsylvania’s Homestead Exemption.
The deadline to apply for the exemption is Sept. 13.
“Applying for a Homestead Tax Exemption could shave more than $400 from an annual bill if the taxable value of a home is reduced by $30,000,” Sen. Tartaglione said.
There are no age or income requirements for the Homestead Exemption, and even people who are tax delinquent can apply.
To apply:
- Call or visit one of Sen. Tartaglione’s district offices, 1061 Bridge St. (215-533-0440) or 127 Susquehanna Ave. (215-291-4653), Philadelphia.
- Call the Homestead Hotline, 215-686-9200
- Visit www.phila.gov/opa
- Download and mail the paper application from the website
Tartaglione said approved applicants will have the credit applied to their 2015 property tax bill. If property owners have already applied, they do not need to re-apply.
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by Christin Brown | June 30, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, June 30, 2014 – Because of its failure to help school children in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, because it deprives veterans and 500,000 residents of much needed health care insurance, and because it requires hocus pocus to make the numbers work, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione said tonight she voted “no” on the $29.1 billion Corbett budget.
“This is the fourth year in a row that the governor has attempted to balance Pennsylvania’s budget on the backs of school children, teachers, social safety net participants, and neighborhoods,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “It will probably be the fourth year in a row that he fails to finish the fiscal year in the black.
“This new spending plan’s reliance on hoping, praying and pulling rabbits out of Republican hats is overwhelming, and is not good policy.
“Pennsylvania taxpayers must hold on, because the fear is the commonwealth’s economy will be worse this time next year. Some think we could be trying to figure out how to pay for a $2.5 billion deficit.
“The governor owns this budget and its $1.5 billion-plus revenue deficit. It is not Gov. Ed Rendell’s fault and he can’t pin this spending plan on the president,” the senator said. “Gov. Corbett is responsible, and he is accountable for this budget fiasco.”
Tartaglione said the governor must yield and finally agree to expand Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program. Failing to do this, she said, is keeping 500,000 state’s residents and 23,000 veterans from being covered with health care insurance.
The new budget strips money from job creation and redevelopment programs, things Tartaglione said are vital in the state’s feeble efforts to generate new jobs.
Specifically, the senator said the governor’s budget deletes half of the Pennsylvania First line, which delivers opportunity grants, customized job training, and industrial sites investments; takes away nearly 50 percent from Keystone Communities programs like Main Street, Elm Street, and housing funds; and it mutes funds that are set aside to attract new businesses.
“The Republicans will trumpet the $300 million added to education in this budget. The truth is that schools have been woefully underfunded during the governor’s term and they have a long way to go to fund stability,” Tartaglione said. “This is especially true in the School District of Philadelphia where the politics of the past week have threatened to annihilate Philly’s school children.
“Once again, because there is a lack of leadership from the governor and an inability to take responsibility for poor budget decisions, school students, teachers, counselors and school nurses will bear the burden of this spending plan,” Tartaglione said.
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by Christin Brown | June 27, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, June 27, 2014 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione today voted in favor of a proposal to legalize the use of medical cannabis in Pennsylvania.
The Senate Law and Justice Committee, of which Sen. Tartaglione is a member, approved an amended Senate Bill 1182 this afternoon.
“Too many children who suffer countless seizures, too many adults with glaucoma, and too many people with chronic illnesses have suffered for too long in Pennsylvania,” Tartaglione said following the committee’s vote. “I am proud to have been able to help send this long overdue proposal to the Senate for its consideration.
“Medical marijuana, once it is finally legalized, will deliver much needed relief for Pennsylvanians who need it,” she said.
SB 1182 now looks to incorporate best practices from other states that allow medical cannabis. Medical uses in PA would include using extracted oil, edible products, ointments, tinctures, and vaporized medical cannabis.
Patients who want to buy medical cannabis would be required to get an access card from the state Department of Health. The access card would only be awarded after the department validates that an individual has a practitioner-patient relationship, and has written confirmation of a qualified medical condition that can be treated with medical cannabis.
Access cards will cost patients $100, and patients must be Pennsylvania residents.
The bill would also create an eleven-member State Board of Medical Cannabis Licensing under the Department of State, which would oversee all regulations of the cannabis industry, investigate applicants for licenses and occupation permits, and all powers to deny, revoke, or suspend a license.
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