by Christin Brown | December 21, 2017 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, PA, December 21, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione partnered with state Rep. Angel Cruz and Santa Claus to animate the holiday season for dozens of Philadelphia children yesterday at the senator’s district office in the new Plaza Allegheny shopping center at 400 W. Allegheny Ave.
(From left) Capt. Krista Dahl-Campbell of the Philadelphia Police, state Rep. Angel Cruz, Santa Claus, Cindy Lou Who, The Grinch (reformed version), state Sen. Christine Tartaglione
The second annual Photos with Santa event gave more than 60 wishful youngsters a rare chance to meet Saint Nick in person and get their pictures taken with him, the Grinch Who Stole Christmas and Cindy Lou Who. The Grinch wore his own custom Santa suit in celebration of the festive occasion. Santa’s elves passed out free candy canes and photo prints to all the smiling visitors.
“Seeing so many children get excited to meet Santa, some for the very first time, personifies the joy of the holiday season,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Their eyes light up when they walk into the room and Santa greets them with open arms. It’s a special treat to behold.”
Senator Tartaglione opened her new district office in the Plaza Allegheny on Nov. 30. The shopping center also features a Save-a-Lot supermarket, along with restaurants, an auto parts retailer, shops and medical offices. The senator’s office is in Suite E-11 and is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding holidays.
The senator’s friendly staff can assist constituents with many state-related services such as driver’s license renewals, auto registration, handicapped parking placards, unemployment applications, home heating assistance and property tax/rent rebates. The multi-lingual staff can also help with Spanish-English translations.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | December 18, 2017 | News Releases
Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, coloring books and Transformers were among the gifts donated through the senator’s office this year
PHILADELPHIA, PA, December 18, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione hosted U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Marc Zayas today to present the coordinator of the 2017 Philadelphia Toys for Tots program with a treasure trove of gifts donated through the senator’s Bridge Street office as part of the annual toy drive.
The senator’s generous constituents gave a variety of fun, creative and educational items including Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh plush dolls, astronaut-theme coloring books, alphabet magnets, superhero sticker books, a Play-Doh set and schoolbook backpacks. The Marines will distribute the donated items to families in need throughout the Philadelphia area.
“Each year the toy drive keeps getting better and better,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “The Marines hit a pinnacle one year, then they exceed it the next year. I want to thank them for taking the initiative and making sure that millions of children get toys for Christmas.”
U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Major Bill Hendricks created the Toys for Tots program in 1947 when he led a group of Los Angeles-based reservists who collected and distributed 5,000 toys to children in need. The idea originated with Major Hendricks’ wife Diane when she handcrafted a Raggedy Ann doll and asked her husband to find an organization that would give it to a needy child. Finding no such organization, Diane urged Major Hendricks to start one.
Major Hendricks was so successful that year, the Marine Corps adopted the project in 1948 and expanded it into an annual nationwide campaign. Within the past year, the program has delivered 18 million toys to 7 million children representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Visit ToysForTots.org for more information and to donate to the Toys for Tots program.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | December 14, 2017 | News Releases
The Senate voted to provide $115.2 million for technology upgrades and customer service staffing to help jobless workers claim benefits.
HARRISBURG, PA, December 14, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-2nd dist.) applauded the Pennsylvania Senate’s passage yesterday of bipartisan legislation to provide $115.2 million over four years for the state’s Unemployment Compensation system, funding that would help to prevent a recurrence of the lengthy delays experienced earlier this year by countless unemployed workers as they sought to claim their benefits.
Senators voted 43-5 in support of House Bill 1915, a measure amending the Unemployment Compensation Law to direct funding into the Department of Labor and Industry’s Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund. The bill dedicates $30.3 million for technological upgrades to the UC delivery system, while the remainder of the funding is meant to ensure adequate customer service staffing through 2021.
“I am pleased that the overwhelming majority of my colleagues recognized the importance and urgency of funding our Unemployment Compensation system appropriately to ensure that workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own can rely on this vital safety net,” Sen. Tartaglione said.
The legislation draws upon the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund, money used to pay for jobless benefits and supported by contributions from employers and active workers.
Sen. Tartaglione played a central role in the passage of the bill through the Senate’s Labor and Industry Committee, on which she is the ranking Democrat, as well as the Appropriations Committee earlier this week. Previously, the measure passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 183-4. The legislation will be forwarded to Gov. Tom Wolf for his consideration.
Despite her support of the bill, Sen. Tartaglione will be watching carefully to ensure that the funding will provide unemployed workers with the level of service they deserve and that service doesn’t diminish when the new funding expires in 2021. Without adequate UC funding in place last December, the state laid off nearly 500 Department of Labor and Industry employees and shut down three of its customer service centers.
The cuts caused long delays for unemployed workers as they tried to apply for and collect benefits. In April, the legislature and Gov. Wolf agreed to provide $15 million in funding that allowed the department to recall 187 workers who had been laid off.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | December 13, 2017 | News Releases
Officer Gary Skerski would be memorialized on a Frankford bridge near the site of the 2006 shooting that claimed his life.
Officer Gary Skerski
HARRISBURG, PA, December 13, 2017 – At the urging of state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-2nd dist.), the Pennsylvania Senate today unanimously passed legislation to dedicate a roadway bridge in Philadelphia’s Frankford neighborhood in honor of slain Police Officer Gary Skerski.
House Bill 1778 would designate a portion of Castor Avenue (also known as State Route 1005) spanning the Frankford Creek as the Officer Gary Frank Skerski Memorial Bridge. Officer Skerski was shot and killed in the line of duty on May 8, 2006, while responding to an armed robbery of Pat’s Café, a popular local tavern near the bridge site.
“Officer Skerski showed us every day the many great things that police officers do within communities,” Sen. Tartaglione said from the Senate floor. “He embodied the mission ‘to protect and serve.’ In the aftermath of the fatal shooting, patrons who were inside Pat’s Café that night credited Officer Skerski for protecting them – for literally saving their lives. Likewise, Officer Skerski’s efforts on community relations set a shining example that remains as relevant today as it was then.”
More than a dozen patrons and employees were inside Pat’s that evening when a robber armed with a sawed-off shotgun and semiautomatic handgun invaded the business, announced a robbery and threatened to shoot anyone who disobeyed his commands. One of the victims managed to call 911 from a cell phone. Officer Skerski and his partner were on duty nearby and responded to the emergency call for help.
As Officer Skerski approached a rear entrance of the business, the gunman lay in wait just inside the doorway. He left the door ajar. When Officer Skerski opened the door, the gunman shot, wounding the officer fatally. Skerski’s police comrades rushed him to a nearby hospital, but the officer passed away that night. He was 46.
Officer Skerski was a 16-year veteran of the police force assigned to the 15th district. He was survived by his wife Anne, son Robert, daughter Nicole, parents Chester and Mary, sister Jacqueline and brother Robert. Although he served primarily as the designated Community Relations Officer for the 15th district, Skerski was working overtime that night to assist his colleagues in their patrol duties.
“He was a beloved son, brother, husband and father,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “And he was an equally beloved member of his community. He served a vital role as the face of the Philadelphia Police Department in neighborhoods like Frankford, Mayfair, Tacony, Wissinoming and Bridesburg. He cultivated relationships with local schools, churches and civic associations while helping to ensure that the community recognized and honored police officers who were doing great work in those neighborhoods.”
State Rep. Jason Dawkins (D-179th dist.) was the primary sponsor of the bill that passed the Pennsylvania House, 187-0, in October. The Senate voted, 49-0, in favor of the bill today. The legislation will be forwarded to Gov. Tom Wolf for his consideration.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | December 7, 2017 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, PA, December 7, 2017 – Please add the following information to your community events listings. The news media is also encouraged to attend this event as part of your holiday coverage.
What: Free Photos with Santa Claus/Fotos Gratis con Santa hosted by state Sen. Christine Tartaglione and state Rep. Angel Cruz.
When: Wednesday, December 20, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
where: 400 W. Allegheny Ave., Suite E-11, Phila., PA 19133
Details: Santa Claus and his elves have been hard at work making toys at the North Pole. But state Sen. Tina Tartaglione and state Rep. Angel Cruz have asked Santa to make a special visit to the senator’s new Allegheny Avenue office to collect Christmas lists from all the children. Families are invited to come and get their pictures taken with Santa for free. And while you’re here, you can obtain information about state-sponsored programs and services including home heating assistance and rent rebates.
Santa Claus y sus elfos han estado trabajando duro haciendo juguetes en el Polo Norte. Pero la senadora estatal Tina Tartaglione y el Representante Estatal Angel Cruz le han pedido a Santa que haga una visita especial a la nueva oficina de la Senador en la oficina de la avenida Allegheny para recolectar listas de Navidad de todos los niños. Las familias están invitadas a venir y tomarse fotos gratis con Santa. Y mientras esté aquí, puede obtener información sobre los programas y servicios patrocinados por el estado, incluida la asistencia de calefacción en el hogar y descuentos en el alquiler.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by sdcsapps | December 1, 2017 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, PA, December 1, 2017– State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione greeted some of her new neighbors and went shopping for fresh produce on her first official day at her new constituent service office in West Kensington yesterday. The senator’s office is one of the first storefronts to open in the newly built Plaza Allegheny at 400 W. Allegheny Ave., Suite E-11. Moving forward, staff members will be available to help walk-in visitors and callers on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“This multi-million-dollar commercial development represents a major milestone for the community and for the 2nd Senate district,” Tartaglione said. “It gives local residents easy access to an array of goods and services including a new supermarket, major auto parts retailer, restaurants and medical offices. Also, it’s bringing hundreds of new jobs to the community. We’re excited to play a leading role in the renaissance of a great neighborhood.”
Senator Tartaglione’s new district office will serve the same roles previously handled by her former district office at Front and Dauphin streets. The same friendly staff will greet constituents and assist them with services such as driver’s license renewals, auto registration, handicapped parking placards, unemployment applications, home heating assistance and property tax/rent rebates. The multi-lingual staff can also help with Spanish-English translations.
“There’s plenty of parking and we’re right next to a full -service supermarket with fresh produce and meats,” Tartaglione said.
Save-a-Lot District Manager Frank J. Calderoni and members of his management team were among the first visitors to Senator Tartaglione’s new office. Later, Tartaglione and state Rep. Angel Cruz toured the recently opened Save-a-Lot store with Region Manager Ron Munson.
The supermarket will serve a strong neighborhood population that has more than 60,000 residents living within a mile of the Plaza, according to the urban center’s developer, David Groverman. In the past, neighbors have had to travel outside the immediate area to access many of the goods and services that will be offered at the Plaza.
Senator Tartaglione plans to host a formal Grand Opening celebration at her office after the holiday season. The date will be announced later.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | November 27, 2017 | News Releases
Pennsylvania Senate Democrats organized the ACA enrollment tour to help people get covered and raise awareness about the new Dec. 15 deadline.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, November 27, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione helped more than 20 people obtain health insurance coverage for 2018 as she hosted the Pennsylvania Senate Democrats’ Affordable Care Act enrollment tour at her district office in Northwood on Nov. 21.
About two dozen healthcare consumers visited Tartaglione’s office at 1061 Bridge St. during the four-hour session, where they consulted with certified enrollment specialists, representatives from the state’s Insurance Department and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, along with private insurers. Visitors received expert help signing up for ACA coverage – commonly known as Obamacare – as well as Medicare.
Pennsylvania Senate Democrats organized the seven-stop statewide tour in response to severe budget cuts instituted by the federal government this year on the ACA enrollment program. The Trump administration cut the enrollment period in half from three months to just six weeks. The new deadline is Dec. 15. Also, the administration slashed the ACA marketing budget by 90 percent and the funding for enrollment specialists, also known as navigators, by almost half.
“Access to healthcare is a vital need for all people. Yet because of the federal government’s latest Obamacare cutbacks, many Americans won’t get the help they need to sign up for insurance,” Tartaglione said. “The holidays are a busy time of year and many folks may not hear about the shorter enrollment period until it’s too late. Through our ACA tour, we are enrolling people for coverage and raising awareness about the new ACA deadline.”
“With open enrollment being shorter this year, there was a real concern that people would miss it,” said Dave Buono, consumer liaison for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. “We want to make sure folks know they can still get affordable health insurance. If people are waiting until the last minute this year and they think the deadline is Jan. 31, they’re going to miss it.”
Following stops in Cheltenham and East Falls on Nov. 16, then Tartaglione’s office on Nov. 21, the tour is scheduled to visit Bethlehem on Nov. 28, Scranton and Carbondale on Nov. 30 and finally Pittsburgh on Dec. 7. Visitors to Tartaglione’s office were relieved to get the help they needed.
“They made it real easy,” said Toni Gallelli, a nurse from Philadelphia’s Castor Gardens section. “I never had to do this before. Thank God I don’t have any health problems but I’ll be 60 in a few weeks and I have to go to my doctor for check-ups. It’s a preventative comfort.”
“Being a recent retiree, healthcare is probably the most expensive component I have to worry about going into the future,” said Carol Voutsinos, also from Castor Gardens. “You want to get a plan that’s the most cost-effective for you number one, and one that offers all you need. You have to maintain a healthy lifestyle as you age.”
“I got a better understanding of health insurance talking with the navigators,” said Magdeline Tyler of Olney. “I went through a time with no health insurance. I got pneumonia and had to go to the hospital and ended up with a $30,000 bill.”
Consumers can enroll with the Affordable Care Act by visiting healthcare.gov. Pennsylvania Senate Democrats have established their own site to provide consumers with information about their health insurance options. Visit HealthcareForPA.com.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at william.kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | November 27, 2017 | News Releases
The funding will allow the club to complete major renovations to its century-old stone building, including the creation of a new recreation room.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, November 27, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione and state Rep. Jason Dawkins kicked off the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the spirit of giving as they presented a $200,000 grant to the Northeast Frankford Boys & Girls Club on Nov. 22 that will enable the club to complete major renovations to its century-old building on Kinsey Street.
The two-story stone landmark was built as a school shortly after the turn of the 20th century. Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia acquired the property in 1938 and has been serving Frankford youths there ever since. Tartaglione and Dawkins secured the $200,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Grant from Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Financing Authority – an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development – earlier this month.
“We’re very pleased to be able to come here today with check in hand,” Tartaglione said to an assembly of club officials, benefactors and youth members. “This Boys & Girls Club has been around forever. It’s our responsibility to make sure kids have a future and have a place to go. I’m really excited this is happening. Everything is getting nicer and nicer.”
Dawkins echoed the senator’s sentiments and reflected on the vital influence the Frankford club had on his own life when he was young. Dawkins grew up mere blocks from the club and still lives nearby.
“I was raised in this Boys & Girls Club. I do not think I would be here in this capacity today if not for this club,” Dawkins said. “When we talk about igniting possibilities in young people, this club ignited something in me. This is what kept me out of the streets, kept me alive and kept me on the right path. I had very good mentors who were very stern and stayed on top of me for very good reasons. I am so pleased that we can do something real and give back.”
The $200,000 grant will enable the club to complete renovations to the first floor including the creation of a new social recreation room and grand gallery. In the past two years, the club has also created a new literacy center, renovated its gymnasium and transformed its dilapidated basement into a teen center, art studio, learning lounge and tech lounge. Further, the club has created a STEM lab, kids café and tech center. The forthcoming work on the first floor will finalize the much-needed renovations to the building.
“What we’re going to be able to do, as you’ve seen with the upstairs, we going to bring it back to its luster,” said Joseph Marziello, chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia. So many different folks have helped us with this. We’ve done it a room at a time and it’s been very stressful. When we got the call (about the $200,000 grant), it was pretty exciting. So thank you.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia serves youths in 22 units throughout the city. The Northeast Frankford unit has about 150 members and will be able to grow to more than 400 members with the facility improvements. The club is vital to a neighborhood where 65 percent of young people live in poverty. Its programs support their long-term academic, social and personal achievement.
“The support of Senator Tartaglione and Representative Dawkins was critical in making this project a reality,” Marziello said. “They are truly champions for our kids and have worked alongside us as we’ve fought to give youth in Frankford and across the city access to the resources they need to succeed.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at william.kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | November 14, 2017 | News Releases
New funding will support traffic safety, schools, a Boys and Girls club and a community park in the 2nd District.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, November 14, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today secured more than $1.5 million in grants for community and transportation projects in the 2nd Senatorial District, including funding for a Boys and Girls Club, school safety, traffic safety and a community park.
Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Financing Authority approved five grant requests during its board meeting in Harrisburg. The allocations will support major renovations of the Northeast Frankford Boys and Girls Club, the Frankford Community Development Corporation’s conversion of a vacant lot into a community park and the implementation of a safe streets program around local schools. Additional allocations will support the Olde Richmond Civic Association’s effort to improve lighting at five underpasses along the Lehigh Avenue railroad viaduct and will fund pedestrian safety improvements to a major Roosevelt Boulevard intersection.
“I’d like to thank the seven members of the CFA board for recognizing the value of investing in projects like these, which will benefit countless children and families in Philadelphia,” Senator Tartaglione said. “These projects satisfy many important safety needs and strengthen the fabric of our community.”
One $500,000 grant will support the Philadelphia Streets Department’s plan for pedestrian improvements along Roosevelt Boulevard (U.S. Route 1) at Adams and Summerdale avenues. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, about 78,000 vehicles a day travel that stretch of the Boulevard, a highway often cited as one of the most dangerous in the nation.
A second $500,000 grant was awarded to the Philadelphia Streets Department for implementing its Vision Zero safe streets program around schools in the district. Vision Zero is the city’s strategy to eliminate all traffic related deaths and severe injuries while increasing safety, health and mobility for all people.
A $215,290 grant was awarded to the Olde Richmond Civic Association to replace and enhance lighting in five roadway and pedestrian underpasses beneath the Lehigh Avenue viaduct, an elevated railroad that runs between Lehigh Avenue and Somerset Street from Kensington Avenue to Richmond Street.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia was awarded a $200,000 grant to fund Bold For Change, a major renovation project at the Northeast Frankford Boys and Girls Club, 1709 Kinsey St., which offers tutoring, daycare, arts and crafts, torch and keystone clubs, a drill team, basketball, mentoring and many other activities for youths and their families.
The Frankford Community Development Corporation was awarded a $100,000 grant to convert a former vacant lot into a pop-up “pause park” at 4671-73 Paul St. The new park is under construction and will become a hub of community activity with flexible space for public performances, art activities, gardening and social events.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to administer the state’s economic stimulus packages. CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | November 14, 2017 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, PA – November 14, 2017 – The Pennsylvania Senate Democrats’ ACA Mobile Enrollment Tour will make a stop in Philadelphia on Tuesday, November 21.
Constituents can come to enroll in the individual insurance marketplace or Medicare. Enrollment experts will be there to answer any questions and guide users through the process.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 21 at 10 am
WHERE: Senator Tartaglione’s district office, 1061 Bridge St, Philadelphia 19124
Media is encouraged to attend at any point through the day.
This is just one of the stops that the Enrollment Tour will make throughout the state during the ACA open enrollment window for 2018. Here’s the full list of stops on the tour:
Thursday, November 16, morning – Cheltenham in Philadelphia- Thursday, November 16, afternoon – Fox St in Philadelphia
- Tuesday, November 21 – Bridge Street in Philadelphia
- Thursday, November 28 – Bethlehem
- Thursday, November 30, morning – Scranton
- Thursday, November 30, afternoon – Carbondale
- Thursday, December 7 – Pittsburgh
The Senate Democratic Caucus has undertaken this enrollment effort after the announcement that the Trump administration would shorten the enrollment period, eliminate its marketing budget and limit working hours on Sundays.
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by Christin Brown | November 11, 2017 | News Releases
New capital budget allocation will fund building improvements at Lloyd C. Wilson Jr. Memorial American Legion Post 224
PHILADELPHIA, PA, November 11, 2017 – Omelets, waffles and an extraordinary funding announcement were all on the menu when state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione and state Rep. Jason Dawkins cooked breakfast for the members of Lloyd C. Wilson Jr. Memorial American Legion Post 224 on Veterans Day. The lawmakers revealed that they had successfully obtained a $1 million allocation for physical improvements to the post as part of Pennsylvania’s recently enacted capital budget for fiscal year 2017-18.
“I’ve been coming here for a long, long time. This is like home,” Tartaglione told the veterans and their guests. “There are other posts in my district, but this is the one I’ve been coming to the longest. This is the one I know the best. And I really want to thank you for your service.”
“We’re here to say, ‘Thank you. We really appreciate your service,’” Dawkins said. “But we want to take it a step farther. Together, we put in for a million-dollar allocation so we can start renovating and we can start acquiring other pieces to make this into the place we know it should be.”
The allocation will be tied to $1 million in matching funds that must be obtained from other sources. Tartaglione and Dawkins are confident that one or more private-sector organizations will contribute to the worthy cause.
“The first step has already passed the legislature. The governor has signed it. It’s allocated for Post 224,” Dawkins said.
Founded in 1987, the post is home to about 50 American Legion members representing all five U.S. military branches, along with about 40 members of its sons division and about 20 members of its ladies’ auxiliary. Located at 2006 Orthodox St., the post has had veterans of all major military conflicts dating back to World War I on its membership rolls.
But the building is in need of significant improvements, according to Commander Guy D. Lewis. Members have been growing their own building fund in recent months. The state allocation will provide their ongoing efforts with a major boost.
“We have needs from bottom to top, inside and outside, interior and exterior,” Lewis said. “This was a total surprise. It’s like a dream come true.”
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | November 2, 2017 | News Releases
Newly enacted legislation provides local, state authorities with tighter control over nuisance shops that sell alcohol
Senator Tartaglione shakes hands with Gov. Tom Wolf
PHILADELPHIA, PA – November 2, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione, Gov. Tom Wolf, Mayor Jim Kenney and legislators from throughout Philadelphia yesterday celebrated the enactment of new legislation that will help local and state authorities curb nuisance shops that sell alcohol. The governor hosted a ceremonial bill signing at Devereaux United Methodist Church in the city’s Allegheny West neighborhood, a community where residents have long complained about the negative impact of so-called “stop-and-go” stores.
“Stop and go shops that disregard the obligations of their state-issued liquor licenses have become a scourge in many areas of my district and throughout Philadelphia,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Children should not be confronted with these nuisances while walking to and from school every day. Parents should be able to send their kids to the corner store for a carton of milk or a bag of candy without having to worry about people loitering and drinking in the doorway.”
Stop-and-gos are small convenience stores, delis or gas stations that hold liquor licenses and sell alcoholic beverages by the bottle or can. Many also sell hard liquor by the shot. Their licenses require that they offer prepared food, seating and restrooms for patrons, but many do not. Many of the businesses attract or provoke loitering, public drinking, underage drinking and more serious crimes. Typically, their liquor licenses are subject to biannual renewal. Often, a business will appear compliant during the renewal process but deteriorate into non-compliance shortly thereafter.
The new provisions added to Pennsylvania’s Fiscal Code will allow state liquor enforcers to act immediately on complaints from local authorities, such as police. Those complaints would trigger prompt inspections that could result in the administrative suspension of a non-compliant business’ liquor license by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The license would remain suspended until the business complies with the liquor code. The new administrative process also includes provisions for follow-up inspections to ensure that the business remains compliant.
“This new set of regulations will be a valuable enforcement tool allowing local authorities and the LCB to respond promptly to valid community complaints,” Tartaglione said.
Cities and towns in other parts of Pennsylvania experience similar problems, the governor explained.
“I am proud to sign this legislation that will help neighborhoods in Philadelphia and throughout the state deal with nuisance bars that can disrupt communities,” Governor Wolf said. “This increased inspection authority will help us to separate good and responsible owners from the bad actors, and will greatly improve our ability to crack down on the bad actors to protect our neighborhoods, making them better places to live and safer places for children and families.”
During her public comments, Senator Tartaglione noted that many state lawmakers have been trying for decades to forward legislation that would rein in stop-and-gos. A recent bill in the Senate was on the verge of being referred into committee where additional language related to liquor privatization may have been tacked onto the anti-nuisance measure, Senator Tartaglione said.
Instead, the bill’s supporters were able to include the anti-nuisance language within the broader Fiscal Code legislation. The new code takes effect immediately.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at william.kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | October 30, 2017 | News Releases
Families will celebrate Halloween while learning how to prepare for the winter months
PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 30, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione and state Rep. Jason Dawkins invite families to celebrate Halloween at the Harvest Resource Festival and Children’s Fright Night on Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wissinoming Park in Philadelphia.
Children are encouraged to attend in costume while enjoying lively games and candy giveaways. Meanwhile, parents will be offered valuable information about seasonal programs to help them prepare for the cold-weather months, including Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP energy assistance program, home weatherization and other state-related services.
WHO: State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione and state Rep. Jason Dawkins
WHAT: Harvest Resource Festival and Children’s Fright Night
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 5 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Wissinoming Park, 5801 Frankford Ave. (Entrance on Cheltenham Avenue)
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at william.kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | October 28, 2017 | News Releases
These valuable tips can prevent the sweetest holiday of the year from turning sour
PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 28, 2017 – Halloween is one of the sweetest times of the year. It’s the first big holiday of the autumn. It’s a rare opportunity for kids, young and old, to dress up like their favorite ghoul, goblin, witch or superhero. And topping it all off, people give away free candy – mountains of it in fact.
Yet despite the sheer joy of the occasion, safety must be an essential consideration. That’s why state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione has partnered with Philadelphia Police Capt. Thomas McLean to offer these valuable safety tips for the holiday.
“While children are thinking about what costume they’ll choose and what neighbors will be giving out the best treats, parents can do a lot of things to make sure that nothing spoils the fun,” the senator said.
“We just encourage parents to be involved on Halloween night,” Capt. McLean said. “Make sure kids are closely supervised, candy is inspected and kids aren’t all alone out on the streets.”
On Halloween evening, Sen. Tartaglione plans to attend a community gathering in her district at Wissinoming Park along with state Rep. Jason Dawkins. Meanwhile, McLean’s 2nd Police District will send out a specially decorated patrol car to bring candy to neighborhood children and reinforce the partnership between the community and his officers.
Leading up to the holiday, Sen. Tartaglione is sharing a list of specific tips that families can use to enjoy a safe Halloween. A copy of this tip sheet is accessible via SenatorTartaglione.com.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at william.kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | October 27, 2017 | News Releases
Public and private providers shared valuable information on topics ranging from healthcare and financial services to housing and consumer protection
PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 27, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione is a firm believer in preventative medicine. On Thursday morning, she let her arm do her talking on the subject.
Sen. Tartaglione chose her own Senior Expo at Fox Chase Recreation Center to receive her annual flu shot courtesy of Rite Aid. The Pennsylvania-headquartered pharmacy chain was among 60 public and private agencies and service providers who participated in the senator’s third Senior Expo of the year and her first ever at the Northeast Philadelphia venue.
Hundreds of attendees benefitted from presenters representing a variety of sectors including government, healthcare, banking and investment, housing and law enforcement, to name a few. Representatives from the state’s PACE program were there helping low income folks apply for prescription coverage. An investigator from Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office instructed visitors how to protect themselves from consumer fraud and scams. Temple University Health System and its neighborhood affiliate, Jeanes Hospital, offered a multitude of information about preventative, acute and emergency care.
For Senator Tartaglione, the event was more than just business however. She reveled in renewing many longtime personal acquaintances who reside in district. Handshakes and hugs were the order of the day.
“This is really the fun part of my job, getting to see everyone’s smiling faces,” the senator said. “They bring a lot of joy to me. I only hope they benefit from the resources we’ve tried to share with them.”
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at william.kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | October 24, 2017 | News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – October 24, 2017 – This morning, elected officials stood with advocates to push for an expansion of Pennsylvania’s hate crime definition.
As state law currently stands race, color, religion or national origin are protected classes under the hate crimes statute. Pending legislation in the Senate (SB 96) and House (HB 505) would reenact Act 143 of 2002 and again extend these protections to include ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity.
Republicans, Democrats, Representatives, Senators, activists, and the Lieutenant Governor all expressed their disappointment that this bill is not yet law – and urged the General Assembly to move quickly to protect more Pennsylvania citizens from hate crimes.
“I think we’ve all watched the news lately and seen unspeakable acts of violence and discrimination being waged against targeted groups and individuals. We’ve seen people in the disability community targeted, we’ve seen LGBT people targeted, we’ve seen black, Jewish, Muslim, and Latino people and communities targeted across the country and right here at home,” said Senator Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia), the prime sponsor of the Senate Bill, said. “We must not allow these discriminatory practices to continue, nor allow unprotected populations to remain unrepresented here in this building.”
“If you can’t find it in your heart to protect vulnerable citizens from bigotry fueled violence, maybe you can look at your wallet,” said Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack. “The job creators of the 21st century, like Amazon, want to do business in a state where their employees — all of their employees — are valued and protected. Holding up civil rights legislation in our legislature sends the wrong message about what kind of state we are.”
“Pennsylvania’s lack of protections against hate crimes for LGBT communities and persons with disabilities is a national embarrassment. We remain the only state in the northeast to not enshrine protections against hate crimes for these groups into law,” Representative Kevin Boyle (D-Philadelphia), the prime sponsor of the House bill, said. “I have introduced this bill for two consecutive sessions to add these protections but it has never been brought to a vote. Our legislature is failing its duty to protect the citizens of this commonwealth, and ignoring the constitutional rights of the physically and intellectually disabled, and the LGBT communities.”
“For those of us who revere the Constitution and appreciate the deep sense of liberty it enshrines, expanding hate crimes protections to include ancestry, disability, and gender identity is the right thing to do in Pennsylvania and around the country,” said Senator Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia).
“By expanding the groups covered by hate crime laws, we are telling everyone that their human and constitutional rights are sacrosanct, and those who attempt to cripple those rights will face the full force of the law,” Representative Thomas Murt (R-Montgomery) said.
“Hate crimes are not committed to cause fear in one person; they are done to cause fear to an entire group – to send a message,” Representative Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) said. “Well, the Pennsylvania General Assembly can send a message this year by passing House Bill 505 and Senate Bill 96. We can send a message that hate crimes based on a person’s ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity will not be tolerated in any corner of this state. As recent events around this country make clear, we must update our laws now to protect more people from heinous acts of violence and hatred.”
“The Philadelphia Bar Association supports and encourages enactment of an amendment to the Pennsylvania ethnic intimidation law to add protections for ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity,” said Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Deborah R. Gross.
For more information and action on the bill, please visit the Legislative Action Network of the Philadelphia Bar Association http://www.philadelphiabar.org/page/LACTakeAction3?appNum=3
by Christin Brown | October 23, 2017 | News Releases
Tartaglione’s annual Disability Employment Awareness event unites accessibility service providers from across the Commonwealth
HARRISBURG, PA, October 23, 2017 – Pennsylvania Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s annual Disability Employment Awareness Day connected hundreds of State Capitol visitors with advocacy organizations from across the Commonwealth this afternoon.
A dozen public and private-sector providers teamed up to offer guests comprehensive information about a wide array of accessibility products and services, all with the shared goal of helping people with physical and cognitive challenges find and retain meaningful employment. The cause is very personal to Senator Tartaglione, who has spent the last 14 years overcoming the spinal injuries she suffered in a 2003 boating accident.
“People living with physical or cognitive disabilities fulfill a vital role in Pennsylvania’s workforce and they should be given every opportunity to take advantage of the many services and accessibility devices available to them,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Our annual Disability Employment Awareness Day is a great way for advocates to network with the constituents they serve.”
Today’s presenters included public agencies such as the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; medical providers like MossRehab; academic institutions including Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities; and financial resource providers such as the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation. Three service dogs in training – Ajax, Aero and Rugby –also graced the Capitol Rotunda with their enthusiastic presence courtesy of Susquehanna Service Dogs.
“We have one office in King of Prussia but we have a statewide influence. Doing outreach is always challenging for us, but (today’s event) certainly connects us with people,” PATF Operations Director Tracy Beck said.
“Today we’re really focused on employment,” added Cynthia Lashinsky of POVR. “Our director, David DeNotaris, believes access equals success. We make sure people have the training and skills they need, whether it involves technology, getting from point A to point B or writing a resume – whatever they need to get back to work.”
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | October 20, 2017 | News Releases
Service dogs and disability simulation devices among the resources and services to be showcased for the public on Monday
HARRISBURG, PA, October 20, 2017– Pennsylvania Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione will welcome the community to the historic State Capitol Rotunda on Monday, Oct. 23, to learn about a multitude of resources available to persons with disabilities. Senator Tartaglione’s annual Disability Employment Awareness Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature dozens of organizations that offer a wide array of products and services ranging from accessibility tools and service dogs to simulation devices that will allow visitors to experience briefly the daily challenges faced by people with physical disabilities.
News media coverage is invited and encouraged.
Disability Employment Awareness Day coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October. Senator Tartaglione was the primary sponsor of a resolution adopted by the Senate recognizing the month-long national effort to raise awareness about disability employment issues and honor the many contributions of workers with disabilities. The observance further promotes positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities and endeavors to expand ideas about what youths with disabilities can achieve when they receive encouragement and support for their ambitions.
Senator Tartaglione has long been a leading advocate for people with disabilities and knows first-hand of the challenges that confront them every day. She has been overcoming many of the same challenges since she sustained severe spinal injuries in a 2003 boating accident.
Among the many presenters scheduled to participate in Disability Employment Awareness Day are the Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Susquehanna Service Dogs, Temple Accessibility Devices, the Center for Independent Living of Central PA, Unique Source Products & Services, the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation, AgrAbility, the Pennsylvania Initiative on Assistive Technology and Einstein Healthcare Network.
Senator Tartaglione represents the 2nd Senatorial District which serves the Philadelphia neighborhoods of Kensington, Juniata Park, Frankford, Northwood, Oxford Circle, Lawncrest, Wissinoming, Tacony, Mayfair, Holmesburg, Burholme and Fox Chase.
The Pennsylvania State Capitol is at 501 N. Third St., Harrisburg. It was completed in 1902, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. For tour information, visit http://www.pacapitol.com/plan-a-visit/tours.cfm.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at william.kenny@pasenate.com
by Christin Brown | October 20, 2017 | News Releases
Philadelphia – October 20, 2017 – Pennsylvania Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione partnered with Rep. Jason Dawkins and the Philadelphia-based Women Organized Against Rape on Thursday evening to facilitate a vital and timely discussion about sexual violence prevention.
About 40 women and men, including numerous sexual violence survivors, joined the legislators at the Wissinoming Park recreation center for “Conversations That Matter,” an informative presentation by WOAR Education Specialist LaQuisha Anthony. Every two minutes in the United States, someone is sexually assaulted, Anthony said. In an effort to shed light on this disturbing trend, Tartaglione recently co-sponsored a Senate resolution designating October 2017 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.
“The first step in stopping sexual violence is recognizing and acknowledging the true prevalence of the problem,” Tartaglione said. “Then we must educate everyone – women, men, parents, children and young adults – about the resources available to them through victim advocacy organizations like Women Organized Against Rape.”
Dawkins urged attendees to continue their discussion of sexual violence prevention beyond the scope of Thursday night’s dialogue.
“October is awareness month but it has to be a topic 12 months, 365 days a year,” Dawkins said. “I think this is the start of a very powerful discussion and hope you all go out and share what you heard tonight.”
WOAR, a nonprofit organization serving all of Philadelphia, offers a crisis response hotline around the clock seven days a week that sexual violence victims can use to speak with a live WOAR staff member or specially trained volunteer. The phone number is 215-985-3333. WOAR offers crisis counseling and referrals, serving clients that have ranged in age from 2 to 84.
WOAR also offers in-school educational programs for pre-kindergarten classes through fifth grade, along with workshops and training sessions for
workplaces, parents groups, college and university settings and psychological support groups.
In addition, WOAR partners with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape to operate a rape crisis center at 300 E. Hunting Park Ave. where victims can receive specialized medical treatment including a forensic examination in a private and caring setting.
More recently, WOAR has worked to establish and grow its Safe Bars Philly program which trains bar managers and staff to identify inappropriate behaviors in the bar, safely intervene when warranted and promote a culture of respect, safety and support for all.
For information about all WOAR programs, call 215-985-3315 or visit www.woar.org.
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by Christin Brown | October 3, 2017 | News Releases
Harrisburg – October 3, 2017 – A Senate resolution urging the President and Congress to make emergency financial assistance available for Puerto Rico as it seeks to recover from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria was introduced today by state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia).
“Hurricane Maria left a trail of death and destruction in its wake,” Tartaglione said. “The federal government must move swiftly and bring resources to the island to relieve suffering and despair.
“There are American citizens in need of our help. They are depending on an effective government response.”
Tartaglione, along with resolution co-sponsors Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) and Judy Schwank (D-Berks), gave speeches on the Senate floor in support of the aid for Puerto Rico, which is called for in Senate Resolution 211.
In her floor speech, Tartaglione said that the debt crisis had already strained the island’s infrastructure and its resources were spread thin and now the hurricane has made those problems exponentially worse.
“We have all seen the horrific images of the devastation,” Tartaglione said. “We are urging that emergency financial resources are swiftly made available to assist the residents of Puerto Rico so they may return to their normal everyday lives.”
Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the number of Puerto Ricans who live in the United States, with one-third residing in Philadelphia.
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by Christin Brown | August 4, 2017 | News Releases
Harrisburg – August 4, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s (D-Philadelphia) community picnic held on Thursday in Norris Square Park was a resounding success with hundreds attending and more than 500 backpacks handed out to school students, Tartaglione said.
“The picnics that I host in neighborhoods across the district are a great way to bring communities together,” Tartaglione said. “The attendance was outstanding and we were able to distribute more than 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to students.”
Tartaglione said that in addition to the backpacks, there was music, dancing and light refreshments. The School District of Philadelphia and American Home Care were represented at the picnic. Home Depot presented a workshop for children and the Philadelphia Police Department helped with child fingerprinting.
“This event was such as great success and I am pleased that so many from the community had an opportunity to stop by and enjoy the festivities,” Tartaglione said.
The senator said that additional community picnics are planned for later in August.
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by Christin Brown | July 27, 2017 | News Releases
School Code Changes Will Hurt Teachers
Harrisburg – July 27, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today that the bipartisan revenue package adopted by the state Senate would fix the Actual Value Initiative (AVI) for Philadelphia and is a vast improvement, but new provisions impacting collective bargaining rights for teachers is an affront to labor unions that would cause irreparable harm.
These elements were part of a broad range of legislation considered by the Senate today. Without the approved revenue package, the $31.9 billion General Fund budget approved by the General Assembly in late June would not be balanced.
The revenue package backfills the $2.2 billion revenue deficit, makes significant changes that would aid Philadelphia and prevents a credit downgrade that would impact all taxpayers in Pennsylvania. The tax bill includes, for the first time, a Marcellus Shale energy extraction tax valued at $108 million.
“The changes in the Senate’s version of the Fiscal Code (House Bill 453) would fix the AVI for Philadelphia, which is important to my district and the entire city,” Tartaglione said. “The language would set the market value, cap future increases and prevent the loss of $270 million in state aid to the School District of Philadelphia over five years.”
The AVI fix language would set the maximum market value of property at $47 billion, then cap future increases based on the total increase for all districts. This would limit the amount of increase and help avoid large spikes, Tartaglione noted.
While the AVI change would be a win for Philadelphia, Tartaglione said the new language added to the school code impacting teacher collective bargaining rights is an egregious attack that would harm teachers and impair contract negotiations.
“The provisions added to the school code would allow for teachers to be laid off for economic reasons, refuse to consider seniority rights as it relates to layoffs, and prohibit collective bargaining agreements from dealing with economic-based layoffs,” Tartaglione said. “These are egregious provisions that would hurt labor negotiations and impact the ability of school districts and teachers to reach fair and equitable contract agreements.”
Tartaglione said the changes in the school code would be an overreach that would take away rights of labor unions to bargain fairly.
“It would break down collective bargaining and put teachers at a complete disadvantage,” Tartaglione said. “Plus, it would allow school districts to discharge teachers for economic reasons, which would give way too much discretion to school districts without due process.”
The revenue package, which would include changes to the Fiscal Code, Tax Code, School Code, Administrative Code and Human Services Code, was sent to the state House of Representatives for approval.
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by Christin Brown | April 25, 2017 | News Releases
Harrisburg – April 25, 2017 – A $15 million transfer to temporarily aid the processing of unemployment compensation claims, remove backlogs and result in the hiring of 200 workers laid off last year was signed into law as Act 1 yesterday afternoon by Gov. Tom Wolf, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today.
Tartaglione, who serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, was cited by the governor along with other labor committee leaders for their work in moving the measure (Senate Bill 250) through the General Assembly.
The funding imbroglio that imperiled the claims system, created delays, closed call centers and prompted the furloughing of 500 call center workers in December emerged when Republican lawmakers questioned how prior funding transfers to Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund (SIIF) were used.y
Tartaglione issued the following statement concerning the temporary funding fix that was approved by the governor:
“The $15 million in temporary funding will result in the rehiring of 200 workers, reduce call times and improve access to the claims system. However, all recognize that this is a short-term solution and that we all need to get back to work ensuring that resources are available to process claims and help those who are unemployed over the long haul.
“For too long, the system was in flux because of the funding issue and men and women who lost their jobs had to overcome even higher obstacles to access benefits. We cannot let this situation happen again. That’s why I am pleased that we are working on a long-term fix in a bipartisan way.”
State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale released his audit of SIIF today. He indicated that while improvements were made to the system, there was a failure to use proper accounting methods and oversight was lacking. His audit found that additional state funds are needed to keep the U.C. call centers operational and working at acceptable levels.
He said the state Department of Labor and Industry indicated it needed $159.5 million in funds over the next four years to maintain service and modernize. He noted that during the SIIF funding impasse, there were long delays and busy signals on 99.3 percent of the calls into call centers.
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by Christin Brown | February 8, 2017 | News Releases
Abortion restrictions adopted, equal pay effort weakened, worker free speech curbed
Harrisburg – February 8, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) issued the following statement harshly critical of the passage of legislation that assails the rights of women and working families.
Tartaglione said there were a number of anti-women and anti-worker measures adopted by the Senate. These include a bill (Senate Bill 3) to prohibit abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy instead of 24 weeks; a watered-down equal pay proposal (Senate Bill 241) that preempts local pay equity ordinances and fails to effectively deal with pay discrimination; and a prohibition (Senate Bill 166) from deducting political donations from the wages of employees.
Tartaglione’s comments follow:
“The new session kicked off with an ideologically driven agenda that assails women and working families. The Senate approved heavy-handed government involvement in women’s health care choices, a weakening of equal pay efforts and restrictions on free speech.
“The new abortion restrictions put government between a women and health choices – a place it should never be. The so-called “pay equity” bill would actually weaken equal pay efforts and reverse important gains made through local ordinances to ensure that women are treated fairly — such as the one adopted in Philadelphia that addresses pay discrimination. Finally, the prohibition of deductions of political contributions from workers’ paychecks would impact workers’ free speech rights.
“Women, workers and working families continue to be treated unfairly. Instead of creating jobs, enhancing education and building up health care, the Senate is being saddled with an extreme agenda that rips away rights.”
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by Christin Brown | February 7, 2017 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
Harrisburg – February 7, 2017 – Senate Democratic Labor and Industry chair Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) offered comments about the proposed $32.3 billion 2017-18 Fiscal Year budget that Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled today before a joint session of the General Assembly.
The plan increases spending slightly over last year, but cuts $2 billion in costs. It would close the $3 billion budget deficit with efficiencies and government reform, but without new broad-based taxes.
Tartaglione said she was particularly pleased with several aspects of the proposed budget including a new job training apprenticeship grant program; the call to increase the minimum wage to $12 per hour; and a renewed effort to close the so-called Delaware corporate tax loophole. Each of these initiatives have been a focus for Tartaglione over a number of sessions.
Tartaglione’s reaction to the spending plan follows:
“The governor has offered a responsible plan that not only deals with the looming budget deficit but makes key investments in job training, job creation, education and social service programs. The budget proposal includes a number of initiatives that I have been involved with including an expansion of apprenticeships to help create jobs, an increase the minimum wage and the closing of the Delaware Loophole.
“Lawmakers face a number of challenges to closing the budget deficit, but the governor has generated an alternative proposal that involves government reforms, efficiencies and structural changes. We have to be very mindful that our state budget invests in programs and services that help working men and women, children, students, seniors and those in need.
“This is a good starting point and one that can help jump-start dialogue leading to an on-time budget that meets the needs of Pennsylvania.”
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