Three Northeast Philadelphia Organizations to Receive Nonprofit Security Grant Program Funding

Three Northeast Philadelphia Organizations to Receive Nonprofit Security Grant Program Funding

Philadelphia – April 14th, 2022 – Today, State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) announced three Northeast Philadelphia organizations were awarded $75,000 in Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).

“An investment in the safety and security of our communities is an investment in our collective future,” said Sen. Tartaglione. “I am thankful to the governor for prioritizing these organizations and ensuring the safety of those that live, worship, and congregate in our city and across our state.”

The three organizations in Northeast Philadelphia awarded funding are:

  • Northeast Philadelphia Development Corporation, $25,000
  • Northeast Philadelphia Chinese Association of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia, $25,000
  • Philadelphia Chinese Chamber of Commerce, $25,000

The grants awarded are a part of a larger funding announcement that will send more than $650,000 to 21 organizations across the City of Philadelphia and $5.23 million to 120 churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other nonprofit organizations across the state.

Organizations can receive funding for safety and security planning, safety and security equipment and technology, training, building upgrades, vulnerability and threat assessments, and other security enhancements.

More information regarding the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program and how to apply can be found on PCCD’s website.

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Sen. Tartaglione Presents $1 Million Mock Check to Leaders of Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia

Sen. Tartaglione Presents $1 Million Mock Check to Leaders of Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia

Philadelphia − March 18, 2022 – Today Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) was joined by Senator Sharif Street (D-3) and Representative Stephen Kinsey (D-201) to present officials from Einstein Health Network with a $1 million mock check to expand the Emergency Department at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia.

The $1 million grant was awarded via the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).  RACP grants are awarded to assist in the acquisition or construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.

“Einstein Medical Center has been a great partner of Philadelphia and our entire region as a whole,” said Sen. Tartaglione. “The grant, which comes from a highly competitive pool of applicants, is going to allow Einstein to continue to be a leader in the medical care of our communities.”

The project will expand the Emergency Department and create a new Observation Unit and Trauma Family Room at the Einstein Philadelphia, which is now a part of Jefferson Health.

“We are tremendously grateful for this support for the construction of our new Einstein Philadelphia Observation Unit and our new Trauma Family Room,” said Dr. Elizabeth Datner, MD, FACEP Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Einstein Healthcare Network. “These resources will allow us to continue providing state of the art clinical care for our patients during times when short hospital stays are necessary, and to offer a designated area for concerned family members and loved ones to be together and to consult with care teams during extremely difficult times.  Both of these projects will bolster our unfaltering commitment to Einstein’s mission of serving the needs of our community.”

More information about RACP grants awarded and how to apply can be found here.

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Senate Democrats Discuss Housing Scarcity and Houselessness at Policy Hearing

Senate Democrats Discuss Housing Scarcity and Houselessness at Policy Hearing

PHILADELPHIA, March 15, 2022 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, joined Senators Sharif Street, Nikil Saval, Amanda Cappelletti, Tina Tartaglione and Art Haywood to host a public hearing on housing scarcity and contemporary houselessness yesterday at Temple University.

“We need to tackle the issue of economic injustice – from raising wages to actual living wages and ensuring rent and housing prices are fair, transparent, and flexible according to each individual’s financial situation,” Muth said. “All levels of government need to implement policies that ensure public dollars are actually helping the public, not the wealthy, private real estate and private equity firms making billions off of taxpayer funded subsidies and evicting people who can’t afford to pay skyrocketing rent and housing rates. I hope our hearing and the impassioned testimony provided by actual Pennsylvanians living these challenges forces this conversation into the ongoing budget debate and into all 67 counties and local government priorities.”

The policy hearing featured three panels of participants who presented testimony and discussed personal stories about housing scarcity, houselessness, and the government’s responsibility to provide safe, affordable, and accessible housing in Pennsylvania.

“The recent tragic fire in Philadelphia’s Fairmount community that claimed the lives of 12, including 9 children, began with a failure of government. A family was forced to make the untenable choice of cramming eighteen individuals into a single unit because of a lack of resources. Housing is security and dignity. Years of divestment from every level of government have been an abdication of government’s duty to protect the communities they serve,” Street said. “The fundamental question for society and government is ‘how do we create accessible, safe and affordable housing for all?’  I look forward to joining my colleagues in creating policy to address the critical issue of housing scarcity.”

Testifiers at the hearing included Gail Loney, a North Central Philadelphia resident; Alisha Robinson, a Frankford resident; Kelvin Jeremiah, president and CEO, Philadelphia Housing Authority; Aaron Zappia, Senior Government Relations Manager, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania; Andrew Frishkoff, Executive Director, Philadelphia Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC); and Stephanie Sena, Anti-Poverty Fellow & Housing Advocate, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.

“The housing crisis is not unsolvable—we need to act to ameliorate it at every chance we get,” Saval added. “That means raising wages, building equity into our systems, and preserving affordable housing by giving people what they need to repair and maintain and stay in their homes.”

All submitted testimony from the policy hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy.

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Testimony

Panel 1: Lived Experience

  • Gail Loney, North Central Philadelphia Resident
  • Alisha Robinson, Frankford Resident

Panel 2: The Philadelphia Housing Authority

Panel 3: Policy Solutions

Additional Testimony

 

Senator Tartaglione Praises Governor Wolf’s Vision for Pennsylvania’s 2022-23 Budget

Senator Tartaglione Praises Governor Wolf’s Vision for Pennsylvania’s 2022-23 Budget

Harrisburg, Pa. February 8, 2022 − Senator Christine Tartaglione today praised the historic funding plan that places an emphasis on further funding education and refunding programs that have seen budget cuts in past years.

“This budget proposal from Governor Wolf is a step in the right direction and helps fix generational disinvestment in education and programs that help our Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens,” Said Tartaglione. “For one of the first times since coming to the Senate, we have the chance to enact real change with the ability to add billions of additional dollars to our education system.”

“Just like Governor Wolf said, our Commonwealth’s minimum wage is embarrassingly low and our corporate net income tax rate too high. That’s why I have introduced legislation that would address both of those issues. I am passionately fighting to ensure we make the Commonwealth a better place to live, work, and do business, and I hope both of my pieces of legislation will be included in the conversations moving forward.”

More information on the Governor’s 2022-23 budget proposal can be found here.

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Tartaglione Announces $15 Million in Violence Prevention Grants for Philadelphia

Tartaglione Announces $15 Million in Violence Prevention Grants for Philadelphia

Philadelphia, January 26, 2022 – Philadelphia based programs focused on curbing violence will receive nearly $15 million in new state funding, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione announced today.

The funds, which are provided through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee, are part of more than $23 million awarded today at the committee’s meeting in Harrisburg. The funding is intended to prioritize support for effective local intervening and preventive measures to stop gun and group violence that occurs across the state.

“Violence has affected neighborhoods and communities across the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth, especially the 2nd Senatorial District,” Tartaglione said. “I am thankful that the governor and his administration see and understand that investments in violence prevention are key in helping to heal communities and address the root causes of violence.”

The Wolf administration recently announced that an additional $15 million in American Rescue Plan funds were added to the program, bringing the state’s investment to $45 million in fiscal year 2021-2022.

“Neighborhood by neighborhood and block by block, these grants will support community level organizations that have worked closely with their neighbors to develop programs that will help combat violence and gun violence across Philadelphia and the Commonwealth,” Tartaglione said.

Projects awarded were chosen through a competitive application process with 340 initial funding requests received.

For detailed information the statewide grant winners, click here.

Philadelphia area organizations awarded grants today were:

African Family Health Organization (AFAHO) – $498,278

Requested funds to support the implementation of the “Safe Havens and Mentorship Program” a pilot violence intervention and prevention program for African and Caribbean immigrant and refugee (ACIR) boys and young men between the ages of 16-22 in the greater Philadelphia area. AFAHO will offer a safe-haven at its office location where 20 boys and young men from the ACIR communities will engage in academic tutoring and mentoring; counseling to build trust and understanding; life skills training; developing conflict resolution and de-escalation skills; how to function in a professional work environment and vocational training with tradesmen (general construction, auto mechanics, IT, and electrical) from the community who will serve as both mentors and teachers for their apprentices.

Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia –  $1,371,489

Requested funds expand its Counseling Center (CC), Youth Violence Outreach Initiative (YVO), Victim/Witness Services (VWS) and administrative infrastructure to serve more Philadelphians in areas hardest hit by gun violence (Police Districts 12, 16, 18 and 19). Funds will support salaries and benefits for therapists, victim advocates, and other personnel; consultants; laptops for new staff; furniture for new staff; supplies; sound reducing panels; staff/client SEPTA travel passes and other transportation expenses (e.g., parking); and indirect costs.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) $1,119,262

The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) requested funds to support the continuation and expansion of its Hospital Based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP). CHOP’s violence intervention and trauma support services are comprised of three trauma-informed program interventions: intensive case management; mental health therapy; and peer-led psychoeducational peer groups. A portion of requested funding (“Maintenance Funding”) will allow VIP to continue to provide current services to youth and families in Philadelphia, and to evaluate those services with accuracy and rigor. The remainder of requested funding will increase VIP’s reach to a larger number of youth and families (“Expansion Funding”) through CHOP’s Philadelphia-based primary care practices.

City of Philadelphia – Managing Director’s Office $2,000,000

Requested funding to expand the City’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategy, which employs law enforcement and social services to engage individuals at the “highest risk” of gun violence involvement. Funds would support costs associated with one Citywide Caseworker Supervisor and 12 Caseworkers deployed across the Southwest, South, Central, Northwest, and Northeast Divisions as well as the addition of a Law Enforcement Specialist position to enhance coordination and cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Funding would also support costs associated with transportation (leasing GVI MCIT vans) as well as the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy for GVI (full-time communications specialist) to provide a counter-messaging campaign to compete with the rising number of online disputes that lead to gun violence.

Concilio De Organizaciones Hispanas – El Concilio $475,000

Requested funding to support the implementation of Safe Haven services to 250 young adults (16-24 years old). Funds will support staffing a Program Coordinator and two Workforce Development Case Managers, and support personnel; cover a contracted Behavioral Health psychologist/therapist; incentives for 75 internships; operations (supplies, program materials, laptops/cellphones, facilities); and indirect costs. Concilio proposes to incorporate interventions in gun violence prevention that address economic inequities through workforce development training, support services, low social mobility through educational improvement (completion of high school, GED, collegiate or vocational studies), economic opportunities with work experiences and internships, behavioral support through trauma-informed intervention mental health for individuals and families and social services referral.

CORA Services Inc. $726,432

The Good Shepherd Mediation division of CORA Services will receive funds to actualize a two-tiered program that mitigates gun and group violence by empowering neighborhoods with high volumes of assaults to resolve conflicts using mediation, restorative justice, and community dialogue. The program will host a recurring six-month Restorative Justice course that prepares youth in these neighborhoods to become mediators, restorative justice facilitators, and community organizers while simultaneously providing the respective neighborhoods with Restorative Justice services.

The Education Culture Opportunities (ECO) Foundation $150,000

The Education Culture Opportunities (ECO) Foundation requested funding to support youth and young adult workforce development initiatives that train Energy Management Specialists (EMS) to work directly with school- aged youth in managing their emotions, actions, power, energy, and ultimately improving their conflict resolution skills. Trained EMS are young adults who intervene with the demographic of those that are most prone to gun violence involvement. Funds will support young adults to experience more meaningful and desirable workforce development opportunities. They will get on-the-job training, be fairly compensated at $18 an hour, and gain transferable skills for the current job market.

EducationWorks (PowerCorpsPHL) $2,000,000

PowerCorpsPHL (PCPHL), operated by EducationWorks, requested funding to provide innovative paid work experiences and supportive services that lead to career pathway jobs for young Black and Latinx Philadelphians who experience barriers to quality employment related to court involvement, lack of postsecondary education and work experience, and the effects of poverty. PCPHL has two tracks that both lead to career training:

  • direct entry into full-time, paid work experience through crew-based AmeriCorps service in Philadelphia communities, or
  • for court-involved individuals, more rapid entry through the preparatory TRUST program, which provides part-time paid work experience and robust supportive services that can lead to subsequent AmeriCorps crew enrollment.

Father’s Day Rally Committee – $75,000

Father’s Day Rally Committee, Inc. requested funds to support the implementation of “Fathers On A Mission” program to offer support to fathers that lose loved ones to gun violence. Funds will support the cost of a part-time case worker; part-time administrative assistant; and part-time program manager; and include supplies to support their work, including laptops and cellphones. The organization will provide fathers with the skills and tools to overcome the trauma allowing them to create interaction with members of their families and community to share their experience to help reduce levels of violence.

House of Umoja – $150,000

The House of Umoja requested funds to support the implementation of the Umoja Intentional Community, a model multi-tiered community outreach and youth leadership initiative that creates a violence-free zone of Carroll Park community; executes block by block; provides resource triage; mobilizes block captains as advocates for block members who identify families in need while also identifying resources block members may provide to the community; provides sanctuary space for block captains and block members to voice their needs and devise solutions; gives voice to young adults age 15-25 to layout a blueprint for their future through youth editions of Umoja magazine; implements “Planting Seeds of Peace” messaging campaign throughout Carroll Park in partnership with local stores and restaurants; hosts a yearly hybrid Healing Conference bringing stakeholders, community members, youth age 15-25, and wellness and behavioral health practitioners; and has an urban peace corps of students enrolled in 11th and 12th grades trained via the Fattah Peace Corp Academy, a 12-week leadership after-school program. Funds will support the development and training costs of block captains, stakeholders, youth ambassadors, consultants and resource triage workers; cover the cost of part- time consultants, including a Program Director and two Social Workers; as well as supplies to support the work.

Impact Services – $1,500,000

Impact Services requested funds to launch an Anti-Violence Program that connects to its existing community engagement and workforce development programming. Funds will support:

  • Direct Outreach/Engagement by hiring a cohort of Kensington residents with lived experience who will engage at-risk young adults (ages 18-34) who are actively or recently engaged in activities that put them at risk of gun violence
  • Structured Mentoring at individual and group levels
  • Job Placements & Paid Training Programs
  • Leadership Development & Community Projects
  • Arts & Creative Self-Expression as a tool for engaging and building community; coping with personal and community-based trauma; celebrating individual and community talent and cultures.

North Central Victim Services – $481,019

North Central Victim Services requested funds for the Positive Alternatives for Trauma and Healing (PATH) Program. This program targets youth ages 14-24 and their families living in the Strawberry Mansion and Kensington communities who are at risk for experiencing trauma by promoting positive alternatives to violence through developmentally based mentorship, outreach, making connections, and providing supportive services. Neighborhood mentors will work with youth and their families to support positive relationships and identity additional services that promote not only personal resiliency for the youth but family resilience. In addition, Neighborhood mentors will provide opportunities to get out of the neighborhood to expose the youth to experiences outside of their regular lives in order to increase their worldview and broaden their horizons.

Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), Inc. $1,393,106

Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) requested funds to support the expansion of its Reentry Services program to assist adults ages 25 years of age or older who were formerly incarcerated in the adult criminal justice system and released from prison or jail within 180 days of program enrollment. Funds will be used to support adults with a history of involvement in the adult criminal justice system acquire industry- recognized credentials, obtain and retain living wage jobs and remain free of criminal justice system involvement. This includes covering the cost of Occupational Skills Trainings; Supportive and Emergency Services; Legal Services; Participant Stipends & Incentives; Program Supplies; Staff Professional Development; Program Marketing/Advertising; as well as Occupancy for Program/ Office Space. Funds will also cover the cost to hire additional program staff to support the program including a Program Coordinator, two Case Managers, an Outreach Coordinator, and an Employment Specialist; and will also include supplies to support their work, including office supplies and laptops. OIC will also budget to cover contractual costs for Domestic Violence/ Trauma & Abuse Specialists and Licensed Therapists.

Philadelphia Department of Public Health $719,019

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health requested funds to support a newly formed collaborative of hospital-based violence intervention programs. Philadelphia has six level 1 trauma centers which vary in the availability of hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs). Funds will support the formation of a team with the singular aim of increasing recruitment for individuals injured by a gun by tracking numbers of eligible patients citywide and developing a central recruitment and referral strategy. This includes direct funding for programs to support the expansion of their work of recruitment and data collection. A citywide, centralized effort to facilitate timely support of those with injury from firearm violence has potential to not only reduce subsequent exposure to violence, but also to increase access to mental health support, employment, legal support, and other services. Centralizing this effort allows for data sharing, tracking of relevant outcomes, and implementation of best practices across institutions.

Temple University Hospital Trauma Department $961,500

Temple University Hospital, Inc requested funds to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Response to Violence (CRV) project, a hospital-based violence intervention program that will aim to mitigate the effects of community violence by:

  • supporting violently-injured patients’ emotional needs immediately following their victimization,
  • quickly linking them to a broad network of victim service agencies, and
  • providing them high-quality mental health services.

Funds from the two-year grant will cover the salary and benefits for three full-time hospital-based Victim Advocates, two part-time hospital-based Victim Advocates, and one dedicated Trauma Psychologist; support training costs for the Victim Advocates; and include supplies to support their work, including a laptop computer.

University of Pennsylvania – Penn Injury Science Center (PISC) –  $1,267,032

The PISC, Penn Trauma, and strategic community partners requested funds to develop and evaluate a collective impact partnership to support community-engaged, evidence-based violence prevention in West/Southwest Philadelphia. This includes

  • convening the PHIGHT network (Philadelphia’s Hub to Reduce Interpersonal Violence, Gun Violence, Homicide and Trauma) to align a collective vision, shared metrics, and mutually reinforcing activities;
  • identifying a cohort of 40-65 adults and young adults at highest risk for future involvement in gun violence for focused intervention using data systems (i.e. Philadelphia CARES, Shooting Dashboard, Penn Trauma registry), the PHIGHT network, and knowledgeable community partners; and
  • implementing and evaluating trauma-informed violence interruption services and tailored assistance from community-based organizations including short and long-term conflict resolution and goal support for the cohort.

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Senate Democrats Discuss Recovery and Treatment Issues at Virtual Policy Hearing

Senate Democrats Discuss Recovery and Treatment Issues at Virtual Policy Hearing

HARRISBURG, January 20, 2022 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined Senator John Kane (D-Delaware/Chester) and Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) to host a virtual public hearing on the recovery challenges associated with substance use disorder.

“Today’s hearing was an opportunity to hear about what we are currently doing here in Pennsylvania and whether our current treatment system is providing positive outcomes for those in recovery from substance use disorder – and more importantly, if it is not working, how can we improve our systems and programs,” Muth said. “We need to ensure that the Commonwealth and our treatment and recovery programs are effective and are providing the best means for sustained, lifelong recovery.”

The virtual policy hearing featured three panels of expert testimony that focused on funding issues faced by the recovery community; the oversight of recovery houses in Pennsylvania; and the challenges with relapsing during recovery from substance use disorder.

“This issue is personal for me – I’ve been sober for almost 40 years. And I know firsthand how difficult recovery is,” Kane said. “Individuals in recovery are facing massive challenges. But as legislators, we have the chance to make that journey a little bit easier. I’m grateful to all the panelists who testified at today’s hearing, and I’m looking forward to getting to work to make sure safe and effective recovery options are available for everyone.”

It is estimated that Pennsylvania is set to receive up to $232 million of the $26 billion global opioid settlement in 2022 and up to $1 billion total over the next 18 years. Of that funding, nearly 70 percent of all funds will be distributed to county authorities to fund initiatives that include medication-assisted treatment, naloxone distribution and services for pregnant and parenting persons suffering from opioid use disorder. 

“Having been in recovery for more than 18 years, I know first-hand how important it is to ensure people in recovery have the resources they need as soon as they reach out for help,” Tartaglione added. “The 2nd Senatorial District is no stranger to the challenges substance abuse brings. My community, Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania as a whole need to know that there are elected officials that are dedicated to helping end substance abuse and to expanding access to treatment.  The hearing today has helped to open people’s eyes to how crucial timely treatment is.”

Testifiers at today’s hearing included Jennifer Smith, Secretary, PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP); Bill Stauffer, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance (PRO-A); Deb Beck, President, (Drug and Alcohol Service Providers Organization of PA (DASPOP); Jessica Molavi, Clinical Manager of Specialty Programs at Mirmont Treatment Center; and Adam Al-Asad and Sarah Laurel from Savage Sisters Recovery.

All submitted testimony from today’s hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy

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Testimony

Panel 1: Recovery Funding

Panel 2: Oversight of Recovery Houses

Panel 3: Chronic Relapsing 

Additional Written Testimony

Senate Dems to Host Virtual Hearing Next Week on Recovery Challenges with Substance Use Disorder

Senate Dems to Host Virtual Hearing Next Week on Recovery Challenges with Substance Use Disorder

ROYERSFORD, January 14, 2022 – State Senator Katie Muth, chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, will join Senators John Kane and Christine Tartaglione to host a virtual public hearing next Thursday at 10 a.m. to discuss recovery challenges associated with substance use disorder.

The hearing will be held Thursday, January 20 at 10 a.m. on Zoom. Interested participants can register in advance by clicking here.

The policy hearing will feature testimony from three panels of experts that will discuss the challenges facing individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. The panels will include representatives from state agencies, treatment clinics, and local recovery houses who will each discuss their specific needs and challenges.

The hearing will also be livestreamed at SenatorMuth.com/Policy and on Senator Muth’s Facebook page. 

Media participation is encouraged.  

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Senator Tartaglione Joins State and City Officials to Celebrate New Courts and Toddler Playground at Tarken

Senator Tartaglione Joins State and City Officials to Celebrate New Courts and Toddler Playground at Tarken

PHILADELPHIA December 20, 2021 − State Senator Christine Tartaglione was joined by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR), Councilmember Cherelle Parker (9th District), and Representative Jared Solomon’s Office, to celebrate the opening of new basketball and futsal courts and toddler playground at Tarken Recreation Center in Oxford Circle.

“The Tarken Rec Center has been an important part of the Oxford Circle neighborhood as well as the Greater Philadelphia community for decades,” said Senator Christine Tartaglione. “The renovations to the basketball and futsal courts as well as the playground are a shining example of the greatness of Philadelphia parks.” 

“Parks & Rec is working hard to expand access to athletic recreation for our city’s youth,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “The new courts and playground here at Tarken provide a safe place to play for all ages. We thank Councilmember Parker, Representative Solomon, and Senator Tartaglione, for all of their support in this project.”

Two former tennis courts at the Tarken Recreation Center were converted into two futsal courts, complete with new goals and a divider. The basketball court was completely refurbished, with new basketball hoops and a polycarbonate backboard. These brightly painted courts are part of PPR’s ongoing efforts to provide Philadelphia youth’s access to more high quality athletic recreation facilities.

New up-to-date play equipment and safety surface were installed in the 2-5 year old play area.

The nearly $500,000 project was made possible by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservancy Fund.

“Our neighborhoods thrive when there are strong public spaces where our families can learn, play, and gather together safely,”  said Councilmember Cherelle Parker. “The improvements at Tarken Rec Center are a direct reflection of local and state leaders working together to invest in communities and people, and to create spaces where people can do all of those things. As this community continues to grow and evolve, we are working collectively to ensure that our rec centers, libraries and parks are equipped to meet the needs of the people, of all ages, who call this neighborhood home.”

“Government works best when we do things together,” said Representative Jared Solomon. “We are building community by uniting local and state government together, all working to revitalize our community. We are creating a safe, creative, and dynamic space where families can come and build relationships to create bonds that will make for a stronger neighborhood.”

“I look forward to all the pick-up games, practices, and tournaments that will take place on these courts. More courts means more opportunities for kids to join teams, learn new skills, and have fun. Facilities like these are crucial to the health and wellness of the Tarken community,” said Tygh Kane, site supervisor at Tarken Recreation Center.

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Tartaglione Announces $15 Million in Violence Prevention Grants for Philadelphia

State Senator Tartaglione Announces $10 Million In Redevelopment Funding For Philadelphia

HARRISBURG, December 6, 2021 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione D-Philadelphia today announced $10 million in state grants were awarded to North and Northeast Philadelphia for redevelopment projects.

Tartaglione announced the funding, which is awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will provide grants to projects that will expand medical access, recreation space, career development and employment opportunities.

“These grants will go to projects that each will greatly benefit the North and Northeast communities.” Sen. Tartaglione said. “These funds will enable the expansion and renovation of hospital spaces, education opportunities, recreation facilities and businesses in our neighborhoods.”

Projects in the 2nd Senatorial District that won funding are:

Temple University Hospital, Jeanes Campus Emergency Room Expansion

$1,000,000 to expand the existing ED footprint by 3,500 SF, adding 8 additional treatment rooms to accommodate closure of the Elkins Park ED located 1 mile away. The design will be scalable in the event additional treatment rooms are needed. This will be new construction built on land contiguous with the existing ED.

Friends of Father Judge High School, Inc., FJHS Centers for Career & Technical Education and Special Education II

$1,000,000 to construct the Career Pathways Academy Building, a state-of-the-art 20,000 SF, 2-story building to deliver high-level vocational education and workforce development. The current 3-story vacant structure on campus will be knocked down to make room for the new structure. It will have a massive common area for multiple trade disciplines to be taught simultaneously, while 3 classrooms and additional breakout spaces would be created on the first floor. The second floor will have additional workshop spaces, offices for instructors, and an observation deck for Administrators.

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Einstein Medical Center ED Observation Unit and Trauma Expansion

$1,000,000 for the expansion of our Emergency Department observation bays and renovation of existing space to accommodate a Trauma Family Waiting Room. The Medical Records department will be moved to the 3rd floor of Korman to make room for additional observation beds. For the Trauma Waiting Room we are extending the building out onto an existing sidewalk at our front lobby. The security upgrade will consist of the installation of a new turnstile system.

Charles Jacquin Et Cie, Inc., Renewing Pennsylvania’s Oldest Distillery

$1,500,000 to renovate Jacquin’s facilities, creating employee parking, upgrading the security system camera and lighting, repairing the sidewalk, installing a panic device and emergency egress, enhancing security access, replacing fences and improving the permeation tunnels. It will also fix rooftops, restore and add new chillers and a high efficiency boiler, add a quality assurance lab and teaching room, realign conveyors, and upgrade several controls. The appearance of the overall facility will be enhanced and restored by interior and exterior paint and window and fencing replacement.

City of Philadelphia – Rebuild, Lawncrest Recreation Center 

$2,000,000 to renovate the existing 21,000 SF Lawncrest Recreation Center building, adjacent accessory buildings, and swimming pool area and include the creation of an ADA accessible route within the building via a ramped hallway and building extension. The Recreation Building interior will be renovated. Improvements to the grounds include the playground, sport courts, sidewalk improvements, site landscaping/lighting, and site accessibility upgrades.

Kinder Academy Development Organization, LLC, Trinity PAL Center II

$1,000,000 to construct a new state-of-the-art, historically compatible facility to house the return of the Gibbons PAL program and other community outreach initiatives. Initial construction plans include stormwater management improvements; hazardous material abatement; utilities; permits; security and access control systems; concrete slab; and site remediation. Ultimately, the space created will encompass a basketball court with high ceiling, homework rooms, restrooms, and office space for program officers.

Police Athletic League of Philadelphia,  Samuel D. Cozen PAL Center & Scattered Sites     

$1,000,000 to construct, renovate, and/or improve six PAL locations: 2128 W. Ontario St.: site preparation and construction of a new PAL Center; 851 E. Tioga St: HVAC, safety, and efficiency upgrades, and structural improvements; 5330 Germantown Ave: HVAC, safety, and efficiency upgrades, and construction of a zero-maintenance athletic field; 2524 E. Clearfield St: HVAC, safety, and efficiency upgrades, and structural improvements; 124 E. Indiana Ave: build-out of a PAL Center within the empty warehouse space; 2601 N. 11th St: HVAC, safety, and efficiency upgrades, and space renovations.

Cardone Industries, Inc., Operation Rocky

$500,000 to transform the existing warehouse space into a production area, convert/add lighting, set up computer network, add required electrical, add office space, move and install production equipment.

Impact Services Corp., A & Indiana Campus Project

$1,000,000 to develop the A & Indiana Campus including renovation of an existing 150,000 SF Mill Building into mixed-use spaces including affordable housing and a multi-tenant community serving building. The property will be renovated subject to Historic requirements and fit out for the identified tenants. The renovations will include all new systems, floors, historic windows, roofing, elevators, stairs and finishes. The project will also include completion of site work and parking for access to the building.

RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenue or other measures of economic activity.

More information on RACP funding can be found here.

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Senate Dems Discuss Evaluating and Improving Drug Treatment Centers at Policy Hearing

Senate Dems Discuss Evaluating and Improving Drug Treatment Centers at Policy Hearing

READING, December 6, 2021 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined Senators Judy Schwank and Christine Tartaglione to host a public hearing on evaluating and improving drug treatment centers in Pennsylvania.

“The alarming rates of substance abuse and drug overdoses have been magnified throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. And when individuals and their families reach out for help and seek treatment, they do not have the resources and information available to make an informed choice about treatment facilities. Pennsylvania families deserve better,” Senator Muth said. “Today’s policy hearing allowed our Committee to hear from families who have tragically lost loved ones to addiction, and it also afforded us an opportunity to discuss possible legislative solutions and policy changes that can improve the evaluation process and treatment outcomes of Pennsylvania’s drug treatment centers.  Patient outcome survey data should be guiding treatment plans, not insurance companies that often deny coverage for the care required for successful recovery.”

Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of drug overdose in the nation and drug overdose deaths have increased in 46 of 67 counties in Pennsylvania throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics indicated that there were over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States during the 12-month period ending in April 2021, an increase of 28.5% from prior year.

“We must rethink our approach to adequately address the ongoing opioid epidemic, and one way to do that is to look at drug treatment centers. Individuals taking the crucial step of seeking treatment for addiction need to be given access to all the information they need to make the right decision for their own particular circumstances,” Schwank said. “This hearing provided us an opportunity to learn directly from individuals impacted by addiction, treatment providers and state regulators. It will give us a chance to better understand what factors make drug treatment more effective.”

Senator Schwank has introduced two bills – Senate Bill 975 and Senate Bill 976 – to address issues with Pennsylvania’s drug treatment facilities and recovery homes. Senate Bill 975 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to distribute an annual survey to all substance use disorder treatment centers and recovery homes operating in PA, record, and publish online for public access the responses provided by those treatment centers and recovery homes. Senate Bill 976 would prohibit any treatment center in PA to refuse admittance to anyone reporting to a treatment facility requesting medical or psychological services addressing substance use disorder – even if an individual is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time they report. It would also prohibit any health insurance company operating in PA from refusing coverage for admittance and provision of medical and psychological services.

“Today was a crucial step in addressing the crisis that is addiction, and the failure of treatment that surrounds it,” Tartaglione said. “The shifting demographics of addiction and overdoses show us that there is no community in this commonwealth that has not been touched by its devastation, from Erie to Philly and Allentown to Pittsburgh, the PA Senate Democrats are dedicated to bettering and expanding addiction treatment services offered.”

The Senate Democratic Policy Committee heard from several panelists at Reading Area Community College that included representatives from the Opioid Crisis Action Network, the Self-Help Movement, the Caron Foundation, the Council on Chemical Abuse, and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

All submitted testimony from today’s hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy

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Testimony

Panel 1: Affected People 

Panel 2: Care Providers

Panel 3: Policy Solutions

Sen. Tartaglione Joins Gov. Wolf in Calling on the Legislature to Pass Pro-Worker Legislation

Sen. Tartaglione Joins Gov. Wolf in Calling on the Legislature to Pass Pro-Worker Legislation

Philadelphia, PA − November 19, 2021 − State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione joined Gov. Tom Wolf as well as legislative colleagues and labor leaders today in Philadelphia to highlight the governor’s recent executive action and to call upon the legislature to finally pass legislation that supports and protects workers.

The governor’s order requires all businesses that receive grants or contracts from the commonwealth to provide its workers paid sick leave and pay no less than the $13.50/hour minimum wage for state employees. That wage, for state employees and contractors, will reach $15 on July 1, 2024.

“The governor’s recent action providing guaranteed paid leave, safer workplaces, and increased worker pay for employees of businesses that receive grants or contracts from the commonwealth is a great start.” Tartaglione said. “But we cannot let it end there. We currently have legislation pending in the senate that would codify these orders into law for all workers of this commonwealth.”

“Legislation like Senate Bills 12 and 310, which I have introduced, would raise the minimum wage for all workers in our commonwealth and extend Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety rules to all public employees. These are commonsense issues which would raise wages for nearly 700,000 workers as well as make all workplaces safer.”

Tartaglione and Wolf were joined at a news conference in Philadelphia by Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier, members of the House and Senate Philadelphia Delegation, as well as members of Council 13 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

For more information on Gov. Wolf’s executive order visit his website. More information regarding Sen. Tartaglione’s legislation SB 12 and SB 310 is also available.

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Senate Dems Discuss Worker Misclassification Issues at Policy Hearing

Senate Dems Discuss Worker Misclassification Issues at Policy Hearing

PHILADELPHIA November 15, 2021 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, today joined Senators Nikil Saval, John Kane, Christine Tartaglione and Lindsey Williams to host a public hearing to discuss issues related to worker misclassification in Pennsylvania.

“Worker misclassification isn’t just about building trades or construction, this issue impacts a whole segment of our workforce that deserves to be protected and paid fairly by their employers,” Senator Muth said. “I appreciate all of my colleagues and the panelists that participated today to shine a light on another instance of corporate greed – employers that are prioritizing profits over workers. It is time that we stand up for our workers in the state Senate.”

The Senate Democratic Policy Committee heard from several panelists at the Sheet Metal Workers Union Building in Philadelphia who all discussed the problems workers are face with when they are misclassified by their employers. The Keystone Research Center indicates that if Pennsylvania has rates of misclassification in the construction industry comparable to those in other states, it loses about $10 million in unemployment insurance taxes, at least $15 million in income tax revenues (and possibly three times as much), as much as $83 million in workers compensation premiums, and $200 million in federal income taxes.

“Worker misclassification is pervasive, and the resulting damages cut across all sectors of employment and all facets of our communities. Pennsylvania is a labor state with a long history of protecting workers’ rights, and it’s imperative that we continue this work in our swiftly changing economy,” Senator Saval said. “Just as companies that exploit workers can take these practices from state to state, Pennsylvania can create a model for worker protections that other states can adopt. How we approach this right now will impact the future of work.”

The hearing featured representation from various regional and statewide labor unions, including the Steamfitters Local 420, Painters DC21, Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, PA AFL-CIO, and the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. Senator John Kane spent four decades as a union plumber prior to serving in the Senate and also served for twelve years as the Business Manager for one of the largest plumbers’ unions in the Commonwealth.

“My members earned good, family-sustaining wages and had good benefits. They had protections for workplace injuries and safe working conditions. When workers are misclassified as independent contractors, they lose these protections,” Senator Kane said. “I want to be clear – the misclassification of workers is a form of theft, plain and simple. Businesses cut costs to help their bottom line, and our workers pay the price. It’s long past time we took action to end worker misclassification, and I’m grateful to all our panelists for sharing their perspective in today’s hearing.”

The hearing also highlighted the worker misclassification issues experienced by workers in the app-based gig economy and discussed potential policy solutions to address the issue of worker misclassification. One bill discussed was Senate Bill 879 which was introduced by Senator Saval. This bill would hold general contractors responsible for paying any employees up and down a worksite, even if they are hired by a subcontractor.

“For too long unscrupulous employers have cut costs and corners by misclassifying Pennsylvania’s workers. The Pa Senate Democrats have and will continue to fight for the workers of this commonwealth,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Every worker deserves the protections that come with being an employee not a contractor. The cost of doing business cannot and should not be shifted onto a businesses’ employees.”

“Misclassification hurts workers, hurts employers who are doing the right thing by their workers, and it hurts taxpayers,” Senator Williams added.

All submitted testimony from today’s hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy

 

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Testimony

Panel 1: Local Unions Roundtable

  • Gary Masino, Sheetmetal Workers Local 19.
  • Tom Redden, Steamfitters Local 420
  • Tyler Honschke, Painters DC21
  • Brian Eddis, Philadelphia Building Trades

Panel 2: Statewide Unions Roundtable 

Panel 3: The Gig Economy

Panel 4: Policy Solutions

 

Sen. Tartaglione Praises Gov. Wolf’s Action on State Employee Protection and Wages

Sen. Tartaglione Praises Gov. Wolf’s Action on State Employee Protection and Wages

Philadelphia, Pa – October 21, 2021– Senator Christine M. Tartaglione, chairwoman of the PA Senate Labor and Industry Committee, today shared praise for Governor Wolf’s pro-worker agenda. The governor signed an executive order this morning calling for legislative action to create safer workplaces, promote higher wages and guarantee paid leave for workers. He encouraged the General Assembly to finally pass legislation that supports workers.

In response to the action and strong stance the governor is taking for workers, Senator Tartaglione issued the following statement:

“Today’s announcement from the Wolf Administration is a crucial first step in expanding worker protections and ensuring businesses that receive grants or contracts from the commonwealth provide family sustaining wages to all employees.

“Creating and maintaining family sustaining wages and expanding OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) protections have been the cornerstone of my legislative priorities. Governor Wolf’s actions today provide a great place to continue conversations regarding legislation, including SB12, a bill I introduced to raise the minimum wage for all workers across the commonwealth and SB310 which would expand OSHA protections to public sector employees.”

Tartaglione Hosts Senior Expo for More than 100 Seniors

Philadelphia Pa. − October 7, 2021 − More than 100 seniors, direct caregivers, and vendors attended the first of three Senior Expos hosted by Sen. Tina Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia). 

The expo was organized and hosted by Sen. Tartaglione at the St. Anne’s Rectory PALS Center in Philadelphia. Representatives from various government agencies as well as public and private providers were on hand to discuss programs and services for older Philadelphians, as well as organizations providing health screenings. A free lunch was provided to attendees as well.

“Connecting seniors with the services that are offered and available to them is one of the most important jobs as a senator,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “These events are always a huge hit with my constituents, and every time I interact with constituents around the 2nd district, they always tell me how much they love the senior fairs and are already looking forward to the next one.”

Sen. Tartaglione’s offices will be hosting two more senior expos in the 2nd District:

  •  Thursday October 21st 10am-1pm at the Mayfair Community Center
  •  Thursday October 28th 10am-1pm at the Lawncrest Recreation Center

The Senior Expos are free to attend and open to all seniors and their caregivers in the 2nd district.

For more information contact Sen. Tartaglione’s district office at (215) 533-0440.

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Senator Tartaglione Hosts Members of the Suicide Prevention Alliance

Senator Tartaglione Hosts Members of the Suicide Prevention Alliance

Harrisburg, PA − October 1, 2021 − This week, Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D- Philadelphia) hosted members of the Suicide Prevention Alliance at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Sen. Tartaglione met with the Suicide Prevention Alliance, a non-profit organization solely dedicated to prevention suicide across the country, to discuss the importance of education, awareness, and community support for suicide prevention. Members also shared their own personal experiences related to suicide and why they are passionate about working to help those who need support. 

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 and the 10th overall leading cause of death in the United States

“I’ve been in your shoes, I’ve felt your pain, I’ve thought of taking my own life too,” said Sen. Tartaglione. “After my accident 18 years ago, I struggled, but through a powerful support group, I made it through and that’s why I have dedicated my career to giving a voice to those in pain. More can and must be done to educate about harm reduction and the resources that are available to anyone in crisis. Any life lost to suicide is one too many, we have the resources to save these lives. We just need to make them more accessible.”

Sen. Tartaglione and her guests and members of the Suicide Prevention Alliance recorded videos which can be found here

If you or someone you know are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)

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Senators Tartaglione and Haywood Present $1 Million State Redevelopment Grant to MossRehab

Senators Tartaglione and Haywood Present $1 Million State Redevelopment Grant to MossRehab

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant will support the expansion of robotics and technology rehabilitation spaces at Moss’ Brain Injury Center.

Philadelphia, PA – September 23, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2nd District) was joined by state Senator Art Haywood (D-4th District) today at MossRehab/Einstein Medical Center-Elkins Park to present a $1 million redevelopment grant to support the expansion of Moss’ Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding from the Commonwealth will be used to grow robotics and technology rehabilitation spaces at Moss and to renovate the on-site pharmacy in accordance with safety standards and regulatory guidelines.

“I know first-hand the difference Einstein and Moss are making in patients’ lives, how in our darkest hours, they provide a glimmer of hope and restore our will to overcome all obstacles,” Senator Tartaglione said. “That’s one of the many reasons I am honored to help them continue their mission.”

“Investing in quality healthcare builds community and generates jobs,” Senator Haywood said. “I want to thank Einstein Healthcare Network for their part in building opportunities that our neighbors and families greatly need.”

During a ceremonial check presentation, Dr. Alberto Esquenazi, Chief Medical Officer of MossRehab, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support that the senators have provided.

“We are delighted to have been able to count on the support of Senator Tartaglione and Senator Haywood to help us deliver the highest quality of care to residents in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties,” Dr. Esquenazi said. “Because of their vision and understanding of the needs of the community, the funds provided will improve our facilities, making them even more compatible with the level of clinical and research expertise available at MossRehab/Einstein Elkins Park. We are very grateful.”

Senator Tartaglione noted that September 20th through 26th is National Rehabilitation Awareness Week as recognized annually by the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation.

“This week, I encourage us all to focus our attention on the remarkable and transformative patient outcomes that are achieved through medical rehabilitation,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Rehabilitation increases access and opportunity for the 50 million Americans living with disabilities, and it helps them live up to their fullest potential.”

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Senator Tartaglione Hosts Governor Wolf in Kensington to Discuss New Strategies for Fighting Opioid Crisis

Senator Tartaglione Hosts Governor Wolf in Kensington to Discuss New Strategies for Fighting Opioid Crisis

The Senator and Governor met with other elected leaders and local stakeholders in a renewed effort to combat the devastating individual and community-wide effects of the epidemic.

Philadelphia, PA – September 16, 2021 – At the request of state Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), Governor Tom Wolf, state leaders, and local stakeholders visited Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood today to assess the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic and to discuss new strategies for ending the crisis while revitalizing the community.

“The opioid epidemic is at a crisis stage throughout the Commonwealth and across the country, but in many ways we are standing here today at Ground Zero,” Senator Tartaglione said during a news briefing at Esperanza Health Center. “The toll it has taken on human lives is immeasurable. There is no way to put a number on the emotional despair and physical pain felt by the people trapped in addiction and the families – the children – who live in this community and are forced to experience what we saw today every day. I hope today marks a new beginning in our effort to stop the opioid epidemic and rebuild Kensington.”

The Governor and Senator were joined by Jennifer Smith, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, on a tour of the neighborhood. The officials then gathered with state Representative Angel Cruz, other elected officials, and leaders of community organizations that are working to combat the epidemic.

“Tragically, opioid deaths are not a new problem in Pennsylvania and the Kensington community we toured today has been particularly hard-hit by this crisis,” Governor Wolf said. “Every death caused by an overdose is a tragedy. They deserve our help to get quality treatment and support. I am committed to fight for the people and communities harmed by the opioid epidemic and the disease of addiction.”

In 2017, Pennsylvania saw a record number of overdose deaths. In January 2018, Governor Wolf signed the Commonwealth’s first opioid disaster declaration to help break down government barriers and bring together 17 state agencies to address the epidemic in a coordinated effort. The work performed under the declaration helped to decrease overdose deaths in the Commonwealth by nearly 20% from 2017 through 2019. Unfortunately, preliminary data from 2020 shows an increase in overdoses comparable to 2017 figures. At the current rate, the administration expects to see a similarly high number of overdose deaths this year.

The Governor renewed the opioid disaster declaration 15 times before the Republican-led General Assembly adopted legislation to curtail the Governor’s emergency declaration powers and allowed the latest opioid disaster declaration to expire on August 25th. Without a declaration in place, state agencies have lost the emergency authorization to share data through the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), which has proven to be an effective and important tool in monitoring the prescriptions of dangerous and potentially deadly opiates to Pennsylvanians. Under the recently enacted emergency declaration requirements, only the General Assembly can renew the disaster emergency through legislation, and thereby restore the data-sharing program.

“I encourage the General Assembly to urgently turn their attention to renewing that data-sharing capability so that we can make sure every Pennsylvania agency has the information they need to work toward our shared goal of reducing overdose deaths,” Governor Wolf said. “We made progress against the opioid epidemic before, and by working together we can do it again.”

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or William.Kenny@pasenate.com.

 

Senator Tartaglione to Host Free Document Shredding & E-Recycling Event on Saturday, September 25th

Senator Tartaglione to Host Free Document Shredding & E-Recycling Event on Saturday, September 25th

Philadelphia, PA – August 30, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2nd District) will host a free document shredding and electronics recycling event for the community on Saturday, Sept. 25th, 2021, in Wissinoming Park, 5773 Frankford Ave. (entrance on Cheltenham Ave.), Philadelphia, PA 19135. Please include the following information in your community event listings or calendars. Event flyer is attached.

  • What: Free Document Shredding and Electronics Recycling Event hosted by Senator Christine Tartaglione.
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 25th, 2021, 9 a.m. to noon.
  • Where: Wissinoming Park, 5773 Frankford Ave. (entrance on Cheltenham Ave.), Philadelphia, PA 19135.
  • How: No appointment is necessary. Participants are encouraged to bring their old bank statements, tax returns, and financial documents for secure shredding. They may also bring their old computers, TVs, and other devices for “green-friendly” disposal. For more information, contact Senator Tartaglione’s office at 215-533-0440.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or William.Kenny@pasenate.com.

Senator Tartaglione Announces Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grants for Five 2nd District Elementary Schools

Senator Tartaglione Announces Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grants for Five 2nd District Elementary Schools

Philadelphia, PA – August 5, 2021 –  State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2nd District) announces that five elementary schools within the 2nd Senatorial District are among 288 statewide that have been awarded a combined $7 million in grants to provide fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to students during the school day.

The local awardees are the School District of Philadelphia’s William Cramp School, Lewis Elkin School, and Fox Chase School; the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Visitation School; and Mastery Charter School-Smedley Elementary.

“Providing quality education to children in their most formative years must be our highest priority as a Commonwealth, and good nutrition is a vital component of quality education,” Senator Tartaglione said. “This state funding will help children start each day right and focus on their classwork until the final bell.”

The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). The program’s goals are to provide students with healthier food choices, expand the variety of fruits and vegetables available to them, and increase their fruit and vegetable consumption. Funding priority is given to schools with the highest rates of students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.

Grantees are required to spend most of their funding on the purchase of fresh fruit and vegetables, and they must develop a plan to establish partnerships to reduce other costs. Schools are required to provide nutrition education to students but cannot use FFVP funding to purchase nutrition education materials.

The full list of grant recipients and more information about the program is available by visiting the Department of Education’s School Nutrition Programs website.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or William.Kenny@pasenate.com.

Senator Tartaglione Announces State Community Development Funding for Frankford & Kensington

Senator Tartaglione Announces State Community Development Funding for Frankford & Kensington

Keystone Communities Program grants totaling $122,000 will support the revitalization of commercial and mixed-use properties along the Frankford and Kensington avenue corridors.

Philadelphia, PA – August 2, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2nd District) today announced the award of Keystone Communities Program grants totaling $122,000 to two local community development corporations (CDCs).

Frankford CDC was awarded $96,977 in support of its continued revitalization of 4663 Paul Street, while New Kensington CDC was awarded $25,000 in support of its Kensington Avenue Commercial Corridor Plan.

“I am thrilled to bring these much-needed Commonwealth funds back to the 2nd Senatorial District. I know they will be put to great use,” Senator Tartaglione said. “I have worked side-by-side with the Frankford CDC and the New Kensington CDC for many years as we invest in these neighborhoods and strive to overcome the many socioeconomic challenges that impact the diverse groups of people who live and work here.”

Among its many ongoing projects, Frankford CDC is rehabilitating two formerly vacant and dilapidated commercial properties on the 4600 block of Paul Street, adjacent to the CDC’s own headquarters. The plan includes the development of two new commercial units/storefronts on the ground floor and eight affordable rental units on the second and third floors.

The effort is part of Frankford CDC’s Reimagining Margaret-Orthodox strategy for the Frankford Avenue commercial corridor and around SEPTA’s Arrott Transportation Center.

New Kensington CDC will use its Keystone Communities funding to develop a new Kensington Avenue Commercial Corridor Plan to guide the CDC in the purchase and redevelopment of properties that will be used to provide opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs. The effort will focus on the avenue as well as connecting corridors that link to Frankford Avenue.

Funding will help the CDC hire a consultant, engage the community, and provide incentives for stakeholder participation with a focus on streetscape, façade, and signage improvements.

Administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), the Keystone Communities Program is designed to encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors that jointly support local initiatives such as the growth and stability of neighborhoods and communities; social and economic diversity; and a strong and secure quality of life. The program allows communities to tailor the assistance to meet the needs of its specific revitalization effort.

Grants may be used in a variety of ways including planning activities, façade improvement programs, accessible housing programs, and development grants. Eligibility is open to units of local government; redevelopment and/or housing authorities; nonprofit organizations engaged in economic development or housing; CDCs; business, neighborhood, or downtown improvement districts; or similar organizations incorporated as authorities.

For more information about the Keystone Communities Program, visit the DCED website. Information is also available via the Frankford CDC and New Kensington CDC websites.

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Hughes, Tartaglione Mark 15th Anniversary of Minimum Wage Bill with State’s Leaders

Hughes, Tartaglione Mark 15th Anniversary of Minimum Wage Bill with State’s Leaders

PHILADELPHIA, July 9, 2021 – On the 15th anniversary of the signing, state Sens. Vincent J. Hughes and Christine M. Tartaglione today marked the enactment of Pennsylvania’s last minimum wage legislation with a reenactment and rally with state leaders at the site of the 2006 ceremony.

Hughes and Tartaglione were joined by Gov. Tom Wolf, former Gov. Ed Rendell, U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, and House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton along with House and Senate Democrats to remember the fight to get Senate Bill 1090 passed and to recognize the leaders who continue to  speak out against poverty wages in Pennsylvania.

“My landmark 2006 minimum wage bill represented what intelligent, conscientious legislators with contrasting points of view can achieve when we dedicate ourselves to finding common ground. We fought and clawed our way through misinformation, dubious studies, and corporate greed to deliver relief for 400,000 Pennsylvania workers and their families,” said Tartaglione, who was the author and prime mover behind Senate Bill 1090 (Act 112) in 2006. “But now that widely-celebrated legislation is a glaring example of how far we have fallen behind our neighbors and our nation. The time to correct this economic and moral failure is now.”

Hughes, who sat with Tartaglione and Gov. Ed Rendell for the 2006 signing at Sharon Baptist Church, said the bill proved the skeptics spectacularly wrong.

“We were told Senate Bill 1090 would cost jobs.  We heard dire predictions and gloomy warnings and fake reports from the business lobby,” Hughes said. “None of it was true. Poverty shrunk.  Jobs grew.  Thousands of Pennsylvanians saw their buying power rise to where it was a decade earlier. You can’t tell us we can’t afford to pay better than poverty level wages.  We know better.”

Act 112 raised Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.15 over two years before the federal government raised the current rate to $7.25 where it has remained.  A Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry report compiled after the increase showed it was broadly successful at raising wages and predictions of job loss were met with thousands of jobs gained in sectors that employ minimum wage workers.

“The fact that Pennsylvania’s minimum wage hasn’t increased in 15 years is an embarrassment,” said Gov. Wolf. “It’s an insult to hardworking Pennsylvanians who are doing the same amount of work, but finding that their paychecks cover less and less every single year. The Republican majority in the General Assembly refuses to do the right thing for workers in our state. Our minimum wage is leaving Pennsylvanians behind, and that’s just wrong.”

Tartaglione has continued to offer new minimum wage bills  that have not been moved by the Senate majority.

“It is an absolute travesty and an insult to workers everywhere that other legislators have been blocking Pennsylvanians from raising the minimum wage for 15 years. 15 years!” said Sen. Tim Kearney, who spoke at the rally urging a full Senate vote on a minimum wage update.

Tartaglione’s current bill,  Senate Bill 12, would raise the minimum wage to $15 in a series of increments over six years.  It remains idled in the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. 

Senator Vincent Hughes, Gov. Wolf, Senator Christine TartaglioneParticipants at the rally signed a letter to Senate majority leaders asking for a vote and predicting it would pass if allowed on the floor.

“The minimum wage is nowhere near a livable wage,” said Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, who represents parts of Delaware and Montgomery counties. “In my district, there is no affordable housing available for those making at or near our current minimum. It is past time to do something about it. We must raise it immediately.”

Sen. Katie Muth, who represents parts of Montgomery, Chester and Bucks counties called the current minimum wage “shameful” and said its value would be far higher if adjusted to make up for decreasing buying power.

“I encourage those who oppose increasing Pennsylvania’s minimum wage rate from the shameful poverty rate of $7.25 an hour to try it for themselves with an annual salary of less than $15,000 after taxes,” she said.  “In Pennsylvania, it costs roughly  $59,340 for a family of four to afford basic needs.  Had the minimum wage increased at the rate of productivity since the early 1960’s, it would be around $22.50.  Income inequality is preventable and those with the majority power in Harrisburg have been holding hardworking Pennsylvanians hostage with their inaction.”

To view the full event, visit here. FTP link available upon request.

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Senator Tartaglione Votes for New $38 Billion PA Spending Plan, Opposes Administrative & School Code Bills

Senator Tartaglione Votes for New $38 Billion PA Spending Plan, Opposes Administrative & School Code Bills

Philadelphia, PA – June 25, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) voted in support of the $38 billion Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget adopted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly today, but voted against accompanying Administrative Code and School Code legislation.

“I am extremely dismayed that the Republican leadership in the General Assembly once again turned their backs on Pennsylvania’s lowest-paid workers by neglecting to raise the minimum wage for the 15th consecutive year,” Senator Tartaglione said. “I am also deeply disappointed in the regressive overtime changes in the Administrative Code bill. Yet, the budget delivers much-needed and timely funding in many areas, including education, nutrition assistance, violence prevention, human services, and replenishing our workers’ compensation fund.”

As adopted, the budget features $611 million in expanded education funding, with $300 million for basic education. $200 million of that would be distributed among public schools using the state’s fair-funding formula, which adjusts for factors such as poverty, English language proficiency, and local tax revenues. The remaining $100 million would be allocated through the Level Up program that prioritizes funding for schools with historically inadequate funding, including school districts in Philadelphia, Scranton, Reading, and Northampton County.

The budget provides $200 million in additional funding for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education in four annual installments of $50 million. A portion of these dollars will support the Diversity, Education & Inclusion program proposed by PA Senate Democrats.

“Access to quality public education is the key to improving the lives of Pennsylvania’s working class families,” Senator Tartaglione said. “This budget addresses that need from expanded Headstart and Pre-K programs, all the way through our state-owned universities.”

Community-based gun violence prevention programs managed by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency are due to receive $30 million in new funding in the budget. The State Food Purchase Program would receive an additional $3 million, while the Department of Human Services’ ID Community Waiver program would receive $15 million.

A $145 million allocation to the Workers’ Compensation Fund will replenish most of the $165 million that the state borrowed from the fund in the 2016-2017 Fiscal Year.

Of the $7.1 billion in federal funds that were allocated to Pennsylvania in the American Rescue Plan, the General Appropriations bill calls for the transfer of $2.8 billion into the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

Senator Tartaglione opposed the School Code legislation, which includes a $40 million expansion of school vouchers and fails to increase funding for public libraries. The Senator also voted against the Administrative Code that repeals enhanced overtime protections awarded to almost 400,000 Pennsylvania workers through the regulatory process last year.

“Last year, the Wolf administration used the regulatory process to update our overtime rules for the first time in four decades so that workers who log extra hours on the job – beyond the standard 40-hour work week – can count of fair compensation for their labor. But the new Administrative Code restores exploitative exemptions and the low-salary threshold that employers have long-used to avoid paying overtime to deserving workers,” Senator Tartaglione said.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or William.Kenny@pasenate.com.

Senator Tartaglione’s Family & Medical Leave Bill Receives Unanimous Support from Labor & Industry Committee

Senator Tartaglione’s Family & Medical Leave Bill Receives Unanimous Support from Labor & Industry Committee

The bipartisan Senate Bill 617 moves to the full Senate for consideration. It would enhance job protections for workers who take leave to care for a terminally ill relative. 

Philadelphia, PA – May 27, 2021 – The Pennsylvania Senate Labor & Industry Committee voted unanimously yesterday to advance legislation sponsored by Senator Christine Tartaglione to extend family and medical leave benefits for employees who take time away from work to care for an ailing relative.

Senate Bill 617, known as the Pennsylvania Family and Medical Leave Act, received bipartisan co-sponsorship and was inspired by the story of a woman from West Goshen Township, Chester County, who was forced to quit her job to care full-time for her terminally ill sister. Senator Tartaglione’s legislation, if adopted and signed into law, would require employers to provide up to six weeks of unpaid leave to an employee to care for a sibling, grandparent, or grandchild with a certified terminal illness if the ailing relative has no living spouse, no son or daughter over age 17, and no parent under age 65.

Current federal law provides the same job protection only if the ailing relative is the spouse, son, daughter, or parent of the employee.

“At some point in our lives, we all need time to take care of our loved ones. And no one should have to sacrifice their career when family priorities must take precedence,” Senator Tartaglione said. “My legislation would provide all workers, regardless of their job or their income level, with the freedom to fulfill their family duties without suffering harmful professional repercussions.”

Senate Bill 617 moves to the full Senate for consideration. Information on the bill is available by visiting www.legis.state.pa.us

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or William.Kenny@pasenate.com.

 

 

PA Senate Democrats Joined by PA Sec. of Ag & Second Lady Gisele Fetterman for Policy Hearing on Food Insecurity in Pennsylvania

PA Senate Democrats Joined by PA Sec. of Ag & Second Lady Gisele Fetterman for Policy Hearing on Food Insecurity in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg – April 30, 2021 – At the request of Pennsylvania State Senators Judy Schwank (D- Berks), Tina Tartaglione (D- Philadelphia), and Sharif Street (D- Philadelphia), the Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a virtual policy hearing to discuss the issue of food insecurity in Pennsylvania.

“The pandemic has exposed many issues over the last year, but perhaps most striking of all is the issue of food insecurity,” Schwank said. “I know few of us will forget seeing the long lines of families waiting for food assistance. Today we learned how our local food banks met the extraordinary challenge of feeding our communities and what we need to consider moving forward as the issue of food insecurity is far from solved.”

Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding said that reports compiled by the organization Feeding America show that the number of Pennsylvanians facing food insecurity in 2020 grew substantially to 1.77 million individuals, an increase of 30 percent. The number of children in Pennsylvania facing food insecurity rose to 537,080, an increase of nearly 40 percent in just one year.

“Food Insecurity is defined as the lack of access to enough food for a healthy and active life and at its core equals hunger. Across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is estimated that 11% of the population is food insecure with the highest percentage right here in Philadelphia county,” Dixie James, President and COO of Einstein Healthcare Network, said.

Second Lady of Pennsylvania, Gisele Fetterman, also testified at the hearing about her work to address food insecurity through Free Store 15104 and 412 Food Rescue.

“My work exists because of failures in policy,” Fetterman said.

She said that making a state law to prevent perfectly good food from going to waste, as numerous other states have done, would help to address food insecurity by redirecting resources, and also addressing the environmental impact of discarding perfectly good food that could otherwise feed populations.

“We know it is not a lack of food, it is how food gets distributed,” Dr. Kathy Reeves, Senior Associate Dean of Health Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and Director at the Center for Urban Bioethics and Professor of Pediatrics Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, said.

Dr. Reeves also advocated in her testimony to treat food as a prescription to address the overall health of Pennsylvanians.

“Food insecurity is intertwined with so many of Pennsylvania’s chronic ills, problems like poverty and health disparities that have been exacerbated by the lingering coronavirus pandemic,” Senator Tartaglione said. “This thorough conversation is imperative as we seek to make nutrition universally accessible in the Commonwealth.”

Loree Jones, CEO of Philabundance which serves five counties in Pennsylvania, said that 40 percent of the 60 percent increase Philabundance has seen in need this past year were people using the emergency food system for the first time. She said that Feeding America is projecting that nationally more than 42 million people, including 13 million children, may experience food insecurity due to COVID-19.

Secretary Redding said that additional funding to provide food in the pandemic has come from both federal and state resources, providing additional funding for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) foods purchases through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). As of April 17, 2021, food banks in Pennsylvania report having distributed in excess of 2.4 million of these food boxes, weighing more than 51.5 million pounds.

“The lessons learned over this past year have provided us a fresh lens to look at our grant programs to ensure they are equitable and meeting the needs of those we serve. The gaps in the system have been highlighted such as meat processing delays and lack of access to fresh foods. We will continue to enhance our current programs and investigate additional ways to address these needs,” Sec. Redding said. “Additionally, expanding broadband access throughout the commonwealth will assist in providing equal access to resources and e-commerce platforms.”

Scott Cawthern, Acting Deputy Secretary for the Office of Income Maintenance at the PA Dept. of Human Services, also testified about the work that the Dept. of Human Services did in expanding services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how increased and continued investment in these programs will address food insecurity and improve long-term health outcomes for Pennsylvanians.

“On the state level, we would like to see more coordination between all the food 9 systems in the state including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), SNAP, NSLP, and others to ensure that eligible families are receiving all the food assistance for which they qualify and to ensure that children and families receive the nutrition supports as they grow,” Cawthern said.

Jay Worrall, President of Helping Harvest Food Bank, testified to the importance of community partners in the distribution of food and resources to families and how increasing funding for its signature food insecurity programs, the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP), and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS), and increase the flexibility for how those funds can be expended would assist even more Pennsylvanians in need.

“Unfortunately, many Pennsylvanians have been and still are struggling to meet their basic needs. Working families across our state face countless situations, such as jobs paying only poverty wages due to wealth inequality and corporate greed, food deserts, unexpected bills for car maintenance or medical treatment, layoffs, and now a global pandemic, all of which cause temporary or permanent financial instability, food insecurity and hunger. Pennsylvania food insecurity rates have increased from 11.1% in 2018 to over 33% as of March 2020.  According to the PA Department of Agriculture, before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 1.53 million Pennsylvanians endured chronic hunger every day, including 478,500 older Pennsylvanians and about 437,000 children,” Sen. Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, said. “Food insecurity makes it impossible to survive let alone thrive.  Every human should have guaranteed access to reliable and nutritious meals.  We need to act urgently to end food insecurity in Pennsylvania and across our nation.”

Below are all who participated in today’s hearing:

  • Dixie James, President & COO, Einstein Healthcare Network
  • Gisele Fetterman, Second Lady of Pennsylvania
  • Secretary Russell Redding, PA Department of Agriculture
  • Scott Cawthern, Acting Deputy Secretary for the Office of Income Maintenance at the PA Dept. of Human Services
  • Dr. Kathy Reeves, MD. FAAP, Senior Associate Dean, Health Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Director, Center for Urban Bioethics – Professor, Pediatrics Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University 
  • Andy Toy, Development and Communications Director, SEAMAAC
  • Tyler Ray, Neighborhood Community Organizer, Urban Creators
  • Maddy Booth, COO, Vetri Community Partnership
  • Mark Edwards, President & CEO, Food Trust
  • Loree Jones, CEO, Philabundance
  • Jay Worrall, President, Helping Harvest Food Bank

The full recording of this roundtable, as well as the written testimony from participants, can be found at senatormuth.com/policy. A full recording of this hearing can also be found on the PA Senate Democratic Facebook page.

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Sen. Tartaglione Brings COVID Vaccine Clinic to Frankford

Sen. Tartaglione Brings COVID Vaccine Clinic to Frankford

Philadelphia, PA – April 23, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) welcomed hundreds of constituents to The Baptist Worship Center in Northeast Philadelphia’s Frankford neighborhood today for a free pop-up COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic. The senator partnered with the Center and Lehigh Pharmacy to organize and manage the one-day event in the city’s Frankford neighborhood.

Vaccine Clinic“Americans continue to get vaccinated in record numbers, but many folks and many communities remain underserved due to a variety of factors. Our goal today was to make it easy and convenient for residents of areas that have been hardest-hit by the pandemic to receive the medical care they deserve,” Senator Tartaglione said. “I thank Lehigh Pharmacy and The Baptist Worship Center for making this event possible.”

Senator Tartaglione’s 2nd District spans portions of Northeast Philadelphia, Juniata, Kensington, and North Philadelphia. The city’s Department of Public Health has classified many communities in the district as high-risk for COVID exposure and has sought to increase vaccination rates in those communities.

“Many people in the 2nd District and throughout Philadelphia may have difficulty traveling to a vaccine clinic due to mobility or transportation challenges,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Others may have trouble identifying a vaccination location due to the digital divide. And some folks are reluctant to get a vaccine because they are concerned about side effects. I want to assure everyone that vaccines are safe, and I will do everything I can to help people get vaccinated.”

Vaccine ClinicLehigh Pharmacy, an independent pharmacy at 1006 W. Lehigh Ave. in North Philadelphia, administered all vaccinations by appointment in accordance with the latest city and state eligibility policies, as well as COVID mitigation guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control. Vaccines are now available to anyone 16 or older. Contact Lehigh Pharmacy at 215-225-7522 for information about getting vaccinated.

Contact Senator Tartaglione’s office at 215-533-0440 or 215-291-4653 for help finding a vaccination location or securing transportation to your vaccine appointment.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or William.Kenny@pasenate.com.