by Christin Brown | April 23, 2021 | News Releases
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.
“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.”
Lehigh 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.
by Christin Brown | April 21, 2021 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA – April 21, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) is pleased to announce that 1320 Pine Street BJ Venture 1 LP, developer of the Frankford Works project, has been awarded a $50,000 Watershed Restoration and Protection Program grant from the Commonwealth for stormwater management in a newly restored mixed-use campus.
Frankford Works is a project aimed at the rehabilitation of seven former warehouse buildings originally built circa 1922 in an industrial section of Philadelphia’s Frankford neighborhood. The project will recreate the space to transform it from an old warehouse and factory complex into bright, open units serving the community as live/work opportunities for small businesses and organizations.
“Projects like Frankford Works are forward-thinking and vital as many of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods continue the difficult transition from the city’s industrial past into the economy of the future,” Senator Tartaglione said. “I am thrilled to deliver this funding from the Commonwealth that will bring commerce and jobs to the community while helping to protect our water supply.”
The state funding will be used to mitigate stormwater flows leaving the site. Work will include the installation of a 1,060-square-foot rain garden/ponding area for stormwater storage. The potential capture area for the rain garden is 14,850 square feet of impervious surface. In addition, an existing semi-impervious courtyard will be converted into green space to filter runoff, cool air temperatures, reduce energy consumption, and improve air quality. The total project cost is $120,000.
The Watershed Restoration and Protection Program was created under Act 13 of 2012, through which the Commonwealth Financing Authority distributes a portion of the Marcellus Legacy Fund. The overall goal of the Program is to restore and maintain streams impaired by the uncontrolled discharge of polluted runoff, and ultimately to remove these streams from the state’s Impaired Waters list. For information, visit https://dced.pa.gov/programs/watershed-restoration-protection-program-wrpp/
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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.
by Christin Brown | April 21, 2021 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA – April 21, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) is pleased to announce that the International WeLoveU Foundation East Coast Region, Inc. has been awarded a $50,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant from the Commonwealth for the revitalization of a vacant lot in Philadelphia’s Castor Gardens neighborhood.
The triangular lot is at the intersection of Gilham Street, Cranford Avenue, and Loretto Avenue and has become overgrown with trees that have become a safety hazard to the community. The lot has also been the site of illegal dumping. It is an undefined property in city records and has no listed address or owner. The Foundation plans to construct a nature sensory path, gardens, and tree benches on the site, which will complement the nearby Tarken Recreation Center and provide a natural playscape for the community.
“The WeLoveU Foundation has developed a sensible solution for a site that has been an eyesore and a nuisance to the community for many years,” Senator Tartaglione said. “I am thrilled to deliver Commonwealth funding for this worthy cause.”
The total project is expected to cost $61,250.
The Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program was created under Act 13 of 2012, through which the Commonwealth Financing Authority distributes a portion of the Marcellus Legacy Fund. The Program supports planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks, and beautification projects. For more information, visit https://dced.pa.gov/programs/greenways-trails-and-recreation-program-gtrp/
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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.
by Christin Brown | April 21, 2021 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA – April 21, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) is pleased to announce that the Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises (HACE) has been awarded a $250,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreation grant from the Commonwealth in support of The Trail Park, a planned community gathering space in the heart of Philadelphia’s Latinx community.
The 1.18 Trail Park will feature an amphitheater, concessions, and playground while serving as a trailhead to the future Richmond Industrial Trail, which is poised to become a key link in Philadelphia’s trail network connecting neighborhoods to the Delaware River and East Coast Greenway.
“I am thrilled to help HACE achieve its vision of a functional and aesthetically pleasing community space where families and neighbors can gather to enjoy each other’s company and the outdoors,” Senator Tartaglione said.
The planned park will strengthen community access to safe and equitable open space for residents and will help to restore the natural environment. The total project cost is $684,750 and will be funded with additional support from Conrail, the William Penn Foundation, and HACE’s own contributions.
The Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program was created under Act 13 of 2012, through which the Commonwealth Financing Authority distributes a portion of the Marcellus Legacy Fund. The Program supports planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks, and beautification projects. For more information, visit https://dced.pa.gov/programs/greenways-trails-and-recreation-program-gtrp/
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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.
by Christin Brown | April 19, 2021 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA – April 19, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) is pleased to announce that the Frankford Community Development Corporation (FCDC) is among 43 community organizations statewide that have been awarded grant funding under the COVID-19 Relief – Supporting Elm and Main (SEAM) program.
FCDC, of 4667 Paul St., Philadelphia, will receive $50,000 to help it replenish income it lost due to the pandemic and support its Elm Street initiative. In all, $2 million in SEAM grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
“The Frankford CDC, under the leadership of Executive Director Kimberly Washington, has demonstrated a tremendous ability to foster economic growth and job creation in Lower Northeast Philadelphia while improving access to affordable housing and enhancing community spaces. Frankford needs the CDC. This funding will help sustain it through this very difficult period for us all,” Senator Tartaglione said.
“Frankford CDC is extremely grateful for an administration that recognizes the need to extend funding to small nonprofits who deliver services to vulnerable populations,” Executive Director Washington said. “This SEAM funding will ensure that Frankford CDC is able to continue to provide outreach and technical support to help sustain Frankford’s small businesses.
SEAM provides financial assistance to community revitalization organizations dedicated to community and economic development in older and historic downtowns, commercial districts, and neighborhoods. The Elm Street Program is a component of DCED’s Keystone Communities Program (KCP) focused on the revitalization of older residential areas bordering central business districts. Visit the DCED website for information about the SEAM program.
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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.
by Christin Brown | April 1, 2021 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA – April 1, 2021 − State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) welcomed hundreds of constituents to Cedar Grove Academy in Northeast Philadelphia today for a free pop-up COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic. The senator partnered with state Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) and SunRay Drugs to organize and manage the one-day event in the city’s Lawncrest neighborhood.
“I am extremely pleased that we were able to deliver much-needed virus protection to the people of the 2nd Senate District and beyond,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Our goal is to make vaccination available and convenient for all eligible residents of the city. We achieved that today and will continue to work to improve vaccine access.”
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.
SunRay Drugs, an independent chain of pharmacies with 25 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, administered all vaccinations by appointment in accordance with Department of Public Health eligibility policy. Vaccines were available to individuals 65 and older, as well as those who qualify as Phase 1A or 1B by virtue of high-risk employment or medical conditions. A full explanation of current eligibility conditions in the city is posted on the Department’s website. These conditions apply only to Philadelphia. All other Pennsylvania counties are subject to guidance from the state’s Department of Health.
Individuals who were unable to attend today’s pop-up clinic and have not been vaccinated may call Senator Tartaglione’s office at 215-533-0440 or 215-291-4653 to sign up for a waiting list for a future pop-up clinic. The senator’s office will contact you when details are available.
Separately, Philadelphia residents are encouraged to complete the city’s Vaccine Interest Form online to become eligible for service at a city-operated clinic.
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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.
by Christin Brown | March 15, 2021 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA – March 15, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today joined First Lady of Pennsylvania Frances Wolf, Second Lady of Pennsylvania Gisele Fetterman, and many of the senator’s General Assembly colleagues to launch the Women Supporting Working Women campaign. A recording of the even can be viewed at www.PayPAWomen.com.
“As we celebrate women’s history throughout March, it is important that we continue to make history by advancing gender equality,” Senator Tartaglione said. “It is unacceptable in 2021 that women continue to earn less than men for comparable work. And it is unacceptable that our low-wage workforce is disproportionately comprised of women. Raising the minimum wage would help correct these injustices.”
State Rep. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin) hosted the virtual news conference, which was also broadcast live via www.PASenate.com/live and on the Facebook page of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus.
“This event brings together strong women leaders from different branches of government and all walks of life,” Rep. Kim said. “Our common goal here is to raise the minimum wage and support working women and their families. We want to hear your stories, as well as ask for your support. Working together, we can achieve anything.”
Visit www.PayPAWomen.com to learn more about how raising the minimum wage can help working families, the campaign, and how to get involved.
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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.
by Christin Brown | March 9, 2021 | News Releases
Senators Sabatina and Tartaglione collaborated to get site in their community.
Philadelphia, March 9 2021 − Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) and Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) are pleased to announce there will soon be a new COVID-19 vaccination location in Northeast Philadelphia. The state senators worked diligently with city officials to secure the Northeast’s first municipal vaccination site, which will serve constituents from both of their senate districts.
“According to the city’s own published data, some of the hardest hit ZIP codes are in Northeast Philly,” Sabatina said. “Yet many of my neighbors would have to travel quite a distance to get a vaccine when eligible.”
Senator Tartaglione agreed.
“Every day constituents call my district offices to ask how they can sign up for a vaccine and why there are few if any convenient vaccination sites in their neighborhoods,” Tartaglione said. “This new vaccination site will be much more accessible for the people of the Northeast.”
The site will be located at Cannstatter Volkesfest Verein, a landmark catering facility at 9130 Academy Road, in the 19114 ZIP code. The next closest city-operated site is at Community Academy Charter School in the Juniata Park neighborhood.
Sabatina praised Cannstatter’s for stepping up.
“Such great people at Cannstatter’s, they’re always there for us,” said Sabatina, who has hosted community events there. “It’s a convenient location for many of our friends and neighbors and the property layout presents many advantages for an operation like this.”
The city is getting a boost with the FEMA site at the Convention Center in Center City. Sabatina called the new Northeast location a no-brainer.
“Northeast Philadelphia is an incredibly diverse region, has a large senior population and is roughly one fourth of the city,” Sabatina said. “I’m glad that this important section of the city is being recognized as deserving of a vaccination site.”
Senator Tartaglione added: “I appreciate and thank all the community organizations and volunteers who have led efforts to distribute vaccinations throughout the city. The people of the Northeast have been very patient throughout this process, and I’m glad to see that the city will be directly addressing their needs.”
The site is scheduled to open the week of March 22. The City of Philadelphia will release more details on hours of operation and how to sign up. Both Senators recommend their constituents register their names on the COVID Vaccine-Interest website at https://covid-vaccine-interest.phila.gov/
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by Christin Brown | February 17, 2021 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA – February 17, 2021 − State Senator Christine Tartaglione has been appointed by Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa as a member of the Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, a 23-member bipartisan panel created by the legislature in 2020 to review and make recommendations to improve the Pennsylvania Election Code.
“Free and fair elections are the foundation of our system of self-government as Americans and as Pennsylvanians. I am honored that Leader Costa has appointed me to serve on the Election Law Advisory Board, which will work to maintain the integrity and improve the efficiency of all elections in the Commonwealth,” Senator Tartaglione said.
The Election Law Advisory Board exists under Article XIII-E of the Election Code and was added to the code on March 27, 2020. The panel consists of the Secretary of State or the secretary’s designee, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate or designee, the Minority Leader of the Senate or designee, the Speaker of the House or designee, and the Minority Leader of the House or designee. It also consists of one appointee by the Governor from each of Pennsylvania’s 18 congressional districts, with no more than half of the appointees representing the same political party.
The duties of the board are to study the entirety of the Election Code and identify statutory language to repeal, modify, or update; to collaborate with other agencies and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth to study election-related issues; to study the development of new election technology and voting machines; and to evaluate and make recommendations on improving the electoral process in the Commonwealth and implementing best practices identified to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process.
The board is further charged with publishing, by the end of each fiscal year, extensive and detailed findings on the Joint State Government Commission’s publicly accessible website. These findings are to be made available in electronic format to the Office of the Governor and members of the General Assembly.
Montgomery County Commissioner Ken Lawrence has been named chairperson of the board by a unanimous vote of board members.
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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.
by Christin Brown | February 3, 2021 | News Releases
During his Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Address, Governor Wolf discussed minimum wage, small business funding, job creation, and workforce development
Philadelphia, PA – February 3, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione released the following statement in response to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Address delivered today by Governor Tom Wolf during a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly:
“I have long fought within the General Assembly for policies that improve the lives of Pennsylvania’s workers, their families, and their communities. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, these priorities are more important now than they have ever been. I applaud Governor Wolf for incorporating my agenda into the administration’s proposals, and for sharing my vision of a Commonwealth defined by equality and opportunity for all.
“With approximately 5 million Pennsylvanians having filed for unemployment benefits since March, we must focus on putting people back to work. I fully support the new round of small business assistance requested by the governor as well as his recommendation that Pennsylvania reinvest federal pandemic funding into remediating toxic materials in our schools. Projects like those will keep our school children safe and create good-paying jobs.
“The governor and I agree it is vital that Pennsylvania raise its minimum wage. The current rate, $7.25 an hour, amounts to a poverty wage. Raising the rate to $12 this year and $15 over the next six years will allow low-wage earners to work their way out of poverty while improving morale and productivity, and reducing their reliance on public assistance. As a result, my minimum wage legislation, SB 12, will also benefit employers, taxpayers, and our consumer economy. Importantly, it will help advance income equality for women and minorities.
“Our budget must serve the Commonwealth’s urgent job creation needs, but we must also look ahead and consider how we will help prepare Pennsylvanians for employment opportunities of the future. The governor’s proposed investment in a reformed workforce development system will enable Pennsylvanians to acquire marketable job skills and will help rebuild the middle class. And it will also help to remove the barriers to employment faced by many folks, such as transportation and childcare needs.
“Overall, I am very encouraged that Governor Wolf has prioritized sorely needed pandemic relief and recovery initiatives while reiterating his long-standing advocacy for the pro-worker and pro-family agenda that we share. I look forward to working with the administration and my legislative colleagues during the upcoming budget process to achieve these objectives.”
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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.
by Christin Brown | January 27, 2021 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
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The forthcoming Senate Bill 12 would raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 per hour, while the Raise the Wage Act of 2021 would boost the federal rate to the same level
Philadelphia, PA – January 27, 2021 – Pennsylvania’s minimum wage workers haven’t received a substantial pay raise in more than 14 years. Today, State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) and U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pennsylvania) detailed their efforts to raise the minimum wage for the Commonwealth and for the nation as new legislative sessions commence in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.
During a virtual meeting with the news media, Senator Tartaglione announced she will soon introduce legislation that would raise Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage to $12 per hour this year and put the Commonwealth on a path to a $15 minimum wage. The bill will be known as Senate Bill 12.
Congressman Boyle discussed the Raise the Wage Act of 2021 which was introduced in the U.S. House yesterday, January 26th. The bill proposes to gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour and has garnered the support of U.S. House and U.S. Senate leaders. President Biden has called upon Congress to adopt a $15 federal minimum wage as part of his economic recovery plan.
Currently, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, the same rate as the federal minimum. The Pennsylvania legislature last raised the minimum wage on June 30, 2006, through Senate Bill 1090. Senator Tartaglione was the primary sponsor of that bill, which raised the state’s minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.15.
Three years later, Congress raised the federal minimum wage to $7.25, and Pennsylvania’s rate followed suit.
“It has been 5,317 days since the Pennsylvania Legislature last raised the minimum wage. That is more than 14 years and it is far too long,” Senator Tartaglione said, echoing language she enters into the Senate record every session day. “At the current rate, a full-time minimum wage worker earns just $15,000 a year. That’s certainly not enough for anyone to live on – even a single person with no children or dependents. It is a poverty wage. Raising the minimum wage is not just an economic issue. It’s a moral issue.”
“No American who works full time should be living in poverty,” said Congressman Boyle. “Americans working 40 hours a week should be able to put food on the table and a roof over their families’ heads, but with the minimum wage stuck at $7.25, far too many are working hard and still in poverty. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the $7.25 federal minimum wage was economically and morally indefensible. Now, the pandemic is highlighting the gross imbalance between the productivity of our nation’s workers and the wages they are paid. Raising the federal minimum wage to $15 will be a boost to the economy, a boost to productivity, and a boost to our workforce. Raising wages is good business.”
On a state level, Senate Bill 12 would raise the minimum wage to $12 this year and an additional 50 cents each year until it reaches $15. After then, the rate would be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. In addition, Senator Tartaglione’s legislation would eliminate the sub-minimum wage for tip-earners (which is currently set at $2.83 per hour) and would repeal preemption, which prevents local governments in the Commonwealth from raising the minimum wage in their jurisdictions. Further, Senate Bill 12 would grant the Department of Labor & Industry more powers to investigate wage law violations and would increase the penalties for employers who violate wage laws.
Senator Tartaglione noted that as recently as 2019, one statewide survey of registered voters found that 69% favor raising the minimum wage to $12. Another survey that year found that 56% of voters support a $15 minimum wage. Twenty-nine states have adopted minimum wages higher than the federal rate, including all six of Pennsylvania’s immediate neighbors. Nine states have adopted a $15 minimum wage.
“The level of support for these raises will only grow as consumer prices climb and it becomes harder for low-wage workers to make ends meet, and it becomes near-impossible for them to get ahead,” Senator Tartaglione said. “If New York, New Jersey, and Maryland can have a $15 minimum wage, and if Florida voters can approve a $15 minimum wage, surely Pennsylvania can do it.”
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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.
by Christin Brown | January 20, 2021 | News Releases
The City of Philadelphia will use the funds to construct 31 green stormwater infrastructure systems, helping to manage more than 13 acres of drainage area in the public right of way.
Philadelphia, PA – January 20, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione is pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) board today approved a $6.7 million loan to the City of Philadelphia for the rehabilitation of the stormwater collection system in the Lawncrest neighborhood.
The approved financing will be used to construct 31 green stormwater infrastructure systems, including tree trenches, stormwater bumpouts, and stormwater trees. These systems will manage more than 13 acres of drainage area in the public right of way in Lawncrest. They will reduce the amount of stormwater entering the city’s combined sewer system in the area and help to prevent sewer overflows into local streams and the public water supply.
“Even in a dense urban area like Lawncrest in the heart of one of the nation’s largest cities, environmental protection must be our utmost concern,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Projects like this reduce the amount of contaminated wastewater that, during major storm events, overflow our over-burdened sewers and drain into local waterways like the Tacony Creek and ultimately the Delaware River.”
The project will help the city to satisfy the requirements of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Consent Order and Agreement mandating that the city reduce combined sewer overflows. A combined sewer is a system in which household wastewater and stormwater are drained through the same network of underground pipes. Most of Philadelphia is served by combined sewers.
During major storm events, the volume of stormwater can fill the system and cause untreated wastewater to overflow sewer inlets. This untreated wastewater poses threats to public health, community health, and aquatic health.
For more information about the City of Philadelphia’s efforts to manage stormwater, visit the Philadelphia Water Department website: https://www.phila.gov/water/wu/stormwater/Pages/StormwaterManagement.aspx
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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.
by Christin Brown | January 18, 2021 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
Harrisburg – January 18, 2021 – At the request of State Senators Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia), Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), and John Kane (D- Chester/Delaware) the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a virtual public hearing on raising the minimum wage for Pennsylvanians. The hearing was held on Martin Luther King, Jr’s Day of Service to honor his legacy of fighting for worker’s rights and economic justice.
“It is unacceptable that Pennsylvania continues to allow its minimum wage to be the poverty wage of $7.25 an hour,” Haywood said. “We hold this hearing today on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of service to continue the work that Dr. King started demanding dignity and respect for all workers, and that starts by paying workers a living wage.”
The Pennsylvania General Assembly last raised the minimum wage in July 2007 to $7.25 per hour. The six states bordering Pennsylvania have enacted minimum wage laws exceeding the $7.25 rate effective in the Commonwealth. Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, and Ohio have enacted higher minimum wages than Pennsylvania’s, which has been stagnate at the federal minimum for more than a decade.
Alissa Barron-Menza, Vice President of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, said that minimum wage was first introduced in 1938 during the Great Depression, and that a livable minimum wage is an essential economic recovery tool.
“This increase is a vital tool for shared recovery that will be good for business, good for customers and good for the economy,” Barron-Menza said.
Morris Pearl, Chairman of the Patriotic Millionaires, also said that a raise to the minimum wage is good for the economy. He said that a strong economy needs people with money to spend in order to maintain it.
“Investors are overwhelmingly in favor of raising the minimum wage,” Pearl said.
Currently, 29 states and the District of Columbia have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, including all states surrounding Pennsylvania.
“The fact that Pennsylvania’s General Assembly hasn’t raised the minimum wage since passing my legislation in 2006 is reprehensible,” Tartaglione said. “While I have continued to sponsor new minimum wage legislation every session since, the majority has failed to take action, leaving the last increase workers have seen to be a 10-cent federal increase in 2009. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage workers deserve better.”
Sen. Tartaglione is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 12. This legislation would immediately raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $12 an hour for all Pennsylvania workers, with a pathway to $15 an hour by 2027. This bill would also eliminate the tipped minimum wage for Pennsylvania, ensuring all workers are making a living wage that is not dependent on patron generosity or lack thereof.
“I was a union plumber for almost four decades, and I know how important livable, family-sustaining wages were for myself and all of our members,” Kane said. “It’s a big problem that our minimum-wage workers haven’t seen a raise in over a decade — we need to guarantee that all Pennsylvanians are paid a livable wage.”
Gene Barr is President & CEO of the PA Chamber of Business and Industry said that his organization does not believe that a raise to the Pennsylvania minimum wage is the most, “effective way to drive assistance.”
Barr said that a raise to the minimum wage will hurt small businesses, will lead to more automation, and that continued work with the state on reducing barriers to employment and expanding an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) are better solutions.
“There is majority business support for raising the minimum wage beyond currently enacted levels – despite what you may hear from the opposition,” Barron-Menza countered to Barr. “For example, a 2016 survey of 1,000 business executives across the country conducted by LuntzGlobal for the Council of State Chambers found that 80 percent of respondents said they supported raising their state’s minimum wage, while only eight percent opposed.”
“No one should be working a full-time job, or multiple full-time and part time jobs, and still be living in poverty because their employer is not required to pay them a livable wage,” Sen. Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, said. “All workers deserve the dignity and respect of a livable wage, and we must raise the minimum wage for Pennsylvania.”
William Spriggs, Professor of Economics at Howard University and Chief Economist at AFL-CIO stated in his testimony that raising the minimum wage is also essential in ending the gender and racial wage gaps widely acknowledged to exist by economists.
Spriggs also said that subminimum wage is paying people less in the service industry ($2.83 in Pennsylvania for restaurant workers) or is biased on where they live, and also has, “very racist roots.”
Ashona Denise Osborne joined the SEIU (Service Employees International Union) fight for $15 an hour minimum wage after working minimum wage jobs her whole life, raising her son as a single mother, and realizing that even getting her Associates Degree in childcare is, “still not enough.”
Many other Senators also attended this hearing including Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D- Allegheny), Amanda Cappelletti (D- Delaware/Montgomery), Carolyn Committa (D- Chester), Maria Collett (D- Bucks/ Montgomery), Wayne Fontana (D- Allegheny), Vincent Hughes (D- Montgomery/Philadelphia), Tim Kearney (D- Chester/Delaware), Steve Santarsiero (D- Bucks), Nikil Saval (D- Philadelphia), Judy Schwank (D- Berks), Sharif Street (D- Philadelphia), Anthony H. Williams (D- Delaware/Philadelphia), and Lindsey Williams (D- Allegheny).
Below are all who testified in today’s hearing:
- Gene Barr, President & CEO of the PA Chamber of Business and Industry
- Alissa Barron-Menza, Vice President of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage
- Morris Pearl, Chair of Patriotic Millionaires
- Manuel Rosaldo, Centre County Wage Justice Coalition, Assistant Professor of Labor Relations, Penn State University
- Jacqui Rogers, Bucks County Women’s Advocacy Coalition
- William Spriggs, Professor of Economics, Howard University and Chief Economist, AFL-CIO
- Kadida Kenner, Director of Campaigns at the PA Budget and Policy Center
- Ashona Denise Osborne, SEIU Worker from Pittsburgh
- Lateefah Curtis, Worker from Philadelphia
- Adesola Ogunleye, Worker from Philadelphia
The full recording of this hearing can be found at senatormuth.com/policy.
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by Christin Brown | January 15, 2021 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA – January 15, 2021 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione has been reappointed as the Democratic Chairwoman of the Senate Labor & Industry Committee for the 2021-2022 session and as a member of the following Senate standing committees: Law & Justice, Banking & Insurance, and Consumer Protections & Professional Licensure. The Senator has also been appointed to the bicameral Legislative Budget & Finance Committee as well as the Senate Committee on Ethics.
Senator Tartaglione will be joined on the Labor & Industry Committee by Democratic Caucus members Senators John Kane, Tim Kearney, and Lindsey Williams.
“I am honored and excited to begin the important work of the Labor & Industry Committee in the new Senate session and to continue to fight for the issues that are most important to the working people of the Commonwealth,” Senator Tartaglione said. “We have many urgent priorities such as raising the minimum wage, protecting workers from COVID-19 and other workplace threats, as well as improving the unemployment compensation system. I look forward to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to benefit all Pennsylvania families.”
For additional information about the Senate Labor & Industry Committee, visit https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=13&CteeBody=S
For the full list of Senate standing committees, visit https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=S
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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.
by Christin Brown | December 24, 2020 | News Releases
Grant recipients include Impact Services, Carl Mackley Houses, Esperanza Health Center, Friends of Father Judge High School, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Frankford Library, and the future Trinity PAL Center, Moss Rehab, and Temple University.
Philadelphia, PA – December 24, 2020 − State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today announced that $10 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants have been awarded in support of nine community development projects in and around the 2nd Senatorial District.
“I am proud and honored to provide these diverse and community-focused organizations with this critical state funding,” Senator Tartaglione said. “The projects represented here will serve local families and the entire Philadelphia region by improving access to housing, commercial real estate, healthcare services, education, and youth engagement programs. I look forward to continue working with all of these organizations as they improve the lives of the people of the 2nd Senatorial District.”
RACP grants were awarded to the following organizations and projects:
- Impact Services; A & Indiana Campus – Philadelphia; $1,000,000; Impact Services is proposing to develop a 140,000 sf former textile mill to improve the Kensington neighborhood of North Philadelphia by renovating an existing 140,000 sf Mill Building, into a mixed-use project including affordable housing (financed separately) and a multi-tenant community serving building. 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.
- Carl Mackley Houses Limited Partnership; Carl Mackley Affordable Housing Reconstruction (1401 E. Bristol St.); $1,000,000; Project includes restoration of the 4 buildings’ facades and replacement of the bricks where necessary. Including exterior masonry restoration, including deconstruction of exterior walls; manufacturing of replacement jumbo bricks; and reconstruction of the exterior walls with existing and replacement bricks. RACP funds are also requested for replacement of the window enclosures where the masonry restoration will occur.
- Esperanza Health Center; Community Medical Care & Wellness Campus-Kensington-Esperanza – Phase 3 (861 E. Allegheny Ave.); $1,000,000; A new community wellness center will be built at 3222-58 H Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134, developing an open lot that has been vacant for 13 years into a modern facility serving Kensington community residents. It will include a gymnasium, fitness room with exercise equipment, multi-purpose rooms for health education and wellness activities and a conference center.
- Friends of Father Judge High School, Inc.; FOFJHS Career Pathways Academy (3301 Solly Ave.); $500,000; The Career Pathways Academy Building would be a state-of-the-art 20,000sqft two story building built for the purpose of delivery high level vocational education & workforce development. The Oblate Faculty House will be knocked down to make room for the new structure. The structure would 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 1st floor. The second floor will have additional workshop spaces, offices for instructors, and an observation deck for Administrators.
- American Oncologic Hospital d/b/a Fox Chase Cancer Center; Fox Chase Cancer Center ICU Modernization (333 Cottman Ave.); $1,500,000; The project involves the construction of a 15 bed ICU in an addition that will be connected to the current ICU space. This addition will be built on slab and protrude into a beautiful open courtyard in the center of the Fox Chase campus. When construction of the new unit is complete we will break thru the outer ICU wall and connect the spaces. Move all functions into the new space and renovate the current ICU space for waiting, consult room and storage.
- Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation; Renovation of Frankford Library (4634 Frankford Ave.); $1,000,000; The programmatic functions of library-as-community and civic meeting space-as-community are separated by floors but connected by the café which, in turn, acts as a link to the street. From the outside in, the designs include sidewalk upgrades, new landscaping, signage, lighting and a new entry awning and curtainwall glazing, lobby improvements to activate and make more welcoming the space, new meeting and study rooms enclosed with glass partitions at the rear of the main level rear, lower level reconfiguration to provide an additional meeting room, consolidation of existing storage spaces to create a new staff workspace, kitchen renovation, insertion of a new passenger elevator, and main stair reconfiguration.
- Kinder Academy Development Organization; Trinity PAL Center (6901 Rising Sun Ave.); $1,000,000; The project will entail the construction of 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 a basketball court with high ceiling, homework room(s), restrooms, office space for program officers. We also envision additional space that could be used for supplemental community programming. With a commitment from Trinity Church Oxford and the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, construction could commence on the existing property as part of a long-term lease agreement/endowment covering all operating and maintenance expenses.
- Albert Einstein Healthcare Network; Einstein Medical Center Elkins Park/MossRehab (60 Township Line Road); $1,000,000; The project will include renovation and expansion of the current 4th floor Brain Injury Center to include a robotics gym. The pharmacy at this location will also undergo renovations to meet safety standards and regulatory guideline. Patient rooms will be renovated to reflect safety needs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Temple University – Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education; Ritter Hall – Institute on Disabilities and Sponsored Projects relocation (1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.); $2,000,000; Project will relocate the Institute on Disabilities and Sponsored Projects to a newly renovated central suite within the College of Education’s Ritter Hall Complex. Project will include complete renovation of 14,395 SF space. The architectural design promotes wellness, productivity and efficiency, forming a new academic experience while creating a collaborative working environment and includes new reception areas, conference rooms, offices (both private and open) and support spaces. In addition, all MEP systems and technology will be upgraded to meet the needs of the new space.
RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. These projects have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.
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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.
by Christin Brown | December 23, 2020 | News Releases
The Senator urged her General Assembly colleagues to authorize grants to small businesses that have been adversely affected by the pandemic.
Philadelphia, PA – December 23, 2020 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) applauded today’s announcement by Governor Tom Wolf of his intent to transfer $145 million from the state’s Workers’ Compensation Security Fund into the General Fund so that they may be reallocated for pandemic-related small business relief. Senator Tartaglione also urged her General Assembly colleagues to grant the legislative authorization required to appropriate the funds as grants to small businesses adversely affected by the pandemic.
“I have said throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that we must strive to protect the financial health of workers and their families in addition to their physical health,” Senator Tartaglione said. “The preservation of small businesses such as restaurants and taverns, gyms, and independent entertainment venues, which employed some 2.5 million Pennsylvanians prior to the pandemic, is vital to protecting these jobs.”
In addition to the legislative authorization requirement, the transfer carries a requirement that the Workers’ Compensation Security Fund be reimbursed the full $145 million on a later date. Since the start of the pandemic (March 11th), the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has received 12,926 new workers’ compensation claims. In 2019, the Department reported 10,071 total claim petitions.
The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus prioritized a new round of pandemic relief funding for small businesses in their initial PA CARES proposal issued in October, which included $575 million in assistance for bars, taverns, and restaurants; barbers, salons, and the personal care industry; tourism; Main Street and historically disadvantaged businesses; and nonprofit organizations. The Republican-led General Assembly took no action on this proposal and instead used $1.3 billion in remaining federal CARES Act funding to balance the state budget.
Earlier this month, Senate Democrats introduced a new $4 billion PA CARES 21 plan, which includes $800 million in relief for small businesses, with $300 million exclusively for restaurants, taverns, and others in the hospitality industry.
“These businesses are taking on massive debts just to keep their lights on and keep enough staff in place to prepare for the day when they can start rebuilding their businesses again,” Senator Tartaglione said. “They are doing everything they can to improve health protections for patrons and staff. We have an obligation to make them whole.”
For more information about the PA CARES 21 proposal, visit www.pasenate.com/pacares.
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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.
by Christin Brown | October 23, 2020 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA – October 23, 2020 – The Drug & Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania (DASPOP) have named State Senator Christine Tartaglione as the recipient of its Appreciation Award during the organization’s annual Celebration of Recovery.
Senator Tartaglione also delivered a stirring keynote address during the event, which was held via video conferencing in compliance with COVID-19 mitigation guidelines. The Senator detailed publicly for the first time in her 25-year career her ongoing recovery from alcoholism.
“Discussing such personal matters in a public setting can be awkward or difficult, but it also brings me great comfort,” Senator Tartaglione said. “It’s like lifting a heavy weight off my shoulders. It’s a great relief knowing that I can be forthright about the challenges I face, and I don’t have to pretend like everything is fine even though I know there is a problem.”
The Senator said she has avoided drinking alcohol for the last 17 years. Robert Dellavella, the Chief Executive Officer of Self-Help Movement Inc. in Northeast Philadelphia, presented the award to the Senator during a small gathering of her close friends.
Congressmembers Brendan Boyle and Brian Fitzpatrick, State Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, and Bucks County Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo were among the dignitaries to congratulate Senator Tartaglione during the online event. DASPOP Founder and President Deb Beck hosted the celebration.
Addressing the many assembled treatment advocates, Senator Tartaglione said, “Individuals and organizations like yours are doing God’s work and are saving human lives. You are healing people physically and spiritually.”
Of her personal story, the Senator added, “I sincerely hope that my message about vulnerability, honesty, and recovery resonates with the many, many people who, like me, struggle with alcohol or drugs. I hope my story will show others that there is a path forward in sobriety and that a fulfilling life awaits them on the other side.”
Senator Tartaglione has advocated strongly in the General Assembly for expanding treatment options, access, and insurance coverage for people who suffer with drug- and alcohol-related illnesses.
Also during the Celebration of Recovery, DASPOP presented Doug Tieman, CEO of Caron Treatment Centers, with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Tieman has announced his retirement after a long and distinguished career in the drug and alcohol treatment field.
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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.
by Christin Brown | October 7, 2020 | News Releases
Governor Wolf’s new OT rules took effect on October 3, requiring employers to pay time-and-a-half to all workers who earn less than $45,500 a year and log more than 40 hours in a week.
Philadelphia, PA – October 7, 2020 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione applauded new overtime rules published in The Pennsylvania Bulletin on October 3 that require all Pennsylvania employers to pay time-and-a-half wages to employees who earn less than $45,500 a year and who log more than 40 hours in a workweek. The new base earnings threshold provides an additional 200,000 Pennsylvania workers with coverage under the state’s overtime pay requirements, regardless of their job titles.
“For far too long, Pennsylvania has allowed many of its worker protections to erode as inflation steadily diminishes the value of the dollar and as the income gap between the wealthy and working-class folks grows larger and larger,” Senator Tartaglione said. “For example, it has been more than 14 years since the General Assembly last raised Pennsylvania’s minimum wage. And prior to these new overtime regulations, it had been 40 years since the Commonwealth raised the income threshold for workers to qualify for mandatory overtime pay.”
Until this year, workers who were earning more than $23,660 in annual base pay could be excluded from mandatory overtime pay protection. That is, if an employer classified the worker as an executive, administrative, or professional salaried employee, the employer did not have to pay overtime wages when the employee logged more than the standard 40 hours in any given workweek.
As of January 1, 2020, the federal government enacted a higher earnings threshold of $35,568 ($684 per week). By default, Pennsylvania’s threshold also increased to that level.
Late last year, Governor Tom Wolf, through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, proposed an additional increase in the threshold to $45,500 annually ($875 per week). Following a regulatory review process that included a public comment period, the Commonwealth’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission approved the final rulemaking earlier this year. The new regulations took effect on October 3.
“We know from extensive academic research and from the examples we see in many other states that investments in our workforce through policies like mandatory overtime pay and higher minimum wages benefit our communities and our economy,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Our workers are consumers too. When we put more money in their pockets and improve their quality of life, everyone stands to benefit.”
According to the Keystone Research Center, more than four decades ago, more than 60% of salaried workers in the United States received time-and-a-half pay automatically when they worked more than 40 hours in a week, because exemption from overtime pay protection was only intended to apply to high-level managers and professionals who were already being well-compensated without overtime pay.
Since 1980, the cumulative rate of inflation in the U.S. is 215.4%. Therefore, $23,660 in 1980 dollars equates to $74,632 in 2020 dollars.
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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.
by Christin Brown | October 7, 2020 | News Releases
To date 258 local business have received or will soon receive $4.5 million in grants through the Statewide Small Business Assistance program.
Philadelphia, PA – October 7, 2020 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione today announced that 258 small businesses in and around the 2nd Senate District have received or will soon receive a combined $4.5 million in COVID-19 relief funding through Statewide Small Business Assistance (SBA), a $225 million program created by the General Assembly in May through its comprehensive PA CARES legislation.
These local businesses spanning portions of North and Northeast Philadelphia are among about 900 citywide and more than 4,100 across the state that have received grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 or have completed a verification process that will enable them to obtain their approved funding imminently.
“Pennsylvania businesses and their employees have worked very hard and made many sacrifices that have enabled the Commonwealth to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Senator Tartaglione said. “As they continue their difficult reopening process, it is crucial that we provide them with resources to catch up financially and to operate safely moving forward.”
In all, more than 10,000 Pennsylvania businesses have received preliminary approval for a combined $192 million in grants through two rounds of SBA funding. Businesses in all 67 Pennsylvania counties have been approved. In Philadelphia, about 1,200 businesses have received preliminary approval. Additional verifications will be announced as they occur.
As adopted by the General Assembly and implemented by the administration of Governor Tom Wolf, the SBA program prioritized applicant businesses owned by low- or moderate-income individuals; those owned by women or minorities; those in communities with relatively high poverty rates, low median incomes, high unemployment rates, and high population loss; those in designated revitalization areas; those in rural areas; and those operating in business sectors most-impacted by the pandemic.
The program is being administered through 17 nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that have been certified by the Commonwealth and whose primary activity is providing financing options for small businesses.
As of October 4, $76.8 million in SBA grants had been distributed or received final approval for distribution statewide, while $16 million had been distributed or received final approval for distribution in Philadelphia.
For more information about the program and a listing of the verified grant recipients, visit https://pabusinessgrants.com/
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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.
by Christin Brown | September 15, 2020 | News Releases
Additional SBA grants will be distributed in the coming weeks as part of a $225 million COVID-19 relief program created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in May.
Philadelphia, PA – September 15, 2020 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione today announced that 183 small businesses in and around the 2nd Senate District have received or will soon receive a combined $3,050,000 in COVID-19 relief funding from the Commonwealth as part of Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance, a $225 million program created in the comprehensive PA CARES legislation adopted by the General Assembly in May.
These local businesses are among 647 in Philadelphia and more than 3,000 statewide that have completed all required financial verifications and accepted the terms of the grant program in writing. In all, approximately 5,000 Pennsylvania businesses, including more than 1,100 in Philadelphia, have received preliminary approval for individual grants of up to $50,000. Additional verifications will be announced as they occur in the coming weeks.
“We are at a critical juncture for Pennsylvania’s small businesses and have been so since the very beginning of the COVID-19 emergency in March,” Senator Tartaglione said. “My General Assembly colleagues and I have been working very hard to provide resources to all those who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, including small businesses and their employees. These funds will help them cover operating expenses, reopening costs, technical assistance, risk reduction training, and debt relief.”
The list of successful grant applicants includes many business types impacted most by the coronavirus, such as restaurants and taverns, hair salons and barber shops, childcare centers, and special events facilities, as well as more-specialized business types such as bridal shops, bakeries, chiropractors, gift stores, and commercial art studios.
The grant program is being administered through 17 nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that have been certified by the Commonwealth and whose primary activity is providing financing options for small businesses. As of September 4, more than $55 million had been distributed or received final approval for distribution.
Two rounds of applications were conducted to provide interested businesses with multiple opportunities to apply for these limited funds. The final application window concluded on August 28. To be eligible, businesses must have been in operation prior to February 15, 2020, and had 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees prior to that date; had annual revenue of no more than $1 million prior to the pandemic; and been generating at least 51% of their revenues in Pennsylvania. Priority was given to applicants with women ownership, those located in designated “Main Street” or “Elm Street” districts, those in rural communities, and those that are at least 51% owned and operated by persons who are Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander. For more details about the program, visit www.pabusinessgrants.com.
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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.
by Christin Brown | September 9, 2020 | News Releases
Community colleges, state-related universities, and a technical school would be awarded a combined $130 million in CARES Act funding to cover COVID-related costs.
Philadelphia, PA – September 9, 2020 − The Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations Committee today advanced legislation sponsored by State Senator Christine Tartaglione and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa that would allocate $130 million in federal CARES Act funding to help higher education institutions in the Commonwealth manage financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senate Bill 1226 proposes to grant $35 million to Pennsylvania’s community colleges, $25 million each to Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Penn State University, $10 million to Lincoln University, and $10 million to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Previously, the Senate adopted legislation to allocate more than $72 million in federal CARES Act funding to PA State System of Higher Education universities and to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.
The Appropriations Committee adopted SB1226 unanimously. The legislation will advance to the full Senate for consideration.
“Pennsylvania’s state-related institutions, community colleges, and technical schools have suffered great financial setbacks due to the pandemic,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Despite these challenges, our higher education community has responded to this crisis in numerous ways to assist students and the entire Commonwealth as we navigate this uncharted territory.”
“Shuttering campuses; transitioning to distance learning; refunding room, board, and activities fees; and the potential loss of enrollment have all caused financial hardship and uncertainty for these institutions. They have already received some federal funding, but more must be done to help sustain them through this difficult time.”
In keeping with federal requirements, all CARES Act funds will be used to cover costs incurred by the recipients due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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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.
by Christin Brown | August 3, 2020 | News Releases
The legislators jointly authored a letter to U.S. House leadership calling for 100% federal reimbursement of unemployment insurance costs that nonprofits incur.
Philadelphia, PA – August 3, 2020 − Pennsylvania State Senator Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), Democratic Chair of the PA Senate Labor & Industry Committee, and Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), member of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, sent a letter to U.S. House Leadership urging the inclusion of language that supports the nonprofit sector in the next coronavirus relief package.
The letter authored by Congressman Boyle and Senator Tartaglione requests that the next COVID-19 response package includes language providing 100% reimbursement by the federal government of the costs of unemployment benefits they incur.
“From a social services and employment standpoint, the viability of nonprofits is essential to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to the nation,” Senator Tartaglione said. “These charitable organizations enable millions of Americans to bridge the gap between poverty and dignity, and they bolster the broader economy with critically needed jobs at a time of historic unemployment.”
“From food banks to health clinics, nonprofits in Philadelphia and across the nation have strengthened our communities by providing critical services throughout this pandemic,” said Congressman Boyle. “We must look to support our local partners and make it easier, not harder, for them to survive this challenging time. By providing 100% reimbursement, we will be investing in our local communities and ensuring much needed services do not terminate as we begin to see sharp spikes in the number of new cases.”
In Pennsylvania alone, the nonprofit sector employs 16% of the total workforce, which equates to more than 807,000 individuals. While most nonprofits are hoping to maintain their employees and services, many of these nonprofits are reaching their breaking point as the crisis continues to drain their limited resources. The proposal to grant nonprofits 100% reimbursement for the costs of unemployment benefits has received bipartisan support. A copy of the letter can be viewed here.
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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.
by Christin Brown | July 8, 2020 | News Releases
Unity Recovery was among 14 agencies statewide to receive a combined $2 million in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants.
Philadelphia, PA – July 8, 2020 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione announces that Unity Recovery of Philadelphia has been awarded almost $200,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) in the form of a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant.
The funding will allow Unity to create the Philadelphia Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative, a program that will advocate for the hiring and continued employment of people in opioid use disorder recovery while helping to foster a more-inclusive culture in Southeastern Pennsylvania workplaces. SAMHSA grants totaling $2 million were awarded to 14 organizations throughout Pennsylvania. The grant funds originated with $75 million in federal funding allocated to the Commonwealth last September to support statewide efforts to address the opioid crisis.
“I am very encouraged that the Wolf administration is providing agencies like Unity Recovery with the resources they need to make a real, local, and personal impact in the communities they serve,” Senator Tartaglione said. “The administration has been steadfast in its commitment to lessening the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania. These grants will continue and expand that vital work.”
“We have not lost focus on the continuing opioid crisis in Pennsylvania,” Governor Wolf said. “And now more than ever, employment services are vital to help people struggling during the pandemic with the loss of a job or need to find employment. These grants will help those with substance use disorder have a better chance at recovery by helping to access employment.”
Statewide, awardees will provide a wide variety of employment services including vocational assessments, resume writing, interviewing skills, job placement, and transportation assistance. Each agency has identified one local employer that has committed to hiring individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder.
Unity’s grant, valued at $198,772, will help it implement its Recovery Friendly Workplace model in Philadelphia. Unity has previously implemented this model successfully in New Hampshire, Nevada, and Wisconsin.
“I am committed to informing and referring constituents of the 2nd Senate District to the type of peer-based recovery and employment support services provided by Unity,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Not only do these types of support services help people maintain their recovery, they elevate their likelihood of gaining and maintaining employment and help them to develop positive connections within the larger community.”
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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.
by Christin Brown | June 5, 2020 | News Releases
Letter signed by 17 Senators Calls for Immediate Hearings
Harrisburg, June 5, 2020 − Senator John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) implored Governor Wolf to suspend the termination of 700 Pennsylvania employees until public hearings can be held on the clandestine decision by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC).
“It is absurd that we would send 700 more Pennsylvanians to the unemployment line during this crisis,” Sabatina said, who serves as the Democratic Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “We agreed these loyal state employees would be retained until the end of 2021, when the Turnpike would go cashless.”
Sabatina wasn’t alone in his dismay. Senator Tartaglione, Democratic Chair of the Labor Committee, also questioned the decision.
“This sudden decision to terminate 700 hardworking Turnpike employees violates the agreement we had in place and comes at a time when the Commonwealth should be doing everything it can to curtail the loss of jobs,” said Senator Tartaglione, the Democratic Chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. “We must insist that all stakeholders have their say in a public forum as part of any decision-making process of this magnitude.”
In all, 17 Senators are calling for the hearings before the June 18th termination date. The letter was sent to Governor Wolf on Friday.
You can read Senator Sabatina’s letter here:
The Honorable Governor Tom Wolf
Office of the Governor
508 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
June 5, 2020
Re: Suspend Elimination of Toll Collector Positions
Dear Governor Wolf:
We are deeply disturbed at the stealthy manner in which the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission voted to eliminate over 700 toll collector jobs this week.
Prior to Tuesday June 2nd, all parties understood that under the original agreement, the PTC promised to employ these Pennsylvanians until the exits went completely cashless at the end of 2021. During this timeframe, the remaining toll collectors would be able to apply for existing positions within the Commission, help get placed in appropriate Commonwealth vacancies, or receive a tuition credit to help receive new job training. To our knowledge, none of the above terms of the agreement have been met.
Also prior to June 2nd, we believed that we had an open and transparent relationship with the PTC. On May 12, 2020, during a Senate Transportation Committee Hearing regarding Turnpike finances, the opportunity presented itself for the PTC to discuss potential layoffs. Despite questions raised by Senate members on the future of the toll workers, no meaningful discussion on this topic was advanced by any member of the PTC.
We, therefore, believe that it is necessary to conduct an informational hearing to determine the fundamental reasons behind the PTC’s failure to abide by the original agreement regarding termination as well as its failure to notify, inform and discuss this matter with the Legislature. We understand the financial difficulties placed upon the Turnpike, however, it is blatantly unconscionable to mislead employees into thinking that their jobs were somewhat secure for the next year and a half, while knowing that these loyal employees really had less than a month to find another job in the midst of a pandemic.
These people have families that depend on them to provide necessities during this extremely difficult time and adding 700 Pennsylvanians to the unemployment rolls will not benefit the Commonwealth.
We respectfully request that this decision to layoff 700 toll collectors on June 18, 2021 be suspended until it can be established with certainty through an informational hearing that there is not some reasonable alternative that allows the PTC to keep its original promise to its faithful employees.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter and we await your prompt response.
Sincerely,
Senator John P. Sabatina, Jr. Chairman, Transportation Committee
Senator Jay Costa 43rd Senatorial District
Senator Anthony Williams 8th Senatorial District
Senator Tina Tartaglione 2nd Senatorial District
Senator John Blake 22nd Senatorial District
Senator Vincent Hughes 7th Senatorial District
Senator Judy Schwank 11th Senatorial District
Senator Lisa Boscola 18th Senatorial District
Senator James Brewster 45th Senatorial District
Senator Wayne Fontana 42nd Senatorial District
Senator Timothy Kearney 26th Senatorial District
Senator Andrew Dinniman 19th Senatorial District
Senator Lindsey Williams 38th Senatorial District
Senator Maria Collett 12th Senatorial District
Senator Pam Iovino 37th Senatorial District
Senator Katie Muth 44th Senatorial District
Senator Larry Farnese 1st Senatorial District
by Christin Brown | June 1, 2020 | News Releases, oped
On Monday, the Philadelphia Inquirer published the following opinion article by Senator Tartaglione in which she called for the immediate adoption of her Senate Bill 464 to strengthen workplace health and safety protections for state, county, and municipal employees, providing them with the same protections that all federal and private-sector employees already receive.
Pa. Capitol COVID disclosure issue underscores much-needed workplace protections for all | Opinion
By Christine Tartaglione
Amid a pandemic, the sharing of timely information is key to stopping the spread of illness.
That is why I was shocked to learn only through news media reports more than a week after the fact that a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives had tested positive for COVID-19. And I was appalled that the partisan leadership of the House chose not to notify, in a timely fashion, the member’s colleagues from opposing parties, his counterparts in the Senate, or the state employees whose jobs require them to be in the halls and offices of the Capitol during a pandemic.
Prompt and comprehensive notification could have and should have been conducted, but it was not. In light of these events, I renew my call for the General Assembly to immediately advance my legislation, Senate Bill 464, which would, for the first time, provide all public employees on the state and local levels with the same workplace health and safety protections enjoyed by all the nation’s federal and private-sector employees.
In his public statement Wednesday, the House member reported that he last visited the Capitol on May 14, was tested on May 18 after developing typical COVID-19 symptoms, and was confirmed positive on May 20.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tells us that the incubation period for COVID-19 is 14 days. Therefore, by the time this member and his caucus notified the rest of us of a potential exposure, the virus could have been spread through the chain of social contacts to literally hundreds of individuals.
In subsequent public statements, the member’s caucus has reportedly cited health-care privacy laws for the decision to withhold this critical and potentially lifesaving information from people who were and are directly affected by it. However, the restrictions codified in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) apply only to health insurers, health-care clearinghouses, and health-care providers. They do not apply to employers.
The member personally stated that he kept quiet about his diagnosis “out of respect for my family, and those who I may have exposed.” Yet, I am quite certain that the people who he may have exposed would have very much appreciated a heads up about it.
More than that, being informed promptly about workplace health hazards should be their right.
Among many other provisions, SB 464 would require state and local public employers, including school districts, to “provide reasonable and adequate protection to the lives, safety or health of the employees.” Employers would have to notify employees of the confirmed presence of health hazards like COVID-19 in the workplace.
Further, the legislation would create the Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and Health Review Board to oversee and enforce its workplace health and safety requirements, including worker notification of the hazards that threaten them. Private and federal employers already furnish their employees with these protections.
As the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania slows and businesses begin to reopen throughout the commonwealth, employers must keep workers informed about the risks that they face. If employers choose not to do that, then the law should mandate that they do so. Senate Bill 464 should receive consideration immediately — as should all employees.
