by Christin Brown | December 20, 2019 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA, December 20, 2019 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) issued the following statement regarding the School District of Philadelphia’s closures of Laura H. Carnell Elementary School and Alexander K. McClure Elementary School due to the detection of hazardous asbestos in the schools:
“I was disheartened and disturbed, but not surprised, to learn that hazardous asbestos has been detected at Carnell and McClure, both of which serve families of the 2nd Senate District. As a member of the Fund Our Facilities Coalition and through the diligent advocacy of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, I have become keenly aware of the pervasiveness of hazardous materials in public schools throughout the city and I remain committed to identifying resources that will enable the School District to eliminate the threats and protect the health of the people who occupy these aging facilities every day.”
“In addition, I will continue to fight for state legislation that will extend OSHA safety protections for state and local public employees, as well as all people who use our public buildings. It’s tragic that our schoolchildren and our dedicated educators cannot focus on the important work they do without fearing long-term and potentially fatal health complications. I commend the School District for taking swift action to close Carnell and McClure until the hazards are remediated. Yet, formulating, adopting, and funding a comprehensive plan to remediate ALL schools must be our top priority.”
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | December 18, 2019 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
Philadelphia, PA, December 18, 2019 – Democratic legislators from both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly evoked The Grinch and Scrooge to denounce the inaction by House Republican leadership on Senate Bill 79, legislation that would raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by January 2022.
State Senators Christine M. Tartaglione and Art Haywood, and State Reps. Patty Kim and Christopher M. Rabb hosted the news conference with the support of their Democratic caucus colleagues and Secretary of Labor & Industry W. Gerard Oleksiak. All four lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at modernizing Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage Act to reflect the rising costs of living and raising families in the Commonwealth.
Senator Tartaglione, the primary sponsor of SB 79, read a passage from the Dr. Seuss classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” while comparing House Speaker Mike Turzai to the poem’s infamous title character.
“There are literally millions of ‘Whos’ living in every city, every small town, and every ‘Whoville’ across this great Commonwealth,” Senator Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said. “Unlike the loveable creatures in the Dr. Seuss classic, their plight is nothing to delight us every holiday season.”
“Raising the minimum wage has been a priority this year, and we have failed hardworking Pennsylvanians to pass this bill into law,” Senator Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) said. “I stand here with my colleagues to continue to offer support for raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania and pull hardworking families out of poverty.”
Representative Rabb (D-Philadelphia) extended the holiday theme by quoting Charles Dickens’ novel, “A Christmas Carol,” equating Speaker Turzai to Ebenezer Scrooge, and warning that the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come may soon be paying him a visit.
“These working people aren’t asking for charity,” Representative Rabb said. “These people are working – working hard – for 40, 50 hours a week or more. These people are serving your Christmas dinners, cleaning the hotels your visiting relatives are staying at, and making sure you’ve got a place to get gas and batteries and milk when everything else is closed. They’re asking for the fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work they’ve earned and they’re owed.”
“The modest raise in Senate Bill 79 would make a major difference for so many families, especially families and households led by women,” Representative Kim (D-Dauphin) said. “I’m sad, I’m disappointed, but I’m also ready to fight until these people get the raise they’ve earned.”
Pennsylvania’s base minimum wage stands at the national minimum of $7.25 an hour and has not increased since 2009, when the federal rate took effect. Pennsylvania last enacted an increase to its minimum wage on July 9, 2006. That’s 4,910 days ago.
With strong bipartisan support, the Senate overwhelmingly adopted SB 79 on November 20. The legislation then moved to the House for consideration and was referred to its Labor & Industry Committee. House leaders have not advanced the bill or scheduled it for consideration by the committee.
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by Christin Brown | December 16, 2019 | News Releases
The investment will help to provide more than 900 public school students with new learning and active play opportunities in a safe and secure outdoor environment.
Philadelphia, PA, December 13, 2019 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) was joined by State Rep. Jared Solomon at Carnell Elementary School today for the presentation of a $200,388 Pennsylvania grant in support of a new Green Playscape and Community Design project at the school.
Coordinated by the non-profit Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association, the project will transform a barren, asphalt-covered yard adjoining Carnell’s two instructional buildings into a vibrant recreational and educational space with a climbing wall, play surface and mounds, language path, basketball and soccer goals, and other interactive playground equipment.
“This Green Playscape project is a great example of the power of strong public-private partnerships to create positive change in our communities,” Senator Tartaglione said. “The investment we are making here today will help to create an attractive and useful recreational and learning space that will benefit thousands of children for many years to come.”
The grant was administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account, which distributes a portion of slot machine license fees paid by casinos operating in Philadelphia. OCCCDA Executive Director Pearl Wang-Herrera, Carnell Principal Hilderbrand Pelzer III, and Community Design Collaborative Director of Design Heidi Segall Levy took part in the check presentation ceremony.
“We are so thankful for the DCED LSA funding and are excited to transform the current empty asphalt lot to provide a playground to engage the 900 students at Carnell with creative activities and a safe environment,” Wang-Herrera said.
The conceptual plans include a centrally located mural on the ground and a walking path with images that celebrate the cultural diversity of the student population. Two basketball goals and two soccer goals will be installed with a 15-foot fence bordering the court. Recycled rubber surfaces and mounds will help to demarcate play areas dedicated to younger and older pupils.
In addition, a “rock” wall for climbing and surrounding play surface will enable students to strengthen their body coordination, while ADA-approved ramps and pathways will provide full accessibility to the facility. The total cost of the project will be about $1 million.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | December 3, 2019 | News Releases
The investment will help New Kensington CDC to create affordable, neighborhood-oriented commercial and residential units that will revitalize the business corridor.
Philadelphia, PA, December 3, 2019 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) delivered a $150,000 Pennsylvania grant today to the New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) to help the non-profit organization redevelop two formerly vacant storefronts at 2513-15 Frankford Ave. The adjoining properties will be converted into affordable, neighborhood-oriented commercial and residential space that will revitalize the surrounding business corridor.
The grant was awarded through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Local Share Account program, a fund that distributes a portion of slot machine license fees paid by casinos operating within the City of Philadelphia. Senator Tartaglione visited New Kensington’s new Ruth Street offices to present the funding to CEO Felix Torres-Colon and other New Kensington officials.
“For more than 30 years, New Kensington CDC has done a tremendous job facilitating and overseeing the revitalization of the Frankford Avenue corridor. This is an area that fell on hard times due to the decline of local manufacturing, but it is now growing once again thanks to their efforts,” Senator Tartaglione said. “This state funding will assist the local renaissance by bringing affordable retail and residential space to the avenue, along with jobs and commerce.”
“NKCDC is very excited to receive this Local Share grant from Pennsylvania DCED,” Torres-Colon said. “When we moved our offices to Orinoka Civic House on Somerset Street this year, we saw an opportunity to make another investment in our old office space on Frankford Avenue. In their neighborhood plan, East Kensington residents asked for development that promotes local businesses and maintains affordability. We look forward to creating commercial space and rental apartments that will add to the lively, walkable neighborhood along Frankford Avenue.”
NKCDC acquired the Frankford Avenue properties from the City of Philadelphia in the late 1980s. They were vacant at the time. The non-profit organization established its offices there as it grew to employ 25 people. Earlier this year, NKCDC completed its conversion of a former mill building at Ruth and Somerset streets into Orinoka Civic House. The CDC offices are now located there along with 51 affordable apartment units.
Re-establishing the Frankford Avenue properties as mixed-use, commercial/residential buildings will restore their original, intended use and will be consistent with the city’s Philadelphia2035 Comprehensive Plan for the River Wards. The project will make the properties fully ADA compliant, provide much-needed affordable housing, and expand neighborhood commerce while creating new jobs.
NKCDC, which manages the corridor and maintains it under contract with the city, will market the new commercial properties to potential tenants and support the new businesses as they grow with the community. For information about NKCDC, visit nkcdc.org.Frankford Avenue Storefronts, Senator Christine Tartaglione, Grants
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | November 27, 2019 | News Releases
After delivering the Local Share Account grant to Impact Services Corp., the senator and State Rep. Angel Cruz served Thanksgiving meals to formerly homeless local veterans.
Philadelphia, PA − November 27, 2019 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) and State Rep. Angel Cruz delivered a $427,479 grant from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development to Impact Services Corp. today in support of the nonprofit organization’s renovation of a former Kensington textile mill into a community gymnasium and multi-use campus.
The 12,000-square-foot gymnasium project is part of a $30 million mixed-use redevelopment of the former Downs Carpet Mill on the corner of ‘A’ and Indiana streets. Impact Services’ longterm plans for the site – which is part of its “Hope Park Focus Zone” – also include 48 affordable housing units, 60,000 square feet of commercial space, a community center, a health center, and a business incubator. Impact Services already provides housing and supportive services for formerly homeless veterans on-site.
“This project has the potential to completely transform this block and the surrounding neighborhood into a social, cultural, and economic destination. So I was thrilled to help Impact Services secure this major state funding,” Senator Tartaglione said.
“I am pleased that DCED awarded a grant for this project because it is much-needed for the community,” Representative Cruz said. “And I hope to continue supporting the redevelopment of this site.”
“This development is an example of what becomes possible when neighbors and government come together to strengthen a neighborhood,” Impact Services CEO Casey O’Donnell said. “We are grateful that state officials share in the vision and are making the needed investment.”
The grant presented by Senator Tartaglione and Representative Cruz will specifically be used for site preparation, utility separation, demolition of non-historic buildings, heating, air conditioning, and bathroom upgrades. The overall redevelopment project is detailed in Impact Services’ “Heart of Kensington” neighborhood plan and involves the entire 140,000-square-foot former mill. Information about the plan is available at www.impactservices.org/neighborhoodplan/.
The Hope Park Focus Zone contains some of Philadelphia’s most-active blocks for drug activity and crimes. The presence of vacant buildings and lots throughout the area contribute to the drug and crime problems. Yet, the vacancies also provide “clean slate” opportunities for redevelopment.
Impact Services has been working in the Kensington neighborhood since 1974 to help residents get job training, reenter the workforce, find housing, and build the community. In the last two decades, the agency has developed a specific focus on building a continuum of services including housing for homeless veterans. The agency offers transitional and permanent housing for about 200 veterans in two large facilities and several scattered sites.
The grant presented by Senator Tartaglione and Representative Cruz today was administered through DCED’s Local Share Account program, which distributes a portion of slot machine license fees paid by casinos operating within the City of Philadelphia.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-5330440 or mailto:[email protected].v
by Christin Brown | November 20, 2019 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
Harrisburg – November 20, 2019 – Today, State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), joined State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia), State Representative Patty Kim (D-103), State Representative Chris Rabb (D-200), and advocacy organization State Innovation Exchange (SiX) for a news conference. This media event was in response to the Senate passage of legislation to increase the minimum wage rate to $9.50 by January 2022.
“Any increase in the minimum wage is a step in the right direction, but the bill adopted by the Senate today falls far short of what Pennsylvania workers need and deserve. This is not the bill that I have been fighting for. It’s not the bill that my colleagues in the Senate and House have been fighting for,” said Senator Tartaglione. “And it’s not the bill that workers have been fighting for. Pennsylvania workers deserve more. We must keep fighting for more and we will not stop until we get it.”
“Today, I voted yes to increase the minimum wage rate to $9.50 over a period of 24 months. There is still no change in the tipped wage for restaurant workers, no annual cost of living adjustment with inflation, and it keeps the ban on cities from increasing their own minimum wage,” said Senator Haywood. “The change from $7.25 to $9.50 gives minimum wage workers a $4,680 raise. I will continue efforts in my district to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour business by business and block by block until there is a fair wage.”
“After nearly a decade of Pennsylvania lagging behind neighboring states, Republicans are finally acknowledging that our current minimum wage is nothing short of a poverty wage. Yet, their response to H.B. 1215 and S.B. 79 is an inadequate counter-proposal to the substance of one fair wage. It is akin to keeping the economic knife in the side of the working poor, yet seeking praise for pulling it out an inch,” said state Rep. Chris Rabb. “More than 40% of the Pennsylvania workforce is working minimum wage jobs. We must ensure workers can adequately provide for their families by fighting for a living wage while breaking the scourge of poverty.”
“According to a poll commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and conducted by TargetSmart, Pennsylvania voters support a wide range of policies in the state to raise wages, strengthen our democracy, reform the criminal justice system, and protect the environment,” said Pennsylvania Director for State Innovation Exchange (SiX), Nikkilia Lu. “62% of voters support raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to fifteen dollars an hour over the next five years.”
This legislation is currently awaiting a vote by the Pennsylvania House.
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by Christin Brown | November 20, 2019 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
Senate Bill 79 proposes to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $9.50/hour by 2022.
Philadelphia, PA, November 20, 2019 – As the Pennsylvania Senate adopted her legislation to raise the state’s minimum wage for the first time in 13 years, State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today urged her colleagues to continue working toward a higher rate that will enable workers to support themselves and their families.
Senate Bill 79 proposes to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $9.50 in four increments concluding on January 1, 2022. The raises would directly benefit approximately 385,000 low-wage workers. The legislation now moves to the Pennsylvania House for consideration.
“The General Assembly hasn’t raised Pennsylvania’s minimum wage in over 13 years, so any increase is a step in the right direction,” Senator Tartaglione said. “While this is not the bill that I have been fighting for, or the bill that Pennsylvania’s low-wage workers have been fighting for, it is important that we do everything we can right now to help people put food on their tables, put a roof over their heads, and educate their children.”
In March, Senator Tartaglione introduced Senate Bill 12 that proposes to raise the minimum wage to $12 this year and to $15 by 2025. SB 12 is awaiting action in the Senate Labor & Industry Committee.
The General Assembly last voted to raise the minimum wage in 2006, when legislation introduced by Senator Tartaglione raised the rate $5.15 to $7.15. The wage floor rose to $7.25 in 2009 in accordance with federal law.
Since then all six of Pennsylvania’s bordering states and 29 states across the nation have adopted wage floors that exceed the federal minimum.
“By adopting SB 79, we have made a statement that we are capable of working together to advance legislation that provides Pennsylvania’s low-wage workers with much-needed and long-awaited relief,” Senator Tartaglione said. “I encourage our counterparts in the House to support this bill and I look forward to working on additional legislation that will continue the progress we have made here today.”
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | November 19, 2019 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
As a $9.50/hour minimum wage plan advanced in the Senate, the amended bill also included a moratorium on changes to PA’s outdated overtime pay rules.
Philadelphia, PA, November 19, 2019 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) voted yesterday in favor of raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $9.50 while renewing her call for a much larger increase in the statewide minimum.
During a meeting of the Senate Labor & Industry Committee, members voted unanimously to report a largely amended version of Tartaglione’s SB 79 to the full Senate for consideration. Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee also approved the bill with two no votes from the 24-member panel. The full Senate may vote on the bill as soon as tomorrow.
The legislation proposes to raise the minimum wage to $8.00 next July 1, and by 50 cents every six months until the rate reaches $9.50 on January 1, 2022. Also, under a Republican-driven amendment, the bill would prevent the Department of Labor & Industry from updating the state’s overtime pay rules until January 1, 2023. Under the current rules, employers can refuse to pay overtime wages to any employee making more than $23,660 a year in regular wages.
“With one in eight Pennsylvanians living in poverty, and one in four living in near-poverty – despite our historically low unemployment rate – I simply cannot walk away from legislation that could provide our working poor with at least some relief … even the bare minimum level of relief,” Senator Tartaglione said.
In a separate bill, SB 12, Senator Tartaglione has proposed to raise the minimum wage to $12 this year and to $15 by 2025. Introduced in March, that legislation awaits action in the Labor & Industry Committee.
“I would like nothing better than to vote in favor of legislation that provides a fair raise to Pennsylvania’s minimum wage workers,” Senator Tartaglione said. “I would like nothing better than to give them the raise that they have been waiting 13 years for, a raise that they desperately need and deserve.”
“Likewise, I’d like to see the Commonwealth adopt overtime regulations that guarantee all Pennsylvanians an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work. Sadly, the drastically-amended bill that was voted on in the Labor Committee has fallen far short of these worthy objectives.”
In June 2018, the Department of Labor & Industry proposed new overtime rules that would raise the overtime pay threshold. After a lengthy public comment period, a modified rulemaking proposal now sits before a state regulatory panel. Under the plan, workers who make less than $45,500 a year in regular wages would be entitled to overtime pay.
Yet in a party-line vote, Labor Committee Republicans amended SB 79 to block the rules changes until 2023. Under new federal regulations, the threshold will increase to $35,568 as of January 1, 2020. But that will exclude more than 80,000 Pennsylvania workers who would gain overtime pay protection under the state’s proposed rules.
Meanwhile, about 385,000 low-wage workers in Pennsylvania stand to benefit directly from a $9.50 minimum wage. That figure pales in comparison to the more than 1 million who would benefit from a $12 minimum or the 2 million who would benefit from a $15 minimum.
Currently, Pennsylvania has a lower minimum wage than all six of its bordering states and is among just 21 mostly Southern and rural states where the federal $7.25 rate is still in effect. SB 12 would bring Pennsylvania back in line with Maryland, New Jersey, and New York, which have already adopted laws leading to $15 minimum wages.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | November 15, 2019 | News Releases
Funding from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will support the construction of a new welding lab and expansion of an academic excellence center.
Philadelphia, PA − November 15, 2019 – State Senators Christine Tartaglione and John Sabatina visited Father Judge High School today to present the school’s leadership, supporters, and students with a $1.5 million state redevelopment grant to assist in the construction of a state-of-the-art welding lab and the expansion of an academic excellence center at the Northeast Philadelphia school.
Dozens of enrollees in Father Judge’s welding program enthusiastically joined a ceremonial check presentation. The funding was awarded to the Friends of Father Judge High School, Inc., through the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which supports organizations in their acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civc, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
“I was honored to advocate for this funding on behalf of Father Judge because of the high-quality education that the school offers to residents of the 2nd Senate District and the entire Philadelphia region,” Senator Tartaglione said. “The welding program and the academic excellence center are perfect examples of the school’s innovative approach to preparing students for academic success and for prosperous careers.”
“It’s an honor to be able to assist Father Judge High School as it continues to expand its educational opportunities to students from our community,” Senator Sabatina said. “As a graduate of Father Judge, I take great pleasure in seeing the school grow into one of the premier high schools in Philadelphia.”
“As the Chairman of the Friends of Father Judge, I am excited about the possibilities the $1.5 million RACP Grant will provide for current and future Crusaders,” said William St. Clair, IV. “We are extremely grateful to Senator Christine Tartaglione and Senator John Sabatina for supporting our application and believing in our vision to provide expanded academic enrichment as well as career and technical pathways for students.”
Welding is the first of several career pathway programs at Father Judge that will provide enhanced career training and prepare students for in-demand, family-sustaining jobs of the present and future. Together, these programs comprise Father Judge’s Career Technical Education Academy, which is dedicated to a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum.
“Due to the nation’s tight labor market, there is a high demand for all skilled trades. And welding is at the top of the list,” Senator Tartaglione said. “The welding program at Father Judge is giving local students a big advantage that they will use in the coming years to secure lucrative, family-supporting jobs.”
The Father Brisson Center for Academic Excellence at Father Judge was founded in 2003 to assist students with vital reading and math skills and to prepare them for state and national performance series testing. The RACP grant will allow the school to reconfigure and expand the center to serve a growing demand for academic support.
Collectively, the renovations are expected to create dozens of new construction jobs and 10 permanent full-time positions at Father Judge, which serves about 1,200 students representing 29 different ZIP codes in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | November 15, 2019 | News Releases
The community improvement, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization awards will support projects in communities throughout the 2nd Senate District.
Philadelphia, PA, November 15, 2019 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) is pleased to announce that five community organizations in the 2nd Senate District have been awarded grants totaling $882,477 through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account program.
The recipients include Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association ($200,388), Impact Services Corporation ($427,479), New Kensington Community Development Corporation ($150,000), Frankford Community Development Corporation ($54,610), and Mayfair Community Development Corporation ($50,000).
“I am thrilled that I was able to help each of these beneficial community organizations to secure the crucial funding they need to make neighborhood improvements that will improve the lives of the people of the 2nd District,” Senator Tartaglione said. “I have developed strong relationships with each organization and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of their efforts.”
Oxford Circle CCDA will use its funding to support the Green Playscape and Community Design project at Laura H. Carnell Elementary School. The project will upgrade an entrance gateway, walkways, and fencing, while building out a quiet recreation area within the schoolyard with benches and pave markings. Another play area will be created in front of the school with a new play surface, equipment, and recreational mounds, along with a retaining wall and decorative fencing.
Impact Services will apply its new funding to redevelop a portion of a former textile mill at ‘A’ and Indiana Streets in Kensington into a 13,000-square-foot community gym. Renovations will cover site preparation, utility separation, demolition of non-historic buildings, heating, air conditioning, and bathroom upgrades. This project is part of a 140,000-square-foot redevelopment of the former mill site.
New Kensington CDC will apply its grant to develop two commercial storefronts and three apartments in vacant properties at 2513-15 Frankford Avenue. The project is projected to create six new jobs and to provide affordable rental properties for local businesses and residents.
Frankford CDC plans to use its grant funding to renovate a blighted home at 4633 Paul Street, which is the only blighted property on the block as a result of a fire there several years ago. The renovations will be focused on the third floor and will relieve community safety issues.
Mayfair CDC will apply its grant funding to the purchase and clearing of a vacant, overgrown, and debris-strewn lot at 7315-33 Crispin Street (rear). The work will include removal of overgrown trees and foundation stabilization. Potential future uses of the site include a community park with storage units for local businesses and non-profits that conduct public events nearby, as well as a community garden to benefit Feast of Justice, the local food pantry. Income from storage units will provide maintenance funds and revenue for Mayfair CDC.
All five grants were administered through DCED’s Local Share Account program, which distributes a portion of slot machine license fees paid by casinos operating with the City of Philadelphia.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | October 10, 2019 | News Releases
The Mayfair Community Center was packed with older residents and their caregivers, who collected meaningful information about a multitude of products and services.
Philadelphia, PA, October 10, 2019 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione provided Northeast Philadelphia seniors and their caregivers with resources to address a multitude of vital topics as she concluded her 2019 Senior Expo series today.
Older residents eagerly packed the Mayfair Community Center gymnasium to meet dozens of vendors and to collect important information about healthcare, insurance, personal finance, housing, retirement planning, consumer protection, veterans’ services, and many other relevant issues. The event was Senator Tartaglione’s third and final Senior Expo of 2019, following successful sessions at the St. Anne’s/26th District PAL Center on September 19 and at Lawncrest Recreation Center on October 3.
“I always expect to see big crowds in Mayfair and they did not disappoint this time,” Senator Tartaglione said. “There are a lot of great things happening in this community. Older residents play a major part in all of it. I’m thankful that seniors continue to hold such enthusiasm for the Expo and that my vendor partners continue to offer highly valued products and services.”
Senator Tartaglione greeted guests at the front door with handshakes, hugs, and free tote bags. Inside, visitors mingled with professionals from private companies, non-profit organizations, and public agencies while filling their bags with business cards, pamphlets, pens, sweets, and some unique door prizes.
One vendor handed out back scratchers while another gave out squishy stress-relievers shaped like a foot. Guests were also treated to boxed lunches.
“My goal is to make each Senior Expo both informative and fun,” Senator Tartaglione said. “The most important thing is that older folks can meet many different providers face-to-face under one roof, free of charge.”
Although the 2019 Senior Expo series has concluded, the public can stay informed about all of Senator Tartaglione’s future events by visiting www.senatortartaglione.com regularly and following her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For constituent services, contact the senator’s district offices at 215-533-0440 (1061 Bridge Street) or 215-291-4653 (400 West Allegheny Avenue).
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | October 9, 2019 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 9, 2019 – Tomorrow will be the last opportunity for older Philadelphians and their caregivers to take part in State Senator Christine Tartaglione’s 2019 Senior Expo series as the senator will host her final expo of the year at Mayfair Community Center. The event is the third in Senator Tartaglione’s popular annual series and will present information about senior-oriented programs and services offered by public agencies and private providers. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. News media coverage is invited and encouraged. Great photo and video opportunities will be available.
Date/Time: Thursday, October 10, 2019; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Mayfair Community Center, 2990 Saint Vincent Street.
For Information (public): Call 215-533-0440 or 215-291-4653 (Spanish).
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | October 3, 2019 | News Releases
Hundreds of seniors and their caregivers joined more than 50 vendors at the Lawncrest Recreation Center to exchange information about vital programs and services.
Philadelphia, PA, October 3, 2019 – Hundreds of Northeast Philadelphia-area senior citizens and their caregivers joined State Senator Christine M. Tartaglione for her Senior Expo today as she brought the annual event series to the Lawncrest Recreation Center for the first time in its more than 20-year history. Eager attendees collected valuable information from more than 50 vendors about topics ranging from health care to financial services to crime prevention.
The event was the second of the senator’s three 2019 Senior Expos following a kickoff session at St. Anne’s/26th District PAL Center on September 19. The third and final session will be held on October 10 at Mayfair Community Center, 2990 Saint Vincent Street. There is no charge to attend or participate. All visitors receive a free boxed lunch.
“This was the first time we’ve held a Senior Expo at Lawncrest, so I was very happy to see the enthusiastic community response,” Senator Tartaglione said. “I think seniors really appreciate being able to get information and sound advice about so many important topics, all under one roof.”
The varied lineup of vendors included agencies from the health care and insurance sectors, banking and financial services, adult day care, retirement communities, consumer advocates, assistive technology providers, veteran services providers, state and local police, public utilities, and elected officials from the federal, state, and local levels. Many attendees also took advantage of the opportunity to get a free flu shot. So did Senator Tartaglione.
“Flu shots are a great way to prevent seasonal illness and to promote public health,” Senator Tartaglione said.
The senator will host her third and final Senior Expo of 2019 on Thursday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mayfair Community Center, 2990 Saint Vincent Street. No appointments or reservations are needed to attend. For the latest news about Senator Tartaglione, visit www.senatortartaglione.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For constituent services, call the senator’s district offices at 215-533-0440 or 215-291-4653.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | October 2, 2019 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 2, 2019 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione invites older Philadelphians and their primary caregivers to take part in her next Senior Expo tomorrow at Lawncrest Recreation Center. This is the first time in the 15-year-history of her annual Senior Expo series that it will be held at Lawncrest. This is the second of three expos for 2019. The event will present information about senior-oriented programs and services offered by public agencies and private providers. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The final Senior Expo will be held on October 10 at Mayfair Community Center.
Thursday, Oct. 3: Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Avenue.
Thursday, Oct. 10: Mayfair Community Center, 2990 Saint Vincent Street.
For Information (public): Call 215-533-0440 or 215-291-4653 (Spanish).
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | September 19, 2019 | News Releases
St. Anne’s/26th District PAL was the setting for the first of the senator’s three 2019 Senior Expos. Vendors delivered vital information to improve the lives of older adults.
Philadelphia, PA, September 19, 2019 – State Senator Christine M. Tartaglione’s annual Senior Expo was a huge hit among the older adults and caregivers of the Port Richmond area, who gathered at the St. Anne’s/26th District PAL Center and collected valuable information about topics ranging from health care to financial services to crime prevention.
Today’s event was the first of the senator’s three 2019 Senior Expos. Upcoming sessions are planned for Lawncrest Recreation Center on October 3 and Mayfair Community Center on October 10. There is no charge to attend or participate. All visitors receive a free boxed lunch. More than 60 public and private-sector agencies and organizations participated in today’s event, which attracted hundreds of seniors and their caregivers.
“This is the second consecutive year I have held a Senior Expo at St. Anne’s, and the public response continues to grow,” Senator Tartaglione said. “It just goes to show that senior citizens are very interested in learning about ways to improve their quality of life, and that we have many organizations that are committed to helping our older relatives and neighbors to navigate life’s challenges.”
Senator Tartaglione thanked all of the partners and vendors who made the event possible. The lineup featured agencies from the health care and insurance sectors, banking and financial services, adult day care, retirement communities, consumer advocates, assistive technology providers, veteran services providers, state and local police, public utilities, and elected officials from the federal, state, and local levels.
“My goal for every Senior Expo is to provide visitors with a full array of services and information under one roof,” Senator Tartaglione said. “We want to create a one-stop shop where folks can get answers to all of their questions, and where they can get plenty of sound advice about often-difficult topics. I’m certain that we accomplished that here today.”
Senator Tartaglione will host her second 2019 Senior Expo on Thursday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Avenue. The third 2019 Senior Expo will be on Thursday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mayfair Community Center, 2990 Saint Vincent Street. No appointments or reservations are required to attend. Contact the senator’s district office at 1061 Bridge Street, 215-533-0440, for information about participating as a vendor.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | September 3, 2019 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, PA, September 3, 2019 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione invites older Philadelphians and their primary caregivers to her annual Senior Expo series in the coming weeks. The senator will host the Expos at three community venues in the 2nd Senate District, including the Lawncrest Recreation Center for the first time!
All three events will present information about many senior-oriented programs and services offered by public agencies and private providers. The Expos will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Senator Tartaglione and dozens of presenters on the following dates at the corresponding locations:
Thursday, Sept. 19: St. Anne’s Parish-PAL Center, Memphis and Tucker streets.
Thursday, Oct. 3: Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Avenue.
Thursday, Oct. 10: Mayfair Community Center, 2990 Saint Vincent Street.
For Information (public): Call 215-533-0440 or 215-291-4653 (Spanish).
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or [email protected].
by Christin Brown | August 27, 2019 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, August 27, 2019 – After a months-long review of a sexual misconduct complaint against a former Pennsylvania House member, a Dauphin County grand jury has called for the Pennsylvania Legislature to create a new, independent Office of Legislative Responsibility to create a centralized reporting system for victims to report sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
Among other things, the grand jury recommended the new independent office be led by a qualified investigator, have subpoena power in consultation with the district attorney in the relevant jurisdiction and have authority to investigate any alleged misconduct, not limited to sexual harassment or assault.
Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus have welcomed this idea and plan to move forward when the legislature returns in September.
“Women in the capitol deserve to be safe, to feel safe, to be heard, and to be respected,” said Sen. Larry Farnese (D-1). “We must act swiftly and stand together to enact these policy changes to create a better working environment for everyone in the Capitol.”
“To protect the safety of all individuals in and around the Capitol, as well as those who interact with the General Assembly anywhere throughout the Commonwealth, we must empower and encourage victims to report alleged incidents of harassment and misconduct as soon as possible,” said Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-2). “By creating an office dedicated to investigating these incidents independently, we will be sending a powerful message that the Pennsylvania Legislature takes all allegations seriously and that every voice will be heard.”
“This process has revealed the deficiencies in policy and reporting that has failed to keep women safe in and around the Capitol for years,” said Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11). “It is time that we take this conduct seriously and create a reporting process that affords victims the opportunity to come forward in safety and with dignity. It is time for today’s legislative leaders to lead the way in creating a path forward to ensure that the workplace is a safe place for all.”
“The findings of the Grand Jury Report reiterate what we already know and what the #MeToo Movement has made clear for years: there can be no tolerance for workplace harassment. Period,” said Sen. Maria Collett (D-12). “Our General Assembly needs to hold itself to the highest standards and lead by example by implementing and improving the procedures in which we address all claims of workplace harassment by adopting these recommendations. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature as we take up this issue when we return to session.”
“Having an independent office as a central reporting and investigation unit makes some sense,” said Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-18). “It will help ensure consistency and efficiency in all caucuses and both Chambers.”
“As a career public servant, I believe that members of the General Assembly should be held to the highest standards of ethics and behavior to uphold the public trust,” said Sen. Pam Iovino (D-37). “The establishment of the Office of Legislative Responsibility will serve to ensure that public trust. An independent office will secure credible due process for all victims, regardless of gender, as well as all accused.”
“Our current system of reporting and investigating claims of workplace harassment is woefully inadequate and, in many cases, damaging to the very people it is designed to serve,” said Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-38). “We need to take this opportunity to implement the Grand Jury’s recommendations and create a system that ensures all victims and witnesses alike are protected from retaliation and encouraged to report instances of workplace harassment.”
“The recommendations of not pursuing criminal charges in this incident is a direct example of how the “justice” system and old boys club enable rape culture and abuse of power in our government,” said Sen. Katie Muth (D-44). “How many more of us have to be harassed, bullied, assaulted, and raped before real accountability is enforced? The recommendations made by the grand jury should’ve been mandated decades ago. Until there is true, unbiased, outside oversight of the members of the General Assembly, the current system of internal regulation and self-policing will continue to cause more harm, corruption, and wasted taxpayer dollars on salaries for predators and those that enable them.”
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by Christin Brown | August 22, 2019 | News Releases
Children of the 2nd Senate District frolicked in the summer sun with music, face painting, and refreshments. They took home free backpacks and school supplies, too.
Philadelphia, PA, August 22, 2019 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione concluded her 2019 Community Picnics on a high note today as local school children flocked to Wissinoming Park for the third and final gathering of the annual summertime series.
Senator Tartaglione distributed close to 1,000 backpacks stuffed with school supplies during the series, which included picnics at Fairhill Square Park on August 8, Lawncrest Recreation Center on August 15, and today’s event in Wissinoming. Numerous sponsors and vendors teamed with the senator to make the picnics, supportive, informative, and fun for all the families who participated.
“We’ve been doing these Community Picnics for 15 years and they seem to grow bigger and bigger each year,” Senator Tartaglione said. “No matter what type of school your child attends, education can be a financial challenge. My goal each year is to make attending school a little easier for the kids and their families while giving them one more chance to enjoy the summer before classes begin.”
Wissinoming Park provided an ideal venue. With DJ Carlos Sanchez providing a danceable soundtrack, children beat the heat in the park’s new water spray area. The youngsters eagerly visited the face painting booth and the fingerprinting table staffed by the 15th Police District. Some of the kids and many of their parents also tested out one of the city’s new touch-screen voting machines, courtesy of the City Commissioner’s Office.
A host of sponsors, both longtime and new, made the picnics possible: Acme of Oxford Avenue, Aetna Better Health of PA, All American Home Care, Altrusa International of South Central PA c/o Bobbi Wertz-Hoy, America Health/Keystone First, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Dietz & Watson, West Kensington Ministry/DJ Rev. Adan Mairena, DJ Carlos Sanchez, Giant Supermarket, Hyperion Bank, La Fortaleza, Laundry Café, UFCW Local 1776, Ray Pastrana, Philadelphia Pharmacy, Plaza Allegheny, ShopRite-Harbison & Castor, ShopRite-Oxford & Levick, ShopRite-Zallies, Tom Walter on behalf of the late Jeanne M. Walter, and the 26th Police District.
This year’s vendors included Aetna Better Health of PA, All American Home Care, America Health/Keystone First, Brightside Academy, City Commissioner’s Office, West Kensington Ministry/DJ Rev. Adan Mairena, DJ Carlos Sanchez, Hyperion Bank, The 6th Man Project, 25th Police District, 26th Police District, 2nd Police District, and 15th Police District.
Senator Tartaglione will move indoors for her upcoming Senior Expo series in September and October. The events will be held at St. Anne’s Parish, Lawncrest Recreation Center, and Mayfair Community Center. Dates and times will be announced. For information, follow Senator Tartaglione on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at [email protected].
by Christin Brown | August 16, 2019 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, PA – August 16, 2019 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione handed out free backpacks and back-to-school supplies to more than 400 appreciative children at the Lawncrest Recreation Center yesterday as she hosted a Community Picnic at the bustling neighborhood playground for the first time in the 15-year history of her late-summer event series.
Youngsters and their caregivers enjoyed Dietz & Watson hot dogs, Philly Pretzel Factory soft pretzels, Philadelphia Water Ice, and DJ music. A Face painting booth, child fingerprinting, a coloring book contest, and a basketball raffle kept the excitement going throughout the four-hour picnic. The picnic also benefitted from a special contribution by Altrusa International, a nonprofit community service organization that donated books for each child to take home with them as part of its ongoing commitment to youth literacy.
“Lawncrest is a vibrant family community with many dedicated leaders and volunteers. I was thrilled when they asked me to host one of my Picnics at the rec center. And the public response was outstanding,” Senator Tartaglione said. “These events are a great opportunity for folks to meet their neighbors in a purely social setting and to help their kids get a head start on the upcoming school year. Lawncrest took full advantage of those opportunities today.”
The Lawncrest event followed Senator Tartaglione’s successful picnic on August 8 at Fairhill Square Park in North Philadelphia. The third and final picnic of 2019 is scheduled for Thursday, August 22, at Wissinoming Park. All activities will be set up around the park’s multi-purpose building on Cheltenham Avenue, between Frankford Avenue and Charles Street. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult and obtain a ticket from the senator’s table to receive a backpack.
Each backpack comes stuffed with pencils, erasers, notebooks, and other school supplies.
“The start of a new school year can be a serious financial burden for many parents. I hope these backpacks and supplies make the transition from summer to fall easier for local families,” Senator Tartaglione said.
Many longtime partners and some popular new ones teamed up with the senator to make the event possible. All-American Home Care provided the child face-painting station, while the Philadelphia City Commissioner’s Office showed off its new touchscreen, paper-ballot voting machines. Hyperion Bank, Brightside Academy, Fortaleza Rehabilitation and Wellness, and Oak Street Health were among the participating vendors.
“I look forward to seeing the families of Wissinoming and neighboring communities at Wissinoming Park next week,” 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 email at [email protected].
by Christin Brown | August 8, 2019 | News Releases
Music, face painting, hot dogs and the senator’s back-to-school backpack giveaway made it a special occasion for local children and their caregivers.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – August 8, 2019 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s Community Picnic was a huge hit with the children and their families who gathered at Fairhill Square Park today to delight in free music, hot dogs, soft pretzels, water ice, face painting, and the senator’s popular back-to-school backpack giveaway. Hundreds of youths walked away wearing new school bags on their shoulders and smiles on their faces.
The event was the first of the senator’s three annual Community Picnics in her 2nd Senate District. The next two will be held on August 15 at Lawncrest Playground and on August 22 at Wissinoming Park. All three events last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Each child may receive one backpack.
“This is a great time of year to be a youngster in the 2nd District and it’s a pleasure for me too. I really enjoy mingling with the children and their families while helping them ease the costs of the upcoming school year,” Senator Tartaglione said. “When we give each child a backpack filled with supplies like pencils, erasers, and notebooks, it means they will have the tools to succeed during the upcoming school year.”
Many longtime partners and some popular new ones teamed up with the senator to make the event possible. Picnic-goers enjoyed Dietz & Watson hot dogs, Philadelphia Water Ice, and soft pretzels from the Philly Pretzel Factory. All-American Home Care brought its child face-painting station, while the 26th Police District conducted child fingerprinting.
The Philadelphia City Commissioner’s Office showed off its new touch-screen, paper-ballot voting machines, and the folks from Hyperion Bank handed out lollipops along with information about their financial services. Brightside Academy was on hand to inform parents about their child daycare programs.
Senator Tartaglione is looking forward to the next Community Picnic at Lawncrest Playground, 6000 Rising Sun Avenue, on August 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children wishing to get a free backpack must first visit the senator’s table to obtain a ticket from a staff member.
“I welcome everyone to join us again next week. It’s a great chance to meet new friends and enjoy the summer one more time before the new school year!” 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 email at [email protected].
by Christin Brown | July 30, 2019 | News Releases
During a public information session hosted by the legislators, Medical Marijuana experts shared information about the potential benefits of the alternative medicine.
Philadelphia, PA, July 30, 2019 – State Senator Christine M. Tartaglione and State Representative Angel Cruz welcomed dozens of constituents to the senator’s district office in Fairhill today to share valuable information about Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana program and to help folks access the potentially life-changing medicines.
Senator Tartaglione and Representative Cruz partnered with the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, known as Philly NORML, for the four-hour event, which was also attended by a physician from Medically Assisted Recovery Services, along with representatives from Hemp Health Labs and Herbology, a company that operates nine licensed medical marijuana dispensaries across the state.
“I truly hope and believe that the information we shared here today will help members of the community who are struggling to cope with many different medical conditions and those who seek access to a safe, non-addictive, and legal way to relieve their symptoms,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Opioid use disorder is a major public health crisis across Pennsylvania and especially in the 2nd Senate District. Medical marijuana offers people an alternative, whether they have cancer, glaucoma, autism, chronic pain, or any of more than 20 different diagnoses.”
“We had a packed house, which is a sign that people need more information and are looking for ways to get help with chronic medical conditions,” Representative Cruz said.
The list of eligible conditions continues to grow. Earlier this month the Pennsylvania Department of Health added anxiety and Tourette syndrome to the list. The Commonwealth is one of just three states to allow medical marijuana prescriptions for anxiety.
Robert Rudnitsky, executive director of Philly NORML, said that public events like today’s information session help to shed light on the state’s medical marijuana program, break down the stigmas often associated with the substance, and educate people about marijuana’s medical uses.
“My goal is to remove the negative stigmas and have people know this is an alternative to the traditional pharmaceuticals,” Rudnitsky said. “It’s safe with minimal to no side effects, and for many people it’s an effective way to treat their ailments.”
Todd Eachus, managing partner for Hemp Health Labs, said that events like this provide “remarkable access for products that people really need to relieve their symptoms. The healthcare community knows so little of this because it has just emerged, but it’s not going away.”
Information about the Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program is available online by visiting www.health.pa.gov. Each week in Philadelphia, Philly NORML hosts a series of state medical marijuana card registration events. For a listing, visit www.PhillyNORML.org.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at [email protected].
by Christin Brown | July 15, 2019 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA, July 15, 2019 – State Senator Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) is pleased to announce that seven elementary schools within the 2nd Senate District have been selected to receive federal funding to provide students with fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will distribute almost one-quarter of a million dollars to the seven schools in the form of grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). The program’s goals are to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices, expanding the variety of fruits and vegetables students experience, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and positively impacting students’ health. FFVP was first implemented in Pennsylvania in 2004 and expanded to all 50 states in 2008.
“Good nutrition is critical for young scholars so that they arrive in class ready to learn,” Senator Tartaglione said. “This program provides children with healthy food options and teaches them how to eat balanced meals.”
Schools that receive grants are required to spend the majority of the funds to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. They also must provide nutrition education to students. Funding priority is given to schools with the highest rates of students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
“Children are better prepared to learn when they have access to healthy food choices during the day,” Governor Tom Wolf said. “By expanding breakfast programs, offering reduced-price meals, and providing fresh produce, we’re improving the conditions to help students succeed.”
“Fresh fruits and vegetables provide vital nutrients to growing children,” Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera said. “These grants are another way to help address food security in our schools while also providing an opportunity to teach students how to make smart and nutritious choices.”
More than 220 elementary schools from across the Commonwealth were chosen to receive grants totaling $5.5 million. In the 2nd Senate District, seven schools received $228,332 in grants, including Pan American Academy Charter School, Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School, Visitation BVM School, Mastery Charter School-Smedley Elementary, William Cramp School, Lewis Elkin School, and Fox Chase School.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at [email protected].
by Christin Brown | June 24, 2019 | News Releases
Harrisburg, Pa. − June 24, 2019 − Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today jointly sent a letter to Governor Tom Wolf requesting a disaster declaration for gun violence in the Commonwealth.
“We believe it is necessary to raise the public’s awareness of the massive loss of human life and the suffering inflicted on affected family, friends and neighbors where this tragedy is unfolding daily,” they wrote. “Just as you have signed six disaster declarations to provide every tool at the Commonwealth’s disposal to combat the opioid epidemic, the death toll and impact from illegal guns should merit immediate and coordinated attention.”
Specifically, a disaster declaration could do the following:
- Establish a task force led by the Department of Health to create and implement a public health framework for addressing gun violence
- Establish a command center in the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to coordinate state and local law enforcement response
- Enhance the Joint-Local State Firearm Taskforce through additional personnel and funding to take illegal guns off the street
- Expand information gathering and sharing between all levels of law enforcement and community groups
- Increase law enforcement presence, both local and state, in targeted areas where gun violence is most prevalent
- Expedite and expand grants and other funding sources for community groups and nonprofit associations with a proven record of violence reduction and prevention
- Provide additional state resources for behavioral and mental health
- Bringing to bear the significant wealth of knowledge and experience in the Departments of Health and Human Services to provide de-escalation and de-confliction training throughout the community
- Require the Pennsylvania Department of Education provide training and professional development on trauma-informed education
View full letter →
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by Christin Brown | June 10, 2019 | News Releases
Pennsylvania State Senator Christine Tartaglione Receives Honor
Philadelphia, PA − June 10, 2019 − Marsy’s Law for Pennsylvania, which is aimed at providing equal rights to crime victims in Pennsylvania by ensuring constitutional protections, announced that State Senator Christine Tartaglione has been presented the Guardian of Victims’ Rights Award.
The Guardian of Victims’ Rights Awards are presented to people who have served as advocates and ambassadors for crime victims across the state, working to ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect. Sen. Tartaglione is one of the co-sponsors of Marsy’s Law legislation, which is seeking an amendment to ensure that the Pennsylvania Constitution enumerates rights for victims of crime.
“The Guardian of Victims’ Rights Award is a tremendous honor and I am very thankful to Marsy’s Law for PA and all of your partners for choosing me to receive it,” Sen Tartaglione said. “The issue of victims’ rights is very important to me and to the constituents of the 2nd Senate District. Acts of crime can be very traumatic to victims and their families, but the pain does not stop with the act itself.”
The award was recently presented to Sen. Tartaglione on June 10 during a meeting with Marsy’s Law for Pennsylvania and Jennifer Storm, Commonwealth Victim Advocate.
Although the state constitution enumerates rights for individuals accused and convicted of crimes, Pennsylvania is one of only nine states that does not afford the same protections to crime victims. Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) recently introduced House Bill 276 for Marsy’s Law, which was approved by the House of Representatives on April 8, 2019. Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) is sponsoring the bill in the Senate during this legislative session.
For the state constitution to be amended, legislation must pass in two consecutive legislative sessions before being added to the ballot for voter approval. During the 2017-18 legislative session, Marsy’s Law passed unanimously in the state Senate and House.
“Victims shouldn’t have to relive the trauma each time they go to court, and they shouldn’t have to live in fear not knowing if their tormentor may be walking free,” Sen Tartaglione said. “Just as our state Constitution protects the due process rights of the accused, it should protect the rights and the peace of mind of those who have been victimized through no fault of their own.”
by Christin Brown | May 23, 2019 | News Releases
As part of a statewide “RealJobs RealPay” Day of Action, the senator visited La Barberia in Suburban Station and highlighted the benefits of raising the minimum wage.
Philadelphia, PA, May 23, 2019 – State Senator Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today led Pennsylvania legislators on a tour of a successful Philadelphia business that chooses to pay its employees a far, living wage, rather than Pennsylvania’s outdated minimum wage.
The visit to La Barberia, a full-service barber shop inside Suburban Station, was one of many events held across the Commonwealth in conjunction with the “RealJobs RealPay” day of action. Senator Tartaglione and her colleagues seek to heighten awareness about the need to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage and showcase businesses that understand the interdependent relationship of higher employee wages, satisfied customers, and financial success.
Senator Tartaglione is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 12, which proposes to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage for the first time in a decade. The legislation calls for an increase from $7.25 per hour to $12 this year, and additional annual increases that would lead to a $15 minimum wage by 2025.
“Many entrepreneurs are proving that taking care of your employees goes hand-in-hand with taking care of your customers and taking care of your bottom line,” Senator Tartaglione said. “This formula works, no matter where you do business: whether it’s in the heart of a major city, in the suburbs, or in Pennsylvania’s beautiful rural communities.”
La Barberia has locations in Philadelphia and in Jenkintown, Montgomery County. Owner Michael O’Connor said: “We know that by paying fair wages, our employees are happier and they stick around, providing the great service that keeps our customers coming back and recommending us to others. When the minimum wage goes up, businesses will see costly turnover go down.”
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is also the federal minimum, which was last raised in 2009. Pennsylvania lawmakers last acted to raise the state’s minimum wage in 2006. Since then, all six of Pennsylvania’s border states have raised their minimum wages above the federal minimum. In all, 29 states mandate wages greater than $7.25.
At 40 hours per week for 52 weeks, the minimum wage converts to annual earnings of just over $15,000 a year, which is below the federal poverty level for a family of two, such as a single parent and child. Among those who would benefit directly from Senator Tartaglione’s minimum wage legislation, 61 percent are women, 55 percent work full time, and 24 percent are parents.
In Philadelphia, 35 percent of workers would benefit directly. In dozens of Pennsylvania’s rural counties, more than 40 percent of workers would benefit. Statewide, more than 1.1 million workers would benefit directly from a $12 minimum wage this year, while another 500,000 would get raises as pay scales rise. A $15 minimum wage would directly benefit 2 million Pennsylvania workers.
“Higher wages put more money into workers’ pockets. Seeing as workers are consumers too, they will be able to spend more at the businesses they patronize,” Senator Tartaglione said. “In turn, businesses will grow and be able to employ more people.”
For more information about minimum wage and businesses that choose to pay fair, living wages, visit RealJobsRealPay.com.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at [email protected].
