by Christin Brown | April 22, 2025 | feature, Minimum Wage, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA − April 22, 2025 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D–2, Philadelphia) today formally introduced Senate Bill 19, legislation aimed at raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026 and tying future increases to the cost of living. The bill also strengthens wage protections for tipped employees and modernizes enforcement tools to prevent wage theft and ensure fair pay across the Commonwealth.
“It’s been 19 years since Pennsylvania last raised its minimum wage,” said Senator Tartaglione. “In that time, the cost of rent, food, childcare, transportation, and healthcare has steadily increased, while wages at the bottom have remained stagnant. Senate Bill 19 is an effort to correct nearly two decades of inaction and to provide workers with a living wage that reflects today’s economic realities.”
At $7.25 an hour, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage remains at the federal floor, unchanged since 2006. Every neighboring state, including those with a lower cost of living, has increased its minimum wage in recent years. In fact, 30 states across the country have taken action to raise wages, leaving Pennsylvania behind both economically and competitively.
Senate Bill 19 would raise the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour beginning in 2026 with cost-of-living adjustments triggering each year thereafter, ensuring that wages keep pace with inflation in the years to come. The legislation also sets the tipped wage at 70 percent of the minimum wage, reaffirms that gratuities are the property of the employee, and provides municipalities the authority to set higher local minimums.
“We cannot ignore the impact of rising prices, particularly in light of new federal tariffs that are expected to increase the cost of everyday goods like groceries, medicine, clothing, and household essentials,” Senator Tartaglione said. “The burden of these increases will fall heaviest on the people earning the least, and we have a responsibility to act.”
According to estimates from the Keystone Research Center, over 1.3 million Pennsylvanians would see their wages rise directly or indirectly under this proposal. These workers are overwhelmingly adults, many of whom serve in essential roles such as home health aides, childcare providers, grocery clerks, and restaurant servers.
“Raising the minimum wage is not just a matter of economic policy, it is a moral and practical necessity,” said Senator Tartaglione. “When people are paid fairly, families are more stable, communities are stronger, and businesses thrive. This legislation is about restoring dignity to work and ensuring that no one who works full-time is forced to live in poverty.”
The legislation has been assigned bill number 19 to mark the 19 years Pennsylvania has gone without increasing its minimum wage. Senator Tartaglione noted her willingness to work across the aisle to advance the bill and emphasized that securing a long-overdue wage increase should not be viewed as a partisan issue.
“We have the opportunity and the obligation to get this right,” she concluded. “This is not about politics—this is about people. The time for excuses has passed. The time to raise the wage is now.”
###
by Christin Brown | April 2, 2025 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA − April 2, 2025 – With a decisive 38-11 vote, the Pennsylvania Senate yesterday passed Senate Bill 347, legislation introduced by Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) to prohibit the operation of safe injection sites in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“Safe injection sites are not the solution to Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis,” said Senator Tartaglione. “As someone in long-term recovery and as the senator representing Kensington—the epicenter of this epidemic—I believe we can and must do better. Recovery is possible, but it starts with real treatment and real support, not sanctioned spaces for drug use.”
SB 347 clarifies that no facility in Pennsylvania may legally operate for the purpose of providing a space for individuals to use illicit substances. The bill does not impact other harm reduction measures, such as access to naloxone or syringe exchange programs, but it ensures that state policy prioritizes pathways to recovery over enabling addiction.
Under federal law, maintaining drug-involved premises is already illegal, yet some jurisdictions have allowed these facilities to operate. With attempts to establish similar sites in Pennsylvania, Senator Tartaglione’s legislation provides clear, state-level protections against this practice.
“Our focus must be on expanding proven addiction treatment programs and giving people the resources they need to reclaim their lives,” Tartaglione said. “I have walked the road to recovery, I know firsthand that people can rebuild their lives with the right support.”
Senator Tartaglione urges her colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this important legislation so that we can continue to work together on meaningful strategies to combat addiction across our Commonwealth.
###
by Christin Brown | March 25, 2025 | feature, Minimum Wage, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA, March 25, 2025 – After nearly two decades of inaction, Senator Christine Tartaglione (D–2) has announced her introduction of Senate Bill 19, a continuing effort to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026, with annual cost-of-living adjustments thereafter. The bill also ensures that tipped workers earn at least 70% of the minimum wage and strengthens protections against wage theft.
“It has been 19 years since Pennsylvania last raised its minimum wage. That’s 19 years of rising costs while wages have stayed the same.” said Senator Tartaglione. “No one working full-time should be stuck in poverty. Senate Bill 19 represents those 19 long years of inaction and injustice for working Pennsylvanians.”
Pennsylvania’s current minimum wage of $7.25 an hour is the lowest allowed by federal law and has not increased since 2006. Every neighboring state has raised its minimum wage, leaving Pennsylvania as the least competitive labor market in the region. Thirty states, including many with lower costs of living, have moved forward while Pennsylvania has stood still.
Keystone Research Center estimates that raising the minimum wage will have an impact, directly or indirectly, on more than 1.3M Pennsylvania workers, many of whom are in essential industries such as home health care, childcare, retail, and hospitality. These workers, who help keep Pennsylvania running, deserve more than poverty wages.
Critics have long argued that raising wages would hurt small businesses or lead to job losses. Yet time and again, in states that have raised their minimum wage, small businesses have not shuttered, and local economies have grown. Higher wages mean more spending power in communities, more stable families, and a stronger workforce.
“This is not just a workers’ issue—it’s a family issue, a community issue, a Pennsylvania issue,” Tartaglione added. “Our workers deserve dignity. Our families deserve stability. Our economy deserves better.”
Senate Bill 19 also modernizes wage enforcement by:
- Allowing municipalities to set a higher local minimum wage;
- Strengthening penalties for wage theft;
- Ensuring gratuities are the sole property of the employee.
“The time for excuses is over. The time to act is now.” said Senator Tartaglione. “We cannot allow another year—or another 19 years—of inaction. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation and give workers the dignified wage they deserve.”
###
by Christin Brown | February 24, 2025 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia, February 24, 2025 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) is proud to announce over $1.25 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund grants for critical streetscape and transportation improvements in the Second Senatorial District. These grants will enhance safety, accessibility, and infrastructure in the community.
The City of Philadelphia has been awarded $250,000 to support the Castor Avenue Safety and Streetscape Project, addressing major safety concerns along a 1.7-mile stretch of Castor Avenue from Oxford Circle to Cottman Avenue. This corridor, part of the city’s High Injury Network, has been identified as a high-risk area due to frequent crashes, red-light violations, and pedestrian-involved accidents. The project will implement a road diet, reducing four lanes to two with a raised center median and left-turn lanes, along with pedestrian safety upgrades like curb extensions, SEPTA boarding islands, and parking-protected bike lanes.
Additionally, Liberty Coke has been awarded $1 million to support a comprehensive streetscape and sidewalk improvement project, aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety, accessibility, and overall connectivity in the area. This investment will fund the development, rehabilitation, and enhancement of essential transportation infrastructure, ensuring that residents, businesses, and visitors can navigate the community safely and efficiently. By strengthening the connectivity between transportation assets and supporting transit-oriented development, this initiative will contribute to a more vibrant and accessible community for all.
“The safety of our roads and sidewalks is essential to the well-being of our communities,” said Senator Tartaglione. “These investments will make our streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike, while also improving accessibility and connectivity,” she continued. “I’m grateful for the state’s commitment to ensuring our neighborhoods have the infrastructure they need to thrive.”
The Multimodal Transportation Fund supports projects that promote economic development and provide safe, reliable transportation for Pennsylvania residents.
###
by Christin Brown | January 29, 2025 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia – January 29, 2025 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) is proud to announce that Philadelphia’s Rebuild Program has received $190,000 through the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program (GTRP), a state grant dedicated to revitalizing public spaces. This grant will be used for significant upgrades to Vogt Recreation Center.
“Parks and recreation areas are the heart of our communities,” said Senator Tartaglione. “This investment ensures our neighborhoods have safe, accessible, and well-maintained spaces where families can gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors.”
The funding, awarded through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), will support improvements to parks, trails, and recreation facilities across the city. These enhancements are a critical step toward strengthening communities and creating vibrant spaces that bring people together.
Vogt Recreation Center has been a community hub for decades – built in 1965, Vogt offers many activities to the public like a pool, batting cage, outdoor hockey court, two basketball courts, two tennis courts, three sports fields and eight ballfields.
“Every resident deserves quality public spaces,” Tartaglione added. “This grant is a win for our city, and I’ll continue fighting for investments that make our neighborhoods stronger and more connected.”
by Christin Brown | November 13, 2024 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA − November 13, 2024 − Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione was re-elected by her Senate Democratic colleagues, marking her second term as Democratic Whip. Senator Tartaglione remains the first female and the first person with a disability to serve as Whip in the senate.
When the Senate returns in the ’25-’26 legislative session, Senator Tartaglione will bring her 30 years of experience and strong relationships to the Whip position.
“It’s an incredible honor to be re-elected as Whip by my colleagues,” said Senator Tartaglione. “For three decades, I have had the privilege of serving the people of Pennsylvania’s 2nd district. I am committed to using my experience and bipartisan relationships to drive forward our legislative priorities and make a meaningful impact in future sessions.”
Other Senate Democrats elected to leadership roles include:
- Leader – Jay Costa, Jr.
- Appropriations Committee Chair – Vincent Hughes
- Chair – Maria Collett
- Secretary – Steve Santarsiero
- Policy Chair – Nick Miller
- Administrator – Judith Schwank
###
by Christin Brown | July 10, 2024 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA − July 10, 2024 − Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione and Senate Democrats voted along party lines in the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee to oppose a motion to have the Senate’s Secretary issue a subpoena to the Secretary of Revenue, Pat Browne, for various aggregated Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) attributable taxes reported to the Department of Revenue.
The party-line 7-4 vote now empowers the Senate Secretary to issue a subpoena to the Department of Revenue for tax documents that Democrats argued would force the Department of Revenue to either violate Section 731 of the Pennsylvania Fiscal Code, a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in prison or defy the Senate’s Subpoena.
“The motion we were forced to vote on today is a targeted action that will facilitate the disclosure of information from just a few individuals in one specific and small geographic zone of the state,” said Senator Tartaglione. “What we voted on today has a questionable procedural basis and flies in the face of good governance. It demands the disclosure of sensitive private information and forces a Commonwealth agency to knowingly violate the law in order to comply. The subpoena motion passed today is not an oversight; it is overreach.”
This was the second attempt to subpoena the NIZ records after the first attempt in the bicameral Legislative budget and finance committee failed in a 6-6 vote over the same privacy and confidentiality concerns.
Tax documents being requested include all attributable tax documents reported between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2023, broken down on an annual basis and by type. Tax documents being requested include:
- Corporate Net Income Tax
- Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax
- Bank Shares Tax
- Gross Premiums Tax
- Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax
- Employer Withholding Tax
- Gross Receipts Tax
- Unemployment Compensation
- Realty Transfer Tax
- Cigarette Tax
- Tobacco Products Tax
- Vehicle Rental Tax/Public Transportation Assistance
- Vehicle Lease Tax/Public Transportation Assistance
- Personal Income Tax
- Malt Beverage Tax
- Contractor Sales and Use Tax
- PA Sales and Use Tax Paid on the Purchase of Tangible Personal Property or Services
- Title Insurance Company Shares Tax
- Net Income Tax
- Malt or Brewed Beverage Tax – Excise and Sales Tax
- Liquor/Wine Excise and Sales Tax
- Any additional applicable state taxes not included above
The Senate Secretary will now send the subpoena to the Department of Revenue.
More information on the Commonwealth’s tax incentives, credits and programs can be found on the Department of Revenue’s website.
###
by Christin Brown | May 24, 2024 | feature, Minimum Wage, News Releases
Philadelphia, PA − May 24, 2024 − Today, Senate Democratic Whip Christine M. Tartaglione announced the introduction of landmark minimum wage reform legislation to create a “Living Wage” of $20 per hour for all Pennsylvanians.
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has remained unchanged by the Pennsylvania legislature since July 6th, 2009, when Former Governor Ed Rendell signed Senate Bill 1090, Senator Tartaglione’s legislation raising PA’s minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.15. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is currently $7.25, the national minimum wage.
“When Senate Bill 1090 was signed into law, it was a promise to continue the fight for our Commonwealth’s lowest earners and ensure that the needs of Pennsylvanian’s minimum wage earners are never forgotten or cast aside,” said Senator Tartaglione. “After 6,506 days of systemic inaction by our legislature, it became clear we needed big and bold legislative action. That’s why I am fighting to raise our minimum wage to a ‘living wage.’”
Senate Bill 1186 will raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to a living wage of $20 per hour on July 1st, 2024, and provide cost-of-living-adjusted increases every five years after that by tying the wage to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is a fraction of what is considered to be a livable wage in the state. Housing and other living expenses have continued to rise while Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has remained stagnant for over a decade.
Senate Bill 1186 also modernizes Pennsylvania’s minimum wage law by:
- Allowing municipalities to set a local minimum wage greater than the state minimum wage;
- Setting the tipped wage to 70% of the minimum wage;
- Guarding against wage theft by ensuring that the Department of Labor & Industry may recover wages and penalties for all violations of the act, not only when a complaint is filed;
- Increasing monetary penalties for violations, which in some cases have not been updated since 1968;
- Bringing enforcement in line with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act by allowing workers to receive damages in addition to unpaid wages; and
- Enshrining in law that gratuities are the sole property of the employee.
Pennsylvania’s current minimum wage of $7.25 is just one cent higher than the $7.24 poverty level guidelines set out by the Commonwealth’s Department of Health and Human Services.
The co-sponsorship memorandum and text of the legislation can be found online.
###
by Christin Brown | May 8, 2024 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – May 8, 2024 – Today, the Senate Labor and Industry Committee voted to move Senate Bill 841, Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) and Frank Farry’s (R-6) legislation which would prohibit split rates on prevailing wage projects and requires prevailing wage rates for custom fabrication work.
“Government needs to be a role model when it comes to ensuring workers are treated fairly,” said Senator Tartaglione. “We cannot demand progress and condemn labor exploitation, if we aren’t perfect in our own right. By prohibiting split-rates and extending prevailing wages to off-site custom fabrications, we can ensure public works projects are done right and employees are paid fairly.”
Senate Bill 841 was amended in committee to include requiring prevailing wage rates for HVAC duct cleaners as well as changes the definition of “Custom Fabrication” to match the language in House Bill 2153.
The legislation was passed out of committee by a vote of 10-1 and now goes to the full Senate for its consideration.
The text of Senate Bill 841 can be found online.
###
by Christin Brown | April 24, 2024 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia, PA − April 24, 2024 − Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione announced that $2,433,052 in school safety grants were awarded to schools in the 2nd Senatorial District.
“Ensuring our schools are a safe place for our Commonwealth’s children to learn and grow into our next generation’s leaders is one of the most important things we can do as a society,” said Senator Tartaglione. “This investment in our students’ safety is a down payment for a future that experiences less violence and allows our children to become the leaders of the future that our city, state, and nation need.”
The School Safety Grants and Targeted School Safety and Security Grant for Nonpublic Schools are available through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee.
The School Safety Grants were available to school districts, intermediate units, career and technical schools, charter schools, private schools, and more. Most entities were eligible for up to $450,000, and a total of 619 applications requested $193.6 million. 104 applications were awarded more than $32.6 million across Pennsylvania.
The Targeted School Safety and Security Grant for Nonpublic Schools were available for nonpublic schools to receive up to $75,000 in funding for programs that address school violence. 432 applications were submitted, requesting more than $27.8 million. A total of 237 applications are being funded, totaling $14,551,000.
The following schools in the 2nd District received funding:
Targeted School Safety and Security Grant for Nonpublic School Funds:
- Cedar Grove Christian Academy, Inc. – $45,000
- Frankford Friends School – $75,000
- Philadelphia IU – $69,706
School Safety Grants:
- Esperanza Academy Charter School – $353,611
- Maritime Academy Charter School – $92,225
- Philadelphia School District – $1,797,510
More information on grants available through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency can be found on their website.
by Christin Brown | March 26, 2024 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia, PA – March 26, 2024 – Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione announced that $1,550,000 in Multimodal Transportation Fund grants have been awarded to two projects in the 2nd Senatorial District to help create safer streetscapes and pedestrian infrastructure.
“Bringing these funds to the 2nd District will help fund two transformative projects to enhance urban mobility and community vibrancy,” said Senator Tartaglione. “These initiatives continue to show our prioritization and dedication to pedestrian safety and connectivity, reflecting our commitment to accessible and sustainable transportation infrastructure.”
The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable transportation system is available in our Commonwealth. Funds may be used to develop, rehabilitate, and enhance transportation assets to existing communities, as well as streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets, and transit-oriented development.
The two projects in the 2nd District receiving funding are:
- Castor Avenue Streetscape Project – $1,300,000
- Frankford Creek Greenway Project – $250,000
More information on the Multimodal Transportation Fund and all other funding opportunities available through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and the Department of Community and Economic Development can be found online.
###
by Christin Brown | February 6, 2024 | feature, Minimum Wage, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA − February 6, 2024 − Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Whip Christine Tartaglione released the following statement following Governor Shapiro’s budget address:
“The Governor’s address today lays out a roadmap that moves our Commonwealth from being a follower to a leader in our nation. The historic funding proposals for education, transportation, and economic development will boost Pennsylvania to the forefront of the issues facing our Commonwealth. Coupled with calls to raise our minimum wage and increase funding and pay for crucial areas like home healthcare and childcare, we have the opportunity to make dramatic investments in our collective future.”
###
by Christin Brown | January 10, 2024 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia – January 10, 2024 – Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione, Senate Democratic Whip, announced that $5,659,462 has been awarded to two projects in Philadelphia to aid in acquiring zero-emission vehicles and the infrastructure to support them.
The grants are made available through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program was established under Act 166 of 1992 to help create new markets for alternative fuels in Pennsylvania.
“Helping expand the zero-emission vehicle stock and infrastructure across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania demonstrates our Commonwealth’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainability,” said Senator Tartaglione. “The funding of these projects not only aligns with the goals of a cleaner and more secure energy future but also shows our commitment to the economic and environmental well-being of our communities.”
The following programs in Philadelphia received funding:
- Sysco Leasing, LLC – $3,975,000 – to replace 10 eligible Class 8, short-haul, semi-tractors with BEVs. Install 10 DC fast charging plugs.
- Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority – $1,684,462 – Replace 6 eligible freight and delivery trucks with BEV trucks and install supporting EV charging infrastructure.
About the AFIG Program:
The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program (AFIG) was established under Act 166 of 1992 to create new markets for alternative fuels in Pennsylvania. By investing in alternative fuel vehicles, fleets, refueling infrastructure, and technologies, AFIG aims to enhance energy security, improve air quality, and stimulate opportunities for managing Pennsylvania’s fuel resources in an environmentally friendly manner. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s website.
###
by Christin Brown | January 5, 2024 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia − January 5, 2024 – Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione, Senate Democratic Whip, announced $350,000 has been awarded to the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) for the Tacony Reaches Green Infrastructure Stormwater Mitigation Project.
The project will use the funds to design and create a green stormwater infrastructure along Tacony Creek. This project is a part of the PWD’s Strategic Watershed Improvement Plan for stabilizing and improving stream corridors and this work will directly support the city’s 25-year green stormwater management program, Green City, Clean Waters.
“Investing in green infrastructure projects, like the Tacony Reaches Project, displays our commitment to a sustainable, resilient, and greener future,” said Senator Tartaglione. “When government invests in green infrastructure, it not only benefits our environment but also sets the stage for new economic opportunities, cleaner communities, and increased and more equitable public health.”
As part of this work, the Philadelphia Water Department is planning to stabilize several portions of stream bank along the Tacony Creek, just south of E Roosevelt Blvd.
The funds are made available through the Growing Greener grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Projects are awarded funding to help address Pennsylvania’s critical environmental concerns of the 21st century.
For more information about the Tacony Creek project visit the city’s website. For more information regarding Growing Greener Grant funding visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website.
###
by Christin Brown | December 13, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg – December 13, 2023 – Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) announced the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has awarded $902,000 to non-profits, governmental, and community organizations across Philadelphia.
Grants were awarded from the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program, Federal STOP Violence Against Women Act Funds, State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds, Federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Funds, and State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program Funds. All awards from these programs are approved pending fiscal or programmatic concerns.
“Our Commonwealth making investments in the safety and security of our community buildings, religious sites and neighborhoods needs to remain one of our highest priorities,” said Senator Tartaglione. “I am delighted to announce the resources are flowing into the 2nd Senatorial District and the entire City of Philadelphia, so we can ensure our neighbors are safe whether they be in a house of worship, riding public transit, or just using our public spaces.”
The grant recipients and totals are listed below:
Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program:
St. John’s Lutheran Church – $5,000
Al-Hidaya Islamic Center – $50,000
Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program:
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) – $200,000
State Children’s Advocacy Center Fund:
Philadelphia Children’s Assistance – $47,000
Federal STOP Violence Against Women Act Funds:
Friends of Farmworkers – $125,000
Nationalities Services Center of Philadelphia – $125,000
Federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Funds:
The Pennsylvania DMC Corporation – $250,000
State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program Funds:
Philadelphia Treasurer – $95,000
Support Center for Child Advocate – $5,000
More information on PCCD grant opportunities can be found online.
###
by Christin Brown | November 30, 2023 | feature, News Releases
November 30, 2023 – Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus, including Senator Vincent Hughes, Senator John Kane, Senator Christine Tartaglione, and Senator Lindsey Williams, issued a joint statement in response to the PA Supreme Court’s opinion that supports PennDOT’s jurisdiction to enforce the Prevailing Wage Act and their authority to disqualify G.O. Hawbaker Inc. from state roadwork contracts.
The four Senators are sponsors of Senate Bill 987, legislation that would require employers to notify workers about the illegal practice of wage theft, while also helping to protect workers who report it from retaliation.
“When our commonwealth goes into business with private organizations, Pennsylvanians deserve to know companies we contract with are the best of the best and operate themselves completely above board. We applaud the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for holding G. O. Hawbaker accountable for stealing money from employees. And we support PennDOT’s efforts to disqualify G. O. Hawbaker from future state projects.
Wage theft is a morally and financially abhorrent practice. Any employer found misappropriating employee pay and benefits should be forced to make their employees whole, as G.O. Hawbreaker was, and held to a different standard moving forward. These companies should not simply be allowed to resume business as usual after they exhibit such malicious intent and lack of respect for employees’ time and work.
Workers deserve the support and protections that have been affirmed by both the PA Supreme Court and PennDOT. Moving Senate Bill 987 and other Senate Democratic proposals to combat wage theft (like Senate Bill 46, Senate Bill 47, and Senate Bill 577), would be another tremendous step forward for workers in Pennsylvania.
We hope all companies take note of our fierce commitment to workers and the wages they are justly owed.”
by Christin Brown | November 14, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA − November 14, 2023 – Today, State Senators Christine Tartaglione (D-2), John Kane (D-9), and Jimmy Dillon (D-5) announced a package of legislation aimed at overhauling Pennsylvania’s addiction recovery system.
States across the nation, including Pennsylvania, face an alarming addiction crisis. With the 9th-highest drug overdose mortality rate in 2021, it is clear more must be done to combat this devastating issue.
“Our Commonwealth is facing an unprecedented addiction and overdose crisis that is ravaging communities and families,” said Senator Tartaglione. “The legislation we highlighted is in part born out of my 20-year-long experience with recovery and sobriety from an alcohol addiction along with countless conversations with people from all sides of the addiction treatment system and will help our neighbors get access to the lifesaving care they so desperately need.”
The legislative package announced today includes six bills aimed at bolstering addiction recovery efforts across Pennsylvania:
SB 874: Encourages SUD counselors to join the fight by offering student loan forgiveness for a 2-year commitment. Mental Health and Intellectual Disability professionals committing to 4 years also qualify. We must retain and inspire our dedicated workforce.
SB 875: Addresses the recovery workforce shortage by ensuring clear and achievable certification practices for recovery workers and considers marginalized communities’ access to these positions.
SB 876: Improves care quality by mandating continuing education on addiction for healthcare professionals and strengthens the referral link between hospitals and addiction treatment organizations.
SB 877: Enhances transparency and disclosure of addiction treatment coverage by requiring insurers to provide clear, semi-annual notifications to policyholders.
SB 878: Introduces standardized reporting by insurers regarding addiction treatment to identify gaps in coverage and access.
SB 879: Requires insurers to testify that they are in compliance with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act which requires insurance companies to treat mental health and substance use on an equal basis with physical ailments.
“These bills provide desperately needed support for those on the path to recovery by tackling workforce challenges, boosting professional development, enhancing transparency in insurance coverage, and implementing reporting measures to guide strategic improvements in addiction services,” added Senator Dillon.
The legislative package announced today joins a large group of other, bipartisan addiction recovery-related bills introduced both in both chambers of the Pennsylvania legislature and was drafted in consultation with the Drug and Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania (DASPOP).
“Forty years ago, I began my own recovery journey. Today, I’m proud to be part of this initiative that will simplify the process for others following the same path,” Senator Kane stated. “Through our partnership with DASPOP, we aim to ensure that no Pennsylvanian is denied the life-saving treatment they need due to confusing insurance coverage rules. We are committed to tearing down the barriers between people who need help and the treatment they deserve.”
More information on the bills in this package and other legislative packages can be found online.
by Christin Brown | October 10, 2023 | feature, News Releases
PHILADELPHIA – October 10, 2023 – State Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10), Tina Tartaglione (D-2), Jimmy Dillon (D-5) and John Kane (D-9), and representatives from the building trades announced Build Better PA, a package of bills to promote fairness, quality, and skilled craftsmanship within the tax incentive programs designed to stimulate economic growth.
“Union labor means quality work done right the first time,” said Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10). “As businesses enjoy the benefits of tax incentive development zones, it is in the best interest of taxpayers and workers to make sound investments in how the work is done. While these programs have been instrumental in driving economic development, they also provide a unique opportunity to raise the bar in terms of labor standards and workforce quality. Building trades and apprenticeships invest in workers, ensuring fair, family-sustaining wages and high-quality final products.”
Build Better PA introduces two essential benchmarks for businesses making capital investments exceeding $25,000 in construction, reconstruction, demolition, alteration, or repair of facilities within designated tax zones:
- Prevailing Wage Requirement: This provision ensures that businesses within the tax program pay their workers fair wages in line with regional standards. It aims to prevent the exploitation of labor and maintain equitable compensation for workers contributing to these projects.
- Skilled Craft Labor Mandate: To further enhance the quality of workmanship, the bill mandates that at least 70% of the workforce on prevailing wage-eligible projects are “skilled craft laborers.” This criterion ensures that projects funded through tax incentives maintain high standards of craftsmanship and expertise, promoting both worker skill development and the overall quality of construction.
“For decades our Commonwealth has supported business development and created special tax incentives to drive growth,” said Senator Tina Tartaglione (D-2). “These bills will make sure while we keep driving Pennsylvania forward, we don’t leave the working class behind. Unions, skilled trades and apprentice programs are the key to continuing to grow the middle class, which is imperative for our continued success.”
“I have witnessed the challenges that workers in the construction industry face, both as a plumber and as the Business Manager for the largest Plumbers Union in Pennsylvania. This legislation will benefit our labor force by giving them a stronger voice, ensuring fair wages for their hard work, and emphasizing apprenticeships that will properly train our next generation of skilled laborers,” said Senator John Kane (D-9). “As Minority Chair of the Labor and Industry Committee, I am committed to doing everything I can to create a more equitable future and improve Pennsylvania’s position in the construction industry, and this legislation does exactly that.”
The “zone” programs the legislation would apply to are: City Revitalization and Improvement Zones, Neighborhood Improvement Zones, Keystone Opportunity Zones, Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zones, Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zones, Keystone Special Development Zone Program, Keystone Innovation Zones and Airport Land Development Zones.
“These tax incentive programs have fueled economic development across the Commonwealth, but we owe it to ourselves to make sure they also uplift our workers,” said Senator Jimmy Dillon (D-5). “I’m honored to partner with Senators Santarsiero, Tartaglione, and Kane to make sure that businesses investing in our communities benefit both themselves and the hardworking men and women who make it all possible.”
“Thank you, Senators Santarsiero, Tartaglione, Kane and Dillon for recognizing the value of union labor to ensure quality construction projects, and fair wages with good benefits for workers,” said Fran McLaughlin, Business Manager for District Council 21. “Apprenticeship programs offer a path for individuals looking not just for a job, but a career that offers family-sustaining wages. Quality work and fair wages will enable us to build a better Pennsylvania and protect investments for taxpayers.”
Senator Nikil Saval (D-1), a co-sponsor of the legislation, voiced his support saying, “Any form of state investment, whether direct or through tax incentives, that drives our Commonwealth’s economic growth should primarily center the creation of jobs with family sustaining wages. This legislation will ensure that Pennsylvania carefully balances our responsibility to attract capital investments and do so in a manner that lifts working class families.”
Any business found in violation of the law would have to refund the full amount of the tax exemption, deduction, abatement or credit awarded for the year that they violated the provisions, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
###
by Christin Brown | September 20, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg PA – September 20, 2023 – Today Sen. Tartaglione announces over $16 million in funding for Philadelphia County-based agencies and organizations from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). This funding will deliver support and resources to keep Philadelphia County residents safe in the places they call home.
“Our city and commonwealth for too long have experienced the pains that come with the epidemic of crime we have been seeing,” said Senator Tartaglione. “The investments we are making through PCCD will help organizations across the city serve and support the victims of crime. As we continue the work to prevent violent crime, it is crucial we don’t forget the victims of crime and the ramifications of victimization.”
The recipients are listed below:
Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Funds
- Philadelphia County – $4,018,618 for CCAPPG Funds
Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funds
- Central Division Victim Services – $446,337 for CDVS VOCA Grant
- Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia – $945,033 for AVP VOCA 2023-2025 (non-Competitive)
- Center for Advocacy for the Rights & Interests of the Elderly – $486,415 for Providing Advocacy for Victimized Elders (PAVE)
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – $141,048 for Addressing Psychosocial & Concrete Needs of Young
- Congreso De Latinos Unidos, Inc. – $843,082 for LDVP and East Division Crime Victim Advocacy
- Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations – $175,966 for Concilio’s East Division Victim/Witness Services
- Drexel University – $157,343 for Healing Hurt People: Providing Trauma Services
- E.M.I.R. – Every Murder Is Real – $267,999 for 2023-2025 VOCA
- HIAS & Council Migration Services Inc. DBA HIAS PA – $574,317 for Immigrant Victim Access Collaborative (IVAC)
- Lutheran Social Mission Society DBA Lutheran Settlement House – $500,646 for LSH Bilingual Domestic Violence Program
- Mothers In Charge – $254,278 for Trauma-Informed Support of Homicide Survivors
- Nationalities Service Center of Philadelphia – $521,703 Services for Immigrant Victims of Crime
- Northeast Philadelphia Victim/Witness Service – $227,220 for Victim Assistance and Advocacy
- Northwest Victim Services – $215,742 for Serving Victims of Crime in Northwest Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Children’s Alliance – $447,358 for Philadelphia Children’s Alliance Direct Services
- Philadelphia City Treasurer – $403,671 for Philadelphia DAO Cares 3
- Philadelphia Corporation for Aging – $388,424 for PCA Victim Support Program
- Support Center For Child Advocate – $708,419 for Child Victim Assistance Project
- Temple University of The Commonwealth System of High Education – $421,500 for Support for Victims from Marginalized Communities
- Uplift Center for Grieving Children – $100,139 for Uplift’s VOCA Continuation 2023
- Victim/Witness Services of South Philadelphia, Inc. – $306,428 for Neighborhood Based Program for South Philadelphia
- WOAR-Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence – $324,372 for Sexual Assault Sexual Violence
- Women Against Abuse, Inc. – $1,271,658 for Sustaining Legal Services for Survivors
- Women In Transition, Inc. – $327,057 for Core Domestic Violence Services
- SeniorLAW Center – $1,531,487 for Keeping Elder Victims S.A.F.E.
- Children’s Crisis Treatment Center – $103,817 for Clinical Care Coordination for Child Victims
###
by Christin Brown | July 7, 2023 | feature, Minimum Wage, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – July 7, 2023 − Sunday, July 9th, marks seventeen years since Pennsylvania lawmakers last raised the minimum wage.
On July 9th, 2006, Governor Ed Rendell was joined by Senator Christine Tartaglione, Senator Vincent Hughes, and Senator Jay Costa, to sign Senate Bill 1090, Senator Tartaglione’s legislation that raised PA’s minimum wage to $7.15.
“When Senate Bill 1090 was signed into law in 2006, it was a promise to continue to fight for our Commonwealth’s lowest earners and ensure that the needs of Pennsylvanian’s lowest earners are never forgotten or cast aside,” said Senator Tartaglione. “I reintroduced Senate Bill 12 because I, like so many of my colleagues refuse to sit idly by as the Pennsylvanians that earn our poverty level minimum wage continue to struggle to make ends meet. Pennsylvania needs its government to act swiftly and decisively on behalf of our Commonwealth’s workers that need it most.”
Senate Democrats continue to support a higher minimum wage. In June, House Democrats passed a bill that would raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026. Senator Christine Tartaglione (D- Philadelphia) introduced Senate Bill 12, a similar bill.
“Pennsylvania is failing our workers,” said Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Phila./Montgomery). “For seventeen years now, Republican state lawmakers have done nothing to guarantee hard working people get paid fairly and adequately for contributions to our economy. I was proud to join Governor Rendell in 2006 to support pay that benefited workers and families. I hope to join Governor Shapiro one day to end seventeen years of inaction for minimum wage workers in Pennsylvania.”
Pennsylvania’s current minimum wage sits at the federal requirement of $7.25. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is far from a livable wage in the state. The cost of housing and other living expenses has continued to rise while Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has remained stagnant for over a decade.
A minimum wage increase to $15 an hour would impact one million workers who are currently making less than $15 an hour in Pennsylvania.
“Everyone who works for a living deserves to earn a living wage, and the current minimum wage in PA is not one. It is long past time to do right by our working families and make sure we can raise our children on one good job,” said Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny). “I have been proud to champion a living wage for every Pennsylvanian, and I look forward to working alongside fellow legislators, workers, and activists to deliver on this crucial value.”
Senate Democrats stand ready to vote on the House bill, but Senate Republicans, who are in the majority, must bring it to the floor for a vote. Meanwhile, every state surrounding Pennsylvania has raised the minimum wage. New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio, all pay a higher minimum wage. Pennsylvania is in last place when it comes to delivering for workers.
“Raising the minimum wage is critical to respecting the dignity of hardworking people so that they can afford housing and food, and so that they don’t have to choose between food, heat, clothing, and other basic needs,” said Senator Art Haywood (D-Phila./Montgomery), who has also been a fierce advocate for raising PA’s minimum wage.
He continued, “This is about helping parents and allowing them to be parents, no longer having to work two or three jobs and having greater freedom to provide their children with a better education, enrich their young ones with opportunities like recreational activities, be more active in their communities, and spend time with their families.”
by Christin Brown | June 30, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Senate Democratic Whip Christine Tartaglione released the following statement regarding her no vote on the Commonwealth’s budget today:
“The budget is supposed to reflect our Commonwealth’s moral priorities and aspirations for the future. The bill we voted on today does nothing to move Pennsylvania forward. From failing to act to raise the minimum wage for our Commonwealth’s lowest earners, to failing to fund mass transit, and continuing the systemic underfunding of public education, this bill, and this budget fall far short of the needs of our Commonwealth.
I am hopeful the leadership in the Pennsylvania House will see the failures and shortcomings of this proposed budget, and make the necessary changes to ensure ALL Pennsylvanians are heard and represented in our Commonwealth’s budget.”
by Christin Brown | January 11, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – January 11, 2023 – Today, Senator Christine M. Tartaglione, Democratic Whip, announced the Pennsylvania School Safety and Security Committee of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded $29,170,225 in grants to 31 separate programs tasked with preventing and intervening in violence across the 2nd District and the City of Philadelphia.
The grants are funded via two separate grants:
- The Coordinated Community Violence Intervention (CCVI) – The purpose of this program is to increase local coordination and collaboration to more effectively prevent, intervene and respond to gun and group violence.
- Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP). The purpose of this program is to provide grants and technical assistance to address community violence throughout the Commonwealth.
“Philadelphia, just like cities across this commonwealth and nation are facing an unprecedented epidemic of violence,” said Senator Tartaglione. “The resources being announced today will allow programs from across our city and commonwealth to continue addressing the root causes of violence and in turn prevent the crime that plagues our streets.”
Programs receiving the grants announced today that will provide services in the 2nd District and city-wide include:
Philadelphia City Treasurer, Philadelphia Cure Violence Coalition – $1,892,369 to develop a coalition of Cure Violence-based programs. The Cure Violence Model is an evidence-based prevention program that takes a public health approach to reduce community violence. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has spent the last year laying the groundwork for a coalition with members from all programs in Philadelphia using the Cure Violence model of violence prevention. These programs/partners include Cure Violence Philadelphia, Philadelphia CeaseFire, Community Crisis Intervention Program (a city program under the Office of Criminal Justice and Public Safety), and Penn Community Violence Prevention Program.
AMANDLA, Inc. – $147,595 to support violence prevention activities through expanding its Safe-Hub EduSoccer Program. The EduSoccer program reaches 500 young people from Philadelphia’s Kensington and Harrowgate neighborhoods, providing a safe space for young people while supporting anti-violence and anti-crime behaviors through targeting an array of socio-emotional program outcomes.
Artwell Collaborative, Inc. – $275,000 to implement its transformative and therapeutic multidisciplinary arts programming in schools, community centers, faith-based organizations, and behavioral health organizations. These funds will be used for: therapeutic arts programming in 10 Philadelphia schools (We the Poets and The Art of Growing Leaders); therapeutic arts programming in partnership with three community partners; trauma-informed response training for our team of Teaching Artists; inclusivity training for ArtWell’s leadership team; expanding the knowledge base and expertise of the organization’s leadership team by adding a part-time clinician.
Beyond Literacy – $1,311,266 to support the continuation and expansion of its Keystone Energy Employment Pipeline (KEEP) program, a community-focused strategy that transitions Philadelphia’s young, emerging adults ages 18 to 25 at risk of incarceration and gun violence into long-term financial stability through high-impact education, GED attainment, and pre-apprenticeship training for in-demand green energy sector jobs.
Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia, Inc. – $1,970,477 to expand teen programming at six Club locations by hiring dedicated teen staff, keeping Clubs open until 10 pm on Fridays, and opening the Clubs from 5 pm to 10 pm on Saturdays. All teens participating in programming will be engaged in formal or informal mentoring and evidence-based violence prevention activities.
Build Our Lives Together Inc. – $50,000 to create an intensive 8-month program for grassroots leaders – people who are the most proximate to the problems to learn critical skills, expand their network, and get access to funding so they can accelerate their impact, for a radical reduction in gun violence.
Center for Families and Relationships – $999,000 to expand it’s existing Together Through Trauma Program into Philadelphia recreation centers in the most vulnerable districts impacted by gun violence.
Central Division Victim Services – $371,663 to continue providing services to crime victims in the 6th, 9th, and 22nd Philadelphia Police Districts along with gun violence prevention in the 22nd and 25th Philadelphia Police Districts.
Coalition of African Communities (AFRICOM) – $125,000 to provide an immigrant community engagement gun violence prevention initiative that will bring together faith-based leaders, individuals, families, groups, and business owners to build knowledge, establish strong networks, identify, and prevent risks and connect the community to support services.
Education-Plus, Inc. – $299,125 to provide universal mental health screening at five schools to provide evidence-based programs in concert with school-based health clinic staff in order to reduce/prevent violence in schools and communities.
Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Inc. – $1,250,000 to support nine diverse, unique, and collaborative projects addressing violence and related issues in Philadelphia. From street and community outreach, food distribution, non-traditional youth programming, career assistance to the previously incarcerated, and connecting community members with available resources, this funding will provide needed support for these groups to expand their work. Funding will support nine projects/organizations (Homies Helping Homies; The Apologues; City of Dreams Coalition; Double Trellis Food Initiative; Elevation Voice; Kensington Voice; Oronde McClain Foundation; Ones Up; Philadelphia Boom).
Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey – $699,335 to expand the Bold Futures program, an intensive violence prevention mentoring program for high-risk girls who reside in Philadelphia with both individual and community risk factors between the ages of 9 to 14.
HIAS & Council Migration Services Inc. DBA HIAS PA – $2,124,484 to provide immigration legal services, some case management, and specialized victim services to low-income immigrant youth and their families who are eligible for legal status but have not yet obtained status and are therefore vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Funds will support two attorneys, a Department of Justice Accredited Representative, a paralegal, and legal supervision to provide immigration legal services to at-risk youth referred to HIAS Pennsylvania by Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services, the Philadelphia School District, and through self-referral.
Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association – $445,113 to support the establishment of a Success Center in the Samuel S. Fels High School of Philadelphia, PA. The Success Center will provide social-emotional learning (SEL) education to the students; non-academic, referral (case-management) support to students and their parents/ caregivers; an Oasis where students can safely retreat from and process stress or trauma they may be experiencing at school or at home; parent/ caregiver workshops; and field trips to enrich the lives of students and to give them new experiences and a new perspective on life.
Philadelphia City Treasurer, The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office “Data CoLab”- $1,772,966 to implement the “Data CoLab”, a data-informed community-based participatory initiative hosted by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Transparency Analytics Lab (DATA Lab). This initiative fosters partnerships among the DAO and community-based organizations (CBOs) by hosting a series of participatory research workshops in the communities experiencing high levels of gun violence to provide data tools and engage in participatory research and interventions.
Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates – $1,500,000 to expand its Restorative Justice Program into a cohesive pathway for justice-impacted people in Philadelphia neighborhoods with the highest rates of community violence.
Philadelphia Youth Network, Inc. – $2,000,000 to expand educational and employment pathway exploration for 12-24-year-olds through its portfolio of structured learning and skill-building opportunities. PYN is seeking to expand its provider network to create more opportunities for historically marginalized youth in Philadelphia to build stronger, safer communities through promoting summer employment opportunities.
Playworks Education Energized – $572,547 to advance the Community Coach Leadership Program (CCLP), a proactive, medium-to-long-term violence-prevention intervention strategy focused on serving kids most susceptible and impacted by violence. CCLP will engage School District of Philadelphia (SDP) high school students as program participants in leader-mentor positions with SDP elementary schools in violence-impacted neighborhoods.
Power of Paint Art Academy & Management – $86,981 to support a violence prevention and intervention program where trained staff will use art and therapeutic approaches, via outreach and referral services, to improve the quality of life for individuals who are victims and/or perpetrators of violence.
Rock to the Future, Inc. – $330,000 to support free music and mentoring programs in high-crime neighborhoods in North, West, and Northwest Philadelphia for teens that are at risk to be involved in violence, victims of violence, who have experienced trauma, and those from reentry and diversion programs.
Sharing Excess – $55,880 for the identification, outreach, and engagement of individuals who are most likely to be involved in violence and provide tailored, holistic supports to meet a wide range of education, employment, mental and behavioral health, and other basic needs.
Students Run Philly Style – $1,368,926 to scale current violence interruption and prevention efforts through recreation in and around the neighborhood of West Kensington. The goal is to have programs and activities for all ages, and family events throughout the year.
The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth – $2,500,000 to support the implementation of a hospital- and community-based violence intervention program where trained Violence Intervention Clinicians and Specialists will provide assertive outreach and crisis response to individuals and families exposed to violence in the community, conduct clinical crisis assessments, provide trauma-informed therapy and case management services, and refer individuals and families to social safety net providers in the community for long-term support.
The Urban League of Philadelphia – $950,000 to continue and expand their proven Violence Prevention Programs that support and target at-risk Black and Brown youth and young men and men who are justice-involved.
Unique Dreams, Inc. – $85,000 to fund several programs that offer an array of opportunities within the community. Those programs include a crisis line, skill building in carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades, resume workshops, interview training, empowerment groups, assistance with transportation needs, an afterschool and summer program for youth ages 8-18 focused on guided group discussions and conflict resolution, and youth skill-building workshops on topics such as music, cooking, basketball, boxing, and weightlifting.
University of Pennsylvania (Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety) – $1,517,546 to expand the scope and reach of the Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy Initiative, a program that supports the implementation of Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy for PTSD in community mental health centers in Philadelphia, by creating the Philadelphia Prolonged Exposure to Address Community Violence (PEACE) Project, which will be a coalition of 60 providers who are trained to respond to the mental health needs of individuals who experience community violence.
University of Pennsylvania (Penn Injury Science Center) – $2,332,070 to expand and enhance the School District of Philadelphia’s (SDP) Safe Path to School program. The program will expand to 6-8 schools and have enhanced features such as training (e.g. trauma-informed care, cure violence models of violence prevention), access to referral programs, and regular meetings with local violence intervention programs.
Uplift Center for Grieving Children – $399,994 to provide additional resources for training and data collection for quality grief counseling services to youth in the city of Philadelphia. Components of this project include clinical training and supervision to cultivate staff aptitude and maintain up-to-date and high-quality mental health supports, the expansion of the Resilient Parenting for Bereaved Families (RPBF) program, providing caregivers with regulation skills and parenting tools over 10-week sessions to support their families, and training coordination to expand its capacity to train frontline professionals in racial/trauma-informed professional development offerings.
Uplift Solutions Inc. – $607,840 to grow and enhance their Workforce Solutions program, which serves justice-involved individuals through increased outreach efforts, increased trauma-informed behavioral health services, and increased capacity to serve more participants. Program components include life-skills training, case management, wraparound services, job readiness training, employer technical training, employment placement, and follow-up support 3 years post-graduation.
More information on the grants can be found here.
by Christin Brown | January 10, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – January 10, 2023 – Democratic Whip, Senator Christine M. Tartaglione released the following statement regarding the consolidation of the statute of limitations constitutional amendment into a package with Voter ID and Regulatory Review constitutional amendments.
“Victims of sexual abuse don’t deserve to have their fate toyed with by politicians in Harrisburg,” said Senator Tartaglione. “The language of this constitutional amendment has passed this chamber three times now, but suddenly the majority party has decided playing politics with the rights of abuse victims is more important than providing a window to allow accountability. I cannot condemn these games strongly enough. This constitutional amendment should be run alone.
by Christin Brown | January 3, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – January 3, 2023 − Today, Pennsylvania Senator Christine M. Tartaglione was sworn into her eighth term serving as the Pennsylvania Senator from the 2nd District which includes portions of Philadelphia. Senator Tartaglione was also officially named Democratic Whip for the 2023-2024 legislative session.
Senator Tartaglione was one of 25 members sworn into the Pennsylvania Senate.
“Entering this legislative session, I am officially the longest-serving female in Pennsylvania Senate History,” said Senator Tartaglione. “It has been the honor of a lifetime serving the people of the 2nd district, and I am eagerly awaiting the coming legislative session and serving as Whip for the Senate Democratic Caucus. I am optimistic the legislature will spend the next legislative session working to pass crucial legislation that will put Pennsylvanians first.”
Serving in her 28th year, Senator Tartaglione is now the longest-serving female senator in Pennsylvania’s history, surpassing Senator Jeanette F. Reibman, who served from 1967 to 1994, the year Senator Tartaglione first won her seat in the Pennsylvania Senate.
Constituents can connect with Senator Tartaglione via her email: [email protected], her Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or website.
###
by Christin Brown | November 15, 2022 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – November 15, 2022 − Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione was elected by her Senate Democratic colleagues to become the first female to serve as Democratic Whip in Pennsylvania Senate history. Senator Tartaglione is also the first person with a disability to serve as the Whip of any caucus in the state’s 235-year history.
When the Senate returns in the ’23-’24 legislative session Senator Tartaglione will bring more than 28 years of experience and relationships to the Whip position.
“For nearly three decades, I have had the honor to serve the people of the 2nd district of Pennsylvania,” said Senator Tartaglione. “I have seen my fair share of bad bills pass and great bills squandered away into the abyss of parliamentary procedure. Being able to pull upon seven terms worth of experience and bi-partisan relationships will help our caucus move forward our progressive priorities.”
Other Senate Democrats elected to leadership roles include:
- Leader – Jay Costa, Jr.
- Appropriations Committee Chair – Vincent Hughes
- Chair – Wayne D. Fontana
- Secretary – Maria Collett
###
