by Christin Brown | Diciembre 22, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Diciembre 22, 2016 – A $6.3 million contract to improve traffic flow on a section of Allegheny Avenue between Ridge Avenue and Tulip Street in Philadelphia has been awarded by the state Department of Transportation, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said.
“There is an extensive scope of work associated with the contract,” Tartaglione said. “New street lighting plus the installation of sidewalks and stormwater drainage are included in the project.”
Tartaglione said that the project involves a four-and-a-half-mile section of Allegheny Avenue. Construction is expected to start in early 2017. During the course of construction, Allegheny Avenue will remain open but there will be periodic lane restrictions. The work is scheduled to be completed in 2018.
“Once completed, this will be a significant upgrade and traffic flow in this corridor will improve,” Tartaglione said.
The project is fully paid for by federal funding.
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by Christin Brown | Diciembre 14, 2016 | News Releases
Op-ed by Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione
For transit workers, the news hasn’t changed much and it certainly hasn’t gotten better. It’s the same story, year after year: “SEPTA bus driver taken to hospital after men throw liquid on her,” “Man charged with assault in punching, beating of SEPTA bus driver,” “Bus driver shooting sparks calls for safety.”
These are just a few of the attacks on transit workers that made the headlines. The sobering truth is that attacks on public transportation workers are not uncommon. They are numerous, vicious and terrifying. As troubling, the General Assembly continues to dawdle and do nothing about the problem.
It’s not as if there isn’t a proposed solution just waiting for action. I’ve introduced a proposal to deal with this issue for many years. Last session, it was Senate Bill 269. The session before, Senate Bill 282. The one before that Senate Bill 236.
In 2012, I took to the Senate floor in Harrisburg and gave a speech imploring my colleagues to act to protect transit workers. I commented then that during the time my proposal was sitting in committee there were more than 100 assaults committed. A bus driver had been shot, another hit by flying glass and another had three teeth knocked from his mouth by a punch in the face.
To deter these kinds of attacks, my proposed legislation would toughen penalties against those who commit offenses against public transportation workers. The idea is to reduce or eliminate assaults and make our public transportation systems safe for both the transit rider and the transit worker. I will reintroduce legislation protecting workers again in Enero.
My legislation is not new; the arguments made years ago in support of upgrading offenses remain valid and the focus on protecting workers is sincere.
These attacks were unnecessary and most of them were preventable. Had the legislature passed any of my bills over the years, there is a strong likelihood that we could have halted many of these assaults against transit workers.
Let’s roll back the clock and think of what protections may have been in place by now. If the General Assembly had acted and passed my proposal, our public transit agencies could have embarked on an aggressive public education program that outlined the ramifications of assaulting a transit worker. The higher fine and longer prison sentence — the central feature of my bill — would serve notice that transit workers are protected. The increased prison time and fine would make potential assailants think twice.
Maybe the worker hit with a hot liquid would have gone home after work instead of the hospital. Conceivably, the bus driver punched, pummeled and bitten could have finishing the night shift without incident. Perhaps, the mace used in assaulting another bus driver would have remained in the purse of the attacker.
According to the Amalgamated Transit Union, 30 states have enacted laws with tougher penalties for assaulting transit workers. If we would just act, Pennsylvania would be joining with other states in demonstrating its support for transit workers.
Moving assertively to protect transit workers is the right thing to do. Transit workers are men and women who have constant contact with the public often in difficult, frustrating situations. They work hard and do their jobs well and deserve to be free from assaults.
There is no cost associated with the legislation, it is a responsible, meaningful and strong step that would protect workers. It’s time for the General Assembly act.
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by Christin Brown | Noviembre 18, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Noviembre 18th, 2016 – Senators Vincent Hughes and Christine Tartaglione issued the following statements on the failure of the Pennsylvania Senate to extend funding for Labor & Industry service call centers:
Senator Hughes: “I am outraged by the failure of the Pennsylvania Senate Republican leadership to hold a vote to extend funding for unemployment compensation service call centers. Because of this inaction, nearly 600 working people will lose their jobs just one week before Christmas. It also means that thousands of unemployed Pennsylvanians will experience longer wait times when seeking assistance while applying for benefits.
“We must be clear that was a choice made by Senate Republicans for political reasons. They control the Senate calendar and Governor Wolf and Senate Democrats made it clear throughout the fall session that this bill was a priority. The bill should have been voted on Octubre 26 but it was delayed when the Republican pension plan fell apart. Then, on our final session day Miércoles, the bill was marked for a vote but was pulled again after their plan to further limit a women’s right to make her own health decisions failed. Because they twice didn’t get what they wanted, Senator Scott Wagner decided to play Scrooge to 600 workers who will lose their jobs just one week before Christmas.
“The inconsistency in public statements by Senate Republicans is clear proof that this failure to act is pure politics. First, the Senate Republicans tried to blame Governor Wolf even though they control what bills we consider in the Senate. Then, Senator Wagner openly admits that he wanted to cut funding to these call centers and see them shut down. They can’t have it both ways.
“Republicans also cannot simultaneously claim to be the champions of the working class and force the closure of facilities that help people who are unemployed. I call on the Senate Republicans to immediately reconvene the Senate to pass an extension of funding to unemployment compensation service calls centers.”
State Senator Christine Tartaglione, Democratic Chairwoman of Senate Labor & Industry Committee, offered the following statement:
“I join my colleague in calling for Senate Republicans to move on this important issue. I have been calling for the funding to be restored to these calls centers as one of my top priorities for the entire legislative session and offered my own bill, Senate Bill 1335 that would have reauthorized this funding for an additional four years. It is important to realize that this money is available, it simply needs to authorized. There is no reason that the Senate should not have acted to prevent these layoffs. Now, nearly 600 workers will lose their jobs and thousands of unemployed Pennsylvanians will see diminished services.”
State Senator Vincent Hughes represents the 7th Senatorial District and is the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Christine Tartaglione represents the 2nd Senatorial District and is the Democratic Chair of the Senate Labor & Industry Committee.
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by Christin Brown | Noviembre 16, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Noviembre 16, 2016 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione has been selected by her peers to lead the Philadelphia delegation in the Senate.
“As delegation chair, I will have an incredible opportunity to influence statewide policy and ensure that Philadelphia’s needs are addressed,” Tartaglione said. “There are a great many policy challenges and issues that are important to the city and its citizens that can be resolved if our delegation is united.”
Seven Senate Democrats represent Philadelphia in the 50-member body. Tartaglione is succeeding Sen. Shirley Kitchen who is retiring at the end of this term.
“I have proudly served the City of Philadelphia for many years,” Tartaglione said. “I am well aware of the problems and issues it faces, but I am also confident of its future.
“Leading the delegation is a great honor, but it also carries with it tremendous responsibilities.”
Tartaglione was elected to the state Senate in 1994. She is the long-time Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. Previously, she worked as an executive in the state treasurer’s office and was business representative of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.
Tartaglione credited Kitchen for her strong delegation leadership over the last several sessions.
“In the next session, Senate Democrats will face a great many tough and controversial issues where strong leadership is needed,” Tartaglione said. “I hope to keep our delegation together and strong as it works to solve problems and improve lives.”
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by Christin Brown | Noviembre 4, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Noviembre 4, 2016 – Gov. Tom Wolf signed legislation into law that will help 44,000 seasonal and cyclical workers gain eligibility for unemployment compensation insurance, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said.
Tartaglione, who is the Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, helped develop and shepherd the measure through the legislative process. The bill (House Bill 319) was signed into law on Nov. 3.
The legislation reduces the percentage of income earned outside an employee’s high quarter in order to be eligible for unemployment compensation benefits.
The formula was changed four years ago by Act 60. Under that law, a worker earning less than 49.5 percent of income in the three quarters outside the high quarter was ineligible for UC benefits. The legislation reduces the percentage to 37 percent and restores it to the previous rate.
The change is estimated to benefit 44,000 workers.
Tartaglione said she was very pleased that Gov. Tom Wolf signed the measure into law. She released the following statement in support of the governor’s action:
“I am pleased that the governor signed the unemployment compensation measure into law. Seasonal and cyclical workers should not be ineligible for benefits because they earn a large portion of their wages in a single quarter. This measure is about fairness for our construction workers, and other seasonal workers, who experience periods of intense work following by lulls in employment.”
The lowering of the earning percentage removes an eligibility hurdle that proved far too high for too many workers and their families, Tartaglione said.
The legislation also includes other measures to ensure that the U.C. Trust Fund remains fiscally sound.
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 26, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Octubre 26, 2016 – Legislation designed to fix a problem created four years ago by a change in the unemployment compensation law that has impacted seasonal/cyclical workers cleared the Senate and will now go back to the state House of Representatives for concurrence, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said.
House Bill 319 changes how unemployment benefits are calculated as it relates to seasonal and cyclical workers. Under current law, a worker earning less than 49.5 percent of income in the three quarters outside the high quarter was ineligible for UC benefits. The legislation reduces the percentage to 37 percent and restores it to the previous rate. The change is expected to make an estimated 44,000 seasonal workers eligible for benefits.
Tartaglione serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. She was involved in helping craft the change and issued the following comments about the legislation:
“For several years, seasonal and cyclical workers and their families have had to deal the inadvertent consequences of the previous change in the unemployment compensation law. If approved by the House, this legislation makes those workers who were affected eligible for benefits.
“We cannot wait another year to repair this flaw in the statute. I am hopeful that the House will adopt this measure and the governor will sign it into law.”
House Bill 319 passed the Senate on a 39-8 vote.
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 25, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Octubre 25, 2016 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said that an amendment was approved by the Senate today that would aid seasonal/cyclical workers who were negatively impacted by a change in the unemployment compensation (UC) law adopted four years ago.
The amended legislation (House Bill 319) is expected to be considered for final passage in the Senate tomorrow.
“It is imperative that we restore unemployment compensation eligibility for seasonal and cyclical workers who were disadvantaged by the law,” Tartaglione said. “Far too many workers were negatively impacted and this needs to be rectified as soon as possible.”
Tartaglione said the legislation was amended to reduce the percentage of income earned outside an employee’s high quarter in order to be eligible for unemployment compensation benefits.
The formula was changed four years ago by Act 60. Under that law, a worker earning less than 49.5 percent of income in the three quarters outside the high quarter was ineligible for UC benefits. The legislation reduces the percentage to 37 percent and restores it to the previous rate.
Tartaglione said the change is estimated to benefit 44,000 workers. She said many of the workers are in the building trades who became victims of the unintended consequences of the change.
“Families were needlessly impacted and lives disturbed,” Tartaglione said. “Seasonal and cyclical workers were being penalized through no fault of their own.”
Tartaglione, who serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, was involved in negotiating the legislative language to help the workers, in addition to other provisions in the legislation.
She said that she was pleased with the bipartisan work that went into developing the amendment and thanked the chair of the committee, Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) for her assistance.
The amendment includes a number of other UC provisions including an increase in the reserve, a modification of the benefit rate, amnesty and anti-fraud provisions and solvency trigger changes that are intended to preserve the integrity of the UC Trust Fund.
The amendment was approved on a 39-9 vote.
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 14, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Octubre 14, 2016 – A $2 million state grant was approved for Nueva Esperanza, Inc. to renovate and build on its campus in North Philadelphia, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today.
“This grant is excellent news,” Tartaglione said. “The funding will allow renovations to occur and new construction to take place at the campus.”
Tartaglione said that the state grant will address various needs on Esperanza’s 7-acre campus. The project includes the addition of a middle school gym, theatre and removal of a blighted building.
“The grant will address immediate needs and bolster the quality of the physical plant at Esperanza,” Tartaglione said. “The facility’s footprint will change as a result of the removal of the blighted building which will open up more parking and landscaping at the site.”
Tartaglione said the grant was approved through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). RACP grants can be used for acquisition and construction of economic development projects in a number of categories including cultural, civic, recreation and historical.
“I am very pleased that the governor has released funding for this important project” Tartaglione said. “The ability to access state funds for critical local projects is essential to transforming communities and expanding services.”
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 12, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Oct. 12, 2016 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today reminded seniors that she is hosting two Senior Expos in Philadelphia in Octubre.
“The Senior Expos provide very valuable information,” Tartaglione said. “There will be free health screenings and representatives of various agencies will be on hand to answer questions and help seniors navigate government programs.”
The first expo is being held on Jueves, Oct. 13 at the Mayfair Recreation Center, 2900 St. Vincent Street in Philadelphia. The Senior Expo begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m.
Tartaglione’s second Senior Expo in Octubre is scheduled for Oct. 27 at Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, 1100 East Erie Avenue beginning at 10 a.m..
“It is important for seniors and their caregivers to have access to crucial programs and services that aid seniors,” Tartaglione said. “Senior expos are an excellent way to open lines of communication and gain insight into how various programs can be helpful.”
Tartaglione said that all seniors and primary caregivers are invited to attend.
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by Christin Brown | Septiembre 28, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg − Sept. 28, 2016 − State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today presented a copy of a Senate resolution declaring Sept. 10, 2016 as “World Suicide Prevention Day” to a group of advocates and families in the Capitol Rotunda.
Sen. Tartaglione at the “World Suicide Prevention Day” event in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.
“The goal in declaring ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ and presenting a copy of the resolution to advocates and families is to raise awareness about how suicides are a major health concern,” Tartaglione said. “The hope is that we can save lives by calling attention to this very difficult issue.”
Tartaglione said that each year on Sept. 10 the International Association for Suicide Prevention and World Health Organization (WHO) observe “World Suicide Prevention Day.”
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. There are about 800,000 people who die from suicide every year, according to WHO. Suicide survivors are 25 times more likely to commit suicide in the future.
“Heightened awareness about suicides may result in a friend in distress going to see a mental health professional for treatment,” Tartaglione said.
On behalf of Gov. Tom Wolf, Tartaglione also presented a gubernatorial proclamation to the advocates and families.
Tartaglione’s legislation, Senate Resolution 425, was approved by the full Senate on Sept. 26.
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by Christin Brown | Septiembre 26, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg - 26 de septiembre de 2016 - La legislación diseñada para preservar un fondo que ayuda en el procesamiento, administración y adjudicación de las reclamaciones de desempleo ha sido aprobada por el Comité de Trabajo e Industria del Senado, según la patrocinadora del proyecto de ley, la senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia).
"El Fondo de Servicios e Infraestructuras se creó para ayudar a tramitar las solicitudes de indemnización por desempleo, eliminar los retrasos y hacer más eficaz el sistema", declaró Tartaglione. "Los trabajadores en paro deben tener la seguridad de que sus solicitudes se tramitan con rapidez y de que las prestaciones que les corresponden se desembolsarán sin demora".
Tartaglione dijo que su legislación (Proyecto de Ley del Senado 1335) ampliaría el fondo hasta 2020. El fondo se creó en 2013 para hacer frente a los retrasos del sistema y mejorar la tramitación de las solicitudes. Los fondos también pueden utilizarse para la formación del personal y los empleados, la tecnología de la información y otras mejoras.
"El fondo se creó para mejorar la eficiencia y eficacia del sistema de tramitación de las solicitudes de desempleo", declaró Tartaglione. "Mi legislación garantizaría que los recursos seguirán estando disponibles".
La legislación exige a Trabajo e Industria que informe anualmente a la Asamblea General sobre la situación del fondo. El importe del fondo no podrá superar los 200 millones de dólares.
El subsidio de desempleo proporciona 26 semanas de prestaciones a las personas que pierden un empleo por causas ajenas a su voluntad.
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by Christin Brown | Septiembre 14, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg, 14 de septiembre de 2016 - La senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia) anunció hoy que su oficina será anfitriona de una Oficina de Distrito Móvil todos los jueves de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. en CORA, 8540 Verree Road en Filadelfia.
"Mi personal estará disponible todos los jueves en CORA para tramitar formularios de PennDOT, pases gratuitos de SEPTA para personas mayores, solicitudes de devolución del impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles y del alquiler y ayudar a resolver problemas y cuestiones relacionadas con el gobierno estatal", dijo Tartaglione.
El senador dijo que el personal también puede atender preguntas de PECO y PGW, problemas de compensación por desempleo y consultas sobre asistencia pública, entre otras cuestiones.
"Encontrar formas de llevar los servicios de mi oficina a diversas comunidades de todo el distrito mejora el acceso de las personas a importantes programas y servicios estatales y locales", dijo Tartaglione.
Si los residentes locales tienen preguntas sobre la Oficina de Distrito Móvil de la CORA pueden llamar a Gizela Burnside al (215) 533-0400 o enviar un correo electrónico a gburnside@pasenate.com.
Tartaglione dijo que si los residentes no pueden visitarla durante el horario de la oficina de distrito móvil, pueden llamar a sus oficinas de distrito permanentes en Filadelfia. Tiene una oficina de distrito en 1061 Bridge Street, abierta de 9.00 a 17.00 horas, a la que se puede llamar por teléfono al (215) 533-0440. Otra oficina se encuentra en el 2301 de Front Street, también abierta de 9 a 17 h. El teléfono de la oficina de Front Street es (215) 291-4653.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 29, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg - 29 de junio de 2016 - La senadora estatal Christine Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia) dijo hoy que el aumento de las inversiones en educación básica y superior eran aspectos críticos del plan de gastos del estado que fue aprobado hoy por el Senado.
La legislación - Proyecto de Ley del Senado 1073 - representa un 31,53 mil millones dólares propuesta de presupuesto del Fondo General. La medida fue aprobada por el Senado 47 a 3. Tartaglione apoyó la propuesta.
El proyecto de presupuesto revisado vuelve ahora a la Cámara de Representantes para su examen.
A continuación, los comentarios de Tartaglione sobre la aprobación del plan de gastos del Estado:
"Este año hay importantes retos fiscales y los ingresos son escasos, por lo que es importante reconocer las nuevas inversiones en educación. El plan de gasto estatal incluye 250 millones de dólares más para educación básica, educación especial, Pre-K y Head Start y aumenta la financiación de la educación superior.
"El plan presupuestario estatal que ha aprobado hoy el Senado amplía los dólares para cubrir el aumento de los gastos obligatorios, como los pagos del servicio de la deuda, los costes de las pensiones y los correccionales. El plan ayuda a mantener las iniciativas de servicios humanos y los programas de la red de seguridad social.
"Me complace que este presupuesto invierta más en educación y proporcione recursos adicionales a las escuelas".
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by Christin Brown | Junio 22, 2016 | News Releases
Junio 22, 2016 – State Senate Democratic Whip Anthony H. Williams (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) today said that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) has been devastated by recurring state budget cuts and that the state spending plan now under consideration needs to address agency funding shortfalls.
“The PHRC has an incredibly important job to do and it cannot function properly if its funding is slashed year in and year out,” Williams said today.
Williams was joined at a news conference at the Capitol by his Democratic colleague from Philadelphia Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), Senate Democratic leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Democratic Appropriations Chair Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) other Democratic senators and advocates.
“The agency’s ability to ensure that civil rights protections are upheld has been compromised by chronic underfunding,” Tartaglione said. “We are here to request that additional funds be included in the appropriation for the commission so it has the resources to do its important work.”
The state appropriation for the PHRC has fallen from $10.6 million in 2008 to $8.7 million last year. The total agency budget was reduced from $14.1 million to $10 million over the same time span.
“Incredibly, at a time when we should be doing more to protect civil rights, the agency dedicated to this purpose has had to dramatically cut staff and is under pressure to close cases without proper investigation,” Williams said.
The lawmakers are seeking an additional $2 million in state funding in this budget to bolster operations at the PHRC.
“I am pleased that my Senate Democratic colleagues and those representatives that have been touched by the work of the PHRC have come out today to support the call for more funding,” Williams said. “It is important that those of us who are committed to preserving this agency as a protector of civil rights stay united and put pressure on budget negotiators.”
Williams said that staffing at the commission is at a crisis point. According to the senator, the historical complement of investigators and professional staff has been just under 200 employees. Today, there are only 76 investigators and professionals to handle the agency’s responsibilities.
“Values like equality, service, integrity, excellence and teamwork were once associated with the commission and its operations,” Williams said. “The PHRC was once recognized as a preeminent protector of civil rights.
“We can get the agency back to that position of being a nationally-recognized leader, but it has to be funded properly.”
The call for more funding and for making systemic repairs at the commission follows media reports about upheaval at the agency over the last several years. Allegations of long-time staff being forced out, hostile working conditions and discriminatory hiring practices have been cited in news reports.
The operations of the commission were recently examined at a Senate State Government Committee hearing requested by Williams earlier this month.
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por Christin Brown | 17 de junio de 2016 | Comunicados de prensa
Casey, Brady, Evans y Carrelli asisten a la manifestación y al debate
Filadelfia - 17 de junio de 2016 - La senadora estatal Christine Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia) empleó una demostración de ReWalk -un traje exoesqueleto motorizado que permite a los pacientes con parálisis de las extremidades inferiores ponerse de pie y caminar- para detallar su visión de una clínica que aborde las necesidades específicas de rehabilitación de los veteranos.
"Hay muchos veteranos que podrían beneficiarse de esta tecnología y de otras tecnologías robóticas de rehabilitación que ofrecen MossRehab y otros centros", afirma Tartaglione. "Trabajando juntos, podemos poner en marcha una nueva clínica que resultará beneficiosa para los veteranos y cambiará vidas".
Tartaglione hizo una demostración del traje ante el senador demócrata Bob Casey, el diputado demócrata Bob Brady, el diputado demócrata Dwight Evans y el general Anthony Carrelli en MossRehab de Elkins Park. Tras la demostración, Tartaglione detalló su plan para la clínica.
"Nuestros hombres y mujeres de uniforme han hecho enormes sacrificios por su país, dando lo que el Presidente Lincoln llamó 'la última medida completa de devoción'", dijo Casey. "Esta tecnología punta cambiará vidas y ayudará en las necesidades de rehabilitación de los veteranos de nuestra nación. Agradezco el duro trabajo y la determinación del senador Tartaglione para mejorar la vida de nuestros veteranos y de todas las personas con discapacidades."
"Doy las gracias tanto a la senadora Tartaglione por su constante defensa como a Moss Rehabilitation por su compromiso de utilizar la tecnología más avanzada en beneficio de nuestros héroes veteranos", declaró Brady.
"Dado el extraordinario sacrificio de los militares y la necesidad de centros de rehabilitación excepcionales para los veteranos, me pareció importante detallar cómo una clínica con tecnologías como las de MossRehab puede ayudar a los veteranos", dijo Tartaglione.
Tartaglione busca ayuda federal y estatal para construir la clínica. La idea de Tartaglione fue apoyada por funcionarios de MossRehab.
"MossRehab elogia la visión y el compromiso del senador Tartaglione con las necesidades de rehabilitación de nuestros veteranos", dijo Thomas Smith, vicepresidente adjunto de Rehabilitación. "La aplicación de la tecnología más avanzada por parte de nuestros expertos clínicos con un toque personal de cuidado permite a MossRehab avanzar en nuestra misión de mejorar la vida de las personas con discapacidad."
La senadora dijo que sabe por experiencia propia que la rehabilitación es increíblemente difícil y frustrante, pero gracias a los esfuerzos de especialistas que emplean nuevas tecnologías los veteranos pueden recibir servicios que les cambian la vida.
"En MossRehab estamos encantados con los progresos de la senadora Tartaglione y con el aumento de su capacidad para caminar, de su resistencia y de su movilidad articular gracias a ReWalk", dijo el Dr. Alberto Esquenazi, catedrático de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación John Otto Haas de MossRehab. "Sus esfuerzos y determinación, combinados con la experiencia del personal y la tecnología avanzada de MossRehab hacen posible esta mejora".
Tartaglione afirmó que, aunque puede resultar difícil abordar las necesidades de financiación asociadas a la creación de una clínica de ayuda a los veteranos, merece la pena el esfuerzo por los beneficios que reporta a los veteranos.
"Los veteranos hicieron el sacrificio por nosotros y nosotros tenemos que ayudarles cuando regresan con problemas médicos que requieren una rehabilitación intensiva", declaró Tartaglione.
La legisladora dijo que se necesitará un esfuerzo importante para educar a sus colegas a nivel estatal sobre la necesidad de la clínica y esperaba que la manifestación y el debate con el Sen. Casey, los Reps. Casey, los representantes Brady y Evans y el general Carrelli.
"No tengo palabras para agradecer al senador Casey, al representante Brady, al representante estatal Evans y al general Carrelli su interés por conocer mejor la tecnología y mi visión de una clínica de ayuda a los veteranos", declaró Tartaglione.
Tartaglione dijo que buscará financiación estatal para la clínica en los presupuestos del Estado.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 14, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Junio 14, 2016 – A grant of $80,877 has been awarded to the Norris Square Senior Community Center, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today.
“Grants for senior centers help bolster activities and provide critical assistance to seniors in Philadelphia and the surrounding region,” Tartaglione said. “The funding approved today for the Norris Square Senior Community Center will help the center continue providing invaluable service to the area.”
According to the Department of Aging, 43 senior centers from around the state will share in $2 million in grant funding in this round.
The funding helps advance programming for seniors. It also enables senior centers to complete critical projects, improve technology, recruit new members and meet the needs of area seniors. Grants enhance social and recreational activities while providing a safe community meeting place, Tartaglione said.
“The grants are resources that can be used to help seniors stay involved in the community,” Tartaglione said.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 2, 2016 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Junio 2, 2016 − State Sens. Christine M. Tartaglione and Shirley M. Kitchen today joined Gov. Tom Wolf for a tour of one of the nation’s leading research centers investigating the causes of drug addiction.
The Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), at Temple University’s Lewis J. Katz School of Medicine, brings together dozens of experts from across Temple campuses to carry out interdisciplinary research to understand the biological basis of drug addiction and other effects of addictive drugs that result in altered states of biological function.
“As we face an opioid overdose epidemic in Pennsylvania, we are fortunate to have the substantial resources of Temple University to approach the problem at the most fundamental level,” Tartaglione said. “It’s inspiring to be in the midst of incredibly talented people doing incredibly important work.”
CSAR recently received a $1 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to develop and implement an educational program called SEADAP (Science Education Against Drug Abuse Partnership) to teach students in grades 6 through 12 about how commonly abused drugs work in the brain to produce addiction.
“While we face this very serious challenge in our community, it’s encouraging to see that we have the tools here that can lead to success,” said Kitchen, who, for years, has worked closely with the recovery community. “We have the talent right here in North Philadelphia that can help transform lives across Pennsylvania.”
The senators joined the governor on a tour of Temple research facilities and took part in a roundtable discussion about the intersection of academic research and public policy.
After the tour, Wolf, who has made mitigating the opioid crisis a priority for his administration, said the facility is “bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and drug addiction.”
“The challenge is how we take the good research that’s going on here and turn it into good public policy,” he said.
Kitchen and Tartaglione recently announced support for a legislative package intended to address the opioid addiction crisis from prevention through recovery. To read details of that effort, click here.
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by Christin Brown | Mayo 17, 2016 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, 17 de mayo de 2016 - Con la promesa de "luchar con uñas y dientes" para garantizar la financiación estatal de un grupo especial que ayuda a las personas con discapacidad a pagar por la tecnología que ayuda a mejorar su calidad de vida, la senadora estatal Christine Tartaglione se ha movilizado hoy en apoyo de la Fundación de Tecnología de Asistencia de Pensilvania.
"Conozco el trabajo que hace la fundación", dijo el senador Tartaglione durante una rueda de prensa en el Capitolio. "¿Para mí tener una ducha? Es importante. ¿Para que yo pueda entrar y salir de mi casa? Es importante. Tener independencia, libertad y dignidad es importante para mí".
"Sé que los préstamos que se hacen llegan muy lejos. Voy a luchar con uñas y dientes para asegurarme de que podemos conseguir toda la financiación que podamos."
Hace unos 13 años, Tartaglione sufrió un accidente de navegación.
"Mi vida cambió en un abrir y cerrar de ojos", afirma.
La Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation ha publicado hoy su informe anual 2015-'16.
Los responsables del PATF afirman que son capaces de convertir una pequeña cantidad de fondos públicos en un gran número de préstamos. El reembolso de los préstamos de prestatarios anteriores también proporciona financiación para futuros prestatarios.
La fundación es una organización sin ánimo de lucro, con sede en King of Prussia, cuya misión es ofrecer oportunidades de educación y financiación a personas con discapacidad y mayores de Pensilvania para que puedan adquirir dispositivos y servicios de tecnología asistencial que mejoren su calidad de vida.
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por Christin Brown | 10 de mayo de 2016 | Comunicados de prensa
HARRISBURG, 10 de mayo de 2016 - Sens. Christine Tartaglione ganó hoy la aprobación de una resolución que marca mayo como "Older Americans Month" en Pennsylvania.
"Cuando pensamos en nuestro futuro, es importante pensar en el pasado y en el duro trabajo de los que nos precedieron", dijo Tartaglione esta tarde en el pleno del Senado. "Los esfuerzos de esos estadounidenses mayores han hecho posibles nuestras vidas y nuestros sueños.
"Creo que es nuestro deber reconocer a todas las personas que nos han precedido y que han allanado el camino para nuestro futuro. Nosotros, como nación, debemos a todos los estadounidenses mayores unos momentos de nuestro tiempo, y rendirles el respeto que se merecen.
"Debemos centrarnos en cómo los mayores de nuestra comunidad lideran e inspiran a otros, cómo podemos apoyarlos y aprender de ellos, y cómo podemos seguir sus ejemplos para abrir caminos propios.
"Y debemos demostrarles nuestro aprecio, para que sepan lo importantes que son sus contribuciones pasadas y cuánto nos siguen inspirando su sabiduría y sus conocimientos", afirmó el senador.
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by czsmith | Abril 5, 2016 | News Releases
by Christin Brown | Abril 4, 2016 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Abril 4, 2016 – State Sens. Christine Tartaglione and Rob Teplitz today won approval of a resolution marking Abril as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.
Sen. Tartaglione said increasing awareness is vital because 20 percent of women and one-in-33 men will experience sexual assault sometime during their lifetimes.
“The more we talk about sexual assault and the more educated people become about sexual assault, the better chance we have of preventing it,” Tartaglione said during floor remarks today. “And yet, the majority of sexual assaults are never reported to the police. We need to act to stop the violence now.”
Tartaglione said about 63 percent of sexual assault victims do not tell police about the crime committed against them.
“By teaching people how to recognize the signs of sexual abuse and what to do when someone is assaulted and abused. Every one of us can make a difference in someone’s life,” she said.
Sen. Tartaglione also applauded the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, a Harrisburg-based advocacy group that works to stop sexual assault and defend the rights of victims, for its work. On its website, PCAR defines sexual violence as “any type of unwanted sexual contact, ranging from sexist attitudes and actions to rape and murder.”
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by Christin Brown | Marzo 1, 2016 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Marzo 1, 2016 – With the promise of economic renewal and 140 new jobs in a North Philadelphia community that is part of her district, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione today helped to break ground for an 85,000-square-foot retail facility.
Tartaglione’s efforts secured a $2.5 million low-interest loan from the Commonwealth Finance Authority for the Plaza Allegheny project.
“Plaza Allegheny will help the residents of Fairhill in countless ways,” Tartaglione said. “People will find jobs; more people will come here to shop and spend their money, which benefits the local economy; and we are converting an underutilized property into productive use.
“My thanks to the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the City of Philadelphia, Mayor Jim Kenney, Legend Properties and others for their time and dedication in making this day a reality.”
Sen. Tartaglione said Plaza Allegheny has received the full support of area union members who have been involved in the project planning discussions and will serve an integral role during construction.
Plaza Allegheny is at 400 W. Allegheny Ave., across from the Maria De Los Santos Health Center.
In addition to the low-interest CFA loan, the Plaza Allegheny project secured $13.64 million in matching funds.
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Contacto: Mark Shade
Phone: 717-787-9220
mshade@pasenate.com
by Christin Brown | Febrero 10, 2016 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 10, 2016 – As state budget negotiators struggle to find new sources of revenue, Sen. Christine Tartaglione told a Capitol rally today that a $10.10 minimum wage would generate millions in new state income and save the commonwealth millions more.
“Paying people a fair wage of not less than $10.10 per hour reaps huge benefits for this commonwealth and all of the families who live here,” Tartaglione, the state’s leading minimum wage advocate in the General Assembly, said. “It’s a very common-sense approach to a very large and expanding problem we face here in Harrisburg.
“There would be a $121.5 million increase in state income and sales taxes and a shift of $104 million in Medicaid payments from the state to the federal government
“These changes would go a long way in a budget environment like ours.”
The Philadelphia Democrat proposed Senate Bill 195 this session to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10. Her Senate Bill 196 would raise the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular rate.
“It’s long past time that Pennsylvania raises its minimum wage to compete with all of our surrounding states,” Sen. Tartaglione said during the Raise The Wage PA-organized rally. “The time is now to enact this common sense legislation.”
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by Christin Brown | Febrero 9, 2016 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9, 2016 – Despite the financial challenges facing Pennsylvania due to Republican intransigence, the commonwealth’s leading advocate for a fairer minimum wage said she is pleased that Gov. Tom Wolf is calling for a $10.15 base hourly rate.
“The tunnel vision that has led Pennsylvania to a fiscal cliff has also prevented our frontline workers from receiving a pay raise for the past seven years,” Sen. Christine Tartaglione said following the governor’s annual budget address today.
“But $10.15 an hour is the best indication that our fight for a fair minimum wage will continue in earnest.”
Sen. Tartaglione led the charge to get Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $7.15 an hour in 2006. The state’s base hourly pay rate ticked up to its current level, $7.25 an hour, when the federal government approved that wage in 2009.
The Philadelphia Democrat’s current legislation, Senate Bill 195, move Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10. Her Senate Bill 196 would hike the tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular rate (or $3.95 an hour, based on a $10.10 minimum wage).
“More than a million workers will get a pay raise, countless employers will have more focused employees, and government subsidies will fall when the Republican leadership gets out of the way and finally allows a vote on proposals to increase the minimum wage,” Tartaglione said. “These increases are overdue. We must make this a priority.”
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Contacto: Mark Shade
mshade@pasenate.com
by Christin Brown | Enero 27, 2016 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, 27 de enero de 2016 - Para crear mayor conciencia sobre ciertos riesgos para la salud que enfrentan las mujeres, las senadoras estatales. Christine M. Tartaglione y Lisa Baker se vistieron hoy de rojo y presentaron una resolución que marca el 5 de febrero como el "Día Nacional de Vestir de Rojo" en Pensilvania.
"Las mujeres son las cuidadoras de sus familias. Cuidan de sus hijos, de sus cónyuges y de todos los que les rodean. Por desgracia, no se cuidan a sí mismas", dijo Tartaglione durante su intervención.
"Las cardiopatías no sólo se cobran la vida de más mujeres que hombres cada año, sino que una mujer muere cada 80 segundos a causa de una enfermedad cardiovascular, lo que la convierte en la más mortal de todas las enfermedades entre las mujeres."
Aun así, la senadora Tartaglione afirmó que sólo una de cada cinco mujeres estadounidenses cree que las enfermedades cardiacas son su mayor amenaza para la salud.
La campaña "Go Red For Women" está diseñada para inspirar a las mujeres a realizar cambios en su estilo de vida, movilizar a las comunidades y dar forma a las políticas para salvar vidas, dijo la senadora.
"Como parte de la campaña 'Go Red' de la Asociación Americana del Corazón, ofrecemos esta resolución para asegurarnos de que las mujeres comprenden los riesgos de las enfermedades cardiacas. Y estamos animando a todas las mujeres de este estado a ser más conscientes y proactivas en el mantenimiento de su propia salud cardiovascular", dijo el senador Tartaglione.
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