by Christin Brown | Agosto 4, 2017 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Agosto 4, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s (D-Philadelphia) community picnic held on Jueves in Norris Square Park was a resounding success with hundreds attending and more than 500 backpacks handed out to school students, Tartaglione said.
“The picnics that I host in neighborhoods across the district are a great way to bring communities together,” Tartaglione said. “The attendance was outstanding and we were able to distribute more than 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to students.”
Tartaglione said that in addition to the backpacks, there was music, dancing and light refreshments. The School District of Philadelphia and American Home Care were represented at the picnic. Home Depot presented a workshop for children and the Philadelphia Police Department helped with child fingerprinting.
“This event was such as great success and I am pleased that so many from the community had an opportunity to stop by and enjoy the festivities,” Tartaglione said.
The senator said that additional community picnics are planned for later in Agosto.
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by Christin Brown | Julio 27, 2017 | News Releases
School Code Changes Will Hurt Teachers
Harrisburg – Julio 27, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today that the bipartisan revenue package adopted by the state Senate would fix the Actual Value Initiative (AVI) for Philadelphia and is a vast improvement, but new provisions impacting collective bargaining rights for teachers is an affront to labor unions that would cause irreparable harm.
These elements were part of a broad range of legislation considered by the Senate today. Without the approved revenue package, the $31.9 billion General Fund budget approved by the General Assembly in late Junio would not be balanced.
The revenue package backfills the $2.2 billion revenue deficit, makes significant changes that would aid Philadelphia and prevents a credit downgrade that would impact all taxpayers in Pennsylvania. The tax bill includes, for the first time, a Marcellus Shale energy extraction tax valued at $108 million.
“The changes in the Senate’s version of the Fiscal Code (House Bill 453) would fix the AVI for Philadelphia, which is important to my district and the entire city,” Tartaglione said. “The language would set the market value, cap future increases and prevent the loss of $270 million in state aid to the School District of Philadelphia over five years.”
The AVI fix language would set the maximum market value of property at $47 billion, then cap future increases based on the total increase for all districts. This would limit the amount of increase and help avoid large spikes, Tartaglione noted.
While the AVI change would be a win for Philadelphia, Tartaglione said the new language added to the school code impacting teacher collective bargaining rights is an egregious attack that would harm teachers and impair contract negotiations.
“The provisions added to the school code would allow for teachers to be laid off for economic reasons, refuse to consider seniority rights as it relates to layoffs, and prohibit collective bargaining agreements from dealing with economic-based layoffs,” Tartaglione said. “These are egregious provisions that would hurt labor negotiations and impact the ability of school districts and teachers to reach fair and equitable contract agreements.”
Tartaglione said the changes in the school code would be an overreach that would take away rights of labor unions to bargain fairly.
“It would break down collective bargaining and put teachers at a complete disadvantage,” Tartaglione said. “Plus, it would allow school districts to discharge teachers for economic reasons, which would give way too much discretion to school districts without due process.”
The revenue package, which would include changes to the Fiscal Code, Tax Code, School Code, Administrative Code and Human Services Code, was sent to the state House of Representatives for approval.
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by Christin Brown | Abril 25, 2017 | News Releases
Harrisburg - 25 de abril de 2017 - Una transferencia de $ 15 millones para ayudar temporalmente a la tramitación de las solicitudes de indemnización por desempleo, eliminar los atrasos y dar lugar a la contratación de 200 trabajadores despedidos el año pasado fue promulgada como Ley 1 ayer por la tarde por el gobernador Tom Wolf, dijo hoy la senadora estatal Christine Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia).
Tartaglione, presidente demócrata de la Comisión de Trabajo e Industria del Senado, fue citado por el gobernador junto con otros líderes de la Comisión de Trabajo por su labor en la tramitación de la medida (proyecto de ley 250 del Senado) en la Asamblea General.
El embrollo de financiación que puso en peligro el sistema de reclamaciones, creó retrasos, cerró centros de llamadas y provocó el despido de 500 trabajadores de los centros de llamadas en diciembre surgió cuando los legisladores republicanos cuestionaron cómo se habían utilizado las transferencias de financiación anteriores al Fondo de Mejora de Servicios e Infraestructuras (SIIF).y
Tartaglione emitió la siguiente declaración en relación con el arreglo temporal de financiación aprobado por el gobernador:
"Los 15 millones de dólares de financiación temporal permitirán recontratar a 200 trabajadores, reducir los tiempos de llamada y mejorar el acceso al sistema de reclamaciones. Sin embargo, todos reconocemos que se trata de una solución a corto plazo y que todos tenemos que volver a trabajar para garantizar que haya recursos disponibles para tramitar las solicitudes y ayudar a los desempleados a largo plazo.
"Durante demasiado tiempo, el sistema estuvo en entredicho por la cuestión de la financiación y los hombres y mujeres que perdieron su empleo tuvieron que superar obstáculos aún mayores para acceder a las prestaciones. No podemos permitir que esta situación se repita. Por eso me complace que estemos trabajando en una solución a largo plazo de forma bipartidista."
El Auditor General del Estado, Eugene DePasquale, ha hecho pública hoy su auditoría del SIIF. Ha indicado que, aunque se han introducido mejoras en el sistema, no se han utilizado los métodos contables adecuados y ha faltado supervisión. Su auditoría reveló que se necesitan fondos estatales adicionales para mantener los centros de llamadas de la U.C. operativos y funcionando a niveles aceptables.
Dijo que el Departamento estatal de Trabajo e Industria indicó que necesitaba 159,5 millones de dólares en fondos durante los próximos cuatro años para mantener el servicio y modernizarlo. Señaló que durante el estancamiento de la financiación del SIIF, se produjeron grandes retrasos y señales de ocupado en el 99,3 por ciento de las llamadas a los centros de llamadas.
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by Christin Brown | Febrero 8, 2017 | News Releases
Abortion restrictions adopted, equal pay effort weakened, worker free speech curbed
Harrisburg – Febrero 8, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) issued the following statement harshly critical of the passage of legislation that assails the rights of women and working families.
Tartaglione said there were a number of anti-women and anti-worker measures adopted by the Senate. These include a bill (Senate Bill 3) to prohibit abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy instead of 24 weeks; a watered-down equal pay proposal (Senate Bill 241) that preempts local pay equity ordinances and fails to effectively deal with pay discrimination; and a prohibition (Senate Bill 166) from deducting political donations from the wages of employees.
Tartaglione’s comments follow:
“The new session kicked off with an ideologically driven agenda that assails women and working families. The Senate approved heavy-handed government involvement in women’s health care choices, a weakening of equal pay efforts and restrictions on free speech.
“The new abortion restrictions put government between a women and health choices – a place it should never be. The so-called “pay equity” bill would actually weaken equal pay efforts and reverse important gains made through local ordinances to ensure that women are treated fairly — such as the one adopted in Philadelphia that addresses pay discrimination. Finally, the prohibition of deductions of political contributions from workers’ paychecks would impact workers’ free speech rights.
“Women, workers and working families continue to be treated unfairly. Instead of creating jobs, enhancing education and building up health care, the Senate is being saddled with an extreme agenda that rips away rights.”
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por Christin Brown | 7 de febrero de 2017 | Salario mínimo, Comunicados de prensa
Harrisburg - 7 de febrero de 2017 - La presidenta de Trabajo e Industria Demócrata del Senado, la senadora Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia), ofreció comentarios sobre el presupuesto propuesto de $32,300 millones para el Año Fiscal 2017-18 que el gobernador Tom Wolf dio a conocer hoy ante una sesión conjunta de la Asamblea General.
El plan aumenta ligeramente el gasto respecto al año pasado, pero recorta 2.000 millones de dólares. Cerraría el déficit presupuestario de 3.000 millones de dólares con eficiencias y reformas de la Administración, pero sin nuevos impuestos generales.
Tartaglione se mostró especialmente satisfecha con varios aspectos del proyecto de presupuesto, entre ellos un nuevo programa de becas de formación para aprendices; la petición de aumentar el salario mínimo a 12 dólares la hora; y un renovado esfuerzo por acabar con la denominada laguna del impuesto de sociedades de Delaware. Cada una de estas iniciativas ha sido el centro de atención de Tartaglione durante varias sesiones.
A continuación, la reacción de Tartaglione al plan de gastos:
"El gobernador ha ofrecido un plan responsable que no sólo hace frente al inminente déficit presupuestario, sino que realiza inversiones clave en formación laboral, creación de empleo, educación y programas de servicios sociales. El proyecto de presupuesto incluye una serie de iniciativas en las que he participado, como la ampliación del aprendizaje para ayudar a crear puestos de trabajo, un aumento del salario mínimo y el cierre de la laguna de Delaware.
"Los legisladores se enfrentan a una serie de retos para cerrar el déficit presupuestario, pero el gobernador ha generado una propuesta alternativa que implica reformas gubernamentales, eficiencias y cambios estructurales. Tenemos que ser muy conscientes de que nuestro presupuesto estatal invierte en programas y servicios que ayudan a los trabajadores y trabajadoras, los niños, los estudiantes, las personas mayores y los necesitados.
"Este es un buen punto de partida que puede ayudar a iniciar el diálogo que conduzca a un presupuesto a tiempo que satisfaga las necesidades de Pensilvania".
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por Christin Brown | 3 de febrero de 2017 | Salario mínimo, Comunicados de prensa
Harrisburg - 3 de febrero de 2017 - La senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Phila.) anunció hoy que presentará una legislación para aumentar gradualmente el salario mínimo a $ 15 para 2021.
"Un aumento del salario mínimo está justificado moralmente y tiene sentido económicamente", dijo Tartaglione. "Es inconcebible que alguien que trabaje 40 horas semanales completas con el salario mínimo actual esté en peligro económico".
Según la propuesta (Proyecto de Ley del Senado 12), el salario mínimo actual de 7,25 dólares aumentaría a 12 dólares el 1 de julio de 2017 y subiría progresivamente hasta alcanzar los 15 dólares en 2021. Se aplicaría entonces un índice de inflación para eliminar la necesidad de cualquier futura acción legislativa sobre el tema.
Tartaglione lleva mucho tiempo defendiendo el aumento salarial. Contribuyó decisivamente a aprobar la última subida en 2006. Argumentando que los trabajadores merecen un trato más justo, ha presentado proyectos de ley en las últimas sesiones legislativas para aumentar la tasa.
"Hay pocas cosas que los legisladores puedan hacer que tengan un impacto tan directo en las familias trabajadoras como el aumento del salario mínimo", dijo Tartaglione. "La Asamblea General no ha actuado - y los hombres y mujeres trabajadores han sufrido".
Pensilvania subió el salario mínimo por última vez en 2006. El gobierno federal lo elevó a los 7,25 dólares por hora actuales en 2009. Treinta y un estados, cinco de los cuales rodean Pensilvania, tienen salarios mínimos superiores al federal. Diecinueve estados han aprobado leyes que vinculan los aumentos del salario mínimo a la inflación.
En Pensilvania hay aproximadamente 87.000 trabajadores con salario mínimo. Un trabajador con salario mínimo que trabaje 40 horas semanales durante 52 semanas sólo gana 15.090 dólares al año. El índice de pobreza para una familia de dos miembros es de 14.570 dólares al año.
"Tenemos que asegurarnos de que el salario se eleva a una tasa que saque a los trabajadores y a las familias trabajadoras de la pobreza", afirmó Tartaglione. "Necesitamos un fuerte apoyo legislativo para un aumento robusto que compense su pérdida de valor desde la última vez que se subió el salario mínimo".
Según el Keystone Research Center, si el salario mínimo se hubiera incrementado con la inflación, hoy sería de 11 dólares por hora. Un aumento del salario mínimo sacaría a 1. 2 millones de habitantes de Pensilvania de la pobreza.
Tartaglione dijo que su legislación daría a los municipios la opción de fijar un salario mínimo más alto. La medida también reforzaría los requisitos para que los empresarios lleven registros precisos que garanticen que pagan el salario correcto a los trabajadores.
La representante estatal Patty Kim (D-Dauphin) ha presentado una propuesta similar de aumento del salario mínimo en la Cámara de Representantes estatal.
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by Christin Brown | Enero 18, 2017 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Enero 18, 2017 – A new website administered by the Pennsylvania Treasury will provide access to information about savings accounts designed to aid individuals with disabilities and their families, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today.
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) website can be accessed at www.paable.gov.
“I am pleased that the state treasury has developed a website that will make it easier for individuals and their families to understand the benefits of the ABLE Act,” Tartaglione said. “Finding new ways to save for housing, medical expenses, education and transportation helps families better manage costs and improve the quality of life.”
PA ABLE accounts provide a way for individuals with qualifying disabilities to save using tax-free savings and investment options.
Tartaglione, along with her colleague Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), help shepherd the legislation that established the program through the legislative process.
“The new website will give interested individuals details about program eligibility and how to establish the accounts,” Tartaglione said. “This is an excellent resource that has important information.”
Treasury will update the website regularly and interested individuals can sign up for e-mails about the program from the treasury. Tartaglione said that a call center has also been created where questions can be answered. The call center can be reached at 855-529-2253.
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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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por Christin Brown | 18 de noviembre de 2016 | Comunicados de prensa
Harrisburg - 18 de noviembre de 2016 - Los senadores Vincent Hughes y Christine Tartaglione emitieron las siguientes declaraciones sobre el fracaso del Senado de Pensilvania para ampliar la financiación de los centros de llamadas de servicio de Trabajo e Industria:
Senador Hughes: "Estoy indignado por el fracaso de los líderes republicanos del Senado de Pensilvania en celebrar una votación para ampliar la financiación de los centros de llamadas del servicio de compensación por desempleo. Debido a esta inacción, casi 600 trabajadores perderán sus puestos de trabajo sólo una semana antes de Navidad. También significa que miles de desempleados de Pensilvania experimentarán tiempos de espera más largos cuando busquen ayuda al solicitar prestaciones.
"Debemos tener claro que fue una decisión tomada por los republicanos del Senado por razones políticas. Ellos controlan el calendario del Senado y el gobernador Wolf y los demócratas del Senado dejaron claro durante toda la sesión de otoño que este proyecto de ley era una prioridad. El proyecto de ley debería haber sido votado el 26 de octubre, pero se retrasó cuando el plan de pensiones republicano se vino abajo. Luego, en nuestro último día de sesión el miércoles, el proyecto de ley fue marcado para su votación, pero fue retirado de nuevo después de que su plan para limitar aún más el derecho de la mujer a tomar sus propias decisiones de salud fracasó. Como por dos veces no consiguieron lo que querían, el senador Scott Wagner decidió hacer de Scrooge ante 600 trabajadores que perderán su empleo justo una semana antes de Navidad.
"La incoherencia en las declaraciones públicas de los republicanos del Senado es una prueba clara de que esta inacción es pura política. En primer lugar, los republicanos del Senado trataron de culpar al gobernador Wolf a pesar de que controlan los proyectos de ley que consideramos en el Senado. Luego, el senador Wagner admite abiertamente que quería cortar la financiación de estos centros de llamadas y verlos cerrados. No pueden tener las dos cosas.
"Los republicanos tampoco pueden pretender al mismo tiempo ser los campeones de la clase trabajadora y forzar el cierre de instalaciones que ayudan a las personas en paro. Pido a los republicanos del Senado que vuelvan a convocar inmediatamente al Senado para aprobar una ampliación de la financiación de los centros de llamadas del servicio de compensación por desempleo."
La senadora estatal Christine Tartaglione, presidenta demócrata de la Comisión de Trabajo e Industria del Senado, ha hecho la siguiente declaración:
"Me uno a mi colega en el llamamiento a los republicanos del Senado para avanzar en esta importante cuestión. He estado pidiendo que se restablezca la financiación de estos centros de llamadas como una de mis principales prioridades para toda la sesión legislativa y ofrecí mi propio proyecto de ley, el proyecto de ley del Senado 1335 que habría reautorizado esta financiación por cuatro años más. Es importante darse cuenta de que este dinero está disponible, simplemente tiene que ser autorizado. No hay ninguna razón por la que el Senado no debería haber actuado para evitar estos despidos. Ahora, casi 600 trabajadores perderán sus puestos de trabajo y miles de desempleados de Pensilvania verán disminuidos sus servicios."
El Senador Estatal Vincent Hughes representa al 7º Distrito Senatorial y es el Presidente Demócrata del Comité de Asignaciones del Senado. La senadora Christine Tartaglione representa al 2º Distrito Senatorial y es la presidenta demócrata de la Comisión de Trabajo e Industria del Senado.
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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 - 4 de noviembre de 2016 - El gobernador Tom Wolf firmó una ley que ayudará a 44.000 trabajadores estacionales y cíclicos a obtener la elegibilidad para el seguro de compensación por desempleo, dijo la senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia).
Tartaglione, presidente demócrata de la Comisión de Trabajo e Industria del Senado, ayudó a desarrollar y guiar la medida a lo largo del proceso legislativo. La ley(House Bill 319) se promulgó el 3 de noviembre.
La legislación reduce el porcentaje de ingresos obtenidos fuera del trimestre alto de un trabajador para poder optar a las prestaciones de desempleo.
La fórmula fue modificada hace cuatro años por la Ley 60. Según esa ley, un trabajador que ganara menos del 49,5 por ciento de los ingresos en los tres trimestres fuera del trimestre alto no podía optar a las prestaciones de la UC. La legislación reduce el porcentaje al 37 por ciento y lo restablece a la tasa anterior.
Se calcula que el cambio beneficiará a 44.000 trabajadores.
Tartaglione dijo que estaba muy contenta de que el gobernador Tom Wolf firmara la medida para convertirla en ley. Ella publicó la siguiente declaración en apoyo de la acción del gobernador:
"Me complace que el gobernador haya convertido en ley la medida de compensación por desempleo. Los trabajadores estacionales y cíclicos no deben carecer de derecho a prestaciones porque ganen una gran parte de su salario en un solo trimestre. Esta medida trata de la justicia para nuestros trabajadores de la construcción, y otros trabajadores estacionales, que experimentan períodos de intenso trabajo seguidos de períodos de calma en el empleo."
La reducción del porcentaje de ingresos elimina un obstáculo que resultaba demasiado elevado para demasiados trabajadores y sus familias, según Tartaglione.
La legislación también incluye otras medidas para garantizar que el Fondo Fiduciario de la C.U. siga siendo fiscalmente sólido.
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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.
La fórmula fue modificada hace cuatro años por la Ley 60. Según esa ley, un trabajador que ganara menos del 49,5 por ciento de los ingresos en los tres trimestres fuera del trimestre alto no podía optar a las prestaciones de la UC. La legislación reduce el porcentaje al 37 por ciento y lo restablece a la tasa anterior.
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 - 12 de octubre de 2016 - La senadora estatal Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia) ha recordado hoy a las personas mayores que va a organizar dos Expos Senior en Filadelfia en octubre.
"Las Senior Expos ofrecen información muy valiosa", afirma Tartaglione. "Habrá exámenes de salud gratuitos y representantes de varias agencias estarán a mano para responder preguntas y ayudar a las personas mayores a navegar por los programas gubernamentales".
La primera expo se celebra el jueves 13 de octubre en el Mayfair Recreation Center, 2900 St. Vincent Street de Filadelfia. La Senior Expo comienza a las 10 de la mañana y concluye a la 1 de la tarde.
La segunda Senior Expo de Tartaglione en octubre está programada para el 27 de octubre en la Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, 1100 East Erie Avenue, a partir de las 10 de la mañana.
"Es importante que las personas mayores y sus cuidadores tengan acceso a programas y servicios cruciales que les ayuden", dijo Tartaglione. "Las exposiciones para mayores son una forma excelente de abrir líneas de comunicación y obtener información sobre cómo pueden ser útiles diversos programas".
Tartaglione dijo que todos los mayores y cuidadores principales están invitados a asistir.
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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 − Sept. 26, 2016 − Legislation designed to preserve a fund that aids in the processing, administration and adjudication of unemployment claims has cleared the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, according to the bill’s sponsor state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia).
“The Service and Infrastructure Fund was created to help process unemployment compensation claims, remove backlogs and make the system more efficient,” Tartaglione said. “Unemployed workers should be assured that their claims are handled quickly and that the benefits they are due will be promptly disbursed.”
Tartaglione said that her legislation (Senate Bill 1335) would extend the fund until 2020. The fund was created in 2013 to address system backlogs and make improvements in claim processing. Funds can be also be used for staff and employee training, information technology and other improvements.
“The fund was created to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the unemployment claims processing system,” Tartaglione said. “My legislation would ensure that resources will continue to be available.”
The legislation requires Labor and Industry to report yearly to the General Assembly on the status of the fund. The amount in the fund may not exceed $200 million.
Unemployment Compensation provides 26 weeks of benefits for those who lose a job through no fault of their own.
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by Christin Brown | Septiembre 14, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg, Sept. 14, 2016 − State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) announced today that her office will be hosting a Mobile District Office each Jueves from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CORA, 8540 Verree Road in Philadelphia.
“My staff will be available every Jueves at CORA to process PennDOT forms, free senior SEPTA passes, Property Tax and Rent Rebate applications and help resolve problems and issues involving state government,” Tartaglione said.
The senator said that the staff can also address PECO and PGW questions, unemployment compensation problems and public assistance inquiries among other concerns.
“Finding ways to bring the services of my office into various communities throughout the district improves an individual’s access to important state and local programs and services,” Tartaglione said.
If local residents have questions about the Mobile District Office at CORA they can call Gizela Burnside at (215) 533-0400 or email at gburnside@pasenate.com.
Tartaglione said that if residents are unable to visit during mobile district office hours, they can call her permanent district offices in Philadelphia. She has a district office at 1061 Bridge Street that is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that can be reached by phone at (215) 533-0440. Another office is located 2301 Front Street, which is also open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The telephone number for the Front Street office is (215) 291-4653.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 29, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Junio 29, 2016 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today that increased investments in basic and higher education were critical aspects of the state spending plan that was approved by the Senate today.
The legislation – Senate Bill 1073 – represents a $31.53 billion General Fund budget proposal. The measure passed the Senate 47 to 3. Tartaglione supported the proposal.
The revised budget proposal now returns to the state House for consideration.
Tartaglione’s comments about the passage of the state spending plan follow:
“There are significant fiscal challenges this year and revenues are scarce, so it is important to recognize the new investments in education. The state spending plan includes $250 million more for basic education, special education, Pre-K and Head Start and increases funding for higher education.
“The state budget plan that passed the Senate today stretched dollars to cover increased mandated expenses such as debt service payments, pension costs and corrections. The plan helps maintain human services initiatives and social safety net programs.
“I am pleased that this budget invests more in education and provides additional resources for schools.”
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por Christin Brown | 22 de junio de 2016 | Comunicados de prensa
22 de junio de 2016 - El senador demócrata Anthony H. Williams (D-Filadelfia/Delaware) dijo hoy que la Comisión de Relaciones Humanas de Pensilvania (PHRC) ha sido devastada por los recurrentes recortes presupuestarios del estado y que el plan de gastos del estado que se está considerando ahora necesita abordar los déficits de financiación de la agencia.
"El PHRC tiene un trabajo increíblemente importante que hacer y no puede funcionar adecuadamente si su financiación se recorta año tras año", ha dicho hoy Williams.
Williams estuvo acompañado en una rueda de prensa en el Capitolio por su colega demócrata de Filadelfia, la senadora Christine Tartaglione (demócrata de Filadelfia), el líder demócrata del Senado, el senador Jay Costa (demócrata de Allegheny), el presidente demócrata de Apropiaciones, el senador Vincent J. Hughes (demócrata de Filadelfia/Montgomery), otros senadores demócratas y defensores.
"La capacidad de la agencia para garantizar la protección de los derechos civiles se ha visto comprometida por una escasez crónica de fondos", declaró Tartaglione. "Estamos aquí para solicitar que se incluyan fondos adicionales en la asignación para la comisión, de modo que disponga de los recursos necesarios para realizar su importante labor".
La asignación estatal para el PHRC ha caído de 10,6 millones de dólares en 2008 a 8,7 millones el año pasado. El presupuesto total de la agencia se redujo de 14,1 a 10 millones de dólares en el mismo periodo.
"Increíblemente, en un momento en el que deberíamos estar haciendo más para proteger los derechos civiles, la agencia dedicada a este fin ha tenido que recortar drásticamente su personal y se encuentra bajo presión para cerrar casos sin la debida investigación", dijo Williams.
Los legisladores solicitan 2 millones de dólares más de financiación estatal en este presupuesto para reforzar las operaciones del PHRC.
"Me complace que mis colegas demócratas del Senado y aquellos representantes que se han visto afectados por el trabajo del PHRC hayan salido hoy en apoyo de la petición de más financiación", dijo Williams. "Es importante que los que estamos comprometidos con la preservación de esta agencia como protectora de los derechos civiles permanezcamos unidos y presionemos a los negociadores del presupuesto".
Williams afirmó que la dotación de personal de la comisión se encuentra en un punto crítico. Según la senadora, la dotación histórica de investigadores y personal profesional ha sido de algo menos de 200 empleados. Hoy en día, sólo hay 76 investigadores y profesionales para hacer frente a las responsabilidades de la agencia.
"Valores como la igualdad, el servicio, la integridad, la excelencia y el trabajo en equipo se asociaron en su día a la Comisión y a su funcionamiento", declaró Williams. "La PHRC fue reconocida en su día como un protector preeminente de los derechos civiles.
"Podemos volver a situar a la agencia en esa posición de líder reconocido a nivel nacional, pero hay que financiarla adecuadamente".
La petición de más fondos y de reparaciones sistémicas en la comisión se produce después de que los medios de comunicación informaran de la agitación que ha sufrido la agencia en los últimos años. En las noticias se han citado denuncias de despidos forzosos de personal con muchos años de antigüedad, condiciones de trabajo hostiles y prácticas de contratación discriminatorias.
El funcionamiento de la comisión se examinó recientemente en una audiencia de la Comisión de Gobierno Estatal del Senado solicitada por Williams a principios de este mes.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 17, 2016 | News Releases
Casey, Brady, Evans, Carrelli attend demonstration, discussion
Philadelphia – Junio 17, 2016 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) employed a demonstration of ReWalk — a motorized exoskeleton suit that allows patients with lower limb paralysis to stand and walk – to detail her vision for a clinic to address specific rehabilitation needs of veterans.
“There are so many veterans who might be helped by this technology and other robotic rehabilitative technologies offered by MossRehab and other facilities,” Tartaglione said. “By working together, we can put a new clinic together that will prove beneficial for veterans and change lives.”
Tartaglione demonstrated the suit for U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (D-Phila.), state Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Phila.) and Acting Adjutant Gen. Anthony Carrelli at MossRehab in Elkins Park. Following the demonstration, Tartaglione detailed her plan for the clinic.
“Our men and women in uniform have made tremendous sacrifices for their country, giving what President Lincoln called the ‘last full measure of devotion,'” Casey said. “This state-of-the-art technology will change lives, and help in the rehabilitation needs of our nation’s veterans. I am grateful for Senator Tartaglione’s hard work and determination in improving the lives of our veterans and all persons with disabilities.”
“I thank both Senator Tartaglione for her continuing advocacy and Moss Rehabilitation for its commitment to utilizing the newest technology on behalf of our wounded hero men and women veterans,” Brady said.
“Given the extraordinary sacrifice by those in the military and the need for exceptional rehabilitation facilities for veterans, I felt it was important to detail how a clinic featuring technologies like those at MossRehab can assist veterans,” Tartaglione said.
Tartaglione is seeking federal and state assistance in constructing the clinic. Tartaglione’s idea was supported by officials at MossRehab.
“MossRehab commends Senator Tartaglione’s vision and commitment to the rehabilitation needs of our veterans,” said Thomas Smith, Assistant Vice President of Rehabilitation. “The application of state-of-the-art technology by our clinical experts with a caring personal touch allows MossRehab to further our mission of enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities.”
The senator said she knows from first-hand experience that rehabilitation is incredibly difficult and frustrating, but through the efforts of specialists employing new technologies veterans can receive life-changing services.
“We at MossRehab are thrilled with Senator Tartaglione’s progress and the increasing walking ability, endurance and gains in joint motion she has made by using ReWalk,” said Dr. Alberto Esquenazi, John Otto Haas Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at MossRehab. “Her efforts and determination, combined with staff expertise and advanced technology at MossRehab make this improvement possible.”
Tartaglione said that while it may be challenging to try and address the funding needs associated with the establishment of a clinic to aid veterans, it is worth the effort because of the benefits for veterans.
“Veterans made the sacrifice for us and we need to come through for them when they return with medical issues that requires intensive rehabilitation,” Tartaglione said.
The lawmaker said that it will take a significant effort to educate her colleagues at the state level about the necessity of the clinic and was hoping that the demonstration and discussion with Sen. Casey, Reps. Brady and Evans and Gen. Carrelli will spur federal action.
“I can’t thank Senator Casey, Representative Brady, state Representative Evans and General Carrelli enough for their interest in learning more about the technology and my vision for a clinic to aid veterans,” Tartaglione said.
Tartaglione said she will seek state funding for the clinic in the state budget.
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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
FILADELFIA, 2 de junio de 2016 - Las senadoras estatales. Christine M. Tartaglione y Shirley M. Kitchen se unieron hoy al gobernador Tom Wolf para visitar uno de los principales centros de investigación del país que investiga las causas de la adicción a las drogas.
El Centro de Investigación sobre el Abuso de Sustancias (CSAR), de la Facultad de Medicina Lewis J. Katz de la Universidad de Temple, reúne a docenas de expertos de todos los campus de Temple para llevar a cabo una investigación interdisciplinar que permita comprender las bases biológicas de la drogadicción y otros efectos de las drogas adictivas que dan lugar a estados alterados de la función biológica.
"A medida que nos enfrentamos a una epidemia de sobredosis de opioides en Pensilvania, tenemos la suerte de contar con los importantes recursos de la Universidad de Temple para abordar el problema en el nivel más fundamental", dijo Tartaglione. "Es inspirador estar en medio de personas increíblemente talentosas haciendo un trabajo increíblemente importante".
CSAR ha recibido recientemente una subvención de un millón de dólares del Instituto Nacional sobre el Abuso de Drogas para desarrollar y aplicar un programa educativo denominado SEADAP (Science Education Against Drug Abuse Partnership) con el fin de enseñar a los alumnos de 6º a 12º curso cómo actúan en el cerebro las drogas de consumo habitual para producir adicción.
"Aunque nos enfrentamos a este gravísimo reto en nuestra comunidad, es alentador ver que tenemos aquí las herramientas que pueden llevarnos al éxito", dijo Kitchen, quien, durante años, ha trabajado estrechamente con la comunidad de recuperación. "Tenemos el talento aquí mismo, en el norte de Filadelfia, que puede ayudar a transformar vidas en toda Pensilvania".
Los senadores se unieron al gobernador en una visita a las instalaciones de investigación de Temple y participaron en una mesa redonda sobre la intersección de la investigación académica y la política pública.
Tras la visita, Wolf, que ha hecho de la mitigación de la crisis de los opiáceos una prioridad de su administración, dijo que el centro está "aportando el poder de la ciencia a la lucha contra el abuso de drogas y la drogadicción".
"El reto es cómo aprovechar la buena investigación que se está llevando a cabo aquí y convertirla en una buena política pública", dijo.
Kitchen y Tartaglione anunciaron recientemente su apoyo a un paquete legislativo destinado a abordar la crisis de adicción a los opiáceos desde la prevención hasta la recuperación. Para conocer los detalles de esta iniciativa, haga clic aquí.
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by Christin Brown | Mayo 17, 2016 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Mayo 17, 2016 – Promising to “fight tooth and nail” to ensure the state funding of a special group that helps people with disabilities pay for technology that helps improve their quality of life, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione today rallied in support of the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation.
“I know the work the foundation does,” Sen. Tartaglione said during a Capitol press conference. “For me to get a shower? It’s important. For me to get in and out of my house? It’s important. To have independence and freedom and dignity is important to me.
“I know the loans that you make go a long way. I’m going to fight tooth and nail to make sure we can get every bit of funding that we can.”
About 13 years ago, Tartaglione was in a boating accident.
“My life changed in a heartbeat,” she said.
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation issued its 2015-’16 annual report today.
PATF officials said they are able to leverage a small amount of public funding into a large number of loans. The repayment of loans from past borrowers also provides funding for future borrowers.
The foundation is a non-profit organization, based in King of Prussia, whose mission is to provide education and financing opportunities for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians so they can buy assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives.
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