by Christin Brown | Septiembre 8, 2025 | feature, News Releases
HARRISBURG, PA - 8 de septiembre de 2025 - Hoy, el senador estatal James Andrew Malone (D-36, Lancaster) habló en el pleno del Senado en apoyo de las Resoluciones 138 y 144, que presentó con la senadora Tina Tartaglione (D-2, Filadelfia), para reconocer septiembre como Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio y el 10 de septiembre como Día de la Prevención del Suicidio, respectivamente.
"Cada año, el suicidio se cobra la vida de casi 2,000 de nuestros vecinos en Pensilvania", dijo el senador Malone. "Según el CDC, más de 49,000 personas murieron por suicidio a nivel nacional en 2023. Nuestra esperanza es disminuir las muertes por suicidio a través de la concientización con respecto a la importancia de tener conversaciones abiertas sobre la salud mental."
Las investigaciones demuestran que las conversaciones abiertas y sinceras sobre salud mental pueden reducir el riesgo de muerte por suicidio. Dado que 1 de cada 13 personas en Pensilvania tiene problemas graves de salud mental, los senadores Malone y Tartaglione presentaron las resoluciones 138 y 144 para concienciar y animar a la gente a mantener conversaciones abiertas con amigos y familiares sobre la salud mental.
"Siempre que se discute el suicidio, debemos llamar al elefante en la habitación", continuó el senador Malone. "Las armas de fuego son el método más común utilizado en los suicidios en todo EE. UU. Representaron más del 50% de todos los suicidios en 2023".
Como propietario de armas y deportista, el senador Malone animó a todos a proteger a sus familias y seres queridos guardando las armas de fuego de forma segura.
Si usted o alguien que conoce está luchando con pensamientos suicidas, hay ayuda disponible. Llama o envía un mensaje de texto al 988, o chatea a través de 988lifeline.org para ponerte en contacto con el 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
by | Agosto 13, 2025 | feature, News Releases
Filadelfia, PA, 13 de agosto de 2025 - La senadora Christine Tartaglione (D-2, Filadelfia) emite la siguiente declaración después de votar "no" en el Proyecto de Ley 257:
"El transporte público es una línea de vida para las comunidades de toda la Commonwealth, que conecta a las personas con puestos de trabajo, escuelas, atención médica, y sus seres queridos. Necesitamos un plan que apoye los 52 sistemas de tránsito en los 67 condados, con una financiación que sea estable, permanente y fiable año tras año.
Lo propuesto por los republicanos del Senado se basa en los fondos de capital que son fundamentales para la reparación de nuestra infraestructura, el mantenimiento de un servicio seguro y fiable, y la preparación para las necesidades del mañana. Con este planteamiento se corre el riesgo de retrasar proyectos importantes y de volver a enfrentarnos a la misma crisis dentro de poco tiempo.
Además, el aumento obligatorio de las tarifas en este plan supondría una carga injusta para las familias trabajadoras y los muchos ciudadanos de Pensilvania que dependen del transporte público todos los días.
El pueblo de Pensilvania merece una solución a largo plazo que mantenga nuestros autobuses, trenes y trolebuses en funcionamiento, apoye el crecimiento económico y fortalezca las comunidades. Debemos trabajar juntos para aprobar un presupuesto que cumpla ese objetivo".
by Christin Brown | Julio 18, 2025 | feature, News Releases
FILADELFIA, PA - 18 de julio 2025 - El viernes por la mañana, el senador estatal Art Haywood (D-4) se unió a sus colegas legisladores y líderes sin fines de lucro en una conferencia de prensa en Filadelfia para hacer sonar la alarma sobre los nuevos requisitos federales de trabajo para SNAP (Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria), que entrará en vigor el 1 de septiembre de 2025.
El acto, celebrado frente a la tienda de comestibles Save-A-Lot, situada en el 6301 de Chew Avenue, llamó urgentemente la atención sobre los cambios radicales aprobados en el marco de la ley federal "One Big Beautiful Bill", que ampliará significativamente las obligaciones de informar sobre el trabajo. Según las nuevas normas, los adultos de 18 a 64 años, los padres de niños de 7 años o más y las personas sin exenciones claras deben cumplir nuevos criterios o corren el riesgo de perder sus prestaciones alimentarias.
"Estas nuevas regulaciones onerosas no sólo perjudicará a las personas y las familias-que van a perjudicar a las tiendas de comestibles, sus trabajadores, e incluso los agricultores de Pensilvania", dijo el senador Haywood. "Hablé con el gerente general aquí, quien me dijo que alrededor del 80 por ciento de sus clientes dependen de SNAP. Estos cambios están diseñados para hacer que la gente caiga a través de las grietas ".
"SNAP no es sólo ayuda, es dignidad", añadió Haywood. "Tenemos que actuar ahora. No podemos esperar hasta el 1 de septiembre para asegurar que nuestros vecinos sigan teniendo comida en la mesa."
El senador Haywood estuvo acompañado por los senadores estatales Vincent Hughes, Christine Tartaglione, Sharif Street y Tim Kearney; representantes de Philabundance, Share Food Program y Urban Affairs Coalition.
"Cuando los requisitos de trabajo se han introducido en otros estados, hemos visto que no funcionan y cuestan a los gobiernos locales cientos de millones de dólares para administrar. Ahora, debido a este proyecto de ley grande, feo, esta operación fallida y la ficha se ven obligados a las comunidades locales", dijo el senador Hughes. "Estamos a punto de ver cómo el programa SNAP se vuelve más engorroso y más difícil de acceder para las personas que lo necesitan. Esto es una crueldad innecesaria".
"En mi distrito, represento a más de 170.000 personas con Medicaid, la cifra más alta del estado", dijo el senador Tartaglione. "Eso te dice todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el nivel de necesidad en nuestras comunidades. Estas nuevas normas SNAP hará que esa lucha aún más difícil ".
Jon Miller, Director de Operaciones del Programa Share Food, hizo hincapié en la presión que los cambios supondrán para los bancos de alimentos que ya funcionan al máximo de su capacidad. "Conocemos de primera mano cómo esto perturbará las economías locales y agravará la inseguridad alimentaria. Las familias se verán obligadas a elegir entre alimentos y otros productos básicos, y los proveedores de alimentos de emergencia simplemente no podrán llenar ese vacío", afirmó.
"Estos últimos años, Philabundance ha comprobado de primera mano que el hambre va en aumento. Casi 700.000 personas de nuestra región se enfrentan a la inseguridad alimentaria, lo que supone un aumento del 44% en dos años", declaró Loree D. Jones Brown, Directora General de Philabundance. "A pesar de nuestros mejores esfuerzos, los bancos de alimentos no pueden compensar una pérdida de beneficios de esta magnitud - especialmente cuando ya estamos al límite luchando para mantener el ritmo de la creciente demanda, todo mientras perdemos nosotros mismos la financiación federal."
La conferencia de prensa también destacó que Filadelfia tiene la tasa de pobreza más alta de las principales ciudades de EE.UU., con más de 1 de cada 5 hogares que enfrentan inseguridad alimentaria. Se estima que 144.000 ciudadanos de Pensilvania podrían perder las prestaciones del SNAP, entre ellos familias trabajadoras, cuidadores, ciudadanos retornados y personas con problemas crónicos de salud.
Los oradores pidieron a los socios estatales y locales que tomen medidas inmediatas para informar a los residentes, ampliar los servicios de apoyo y abogar por cambios políticos que protejan a las comunidades vulnerables.
by Christin Brown | Julio 18, 2025 | feature, News Releases
Filadelfia, PA - 18 de julio de 2025 - La senadora estatal Christine Tartaglione (D-2, Filadelfia) ha anunciado hoy que dos organizaciones locales recibirán subvenciones para ordenadores portátiles a través del nuevo Programa de Tecnología de Conectividad Digital de Pensilvania, un esfuerzo estatal para ampliar el acceso a la tecnología y cerrar la brecha digital.
Nueva Esperanza, Inc. recibirá 200 portátiles y Hopeworks recibirá 100 portátiles, para apoyar su trabajo de conectar a personas y familias con las herramientas que necesitan para tener éxito en el mundo digital de hoy. Estos portátiles estarán disponibles a través de programas comunitarios que ayudan a los residentes a acceder a Internet para la educación, la formación laboral, la atención sanitaria y mucho más.
"El acceso a Internet ya no es opcional, es esencial", ha declarado el senador Tartaglione. "Para demasiadas familias de nuestra comunidad, el coste de un ordenador portátil es la diferencia entre conectarse a Internet o quedarse atrás. Los estudiantes lo necesitan para la escuela, los trabajadores lo necesitan para encontrar trabajo, y los ancianos lo necesitan para conectarse con sus médicos. Este programa trata de derribar barreras y asegurarse de que todas las familias tengan las herramientas que necesitan para prosperar."
El Programa de Tecnología de Conectividad Digital, gestionado por la Autoridad de Desarrollo de la Banda Ancha de Pensilvania, forma parte del compromiso más amplio de la Administración Shapiro con la equidad digital. Financiado a través del American Rescue Plan, el programa proporciona 20 millones de dólares en ordenadores portátiles a organizaciones públicas de toda Pensilvania.
Para obtener más información sobre los programas de acceso digital, visite la Autoridad para el Desarrollo de la Banda Ancha de Pensilvania en broadband.pa.gov.
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by Christin Brown | Julio 17, 2025 | feature, News Releases
La Resolución 133 del Senado reconoce los esfuerzos de la industria para combatir la crisis de los opiáceos
HARRISBURG, PA - 17 de julio de 2025 - El Senado de Pensilvania ha designado oficialmente la semana del 21 al 25 de julio de 2025 como la "Semana de Concienciación sobre los Opioides en la Construcción" a través de la Resolución del Senado 133, presentada por el Presidente de la Minoría del Comité de Trabajo e Industria, el Senador Estatal John I. Kane, el Presidente del Comité de Trabajo e Industria, el Senador Estatal Devlin Robinson y la Senadora Tina Tartaglione.
La industria de la construcción, que implica un trabajo físicamente exigente y emplea a una mano de obra envejecida, se ha visto desproporcionadamente afectada por la epidemia de opioides. Según el informe del Centro Nacional de Estadísticas Sanitarias "Drug Overdose Mortality by Usual Occupation and Industry", publicado en agosto de 2023, el sector de la construcción registró la tasa más alta de muertes por sobredosis en 2020, con 130,9 muertes por cada 100.000 trabajadores.
"Como alguien que pasó décadas en los oficios de la construcción, he sido testigo de primera mano del impacto devastador de la adicción a los opioides en nuestra fuerza de trabajo", dijo el senador Kane. "He perdido amigos, colegas y miembros de la comunidad a causa de esta epidemia. Esto no es sólo política para mí - es personal. La naturaleza físicamente exigente de la industria de la construcción a menudo conduce a lesiones y problemas de manejo del dolor, creando caminos hacia la adicción. Gracias a la acción legislativa y a las asociaciones comunitarias, estamos haciendo verdaderos progresos para salvar vidas, pero nuestro trabajo no ha terminado. Esta semana de concienciación representa nuestro compromiso de proteger a los hombres y mujeres trabajadores que construyen nuestra Commonwealth."
Mientras que las muertes por sobredosis de drogas en los Estados Unidos disminuyeron significativamente de 110,037 en 2023 a 80,391 en 2024 (una reducción del 26,9%), la industria de la construcción continúa enfrentando desafíos únicos relacionados con el uso de opioides. Las muertes por sobredosis relacionadas específicamente con opioides disminuyeron de 83.140 en 2023 a 54.743 en 2024.
"Agradezco el trabajo de los contratistas y las organizaciones laborales para concienciar sobre el problema del abuso de opioides", dijo el senador Robinson. "Debemos trabajar juntos para garantizar lugares de trabajo seguros, donde los compañeros de trabajo puedan notar los signos de abuso de drogas y denunciarlos, donde se fomente la búsqueda de ayuda, y donde aquellos en recuperación puedan seguir trabajando mientras reciben el apoyo que necesitan."
"La crisis de los opioides ha golpeado con especial dureza a nuestros trabajadores de la construcción, y no podemos ignorarlo. Son hombres y mujeres que realizan trabajos duros, a menudo con dolor, y con demasiada frecuencia se les deja solos frente a la adicción. La Semana de Sensibilización sobre los Opiáceos en la Construcción pretende romper el silencio, eliminar el estigma y asegurarse de que todos los trabajadores sepan que hay ayuda y esperanza. Se lo debemos a las personas que ayudan a construir nuestras comunidades". - Senadora Christine Tartaglione
La resolución reconoce los esfuerzos de numerosas organizaciones que trabajan para combatir el abuso de opioides en la industria de la construcción, incluida la Keystone Contractors Association, que proporciona naloxona gratuita a cualquier empresa de construcción de Pensilvania que lo solicite. Estas organizaciones están utilizando recursos del Consejo Nacional de Seguridad para crear materiales educativos para los miembros de la industria.
"Apoyar la Semana de Concienciación sobre los Opioides en la Construcción consiste en proteger nuestro mayor activo, nuestra gente. Al aumentar la concienciación y reducir el estigma, adoptamos una postura a favor de la seguridad, la recuperación y una mano de obra más fuerte." Jon O'Brien, Asociación de Contratistas de Keystone
Otras iniciativas son:
- Abogar por mantener la naloxona en las obras y en las oficinas de los contratistas
- Promover el teléfono 988 de salud mental y prevención de crisis suicidas, que ha ayudado a más de 14,5 millones de personas desde 2022.
- Distribución de pegatinas "Adviérteme" para las tarjetas del seguro de los trabajadores, con el fin de animar a los proveedores de asistencia sanitaria a tratar los problemas relacionados con los opiáceos.
- Organización de actos de "Devolución de medicamentos" para combatir el abuso de medicamentos con receta
Quince organizaciones colaboran para fomentar la sensibilización durante esta semana, entre ellas la Keystone Contractors Association, el Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, el Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters y la General Building Contractors Association.
La resolución anima al sector de la construcción de Pensilvania a seguir fomentando la concienciación sobre los peligros de los opiáceos y el abuso de medicamentos con receta, con especial énfasis durante los meses de verano, cuando la actividad de la construcción está en su punto álgido.
Para más información sobre la Semana de concienciación sobre los opiáceos en la construcción y los recursos disponibles, póngase en contacto con las oficinas respectivas
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by Christin Brown | Julio 1, 2025 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia, PA, Julio 1, 2025 – Senator Christine Tartaglione (D–2, Philadelphia) issues the following statement after the passage of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” by U.S. Senate Republicans.
“I’m angry, I’m concerned, and I’m heartbroken for the people I represent. My district has more Medicaid recipients than any other in Pennsylvania. These are working families, seniors, people with disabilities—people doing their best to survive. And now, 50 U.S. Senators and the Vice President have voted to take their care and their food away.
This bill is cruel. It puts lives at risk and threatens to push entire communities into crisis. I don’t know how some of my constituents will get the care they need if this becomes law, but I do know this: I will keep fighting.
I urge every Pennsylvanian to speak up. Call your representatives and make your voice heard. We cannot accept a future where the most vulnerable among us are treated as expendable.”
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by Christin Brown | Junio 12, 2025 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia, PA – Junio 12, 2025 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2, Philadelphia) is thrilled to see over $5 million in housing support programs coming to Philadelphia through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund.
The projects, approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, are funded through Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and Realty Transfer Taxes. They will support dozens of organizations working to prevent homelessness, stabilize homeownership, and expand access to safe, affordable housing across the city.
“This is about keeping people housed,” said Senator Tartaglione. “It’s about helping seniors age in place, making sure first-time homebuyers don’t fall through the cracks, and giving families the tools to stay on their feet when times get tough.”
A few of the many projects that received funding are:
- Economic Mobility Counseling by Norris Square Community Alliance($120,000) to help low- and moderate-income families build long-term financial and housing stability.
- Navicore Solutions & Philadelphia Accelerator Fund Housing Program($100,000) offering housing counseling and support for Black and Brown developers building affordable housing.
- Will Power Program by Affordable Housing Centers of PA ($100,000) to prevent tangled titles and protect intergenerational wealth.
- Comprehensive Housing Counseling by AHCOPA ($150,000) to support first-time homebuyers and prevent foreclosures and evictions.
- Welcome Home Initiative by HumanGood PA ($75,000) to provide basic needs to formerly unhoused seniors.
- Housing Stability Services for domestic violence survivors, returning citizens, and aging residents through partners like Women Against Abuse, Lutheran Settlement House, SeniorLAW Center, and others.
“These investments are life-changing,” Tartaglione added. “Housing is health. Housing is safety. Housing is dignity. I’m proud to fight for funding that meets people where they are and lifts up every part of our community.”
The PHARE program continues to be a critical tool in addressing the housing crisis, especially in neighborhoods hit hardest by poverty, rising costs, and aging infrastructure.
For a full list of funded projects, visit www.phfa.org.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 12, 2025 | feature, Minimum Wage, News Releases
Philadelphia, PA − Junio 12, 2025 – Senator Christine Tartaglione (D–2, Philadelphia) issues the following statement following the House passage of HB 1549, legislation sponsored by Representative Dawkins to raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania:
“I want to congratulate my friend Representative Jason Dawkins and the entire House of Representatives on the successful passage of House Bill 1549 to raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania. This is a big step forward and it’s long overdue.
While this bill takes a tiered approach based on county population and differs from my legislation, Senate Bill 19, which sets a $15 minimum wage statewide, we share the same mission: getting working Pennsylvanians the raise they’ve earned. After 19 years of inaction, I’m not here to draw lines in the sand. I’m here to get this done.
We’re still paying $7.25 an hour in Pennsylvania. Every state around us is doing better by their workers, and while we argue over details, people are falling behind. No one working full-time should live in poverty.
I’m calling on my colleagues in the Senate to do what’s right, and act now to raise the minimum wage. Whether it’s HB 1549 or SB 19, let’s get to work. If it’s a compromise that brings us together, I’m ready to negotiate. I don’t care whose name is on the bill; I care about the people counting on us to act.
Let’s come to the table. Let’s lead. And let’s finally give Pennsylvania’s workers the raise they deserve.”
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by Christin Brown | Junio 11, 2025 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA − Junio 11, 2025 – Senator Christine Tartaglione (D–2, Philadelphia) today announced more than $1 million in state and federal funding awarded to programs that serve Philadelphia following approval by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
“These investments support some of the most vulnerable people in our community—from children impacted by violence to adults struggling with addiction,” said Senator Tartaglione. “I’m proud to see critical programs in Philadelphia getting the funding they need to help people heal, recover, and build better lives.”
Programs receiving funding include:
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Tele-Behavioral Health for Child Sexual Abuse) – State Endowment Act Funds: $499,617
- Philadelphia City Treasurer (Philadelphia DAO Youth Advisory Council) – Violence and Delinquency Prevention Programs (VDPP) Funds: $50,000
- Support Center for Child Advocates (Philadelphia Youth Survivor Advisory Board Council) – Violence and Delinquency Prevention Programs (VDPP) Funds: $50,000
- Philadelphia City Treasurer (PPD-OFS Coverdell Equipment Grant) – Federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds: $184,775
- The Domingo Breakfast Association of Philadelphia (Evidence Based Case Management Program) – State Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction (SAEDR) Funds: $264,700
The total awarded to Philadelphia programs amounts to $1,049,092 across multiple funding streams, including the State Endowment Act, Violence and Delinquency Prevention Programs (VDPP), Federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds, and State Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction (SAEDR) Funds.
“These programs save lives,” Tartaglione added. “Whether it’s trauma-informed therapy for kids, youth leadership councils, or substance use recovery, this funding is a lifeline, and I’ll keep fighting to bring these resources home to our communities.”
Many of the programs approved by PCCD serve the entire county and surrounding areas, extending their impact beyond any one neighborhood.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 10, 2025 | feature, News Releases
HARRISBURG, PA − Junio 10, 2025 − The Senate Labor and Industry Committee today unanimously passed Senate Bill 72, legislation that strengthens protections for construction workers who are misclassified as independent contractors. The bill, sponsored by Senators Kane, Tartaglione, L. Williams, and Robinson, makes significant improvements to Act 72 of 2010, the Construction Workplace Misclassification Act.
“Spending over four decades as a plumber, I’ve seen firsthand how worker misclassification hurts working families and honest contractors,” said Senator John Kane. “This isn’t just about paperwork, it’s about putting food on the table and making sure workers get the benefits and protections they’ve earned. When contractors cheat the system by misclassifying workers, they’re stealing from hardworking Pennsylvanians who just want a fair shot at making a decent living. Our bill puts some real teeth into enforcement and tells bad actors they can’t get away with stealing from workers anymore.”
The legislation strengthens enforcement mechanisms with several key provisions, including:
- Debarment from state contracts for up to 3 years for first offenses and 5 years for subsequent violations
- Enhanced whistleblower protections and worker restitution provisions
- Mandatory informational posters at construction sites
- Enhanced criminal penalties for violations
- Authority for tax and financial audits of violating companies
- Reduced response time for information requests from 20 to 10 days
“Misclassifying workers as independent contractors is wage theft, plain and simple. It robs families of income, benefits, and protections they’ve earned, and it drains millions in tax revenue from our communities. SB 72 is about closing loopholes and holding bad contractors accountable. Pennsylvania’s construction workers deserve to be treated fairly and this bill makes it clear: if you cheat workers, if you cut corners, there will be consequences.” – Senator Tina Tartaglione
According to the Keystone Research Center, worker misclassification in Pennsylvania’s construction industry results in significant losses to the Commonwealth: $83 million in worker compensation premiums, $47 million in state income taxes, and $11 million in unemployment compensation taxes.
“We cannot allow employee misclassification and corporate greed to hurt a new generation of workers—workers who are entitled to benefits like unemployment, workers compensation, sick pay, enforcement of OSHA safety standards, and more,” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “Senate Bill 72 not only strengthens these rights, but it also increases penalties and provides workers with strong whistleblower protections for reporting violations. This legislation ensures that workers can enforce their rights, because a law that is weak in protecting workers hurts all of us.”
“I am pleased we were able to take the first step in the legislative process to level the playing field for contractors doing the right thing by properly classifying workers and providing the wages and benefits those workers deserve,” said Senator Robinson. “I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to find common ground as the bill progresses.”
The construction industry, which provides over 230,000 jobs and has an economic impact exceeding $1 billion in Pennsylvania, will benefit from this legislation’s aim to ensure these positions remain family-sustaining jobs with proper benefits and protections.
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by Christin Brown | Mayo 13, 2025 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA, Mayo 13, 2025 – Today, the Pennsylvania Senate passed Senate Bill 246 with overwhelming bipartisan support in a 45–4 vote. The legislation, sponsored by Senators Christine Tartaglione (D–2) and Jarrett Coleman (R–16), will ensure that parents and school staff are promptly notified when a weapon is discovered on school grounds or during school activities.
“Every parent deserves to know when there’s a safety threat at their child’s school—especially one involving a weapon,” said Senator Tartaglione. “Right now, if a weapon is found but doesn’t result in an expulsion, there’s no requirement that families are ever informed. That’s unacceptable. Safety shouldn’t be a secret.”
Under current law, school districts are only required to report incidents involving weapons to the Department of Education when they result in expulsions. Senate Bill 246 closes that gap by requiring timely notice to parents, guardians, and school personnel whenever a weapon is found, regardless of disciplinary outcomes.
“This bill doesn’t point fingers or assign blame. It’s a simple, common-sense step to ensure families can trust that schools are being transparent and proactive about safety,” Tartaglione said.
Senate Bill 246 builds on the bipartisan progress of a similar measure that passed the Senate last session. Senator Tartaglione emphasized that this legislation is about peace of mind for families and making sure schools are open and honest in how they handle potential threats.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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by Christin Brown | Abril 2, 2025 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA − Abril 2, 2025 – With a decisive 38-11 vote, the Pennsylvania Senate yesterday passed Senate Bill 347, legislation introduced by Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) to prohibit the operation of safe injection sites in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“Safe injection sites are not the solution to Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis,” said Senator Tartaglione. “As someone in long-term recovery and as the senator representing Kensington—the epicenter of this epidemic—I believe we can and must do better. Recovery is possible, but it starts with real treatment and real support, not sanctioned spaces for drug use.”
SB 347 clarifies that no facility in Pennsylvania may legally operate for the purpose of providing a space for individuals to use illicit substances. The bill does not impact other harm reduction measures, such as access to naloxone or syringe exchange programs, but it ensures that state policy prioritizes pathways to recovery over enabling addiction.
Under federal law, maintaining drug-involved premises is already illegal, yet some jurisdictions have allowed these facilities to operate. With attempts to establish similar sites in Pennsylvania, Senator Tartaglione’s legislation provides clear, state-level protections against this practice.
“Our focus must be on expanding proven addiction treatment programs and giving people the resources they need to reclaim their lives,” Tartaglione said. “I have walked the road to recovery, I know firsthand that people can rebuild their lives with the right support.”
Senator Tartaglione urges her colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this important legislation so that we can continue to work together on meaningful strategies to combat addiction across our Commonwealth.
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by Christin Brown | Marzo 25, 2025 | feature, Minimum Wage, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA, Marzo 25, 2025 – After nearly two decades of inaction, Senator Christine Tartaglione (D–2) has announced her introduction of Senate Bill 19, a continuing effort to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026, with annual cost-of-living adjustments thereafter. The bill also ensures that tipped workers earn at least 70% of the minimum wage and strengthens protections against wage theft.
“It has been 19 years since Pennsylvania last raised its minimum wage. That’s 19 years of rising costs while wages have stayed the same.” said Senator Tartaglione. “No one working full-time should be stuck in poverty. Senate Bill 19 represents those 19 long years of inaction and injustice for working Pennsylvanians.”
Pennsylvania’s current minimum wage of $7.25 an hour is the lowest allowed by federal law and has not increased since 2006. Every neighboring state has raised its minimum wage, leaving Pennsylvania as the least competitive labor market in the region. Thirty states, including many with lower costs of living, have moved forward while Pennsylvania has stood still.
Keystone Research Center estimates that raising the minimum wage will have an impact, directly or indirectly, on more than 1.3M Pennsylvania workers, many of whom are in essential industries such as home health care, childcare, retail, and hospitality. These workers, who help keep Pennsylvania running, deserve more than poverty wages.
Critics have long argued that raising wages would hurt small businesses or lead to job losses. Yet time and again, in states that have raised their minimum wage, small businesses have not shuttered, and local economies have grown. Higher wages mean more spending power in communities, more stable families, and a stronger workforce.
“This is not just a workers’ issue—it’s a family issue, a community issue, a Pennsylvania issue,” Tartaglione added. “Our workers deserve dignity. Our families deserve stability. Our economy deserves better.”
Senate Bill 19 also modernizes wage enforcement by:
- Allowing municipalities to set a higher local minimum wage;
- Strengthening penalties for wage theft;
- Ensuring gratuities are the sole property of the employee.
“The time for excuses is over. The time to act is now.” said Senator Tartaglione. “We cannot allow another year—or another 19 years—of inaction. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation and give workers the dignified wage they deserve.”
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by Christin Brown | Febrero 13, 2025 | News Releases
Filadelfia - 13 de febrero de 2025 - Tras la demanda del gobernador Josh Shapiro desafiando la congelación inconstitucional de fondos federales por parte de la Administración Trump, la senadora demócrata Christine Tartaglione (D-Filadelfia), ha emitido la siguiente declaración:
"Apoyo plenamente la decisión del gobernador Shapiro de emprender acciones legales contra la congelación inconstitucional de la financiación federal por parte de la Administración Trump. A Pensilvania se le deben miles de millones de dólares aprobados por el Congreso que apoyan programas críticos: agua limpia, alivio de costos de energía, creación de empleos y más. Estos fondos no son monedas de cambio políticas; son salvavidas para nuestras comunidades.
A pesar de las múltiples sentencias judiciales que ordenan la liberación de estos fondos, la Administración Trump se ha negado a cumplir, dejando a nuestra Commonwealth pagando la factura de proyectos esenciales mientras Washington juega con nuestro futuro. Esto es inaceptable. Nuestras agencias estatales no pueden planificar, invertir o prestar servicios de manera efectiva cuando la financiación se corta arbitrariamente sin explicación.
El gobernador Shapiro está haciendo exactamente lo que es necesario: defender a Pensilvania y luchar para garantizar que obtengamos los recursos que se nos han prometido. Estoy con él en esta lucha, y voy a seguir abogando por nuestras comunidades, nuestros trabajadores y nuestras familias para asegurarse de Pennsylvania obtiene su parte justa ".
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by Christin Brown | Febrero 5, 2025 | News Releases
Philadelphia – Febrero 5, 2025 – Following Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget address, State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) issued the following statement:
“Governor Shapiro laid out a bold and necessary vision for Pennsylvania—one that prioritizes working families, strengthens our schools, and invests in safer communities. While Washington is stuck in gridlock, we’re focused on real solutions here in Pennsylvania.
First and foremost, it’s time to raise the minimum wage. Pennsylvania’s workers have waited nearly two decades for a wage increase, and $7.25 an hour is simply unacceptable. A $15 minimum wage will lift families out of poverty, boost our economy, and ensure that no one working full-time is struggling to make ends meet. This should not be a partisan issue—it’s the right thing to do. I have been fighting for this cause for two decades now, and it’s time to get it done.
The Governor’s commitment to education is another step in the right direction. Education is not only a top priority, but it is our court-ordered obligation to fix. Investing $8.2 billion in public schools and $40 million in student teacher stipends will help ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education and that we continue to attract the best and brightest educators.
We’re also tackling corporate tax fairness. While we lowered the corporate net income tax to attract businesses, we must also close loopholes that allow major corporations to evade paying their fair share. When businesses profit off Pennsylvania workers, they should pay Pennsylvania taxes. I’m sponsoring legislation to fix this problem as I have done for the better part of a decade. It’s time to put Pennsylvania’s working families first.
Public safety remains a top concern, and I fully support the Governor’s plan to invest over $90 million in gun violence prevention and nearly $300 million in mass transit. We need to protect our communities, support law enforcement, and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This budget also recognizes the importance of affordable healthcare, mental health services, and addiction treatment. We have funds available to support those struggling with anxiety, loss, and addiction, and it’s time we put them to use. Investing in healthcare and mental health resources is not just a moral obligation—it’s a necessity for a thriving Pennsylvania.
This budget lays the foundation for a stronger, fairer Pennsylvania. I look forward to working with my colleagues to turn these proposals into real action. Let’s get to work.”
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by Christin Brown | Enero 29, 2025 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia – Enero 29, 2025 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) is proud to announce that Philadelphia’s Rebuild Program has received $190,000 through the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program (GTRP), a state grant dedicated to revitalizing public spaces. This grant will be used for significant upgrades to Vogt Recreation Center.
“Parks and recreation areas are the heart of our communities,” said Senator Tartaglione. “This investment ensures our neighborhoods have safe, accessible, and well-maintained spaces where families can gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors.”
The funding, awarded through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), will support improvements to parks, trails, and recreation facilities across the city. These enhancements are a critical step toward strengthening communities and creating vibrant spaces that bring people together.
Vogt Recreation Center has been a community hub for decades – built in 1965, Vogt offers many activities to the public like a pool, batting cage, outdoor hockey court, two basketball courts, two tennis courts, three sports fields and eight ballfields.
“Every resident deserves quality public spaces,” Tartaglione added. “This grant is a win for our city, and I’ll continue fighting for investments that make our neighborhoods stronger and more connected.”
by Christin Brown | Enero 16, 2025 | News Releases
Philadelphia, Enero 16, 2025 – State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) is proud to announce her committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session. In addition to her duties as Democratic Whip, Senator Tartaglione will serve as Democratic Chair of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee and as a member of the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, Labor & Industry, Law & Justice, Rules & Executive Nominations, and Ethics Committees.
“I’m honored to take on these roles, which position me to advocate for fairness, safety, and opportunity for the people of Pennsylvania,” said Senator Tartaglione. “Each of these committees focuses on issues that impact our daily lives – from protecting consumers and workers to ensuring good governance and public safety. I’m energized by the work ahead and ready to get started.”
As Democratic Chair of Intergovernmental Operations, Senator Tartaglione will lead efforts to streamline government operations, enhance transparency, and strengthen the Commonwealth’s partnerships with federal and local entities. Her continued membership on the Labor & Industry Committee reflects her lifelong commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, workplace safety, and economic equity.
Senator Tartaglione has represented the 2nd Senatorial District since 1995 and continues to be a tireless advocate for the residents of her district and all Pennsylvanians.
“I remain deeply committed to making sure the voices of my constituents are heard and their concerns are addressed in Harrisburg,” said Senator Tartaglione. “Our communities deserve leadership that fights for their priorities, and I am again ready to bring results back to our people.”
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by Christin Brown | Noviembre 13, 2024 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA − Noviembre 13, 2024 − Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione was re-elected by her Senate Democratic colleagues, marking her second term as Democratic Whip. Senator Tartaglione remains the first female and the first person with a disability to serve as Whip in the senate.
When the Senate returns in the ’25-’26 legislative session, Senator Tartaglione will bring her 30 years of experience and strong relationships to the Whip position.
“It’s an incredible honor to be re-elected as Whip by my colleagues,” said Senator Tartaglione. “For three decades, I have had the privilege of serving the people of Pennsylvania’s 2nd district. I am committed to using my experience and bipartisan relationships to drive forward our legislative priorities and make a meaningful impact in future sessions.”
Other Senate Democrats elected to leadership roles include:
- Leader – Jay Costa, Jr.
- Appropriations Committee Chair – Vincent Hughes
- Chair – Maria Collett
- Secretary – Steve Santarsiero
- Policy Chair – Nick Miller
- Administrator – Judith Schwank
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 9, 2024 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, PA – Octubre 9, 2024 − Today, four members of the Senate Democratic Caucus filed suit in Commonwealth Court against President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Senator Joe Pittman, and Senator Jarret Coleman in order to halt a subpoena compelling Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne from turning over sensitive taxpayer data. Yesterday, Senate Resolution 334 was adopted 28-22 ordering the Sergeant-at-Arms to bring Pat Browne before the Senate.
Senators Jay Costa, Vincent Hughes, Tina Tartaglione, and Nikil Saval joined forces to file suit in Commonwealth Court to challenge the subpoena issued by the Intergovernmental Operations Committee, noting that the Senators were asked to take an illegal vote compelling the Secretary of Revenue to violate a taxpayer’s private records; to ask the Court to enjoin enforcement of the subpoena; and to ask the court to hear the matter expeditiously.
<“We have been clear from the beginning that Senate Resolution 334 is inappropriate and should not be enforced,” said Senator Costa. “A resolution cannot and must not override the rule of law, specifically Act 24 of 2021. Secretary Browne is following the law as it is written. The lawsuits brought by my colleagues and me support Pat Browne in his following the rule of law.”
Footage of Senator Costa’s remarks during the floor debate on SR 334 is available here.
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by Christin Brown | Julio 10, 2024 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA − Julio 10, 2024 − Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione and Senate Democrats voted along party lines in the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee to oppose a motion to have the Senate’s Secretary issue a subpoena to the Secretary of Revenue, Pat Browne, for various aggregated Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) attributable taxes reported to the Department of Revenue.
The party-line 7-4 vote now empowers the Senate Secretary to issue a subpoena to the Department of Revenue for tax documents that Democrats argued would force the Department of Revenue to either violate Section 731 of the Pennsylvania Fiscal Code, a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in prison or defy the Senate’s Subpoena.
“The motion we were forced to vote on today is a targeted action that will facilitate the disclosure of information from just a few individuals in one specific and small geographic zone of the state,” said Senator Tartaglione. “What we voted on today has a questionable procedural basis and flies in the face of good governance. It demands the disclosure of sensitive private information and forces a Commonwealth agency to knowingly violate the law in order to comply. The subpoena motion passed today is not an oversight; it is overreach.”
This was the second attempt to subpoena the NIZ records after the first attempt in the bicameral Legislative budget and finance committee failed in a 6-6 vote over the same privacy and confidentiality concerns.
Tax documents being requested include all attributable tax documents reported between Enero 1, 2011, and Diciembre 31, 2023, broken down on an annual basis and by type. Tax documents being requested include:
- Corporate Net Income Tax
- Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax
- Bank Shares Tax
- Gross Premiums Tax
- Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax
- Employer Withholding Tax
- Gross Receipts Tax
- Subsidio de desempleo
- Realty Transfer Tax
- Cigarette Tax
- Tobacco Products Tax
- Vehicle Rental Tax/Public Transportation Assistance
- Vehicle Lease Tax/Public Transportation Assistance
- Personal Income Tax
- Malt Beverage Tax
- Contractor Sales and Use Tax
- PA Sales and Use Tax Paid on the Purchase of Tangible Personal Property or Services
- Title Insurance Company Shares Tax
- Net Income Tax
- Malt or Brewed Beverage Tax – Excise and Sales Tax
- Liquor/Wine Excise and Sales Tax
- Any additional applicable state taxes not included above
The Senate Secretary will now send the subpoena to the Department of Revenue.
More information on the Commonwealth’s tax incentives, credits and programs can be found on the Department of Revenue’s website.
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by Christin Brown | Mayo 24, 2024 | feature, Minimum Wage, News Releases
Philadelphia, PA − Mayo 24, 2024 − Today, Senate Democratic Whip Christine M. Tartaglione announced the introduction of landmark minimum wage reform legislation to create a “Living Wage” of $20 per hour for all Pennsylvanians.
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has remained unchanged by the Pennsylvania legislature since Julio 6th, 2009, when Former Governor Ed Rendell signed Senate Bill 1090, Senator Tartaglione’s legislation raising PA’s minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.15. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is currently $7.25, the national minimum wage.
“When Senate Bill 1090 was signed into law, it was a promise to continue the fight for our Commonwealth’s lowest earners and ensure that the needs of Pennsylvanian’s minimum wage earners are never forgotten or cast aside,” said Senator Tartaglione. “After 6,506 days of systemic inaction by our legislature, it became clear we needed big and bold legislative action. That’s why I am fighting to raise our minimum wage to a ‘living wage.’”
Senate Bill 1186 will raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to a living wage of $20 per hour on Julio 1st, 2024, and provide cost-of-living-adjusted increases every five years after that by tying the wage to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is a fraction of what is considered to be a livable wage in the state. Housing and other living expenses have continued to rise while Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has remained stagnant for over a decade.
Senate Bill 1186 also modernizes Pennsylvania’s minimum wage law by:
- Allowing municipalities to set a local minimum wage greater than the state minimum wage;
- Setting the tipped wage to 70% of the minimum wage;
- Guarding against wage theft by ensuring that the Department of Labor & Industry may recover wages and penalties for all violations of the act, not only when a complaint is filed;
- Increasing monetary penalties for violations, which in some cases have not been updated since 1968;
- Bringing enforcement in line with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act by allowing workers to receive damages in addition to unpaid wages; and
- Enshrining in law that gratuities are the sole property of the employee.
Pennsylvania’s current minimum wage of $7.25 is just one cent higher than the $7.24 poverty level guidelines set out by the Commonwealth’s Department of Health and Human Services.
The co-sponsorship memorandum and text of the legislation can be found online.
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by Christin Brown | Mayo 8, 2024 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – Mayo 8, 2024 – Today, the Senate Labor and Industry Committee voted to move Senate Bill 841, Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) and Frank Farry’s (R-6) legislation which would prohibit split rates on prevailing wage projects and requires prevailing wage rates for custom fabrication work.
“Government needs to be a role model when it comes to ensuring workers are treated fairly,” said Senator Tartaglione. “We cannot demand progress and condemn labor exploitation, if we aren’t perfect in our own right. By prohibiting split-rates and extending prevailing wages to off-site custom fabrications, we can ensure public works projects are done right and employees are paid fairly.”
Senate Bill 841 was amended in committee to include requiring prevailing wage rates for HVAC duct cleaners as well as changes the definition of “Custom Fabrication” to match the language in House Bill 2153.
The legislation was passed out of committee by a vote of 10-1 and now goes to the full Senate for its consideration.
The text of Senate Bill 841 can be found online.
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by Christin Brown | Abril 24, 2024 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia, PA − Abril 24, 2024 − Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione announced that $2,433,052 in school safety grants were awarded to schools in the 2nd Senatorial District.
“Ensuring our schools are a safe place for our Commonwealth’s children to learn and grow into our next generation’s leaders is one of the most important things we can do as a society,” said Senator Tartaglione. “This investment in our students’ safety is a down payment for a future that experiences less violence and allows our children to become the leaders of the future that our city, state, and nation need.”
The School Safety Grants and Targeted School Safety and Security Grant for Nonpublic Schools are available through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee.
The School Safety Grants were available to school districts, intermediate units, career and technical schools, charter schools, private schools, and more. Most entities were eligible for up to $450,000, and a total of 619 applications requested $193.6 million. 104 applications were awarded more than $32.6 million across Pennsylvania.
The Targeted School Safety and Security Grant for Nonpublic Schools were available for nonpublic schools to receive up to $75,000 in funding for programs that address school violence. 432 applications were submitted, requesting more than $27.8 million. A total of 237 applications are being funded, totaling $14,551,000.
The following schools in the 2nd District received funding:
Targeted School Safety and Security Grant for Nonpublic School Funds:
- Cedar Grove Christian Academy, Inc. – $45,000
- Frankford Friends School – $75,000
- Philadelphia IU – $69,706
School Safety Grants:
- Esperanza Academy Charter School – $353,611
- Maritime Academy Charter School – $92,225
- Philadelphia School District – $1,797,510
More information on grants available through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency can be found on their website.
by Christin Brown | Marzo 26, 2024 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia, PA – Marzo 26, 2024 – Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione announced that $1,550,000 in Multimodal Transportation Fund grants have been awarded to two projects in the 2nd Senatorial District to help create safer streetscapes and pedestrian infrastructure.
“Bringing these funds to the 2nd District will help fund two transformative projects to enhance urban mobility and community vibrancy,” said Senator Tartaglione. “These initiatives continue to show our prioritization and dedication to pedestrian safety and connectivity, reflecting our commitment to accessible and sustainable transportation infrastructure.”
The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable transportation system is available in our Commonwealth. Funds may be used to develop, rehabilitate, and enhance transportation assets to existing communities, as well as streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets, and transit-oriented development.
The two projects in the 2nd District receiving funding are:
- Castor Avenue Streetscape Project – $1,300,000
- Frankford Creek Greenway Project – $250,000
More information on the Multimodal Transportation Fund and all other funding opportunities available through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and the Department of Community and Economic Development can be found online.
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by Christin Brown | Febrero 6, 2024 | feature, Minimum Wage, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA − Febrero 6, 2024 − Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Whip Christine Tartaglione released the following statement following Governor Shapiro’s budget address:
“The Governor’s address today lays out a roadmap that moves our Commonwealth from being a follower to a leader in our nation. The historic funding proposals for education, transportation, and economic development will boost Pennsylvania to the forefront of the issues facing our Commonwealth. Coupled with calls to raise our minimum wage and increase funding and pay for crucial areas like home healthcare and childcare, we have the opportunity to make dramatic investments in our collective future.”
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