by Christin Brown | Diciembre 13, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg – Diciembre 13, 2023 – Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) announced the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has awarded $902,000 to non-profits, governmental, and community organizations across Philadelphia.
Grants were awarded from the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program, Federal STOP Violence Against Women Act Funds, State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds, Federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Funds, and State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program Funds. All awards from these programs are approved pending fiscal or programmatic concerns.
“Our Commonwealth making investments in the safety and security of our community buildings, religious sites and neighborhoods needs to remain one of our highest priorities,” said Senator Tartaglione. “I am delighted to announce the resources are flowing into the 2nd Senatorial District and the entire City of Philadelphia, so we can ensure our neighbors are safe whether they be in a house of worship, riding public transit, or just using our public spaces.”
The grant recipients and totals are listed below:
Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program:
St. John’s Lutheran Church – $5,000
Al-Hidaya Islamic Center – $50,000
Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program:
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) – $200,000
State Children’s Advocacy Center Fund:
Philadelphia Children’s Assistance – $47,000
Federal STOP Violence Against Women Act Funds:
Friends of Farmworkers – $125,000
Nationalities Services Center of Philadelphia – $125,000
Federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Funds:
The Pennsylvania DMC Corporation – $250,000
State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program Funds:
Philadelphia Treasurer – $95,000
Support Center for Child Advocate – $5,000
More information on PCCD grant opportunities can be found online.
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por Christin Brown | 30 de noviembre de 2023 | reportaje, Comunicados de prensa
30 de noviembre de 2023 - Los miembros del Caucus Demócrata del Senado de Pensilvania, incluyendo el senador Vincent Hughes, el senador John Kane, la senadora Christine Tartaglione, y el senador Lindsey Williams, emitieron una declaración conjunta en respuesta a la opinión de la Corte Suprema de Pensilvania que apoya la jurisdicción de PennDOT para hacer cumplir la Ley de Salarios Compensatorios y su autoridad para descalificar a G.O. Hawbaker Inc. de los contratos de obras viales del estado.
Los cuatro senadores son patrocinadores del proyecto de ley 987 del Senado, legislación que obligaría a los empresarios a notificar a los trabajadores la práctica ilegal del robo de salario, al tiempo que ayudaría a proteger de represalias a los trabajadores que lo denuncien.
"Cuando nuestra Commonwealth hace negocios con organizaciones privadas, los ciudadanos de Pensilvania merecen saber que las empresas con las que contratamos son lo mejor de lo mejor y actúan con total transparencia. Aplaudimos al Tribunal Supremo de Pensilvania por responsabilizar a G. O. Hawbaker del robo de dinero a sus empleados. Y apoyamos los esfuerzos de PennDOT para descalificar a G. O. Hawbaker de futuros proyectos estatales.
El robo de salarios es una práctica moral y financieramente aborrecible. Cualquier empleador al que se descubra apropiándose indebidamente de la paga y las prestaciones de sus empleados debería ser obligado a indemnizarlos, como se hizo con G.O. Hawbreaker, y se le deberían imponer otras normas en el futuro. No debería permitirse a estas empresas reanudar su actividad con normalidad después de haber mostrado una intención tan maliciosa y una falta de respeto por el tiempo y el trabajo de los empleados.
Los trabajadores merecen el apoyo y las protecciones que han afirmado tanto el Tribunal Supremo de Pensilvania como PennDOT. En movimiento El proyecto de ley 987 del Senado y otras propuestas demócratas para combatir el robo de salarios (como el Proyecto de ley 46 del Senado, Proyecto de ley 47 del Senadoy Ley 577 del Senado), sería otro tremendo paso adelante para los trabajadores de Pensilvania.
Esperamos que todas las empresas tomen nota de nuestro feroz compromiso con los trabajadores y con los salarios que justamente se les deben."
by Christin Brown | Noviembre 14, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA − Noviembre 14, 2023 – Today, State Senators Christine Tartaglione (D-2), John Kane (D-9), and Jimmy Dillon (D-5) announced a package of legislation aimed at overhauling Pennsylvania’s addiction recovery system.
States across the nation, including Pennsylvania, face an alarming addiction crisis. With the 9th-highest drug overdose mortality rate in 2021, it is clear more must be done to combat this devastating issue.
“Our Commonwealth is facing an unprecedented addiction and overdose crisis that is ravaging communities and families,” said Senator Tartaglione. “The legislation we highlighted is in part born out of my 20-year-long experience with recovery and sobriety from an alcohol addiction along with countless conversations with people from all sides of the addiction treatment system and will help our neighbors get access to the lifesaving care they so desperately need.”
The legislative package announced today includes six bills aimed at bolstering addiction recovery efforts across Pennsylvania:
SB 874: Encourages SUD counselors to join the fight by offering student loan forgiveness for a 2-year commitment. Mental Health and Intellectual Disability professionals committing to 4 years also qualify. We must retain and inspire our dedicated workforce.
SB 875: Addresses the recovery workforce shortage by ensuring clear and achievable certification practices for recovery workers and considers marginalized communities’ access to these positions.
SB 876: Improves care quality by mandating continuing education on addiction for healthcare professionals and strengthens the referral link between hospitals and addiction treatment organizations.
SB 877: Enhances transparency and disclosure of addiction treatment coverage by requiring insurers to provide clear, semi-annual notifications to policyholders.
SB 878: Introduces standardized reporting by insurers regarding addiction treatment to identify gaps in coverage and access.
SB 879: Requires insurers to testify that they are in compliance with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act which requires insurance companies to treat mental health and substance use on an equal basis with physical ailments.
“These bills provide desperately needed support for those on the path to recovery by tackling workforce challenges, boosting professional development, enhancing transparency in insurance coverage, and implementing reporting measures to guide strategic improvements in addiction services,” added Senator Dillon.
The legislative package announced today joins a large group of other, bipartisan addiction recovery-related bills introduced both in both chambers of the Pennsylvania legislature and was drafted in consultation with the Drug and Alcohol Service Providers Organization of Pennsylvania (DASPOP).
“Forty years ago, I began my own recovery journey. Today, I’m proud to be part of this initiative that will simplify the process for others following the same path,” Senator Kane stated. “Through our partnership with DASPOP, we aim to ensure that no Pennsylvanian is denied the life-saving treatment they need due to confusing insurance coverage rules. We are committed to tearing down the barriers between people who need help and the treatment they deserve.”
More information on the bills in this package and other legislative packages can be found online.
by Christin Brown | Octubre 10, 2023 | feature, News Releases
PHILADELPHIA – Octubre 10, 2023 – State Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10), Tina Tartaglione (D-2), Jimmy Dillon (D-5) and John Kane (D-9), and representatives from the building trades announced Build Better PA, a package of bills to promote fairness, quality, and skilled craftsmanship within the tax incentive programs designed to stimulate economic growth.
“Union labor means quality work done right the first time,” said Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10). “As businesses enjoy the benefits of tax incentive development zones, it is in the best interest of taxpayers and workers to make sound investments in how the work is done. While these programs have been instrumental in driving economic development, they also provide a unique opportunity to raise the bar in terms of labor standards and workforce quality. Building trades and apprenticeships invest in workers, ensuring fair, family-sustaining wages and high-quality final products.”
Build Better PA introduces two essential benchmarks for businesses making capital investments exceeding $25,000 in construction, reconstruction, demolition, alteration, or repair of facilities within designated tax zones:
- Prevailing Wage Requirement: This provision ensures that businesses within the tax program pay their workers fair wages in line with regional standards. It aims to prevent the exploitation of labor and maintain equitable compensation for workers contributing to these projects.
- Skilled Craft Labor Mandate: To further enhance the quality of workmanship, the bill mandates that at least 70% of the workforce on prevailing wage-eligible projects are “skilled craft laborers.” This criterion ensures that projects funded through tax incentives maintain high standards of craftsmanship and expertise, promoting both worker skill development and the overall quality of construction.
“For decades our Commonwealth has supported business development and created special tax incentives to drive growth,” said Senator Tina Tartaglione (D-2). “These bills will make sure while we keep driving Pennsylvania forward, we don’t leave the working class behind. Unions, skilled trades and apprentice programs are the key to continuing to grow the middle class, which is imperative for our continued success.”
“I have witnessed the challenges that workers in the construction industry face, both as a plumber and as the Business Manager for the largest Plumbers Union in Pennsylvania. This legislation will benefit our labor force by giving them a stronger voice, ensuring fair wages for their hard work, and emphasizing apprenticeships that will properly train our next generation of skilled laborers,” said Senator John Kane (D-9). “As Minority Chair of the Labor and Industry Committee, I am committed to doing everything I can to create a more equitable future and improve Pennsylvania’s position in the construction industry, and this legislation does exactly that.”
The “zone” programs the legislation would apply to are: City Revitalization and Improvement Zones, Neighborhood Improvement Zones, Keystone Opportunity Zones, Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zones, Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zones, Keystone Special Development Zone Program, Keystone Innovation Zones and Airport Land Development Zones.
“These tax incentive programs have fueled economic development across the Commonwealth, but we owe it to ourselves to make sure they also uplift our workers,” said Senator Jimmy Dillon (D-5). “I’m honored to partner with Senators Santarsiero, Tartaglione, and Kane to make sure that businesses investing in our communities benefit both themselves and the hardworking men and women who make it all possible.”
“Thank you, Senators Santarsiero, Tartaglione, Kane and Dillon for recognizing the value of union labor to ensure quality construction projects, and fair wages with good benefits for workers,” said Fran McLaughlin, Business Manager for District Council 21. “Apprenticeship programs offer a path for individuals looking not just for a job, but a career that offers family-sustaining wages. Quality work and fair wages will enable us to build a better Pennsylvania and protect investments for taxpayers.”
Senator Nikil Saval (D-1), a co-sponsor of the legislation, voiced his support saying, “Any form of state investment, whether direct or through tax incentives, that drives our Commonwealth’s economic growth should primarily center the creation of jobs with family sustaining wages. This legislation will ensure that Pennsylvania carefully balances our responsibility to attract capital investments and do so in a manner that lifts working class families.”
Any business found in violation of the law would have to refund the full amount of the tax exemption, deduction, abatement or credit awarded for the year that they violated the provisions, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
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by Christin Brown | Septiembre 20, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg PA – Septiembre 20, 2023 – Today Sen. Tartaglione announces over $16 million in funding for Philadelphia County-based agencies and organizations from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). This funding will deliver support and resources to keep Philadelphia County residents safe in the places they call home.
“Our city and commonwealth for too long have experienced the pains that come with the epidemic of crime we have been seeing,” said Senator Tartaglione. “The investments we are making through PCCD will help organizations across the city serve and support the victims of crime. As we continue the work to prevent violent crime, it is crucial we don’t forget the victims of crime and the ramifications of victimization.”
The recipients are listed below:
Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant Funds
- Philadelphia County – $4,018,618 for CCAPPG Funds
Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funds
- Central Division Victim Services – $446,337 for CDVS VOCA Grant
- Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia – $945,033 for AVP VOCA 2023-2025 (non-Competitive)
- Center for Advocacy for the Rights & Interests of the Elderly – $486,415 for Providing Advocacy for Victimized Elders (PAVE)
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – $141,048 for Addressing Psychosocial & Concrete Needs of Young
- Congreso De Latinos Unidos, Inc. – $843,082 for LDVP and East Division Crime Victim Advocacy
- Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations – $175,966 for Concilio’s East Division Victim/Witness Services
- Drexel University – $157,343 for Healing Hurt People: Providing Trauma Services
- E.M.I.R. – Every Murder Is Real – $267,999 for 2023-2025 VOCA
- HIAS & Council Migration Services Inc. DBA HIAS PA – $574,317 for Immigrant Victim Access Collaborative (IVAC)
- Lutheran Social Mission Society DBA Lutheran Settlement House – $500,646 for LSH Bilingual Domestic Violence Program
- Mothers In Charge – $254,278 for Trauma-Informed Support of Homicide Survivors
- Nationalities Service Center of Philadelphia – $521,703 Services for Immigrant Victims of Crime
- Northeast Philadelphia Victim/Witness Service – $227,220 for Victim Assistance and Advocacy
- Northwest Victim Services – $215,742 for Serving Victims of Crime in Northwest Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Children’s Alliance – $447,358 for Philadelphia Children’s Alliance Direct Services
- Philadelphia City Treasurer – $403,671 for Philadelphia DAO Cares 3
- Philadelphia Corporation for Aging – $388,424 for PCA Victim Support Program
- Support Center For Child Advocate – $708,419 for Child Victim Assistance Project
- Temple University of The Commonwealth System of High Education – $421,500 for Support for Victims from Marginalized Communities
- Uplift Center for Grieving Children – $100,139 for Uplift’s VOCA Continuation 2023
- Victim/Witness Services of South Philadelphia, Inc. – $306,428 for Neighborhood Based Program for South Philadelphia
- WOAR-Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence – $324,372 for Sexual Assault Sexual Violence
- Women Against Abuse, Inc. – $1,271,658 for Sustaining Legal Services for Survivors
- Women In Transition, Inc. – $327,057 for Core Domestic Violence Services
- SeniorLAW Center – $1,531,487 for Keeping Elder Victims S.A.F.E.
- Children’s Crisis Treatment Center – $103,817 for Clinical Care Coordination for Child Victims
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por Christin Brown | 7 de julio de 2023 | reportaje, Salario Mínimo, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA - 7 de julio de 2023 - El domingo 9 de julio se cumplen diecisiete años desde que los legisladores de Pensilvania aumentaron por última vez el salario mínimo.
El 9 de juliothEn 2006, el gobernador Ed Rendell se unió a la senadora Christine Tartaglione, al senador Vincent Hughes y al senador Jay Costa, para firmar la Ley del Senado 1090, la legislación de la senadora Tartaglione que elevaba el salario mínimo de Pensilvania a 7,15 $.
"Cuando el proyecto de ley del Senado 1090 se convirtió en ley en 2006, fue una promesa de seguir luchando por los que menos ganan de nuestra Commonwealth y garantizar que las necesidades de los que menos ganan de Pensilvania nunca se olviden o se dejen de lado", dijo el senador Tartaglione. "Volví a presentar el proyecto de ley del Senado 12 porque yo, como muchos de mis colegas se niegan a quedarse de brazos cruzados como los Pennsylvanians que ganan nuestro salario mínimo nivel de pobreza siguen luchando para llegar a fin de mes. Pensilvania necesita que su gobierno actúe con rapidez y decisión en nombre de los trabajadores de nuestra Commonwealth que más lo necesitan."
Los demócratas del Senado siguen apoyando un salario mínimo más alto. En junio, los demócratas de la Cámara de Representantes aprobaron un proyecto de ley que elevaría el salario mínimo de Pensilvania a 15 dólares la hora para 2026. La senadora Christine Tartaglione (demócrata de Filadelfia) presentó el proyecto de ley 12 del Senado, un proyecto similar.
"Pensilvania está fallando a nuestros trabajadores", dijo el senador Vincent Hughes (D-Phila./Montgomery). "Durante diecisiete años, los legisladores estatales republicanos no han hecho nada para garantizar que las personas que trabajan duro reciban un salario justo y adecuado por sus contribuciones a nuestra economía. Me sentí orgulloso de unirme al gobernador Rendell en 2006 para apoyar una retribución que beneficiara a los trabajadores y a las familias. Espero unirme algún día al gobernador Shapiro para poner fin a diecisiete años de inacción en favor de los trabajadores con salario mínimo en Pensilvania."
El salario mínimo actual de Pensilvania se sitúa en el requisito federal de 7,25 dólares. Según el Instituto Tecnológico de Massachusetts (MIT), el salario mínimo de Pensilvania dista mucho de ser un salario digno en el estado. El coste de la vivienda y otros gastos de subsistencia han seguido aumentando mientras que el salario mínimo de Pensilvania ha permanecido estancado durante más de una década.
Un aumento del salario mínimo a 15 dólares la hora afectaría a un millón de trabajadores que actualmente ganan menos de 15 dólares la hora en Pensilvania.
"Todos los que trabajan para ganarse la vida merecen ganar un salario digno, y el salario mínimo actual en Pensilvania no lo es. Ya es hora de hacer lo correcto para nuestras familias trabajadoras y asegurarse de que podemos criar a nuestros hijos en un buen trabajo", dijo el senador Jay Costa (D-Allegheny). "He estado orgulloso de defender un salario digno para cada Pennsylvanian, y espero con interés trabajar junto a sus colegas legisladores, trabajadores y activistas para cumplir con este valor crucial."
Los demócratas del Senado están dispuestos a votar el proyecto de la Cámara, pero los republicanos del Senado, que son mayoría, deben someterlo a votación. Mientras tanto, todos los estados que rodean a Pensilvania han subido el salario mínimo. Nueva York, Nueva Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia Occidental y Ohio pagan un salario mínimo más alto. Pensilvania ocupa el último lugar en lo que se refiere a prestaciones a los trabajadores.
"Aumentar el salario mínimo es fundamental para respetar la dignidad de las personas trabajadoras, para que puedan permitirse una vivienda y alimentos, y para que no tengan que elegir entre comida, calefacción, ropa y otras necesidades básicas", dijo el senador Art Haywood (D-Phila./Montgomery), que también ha sido un feroz defensor del aumento del salario mínimo de PA.
Y continuó: "Se trata de ayudar a los padres y permitirles ser padres, dejando de tener que trabajar en dos o tres empleos y teniendo mayor libertad para proporcionar a sus hijos una mejor educación, enriquecer a sus pequeños con oportunidades como actividades recreativas, ser más activos en sus comunidades y pasar tiempo con sus familias."
by Christin Brown | Junio 30, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Senate Democratic Whip Christine Tartaglione released the following statement regarding her no vote on the Commonwealth’s budget today:
“The budget is supposed to reflect our Commonwealth’s moral priorities and aspirations for the future. The bill we voted on today does nothing to move Pennsylvania forward. From failing to act to raise the minimum wage for our Commonwealth’s lowest earners, to failing to fund mass transit, and continuing the systemic underfunding of public education, this bill, and this budget fall far short of the needs of our Commonwealth.
I am hopeful the leadership in the Pennsylvania House will see the failures and shortcomings of this proposed budget, and make the necessary changes to ensure ALL Pennsylvanians are heard and represented in our Commonwealth’s budget.”
by Christin Brown | Enero 11, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Enero 11, 2023 – Today, Senator Christine M. Tartaglione, Democratic Whip, announced the Pennsylvania School Safety and Security Committee of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded $29,170,225 in grants to 31 separate programs tasked with preventing and intervening in violence across the 2nd District and the City of Philadelphia.
The grants are funded via two separate grants:
- The Coordinated Community Violence Intervention (CCVI) – The purpose of this program is to increase local coordination and collaboration to more effectively prevent, intervene and respond to gun and group violence.
- Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP). The purpose of this program is to provide grants and technical assistance to address community violence throughout the Commonwealth.
“Philadelphia, just like cities across this commonwealth and nation are facing an unprecedented epidemic of violence,” said Senator Tartaglione. “The resources being announced today will allow programs from across our city and commonwealth to continue addressing the root causes of violence and in turn prevent the crime that plagues our streets.”
Programs receiving the grants announced today that will provide services in the 2nd District and city-wide include:
Philadelphia City Treasurer, Philadelphia Cure Violence Coalition – $1,892,369 to develop a coalition of Cure Violence-based programs. The Cure Violence Model is an evidence-based prevention program that takes a public health approach to reduce community violence. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has spent the last year laying the groundwork for a coalition with members from all programs in Philadelphia using the Cure Violence model of violence prevention. These programs/partners include Cure Violence Philadelphia, Philadelphia CeaseFire, Community Crisis Intervention Program (a city program under the Office of Criminal Justice and Public Safety), and Penn Community Violence Prevention Program.
AMANDLA, Inc. – $147,595 to support violence prevention activities through expanding its Safe-Hub EduSoccer Program. The EduSoccer program reaches 500 young people from Philadelphia’s Kensington and Harrowgate neighborhoods, providing a safe space for young people while supporting anti-violence and anti-crime behaviors through targeting an array of socio-emotional program outcomes.
Artwell Collaborative, Inc. – $275,000 to implement its transformative and therapeutic multidisciplinary arts programming in schools, community centers, faith-based organizations, and behavioral health organizations. These funds will be used for: therapeutic arts programming in 10 Philadelphia schools (We the Poets and The Art of Growing Leaders); therapeutic arts programming in partnership with three community partners; trauma-informed response training for our team of Teaching Artists; inclusivity training for ArtWell’s leadership team; expanding the knowledge base and expertise of the organization’s leadership team by adding a part-time clinician.
Beyond Literacy – $1,311,266 to support the continuation and expansion of its Keystone Energy Employment Pipeline (KEEP) program, a community-focused strategy that transitions Philadelphia’s young, emerging adults ages 18 to 25 at risk of incarceration and gun violence into long-term financial stability through high-impact education, GED attainment, and pre-apprenticeship training for in-demand green energy sector jobs.
Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia, Inc. – $1,970,477 to expand teen programming at six Club locations by hiring dedicated teen staff, keeping Clubs open until 10 pm on Fridays, and opening the Clubs from 5 pm to 10 pm on Saturdays. All teens participating in programming will be engaged in formal or informal mentoring and evidence-based violence prevention activities.
Build Our Lives Together Inc. – $50,000 to create an intensive 8-month program for grassroots leaders – people who are the most proximate to the problems to learn critical skills, expand their network, and get access to funding so they can accelerate their impact, for a radical reduction in gun violence.
Center for Families and Relationships – $999,000 to expand it’s existing Together Through Trauma Program into Philadelphia recreation centers in the most vulnerable districts impacted by gun violence.
Central Division Victim Services – $371,663 to continue providing services to crime victims in the 6th, 9th, and 22nd Philadelphia Police Districts along with gun violence prevention in the 22nd and 25th Philadelphia Police Districts.
Coalition of African Communities (AFRICOM) – $125,000 to provide an immigrant community engagement gun violence prevention initiative that will bring together faith-based leaders, individuals, families, groups, and business owners to build knowledge, establish strong networks, identify, and prevent risks and connect the community to support services.
Education-Plus, Inc. – $299,125 to provide universal mental health screening at five schools to provide evidence-based programs in concert with school-based health clinic staff in order to reduce/prevent violence in schools and communities.
Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Inc. – $1,250,000 to support nine diverse, unique, and collaborative projects addressing violence and related issues in Philadelphia. From street and community outreach, food distribution, non-traditional youth programming, career assistance to the previously incarcerated, and connecting community members with available resources, this funding will provide needed support for these groups to expand their work. Funding will support nine projects/organizations (Homies Helping Homies; The Apologues; City of Dreams Coalition; Double Trellis Food Initiative; Elevation Voice; Kensington Voice; Oronde McClain Foundation; Ones Up; Philadelphia Boom).
Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey – $699,335 to expand the Bold Futures program, an intensive violence prevention mentoring program for high-risk girls who reside in Philadelphia with both individual and community risk factors between the ages of 9 to 14.
HIAS & Council Migration Services Inc. DBA HIAS PA – $2,124,484 to provide immigration legal services, some case management, and specialized victim services to low-income immigrant youth and their families who are eligible for legal status but have not yet obtained status and are therefore vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Funds will support two attorneys, a Department of Justice Accredited Representative, a paralegal, and legal supervision to provide immigration legal services to at-risk youth referred to HIAS Pennsylvania by Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services, the Philadelphia School District, and through self-referral.
Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association – $445,113 to support the establishment of a Success Center in the Samuel S. Fels High School of Philadelphia, PA. The Success Center will provide social-emotional learning (SEL) education to the students; non-academic, referral (case-management) support to students and their parents/ caregivers; an Oasis where students can safely retreat from and process stress or trauma they may be experiencing at school or at home; parent/ caregiver workshops; and field trips to enrich the lives of students and to give them new experiences and a new perspective on life.
Philadelphia City Treasurer, The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office “Data CoLab”- $1,772,966 to implement the “Data CoLab”, a data-informed community-based participatory initiative hosted by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Transparency Analytics Lab (DATA Lab). This initiative fosters partnerships among the DAO and community-based organizations (CBOs) by hosting a series of participatory research workshops in the communities experiencing high levels of gun violence to provide data tools and engage in participatory research and interventions.
Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates – $1,500,000 to expand its Restorative Justice Program into a cohesive pathway for justice-impacted people in Philadelphia neighborhoods with the highest rates of community violence.
Philadelphia Youth Network, Inc. – $2,000,000 to expand educational and employment pathway exploration for 12-24-year-olds through its portfolio of structured learning and skill-building opportunities. PYN is seeking to expand its provider network to create more opportunities for historically marginalized youth in Philadelphia to build stronger, safer communities through promoting summer employment opportunities.
Playworks Education Energized – $572,547 to advance the Community Coach Leadership Program (CCLP), a proactive, medium-to-long-term violence-prevention intervention strategy focused on serving kids most susceptible and impacted by violence. CCLP will engage School District of Philadelphia (SDP) high school students as program participants in leader-mentor positions with SDP elementary schools in violence-impacted neighborhoods.
Power of Paint Art Academy & Management – $86,981 to support a violence prevention and intervention program where trained staff will use art and therapeutic approaches, via outreach and referral services, to improve the quality of life for individuals who are victims and/or perpetrators of violence.
Rock to the Future, Inc. – $330,000 to support free music and mentoring programs in high-crime neighborhoods in North, West, and Northwest Philadelphia for teens that are at risk to be involved in violence, victims of violence, who have experienced trauma, and those from reentry and diversion programs.
Sharing Excess – $55,880 for the identification, outreach, and engagement of individuals who are most likely to be involved in violence and provide tailored, holistic supports to meet a wide range of education, employment, mental and behavioral health, and other basic needs.
Students Run Philly Style – $1,368,926 to scale current violence interruption and prevention efforts through recreation in and around the neighborhood of West Kensington. The goal is to have programs and activities for all ages, and family events throughout the year.
The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth – $2,500,000 to support the implementation of a hospital- and community-based violence intervention program where trained Violence Intervention Clinicians and Specialists will provide assertive outreach and crisis response to individuals and families exposed to violence in the community, conduct clinical crisis assessments, provide trauma-informed therapy and case management services, and refer individuals and families to social safety net providers in the community for long-term support.
The Urban League of Philadelphia – $950,000 to continue and expand their proven Violence Prevention Programs that support and target at-risk Black and Brown youth and young men and men who are justice-involved.
Unique Dreams, Inc. – $85,000 to fund several programs that offer an array of opportunities within the community. Those programs include a crisis line, skill building in carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades, resume workshops, interview training, empowerment groups, assistance with transportation needs, an afterschool and summer program for youth ages 8-18 focused on guided group discussions and conflict resolution, and youth skill-building workshops on topics such as music, cooking, basketball, boxing, and weightlifting.
University of Pennsylvania (Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety) – $1,517,546 to expand the scope and reach of the Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy Initiative, a program that supports the implementation of Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy for PTSD in community mental health centers in Philadelphia, by creating the Philadelphia Prolonged Exposure to Address Community Violence (PEACE) Project, which will be a coalition of 60 providers who are trained to respond to the mental health needs of individuals who experience community violence.
University of Pennsylvania (Penn Injury Science Center) – $2,332,070 to expand and enhance the School District of Philadelphia’s (SDP) Safe Path to School program. The program will expand to 6-8 schools and have enhanced features such as training (e.g. trauma-informed care, cure violence models of violence prevention), access to referral programs, and regular meetings with local violence intervention programs.
Uplift Center for Grieving Children – $399,994 to provide additional resources for training and data collection for quality grief counseling services to youth in the city of Philadelphia. Components of this project include clinical training and supervision to cultivate staff aptitude and maintain up-to-date and high-quality mental health supports, the expansion of the Resilient Parenting for Bereaved Families (RPBF) program, providing caregivers with regulation skills and parenting tools over 10-week sessions to support their families, and training coordination to expand its capacity to train frontline professionals in racial/trauma-informed professional development offerings.
Uplift Solutions Inc. – $607,840 to grow and enhance their Workforce Solutions program, which serves justice-involved individuals through increased outreach efforts, increased trauma-informed behavioral health services, and increased capacity to serve more participants. Program components include life-skills training, case management, wraparound services, job readiness training, employer technical training, employment placement, and follow-up support 3 years post-graduation.
More information on the grants can be found here.
by Christin Brown | Enero 3, 2023 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – Enero 3, 2023 − Today, Pennsylvania Senator Christine M. Tartaglione was sworn into her eighth term serving as the Pennsylvania Senator from the 2nd District which includes portions of Philadelphia. Senator Tartaglione was also officially named Democratic Whip for the 2023-2024 legislative session.
Senator Tartaglione was one of 25 members sworn into the Pennsylvania Senate.
“Entering this legislative session, I am officially the longest-serving female in Pennsylvania Senate History,” said Senator Tartaglione. “It has been the honor of a lifetime serving the people of the 2nd district, and I am eagerly awaiting the coming legislative session and serving as Whip for the Senate Democratic Caucus. I am optimistic the legislature will spend the next legislative session working to pass crucial legislation that will put Pennsylvanians first.”
Serving in her 28th year, Senator Tartaglione is now the longest-serving female senator in Pennsylvania’s history, surpassing Senator Jeanette F. Reibman, who served from 1967 to 1994, the year Senator Tartaglione first won her seat in the Pennsylvania Senate.
Constituents can connect with Senator Tartaglione via her email: Tartaglione@pasenate.com, her Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or website.
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by Christin Brown | Noviembre 15, 2022 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – Noviembre 15, 2022 − Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione was elected by her Senate Democratic colleagues to become the first female to serve as Democratic Whip in Pennsylvania Senate history. Senator Tartaglione is also the first person with a disability to serve as the Whip of any caucus in the state’s 235-year history.
When the Senate returns in the ’23-’24 legislative session Senator Tartaglione will bring more than 28 years of experience and relationships to the Whip position.
“For nearly three decades, I have had the honor to serve the people of the 2nd district of Pennsylvania,” said Senator Tartaglione. “I have seen my fair share of bad bills pass and great bills squandered away into the abyss of parliamentary procedure. Being able to pull upon seven terms worth of experience and bi-partisan relationships will help our caucus move forward our progressive priorities.”
Otros demócratas del Senado elegidos para puestos directivos son:
- Líder - Jay Costa, Jr.
- Presidente de la Comisión de Presupuestos - Vincent Hughes
- Chair – Wayne D. Fontana
- Secretary – Maria Collett
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 27, 2022 | News Releases
Philadelphia, Octubre 27, 2022 – Today, Senators Tina Tartaglione and Jimmy Dillon announced $2,500,000 for two projects in Northeast Philadelphia. The grants were awarded from the additional Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to further support community and economic development throughout Pennsylvania.
“Philadelphia has long been known as a premier education and medical city,” said Sen. Tartaglione. “The funding of this grant will help support two great Philadelphia institutions and will enable both to continue to be leaders in their fields.”
RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenue, or other measures of economic activity.
“I’m always glad to team-up with my friend and colleague Senator Tartaglione,” said Sen. Dillon. “I’m proud we’re investing in cutting edge cancer research at Fox Chase and innovative vocational training at Father Judge. Working together, I know this is only the beginning of what we can accomplish for Northeast Philly.”
The two projects receiving fundings are:
- Research Facility Modernization, Fox Chase Cancer Center, $1,500,000 – the project will transform the FCCC Laboratory Facility into a cancer model production and analysis hub. It will also renovate the central Laboratory Facility building by overhauling the air handling controls and replacing the lighting systems.
- The Friends of Father Judge High School, Inc., $1,000,000 – Funds would be specifically allocated toward the construction of the Career Pathways Academy Building. Construction to include a state-of-the art 20,000 square foot two story structure built for the purpose of delivering high level vocational education and workforce development. The CTE Academy will have a large common area for multiple trade disciplines to be taught simultaneously while three classrooms and additional breakout spaces will be created on the first floor to allow for students to migrate from hands-on activities into classroom environments to further study their craft. The second floor will have additional workshop spaces, offices for instructors, and an observation deck for administrators to view the multiple disciplines being taught from a safe distance.
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 18, 2022 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA − Octubre 18th, 2022 – Sen. Christine Tartaglione today hosted Disability Awareness Day in the Pennsylvania Capitol to highlight Octubre as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.
Tartaglione, the longest-serving disabled member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, hosted the event to allow advocacy organizations, along with public and private providers, to share information about assistive services and technology. All members of the legislature and the public were invited to attend.
“People living with physical and cognitive challenges face an uphill battle every day simply accessing everyday essentials let alone meaningful employment,” said Tartaglione. “Events like Disability Awareness Day allow my colleagues to come and truly appreciate the challenges facing disabled Pennsylvanians every day.”
Tartaglione has been using a wheelchair since a boating accident in 2003. She has long been a leading advocate in Pennsylvania for people with disabilities and was instrumental in creating the state’s Office for People with Disabilities, which serves as a go-to source for information about the many state and county agencies that offer services for people who need assistance in their daily lives.
Organizations that shared information included the Center for Independent Living of Central PA, Susquehanna Service Dogs, PA Department of Aging, PA Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services and PA Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, AgrAbility PA, UniqueSource Products and Services, United Cerebral Palsy of Central PA, TechOwl, PA Link, United Spinal Association, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, PA Assistive Technology Foundation, and Moss Rehab/Einstein now a part of Jefferson Health.
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by Christin Brown | Octubre 13, 2022 | News Releases
Philadelphia Pa. − Octubre 13, 2022 − Today nearly 100 seniors, their direct caregivers, and vendors attended the first of three Senior Expos hosted by Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia).
The expo, organized and hosted by Sen. Tartaglione, at the St. Anne’s Rectory PAL Center in Philadelphia hosted representatives from various government agencies as well as public and private providers were on hand to discuss programs and services for older Philadelphians, as well as organizations providing health screenings. A free lunch was provided to attendees as well.
“One of my favorite aspects of being an elected official is helping to connect seniors with the services they need,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “These events are always a huge hit with my constituents, and every time I interact with constituents around the 2nd district, they always tell me how much they love the senior fairs and are already looking forward to the next one.”
Sen. Tartaglione will be hosting two more senior expos in the 2nd District:
- Viernes, Octubre 21st, 10 am-1 pm at the Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Avenue, Philadelphia
- Jueves, Octubre 27th, 10 am-1 pm at the Mayfair Community Center, 2990 Saint Vincent St, Philadelphia
The Senior Expos are free to attend and open to all seniors and their caregivers in the 2nd district.
For more information contact Sen. Tartaglione’s district office at (215) 533-0440.
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by Christin Brown | Julio 8, 2022 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – Julio 8, 2022 – On Viernes, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed the $44 billion Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (FY 22-23) Budget and related code bills, which are awaiting Governor Wolf’s signature.
“This budget is both a great step forward in its historic investment in education funding, with a record $1.1 billion increase in education funding and $190 million heading to the School District of Philadelphia. It was also a missed opportunity to make meaningful and substantive change in Pennsylvanians’ lives – we failed to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage or close the Delaware loophole, and we redirected gaming revenue away from helping Pennsylvanians afford their property taxes and toward Pennsylvania’s General Fund,” said Senator Christine Tartaglione.
House Bill 1342, the Pennsylvania Tax Code for FY 22-23, which Sen. Tartaglione voted ‘NO’ on, will slowly lower the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNI) from 9.99% to 4.99% in 2031. It failed to address the needs of employees earning an inadequate minimum wage or close the Delaware loophole which would prevent corporations from moving profits to subsidiaries in neighboring Delaware and not paying their fair share in taxes.
“150 days ago, Governor Wolf delivered his final Budget Address to the General Assembly. During his Address, he spoke about the need to address the CNI but doing so while raising the minimum wage and closing the Delaware loophole. But today, the majority party lowered the CNI while leaving behind the lowest earners in Pennsylvania.” said Sen Tartaglione.
Other programs and initiatives receiving funding include investments of $125 million for the Whole Home Repair program, $100 million for Adult Mental Health Support, $90 million for Childcare Assistance, and $75 million for Violence Intervention and Prevention Programs.
A more detailed breakdown of Pennsylvania’s FY 22-23 budget can be found here.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 27, 2022 | feature, News Releases
HARRISBURG, Junio 27, 2022 − Seven members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus circulated a memo on Viernes afternoon to take steps to codify into state law the personal right to make decisions about health and reproduction, including access to safe and legal abortions.
The co-sponsorship memo was circulated by state Senators Katie Muth (D- Montgomery/Chester/Berks), Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware), Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny), Maria Collett (D-Bucks/Montgomery), Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), and Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester).
“The Supreme Court decision handed down on Viernes was not made in the interest of the people and shows that the highest court in our nation has a majority that is being run by harmful right wing special interests,” Muth said. “If we cannot trust the Court to protect the rights of Pennsylvanians, then it is up to us in the state legislature to defend our rights to make decisions about our own bodies. We cannot and we will never back down in the fight to protect our rights, our bodies, and our right to choice.”
The legislation comes on the heels of the devastating ruling handed down by a partisan Supreme Court on Viernes that overturned the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling and eliminates the constitutional right to an abortion after almost 50 years.
“Codifying Roe will go a long way to protect the right to determine our own bodily autonomy here in the Commonwealth. Currently, the right to make decisions about our own bodies is under threat because extremists refuse to accept the reality that abortion is a necessary and vital health care procedure,” Cappelletti said. “We must do all that we can to protect and even expand access, and this legislation is the first step to doing so.”
In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that abortion rights being left to the individual states was a violation of the right to privacy and equal protection under the law. This ruling had provided American women the reproductive freedoms and personal health choices they deserve as equal citizens.
“Last week’s Supreme Court ruling took away the federal right for millions of Americans to seek life-saving reproductive healthcare. Abortion is only legal in Pennsylvania right now because the anti-choice bills run by Republicans in the legislature have been vetoed by the governor. The time is now to codify Roe into state law to ensure that reproductive healthcare remains safe and accessible for future generations,” Williams added. “Deciding if, when, and with whom to start or grow a family is a human right. I trust people to make the best decisions about their lives, families and their healthcare. This legislation is about our right to privacy and our right to bodily autonomy and I am proud to support it.”
In the dissenting opinion filed on Viernes, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer wrote that “withdrawing a woman’s right to choose whether to continue a pregnancy does not mean that no choice is being made. It means that a majority of today’s Court has wrenched this choice from women and given it to the States. To allow a State to exert control over one of “the most intimate and personal choices” a woman may make is not only to affect the course of her life, monumental as those effects might be.”
“After nearly 50 years of legal precedent, we are seeing nothing less than a rollback of our fundamental rights to bodily autonomy. This ruling could be devastating to Pennsylvanians, but it does not have to be,” Collett added. “Our legislature must codify Roe v. Wade and ensure safe, legal, and accessible reproductive care for everyone, regardless of their income level or other social barriers.”
According to Abril 2022 polling done by Franklin & Marshall College, which has regularly polled on the issue since 2009, only 16 percent of Pennsylvanians believe that abortion should be illegal in all circumstances.
“Without Roe, state legislatures across the country will be lining up to restrict, ban or protect abortion access. Given that only 30% of Pennsylvanians agree with the overturning of Roe, I believe this legislation will do what our constituents expect us to do – protect access to abortion,” Schwank said. “We can’t allow the people of this commonwealth’s personal health care decisions to be made by a vocal minority.”
The Senators all agree that it is up to the legislature to step up and take action to protect women’s freedom of choice.
“While abortion currently remains safe and legal in Pennsylvania, we must take steps to keep it that way. In overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court showed just how fragile protections for women’s health, women’s rights, and women’s choice are,” Comitta said. “Codifying these protections into law is a matter of representing the majority of Pennsylvania voters who believe abortion should be legal, standing up for all women, and saying no to an extremist agenda of government-mandated pregnancy.”
The Senators indicated that language is currently being drafted to codify the protections of the 1973 Roe v Wade ruling into Pennsylvania law and that it will be introduced soon.
“We just witnessed an unprecedented repeal of the rights of women in America by activist justices acting against the interest of the majority of Americans. Pennsylvania’s legislature needs to act now to ensure we protect the rights of women here in Pennsylvania,” Tartaglione said. “This legislation will ensure women retain the right to safe abortions and protects women from having the government interfere in the private decision-making process between her and her healthcare team.”
Click here to read the co-sponsorship memo that was circulated on Viernes.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 24, 2022 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg − Junio 24, 2022 − Co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus (WHC) and members of the Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic Caucus criticized today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The ruling by the court not only upheld a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks but also goes further and overturns both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, opening the door for states to outright ban or severely restrict abortion.
The ruling eliminates the constitutional right to an abortion recognized by the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Since a draft of the opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito was leaked and its authenticity subsequently confirmed by the court, advocacy groups, elected officials, and stakeholders have been issuing dire warnings about what such a radical decision would mean and the detrimental impact it would have on the health of millions of Americans.
After today’s decision, the 13 states that passed trigger laws now have bans or severe restrictions already enshrined into law, leaving millions of Americans without access to abortion immediately. Arkansas, Idaho and Oklahoma law now criminalizes abortion with penalties ranging from 5 to ten years in prison.
“The Supreme Court’s decision is absolutely gutting and a severe blow to women across the country,” said WHC co-chair Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11th). “We have a maternal mortality crisis in the commonwealth and the U.S. that will only be furthered by this reckless and ideologically driven decision. Our goal now needs to be preserving the access Pennsylvanians currently have to reproductive health care that will no doubt be subject to renewed attacks in the state legislature.”
“The overturning of Roe v. Wade is a devastating decision that will impact millions of women and child-bearing individuals across the country,” said WHC co-chair Sen. Amanda Cappelletti. “Women and child-bearing individuals are not second-class citizens. Bodily autonomy is a human right and abortion is still legal in Pennsylvania. I will do everything in my power to ensure it stays that way here in our commonwealth.”
“Despite today’s decision, here in Pennsylvania, we have to ensure that we maintain the right to legal and safe abortion access and that we continue fighting for women and families across the state for this option,” said WHC co-chair Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-192nd). “Limiting access to abortion healthcare will only exacerbate the maternal health care deserts that we’ve seen across our state and worsen the burden of the decisions that women and families need to make during this challenging time in their lives.”
“This decision is not only an extreme disappointment, but it is completely out of step with what the majority of Americans support, including here in Pennsylvania,” said State Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-43rd). “When reproductive rights are threatened, women’s health care on all levels is at risk. Instead of restricting health care for women, Senate Democrats are committed to making the healthcare system work even better for women and their specific health needs. Instead of stripping women of their rights and opening the door for others to lose fundamental rights as well, Senate Democrats will use our positions to identify real health challenges and solutions for women in this Commonwealth. Proactive, unbiased, convenient, and supportive healthcare should easily be a reality for women, and we will continue to make it a priority.”
“It’s a very scary day for our country,” said Sen. Katie Muth (D-44th). “This decision shows that the highest court in the land now includes radical politics into their decision-making process. This is what happens when the bench is stacked by a President who was unfit to serve the public. Now, we must take our anger and turn it into action, and hold every elected official accountable because we will never back down in the fight to protect our rights, our bodies, and our right to choice.”
“While this decision was expected, it is no less devastating,” said Sen. Maria Collett (D-12th). “Without Roe, what happens in the Pennsylvania legislature is more important than ever, and members of the Republican majority have already moved unpopular bills that turn back the clock and effectively ban all abortion. We need to be expanding access to healthcare across our commonwealth, not eliminating it, and I will continue to fight to ensure women can control their own medical decisions.”
“Fundamentally, the SCOTUS’ decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is an attack on every person’s constitutional right to make decisions about their bodies and reproductive health,” said Sen. Tim Kearney (D-26th). “Research shows that limiting access to abortions will cause more harm, inequities, and possibly deaths—especially for the poor and communities vulnerable to health disparities or lack of adequate healthcare. Now Pennsylvania must take the necessary steps to protect abortion rights. The onus will fall on our Commonwealth, and voters this coming election to select candidates whose policy positions align with their own. We must do what we can to ensure that Pennsylvanians continue to have access to safe and legal abortions.”
“To say I am disappointed in this decision would be a tremendous understatement,” said Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-19th). “This ruling from the Supreme Court is a blatant attack on the personal freedoms, reproductive rights, and access to healthcare of women across the nation. Abortion is healthcare. Decisions women make about their own bodies should only be between them and their doctors. Today’s ruling will stand as an organizing call to redouble our efforts to protect reproductive rights and access to vital women’s healthcare in Pennsylvania and across the U.S.”
“I am appalled and disappointed in the Supreme Court for overturning decades of precedent and nearly overnight rolling back generations of work that had been hard-fought and won,” said Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-2nd). “Make no mistake, the Supreme Court today did not end abortions in the United States, they ended safe abortions in the United States. We must now continue the fight that so many have been fighting for years and elect pro-choice, pro-women candidates this fall. We must now act to ensure and enshrine in Pennsylvania law the right to access abortion care for all women.”
Collectively, the WHC co-chairs are now expressing the importance of organizing around abortion rights and moving to preserve the access to abortion that is currently available in Pennsylvania.
As of now, abortion remains safe and legal in Pennsylvania, however, Pennsylvania House and Senate Republicans have signaled they will move aggressively to ban or restrict abortion in the commonwealth.
They’re currently floating the possibility of moving a vaguely worded constitutional amendment stating that there is no constitutional right to an abortion in Pennsylvania through both chambers to circumvent a veto. The constitutional amendment could be placed on the ballot as early as the 2023 primary election.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 15, 2022 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – Junio 15, 2022 – Today, Senate Bill 617, legislation sponsored by Senator Christine Tartaglione, which would extend federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protections to siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren in certain and specific cases passed the Senate by a vote of 47-3. The passage comes one day after the bill passed the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously.
“This is an important step forward for the workers of Pennsylvania.” Said Tartaglione. “Ensuring workers can take care of their family and loved ones without having to sacrifice their professional life and career provides workers with the needed assurance that, if need be, they can provide care and support to the people around them without being forced out of the workforce.”
This legislation provides up to six weeks of protected, unpaid leave to an employee so that they may care for a sibling, grandparent, or grandchild with a certified terminal illness if such sibling, grandparent, or grandchild has no living spouse, no child over 17 years of age or no parent under 65 years of age.
This legislation was championed by Anne Marie Pearson since her sister Joanne became terminally ill in 2008. Anne was forced to choose between caring for her sister or keeping her job since she was not covered by the current FMLA rules, and no other family member was able to care for Joanne.
“I want to thank my colleagues for their support of the workers like Anne and their families like Joanne that are in all corners of Pennsylvania. Ensuring workers don’t need to choose between their jobs and their families is good for all Pennsylvanians.” Said Tartaglione.
Senate Bill 617 now heads to the Pennsylvania House for its consideration.
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by Christin Brown | Junio 9, 2022 | News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – Junio 8, 2022 – Today, Senator Christine Tartaglione announced more than $9.2 million will be coming to Philadelphia from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to enhance the quality, coordination, and planning of criminal and juvenile justice system, victim service, and community safety programs.
“I am delighted to see the continued investment in all aspects of the criminal justice system here in Philadelphia as well as across the commonwealth,” said Sen Tartaglione. “The funds will be heading to organizations that are at the forefront of addressing our community’s biggest needs including – mental health resources, child advocacy centers, treatment programs for people experiencing addiction, and more.”
Grants that received funding were submitted to the PCCD and reviewed by the Children’s Advocacy Center Advisory Committee (CACAC), the County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee (CAPPAC), or the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee (JJDPC).
Programs that serve the residents of Philadelphia that received funding today include:
CACAC – Endowment Act Funds
- $100,000 – Philadelphia Children’s Alliance
- $100,000 – Joseph J. Peters Institute
- $271,423 – WOAR-Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence
- $100,000 – Philadelphia Children’s Alliance
- $4,130,000 – Philadelphia City Treasurer
CAPPAC – 2022-2023 Intermediate Punishment Treatment Funds
- $4,018,618 – Philadelphia County
JJDPC – State Substance Abuse Education and Demand Reduction Fund
- $150,000 – Anti-Drug & Alcohol Crusaders, Inc.
- $150,000 – Caring People Alliance
JJDPC – State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Funds
- $150,000 – Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association
More information on PCCD and its grant opportunities can be found on its website.
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por Christin Brown | 25 de mayo de 2022 | Comunicados de prensa
HARRISBURG - 25 de mayo de 2022 - Hoy, los demócratas del Senado de Pensilvania escribieron la siguiente carta a los líderes republicanos en respuesta a la violencia desenfrenada con armas de fuego y los tiroteos masivos que se han vuelto demasiado comunes en los Estados Unidos. Sólo este año, 215 tiroteos masivos han tenido lugar en el país, siendo el devastador tiroteo que ocurrió en la Escuela Primaria Robb en Uvalde, Texas, el 24 de mayo de 2022, el número 215.
En la carta, el grupo pide a la mayoría republicana que actúe sobre "una legislación y unos créditos razonables y responsables" que no infrinjan los derechos de la Segunda Enmienda pero que ayuden a mantener las armas alejadas de los malos actores y apoyen la prevención de la violencia armada. Los demócratas del Senado enumeran siete proyectos de ley que se han presentado para mitigar la violencia armada pero que se han quedado en comisión sin debatirse ni votarse. También destacan cómo los dólares del American Rescue Plan y el actual superávit presupuestario de Pensilvania pueden utilizarse para ayudar a las comunidades a prevenir la horrible violencia.
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by Christin Brown | Mayo 19, 2022 | feature, News Releases
Harrisburg, Pa. − Mayo 19, 2022 − State Senators Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks) and Tina Tartaglione (D-2 Philadelphia) will soon introduce legislation to make commonsense improvements to our outdated Unemployment Compensation (UC) laws and allow claims to be processed faster.
“Since the onset of COVID-19, my office has helped thousands of constituents navigate an overwhelmed unemployment system,” said Senator Collett. “The pandemic exposed many problems with Pennsylvania’s UC system, some which will require time, money and bipartisan agreement to correct and others – like abolishing the waiting week – that can be quickly resolved by simply cutting through the red tape. I’ve heard directly from my constituents how eliminating the waiting week could help their families. Pennsylvanians contribute to the unemployment system every time they clock in for their shift – they deserve a UC system which works for them right away because bills don’t disappear as quickly as work can.”
As Pennsylvania’s unemployment rates continue to decline and stress on the UC system eases, now is the time to conduct reviews and make changes to ensure residents can access the benefits they are entitled to.
“It’s no secret that Pennsylvanians need help. Our Commonwealth’s Unemployment System helps struggling families to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads,” said Senator Tartaglione. “This commonsense legislation will remove the roadblocks and red-tape that keep our neighbors from accessing help in a timely manner.”
Collett & Tartaglione’s bill will address some of the most common roadblocks in the UC claims process by:
- Permanently eliminating the “waiting week” that makes claimants ineligible for benefits during the first week of unemployment.
- Eliminating credit weeks from the process of verifying income, which too regularly causes delays in benefits and confusion amongst employers and claimants.
- Eliminating severance pay requirements to minimize the occurrence of claims being sent to UC examiners for review, which further delays claims processing.
- Streamlining the Shared Work Program to help claimants access benefits in a timelier manner.
- Improving the stability of the UC Trust Fund by aligning the solvency definition and trigger percentage with federal policy.
This is companion legislation to HB 549, introduced by Representatives Gerald J. Mullery and Liz Hanbidge.
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by Christin Brown | Abril 22, 2022 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia, Pa., – Abril 22, 2022 – Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) announced today that $11.75 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants are being awarded to projects across Philadelphia.
“The projects awarded grants today will benefit the residents of Philadelphia and the surrounding communities from all walks of life,” said Sen. Tartaglione. “From expanding educational access and medical care to addiction recovery services, these grants will help better countless lives and continue to grow our local economy, and I am honored to have advocated for each and every one of them.”
The RACP grant process is highly competitive, and only a small number of applications are funded. Programs receiving funding include:
- Albert Einstein Healthcare Network – $1,000,000 to renovate space to include apartments for overnight stays. Space will be outfitted to provide intensive outpatient care for former military personnel, first responders, and retired professional athletes who have sustained traumatic brain injuries.
- Impact Services- $2,500,000 to develop the A & Indiana Campus including renovation of an existing 150,000 SF Mill Building into mixed-use spaces including affordable housing and a multi-tenant community serving building. The property will be renovated subject to Historic requirements and fit out for the identified tenants. The renovations will include all new systems, floors, historic windows, roofing, elevators, stairs, and finishes. The project will also include completion of site work and parking for access to the building.
- New Kensington Community Development Corporation – $1,500,000 to acquire 8 properties in a 0.75-mile stretch of Kensington Avenue and transform them into avenue “anchors”. Plans include the renovation of 3000 Kensington and 3134-36 Kensington, which each have existing buildings; 2964 and 2968 Kensington Avenue to allow these vacant lots to be used for outdoor programming; and 2713-2719 Kensington Avenue so it can serve as a gateway to the Avenue, a plaza for artists and entrepreneurs, and an access point to the future Richmond Industrial Trail.
- Drexel University – $1,000,000 to create and consolidate spaces for Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions and the teaching functions of the College of Medicine to the University City campus and fund improvements to St. Christophers Hospital.
- Nueva Esperanza, Inc.—$3,000,000 to build a new elementary school to provide a high-quality educational experience for up to 800 students from kindergarten to fifth grade.
- Temple University Hospital, Inc.—$1,000,000 to renovate vacant space on the TUHEC campus to expand services available for treating addiction in multiple levels of care.
The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
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by Christin Brown | Abril 14, 2022 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia – Abril 14th, 2022 – Today, State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) announced three Northeast Philadelphia organizations were awarded $75,000 in Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
“An investment in the safety and security of our communities is an investment in our collective future,” said Sen. Tartaglione. “I am thankful to the governor for prioritizing these organizations and ensuring the safety of those that live, worship, and congregate in our city and across our state.”
The three organizations in Northeast Philadelphia awarded funding are:
- Northeast Philadelphia Development Corporation, $25,000
- Northeast Philadelphia Chinese Association of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia, $25,000
- Philadelphia Chinese Chamber of Commerce, $25,000
The grants awarded are a part of a larger funding announcement that will send more than $650,000 to 21 organizations across the City of Philadelphia and $5.23 million to 120 churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other nonprofit organizations across the state.
Organizations can receive funding for safety and security planning, safety and security equipment and technology, training, building upgrades, vulnerability and threat assessments, and other security enhancements.
More information regarding the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program and how to apply can be found on PCCD’s website.
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by Christin Brown | Marzo 18, 2022 | feature, News Releases
Philadelphia − Marzo 18, 2022 – Today Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2) was joined by Senator Sharif Street (D-3) and Representative Stephen Kinsey (D-201) to present officials from Einstein Health Network with a $1 million mock check to expand the Emergency Department at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia.
The $1 million grant was awarded via the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). RACP grants are awarded to assist in the acquisition or construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
“Einstein Medical Center has been a great partner of Philadelphia and our entire region as a whole,” said Sen. Tartaglione. “The grant, which comes from a highly competitive pool of applicants, is going to allow Einstein to continue to be a leader in the medical care of our communities.”
The project will expand the Emergency Department and create a new Observation Unit and Trauma Family Room at the Einstein Philadelphia, which is now a part of Jefferson Health.
“We are tremendously grateful for this support for the construction of our new Einstein Philadelphia Observation Unit and our new Trauma Family Room,” said Dr. Elizabeth Datner, MD, FACEP Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Einstein Healthcare Network. “These resources will allow us to continue providing state of the art clinical care for our patients during times when short hospital stays are necessary, and to offer a designated area for concerned family members and loved ones to be together and to consult with care teams during extremely difficult times. Both of these projects will bolster our unfaltering commitment to Einstein’s mission of serving the needs of our community.”
More information about RACP grants awarded and how to apply can be found here.
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by Christin Brown | Marzo 15, 2022 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Marzo 15, 2022 – State Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, joined Senators Sharif Street, Nikil Saval, Amanda Cappelletti, Tina Tartaglione and Art Haywood to host a public hearing on housing scarcity and contemporary houselessness yesterday at Temple University.
“We need to tackle the issue of economic injustice – from raising wages to actual living wages and ensuring rent and housing prices are fair, transparent, and flexible according to each individual’s financial situation,” Muth said. “All levels of government need to implement policies that ensure public dollars are actually helping the public, not the wealthy, private real estate and private equity firms making billions off of taxpayer funded subsidies and evicting people who can’t afford to pay skyrocketing rent and housing rates. I hope our hearing and the impassioned testimony provided by actual Pennsylvanians living these challenges forces this conversation into the ongoing budget debate and into all 67 counties and local government priorities.”
The policy hearing featured three panels of participants who presented testimony and discussed personal stories about housing scarcity, houselessness, and the government’s responsibility to provide safe, affordable, and accessible housing in Pennsylvania.
“The recent tragic fire in Philadelphia’s Fairmount community that claimed the lives of 12, including 9 children, began with a failure of government. A family was forced to make the untenable choice of cramming eighteen individuals into a single unit because of a lack of resources. Housing is security and dignity. Years of divestment from every level of government have been an abdication of government’s duty to protect the communities they serve,” Street said. “The fundamental question for society and government is ‘how do we create accessible, safe and affordable housing for all?’ I look forward to joining my colleagues in creating policy to address the critical issue of housing scarcity.”
Testifiers at the hearing included Gail Loney, a North Central Philadelphia resident; Alisha Robinson, a Frankford resident; Kelvin Jeremiah, president and CEO, Philadelphia Housing Authority; Aaron Zappia, Senior Government Relations Manager, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania; Andrew Frishkoff, Executive Director, Philadelphia Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC); and Stephanie Sena, Anti-Poverty Fellow & Housing Advocate, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.
“The housing crisis is not unsolvable—we need to act to ameliorate it at every chance we get,” Saval added. “That means raising wages, building equity into our systems, and preserving affordable housing by giving people what they need to repair and maintain and stay in their homes.”
All submitted testimony from the policy hearing and the full video is available at SenatorMuth.com/Policy.
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Testimony
Panel 1: Lived Experience
- Gail Loney, North Central Philadelphia Resident
- Alisha Robinson, Frankford Resident
Panel 2: The Philadelphia Housing Authority
Panel 3: Policy Solutions
Testimonio adicional
by Christin Brown | Febrero 8, 2022 | News Releases
Harrisburg, Pa. − Febrero 8, 2022 − Senator Christine Tartaglione today praised the historic funding plan that places an emphasis on further funding education and refunding programs that have seen budget cuts in past years.
“This budget proposal from Governor Wolf is a step in the right direction and helps fix generational disinvestment in education and programs that help our Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens,” Said Tartaglione. “For one of the first times since coming to the Senate, we have the chance to enact real change with the ability to add billions of additional dollars to our education system.”
“Just like Governor Wolf said, our Commonwealth’s minimum wage is embarrassingly low and our corporate net income tax rate too high. That’s why I have introduced legislation that would address both of those issues. I am passionately fighting to ensure we make the Commonwealth a better place to live, work, and do business, and I hope both of my pieces of legislation will be included in the conversations moving forward.”
More information on the Governor’s 2022-23 budget proposal can be found here.
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