by Christin Brown | Julio 30, 2019 | News Releases
During a public information session hosted by the legislators, Medical Marijuana experts shared information about the potential benefits of the alternative medicine.
Philadelphia, PA, Julio 30, 2019 – State Senator Christine M. Tartaglione and State Representative Angel Cruz welcomed dozens of constituents to the senator’s district office in Fairhill today to share valuable information about Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana program and to help folks access the potentially life-changing medicines.
Senator Tartaglione and Representative Cruz partnered with the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, known as Philly NORML, for the four-hour event, which was also attended by a physician from Medically Assisted Recovery Services, along with representatives from Hemp Health Labs and Herbology, a company that operates nine licensed medical marijuana dispensaries across the state.
“I truly hope and believe that the information we shared here today will help members of the community who are struggling to cope with many different medical conditions and those who seek access to a safe, non-addictive, and legal way to relieve their symptoms,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Opioid use disorder is a major public health crisis across Pennsylvania and especially in the 2nd Senate District. Medical marijuana offers people an alternative, whether they have cancer, glaucoma, autism, chronic pain, or any of more than 20 different diagnoses.”
“We had a packed house, which is a sign that people need more information and are looking for ways to get help with chronic medical conditions,” Representative Cruz said.
The list of eligible conditions continues to grow. Earlier this month the Pennsylvania Department of Health added anxiety and Tourette syndrome to the list. The Commonwealth is one of just three states to allow medical marijuana prescriptions for anxiety.
Robert Rudnitsky, executive director of Philly NORML, said that public events like today’s information session help to shed light on the state’s medical marijuana program, break down the stigmas often associated with the substance, and educate people about marijuana’s medical uses.
“My goal is to remove the negative stigmas and have people know this is an alternative to the traditional pharmaceuticals,” Rudnitsky said. “It’s safe with minimal to no side effects, and for many people it’s an effective way to treat their ailments.”
Todd Eachus, managing partner for Hemp Health Labs, said that events like this provide “remarkable access for products that people really need to relieve their symptoms. The healthcare community knows so little of this because it has just emerged, but it’s not going away.”
Information about the Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program is available online by visiting www.health.pa.gov. Each week in Philadelphia, Philly NORML hosts a series of state medical marijuana card registration events. For a listing, visit www.PhillyNORML.org.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Julio 15, 2019 | News Releases
Philadelphia, PA, Julio 15, 2019 – State Senator Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) is pleased to announce that seven elementary schools within the 2nd Senate District have been selected to receive federal funding to provide students with fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will distribute almost one-quarter of a million dollars to the seven schools in the form of grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). The program’s goals are to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices, expanding the variety of fruits and vegetables students experience, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and positively impacting students’ health. FFVP was first implemented in Pennsylvania in 2004 and expanded to all 50 states in 2008.
“Good nutrition is critical for young scholars so that they arrive in class ready to learn,” Senator Tartaglione said. “This program provides children with healthy food options and teaches them how to eat balanced meals.”
Schools that receive grants are required to spend the majority of the funds to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. They also must provide nutrition education to students. Funding priority is given to schools with the highest rates of students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
“Children are better prepared to learn when they have access to healthy food choices during the day,” Governor Tom Wolf said. “By expanding breakfast programs, offering reduced-price meals, and providing fresh produce, we’re improving the conditions to help students succeed.”
“Fresh fruits and vegetables provide vital nutrients to growing children,” Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera said. “These grants are another way to help address food security in our schools while also providing an opportunity to teach students how to make smart and nutritious choices.”
More than 220 elementary schools from across the Commonwealth were chosen to receive grants totaling $5.5 million. In the 2nd Senate District, seven schools received $228,332 in grants, including Pan American Academy Charter School, Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School, Visitation BVM School, Mastery Charter School-Smedley Elementary, William Cramp School, Lewis Elkin School, and Fox Chase School.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Junio 24, 2019 | News Releases
Harrisburg, Pa. − Junio 24, 2019 − Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today jointly sent a letter to Governor Tom Wolf requesting a disaster declaration for gun violence in the Commonwealth.
“We believe it is necessary to raise the public’s awareness of the massive loss of human life and the suffering inflicted on affected family, friends and neighbors where this tragedy is unfolding daily,” they wrote. “Just as you have signed six disaster declarations to provide every tool at the Commonwealth’s disposal to combat the opioid epidemic, the death toll and impact from illegal guns should merit immediate and coordinated attention.”
Specifically, a disaster declaration could do the following:
- Establish a task force led by the Department of Health to create and implement a public health framework for addressing gun violence
- Establish a command center in the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to coordinate state and local law enforcement response
- Enhance the Joint-Local State Firearm Taskforce through additional personnel and funding to take illegal guns off the street
- Expand information gathering and sharing between all levels of law enforcement and community groups
- Increase law enforcement presence, both local and state, in targeted areas where gun violence is most prevalent
- Expedite and expand grants and other funding sources for community groups and nonprofit associations with a proven record of violence reduction and prevention
- Provide additional state resources for behavioral and mental health
- Bringing to bear the significant wealth of knowledge and experience in the Departments of Health and Human Services to provide de-escalation and de-confliction training throughout the community
- Require the Pennsylvania Department of Education provide training and professional development on trauma-informed education
View full letter →
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by Christin Brown | Junio 10, 2019 | News Releases
Pennsylvania State Senator Christine Tartaglione Receives Honor
Philadelphia, PA − Junio 10, 2019 − Marsy’s Law for Pennsylvania, which is aimed at providing equal rights to crime victims in Pennsylvania by ensuring constitutional protections, announced that State Senator Christine Tartaglione has been presented the Guardian of Victims’ Rights Award.
The Guardian of Victims’ Rights Awards are presented to people who have served as advocates and ambassadors for crime victims across the state, working to ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect. Sen. Tartaglione is one of the co-sponsors of Marsy’s Law legislation, which is seeking an amendment to ensure that the Pennsylvania Constitution enumerates rights for victims of crime.
“The Guardian of Victims’ Rights Award is a tremendous honor and I am very thankful to Marsy’s Law for PA and all of your partners for choosing me to receive it,” Sen Tartaglione said. “The issue of victims’ rights is very important to me and to the constituents of the 2nd Senate District. Acts of crime can be very traumatic to victims and their families, but the pain does not stop with the act itself.”
The award was recently presented to Sen. Tartaglione on Junio 10 during a meeting with Marsy’s Law for Pennsylvania and Jennifer Storm, Commonwealth Victim Advocate.
Although the state constitution enumerates rights for individuals accused and convicted of crimes, Pennsylvania is one of only nine states that does not afford the same protections to crime victims. Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) recently introduced House Bill 276 for Marsy’s Law, which was approved by the House of Representatives on Abril 8, 2019. Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) is sponsoring the bill in the Senate during this legislative session.
For the state constitution to be amended, legislation must pass in two consecutive legislative sessions before being added to the ballot for voter approval. During the 2017-18 legislative session, Marsy’s Law passed unanimously in the state Senate and House.
“Victims shouldn’t have to relive the trauma each time they go to court, and they shouldn’t have to live in fear not knowing if their tormentor may be walking free,” Sen Tartaglione said. “Just as our state Constitution protects the due process rights of the accused, it should protect the rights and the peace of mind of those who have been victimized through no fault of their own.”
by Christin Brown | Mayo 23, 2019 | News Releases
As part of a statewide “RealJobs RealPay” Day of Action, the senator visited La Barberia in Suburban Station and highlighted the benefits of raising the minimum wage.
Philadelphia, PA, Mayo 23, 2019 – State Senator Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today led Pennsylvania legislators on a tour of a successful Philadelphia business that chooses to pay its employees a far, living wage, rather than Pennsylvania’s outdated minimum wage.
The visit to La Barberia, a full-service barber shop inside Suburban Station, was one of many events held across the Commonwealth in conjunction with the “RealJobs RealPay” day of action. Senator Tartaglione and her colleagues seek to heighten awareness about the need to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage and showcase businesses that understand the interdependent relationship of higher employee wages, satisfied customers, and financial success.
Senator Tartaglione is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 12, which proposes to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage for the first time in a decade. The legislation calls for an increase from $7.25 per hour to $12 this year, and additional annual increases that would lead to a $15 minimum wage by 2025.
“Many entrepreneurs are proving that taking care of your employees goes hand-in-hand with taking care of your customers and taking care of your bottom line,” Senator Tartaglione said. “This formula works, no matter where you do business: whether it’s in the heart of a major city, in the suburbs, or in Pennsylvania’s beautiful rural communities.”
La Barberia has locations in Philadelphia and in Jenkintown, Montgomery County. Owner Michael O’Connor said: “We know that by paying fair wages, our employees are happier and they stick around, providing the great service that keeps our customers coming back and recommending us to others. When the minimum wage goes up, businesses will see costly turnover go down.”
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is also the federal minimum, which was last raised in 2009. Pennsylvania lawmakers last acted to raise the state’s minimum wage in 2006. Since then, all six of Pennsylvania’s border states have raised their minimum wages above the federal minimum. In all, 29 states mandate wages greater than $7.25.
At 40 hours per week for 52 weeks, the minimum wage converts to annual earnings of just over $15,000 a year, which is below the federal poverty level for a family of two, such as a single parent and child. Among those who would benefit directly from Senator Tartaglione’s minimum wage legislation, 61 percent are women, 55 percent work full time, and 24 percent are parents.
In Philadelphia, 35 percent of workers would benefit directly. In dozens of Pennsylvania’s rural counties, more than 40 percent of workers would benefit. Statewide, more than 1.1 million workers would benefit directly from a $12 minimum wage this year, while another 500,000 would get raises as pay scales rise. A $15 minimum wage would directly benefit 2 million Pennsylvania workers.
“Higher wages put more money into workers’ pockets. Seeing as workers are consumers too, they will be able to spend more at the businesses they patronize,” Senator Tartaglione said. “In turn, businesses will grow and be able to employ more people.”
For more information about minimum wage and businesses that choose to pay fair, living wages, visit RealJobsRealPay.com.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Abril 1, 2019 | News Releases
The city’s Complete Count Committee held its inaugural meeting at the National Constitution Center to discuss strategies for a new public awareness campaign.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, Abril 1, 2019 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today joined federal, state, and local public officials, along with community, corporate, and labor leaders, at the National Constitution Center to launch a new committee that will promote public participation in the 2020 national census.
Tartaglione is one of six honorary co-chairs of the Complete Count Committee, along with U.S. House members Brendan Boyle, Dwight Evans, and Mary Gay Scanlon; Pennsylvania House member Jason Dawkins; and Philadelphia City Councilman Derek Green. Mayor James F. Kenney chairs the committee.
“I can’t think of a better place to begin our work because this is where our American experiment in representative democracy began,” Senator Tartaglione said. “The United States Census is explicitly required by the Constitution and is the foundation for our system of government. It’s vital that we make sure all Americans are counted.”
Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution requires the government to count the nation’s population every 10 years. The last census was completed in 2010. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the count via questionnaires that it distributes electronically and in paper form. Next year’s census will be largely conducted via the Internet, but the bureau will deploy workers door-to-door in an effort to contact those who don’t respond initially. Individual responses provided to census takers must be kept confidential per federal law.
Throughout the next 18 months, the committee will meet to prepare and carry out community engagement programs that explain the reasons for the census and to reassure residents that it’s in their best interests to participate.
Following the organizational meeting, committee members addressed the news media and local high school students to emphasize the importance of the project. Senator Tartaglione informed the young scholars that the size of Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation relative to other states is determined directly by the census. In addition, the new census data will be used to reconfigure State Senate and State House districts. Furthermore, allocations of federal funding for public functions such as education, healthcare, housing, transportation, and college financial aid are tied to census data.
“Participating in the census enables Americans to have a voice in the public affairs that affect our daily lives. I encourage all of my constituents in the 2nd Senatorial District, and all Pennsylvanians to fill out those census forms and to take full advantage of the rights guaranteed to us by the Constitution,” Senator Tartaglione said.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Marzo 26, 2019 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, PA, 26 de marzo de 2019 - Los demócratas de la Cámara de Representantes y el Senado de Pensilvania presentaron hoy un paquete de legislación destinado a frenar el acoso en el lugar de trabajo, junto con el apoyo del gobernador Tom Wolf y la defensora de las víctimas Jennifer Storm.
"Como grupo, hemos trabajado con las partes interesadas y los defensores y nuestros propios empleados para elaborar un paquete de legislación que creemos que puede frenar el acoso sexual y hacer más para proteger a sus víctimas", dijo el líder demócrata del Senado Jay Costa, Jr. "Cada uno de nuestros proyectos de ley en este paquete tiene como objetivo ampliar las protecciones a las personas, independientemente del tamaño o tipo de su empleo, porque el tiempo se acaba en el acoso laboral."
"El acoso sexual y la discriminación en el lugar de trabajo no empezaron de la noche a la mañana, por lo que llevará algún tiempo corregirlos adecuadamente", dijo el gobernador Wolf. "No es tan fácil como meter en la cárcel a unos cuantos personajes de renombre. Tenemos que identificar los comportamientos cotidianos y corregirlos si queremos que Pensilvania sea un gran lugar para vivir y trabajar. La gente no puede hacer su mejor trabajo cuando se siente incómoda. Merecen ser tratados de una manera que cumpla las normas básicas que representan cómo queremos que actúen todos los trabajadores de Pensilvania, y deben ser tratados con el respeto y la dignidad que merecen todos los trabajadores de Pensilvania. Por eso abogo por una legislación que impida el acoso sexual y la discriminación en el lugar de trabajo, tanto en el sector público como en el privado."
Los proyectos de ley se presentarán de forma idéntica en cada cámara. Hacen lo siguiente
- Amparar a los contratistas y becarios no remunerados bajo las protecciones de la Ley de Relaciones Humanas.
- Modificar la Ley de Relaciones Humanas para exigir a los empresarios que proporcionen formación a los empleados y que los anuncios normalizados sobre prácticas leales incluyan específicamente ejemplos de acoso y discriminación.
- Exigir formación sobre acoso sexual a los grupos de presión
- Ampliar la Ley de Relaciones Humanas para incluir a los trabajadores domésticos
- Derecho a juicio con jurado, indemnizaciones punitivas y ampliación del plazo de prescripción en virtud de la Ley de denuncia de irregularidades.
- Ampliar la Ley de Relaciones Humanas para incluir la cobertura de cuatro empleados a un empleado, añadir el derecho a un juicio con jurado, daños punitivos, honorarios de abogados y ampliar el plazo de prescripción.
- Exigir a los empresarios que adopten políticas escritas contra el acoso en el lugar de trabajo y procedimientos de denuncia.
- Añadir la orientación sexual y la expresión o identidad de género a la lista de clasificaciones protegidas por la Ley de Relaciones Humanas de Pa. Ley de Relaciones Humanas
"Durante años, el acoso en el lugar de trabajo ha sido un problema generalizado en los campos de carrera en toda Pensilvania y esta nación. Tenemos que aprovechar el impulso y la fuerza del movimiento #MeToo y revertir años de discriminación en el lugar de trabajo", dijo el senador Larry Farnese. "Nadie, independientemente de su género, raza u orientación sexual, debe ser presionado o sufrir el peso del acoso laboral".
"Tenemos que dejar claro que no hay lugar para ninguna forma de acoso y que tampoco habrá tolerancia", ha declarado el senador Wayne D. Fontana. "Con este paquete legislativo, estamos dando pasos definitivos que a la vez envían un mensaje fuerte y lo respaldan con cambios sustanciales sobre cómo se puede prevenir el acoso, cómo se debe manejar y cómo se debe tratar a las víctimas."
"Proteger a los denunciantes del acoso y la discriminación en el lugar de trabajo es una pequeña parte de la solución para cambiar nuestra cultura", dijo el senador Haywood. "Vuelvo a presentar esta legislación sabiendo que nos queda mucho camino por recorrer".
"En el clima empresarial actual, en el que los empresarios recurren a menudo a contratistas independientes y becarios no remunerados para cubrir sus necesidades de personal, la legislación de Pensilvania debe tener en cuenta y proteger a todas las categorías de trabajadores. Todo el mundo tiene derecho a un lugar de trabajo libre de acoso y discriminación", declaró el senador Tartaglione.
Para más información, visite PaSenate.com/harassment
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by Christin Brown | Marzo 22, 2019 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
Crafted in partnership with Governor Wolf, Senate Bill 12 would raise the minimum wage to $12 this year and $15 by 2025, followed by annual cost of living increases.
HARRISBURG, PA, Marzo 22, 2019 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today introduced Senate Bill 12 that would raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $12 per hour this year, and $15 by 2025, after which the rate would be adjusted automatically each year based on a cost of living index. The measure would directly impact about 1 million Pennsylvania workers in 2019.
Senator Tartaglione crafted the bill in partnership with Governor Tom Wolf. The legislation has been referred to the Senate’s Labor & Industry Committee, of which Senator Tartaglione serves as minority chairwoman.
“It’s been 13 years since Pennsylvania last raised its minimum wage and this raise is long overdue,” Senator Tartaglione said. “All six of our neighboring states have raised their minimum wages above the federal minimum, as have 29 states across the nation. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has stagnated as the cost of living and worker productivity have soared throughout the Commonwealth and the around the country, and while income inequality has reached an all-time high.”
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage stands at $7.25 per hour, which is also the federal minimum. S.B. 12 calls for employers to pay workers at least $12 per hour starting on Julio 1, 2019. The minimum wage will increase by 50 cents each ensuing Julio 1 until reaching $15 in 2025. Starting on Julio 1, 2026, and each succeeding Julio 1 thereafter, the minimum wage would increase in proportion with the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland area.
In addition, the legislation would eliminate the sub-minimum wage for tip earners, workers with disabilities, apprentices, and students. It would eliminate the preemption on municipal wage ordinances, expand the powers of the Department of Labor & Industry to recover wages and penalties for violations of the Minimum Wage Act, increase monetary penalties for violations, and bring enforcement in line with the nation’s Fair Labor Standards Act.
Due to inflation, the minimum wage has lost 29 percent of its earning power over the last 50 years. At $7.25 per hour, a full-time, year-round worker would earn just $15,080 per year, which is below the federal poverty level for a two-person household, such as the single parent of an only child. Data show that most of Pennsylvania’s low-wage workers are women and age 20 or older. Low-wage workers contribute more than half of the average family income in Pennsylvania.
“Vital members of our community, such as child care and home health workers, bank tellers, construction workers, retail and hospitality workers who work full-time while making the minimum wage only earn about $15,000 a year,” Senator Tartaglione said. “They cannot afford basic necessities such as rent, transportation, food, and prescriptions. Many are forced to rely on public assistance to get by. The inability for hard-working people to care for their basic needs, or those of their families, is morally wrong and is economically unsound.”
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Febrero 8, 2019 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, numerous elected officials, labor leaders, and commuters gathered at Frankford Terminal to join the call for a living wage
PHILADELPHIA, PA, Febrero 8, 2019 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf led a coalition of elected officials, labor leaders, worker advocates, and commuters at the bustling Frankford Transportation Center today to rally support for a long overdue raise in Pennsylvania’s minimum wage.
It’s been 13 years since the legislature last raised the state’s minimum wage, and a decade since the federal government’s last minimum wage increase. Pennsylvania workers have been subject to a $7.25 minimum wage since then. At that rate, a 40-hour-per-week worker would earn just $15,080 per year. That’s barely above the federal poverty level for an individual, and about $1,400 below the poverty level for a two-person household.
“Let’s be clear about the people who we’re going to help by raising the minimum wage,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “It’s not just the teenagers who work at fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and other part-time, entry level jobs. The overwhelming majority of those who would see their paychecks get bigger – 90 percent in fact – are in their 20s or older. And half of them are full-time workers. On average, these folks earn more than half of their family’s total income.”
Numerous elected officials joined Tartaglione and the governor for the high-energy rally, including Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Tartaglione’s Senate colleagues Vincent Hughes, Art Haywood, and Tim Kearney. Wolf and Tartaglione each detailed the minimum wage proposal that the senator will soon introduce as Senate Bill 12.
“Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have raised their minimum wages above the federal minimum. New raises took effect in 18 states just last month,” Sen. Tartaglione said.
The legislation would raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 this year, followed by annual increases of 50 cents until it reaches $15 in 2025. After then, the minimum wage would be adjusted annually, automatically, based on the cost of living. The legislation would also create safeguards to protect workers from employers who willfully underpay.
“I’ve said it before, I’ll say it today, and I’ll keep saying it – it’s past time that we raise the wage in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Wolf said. “Pennsylvania must be a place where hard work is rewarded, but our minimum wage hasn’t changed in a decade and too many hardworking people are struggling to get by. We must raise the wage.”
Raising the minimum wage to $12 this year would directly benefit more than one million workers, most of whom make more than the current minimum wage, but less than $12.
“This raise would put more money into their pockets, helping them to pay their bills,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “And it would inject billions of consumer dollars into our economy.”
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at William.Kenny@pasenate.com
by Christin Brown | Febrero 5, 2019 | News Releases
During his annual budget address, Gov. Tom Wolf shared his plan to build ‘the strongest workforce in the nation’ in Pennsylvania while proposing no tax increases.
HARRISBURG, PA, Febrero 5, 2019 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today declared her enthusiastic support for Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed Fiscal 2019-2020 budget as detailed by the governor in his annual budget address before a joint session of the Pennsylvania legislature.
Tartaglione, who is the longtime minority chair of the Senate’s Labor & Industry Committee, agreed with the governor that the path toward prosperity throughout the Commonwealth is through the education and training of Pennsylvanians to prepare them for the jobs of the present and the future.
“I applaud Governor Wolf for striving to build upon Pennsylvania’s many recent successes by continuing to grow and integrate our workforce development initiatives, while increasing our investment in education,” Tartaglione said.
In his remarks, Wolf named his package of policies and investments as the Statewide Workforce, Education, and Accountability Program. He identified the new Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center as one of the program’s key components. The center will provide a forum for members of the governor’s cabinet to collaborate with business and labor leaders on efforts to train workers and prepare them to satisfy the industry’s workforce needs. Wolf said his goal for Pennsylvania is “building the strongest workforce in the nation.”
“As a Commonwealth, we face many great challenges,” Tartaglione said. “How do we ensure that our residents can support their families with a living wage? How do we give them access to affordable healthcare? How do we help people escape the downward spiral of addiction? And how do we provide businesses – both established and emerging ones – with the human resources they need to thrive and to bolster our economy? The answer to all of these questions is by strengthening our workforce,” Tartaglione said.
Wolf proposes to increase funding for basic education by $200 million, pre-K and Head Start by $50 million, and special education by $50 million, as well as an additional $7 million for the State System of Higher Education and $8 million for one-time grants to college graduates who remain in Pennsylvania to work.
The governor proposes $10 million in funding to extend the PAsmart program that he initiated last year to support the expansion of career training, apprenticeships, and STEM education. He also proposes to invest $5 million in home-visiting programs for pregnant women and $5 million for wrap-around services so that parents can attend college or skills training that will enable them to secure family-sustaining jobs. Those state investments would be in addition to the allocation of $15 million in federal funds to reduce waiting lists for high-quality child care.
Taxes will not be raised under his plan. Rather, Wolf said his administration has already saved taxpayers billions of dollars by streamlining state government. It has reduced the number of state employees without resorting to furloughs and combined government functions where appropriate, while preserving and improving the services it provides.
Wolf’s budget proposal also includes a projected $120 million reduction in the demand for public assistance that would result from raising the minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $12 this year. In the days leading up to his budget address, Wolf outlined the new minimum wage plan in collaboration with Senator Tartaglione and other lawmakers. Under the plan, the minimum wage would increase further in annual increments of 50 cents per year leading to a $15 level by 2025. After then, the minimum wage would be adjusted automatically each year based on the cost of living.
Senator Tartaglione plans to introduce the minimum wage plan as Senate Bill 12 in the near future.
Late last week, Wolf also announced a plan separate from his proposed budget to apply a new severance tax on natural gas extracted in Pennsylvania toward comprehensive infrastructure improvements across the Commonwealth, including hi-speed internet networks, storm preparedness and disaster recovery measures, blight and brownfields rehabilitation, and energy-efficient site development for businesses and residential projects.
“Raising the minimum wage and launching much-needed, job-generating infrastructure projects are measures we can adopt now to improve the economic condition of Pennsylvania, and the financial condition of millions of its workers,” Tartaglione said.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Enero 17, 2019 | News Releases
Funded through the PAsmart workforce development initiative, the grant will support MaST II Community Charter School, serving 500 students in grades K to 5.
HARRISBURG, PA, Enero 17, 2019 – A grade school in State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s Philadelphia district was among 765 schools across Pennsylvania that were awarded a combined $8.7 million in targeted grants today in support of their computer science programs.
Gov. Tom Wolf announced the grants through the administration’s PAsmart initiative to invest in the commonwealth’s existing and future workforce needs. MaST II Community Charter School, at 6238 Rising Sun Ave. in the city’s Lawncrest section, will use the funding to expand computer science classes and teacher training. MaST II serves 500 students in grades K through 5.
“MaST is a National Blue Ribbon institution that has a strong track record of delivering high-quality, technology-focused education to students from throughout my district and surrounding communities. This funding will further enhance the school’s ability to prepare young people for the jobs of the future,” said Sen. Tartaglione, who serves as minority chairwoman of the Senate Labor & Industry Committee.
Founded in 1999 as Math, Science and Technology Community Charter School, MaST opened the doors on its first campus in the Far Northeast that fall. In 2016, the School District of Philadelphia granted a second charter for MaST II at the site of the former St. William Catholic School.
Construction is well underway for a second MaST II campus along the Delaware River in the city’s Tacony section. Plans are for it to open in time for the 2019-20 school year, with the Lawncrest campus continuing as the “lower school” for K to 5 students. MaST officials have asked the school district to permit an additional 650 students to enroll at MaST II.
In recent years, the mission of both MaST schools has expanded to cover all STREAM topics (science, technology, robotics, engineering, arts, and math).
The targeted grants represent a new phase of the governor’s PAsmart initiative, which will provide $20 million to bring high-quality computer science and STEM education in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as professional development for teachers. With this commitment, Pennsylvania now ranks second in the nation for investments in K-12 STEM and computer science.
Over the next decade, seven in 10 new jobs in Pennsylvania will require workers to use a computer and an estimated 300,000 STEM jobs will be available in the commonwealth by 2026, according to the administration.
Targeted grants of up to $35,000 each are available through the program. In addition to helping schools introduce and expand computer science programming, the targeted grants will provide greater opportunities for students of color, low-income students, and girls to learn critical skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Enero 10, 2019 | News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – Enero 10, 2019 – On behalf of the 12,000 Pennsylvania federal employees, contractors and subcontractors who are not receiving a paycheck during the partial federal government shutdown, Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery), Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia), Senator Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) and Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) are taken steps to help those in need.
After hearing reports from constituents facing financial hardships during the shutdown, the senators wrote the 10 largest banks, relative to number of branches, in Pennsylvania. Their hopes are to share information about banks’ existing assistance programs or to spur action on behalf of working people with banks that have not addressed the issue.
“Ten years ago, we bailed out failing banks during a recession and now it is time to help working people during their financial crisis,” Sen. Hughes said. “These hard-working folks are suffering through no fault of their own. The least we can do is get them help until are get paid again.”
Motivations for the letter came from the senators understanding that 78 percent of U.S. workers live paycheck to paycheck and there are no furloughs for essential expenses. Mortgages, rent, groceries, car payments and other bills must be paid whether the government is functioning.
“We cannot stand by and do nothing while these federal employees are left without paychecks,” said Sen. Costa. “These are folks ready and willing to work in service of the federal government, but now face eviction and piling bills. I hope that financial institutions are willing to step up to help them, and I’ll do everything in my power to ensure these federal employees are not punished for this shutdown.”
In total, there are 62,000 federal workers in Pennsylvania and about 12,000 who are furloughed or working without pay. Nationally 800,000 federal employees have had their jobs disrupted, with 380,000 furloughed or sent home without pay. These figures speak to an economic crisis that must be addressed, the senators said.
“As the stalemate in Washington is about to enter its fourth week, thousands of hard-working Pennsylvanians are suffering a very heavy burden,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “I can’t think of any greater commitment to purpose and level of professionalism than we are seeing from those who want to work, but can’t, and from those who continue to work, but aren’t receiving their just compensation. It is imperative that we do all we can as a community to support them in their time of need.”
Rallies and protests across Pennsylvania also drew the attention of the senators who have made the fight for working people a central issue. Pennsylvania’s furloughed federal workers not receiving paychecks include TSA officers, federal prison workers, national park workers and employees of the Environmental Protection agency.
“The financial strain placed on federal government employees, contractors and subcontractors in the commonwealth continues to grow,” Sen. Street said. “This is a heavy burden on individuals and families who they cannot endure such hardships for an extended period of time. Banks have an opportunity to mitigate these hardships and must help the people. As the Democratic chairman of the Banking and Insurance Committee, I encourage the banks to act with urgency in this regard.”
The full letter to the banks can be found here.
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by Christin Brown | Enero 3, 2019 | News Releases
Unionized nurses from St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and Hahnemann University Hospital have been working without a contract since Noviembre.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, Enero 3, 2019 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) joined picket lines today at two Philadelphia hospitals where registered nurses are fighting for a safe staffing commitment and fair compensation from their common employer.
Nurses from St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Juniata Park and Hahnemann University Hospital in Center City have been negotiating since Agosto with American Academic Health System, the private, for-profit company that bought both medical facilities last Enero. The nurses are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP) and have been working without a contract since their last collective bargaining agreement expired in Noviembre.
Union leaders say that management has been unwilling to include minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in a new contract while offering fair compensation that will enable the hospitals to retain and recruit talented nurses.
“I know that on the table were safe staffing levels that you had agreed to, and at the last minute, they were pulled and they said you had to choose between a raise and safe staffing levels,” Sen. Tartaglione told dozens of picketing nurses outside St. Christopher’s. “That is unacceptable. I want to know, would anybody on the other side of the table, would they bring their kids to St. Chris with the staffing levels they want to implement? I doubt it.”
PASNAP leaders cite research documenting that increased nurse staffing levels correlate directly to fewer patient fatalities, fewer medical complications, earlier patient discharge dates, and improved satisfaction for patients and their families. Meanwhile, wage improvements correlate to higher nurse retention and job satisfaction.
“You’re a mother, you’re a father, you’re a social worker for those children when their parents aren’t there,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “You’re the ones holding their hands and saying, ‘Baby, it’s gonna be OK.’ I know what you do every day. You deserve to be paid for it and you deserve to give the children the services they need.”
Tartaglione has been a leading advocate in the Pennsylvania Senate for safe nurse staffing levels. During the 2017-18 legislative session, she co-sponsored S.B. 214 to establish minimum nurse-to-patient ratios under state law. The state already has minimum staffing ratios for child daycare facilities. But there are no such requirements for hospitals.
Today’s picketing did not coincide with work stoppages at St. Christopher’s or Hahnemann. Organizers described the events as informational in nature. PASNAP represents about 1,400 nurses at the two medical facilities and more than 8,000 members statewide.
For video coverage of today’s demonstrations, visit the Facebook page @SenatorTinaTartaglione.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Noviembre 30, 2018 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, PA, Noviembre 30, 2018 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today encouraged prospective college students who may be applying for financial aid in 2019 to consider the new PA Forward Student Loan Program as part of their financial planning.
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) recently announced the creation of the loan program, which is designed to complement other forms of student aid, such as the PA State Grant Program and low-cost federal loans. PHAA described the new program as a borrower-friendly suite of low-cost alternative loans that will be available to Pennsylvania students starting with the 2019-20 academic year. Application deadlines have not been announced.
“As higher education costs continue to rise in Pennsylvania and around the nation, many students face a seemingly insurmountable financial burden that scholarships, grants, and other loan programs fail to meet,” Senator Tartaglione said. “This new program will help bridge the funding gap for students with high aspirations, but limited resources.”
PHEAA is the lender and servicer of the loans, with tax-exempt financing provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The program offers affordable loans for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as parent borrowers. Also, borrowers who are in repayment may apply for a PA Forward Refinance Loan to consolidate outstanding student debts and achieve lower monthly payments.
PA Forward participants can borrow up to the total cost of attendance with competitively low interest rates. There are immediate credit approvals and flexible repayment options, with no application or origination fees. Borrowers can get discounted interest rates by enrolling in an automatic direct debit repayment program and simply by graduating.
“I am a firm believer that a strong education starts young people on the road to success. And for many of them, college is the best avenue,” Senator Tartaglione said. “When we give them greater access to higher education, we position them to support their future families and to bolster a healthy Pennsylvania economy.”
PHEAA encourages students and their families to exhaust all eligibility for grants and scholarships before considering a student loan. When borrowing, students should first apply for low-cost federal student loans before turning to alternative student loans, which often have higher interest rates.
Visit PHEAA’s MySmartBorrowing.org website for information about how different career, school, and financial decisions during the college planning process can influence the total cost of education and a student’s ability to repay student loans. Visit PHEAA.org/PA-Forward for information about the PA Forward program and to access the application when it becomes available in 2019.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Noviembre 8, 2018 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, PA, Noviembre 8, 2018 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione today issued the following statement regarding the mass shooting of at least 12 people in a Thousand Oaks, California, night club last night:
“Today, we are witnessing another heartbreaking, senseless American tragedy. Just 11 days after a person with guns murdered 11 worshipers in a Pittsburgh synagogue, another person with a gun murdered at least 12 innocent victims in a California nightclub. Words cannot express the grief I feel for these victims and their loved ones. As a nation, it’s our obligation to do everything in our power to stop these catastrophes from happening. We cannot wait any longer.”
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Octubre 30, 2018 | News Releases
The Frankford CDC is partnering with the Water Department, the PA Horticultural Society and the Sustainable Business Network to offer eco-friendly events.
HARRISBURG, PA − Octubre 30, 2018 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione today announced that the Frankford Community Development Corporation will host a Rain Check Workshop at the Frankford Branch Library, 4634 Frankford Ave., on Miércoles, Nov. 14, at 5:30 p.m.
The Philadelphia Water Department is partnering with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the Sustainable Business Network on the Rain Check program, which enables volunteer participants to obtain a free rain barrel for storm water collection, as well as reduced pricing for downspout planters, rain gardens, depaving, and permeable pavers.
“Storm-water management is a pressing environmental concern in the 2nd Senate District and throughout Philadelphia,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “The Rain Check program gives participating residents the knowledge and tools to relieve the burden on the city’s storm sewers during major rain events. The program helps to ease flooding and prevent pollution from spilling into our streams.”
The Nov. 14 workshop will last one hour and will be followed by a question and answer session. It will be held in the library’s downstairs meeting room. Visit www.pwdraincheck.org or call 215-988-1698 for information.
Also, The Frankford CDC is still accepting registrations for its Yard Tree Giveaway on Nov. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Frankford Pause Park, 4673 Paul St. (In case of rain, the event will be inside the Daral Building at 4667 Paul St.)
Registrants are eligible to receive a free tree suitable for planting in their yard. Trees must be planted in the ground, not in containers. They must planted on private property and not along the public sidewalk. Participants will also have access to free recycling bins and other sustainability resources. Contact Ellie Vamos at evamos.fcdc@gmail.com or 215-743-6580 ext. 105 to register.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Octubre 24, 2018 | News Releases
KYW Newsradio organizará Flashpoint LIVE: ¡Mujeres que trabajan! en Filadelfia este jueves 25 de octubre. Se invita al público a inscribirse.
FILADELFIA, PA, 24 de octubre de 2018 - La senadora estatal Christine Tartaglione estará entre los panelistas en un evento que será organizado por KYW Newsradio el jueves 25 de octubre para encender el diálogo sobre la política y las políticas que impactan a las mujeres en el lugar de trabajo. Organizado en colaboración con Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus, Flashpoint EN DIRECTO: es un acto para establecer contactos en el que se celebrarán dos mesas redondas de 30 minutos de duración entre mujeres líderes con diversas experiencias y puntos de vista. Estas mujeres, junto con las aportaciones del público, pondrán de relieve las principales cuestiones que promueven y obstaculizan el éxito de las mujeres en el trabajo.
"El desempleo está en mínimos históricos, pero cada vez más adultos en edad de trabajar dejan de buscar empleo y los salarios no consiguen seguir el ritmo de la creciente demanda de trabajadores. Creo que es vital que examinemos si estamos haciendo lo suficiente como sociedad para promover la igualdad de género en el lugar de trabajo", dijo el senador Tartaglione. "Puedo decirles que casi 60 años después de la promulgación de la Ley de Igualdad Salarial de Pensilvania, las mujeres trabajadoras del estado ganan sólo 79 céntimos por cada dólar que ganan sus homólogos masculinos. También sé que Pensilvania ocupa el puesto 29 entre los estados de EE.UU. en esta categoría. Las mujeres han conseguido avances significativos en el lugar de trabajo en las últimas seis décadas, pero aún nos queda mucho trabajo por hacer."
El primer panel debatirá sobre las mujeres y la política: lo que se necesita para presentarse a las elecciones, las cuestiones de género sobre la mesa para las próximas elecciones de mitad de mandato, el impacto de #MeToo en el liderazgo de las mujeres en la política y más allá, así como lo que se necesita para obtener una mayor participación de los hombres. El panel incluirá a la senadora Tartaglione; Jasmine Sessoms, fundadora de She Can Win, un programa de formación no partidista que proporciona apoyo, tutoría y educación a las mujeres que poseen una pasión por el liderazgo cívico; y la Dra. Dana Brown, directora ejecutiva del Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics, así como profesora adjunta de Ciencias Políticas en la Universidad de Chatham.
El segundo panel debatirá las políticas públicas y laborales que afectan a las mujeres. Se tratarán temas como las normativas relacionadas con la igualdad de género, así como las prácticas habituales en los lugares de trabajo que ayudan o impiden a las mujeres ascender por la escalera del éxito. Entre los panelistas estarán la concejala de Filadelfia Blondell Reynolds Brown; Rue Landau, directora ejecutiva de la Comisión de Relaciones Humanas y la Comisión de Vivienda Justa de Filadelfia; y Amal Bass, abogada del Women's Law Project.
La reportera de asuntos comunitarios de KYW Newsradio, la abogada Cherri Gregg, moderará los paneles. Se anima a la audiencia a participar en persona, a través de livestream y en Twitter con el hashtag #FlashpointLive
El acto comenzará a las 18.00 horas en el KYW Newsradio Broadcast Center, 1555 Hamilton St., Filadelfia, PA 19130. Es necesario inscribirse.
Si desea asistir al evento Flashpoint Live: Women Who Work, inscríbase a través del siguiente enlace: https://kywnewsradio.radio.com/events/flashpoint-live#//
The livestream will be available via the following link: https://senatortartaglione.com/live
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Octubre 4, 2018 | News Releases
In her second Senior Expo this fall, the senator brought more than 50 exhibitors together to share information about a multitude of topics vital to older Philadelphians.
PHILADELPHIA, PA, Octubre 4, 2018 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione brought her annual Senior Expo series to St. Anne’s Rectory-PAL Center in Port Richmond for the first time today, and it was an overwhelming hit with the community as more than 50 exhibitors shared valuable information with hundreds of older residents and their caregivers.
Visitors to the Lehigh Avenue venue benefitted from free health screenings, flu shots and consultations with public agencies and private organizations about a multitude of senior topics, such as prescription medication assistance, housing finance, consumer protection, home healthcare, accessibility for the disabled, transportation, and estate planning. Exhibitors represented state and local government offices, utilities, the healthcare sector, education, banking, investment and law enforcement, to name a few.
“These agencies and organizations all help seniors throughout the year, but today was a rare opportunity for people to meet them all in one place. My goal for all of my senior expos is to make it convenient for constituents to network with these resources in their own neighborhood,” Tartaglione said.
Each year, Senator Tartaglione hosts three Senior Expos in the early fall. This year’s first event was held in Mayfair on Sept. 27. The third and final Expo will be on Jueves, Oct. 11, at Fox Chase Recreation Center, 7901 Ridgeway St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free and open to local seniors and their caregivers.
“Growing older can bring great joy to each of us, but it can also bring many new challenges,” Tartaglione said. “I’m thankful that there are so many organizations in our community that care about senior citizens and want to help them enjoy their Golden Years.”
Call the senator’s district office at 215-533-0440 or 215-291-4653 (Spanish) for information about the next Senior Expo.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at william.kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Octubre 3, 2018 | News Releases
The Capitol’s Main Rotunda was the setting for the senator’s annual gathering of public agencies and private organizations dedicated to helping people with disabilities.
HARRISBURG, PA, Octubre 3, 2018 – The Pennsylvania Capitol became a one-stop resource for people living with physical and cognitive disabilities today as a multitude of public and private providers gathered in the Main Rotunda for State Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s annual Disability Awareness Day.
Exhibitors shared information about assistive services and technologies to help the senator kick off National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“People living with physical and cognitive challenges often face an uphill battle as they seek to work, go to school and manage their daily lives,” Tartaglione said. “Fortunately, Pennsylvania has many public agencies and private organizations whose mission is to help disabled people do the job. My objective here is to bring these resources directly to the people who will benefit from them.”
Hundreds of Capitol visitors and passers-by stopped to chat with exhibitors such as the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, PA Assistive Technology, the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, AgrAbility PA, Einstein/Moss Rehab, Living Well Your Way, the Center for Independent Living of Central PA, United Cerebral Palsy and Uniquesource. They also met a couple of the beautiful life partners from Susquehanna Service Dogs. These agencies and organizations offer tools and programs that help disabled people maximize their potential in the workforce and in their communities.
“People with disabilities fulfill a vital role in Pennsylvania’s workforce and they should be given every opportunity to participate,” Tartaglione said. “My annual Disability Awareness Day is a great way for advocates to network with the constituents they serve.”
Disability Awareness Day occurred one day after the Senate unanimously passed Tartaglione’s resolution to recognize Octubre as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the Commonwealth. The observance calls attention to disability employment issues and celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is America’s Workforce: Empowering All.
Senator Tartaglione has long been a leading advocate in Pennsylvania for people with disabilities. She 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.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Octubre 2, 2018 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, PA, Octubre 2, 2018 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione invites older Philadelphians and their primary caregivers to the second of her three annual Senior Expos this Jueves at the St. Anne’s Rectory-PAL Center in Port Richmond from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Expo will offer flu shots, free health screenings and information about a multitude of senior programs and services offered by more than 50 public agencies and private providers. Topics will include healthcare, housing, financial services, consumer protection and crime prevention. This annual series of events will conclude on Jueves, Oct. 11, at Fox Chase Recreation Center. Media coverage is encouraged.
Jueves, Oct. 4: St. Anne’s Rectory-PAL Center, 2328 E. Lehigh Ave., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jueves, Oct. 11: Fox Chase Recreation Center, 7901 Ridgeway St., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For Information (public): Call 215-533-0440 or 215-291-4653 (Spanish).
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Septiembre 27, 2018 | News Releases
Public and private providers shared valuable information on topics ranging from healthcare and financial services to housing and consumer protection
PHILADELPHIA, PA, Septiembre 27, 2018 – Aging can pose many challenges, but Pennsylvania Sen. Christine Tartaglione made it a lot easier for hundreds of Northeast Philadelphia seniors and their caregivers today as she hosted the first of her three annual Senior Expos at the Mayfair Community Center.
Attendees from throughout the community met with exhibitors representing a variety of sectors including government, healthcare, banking, investment, housing and law enforcement, to name a few. Representatives shared information about prescription medication assistance, housing finance, consumer protection, accessibility for the disabled, home healthcare, transportation and estate planning.
“We should make it our highest priority to take care of our older relatives, friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, many families don’t know where to turn for help when life presents them with challenging circumstances,” Senator Tartaglione said. “My hope in hosting these Senior Expos is to provide a single venue where people can find help regardless of their specific needs.”
Individuals who were unable to attend today’s event may benefit from many of the same resources at Senator Tartaglione’s two upcoming Senior Expos. The first will be on Oct. 4 at St. Anne’s Rectory-PAL, 2328 E. Lehigh Ave.; followed by Oct. 11 at Fox Chase Recreation Center, 7901 Ridgeway St. All Expos run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call the senator’s district office at 215-533-0440 or 215-291-4653 (Spanish) for information.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at william.kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Septiembre 27, 2018 | News Releases
Septiembre ofrece la oportunidad de aprender sobre las lesiones medulares, reconocer los retos diarios a los que se enfrentan las personas lesionadas y reconocer sus logros.
FILADELFIA, PA, 27 de septiembre de 2018 - El Senado de Pensilvania adoptó por unanimidad una resolución presentada por la senadora Christine Tartaglione esta semana que reconoce septiembre como el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre la Lesión de la Médula Espinal en la Commonwealth.
"Más de 300.000 estadounidenses viven con lesiones medulares, entre ellos 40.000 veteranos militares y miles de ciudadanos de Pensilvania", declaró Tartaglione. "Cada 48 minutos, otro estadounidense queda paralítico por una lesión medular. Eso significa que este año habrá cerca de 12.000 nuevos pacientes con lesiones medulares en Estados Unidos."
"Este mes nos ofrece la oportunidad de aprender sobre las lesiones medulares, reconocer los retos diarios a los que se enfrentan las personas lesionadas y reconocer los logros de aquellos estadounidenses que viven con lesiones medulares."
La senadora Tartaglione ha superado muchos retos desde que se lesionó la columna vertebral en un accidente de navegación en 2003 y ha sido una de las principales defensoras en la legislatura de Pensilvania de las personas con lesiones medulares, así como de aquellas con otros retos físicos e intelectuales. Fue una de las principales impulsoras de la creación de la Oficina para Personas con Discapacidad de Pensilvania, que sirve como recurso único de información sobre los servicios de apoyo disponibles para las personas que se enfrentan a retos físicos e intelectuales.
Designado por primera vez por el Senado de Estados Unidos en 2013, el Mes Nacional de Concienciación sobre la Lesión Medular permite a los defensores destacar los avances médicos recientes y compartir la necesidad urgente de nuevos tratamientos para reducir, revertir y prevenir la parálisis.
"Toda persona con una lesión medular merece la oportunidad de tener una mejor calidad de vida", afirma Tartaglione.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Septiembre 26, 2018 | News Releases
The event coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month and will feature many exhibitors offering information about accessibility products and services.
HARRISBURG, PA, Septiembre 26, 2018 – Sen. Christine Tartaglione invites the community to the Pennsylvania Capitol on Miércoles, Oct. 3, to learn about a multitude of resources available to persons with disabilities. Tartaglione’s annual Disability Awareness Day will be held in the Main Rotunda from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and feature many exhibitors offering information about accessibility products and services.
Disability Employment Awareness Day coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout Octubre. This month-long national campaign raises awareness about disability employment issues and honors the many contributions of workers with disabilities. The observance further promotes positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities and endeavors to expand ideas about what youths with disabilities can achieve when they receive encouragement and support for their ambitions.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact William Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at william.kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Septiembre 25, 2018 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, PA, Septiembre 25, 2018 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione invites older Philadelphians and their primary caregivers to the first of her three annual Senior Expos this Jueves at the Mayfair Community Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Expo will offer free health screenings and information about a multitude of senior programs and services offered by dozens of public agencies and private providers. Topics will include healthcare, housing, financial services and crime prevention. This annual series of events will continue Jueves, Oct. 4, at St. Anne’s Rectory PAL Center; then on Jueves, Oct. 11, at Fox Chase Recreation Center.
Jueves, Sept. 27: Mayfair Community Center, 2990 Saint Vincent St.
Jueves, Oct. 4: St. Anne’s Rectory-PAL Center, 2328 E. Lehigh Ave.
Jueves, Oct. 11: Fox Chase Recreation Center, 7901 Ridgeway St.
For Information (public): Call 215-533-0440 or 215-291-4653 (Spanish).
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
by Christin Brown | Agosto 23, 2018 | News Releases
La música, la pintura de caras, los caballos de la policía y la entrega de mochilas para la vuelta al cole por parte del senador hicieron que fuera una ocasión especial para cientos de niños y sus cuidadores.
FILADELFIA, PA, 23 de agosto de 2018 - El sol y los niños sonrientes destacaron la tercera y última ronda de la serie anual de Picnic Comunitario de la senadora estatal Christine Tartaglione hoy, ya que cientos de jóvenes y sus cuidadores acudieron al Centro de Recreación Fox Chase para un evento que se ha convertido rápidamente en una de las atracciones más populares del calendario de verano local.
En su segundo año en Fox Chase, el encuentro mantuvo el impulso generado por los dos anteriores picnics comunitarios del senador Tartaglione, el 2 de agosto en Fairhill Square Park y el 16 de agosto en Wissinoming Park. La música de DJ, los refrescos gratuitos, la pintura de caras, los caballos de la policía de Filadelfia, los sorteos de cestas de regalo y una gran variedad de vendedores mantuvieron a los visitantes entretenidos e informados durante toda la mañana y las primeras horas de la tarde. La emoción alcanzó su punto álgido cuando el senador Tartaglione repartió mochilas y material escolar gratuito a los niños asistentes.
En total, el senador distribuyó 250 mochilas a los jóvenes estudiantes de Fox Chase, y unas 1.100 en los tres picnics combinados.
"Esto nunca habría sido posible sin el apoyo de muchos donantes generosos y socios de la comunidad", dijo el senador Tartaglione. "Estos picnics comunitarios reúnen a empresas, organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro y organismos públicos con un objetivo común: defender la educación de nuestros hijos. Es muy reconfortante y satisfactorio saber que los picnics son cada vez más grandes cada año, con muchos socios nuevos y mucha más atención pública."
A pocos días del comienzo del curso escolar 2018-19 para muchos niños de la localidad, la oportunidad de adelantarse a las compras de la vuelta al cole fue un gran atractivo para sus cuidadores, al igual que la oportunidad de pasar un templado día de finales de verano en un entorno similar a un parque.
"Me gusta enseñar a los niños a devolver y creo que esta fue una forma de que los niños vieran que cuando das a tu comunidad, las cosas buenas vuelven a ti", dijo Marie Louissaint, consejera de Early Learning Children's Academy de Rising Sun Avenue. "Estaban entusiasmados, sobre todo cuando vieron a los agentes de policía montados y la pintura de caras. El camión de bomberos gustó mucho a los más pequeños. Ahora tienen un nuevo comienzo (de curso), un bonito nuevo comienzo".
Los niños no fueron los únicos en beneficiarse. Dejando a un lado la diversión y los juegos, muchos de los mayores encontraron algo de tiempo para recabar información valiosa sobre una plétora de temas, como la asistencia sanitaria a domicilio, las tecnologías de asistencia para discapacitados, la atención diurna y la rehabilitación de adultos, los seguros y el registro para votar.
Muchos de los mismos ponentes también participarán en las próximas Exposiciones para Mayores del senador Tartaglione, una serie anual de eventos que se celebrarán el 27 de septiembre en el Mayfair Community Center (2990 Saint Vincent St.), el 4 de octubre en el St. Ann's Rectory PAL (2328 E. Lehigh Ave.) y el 11 de octubre en el Fox Chase Rec Center (7901 Ridgeway St.). Todas las Expos Senior será de 10 a.m. a 1 p.m. Llame a las oficinas del distrito del senador Tartaglione en 215-533-0440 o 215-291-4653 para obtener información.
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Si desea más información sobre este tema, póngase en contacto con William Kenny en el 215-533-0440 o por correo electrónico en William.Kenny@pasenate.com.
