by Christin Brown | November 2, 2017 | News Releases
Newly enacted legislation provides local, state authorities with tighter control over nuisance shops that sell alcohol
Senator Tartaglione shakes hands with Gov. Tom Wolf
PHILADELPHIA, PA – November 2, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione, Gov. Tom Wolf, Mayor Jim Kenney and legislators from throughout Philadelphia yesterday celebrated the enactment of new legislation that will help local and state authorities curb nuisance shops that sell alcohol. The governor hosted a ceremonial bill signing at Devereaux United Methodist Church in the city’s Allegheny West neighborhood, a community where residents have long complained about the negative impact of so-called “stop-and-go” stores.
“Stop and go shops that disregard the obligations of their state-issued liquor licenses have become a scourge in many areas of my district and throughout Philadelphia,” Senator Tartaglione said. “Children should not be confronted with these nuisances while walking to and from school every day. Parents should be able to send their kids to the corner store for a carton of milk or a bag of candy without having to worry about people loitering and drinking in the doorway.”
Stop-and-gos are small convenience stores, delis or gas stations that hold liquor licenses and sell alcoholic beverages by the bottle or can. Many also sell hard liquor by the shot. Their licenses require that they offer prepared food, seating and restrooms for patrons, but many do not. Many of the businesses attract or provoke loitering, public drinking, underage drinking and more serious crimes. Typically, their liquor licenses are subject to biannual renewal. Often, a business will appear compliant during the renewal process but deteriorate into non-compliance shortly thereafter.
The new provisions added to Pennsylvania’s Fiscal Code will allow state liquor enforcers to act immediately on complaints from local authorities, such as police. Those complaints would trigger prompt inspections that could result in the administrative suspension of a non-compliant business’ liquor license by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The license would remain suspended until the business complies with the liquor code. The new administrative process also includes provisions for follow-up inspections to ensure that the business remains compliant.
“This new set of regulations will be a valuable enforcement tool allowing local authorities and the LCB to respond promptly to valid community complaints,” Tartaglione said.
Cities and towns in other parts of Pennsylvania experience similar problems, the governor explained.
“I am proud to sign this legislation that will help neighborhoods in Philadelphia and throughout the state deal with nuisance bars that can disrupt communities,” Governor Wolf said. “This increased inspection authority will help us to separate good and responsible owners from the bad actors, and will greatly improve our ability to crack down on the bad actors to protect our neighborhoods, making them better places to live and safer places for children and families.”
During her public comments, Senator Tartaglione noted that many state lawmakers have been trying for decades to forward legislation that would rein in stop-and-gos. A recent bill in the Senate was on the verge of being referred into committee where additional language related to liquor privatization may have been tacked onto the anti-nuisance measure, Senator Tartaglione said.
Instead, the bill’s supporters were able to include the anti-nuisance language within the broader Fiscal Code legislation. The new code takes effect immediately.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at [email protected].
by Christin Brown | October 30, 2017 | News Releases
Families will celebrate Halloween while learning how to prepare for the winter months
PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 30, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione and state Rep. Jason Dawkins invite families to celebrate Halloween at the Harvest Resource Festival and Children’s Fright Night on Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wissinoming Park in Philadelphia.
Children are encouraged to attend in costume while enjoying lively games and candy giveaways. Meanwhile, parents will be offered valuable information about seasonal programs to help them prepare for the cold-weather months, including Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP energy assistance program, home weatherization and other state-related services.
WHO: State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione and state Rep. Jason Dawkins
WHAT: Harvest Resource Festival and Children’s Fright Night
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 5 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Wissinoming Park, 5801 Frankford Ave. (Entrance on Cheltenham Avenue)
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at [email protected].
by Christin Brown | October 28, 2017 | News Releases
These valuable tips can prevent the sweetest holiday of the year from turning sour
PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 28, 2017 – Halloween is one of the sweetest times of the year. It’s the first big holiday of the autumn. It’s a rare opportunity for kids, young and old, to dress up like their favorite ghoul, goblin, witch or superhero. And topping it all off, people give away free candy – mountains of it in fact.
Yet despite the sheer joy of the occasion, safety must be an essential consideration. That’s why state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione has partnered with Philadelphia Police Capt. Thomas McLean to offer these valuable safety tips for the holiday.
“While children are thinking about what costume they’ll choose and what neighbors will be giving out the best treats, parents can do a lot of things to make sure that nothing spoils the fun,” the senator said.
“We just encourage parents to be involved on Halloween night,” Capt. McLean said. “Make sure kids are closely supervised, candy is inspected and kids aren’t all alone out on the streets.”
On Halloween evening, Sen. Tartaglione plans to attend a community gathering in her district at Wissinoming Park along with state Rep. Jason Dawkins. Meanwhile, McLean’s 2nd Police District will send out a specially decorated patrol car to bring candy to neighborhood children and reinforce the partnership between the community and his officers.
Leading up to the holiday, Sen. Tartaglione is sharing a list of specific tips that families can use to enjoy a safe Halloween. A copy of this tip sheet is accessible via SenatorTartaglione.com.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at [email protected].
by Christin Brown | October 27, 2017 | News Releases
Public and private providers shared valuable information on topics ranging from healthcare and financial services to housing and consumer protection
PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 27, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione is a firm believer in preventative medicine. On Thursday morning, she let her arm do her talking on the subject.
Sen. Tartaglione chose her own Senior Expo at Fox Chase Recreation Center to receive her annual flu shot courtesy of Rite Aid. The Pennsylvania-headquartered pharmacy chain was among 60 public and private agencies and service providers who participated in the senator’s third Senior Expo of the year and her first ever at the Northeast Philadelphia venue.
Hundreds of attendees benefitted from presenters representing a variety of sectors including government, healthcare, banking and investment, housing and law enforcement, to name a few. Representatives from the state’s PACE program were there helping low income folks apply for prescription coverage. An investigator from Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office instructed visitors how to protect themselves from consumer fraud and scams. Temple University Health System and its neighborhood affiliate, Jeanes Hospital, offered a multitude of information about preventative, acute and emergency care.
For Senator Tartaglione, the event was more than just business however. She reveled in renewing many longtime personal acquaintances who reside in district. Handshakes and hugs were the order of the day.
“This is really the fun part of my job, getting to see everyone’s smiling faces,” the senator said. “They bring a lot of joy to me. I only hope they benefit from the resources we’ve tried to share with them.”
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at [email protected].
by Christin Brown | October 24, 2017 | News Releases
Harrisburg, PA – October 24, 2017 – This morning, elected officials stood with advocates to push for an expansion of Pennsylvania’s hate crime definition.
As state law currently stands race, color, religion or national origin are protected classes under the hate crimes statute. Pending legislation in the Senate (SB 96) and House (HB 505) would reenact Act 143 of 2002 and again extend these protections to include ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity.
Republicans, Democrats, Representatives, Senators, activists, and the Lieutenant Governor all expressed their disappointment that this bill is not yet law – and urged the General Assembly to move quickly to protect more Pennsylvania citizens from hate crimes.
“I think we’ve all watched the news lately and seen unspeakable acts of violence and discrimination being waged against targeted groups and individuals. We’ve seen people in the disability community targeted, we’ve seen LGBT people targeted, we’ve seen black, Jewish, Muslim, and Latino people and communities targeted across the country and right here at home,” said Senator Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia), the prime sponsor of the Senate Bill, said. “We must not allow these discriminatory practices to continue, nor allow unprotected populations to remain unrepresented here in this building.”
“If you can’t find it in your heart to protect vulnerable citizens from bigotry fueled violence, maybe you can look at your wallet,” said Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack. “The job creators of the 21st century, like Amazon, want to do business in a state where their employees — all of their employees — are valued and protected. Holding up civil rights legislation in our legislature sends the wrong message about what kind of state we are.”
“Pennsylvania’s lack of protections against hate crimes for LGBT communities and persons with disabilities is a national embarrassment. We remain the only state in the northeast to not enshrine protections against hate crimes for these groups into law,” Representative Kevin Boyle (D-Philadelphia), the prime sponsor of the House bill, said. “I have introduced this bill for two consecutive sessions to add these protections but it has never been brought to a vote. Our legislature is failing its duty to protect the citizens of this commonwealth, and ignoring the constitutional rights of the physically and intellectually disabled, and the LGBT communities.”
“For those of us who revere the Constitution and appreciate the deep sense of liberty it enshrines, expanding hate crimes protections to include ancestry, disability, and gender identity is the right thing to do in Pennsylvania and around the country,” said Senator Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia).
“By expanding the groups covered by hate crime laws, we are telling everyone that their human and constitutional rights are sacrosanct, and those who attempt to cripple those rights will face the full force of the law,” Representative Thomas Murt (R-Montgomery) said.
“Hate crimes are not committed to cause fear in one person; they are done to cause fear to an entire group – to send a message,” Representative Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) said. “Well, the Pennsylvania General Assembly can send a message this year by passing House Bill 505 and Senate Bill 96. We can send a message that hate crimes based on a person’s ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity will not be tolerated in any corner of this state. As recent events around this country make clear, we must update our laws now to protect more people from heinous acts of violence and hatred.”
“The Philadelphia Bar Association supports and encourages enactment of an amendment to the Pennsylvania ethnic intimidation law to add protections for ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity,” said Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Deborah R. Gross.
For more information and action on the bill, please visit the Legislative Action Network of the Philadelphia Bar Association http://www.philadelphiabar.org/page/LACTakeAction3?appNum=3
by Christin Brown | October 20, 2017 | News Releases
Service dogs and disability simulation devices among the resources and services to be showcased for the public on Monday
HARRISBURG, PA, October 20, 2017– Pennsylvania Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione will welcome the community to the historic State Capitol Rotunda on Monday, Oct. 23, to learn about a multitude of resources available to persons with disabilities. Senator Tartaglione’s annual Disability Employment Awareness Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature dozens of organizations that offer a wide array of products and services ranging from accessibility tools and service dogs to simulation devices that will allow visitors to experience briefly the daily challenges faced by people with physical disabilities.
News media coverage is invited and encouraged.
Disability Employment Awareness Day coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October. Senator Tartaglione was the primary sponsor of a resolution adopted by the Senate recognizing the month-long national effort to raise awareness about disability employment issues and honor 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.
Senator Tartaglione has long been a leading advocate for people with disabilities and knows first-hand of the challenges that confront them every day. She has been overcoming many of the same challenges since she sustained severe spinal injuries in a 2003 boating accident.
Among the many presenters scheduled to participate in Disability Employment Awareness Day are the Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Susquehanna Service Dogs, Temple Accessibility Devices, the Center for Independent Living of Central PA, Unique Source Products & Services, the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation, AgrAbility, the Pennsylvania Initiative on Assistive Technology and Einstein Healthcare Network.
Senator Tartaglione represents the 2nd Senatorial District which serves the Philadelphia neighborhoods of Kensington, Juniata Park, Frankford, Northwood, Oxford Circle, Lawncrest, Wissinoming, Tacony, Mayfair, Holmesburg, Burholme and Fox Chase.
The Pennsylvania State Capitol is at 501 N. Third St., Harrisburg. It was completed in 1902, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. For tour information, visit http://www.pacapitol.com/plan-a-visit/tours.cfm.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bill Kenny at 215-533-0440 or email at [email protected]
by Christin Brown | October 20, 2017 | News Releases
Philadelphia – October 20, 2017 – Pennsylvania Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione partnered with Rep. Jason Dawkins and the Philadelphia-based Women Organized Against Rape on Thursday evening to facilitate a vital and timely discussion about sexual violence prevention.
About 40 women and men, including numerous sexual violence survivors, joined the legislators at the Wissinoming Park recreation center for “Conversations That Matter,” an informative presentation by WOAR Education Specialist LaQuisha Anthony. Every two minutes in the United States, someone is sexually assaulted, Anthony said. In an effort to shed light on this disturbing trend, Tartaglione recently co-sponsored a Senate resolution designating October 2017 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.
“The first step in stopping sexual violence is recognizing and acknowledging the true prevalence of the problem,” Tartaglione said. “Then we must educate everyone – women, men, parents, children and young adults – about the resources available to them through victim advocacy organizations like Women Organized Against Rape.”
Dawkins urged attendees to continue their discussion of sexual violence prevention beyond the scope of Thursday night’s dialogue.
“October is awareness month but it has to be a topic 12 months, 365 days a year,” Dawkins said. “I think this is the start of a very powerful discussion and hope you all go out and share what you heard tonight.”
WOAR, a nonprofit organization serving all of Philadelphia, offers a crisis response hotline around the clock seven days a week that sexual violence victims can use to speak with a live WOAR staff member or specially trained volunteer. The phone number is 215-985-3333. WOAR offers crisis counseling and referrals, serving clients that have ranged in age from 2 to 84.
WOAR also offers in-school educational programs for pre-kindergarten classes through fifth grade, along with workshops and training sessions for
workplaces, parents groups, college and university settings and psychological support groups.
In addition, WOAR partners with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape to operate a rape crisis center at 300 E. Hunting Park Ave. where victims can receive specialized medical treatment including a forensic examination in a private and caring setting.
More recently, WOAR has worked to establish and grow its Safe Bars Philly program which trains bar managers and staff to identify inappropriate behaviors in the bar, safely intervene when warranted and promote a culture of respect, safety and support for all.
For information about all WOAR programs, call 215-985-3315 or visit www.woar.org.
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by Christin Brown | April 25, 2017 | News Releases
Harrisburg – April 25, 2017 – A $15 million transfer to temporarily aid the processing of unemployment compensation claims, remove backlogs and result in the hiring of 200 workers laid off last year was signed into law as Act 1 yesterday afternoon by Gov. Tom Wolf, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today.
Tartaglione, who serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, was cited by the governor along with other labor committee leaders for their work in moving the measure (Senate Bill 250) through the General Assembly.
The funding imbroglio that imperiled the claims system, created delays, closed call centers and prompted the furloughing of 500 call center workers in December emerged when Republican lawmakers questioned how prior funding transfers to Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund (SIIF) were used.y
Tartaglione issued the following statement concerning the temporary funding fix that was approved by the governor:
“The $15 million in temporary funding will result in the rehiring of 200 workers, reduce call times and improve access to the claims system. However, all recognize that this is a short-term solution and that we all need to get back to work ensuring that resources are available to process claims and help those who are unemployed over the long haul.
“For too long, the system was in flux because of the funding issue and men and women who lost their jobs had to overcome even higher obstacles to access benefits. We cannot let this situation happen again. That’s why I am pleased that we are working on a long-term fix in a bipartisan way.”
State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale released his audit of SIIF today. He indicated that while improvements were made to the system, there was a failure to use proper accounting methods and oversight was lacking. His audit found that additional state funds are needed to keep the U.C. call centers operational and working at acceptable levels.
He said the state Department of Labor and Industry indicated it needed $159.5 million in funds over the next four years to maintain service and modernize. He noted that during the SIIF funding impasse, there were long delays and busy signals on 99.3 percent of the calls into call centers.
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by Christin Brown | February 8, 2017 | News Releases
Abortion restrictions adopted, equal pay effort weakened, worker free speech curbed
Harrisburg – February 8, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) issued the following statement harshly critical of the passage of legislation that assails the rights of women and working families.
Tartaglione said there were a number of anti-women and anti-worker measures adopted by the Senate. These include a bill (Senate Bill 3) to prohibit abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy instead of 24 weeks; a watered-down equal pay proposal (Senate Bill 241) that preempts local pay equity ordinances and fails to effectively deal with pay discrimination; and a prohibition (Senate Bill 166) from deducting political donations from the wages of employees.
Tartaglione’s comments follow:
“The new session kicked off with an ideologically driven agenda that assails women and working families. The Senate approved heavy-handed government involvement in women’s health care choices, a weakening of equal pay efforts and restrictions on free speech.
“The new abortion restrictions put government between a women and health choices – a place it should never be. The so-called “pay equity” bill would actually weaken equal pay efforts and reverse important gains made through local ordinances to ensure that women are treated fairly — such as the one adopted in Philadelphia that addresses pay discrimination. Finally, the prohibition of deductions of political contributions from workers’ paychecks would impact workers’ free speech rights.
“Women, workers and working families continue to be treated unfairly. Instead of creating jobs, enhancing education and building up health care, the Senate is being saddled with an extreme agenda that rips away rights.”
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by Christin Brown | February 7, 2017 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
Harrisburg – February 7, 2017 – Senate Democratic Labor and Industry chair Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) offered comments about the proposed $32.3 billion 2017-18 Fiscal Year budget that Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled today before a joint session of the General Assembly.
The plan increases spending slightly over last year, but cuts $2 billion in costs. It would close the $3 billion budget deficit with efficiencies and government reform, but without new broad-based taxes.
Tartaglione said she was particularly pleased with several aspects of the proposed budget including a new job training apprenticeship grant program; the call to increase the minimum wage to $12 per hour; and a renewed effort to close the so-called Delaware corporate tax loophole. Each of these initiatives have been a focus for Tartaglione over a number of sessions.
Tartaglione’s reaction to the spending plan follows:
“The governor has offered a responsible plan that not only deals with the looming budget deficit but makes key investments in job training, job creation, education and social service programs. The budget proposal includes a number of initiatives that I have been involved with including an expansion of apprenticeships to help create jobs, an increase the minimum wage and the closing of the Delaware Loophole.
“Lawmakers face a number of challenges to closing the budget deficit, but the governor has generated an alternative proposal that involves government reforms, efficiencies and structural changes. We have to be very mindful that our state budget invests in programs and services that help working men and women, children, students, seniors and those in need.
“This is a good starting point and one that can help jump-start dialogue leading to an on-time budget that meets the needs of Pennsylvania.”
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by Christin Brown | February 3, 2017 | Minimum Wage, News Releases
Harrisburg – February 3, 2017 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Phila.) today announced that she will introduce legislation to incrementally raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2021.
“An increase in the minimum wage is justified morally and makes sense economically,” Tartaglione said. “It is unconscionable that someone working full 40-hour week at the current minimum wage is in economic peril.”
Under the proposal (Senate Bill 12), the current $7.25 minimum wage would increase to $12 on July 1, 2017 and incrementally go up until it reaches $15 in 2021. An inflation index would then be applied to eliminate the need for any future legislative action on the issue.
Tartaglione has been a long-time advocate of raising the wage. She was instrumental in helping to pass the last increase in 2006. Arguing that workers deserve to be treated more fairly, she has introduced legislation over the last several legislative sessions to hike the rate.
“There are few things that lawmakers can do that directly impacts working families as much as raising the minimum wage,” Tartaglione said. “The General Assembly has failed to act — and working men and women have suffered.”
Pennsylvania last raised the minimum wage in 2006. The federal government raised it to the current $7.25 per hour in 2009. Thirty-one states, five of which surround Pennsylvania, have minimum wages above the federal rate. Nineteen states have passed laws tying minimum wage increases to inflation.
There are approximately 87,000 minimum wage workers in Pennsylvania. A minimum wage worker at 40-hours per week for 52 weeks earns only $15,090 per year. The poverty rate for a family of two is $14,570 per year.
“We need to make sure that the wage is raised to a rate that lifts workers and working families out of poverty,” Tartaglione said. “We need strong legislative support for a robust increase to account for its loss in value since the last time the minimum wage was raised.”
According to the Keystone Research Center, if the minimum wage has been raised with inflation it would be $11 per hour today. An increase in the minimum wage would lift 1. 2 million Pennsylvanians out of poverty.
Tartaglione said her legislation would give municipalities the option of setting a higher minimum wage. The measure would also strengthen requirements for employers to keep accurate records to ensure that they pay the correct wage to workers.
State Rep. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin) has introduced a similar minimum wage increase proposal in the state House of Representatives.
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by Christin Brown | January 18, 2017 | News Releases
Harrisburg – January 18, 2017 – A new website administered by the Pennsylvania Treasury will provide access to information about savings accounts designed to aid individuals with disabilities and their families, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today.
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) website can be accessed at www.paable.gov.
“I am pleased that the state treasury has developed a website that will make it easier for individuals and their families to understand the benefits of the ABLE Act,” Tartaglione said. “Finding new ways to save for housing, medical expenses, education and transportation helps families better manage costs and improve the quality of life.”
PA ABLE accounts provide a way for individuals with qualifying disabilities to save using tax-free savings and investment options.
Tartaglione, along with her colleague Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), help shepherd the legislation that established the program through the legislative process.
“The new website will give interested individuals details about program eligibility and how to establish the accounts,” Tartaglione said. “This is an excellent resource that has important information.”
Treasury will update the website regularly and interested individuals can sign up for e-mails about the program from the treasury. Tartaglione said that a call center has also been created where questions can be answered. The call center can be reached at 855-529-2253.
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by Christin Brown | December 22, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – December 22, 2016 – A $6.3 million contract to improve traffic flow on a section of Allegheny Avenue between Ridge Avenue and Tulip Street in Philadelphia has been awarded by the state Department of Transportation, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said.
“There is an extensive scope of work associated with the contract,” Tartaglione said. “New street lighting plus the installation of sidewalks and stormwater drainage are included in the project.”
Tartaglione said that the project involves a four-and-a-half-mile section of Allegheny Avenue. Construction is expected to start in early 2017. During the course of construction, Allegheny Avenue will remain open but there will be periodic lane restrictions. The work is scheduled to be completed in 2018.
“Once completed, this will be a significant upgrade and traffic flow in this corridor will improve,” Tartaglione said.
The project is fully paid for by federal funding.
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by Christin Brown | December 14, 2016 | News Releases
Op-ed by Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione
For transit workers, the news hasn’t changed much and it certainly hasn’t gotten better. It’s the same story, year after year: “SEPTA bus driver taken to hospital after men throw liquid on her,” “Man charged with assault in punching, beating of SEPTA bus driver,” “Bus driver shooting sparks calls for safety.”
These are just a few of the attacks on transit workers that made the headlines. The sobering truth is that attacks on public transportation workers are not uncommon. They are numerous, vicious and terrifying. As troubling, the General Assembly continues to dawdle and do nothing about the problem.
It’s not as if there isn’t a proposed solution just waiting for action. I’ve introduced a proposal to deal with this issue for many years. Last session, it was Senate Bill 269. The session before, Senate Bill 282. The one before that Senate Bill 236.
In 2012, I took to the Senate floor in Harrisburg and gave a speech imploring my colleagues to act to protect transit workers. I commented then that during the time my proposal was sitting in committee there were more than 100 assaults committed. A bus driver had been shot, another hit by flying glass and another had three teeth knocked from his mouth by a punch in the face.
To deter these kinds of attacks, my proposed legislation would toughen penalties against those who commit offenses against public transportation workers. The idea is to reduce or eliminate assaults and make our public transportation systems safe for both the transit rider and the transit worker. I will reintroduce legislation protecting workers again in January.
My legislation is not new; the arguments made years ago in support of upgrading offenses remain valid and the focus on protecting workers is sincere.
These attacks were unnecessary and most of them were preventable. Had the legislature passed any of my bills over the years, there is a strong likelihood that we could have halted many of these assaults against transit workers.
Let’s roll back the clock and think of what protections may have been in place by now. If the General Assembly had acted and passed my proposal, our public transit agencies could have embarked on an aggressive public education program that outlined the ramifications of assaulting a transit worker. The higher fine and longer prison sentence — the central feature of my bill — would serve notice that transit workers are protected. The increased prison time and fine would make potential assailants think twice.
Maybe the worker hit with a hot liquid would have gone home after work instead of the hospital. Conceivably, the bus driver punched, pummeled and bitten could have finishing the night shift without incident. Perhaps, the mace used in assaulting another bus driver would have remained in the purse of the attacker.
According to the Amalgamated Transit Union, 30 states have enacted laws with tougher penalties for assaulting transit workers. If we would just act, Pennsylvania would be joining with other states in demonstrating its support for transit workers.
Moving assertively to protect transit workers is the right thing to do. Transit workers are men and women who have constant contact with the public often in difficult, frustrating situations. They work hard and do their jobs well and deserve to be free from assaults.
There is no cost associated with the legislation, it is a responsible, meaningful and strong step that would protect workers. It’s time for the General Assembly act.
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by Christin Brown | November 18, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – November 18th, 2016 – Senators Vincent Hughes and Christine Tartaglione issued the following statements on the failure of the Pennsylvania Senate to extend funding for Labor & Industry service call centers:
Senator Hughes: “I am outraged by the failure of the Pennsylvania Senate Republican leadership to hold a vote to extend funding for unemployment compensation service call centers. Because of this inaction, nearly 600 working people will lose their jobs just one week before Christmas. It also means that thousands of unemployed Pennsylvanians will experience longer wait times when seeking assistance while applying for benefits.
“We must be clear that was a choice made by Senate Republicans for political reasons. They control the Senate calendar and Governor Wolf and Senate Democrats made it clear throughout the fall session that this bill was a priority. The bill should have been voted on October 26 but it was delayed when the Republican pension plan fell apart. Then, on our final session day Wednesday, the bill was marked for a vote but was pulled again after their plan to further limit a women’s right to make her own health decisions failed. Because they twice didn’t get what they wanted, Senator Scott Wagner decided to play Scrooge to 600 workers who will lose their jobs just one week before Christmas.
“The inconsistency in public statements by Senate Republicans is clear proof that this failure to act is pure politics. First, the Senate Republicans tried to blame Governor Wolf even though they control what bills we consider in the Senate. Then, Senator Wagner openly admits that he wanted to cut funding to these call centers and see them shut down. They can’t have it both ways.
“Republicans also cannot simultaneously claim to be the champions of the working class and force the closure of facilities that help people who are unemployed. I call on the Senate Republicans to immediately reconvene the Senate to pass an extension of funding to unemployment compensation service calls centers.”
State Senator Christine Tartaglione, Democratic Chairwoman of Senate Labor & Industry Committee, offered the following statement:
“I join my colleague in calling for Senate Republicans to move on this important issue. I have been calling for the funding to be restored to these calls centers as one of my top priorities for the entire legislative session and offered my own bill, Senate Bill 1335 that would have reauthorized this funding for an additional four years. It is important to realize that this money is available, it simply needs to authorized. There is no reason that the Senate should not have acted to prevent these layoffs. Now, nearly 600 workers will lose their jobs and thousands of unemployed Pennsylvanians will see diminished services.”
State Senator Vincent Hughes represents the 7th Senatorial District and is the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Christine Tartaglione represents the 2nd Senatorial District and is the Democratic Chair of the Senate Labor & Industry Committee.
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by Christin Brown | November 16, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – November 16, 2016 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione has been selected by her peers to lead the Philadelphia delegation in the Senate.
“As delegation chair, I will have an incredible opportunity to influence statewide policy and ensure that Philadelphia’s needs are addressed,” Tartaglione said. “There are a great many policy challenges and issues that are important to the city and its citizens that can be resolved if our delegation is united.”
Seven Senate Democrats represent Philadelphia in the 50-member body. Tartaglione is succeeding Sen. Shirley Kitchen who is retiring at the end of this term.
“I have proudly served the City of Philadelphia for many years,” Tartaglione said. “I am well aware of the problems and issues it faces, but I am also confident of its future.
“Leading the delegation is a great honor, but it also carries with it tremendous responsibilities.”
Tartaglione was elected to the state Senate in 1994. She is the long-time Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. Previously, she worked as an executive in the state treasurer’s office and was business representative of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.
Tartaglione credited Kitchen for her strong delegation leadership over the last several sessions.
“In the next session, Senate Democrats will face a great many tough and controversial issues where strong leadership is needed,” Tartaglione said. “I hope to keep our delegation together and strong as it works to solve problems and improve lives.”
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by Christin Brown | November 4, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – November 4, 2016 – Gov. Tom Wolf signed legislation into law that will help 44,000 seasonal and cyclical workers gain eligibility for unemployment compensation insurance, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said.
Tartaglione, who is the Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, helped develop and shepherd the measure through the legislative process. The bill (House Bill 319) was signed into law on Nov. 3.
The legislation reduces the percentage of income earned outside an employee’s high quarter in order to be eligible for unemployment compensation benefits.
The formula was changed four years ago by Act 60. Under that law, a worker earning less than 49.5 percent of income in the three quarters outside the high quarter was ineligible for UC benefits. The legislation reduces the percentage to 37 percent and restores it to the previous rate.
The change is estimated to benefit 44,000 workers.
Tartaglione said she was very pleased that Gov. Tom Wolf signed the measure into law. She released the following statement in support of the governor’s action:
“I am pleased that the governor signed the unemployment compensation measure into law. Seasonal and cyclical workers should not be ineligible for benefits because they earn a large portion of their wages in a single quarter. This measure is about fairness for our construction workers, and other seasonal workers, who experience periods of intense work following by lulls in employment.”
The lowering of the earning percentage removes an eligibility hurdle that proved far too high for too many workers and their families, Tartaglione said.
The legislation also includes other measures to ensure that the U.C. Trust Fund remains fiscally sound.
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by Christin Brown | October 26, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – October 26, 2016 – Legislation designed to fix a problem created four years ago by a change in the unemployment compensation law that has impacted seasonal/cyclical workers cleared the Senate and will now go back to the state House of Representatives for concurrence, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said.
House Bill 319 changes how unemployment benefits are calculated as it relates to seasonal and cyclical workers. Under current law, a worker earning less than 49.5 percent of income in the three quarters outside the high quarter was ineligible for UC benefits. The legislation reduces the percentage to 37 percent and restores it to the previous rate. The change is expected to make an estimated 44,000 seasonal workers eligible for benefits.
Tartaglione serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. She was involved in helping craft the change and issued the following comments about the legislation:
“For several years, seasonal and cyclical workers and their families have had to deal the inadvertent consequences of the previous change in the unemployment compensation law. If approved by the House, this legislation makes those workers who were affected eligible for benefits.
“We cannot wait another year to repair this flaw in the statute. I am hopeful that the House will adopt this measure and the governor will sign it into law.”
House Bill 319 passed the Senate on a 39-8 vote.
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by Christin Brown | October 25, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – October 25, 2016 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said that an amendment was approved by the Senate today that would aid seasonal/cyclical workers who were negatively impacted by a change in the unemployment compensation (UC) law adopted four years ago.
The amended legislation (House Bill 319) is expected to be considered for final passage in the Senate tomorrow.
“It is imperative that we restore unemployment compensation eligibility for seasonal and cyclical workers who were disadvantaged by the law,” Tartaglione said. “Far too many workers were negatively impacted and this needs to be rectified as soon as possible.”
Tartaglione said the legislation was amended to reduce the percentage of income earned outside an employee’s high quarter in order to be eligible for unemployment compensation benefits.
The formula was changed four years ago by Act 60. Under that law, a worker earning less than 49.5 percent of income in the three quarters outside the high quarter was ineligible for UC benefits. The legislation reduces the percentage to 37 percent and restores it to the previous rate.
Tartaglione said the change is estimated to benefit 44,000 workers. She said many of the workers are in the building trades who became victims of the unintended consequences of the change.
“Families were needlessly impacted and lives disturbed,” Tartaglione said. “Seasonal and cyclical workers were being penalized through no fault of their own.”
Tartaglione, who serves as Democratic chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, was involved in negotiating the legislative language to help the workers, in addition to other provisions in the legislation.
She said that she was pleased with the bipartisan work that went into developing the amendment and thanked the chair of the committee, Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) for her assistance.
The amendment includes a number of other UC provisions including an increase in the reserve, a modification of the benefit rate, amnesty and anti-fraud provisions and solvency trigger changes that are intended to preserve the integrity of the UC Trust Fund.
The amendment was approved on a 39-9 vote.
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by Christin Brown | October 14, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – October 14, 2016 – A $2 million state grant was approved for Nueva Esperanza, Inc. to renovate and build on its campus in North Philadelphia, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today.
“This grant is excellent news,” Tartaglione said. “The funding will allow renovations to occur and new construction to take place at the campus.”
Tartaglione said that the state grant will address various needs on Esperanza’s 7-acre campus. The project includes the addition of a middle school gym, theatre and removal of a blighted building.
“The grant will address immediate needs and bolster the quality of the physical plant at Esperanza,” Tartaglione said. “The facility’s footprint will change as a result of the removal of the blighted building which will open up more parking and landscaping at the site.”
Tartaglione said the grant was approved through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). RACP grants can be used for acquisition and construction of economic development projects in a number of categories including cultural, civic, recreation and historical.
“I am very pleased that the governor has released funding for this important project” Tartaglione said. “The ability to access state funds for critical local projects is essential to transforming communities and expanding services.”
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by Christin Brown | October 12, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg – Oct. 12, 2016 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today reminded seniors that she is hosting two Senior Expos in Philadelphia in October.
“The Senior Expos provide very valuable information,” Tartaglione said. “There will be free health screenings and representatives of various agencies will be on hand to answer questions and help seniors navigate government programs.”
The first expo is being held on Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Mayfair Recreation Center, 2900 St. Vincent Street in Philadelphia. The Senior Expo begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m.
Tartaglione’s second Senior Expo in October is scheduled for Oct. 27 at Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, 1100 East Erie Avenue beginning at 10 a.m..
“It is important for seniors and their caregivers to have access to crucial programs and services that aid seniors,” Tartaglione said. “Senior expos are an excellent way to open lines of communication and gain insight into how various programs can be helpful.”
Tartaglione said that all seniors and primary caregivers are invited to attend.
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by Christin Brown | September 28, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg − Sept. 28, 2016 − State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) today presented a copy of a Senate resolution declaring Sept. 10, 2016 as “World Suicide Prevention Day” to a group of advocates and families in the Capitol Rotunda.
Sen. Tartaglione at the “World Suicide Prevention Day” event in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.
“The goal in declaring ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ and presenting a copy of the resolution to advocates and families is to raise awareness about how suicides are a major health concern,” Tartaglione said. “The hope is that we can save lives by calling attention to this very difficult issue.”
Tartaglione said that each year on Sept. 10 the International Association for Suicide Prevention and World Health Organization (WHO) observe “World Suicide Prevention Day.”
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. There are about 800,000 people who die from suicide every year, according to WHO. Suicide survivors are 25 times more likely to commit suicide in the future.
“Heightened awareness about suicides may result in a friend in distress going to see a mental health professional for treatment,” Tartaglione said.
On behalf of Gov. Tom Wolf, Tartaglione also presented a gubernatorial proclamation to the advocates and families.
Tartaglione’s legislation, Senate Resolution 425, was approved by the full Senate on Sept. 26.
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by Christin Brown | September 26, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg − Sept. 26, 2016 − Legislation designed to preserve a fund that aids in the processing, administration and adjudication of unemployment claims has cleared the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, according to the bill’s sponsor state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia).
“The Service and Infrastructure Fund was created to help process unemployment compensation claims, remove backlogs and make the system more efficient,” Tartaglione said. “Unemployed workers should be assured that their claims are handled quickly and that the benefits they are due will be promptly disbursed.”
Tartaglione said that her legislation (Senate Bill 1335) would extend the fund until 2020. The fund was created in 2013 to address system backlogs and make improvements in claim processing. Funds can be also be used for staff and employee training, information technology and other improvements.
“The fund was created to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the unemployment claims processing system,” Tartaglione said. “My legislation would ensure that resources will continue to be available.”
The legislation requires Labor and Industry to report yearly to the General Assembly on the status of the fund. The amount in the fund may not exceed $200 million.
Unemployment Compensation provides 26 weeks of benefits for those who lose a job through no fault of their own.
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by Christin Brown | September 14, 2016 | News Releases
Harrisburg, Sept. 14, 2016 − State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) announced today that her office will be hosting a Mobile District Office each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CORA, 8540 Verree Road in Philadelphia.
“My staff will be available every Thursday at CORA to process PennDOT forms, free senior SEPTA passes, Property Tax and Rent Rebate applications and help resolve problems and issues involving state government,” Tartaglione said.
The senator said that the staff can also address PECO and PGW questions, unemployment compensation problems and public assistance inquiries among other concerns.
“Finding ways to bring the services of my office into various communities throughout the district improves an individual’s access to important state and local programs and services,” Tartaglione said.
If local residents have questions about the Mobile District Office at CORA they can call Gizela Burnside at (215) 533-0400 or email at [email protected].
Tartaglione said that if residents are unable to visit during mobile district office hours, they can call her permanent district offices in Philadelphia. She has a district office at 1061 Bridge Street that is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that can be reached by phone at (215) 533-0440. Another office is located 2301 Front Street, which is also open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The telephone number for the Front Street office is (215) 291-4653.
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by Christin Brown | June 17, 2016 | News Releases
Casey, Brady, Evans, Carrelli attend demonstration, discussion
Philadelphia – June 17, 2016 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) employed a demonstration of ReWalk — a motorized exoskeleton suit that allows patients with lower limb paralysis to stand and walk – to detail her vision for a clinic to address specific rehabilitation needs of veterans.
“There are so many veterans who might be helped by this technology and other robotic rehabilitative technologies offered by MossRehab and other facilities,” Tartaglione said. “By working together, we can put a new clinic together that will prove beneficial for veterans and change lives.”
Tartaglione demonstrated the suit for U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (D-Phila.), state Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Phila.) and Acting Adjutant Gen. Anthony Carrelli at MossRehab in Elkins Park. Following the demonstration, Tartaglione detailed her plan for the clinic.
“Our men and women in uniform have made tremendous sacrifices for their country, giving what President Lincoln called the ‘last full measure of devotion,'” Casey said. “This state-of-the-art technology will change lives, and help in the rehabilitation needs of our nation’s veterans. I am grateful for Senator Tartaglione’s hard work and determination in improving the lives of our veterans and all persons with disabilities.”
“I thank both Senator Tartaglione for her continuing advocacy and Moss Rehabilitation for its commitment to utilizing the newest technology on behalf of our wounded hero men and women veterans,” Brady said.
“Given the extraordinary sacrifice by those in the military and the need for exceptional rehabilitation facilities for veterans, I felt it was important to detail how a clinic featuring technologies like those at MossRehab can assist veterans,” Tartaglione said.
Tartaglione is seeking federal and state assistance in constructing the clinic. Tartaglione’s idea was supported by officials at MossRehab.
“MossRehab commends Senator Tartaglione’s vision and commitment to the rehabilitation needs of our veterans,” said Thomas Smith, Assistant Vice President of Rehabilitation. “The application of state-of-the-art technology by our clinical experts with a caring personal touch allows MossRehab to further our mission of enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities.”
The senator said she knows from first-hand experience that rehabilitation is incredibly difficult and frustrating, but through the efforts of specialists employing new technologies veterans can receive life-changing services.
“We at MossRehab are thrilled with Senator Tartaglione’s progress and the increasing walking ability, endurance and gains in joint motion she has made by using ReWalk,” said Dr. Alberto Esquenazi, John Otto Haas Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at MossRehab. “Her efforts and determination, combined with staff expertise and advanced technology at MossRehab make this improvement possible.”
Tartaglione said that while it may be challenging to try and address the funding needs associated with the establishment of a clinic to aid veterans, it is worth the effort because of the benefits for veterans.
“Veterans made the sacrifice for us and we need to come through for them when they return with medical issues that requires intensive rehabilitation,” Tartaglione said.
The lawmaker said that it will take a significant effort to educate her colleagues at the state level about the necessity of the clinic and was hoping that the demonstration and discussion with Sen. Casey, Reps. Brady and Evans and Gen. Carrelli will spur federal action.
“I can’t thank Senator Casey, Representative Brady, state Representative Evans and General Carrelli enough for their interest in learning more about the technology and my vision for a clinic to aid veterans,” Tartaglione said.
Tartaglione said she will seek state funding for the clinic in the state budget.
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