Good Morning Neighbors!

Raising wages & protecting workers are two big issues I care about. 💰👷 In the past week of budget hearings, our Appropriations Committee explored raising the minimum wage, growing well-paying careers, keeping workers safe, supporting older adults, investing in mental health, & protecting our environment.

See what our great commonwealth is up to below!

$15 Minimum Wage in PA

Costs continue to rise, and nobody can live on a $7.25 poverty minimum wage. I spoke with PA Labor Secretary Walker about raising the wage to at least $15 and indexing the minimum wage to inflation. We also discussed my bills to fund security investments for transit and hospital workers.

Image: Photo of me, about to speak during a hearing

Click on the image above to see PA Labor Secretary Walker & I talk about ensuring workers are paid fairly and kept safe at work

Lead-Free Schools

We can be proud of our Philadelphia City Council and those advocates who worked to demand (and fund) the implementation of lead-filtering hydration stations at all Philly schools. Councilmember Helen Gym and Penn Environment teamed up to create legislation in 2022, and today all Philly schools have at least three lead-filtering hydration stations. However, other kids across PA are still drinking water with lead.

Last week, I held a hearing to discuss my bipartisan bill with PA Rep. Roni Green to require all schools to have lead-filtering water fountains and have our government fund lead removal in all PA schools. Click on the photo below to see a clip of our hearing!

Image: Photo of me, asking a question during Education hearing

988 & Supporting the Mental Health of our Community

988 is the emergency # people can call during a mental health crisis, including considering suicide.

I spoke with the PA Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) about posting the 988 number and other suicide prevention resources in all state parks and forests. My bipartisan bill would ensure this happens.

Click on the image below to see a clip of our conversation.

Image: Photo of me, asking a question during DCNR hearing

Holding Corporate Polluters Accountable

The recent fire at SPS Technologies in nearby Jenkintown, PA was concerning, especially because of the potential threat it posed to neighbors and the environment.

I’m working on a bill that would ensure that corporations and other entities responsible for potential environmental disasters notify residents within hours of the incident and receive hefty fines for the damage they cause to our communities.

Last week, I spoke with the PA Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, Jessica Shirley, about keeping neighbors safe during environmental disasters.

Click on the photo below to see a clip of our conversation.

Supporting Families Living with Alzheimer's & Other Dementias

PA Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich and I spoke last week about the new division in the Department of Aging that PA House Aging Committee Chair Maureen Madden and I created with our legislation that Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law last year. The division is progressing and will soon be able to support families dealing with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias.

We also briefly discussed another program I am trying to create with State Rep. Andre Carroll, which would codify the SHARE housing program in Pennsylvania, helping older adults and young adults secure stable housing.

Click the photo of the Secretary and me below to hear our discussion!

Image: Photo of me and Secretary Kavulich, walking down the Manayunk towpath

Talking Labor & Legal Issues with East Falls’ Own Joe Dougherty!

I recently spoke on WWDB Talk 860 with East Falls own host Joe Dougherty and attorney John Zervanos for an hour-long show on labor and health care issues.

We had a wide-ranging talk about my bills around protecting hospital and transit workers, $15 minimum wage, safe nursing staffing, and preventing future community hospital closures like MCP and Hahnemann.

Click on the image of me below to hear the podcast here.

Photo Credit: Tommy Tucker, Chestnut Hill Local

More Teen Job Opportunities!

Our office helped to secure a $90,000 federal grant that will allow over 50 kids to get summer internships through North Light!! These work experiences will help kids 13-16 develop critical skills, including leadership & financial literacy!

Image: Packing meals with my mom last year at North Light

North Light is also now an approved site for issuing work permits to teens aged 14–17! Now kids in our community have better access to connecting to job opportunities!

For more details, visit North Light Community Center's Teen Services.

Image: Flyer with information about North Light’s CIT program

Community Health Fair

Family Practice and Counseling Network is hosting a free health fair for older adults. The Philadelphia Corporation of Aging, Senior Law, CARIE & Innovage will be there to talk about their services. Free Older Adult Care Packages!

Wed. March 5 from 11am-1pm

4700 Wissahickon Ave., Building D

(South Abbotsford Avenue & Wissahickon Avenue)

Contact: Amika Miller (215) 667- 1286.

Image: Flyer with information about Senior Support Day Event

Who Represents You in Washington?

Big decisions are being made in Washington that impact our community—from public school and healthcare funding to federal grants. If you have concerns about federal programs or policies —I know do— our office has put together a flyer with key contact information (see below). Whether it’s about recent government actions or issues like Social Security, Medicare, or veterans' benefits, contacting your federal elected officials is an important way to make your voice heard!

Image: Flyer with information about federal government contacts