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Northeast Philly in Focus: Updates from Senator Picozzi
Office Ribbon CuttingPlease join us for the Grand Opening of our District Office on Thursday, April 17th, from 2 PM to 5 PM at the Parkwood Shopping Center, 12361 Academy Rd. Meet the team, check out our office, and learn how we’re here to serve you. Refreshments will be provided. Appointment to Senate Majority Policy CommitteeI am honored to be appointed as vice chair of the Senate Majority Policy Committee and to serve with Sen. Argall. I am proud to represent Northeast Philadelphia in this new role, bringing a fresh, forward-thinking, urban-Republican perspective from the emerging generation—one rooted in innovative ideas, creative solutions, and a commitment to thinking outside the box. In this role, I will chair public hearings when Sen. Argall is unable to attend, direct majority caucus research efforts, and assist with scheduling and planning public hearings on issues facing people throughout Pennsylvania. Meeting with 2nd Police District OfficersI met with the captain and several officers from the 2nd Police District for a great conversation on public safety in Northeast Philadelphia. We discussed recruitment, retention, and ways to provide officers with the necessary technology and support to keep our community safe. Tour of Saint HubertsBig thanks to St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls for the warm welcome and the chance to tour your beautiful school! I had a great time visiting—and it was nice to see some familiar faces. Our Catholic schools are the bedrock of Northeast Philly, and Saint Hubert’s is a shining example. Visit to Rosemary Montagno Senior CenterThank you to the Rosemary Montagno Senior Center for inviting me to speak at your meeting this month. It was a pleasure to introduce myself to your group, and I look forward to visiting again in the future. Notice to DriversPennDOT will be conducting pothole repairs on the listed roadways. Anticipate intermittent lane closures and possible delays. Motorists are urged to use caution and allow extra travel time. Senate Passes Bill Benefitting Career and Technical SchoolsCareer and technical education prepares students for rewarding, family-sustaining careers, often at a significantly reduced cost compared to attending college. Pennsylvania is in great need of people with this training, and there are many job openings waiting to be filled. To ensure people have the training needed for these jobs, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 315. The legislation would provide more certainty regarding grant funding for career and technical education equipment by making funding calculations before the school year in which the allocation occurs. Currently, schools are reimbursed after they have made purchases based on calculations made near the end of the school year. Read more about career and technical education opportunities in the commonwealth. Program Increasing Digital Connectivity to Provide LaptopsThe Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is accepting applications for its Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Through the program, the PBDA will purchase and distribute $20 million in devices such as laptops for eligible public-facing institutions including libraries, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and other institutions that can offer internet access to individuals who lack the technology. PBDA strongly encourages interested applicants to review the program FAQ before applying. The FAQ, pre-recorded webinar providing an overview of the program, guidelines and online application are available here. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 30. School Safety Report Available NowStudents deserve to feel safe while they’re learning, and their families should be confident that extensive efforts are made to ensure that happens. Senate Republicans have prioritized fostering healthy and safe communities, which include schools. Part of that work includes requiring and conducting a report to evaluate school safety initiatives and how they can be adjusted to more effectively protect students. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee’s report highlighted the need for security assessments of school buildings and certification requirements for school safety and security coordinators. Other key findings include collecting and analyzing more relevant data – such as tips made using the Safe2Say Something Program – and improving how the data already being collected is shared. Find the full report here. Purple Star Schools Support Military ChildrenMilitary children face unique challenges as a result of frequent moves and parental deployments. To give them the best chance of success, Senate Republicans passed Act 69 of 2022. The law created the Purple Star designation for schools that demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families. Many schools have embraced this program and stepped up to help the children of our service members. Purple Star Schools go the extra mile to provide stability, resources and a welcoming community for military children, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. Pennsylvania has 37,000 children with parents serving in the military – and 80% of these children are in kindergarten through grade 12 and attend public schools. Learn more about Purple Star Schools. Passover Begins on April 12Saturday marks the beginning of Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ emancipation from slavery in ancient Egypt. I hope it’s a warm occasion of family and friends for all who observe.
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