E-news Updates - May 23, 2026

In this Update:

Thanking Our Police Officers
Honoring Michael Grieco for His 100^th Birthday!
Congratulations to Holy Family University Class of 2026!
Eagle Scout Ceremony for Jovin Shaji
Visit to C.C.A. Baldi Middle School
Hometown Hero
Mobile Office Hours
Photo of the Month Submission
New Medical and Health Professional Loans Support Graduate Students
Mammo May: Questions to Ask Ahead of Your Mammogram
Honoring Those Who Gave All

Thanking Our Police Officers

In honor of National Police Week, I visited every police district in the 5^th Senatorial District – 2^nd, 7^th, 8^th and 15^th – to deliver treats and personally thank our officers for their service to Northeast Philadelphia.

Our law enforcement works every day to protect our communities, respond in moments of crisis, and help keep our neighborhoods safe. We are grateful for their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to serving residents. Thank you to all the officers who continue to serve our community with professionalism and care.

Honoring Michael Grieco for His 100^th Birthday!

I was honored to celebrate Armed Forces Day at Mission BBQ by presenting a citation to Northeast’s own Michael Grieco in honor of his 100^th birthday!

Mr. Grieco was just 17 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943. As a WWII veteran, he represents a generation of Americans whose courage, sacrifice, and service helped shape the course of our nation’s history. Milestones like this are an important reminder of the value of honoring those who have lived through defining moments in our country and devoted so much in service to others.

It was a privilege to personally thank him for his service and recognize this incredible milestone. Happy birthday!

Congratulations to Holy Family University Class of 2026!

It was an honor to speak at the commencement ceremony for Holy Family University and celebrate their achievements!

During my remarks, I spoke on the importance of perseverance, community, and using your education and experiences to make a positive impact.

To the graduates: No matter where life takes you next, whether it’s graduate school, a new career, public service, or somewhere you haven’t imagined yet, never lose sight of where you came from and the people who helped you get here. Your degree is not the finish line, it’s a foundation. What matters most is what you build with it.

Congratulations to the entire Class of 2026 and thank you to Dr. Prisco and Holy Family University for the opportunity to be a part of such a special day.

Eagle Scout Ceremony for Jovin Shaji

I was proud to recognize Jovin Shaji on earning the rank of Eagle Scout – an achievement that reflects years of hard work, leadership, and commitment to others.

For his Eagle Scout project, Jovin restored and improved a deck at Cradle of Hope, helping create a safer and more welcoming space for mothers and children in need. His dedication to giving back to the community is a great example of the values Scouting helps instill in young leaders.

As a fellow Eagle Scout myself, I know the level of perseverance and commitment it takes to reach this milestone. Congratulations on this well-deserved accomplishment and for making such a positive impact on our community!

Visit to C.C.A. Baldi Middle School

I had a great visit to C.C.A. Baldi Middle School meeting with teachers, students, and staff and seeing the great work happening throughout the school. It was especially exciting to stop by an environmental science class and hear from students about what they’re learning in the classroom.

We also toured the school grounds and discussed future growth and potential expansion opportunities to continue supporting students and families in Northeast Philadelphia. Thank you to Principial Bianca Gillis for the warm welcome, and the entire Baldi team for your dedication and commitment to our students every day.

Hometown Hero

[American flag with white stars and the verbiage: “Hometown Hero” in the center.]

Congratulations to Malya Redick, an incredible student at Franklin Towne on earning admission to Yale University! Proud to see students from our community represent the Northeast so well!

Read the article on Malya here.

Mobile Office Hours

My team and I are bringing constituents services directly into the community! We look forward to seeing you and helping you with any state-related issues.

Photo of the Month

We are excited to launch a new community feature highlighting the people, places, and moments that make Northeast Philadelphia special. Residents can submit photos that capture the spirit of our neighborhoods. We look forward to showing the pride, character, and community that makes Northeast Philadelphia such a great place to live. You can submit your photos here: https://senatorpicozzi.com/photo-of-the-month/

New Medical and Health Professional Loans Support Graduate Students

Female healthcare professional standing in blue scrubs and stethoscope around her neck

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency has launched a new Medical and Health Professional Loan Program to support graduate students in medical, dental, veterinarian and health professional studies.

The program features deferred repayment during residency, fellowship, internship, research and other clinical training, and the potential for reduced reliance on co-signers. This initiative helps fill critical, specialized positions to serve citizens across the commonwealth.

Medical students can apply here. Other health-related students can apply here.

Students pursuing advanced degrees in other areas of study can apply here.

Mammo May: Questions to Ask Ahead of Your Mammogram

White text on pick background reading “Know before you go. Questions to answer before you schedule your diagnostic mammogram, breast MRI or ultrasound.

If you’re taking advantage of the new state law that covers diagnostic breast imaging at no cost for insured individuals, make your Mammo May complete by answering these key questions before you go:

Is this imaging considered screening or diagnostic?
Am I insured under PA law / is my plan state-regulated?
If yes, when will Act 52 take effect for me?
If yes, have I confirmed coverage with my insurer?

Learn more about what you need to know before you go to your appointment here.

Honoring Those Who Gave All

Rows of white grave markers on green grass with small U.S. flags planted near each and flowers planted at grave marker in foreground.

Memorial Day is a time to pause as a nation and honor the memory of Americans who left their hometowns and laid down their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice is a debt we can never fully repay. We owe it to them to tell their stories and do our part as citizens of this great nation to ensure they did not die in vain.

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