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In this Update:
Senate Passes Attainable Housing Package
A package of legislation aimed at expanding access to attainable housing while preserving neighborhood control and neighborhood character passed the Pennsylvania Senate this week, marking a significant step forward in addressing the Commonwealth’s growing housing shortage. Pennsylvania’s housing shortage is no longer a distant concern – it’s a present and growing challenge. If we want to expand access to housing, we need to build more homes, but we need to do it the right way. That means respecting neighborhoods and ensuring growth benefits the people who live there. The package advances a series of reforms designed to increase housing supply, reduce unnecessary barriers to development, and support smart, sustainable growth across Pennsylvania while ensuring communities maintain a voice in how they grow. To read more about the legislation, click this link: Senate Passes Attainable Housing Package – Senator Picozzi Hosting Fox Chase Cancer Center Mobile Mammography Bus
I was proud to partner with Fox Chase Cancer Center to bring a mobile mammogram bus directly to our community, helping make important health screenings more accessible to residents. Access to preventative care and early detection services can make a life-saving difference; I have and will continue to support legislation that expands access to screenings. Thank you to the dedicated team at Fox Chase Cancer Center for their commitment to prevention, patient care, and improving health outcomes across our region! Senior Resource Fair
Our office was proud to participate in Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richarson’s Senior Resource Fair at the Northeast Older Adult Center! Events like these play an important role in connecting seniors with valuable programs, services, and resources throughout our community. Strong intergovernmental partnerships help ensure residents have full access to the support they need, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many organizations dedicated to serving Northeast Philadelphia. Thank you to Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson for bringing so many resources to our local seniors. Officer Appreciation Luncheon with Legacy of Hope
I was glad to attend Legacy of Hope’s Officer Appreciation Luncheon at FOP Lodge 5 and recognize the incredible partnership between their organization and Philadelphia police officers. Legacy of Hope provides support to individuals and families facing cancer by helping them connect with resources, services, and assistance during some of life’s most difficult moments. Through the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and community partners, the organization continues to make a difference for cancer patients across our region. Many Philadelphia police officers have gone above and beyond to support Legacy of Hope’s mission. Thank you to their CEO Michael Rowe, Vice President Gina Marcuso, and everyone who make this important work possible. Edwin Forrest Color Run
I had a great time joining the students and faculty at Edwin Forrest School for their annual Color Run! This tradition was a great celebration of hard work, school spirit, and positive attitudes that students bring every day. It was especially fitting to see so many students “show their stripes” – the school’s motto – in such a fun and colorful way! Thank you to the entire Edwin Forrest community for welcoming me and for organizing a great event! Citation Presentation: Thank you to Dave Schafer at St. Huberts!
I was proud to present a citation to Mr. Schafer in recognition of an extraordinary career in education spanning 5 decades, including 35 years at St. Hubert’s Catholic High School. Throughout his career, Mr. Schafer has helped shape the lives of generations of students through his dedication, leadership, and commitment to education. His impact on St. Hubert and the Northeast Philadelphia community will be felt for years to come. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement and thank you for the difference you have made in the lives of so many students, families, and faculty members. Citation Presentation: Thank you to Grace Giammaruti at St. Chris!
I was honored to recognize Grace Giammaruti for an incredible 49 years of dedication to St. Christopher School as its first gym teacher and one of the most influential members of the St. Chris community. Grace helped establish physical education standards throughout the archdiocese while inspiring students through her passion for fitness, sports, and her school spirit. Her commitment to service also reached far beyond the classroom through charitable initiatives, community events, visits to Shriners Hospital, and countless acts of kindness that touched the lives of students and families alike. Thank you to Grace for your leadership, and congratulations on this well-deserved retirement! 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/ Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age
To make sure state laws keep pace with emerging online threats, the Senate voted to establish a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. Senate Resolution 244 would direct the Joint State Government Commission to convene a task force to review Pennsylvania’s laws, assess new technologies and identify legal gaps in protections for children in the digital environment. The commission will issue a recommendation for action to the General Assembly. The proposal builds on previous work by the legislature: In 2024, we passed a law to combat AI generated child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). In 2025, we acted to classify deepfakes as digital forgery for more severe punishment. The Senate also approved bills to strengthen reporting requirements for AI-generated CSAM and to establish commonsense safeguards for AI chatbots accessible by minors. Read more about our efforts to protect children in the digital age here. Cellphone Law to Reduce Distracted Driving Takes Full Effect
After a one-year warning period, a state law aimed at reducing distracted driving is now fully enforceable. The law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light or other delays. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS and listen to music. Drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees under Paul Miller’s Law. The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was tragically killed in a 2010 Monroe County crash by a tractor trailer operator distracted while reaching for his phone while driving. Read more about this new law here. Remembering D-Day
On June 6, 1944, the fate of Europe would be determined by the largest amphibious invasion in history, including 13,000 aircraft and gliders, 23,400 paratroopers, 5,000 ships and landing craft and 160,000 American, British and Canadian troops. More than 9,000 Allied servicemen were killed or wounded that day in northern France. It is our responsibility as Americans to honor their bravery, tell the stories of their heroism and preserve what they defended so their sacrifices were not in vain. |
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![[Senior Resource 1: Senator Picozzi speaking to a woman sitting in a chair in a hallway with a table in the background with the words “Katherine Gilmore Richardson” on the blue table cover]
[Senior Resource 2: Senator Picozzi alongside Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson and members of the community]](https://senatorpicozzi.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/194/2026/06/senior.jpg)
![[Color Run 1: Senator Picozzi covered in chalk paint in front of a rainbow tunnel at Edwin Forrest. There are children and admin also covered in colorful chalk paint]
[Color Run 2: Senator Picozzi with two team leaders at Edwin Forrest]](https://senatorpicozzi.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/194/2026/06/color.jpg)
