Senator Picozzi E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Visit to Delaware Valley Veterans Home
  • Mayor Parker’s Budget Townhall
  • Meeting With The Northeast Philadelphia Development Corporation
  • Tour of Roosevelt Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
  • Bill Targeting Rise of Deepfake Scams Approved by Senate
  • PA Now Has Concealed Carry Reciprocity with Virginia
  • Funding Available for Community Groups Providing Veteran Suicide Prevention Services

Visit to Delaware Valley Veterans Home

I was honored to visit the Delaware Valley Veterans Home and to thank the heroes who now call this part of Northeast Philadelphia home. These men and women have served our country with great courage and dedication, and their service continues to inspire all of us. Hearing their stories firsthand was a moving experience that deepened my appreciation for their sacrifices.

We owe a profound debt of gratitude to our veterans, not only for their past service but for the example they set for future generations. It is our duty to honor their service by reflecting on the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedoms and by ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve.

Mayor Parker’s Budget Townhall

I recently attended Mayor Cherelle Parker’s budget town hall, where community members from Northeast Philadelphia came together to discuss the city’s upcoming budget priorities. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from residents about their concerns and priorities, from public safety to neighborhood improvements.

During the session, I took questions from Northeast residents and shared updates on how local and city resources are being directed to address their needs. Engaging with neighbors in this way helps ensure that the voices of our community are heard and considered in the decisions that affect their daily lives.

Meeting With The Northeast Philadelphia Development Corporation

I want to thank the Northeast Philadelphia Development Corporation for inviting me to stop by recently. Seeing their work firsthand to bring communities together and welcome new neighbors to Northeast Philly was truly inspiring. It’s clear their efforts are making a real and lasting difference in strengthening our neighborhood.

I especially appreciated the warm welcome I received and enjoyed the chance to learn a little Chinese during my visit. Moments like these remind me of the rich diversity that makes Northeast Philadelphia such a special place,

Tour of Roosevelt Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center

I recently visited Roosevelt Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center and was impressed by the dedication of the staff and their commitment to serving the community. Their ability to communicate in multiple languages, including English, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese, helps ensure that patients can understand their care and feel comfortable throughout their recovery.

During my visit, I also saw how the center focuses on rehabilitation for patients recovering from serious medical conditions. They work hard to help individuals regain their independence and get back to their daily lives. It was clear that Roosevelt plays an important role in supporting the health and recovery of people in our community.

Bill Targeting Rise of Deepfake Scams Approved by Senate

The Senate unanimously voted to stem the rise of “deepfakes” and other forms of digital impersonation by treating them as forgeries punishable by law.

Technology enables individuals to create convincing images, audio and video of others – often without consent – that are nearly indistinguishable from reality. These digital forgeries have been used to commit financial scams and injure personal reputations.

Senate Bill 649 would enact penalties for anyone who creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine to defraud or injure. The measure would protect First Amendment rights and preserve valid expressions of parody, satire and other forms of free speech. Senate Bill 649 is now before the House of Representatives for consideration.

PA Now Has Concealed Carry Reciprocity with Virginia

A new reciprocity agreement allows holders of Pennsylvania Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in Virginia, making it the 30th state that has a concealed carry reciprocity agreement with Pennsylvania.

The agreement resulted from efforts of Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday to maximize reciprocity agreements while protecting standing law and constitutional rights.

 The agreement is only applicable to handguns and requires permit holders to:

  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • Carry photo identification.
  • Display the concealed carry permit when asked by law enforcement.
  • Not have a concealed carry permit previously revoked.

Funding Available for Community Groups Providing Veteran Suicide Prevention Services

Community-based organizations that provide suicide prevention or emergency clinical services to veterans can apply now for grants to support their vital mission.

Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000 and may apply to renew awards from year to year. Grant applications must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by July 18 at 5 p.m. Learn more about eligibility and apply here.

Veterans in crisis are encouraged to call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing one to speak with responders trained in crisis intervention and military culture. All calls are free and confidential. Additionally, Pennsylvania provides many programs and services to support veterans.

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