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In this Update:
Meeting the New Principal of Northeast High School, Andrew Lukov
It was a pleasure to meet with the new principal of Northeast High School, Andrew Lukov, to discuss the vision for the school and the opportunities ahead for its students. As the largest high school in the district, it plays an important role in our community, and I appreciated hearing Principal Lukov’s goals and priorities for the upcoming years. I look forward to building a strong partnership and working together to support our educators, empower students, and advance the shared goals we have for Northeast High School. Wishing Principal Lukov a successful and rewarding first year! Attending the Tacony LAB Thread of History Event
I had a great time joining Tacony LAB and our community for Northeast 250 + Threads of History, celebrating everything that makes Northeast Philadelphia such a special place to call home! Throughout the year, the series has brought neighbors together to learn about local history through hands-on community artmaking, while highlighting the stories that have shaped our neighborhoods. Thank you to Mural Arts Philadelphia, Tacony LAB, and all of the local leaders, volunteers, and community partners whose dedication continues to make the Great northeast stronger. Thank you to Our Summer Interns!
As Anthony and Ilia wrap up their final week as our first round of summer interns, I want to thank them for their hard work and dedication this summer! Anthony, a rising sophomore at the University of Notre Dame, and Ilia, a rising junior at Bryn Athyn College, have been incredible assets to our team/ They have helped residents navigate the Unclaimed Property Program, attended community events like Wawa Welcome America, answered constituent calls, and learned about the many resources available to serve our community. Their professionalism, enthusiasm, and willingness to jump wherever needed have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for everything and I wish you both continued success in the future! Don’t’ be strangers! Do you have a SEPTA Senior Fare Card?If you are 65 or older, you may be eligible for a free SEPTA Senior Fare Card, which provides free travel on SEPTA buses, trolleys, subways, and Regional Rail. Our district office is here to help! We can assist eligible seniors with applying for or renewing their Senior Fare Card right here in our office. Stop by during normal business hours and our staff will walk you through the process. If you have any questions, give us a call at 215-281-2539 or visit us at 12361 Academy Road! Veteran Office Hours
We will be hosting Veteran Office Hours at my district office on July 14th! A Veteran Service Officer will be on hand to assist veterans and their families with benefits, claims, and available resources. 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. Senate Passes Bill to Bring Life-saving Treatments to Market More Quickly
The Senate approved legislation to help get new life-saving treatments and devices to market more quickly while preserving safety standards. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, a pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturer must first complete a lengthy federal process before it can even begin the state licensure process in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1206 allows companies to gain temporary approval under Pennsylvania’s virtual manufacturers’ law, so that once federal approval is granted, these companies can quickly move forward without having to clear additional administrative roadblocks. Read more about Senate Bill 1206 here. Strengthening Medical Imaging Standards
Medical imaging – such as MRIs or x-rays – are essential to diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions and rely on radiation to do so. Performed incorrectly, these tests can cause serious harm to patients. Yet, Pennsylvania is one of only four states that do not have a licensure or certification framework for these professionals. The Senate approved Senate Bill 1334 to create a statewide licensing structure for professionals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. The bill doesn’t require additional schooling or place unnecessary burdens on qualified professionals. It was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1334 here. Empowering Patients to Make Care Decisions
Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) spell out treatments a seriously ill patient does and does not want in an emergency or at the end of life. To empower patients, the Senate passed legislation creating the legal framework for their use across all healthcare settings. These differ from an advance directive, which generally identifies a surrogate decision-maker or provide broad guidance about future care preferences. POLST is a medical order that must be followed immediately, ensuring care aligns with the patient’s wishes in real time. POLST forms are not consistently recognized or applied across all care settings in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 730 provides statutory authority so that these forms are honored statewide by healthcare providers and emergency medical services. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Read more about Senate Bill 730 here. PA Trooper’s Death Highlights Urgent Need to Improve CDL Oversight
Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. was recently killed in the line of duty during a Schuylkill County traffic stop when he was struck by a tractor trailer driven by a person who was in the country illegally. I mourn this heartbreaking tragedy and join the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association in asking why this person had been granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Massachusetts. I also urge the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass two bills approved by the Senate to help prevent similar tragedies in the future: Senate Bill 1294, which improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shutdown unqualified “CDL Mills,” and Senate Bill 1295, which requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways. We must strengthen our laws and oversight governing non-domiciled CDLs to improve commercial vehicle safety and help protect lives across our commonwealth. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid for the previous year by income-eligible seniors and people with disabilities. The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, it benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000. The income limit is currently $48,110 a year for homeowners and renters, however, half of Social Security income is excluded. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that $224.4 million in rebates have already been sent to 372,291 Pennsylvanians. You can find more information and apply here. Contact my office for assistance in applying. State Police Cadet Selection Open Through July 31
Do you know someone who is considering a law enforcement career? The Pennsylvania State Police Cadet selection cycle is open through July 31. In addition to patrol services and policing residential areas, state troopers provide a variety of support services through specialized positions. The selection process consists of a written exam, background check and polygraph exam, physical readiness test, medical checkup and psychological evaluation. College internships are also available at participating schools. Learn more about the cadet selection process here. |
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