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In this Update:

• Bringing a Responsible Budget To Northeast Philadelphia
• VICTIM Act Included in 2026-2027 State Budget
• Cost of Living Adjustment for Retired Teachers, Police and Firefighters
• Speaking On the Floor: Predatory Towing
• 1^st Annual Tacony Community Arts Day!
• Veteran Office Hours
• Mobile Office Hours
• Photo of the Month
• PennDOT Required to Release Funds for Local Road Projects
• Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe
• Protecting Pets from Excessive Heat

Bringing a Responsible Budget To Northeast Philadelphia

Over the past several months, my colleagues and I have worked diligently to craft a responsible state budget that protects taxpayers, avoids new taxes, safeguards Pennsylvania’s financial future, and lays the foundation for long-term economic growth. I fought for a budget that preserves and increases resources for the people of Northeast Philadelphia, and I am proud that this year’s budget reflects progress on the priorities that matter most to our community.

The 2026-2027 Pennsylvania State Budget includes real wins for Northeast Philadelphia. From protecting EITC scholarships and increasing funding for career and technical education to investing in public safety, providing COLA adjustments for our retired first responders, teachers, and state employees to strengthen our workforce, this budget makes important investments while maintaining fiscal discipline taxpayers expect.

To read more about the budget and what it means for Northeast Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, you can click the link here.

VICTIM Act Included in 2026-2027 State Budget

I am excited to announce that my legislation Senate Bill 911, also known as the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act to help law enforcement agencies solve more homicides and violent crimes has been included in the 2026-2027 Pennsylvania state budget.

The VICTIM Act creates a grant program through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) that will provide local law enforcement agencies with resources to hire and retain detectives and investigators, modernize investigative technology, and strengthen violent crime investigations. The initial funding for the program through the fiscal code is $2.5 million.

This is an important investment in the safety of our communities. I will always remain committed to supporting policies that strengthen public safety and protect the people of the Northeast.

Cost of Living Adjustment for Retired Teachers, Police and Firefighters

I am thrilled that the newly enacted state budget includes cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retired first responders, teachers, and state employees. After more than 2 decades without an increase, these dedicated men and women have earned this recognition through their years of service to our Commonwealth and our communities. Whether they protected our neighborhoods, taught our children, or served the people of Pennsylvania, they deserve retirement benefits that reflect today’s cost of living.

I was happy to join my friend, Roosevelt Poplar, President of FOP Lodge 5, to celebrate this milestone. I am grateful for his leadership and advocacy, as well as the many individuals and organizations who worked tirelessly to make these adjustments a reality.

You can see my conversation with Roosevelt Poplar here.

Speaking On the Floor: Predatory Towing

This past week in Harrisburg, I spoke on Senate Bill 779, which addresses issues with unauthorized towing and wreck chasing.

Senate Bill 779 strengthens enforcement of Pennsylvania’s towing law by creating criminal penalties for those who knowingly violate consumer protection requirements. The bill targets bad actors who take advantage of motorists following accidents, breakdowns, and other emergencies.

The legislation has now passed both chambers with bipartisan support and was signed into law by the Governor. You can watch my full remarks here.

For some additional background on the issue, here is a link from the Philadelphia Citizen on these illegal towing practices:

Predatory Towing is Alive, Well, and Totally Awful – The Philadelphia Citizen

1^st Annual Tacony Community Arts Day!

Veteran Office Hours

We will be hosting Veteran Office Hours at my district office on August 11^th! A Veteran Service Officer will be on hand to assist veterans and their families with benefits, claims, and available resources. Please bring your DD-214 paperwork to the office hours.

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.

This week’s submission comes from Senator Picozzi after his visit to see the Galapagos tortoises at the Philadelphia Zoo!

 You can submit your photos here.

PennDOT Required to Release Funds for Local Road Projects

Recognizing the need to support local roads, an additional $775 million is being directed to three- and four-digit road projects throughout Pennsylvania communities to quickly improve our highway infrastructure.

As part of our budget negotiations, PennDOT agreed to release an additional $500 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year and $275 million in 2027-28 from the Commonwealth’s Motor License Fund. The funds will be for local road projects only, not interstates, which are funded separately.

I’m excited about the impact this funding will have within our region, allowing for the paving and rehabilitation of roadways used by so many area residents on a daily basis.

Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe

Nearly 1,200 people convicted of second-degree murder in Pennsylvania could be released if the state House of Representatives doesn’t act by Friday, July 24.

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the current sentencing structure for second-degree murder is unconstitutional and gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation. The Senate has successfully passed bipartisan legislation to address this issue – legislation supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys and the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.

In Pennsylvania, second-degree murder (also known as felony murder) involves a homicide committed when the defendant engaged as a principal or an accomplice in the perpetration of a felony. In other words, homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another crime such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping.

These are serious and horrific crimes, and the safety of our communities is at stake. It’s time for the House to join us in taking urgent action.

Protecting Pets from Excessive Heat

Hot weather reminder: Police and emergency responders in Pennsylvania are authorized to remove dogs and cats from unattended vehicles by force if they’re deemed to be in imminent danger.

Also, under Act 104 of 2018, dogs that are tethered outside and unattended can only be so for up to nine hours in temperatures up to 90 degrees, and only for 30 minutes above 90 degrees. The dog must have access to an area of shade to escape the direct rays of the sun, as well as clean water.

Watch for signs of heat stroke in animals, including heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting and red or purple gums. You can read more about PA’s “Hot Car Bill” here.

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