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In this Update:

• Our Upcoming Events
• Op-Ed on Senate Bill 210: Bernard Gribbin’s Law
• Cleaning Up Our Neighborhood
• Funds Secured for Gift of Giving!
• Welcome Back to school, Philly!
• Small Business Office Hours
• Internship Opportunities
• Veteran Office Hours
• Mobile Office Hours
• Photo of the Month
• Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub
• Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
• Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes

Our Upcoming Events

We have two community events coming up in September, and we hope that you’ll join us. Check out the details in the flyers above, mark your calendars, and we hope to see you there!

Op-Ed on Senate Bill 210: Bernard Gribbin’s Law

The tragic killing of SEPTA operator Bernard Gribbin is a devastating reminder of why we must do more to protect the people who keep our community moving.

That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 210 – Bernard Gribbin’s Law, which would establish stronger penalties for individuals who attack or interfere with public transit operators.

The bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support but is currently awaiting action in the House. In my latest op-ed, I share why this legislation matters, what it would do, and why we cannot afford further delay.

You can read the full op-ed here.

Cleaning Up Our Neighborhood

Over the weekend, we were made aware of a couch that had been illegally dumped at the corner of Magee and Battersby. We immediately contacted the Department of Sanitation, and it was removed Saturday Night.

Thank you to Sanitation Commissioner Crystal Jacobs Shipman and her team for their quick response and help getting this cleaned up!

If you see an issue in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office! Contact us at 215-289-2531 or jpicozzi@pasen.gov.

Funds Secured for Gift of Giving!

Gift of Giving has spent more than 30 years giving back to Northeast Philly – supporting local schools, preparing meals for families in need and helping neighbors during the holidays.

I was proud to secure $25,000 in state funding to support Gift of Giving and help them continue the work they do for families and neighbors across our community.

Check out the Northeast Times article to read more about the impact they’re making!

Teachers starting school year with a Gift of Giving – PA Times Media

Small Business Office Hours

If you own a small business – or are thinking about starting one – stop by my office on August 7^th for our Small Business Office Hours!

Members of the Mayor’s Business Action Team and the Department of Commerce will be here to answer questions, connect you with resources, and help you navigate the challenges of running a business.

I hope to see you there!

Internship Opportunities

My district office is now accepting applications for our Fall Internship Program! This is a great opportunity for students interested in public service to support the residents of the 5^th Senate District and gain hands-on experience in a legislative office.

Please email applications here.

Welcome Back to school, Philly!

This week, students, teachers, and faculty across the School District of Philadelphia headed back to the classroom!

Wishing everyone a safe, successful and exciting year ahead!

Veteran Office Hours

We will be hosting Veteran Office Hours at my district office on September 8^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 continue 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.

Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the launch of the department’s online Financial Education Hub, a one-stop-shop of resources designed to help Pennsylvanians improve their financial literacy and make informed financial decisions.

The new hub brings together state and federal resources covering topics such as budgeting, saving, retirement planning, digital assets and cryptocurrencies. It also includes information on Treasury programs, like the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program, Keystone Scholars and PA ABLE.

Resources are organized for specific audiences including students, teachers, active military members, veterans and older adults. Visit the Financial Education Hub here.

Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

Students and families take out significant loans to pay for higher education, which attracts scammers looking to exploit the situation.

“Act immediately to qualify for student loan forgiveness” is just one of the high-pressure loan forgiveness pitches used to trick borrowers into sharing personal information. Scammers will frequently request an up-front or monthly fee while promising immediate and total student loan cancellation. Most government forgiveness programs require years of qualifying payments or employment in certain fields before forgiving loans.

Be wary of aggressive language and check the source before clicking. Learn more about avoiding these scams here.

Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes

Pennsylvania’s six veterans homes care for our neighbors who answered the call to serve. The homes offer levels of care tailored to the specific health needs of residents and are supplemented with an array of clinical services.

Pennsylvania veterans homes are looking to hire registered nurses and license practical nurses to provide the kind of care that will allow veterans to live an active and healthy life with as much independence as possible.

Learn more about these opportunities and apply here.