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In this Update:
Shredding Event
Thank you so much to everyone who came out to our shredding event this past weekend! It was great connecting with our neighbors and being able to provide this service for them. A big thank you to Councilman Mike Driscoll and Philadelphia Credit Union for helping make this event possible, and to Monster Shred for securely shredding documents and helping protect our neighbors from identity theft. Mid-Autumn Night Market
It was great to join neighbors at the Mid-Autumn Night Market! It was a wonderful celebration of culture, tradition, and community. I enjoyed connecting with residents and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere that makes the Northeast so special. Thank you to the Northeast Development Corporation for inviting me! Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kick Off at the Capital
I was honored to join my colleagues in Harrisburg this week to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month as we turned the Capital fountain pink in recognition of everyone affected by this disease. Together we stand with survivors, families, and advocates in the fight against breast cancer. Raising awareness and expanding access to care remain top priorities. To help connect residents with information and local support, I have added a dedicated page on my website with breast cancer awareness resources. You can visit the link here: Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Senator Picozzi Follow us on social media
Senate Acts to Waive Interest on Short-Term Budget Impasse Loans
Pennsylvania counties, early education programs, rape prevention and domestic violence prevention centers could pay no interest on loans from the Pennsylvania Treasury under legislation approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, the Pennsylvania Treasurer may provide investment loans during a budget impasse but must charge interest on those loans. Treasury’s Budget Bridge Loan program would provide up to $500 million in low-interest loans from the Liquid Asset Pool Investment Fund for county governments, domestic violence and rape crisis centers, Head Start agencies and approved providers under the Pre-K Counts program. Those investment loans would cover up to 25% of a recipient’s state budget appropriation from the previous fiscal year. Senate Bill 1040 would authorize the state treasurer to waive interest charges on loans issued during a budget impasse and help prevent additional costs for taxpayers and communities. Measure to Support Mental Health Services with Specialty License Plate Approved by Senate
Pennsylvania’s lifesaving 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline would receive new support through the sale of specialty license plates under legislation approved by the Senate. Under Senate Bill 955, $15 from each plate will be deposited into the Mental Health Restricted Account, helping to fund the 988 service. The lifeline offers confidential, one-to-one support from a trained crisis responder. You can read more about this legislation, and the story that inspired it, here. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Ensuring U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags Are Made in America
Reflecting a growing effort to support American manufacturing, the Senate approved legislation ensuring every U.S. and Pennsylvania flag purchased by the commonwealth is made entirely in the U.S. using American materials. Senate Bill 784 requires the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to procure only flags that are both produced and constructed from materials sourced within the U.S. Each flag must also carry a label reading “Made in America.” The measure not only promotes American-made products within state procurement practices, it prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to purchase flags from nations that do not share the values of Pennsylvania citizens. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Examining the Use of AI in Education and Workforce Development
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom and how schools are adapting programs to prepare students for changing workforce demands were the topics of a public hearing held by the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. The joint panel heard from educators as well as workforce development and policy experts who discussed the need to embrace AI responsibly, in a manner that retains student critical thinking, ensures ethical and safe use, and prepares students to fill in-demand jobs. Hearing video and written testimony can be found on the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and Senate Education Committee websites. Upcoming events in the Community
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