|
||
|
In this Update:
Press Conference with Mayor Parker on new Tax Abatement
I recently joined Mayor Cherelle Parker and fellow lawmakers to advance enabling legislation that would allow Philadelphia to implement a new 20-year tax abatement aimed at boosting investment, reducing blight, and creating more housing across our city. The plan temporarily reduces taxes on the value of newly added or improved property – making it easier to build new homes or convert vacant buildings into housing and helping our city’s growing affordability crisis. City Council must now approve the abatement. Mayor Parker plans to introduce the legislation after the new year. As Chair of the Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee, this is exactly the type of targeted, city-focused policy I’m committed to moving forward. Our work brings the dream of home ownership closer to a generation of young Philadelphians who feel it is slipping out of reach. Thanksgiving Day Parades
Thanksgiving is always a special time in the Northeast, and this year was no exception. I had a blast joining neighbors at both the Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Day Parade and the St. Martha’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mayfair-Holmesburg was full of friendly faces and Eagles jerseys, and over at St. Martha’s I had the honor of serving as Grand Marshall and join parish families in celebrating a longstanding neighborhood tradition. These parades are a reminder of what makes our community special: families coming together, volunteers who make it all happen, and a who lot of hometown pride. Thanks to everyone who came out and kept the Northeast’s holiday spirit going strong! Caring for Friends
I had a great morning serving alongside my colleagues as we worked together to pack Thanksgiving meals for families and seniors who could use a little extra support this holiday season. I’m grateful for the chance to team up with my colleagues in the House, a reminder of how much we can accomplish when we work side by side. A special thank you goes to Caring for Friends for their continued commitment to our communities. Their team does extraordinary work year-round, providing meals, companionship, and resources to our seniors, veterans, and families in need – including so many in the Northeast region. Their impact is felt far beyond the holiday season and remains a support system to our neighbors. Survey Question: Should cell phones be banned in schools?
Take my survey here. Tour of Benjamin Rush High School
I had an incredible visit to Benjamin Rush High School! The students are so creative, and I loved how art is woven into every part of their learning. Their talent, passion, and imagination are a real point of pride for the Northeast. I am grateful for the tour and for the educators who help their community thrive. Increased Funding for Libraries
The recently enacted state budget includes a $5 million boost to support Pennsylvania’s 474 public libraries (630 counting satellites like branches and bookmobiles), helping them serve adults, children and families across the commonwealth. The budget also increases funding for library services for the visually impaired and disabled, a program known as the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP). Since the first Pennsylvania library opened in 1731 (the Library Company of Philadelphia, founded by Benjamin Franklin), libraries have served as vital community resources. Today, they’re evolving to meet the needs of modern users, including the growth of digital lending options like the POWER Library. Anyone interested in getting a library card can visit their local library or learn about the Statewide Library Card Program. Tips for Safe Winter Driving
Last winter, there were more than 8,320 vehicle crashes statewide, with 2,959 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways and 29 fatalities – 17 of those fatalities were attributed to crashes where a driver was going too fast for conditions and drove out of their lane. For safe travels this winter, check out the Winter Driving Guide and other suggestions from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, such as keeping an emergency kit handy. Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. Free and available 24 hours a day, 511PA provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras. Look Out for Scams, Fraud and Theft During the Holiday Season
The holiday shopping season is prime opportunity for scams, fraud and theft. Some of the most common scams to be on the lookout for include bait-and-switch scams, skimming devices and fraudulent “cybersquatting” websites. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday offered several tips to prevent scammers from taking advantage when shopping online:
The Attorney General’s Office has set up a Scams Complaint Form residents can fill out should they encounter any scams. The FBI also provides tips on how to avoid holiday scams and identify skimming devices, which are estimated to cost consumers and financial institutions more than $1 billion per year. College Application Period is Open
The application period for most colleges is now open. If the process is new to you, you can find plenty of resources for the college planning and application process here. Find out which colleges have your major, as well as information for students with disabilities, veterans and adult students. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency can help you access student financial aid services, including grants, loans and other funding opportunities, including the new Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program. Dec. 7: Remembering a Day of Infamy
Each year on Dec. 7, we remember the 2,403 service members and civilians killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 1941. A further 1,178 people were injured in the attack, which permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships and destroyed 188 aircraft. We remember not just the surprise attack, but the steely resolve of Americans to do whatever it took to defeat the Axis forces of World War II. Upcoming Events in the Community
|
||
|
||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorpicozzi.com | Privacy Policy |
