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In this Update:
Press Conference with Lt. Governor Austin Davis
This week, I stood alongside Lt. Governor Austin Davis, community leaders, and members of the Penn Trauma Violence Recovery Program at a press conference announcing significant new funding for hospital-based violence intervention programs. In recent years, violence in Northeast Philadelphia has surged, especially during COVID19. The Philadelphia Police Department reported a 39% increase in homicides citywide in 2020, and while crime citywide has since declined, its growing impact in the Northeast is still very real. Our families, neighborhoods, and hospitals feel that impact every day. Expanding these programs give our community trauma-informed support to victims at the moment it’s needed most and helps break the cycle of violence before it continues. These programs save lives, reduce repeat injuries, and give our neighbors a chance to heal and move forward. I am proud to support this investment and thank you to Lt. Governor Davis for allowing me to be a part of this incredible announcement! EITC Roundtable with Senator Dave McCormick
This week I joined educators, parents, and colleagues for a roundtable with Senator Dave McCormick on the importance of Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) programs. The conversations emphasized how educational choice empowers families, expands opportunities for students, and strengthens learning across our communities. I highlighted my commitment to ensuring every child can access the school environment where they learn best. Unclaimed Property Event!
Our office recently held an Unclaimed Property event in partnership with PA State Treasurer Stacy Garrity’s office, and it was a huge success! We were able to return thousands of dollars to constituents in the district. We were proud to provide this service and will continue offering opportunities to help residents access the resources they need! Visit to BAC Local #1
I had the privilege of visiting Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local #1, the oldest union in America and a cornerstone of our nation’s labor history. Their commitment to craftsmanship, training, and worker dignity continues to set the standard for the labor union. It was amazing to see how their apprenticeship programs are preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople and strengthening our workforce here in Pennsylvania. SURVEY RESULTS
Thank you to everyone who participated in our survey in last week’s newsletter! Our Lady of Consolation Tree Lighting
I had a wonderful time joining my parish community at Our Lady of Consolation for their annual tree lighting. Santa even made an appearance and brought gifts for the kids! SPIN Parade
I was glad to join families, neighbors, and officers from the 8th Police District for this year’s SPIN holiday parade! It was a festive morning filled with holiday spirit, and it’s always special to see our community come together to celebrate and kick off the season with so much energy. I am grateful to everyone who helped make the day such a joyful tradition! Tax Relief for Working Pennsylvanians
The new state budget we passed includes the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which provides meaningful relief for working families across the commonwealth. In a time when affordability is a top issue affecting Pennsylvanians, policies like this tax credit help relieve some of the financial burden on families. If you claim the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you may also claim the state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal amount. You can use this online calculator to determine if you qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and estimate how much you could receive. PA 529 is the Gift of Education
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced a new, easy way to give the gift of education this holiday season – Gift of College gift cards. Friends and families can buy these digital gift cards, available at pa529.com/gift, for recipients to deposit into their PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account. Anyone, including parents, grandparents, other relatives and family friends, can contribute to a PA 529 account. Savings can be used for qualified education expenses for K-12, higher education, credential programs and apprenticeship programs. The person giving the gift also gets something – a PA state tax deduction for the amount of the PA 529 contribution. In November, PA 529 was ranked one of the best college savings plans in the nation. To learn more about PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000. Dec. 19 Deadline to Apply for Veterans Services Grants
Nonprofits, counties and other groups that provide services to veterans have until Dec. 19 to apply for Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grants to help fulfill their missions. Administered by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the VTF supports programs that improve services to veterans at the county, regional or state level. For nonprofit and veterans’ organizations, funding priorities include mental and behavioral health, transportation and employment. These applicants may request up to $40,000. County directors and their association may apply for up to $15,000 per county. Their funding priorities must include outreach initiatives, enhancing veteran service officer and advocate capabilities and addressing emerging needs such as transportation, food insecurity, suicide prevention and legal assistance. Celebrating the Bill of Rights
Monday, Dec. 15 is national Bill of Rights Day, when we celebrate the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution in 1791. The Bill of Rights guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual – like freedom of speech, press and religion – and limits the power of government. This document forever enshrined the fundamental rights and liberties we hold sacred as Americans and set in motion the greatest self-governance experiment in the history of the world. Upcoming Events in the community
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