Ribbon cutting on the new Jenks Playground!

On Sept. 4th, I joined Councilman Squilla, Superintendent Watlington, and other important community and School District leaders for the ribbon cutting on the new Jenks School playground. Through community action and collaboration, we were able to bring $150,000 of state funds to the district to make this playground a reality! This safe and engaging space supports student wellness, enriches recess, and adds to the school's outstanding academic program and vibrant community.

Want to get involved? Try your neighborhood’s civic association!

I represent the district that spans East of Broad and South of Wharton. We have many active neighborhood organizations and civic associations in our district. Check out the info and map below to see which one you fall under, then head to their website to see how you can get involved!

• Passyunk Square Civic Association: Washington Ave to Tasker St., Broad St to 6th St.
• East Passyunk Crossing (EPX) Civic Association: Tasker St. to Snyder Ave., Broad St. to 6th St.
• Lower Moyamensing (LoMo) Civic Association: Snyder to Oregon, Broad Street to 7th Street
• South Broad Street Neighborhood Association: Washington to Oregon, 15th St. to 13th
• Sports Complex Special Services District: Oregon Avenue to I-95, 20th Street to 7th St.
• Whitman Council Inc: South of Snyder, East of 7th St.
• Pennsport Civic: Washington to Snyder, East of 4th St.
• Dickinson Square West Civic Association (DSWCA): Washington to Snyder, 6th to 4th St.

On September 16th, I’ll be attending DSWCA’s monthly meeting to meet with neighbors and answer questions about my work in the district and in Harrisburg. The meeting will be from 6 pm-7:30 pm at Xclusive Printz (2219 S 7th St.).

Upcoming events in and near the district:

• Food Giveaway at Mt. Enon Church: Dickinson Square West Civic Association will be partnering with Mt. Enon Church (5th and Snyder) on Saturday, Sept. 13th for their regular food giveaways. If you’d like to volunteer, you can arrive at 10 am. Distribution begins at noon.
• Neighborhood Happy Hour with Passyunk Square and East Passyunk Civic Associations: On Tuesday, Sept. 16th from 5-7 pm, join the Passyunk Square and East Passyunk Crossing Civic Associations in a joint social event at Pizzata (1700 E. Passyunk). The restaurant will offer food and drink discounts while you can participate in a raffle, catch up with friends, and meet new neighbors.
• “Harvest Jawn” Fall Fest on Juniper Street: The South Philly Food Co-op is hosting their 2nd annual Harvest Jawn. On Sunday, Sept. 21st from 12 pm-4 pm, Juniper Street between Passyunk and Snyder will be closed down for a block party and festival with vendors, activities, food trucks, music and more!

Read about current and upcoming legislation I support!

An update on SEPTA funding and the state budget

By now, many of you have likely heard the relieving news that bus lines are being restored and no further cuts to SEPTA will be going forward. The reason for this news is that the Governor’s office has allowed SEPTA a one-time request of funds from a pot of money known as the Public Transit Trust Fund. This is a fund intended to pay for things like safety, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements (such as updating tracks and train cars) and that could be used for new developments like the proposed Roosevelt Boulevard subway.

While I have been very vocal in my support for new funding for SEPTA, and voted five different times for various options, no long-term SEPTA funding plan has been able to pass through the Republican-controlled Senate. SEPTA instead had to use this last-resort option to fund operations for the next two years.

I want to be clear that this latest news is not a solution for SEPTA’s funding crisis. I remain an unwavering advocate for public transit and believe we need a long-term funding plan for all of Pennsylvania’s transit systems. Though we are temporarily out of this current crisis, finding a way to fund SEPTA sustainably, in Harrisburg, remains my top priority.

To learn more about the state budget, City & State made a helpful breakdown of the budget timeline and how it looks now: read it here. I also wrote about my thoughts on the SEPTA funding crisis and my ideas for future solutions in the South Philly Review.

Need gas bill assistance? The City Trust’s fuel assistance program is open for applications

This program, overseen by the City Trust, opened for applications on Sept. 1st and will close on April 30th. Approved applicants can receive either a $250 grant for their PGW bill or 100 gallons of oil. Applicants must provide household composition information, household income information, and PGW account information, including proof of income. Though this is not a state program, our office can help you complete and submit this form. You can also print and mail the application yourself using the form here: form.jotform.com/252294172932156.

Want to make your small business more sustainable? Grants available from the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection

Have a project that could help your small business save energy or stop pollution? You might qualify for a grant that covers up to 80% of the cost - up to $12,000! Start your application here and be sure to submit by March 13th: bit.ly/DEP-SBA.

Need bulk pick-up for disposal?

The City’s Bulk Collection program is offered free of charge to residents. Simply schedule an appointment for pickup, receive an email with your pickup code, sit out items by 7am the following day and mark the item with the code. Submit your request here.

Use the Inquirer’s tool for seeing your eligibility for tax savings

The Philadelphia Inquirer created an online tool based on city property data to figure out what tax relief programs Philadelphian homeowners are eligible for. Complete their survey see what assistance you can apply to and how much you’d save on your real estate taxes. Find the tool here. This tool is free and does not require an Inquirer subscription.

Reminder: SNAP work requirements

New eligibility requirements for SNAP have taken effect as of Sept. 1. You might be at risk of losing your SNAP benefits in December if you have not updated your SNAP information with DHS. Take action now by heading to clsphila.org/SNAPchanges

Job Opportunities

• Philadelphia Parks and Recreation is hiring a seasonal Employee Safety Assistant. This employee will perform database maintenance, perform data analysis, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure compliance with departmental safety standards. Computer proficiency is required. Apply by Sept. 30th. Learn more here.
• HopePHL is hiring Case Managers and other roles. Join the Family Empowerment Services team as a Case Manager and help make a real impact in the community. See all their current job listings and apply here.
• Women in Non-Traditional Careers (WINC) is recruiting for its Fall Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program will run in-person Tuesdays-Thursdays from Oct. 14th-Nov. 20th. Learn more and apply at WomenBuildPa.org
• Interested in a job in the PA Department of Revenue? Learn more and apply at revenue.pa.gov/jobs

Here are some articles you may be interested in, from the district and from Harrisburg.

Read in SpotlightPA

Read in Axios Philadelphia

Read in BillyPenn

Read in South Philly Review

The 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program deadline has been extended to the end of the year! This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. You can apply online or visit my office at 9th & Ritner for help with your application. Already applied? Visit mypath.pa.gov/?Link=Rebate to check the status of your payment.

Apply for your SEPTA Senior Fare Card! If you’re a senior age 65 or older, you can come into my office to compete your application for a SEPTA Senior Fare card. We’ll send your information and ID photo to SEPTA, and they’ll mail your card to you within a few weeks. We can also help with renewals and expired cards. No appointment needed, walk in any time!