Immigrant Solidarity Training in South Philly

All of our neighbors deserve dignity, respect, and a right to due process. Join this special training co-hosted by my office to build the knowledge and skills to uphold yours and others’ rights and learn what you can do during an ICE raid. The first training coming up will be Tuesday, October 14th from 6-8pm. All are welcome and no experience is required. Trainings will be in-person at an ADA accessible location. For details, RSVP here: bit.ly/1014solidarity

Upcoming events in and near the district:

• Senior Celebration at SPOAC with Sen. Saval: This Saturday, September 27th from 10am-2pm, seniors are welcome to join Sen. Saval and his staff for food, music, health resources, and connection at SPOAC, located at 1430 East Passyunk. For more information, call Sen. Saval’s office at (267) 668-3550
• DSWCA Community Clean-Up: The next community clean-up day hosted by Dickinson Square West Civic Association will be this Saturday, September 27th from 10am-12pm. Meet at 522 Washington Avenue. All materials provided!
• Street Clean-Up Along Moyamensing: This Sunday, you can join neighbors and the group Philly Bike Action for a community clean-up event along the bike lane on Moyamensing Avenue. All materials will be provided. The group is meeting at 9am at Dickinson Square Park on Sunday, September 28th.
• Whitman Library Fiber Arts Club every Tuesday ??: Anyone who enjoys knitting, crocheting, weaving, and more are welcome to come to the weekly Fiber Arts Club at Whitman Library (200 Snyder Avenue), they meet every Tuesday night from 5-6:30pm.

Read about current and upcoming legislation I support!

Addressing the school facilities crisis

Outdated and unsafe school buildings are a widespread issue in Pennsylvania and especially here in South Philly where some of our school buildings are well over 100 years old. While I’m proud that we’ve passed historic funding for education in the last two state budgets, that’s really only the first step. We need a comprehensive plan to address this crisis, because the scale of the problem remains daunting.

I recently welcomed the House Education Committee to the East Passyunk Community Center for a hearing on my School Facilities Inventory bill. My proposed legislation aims to identify and address structural issues across PA, ensuring the efficient use of taxpayer dollars to improve school infrastructure statewide.

Pennie customers: your monthly premiums might increase next year

Some federal tax credits for health insurance are set to expire in December. That means that if you are a Pennie (the state ACA health insurance marketplace) customer, you might be paying more next year for the same or similar plans. Head to pennie.com/costs to learn more. You can also urge your U.S. Congressperson and Senator to extend these credits. Find out how to contact them here.

Stabilization grants for small businesses

The Merchant’s Fund is now accepting applications for small business stabilization grants. Businesses that make under $750,000 in revenue are eligible. Head to their website at merchantsfund.org/grants/stabilization to see the full list of eligibility requirements and the application. If you have questions or need assistance, please email grants@merchantsfund.org.

PA Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Legal Line is now available

This helpline offers free legal advice and referrals to help older caregivers navigate custody, court, and kinship care. Call 1-877-727-7529 to connect with SeniorLAW Center attorneys for guidance on custody proceedings, preparing for court, and finding caregiver support groups.

Reminder: Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grants

Applications are open until October 1st for FeetFirstPhilly’s mini grant program. Recipients will receive between $500 to $2,000 for a project that enhances public space, makes walking areas more welcoming, or improves infrastructure. Learn more and apply here.

Upcoming Roadwork

• Overnights on Thursday, October 2nd, and again on Friday, October 3rd, from 7pm to 6am the following morning, a lane closure will be in place on sections of Oregon Avenue between Front Street and 15th Street for paving.
• Overnight on Friday, October 3rd, from 9pm to 6am the following morning, a lane closure will be in place on sections of Moyamensing Avenue/Penrose Avenue (Route 291) between Oregon Avenue and the George C. Platt Memorial Bridge for paving.

Reporting unpermitted sidewalk closures to 311

FeetFirstPhilly has shared the following instructions on how to check sidewalk closures and report unpermitted closures to the City.

1) Check: Go to stsweb.phila.gov/permitphl and type in the address by the closure. If there is a green, red, or blue line on the sidewalk segment you searched, the closure might be permitted. Click the lines to review more information.

2) Report: If there is no permitting listed on the above website, you can report the blockage to 311. Go to the 311 website and submit a "Dangerous Sidewalk" report. Enter the address of the sidewalk, a photo, and a description of the problem.

3) Follow up: If the problem has not been resolved 7-10 days after the 311 report, email feetfirstphilly@cleanair.org with a photo and address of the sidewalk. You can also encourage friends and neighbors to submit reports and reach out to your local RCO.

Job and Training Opportunities

• TreePhilly is hiring a seasonal Program Assistant. This 9-month position offers an opportunity to build experience and competency in many facets of program administration, community organizing and outreach, municipal government and tree planting and care. Learn more here.
• Philabundance Community Kitchen Training Program: Begin your career in the culinary arts with Philabundance Community Kitchen (PCK)! PCK offers 16 weeks of culinary arts training, both in and out of the kitchen, to adults who qualify for public benefits. Attendance at an open house is required before signing up for the program. The next open house is Tuesday, September 30th at 10am. PCK also qualifies to fulfill SNAP work requirements. Visit www.philabundance.org/become-a-culinary-student/ to learn more.

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

Read in the Penn Capital-Star

Read in NPR

Read in Philly Mag

Read in The Keystone

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 complete 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 assist with renewals and expired cards. No appointment needed, walk in any time!

Harrisburg Office

317 Irvis Office Building

P.O. Box 202184
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-5774

District Office

2400 South 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 271-9190