#ItStopsNow Gun Violence Prevention Petition

Pennlive, a newspaper covering Harrisburg and central Pennsylvania, today announced their support to fight gun violence in Pennsylvania. They are calling on state legislators and citizens to do their part to end the tragic shootings that plague our state and nation. Pennlive has launched a social media campaign and online petition - #ItStopsNow – and I urge you to sign the petition today.

Tremendous Breakthrough in Affordable Housing

In the midst of our state’s budget impasse, we have achieved a tremendous breakthrough that will create affordable housing and decrease blight across the commonwealth. Last month, the Governor signed the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act passed by the legislature to provide new money for the creation of affordable housing. This was a major victory after four years of advocacy. The new funding will come from a share of the state real estate transfer tax. There will be no increase in this tax; a portion of revenue from the existing tax will simply be transferred to the Housing Trust Fund to create affordable housing.

Many neighbors come to my office looking for an affordable place to live. At the same time, we have communities with blighted homes in need of revitalization. These abandoned properties can become affordable homes for our neighbors. As an attorney who has concentrated on creating affordable housing for over twenty-five years, it is fantastic to have had the opportunity to be a co-sponsor for this legislation during my first year in the State Senate, and to see it signed into law. We have a duty to help a neighbor and a stranger. This legislation does exactly that.

Temporary Change in Abington District Office Hours

Due to the impact of the budget impasse on staffing, my Abington district office will have temporarily reduced hours. The new office hours in Abington are Wednesday through Friday from 10 AM until 2:30 PM. Notary services in Abington will be by appointment only. When regular office hours resume in Abington, I will provide an update. Philadelphia office hours remain unchanged at this time.

Holiday Book Drive

Valley Green Bank has joined community partners to collect new or gently used books for Pre-K through 8th grade to allow more children to read to their dreams. Within the 4th district, books will benefit Mastery Charter Elementary Schools, Anna B. Day School, Eleanor C. Emlen School, Charles W. Henry School, Henry H. Houston School, John Story Jenks School, Anna L. Lingelbach School and Health Center #9. Donations will be accepted at the following locations in Northwest Philadelphia until 31 December:

Valley Green Bank – 23 W. Highland Ave. and 7226 Germantown Ave.

Gravers Lane Gallery – 8405 Germantown Ave.

Big Blue Marble Bookstore – 551 Carpenter Lane

Weavers Way Co-op – 559 Carpenter Lane and 8424 Germantown Ave.

Chestnut Hill Hospital – 8835 Germantown Ave.

The Night Kitchen Bakery – 7725 Germantown Ave.

Laurel Hill Gardens – 8125 Germantown Ave.

Help a neighbor and a stranger during this season.

Happy Holidays,

Art Haywood
State Senator
4th District

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