Turning the State Budget Around

On July 13, 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed the 2016-2017 budget into law. Gov. Wolf was correct when he said he worked together with Republicans and Democrats to achieve major progress on issues including the legalization of medical marijuana, the passage of historic liquor reform, and the enactment of a fair funding formula that ensures basic education funding is distributed to schools based on a district’s unique needs.

I voted for the budget and I am in agreement with many of the items on the Governor’s budget agenda.

Under the Governor’s first two budgets – and as a result of the bipartisan agreement this year — we have increased funding by $415 million for basic education and instituted a fair funding formula that seeks to close the school funding disparities; there is now $50 million more invested in special education with an additional $50 million earmarked for Pre-K and $10 million more for HeadStart. In addition, higher education funding was boosted by $161 million, including PHEAA grants to students. Given that education is the foundation of opportunity, these are critical investments that will have long-term benefits.

The adopted budget includes a significant investment in human services funding with a $620 million increase, including $15 million this year to fight opioid addiction - a rising scourge in Philadelphia and the surrounding communities, including Montgomery County.

The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, a nonpartisan statewide policy research project, also hailed the passage of the budget.

While the signed budget is a positive step forward after a contentious budget negotiation process, we do know there is much more work left to be done. Funding for human services remains stretched and additional funding is needed for infrastructure and water and sewer lags. Problematically, once again, the shale drilling industry has gotten off the hook and escaped paying a responsible severance tax. Unfortunately, low wage earners and our economy continue to be squeezed as there was little movement toward raising the $7.25 minimum wage. Raising the minimum will increase consumer spending, create jobs and generate revenue for the state.

More information on the passed budget can be found here.

Senator Haywood Participates in National Night Out

Senator Haywood took part in the pre-National Night Out event in Abington and West Oak Lane, where community members and law enforcement mingled and discussed issues relating to public safety. Click here or above to watch video.

SEPTA Senior Pass Photo Day August 19

Seniors 65 and older throughout the 4th District can come into our district offices in Germantown to have their photos taken and forms filled out to receive their free SEPTA Senior Pass. The office, located at 7106 Germantown Avenue, will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, August 19, for the photo service. My staff can be reached in that office at 215-242-8171.

Seniors 65 and older can ride public transportation for free, as long as they have an acceptable form of identification.

Normally, to obtain a Pennsylvania Senior Citizen Transit Identification Card, seniors must either download and fill out the application on their own, or visit SEPTA’s Customer Service location, 1234 Market Street in Philadelphia.

Staffer Rachel Hooper assists a constituent in our Germantown office during SEPTA’s Pass Photo ID Day in July.

Additionally, applicants are required to show at least one form of accepted identification along with a completed application.

Accepted forms of identification are:

• Armed Forces Discharge/Separation Papers
• Baptismal Certificate
• Birth Certificate
• Veteran's Universal Access ID Card
• Resident Alien Card
• Yellow PACE Card (Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly)
• Passport/Naturalization Papers
• Pennsylvania ID Card
• Photo Driver’s License
• Statement of Age Verification from the U.S. Social Security Administration.

Seniors in the 4th District no longer have to travel all the way to Center City for this service. Stop by our offices on Friday, August 19, and my staff will assist you in obtaining your Pennsylvania Senior Citizen Transit Identification Card.

We will also have an upcoming SEPTA Senior Pass Photo Day in our Roslyn office, 1168 Easton Road, Abington. Staff there can be reached at 215-517-1439.

And remember, my office is here to serve you. Contact us for notary services, voter registration and more. Visit my website for more services we provide.

Dare to Care,

Art Haywood
State Senator
4th District

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