Participation is Power :: May 3, 2018

On 21 March, legislation I sponsored to require public housing authorities to relocate victims of domestic and abuse and violence (SB 919) passed the PA Senate unanimously (50-0). Now the PA House of Representatives will consider passing this measure ensuring federal Violence Against Women Act protections are codified in PA.

We started a campaign on 13 April to pass this rule that will save lives. Governor Wolf has joined us and called upon the PA House to pass this bill along with related legislation. Survivors and advocates joined me on 13 April at a press conference to demand approval by the House at Champlost Homes, a Philadelphia Housing Authority development in my district.

We need your help to protect victims of domestic abuse and violence. There are hurdles ahead. Please call or email your member of the state House and tell them you support the passage of Senate Bill 919. You may go to the citizen advocacy section of my website to send an email to your legislator. Please share this request with your relatives, friends and associates across Pennsylvania.

Thank you for your help in protecting domestic and sexual violence victims. Your advocacy will make the difference.

Home Repair Help

On 20 April, I announced $400,000 for home repairs to stabilize certain neighborhoods along with Congressman Evans and State Rep. Fitzgerald. The money comes from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and will go to Rebuilding Together to do home repairs for residents who cannot afford it in moderate income neighborhoods. In addition, I announced a home foreclosure prevention initiative for certain neighborhoods led by Regional Housing Legal Services. The combination of home repairs and foreclosure prevention measures will protect homeowners, the value of their homes and entire neighborhoods. More information on these programs will be forthcoming.

Fraud by Guardians? caregiver

We recently learned of allegations against Gloria Byars, a court-appointed guardian who has been accused of taking money and property from vulnerable older adults. Today, many older adults who require court-appointed guardians to handle their financial affairs are in danger. The PA Senate is working to overhaul the rules for guardians now. I am proposing that all professional guardians obtain training and a certificate of professional management. We need to improve the quality of guardian care in Pennsylvania to protect the most vulnerable.

Upcoming Events

Monday, May 7 – Remote Constituent Services – 3:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Abington Library

Monday, May 7 – Outreach and Constituent Services – 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Ardsley Community Center

Wednesday, May 16 – Septa Senior Passes – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Village

Thursday, May 17 – Raise the Wage Press Conference – 11 a.m. at Courthouse in Norristown

Monday, May 21 – Outreach and Constituent Services – 7 p.m. at Willow Grove NAACP, First Baptist Crestmont

Relocate Victims of Domestic Abuse and Violence

Home Repair Help

Fraud by Guardians?

Upcoming Events

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