Particpation is Power :: March 7, 2019

C. Delores Tucker of Northwest Philadelphia began her career registering African-Americans to vote during the early days of the civil rights movement in the 1950s. She was a leading African American in Philadelphia and became the first African-American woman to hold the position of Secretary of the Commonwealth in 1971. Tucker started the Commission on the Status of Women in Pennsylvania.

Tucker was a national leader as well. She was a founding member of the National Women’s Political Caucus, the National Congress of Black Women, and was a leading voice against the degradation of women in music.

Photo Courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of State

Funding Our Schools

According to a study by the PA Budget and Policy Center, Pennsylvania ranks number 47 out of 50 states for higher education funding. In fact, state supported colleges and universities receive less assistance from the state today than in 2007. Tuition costs rise to make up for low state spending. Pennsylvania is the second highest in the nation for student debt. We need to increase our investments in higher education to prepare our students for the 21st century workforce without forcing them into unsustainable debt.

Education, Not Incarceration

In Pennsylvania, spending on incarceration has steadily risen. Actual spending on correctional institutions in Pennsylvania increased by over $650 million between 2004 and 2014, a more than 50% increase over a decade.

The lock ‘em up policy increased state inmates from 41,000 in 2004 to 50,756 in 2014. We now spend $2.85M on incarceration, but only $1.85M on higher education. That’s $1B more to lock ‘em up.

It’s time to change. Investing more in higher education not incarceration will provide better opportunities for our youth and strenghen the state's economy.

Gun Violence Prevention

Last month, the Senate Democratic Caucus and I hosted a public policy hearing on Reducing Gun Violence at La Salle University on the anniversary of the Parkland, FL school shooting. State Senator Lisa Boscola along with myself and fellow members of the PA Senate Democrats listened to our neighbors, activists, and experts from around the U.S. offer solutions to reduce gun violence.
The leading recommendations were to pass firearm licensing laws and support programs that intervene in communities to reduce crime. Please watch the video to see the highlights of the hearing. My office is continuing to meet with gun violence prevention groups locally and across the state to reduce gun violence. Please follow me for more updates.

Upcoming Events

3/13 – Environmental Awareness Town Hall Conversation – 6:30pm – 8:00pm - Abington Township Municipal Building – 2nd Floor - Board Room– 1176 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001

3/23 – Utility Clinic with Face to Face and Community Legal Services – 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – 123 E. Price Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144

3/30 – Report Card Academic Achievement Event – 12:00 p.m. – 4:00p.m. – La Salle University, 1900 W. Olney Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144

Our Solutions—Women’s History Month

Funding Our Schools

Education, Not Incarceration

Gun Violence Prevention

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