I'm happy to announce that the deadline for the 2017 Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2018. The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded and the maximum standard rebate is $650. Claimants must reapply for rebates every year because they are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid each year. Spouses, personal representatives or estates may file rebate claims on behalf of deceased claimants who lived at least one day in 2017 and meet all other eligibility criteria. Applications can also be filed online at www.revenue.pa.gov . There is NO charge to apply for this program. If you need assistance with applying, please contact my office. Read more

PHILADELPHIA, May 30 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on her House Bill 579 , which would mandate insurance coverage for breast density screenings. Held at the Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, the public hearing brought together women’s health experts and state legislators from across Pennsylvania to further explore why the screening mandate is necessary. “I’m thankful to my colleagues and [House Democratic Policy Committee] Chairman Mike Sturla for coming to Philadelphia to discuss my legislation,” Fitzgerald said. “These screenings and early detection give women the best chance at beating cancer. It’s a simple and reasonable approach that will save lives and hopefully save both patients and insurance companies money with earlier detection.” Sturla added, “I am in full support of any approach we can take to improve women’s access to quality health care, and medical screenings are a key component of that quality care.” Panelists included: Pat Halpin-Murphy, president/founder, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition; Jessica Graae, patient, Delaware County; Novella Lyons, president/founder, Women of Faith and Hope Inc.; and Gail Mitchell, board member, Women of Faith and Hope Inc. The meeting was one in a series being held across the state on House Democrats’ Plan4PA, which includes putting people first, good jobs, quality Read more

PHILADELPHIA, May 24 – As part of the House Democratic Caucus’ Plan4PA, state Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., will host a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on her House Bill 579 , which would mandate insurance coverage for breast density screening. The hearing will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 30 at the Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Sheerr Building Auditorium, 1101 West Tabor Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141 . Fitzgerald requested the hearing to highlight the significance these screenings play in women’s health and that insurance coverage of the screenings should be mandated. Fitzgerald will be joined by state legislators from across the state, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. The current agenda is: 2 p.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks 2:10 p.m. Panelists: Pat Halpin-Murphy , president/founder, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition Jessica Graae , patient, Delaware County Novella Lyons , president/founder, Women of Faith and Hope, Inc. Gail Mitchell , board member, Women of Faith and Hope, Inc. 3:20 p.m. Closing Remarks The meeting is one in a series being held across the state on House Democrats’ Plan4PA that includes putting people first, good jobs, quality schools and fair taxes. Visit www.plan4pa.com for additional information about the Plan4PA and www.pahouse.com/policycommittee for Policy Committee materials. The media and public are Read more

PHILADELPHIA, May 21 – To celebrate spring, family and community, state Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald is hosting the Northwest Philly Spring Fest. The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 26 on Ogontz Avenue, between the 7100 and 7200 blocks, 19138. Fitzgerald said this free event will feature activities and information on city and state services, as well as employment opportunities available within state government. “This event is a perfect opportunity to gather the family and spend some time together. We’ll have a health pavilion, a children’s corner, live entertainment and a handcrafted marketplace. I encourage all to attend,” Fitzgerald said. Fitzgerald’s office will also be shredding unwanted documents from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information, call Fitzgerald’s office at (215) 549-0220. Read more

PHILADELPHIA, April 19 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., has announced the approval of up to $2.1 million in state financing for two local housing initiatives. "I'm pleased the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority has approved financing for more affordable housing in Northwest Philadelphia. This will help to meet an important need in our communities," Fitzgerald said. Most of the funding – up to $1.7 million – was approved for the planned Golden Age Living Accommodations building, to be built at 2030 E. Haines St. The four-story building for people 62 or older will have 50 units, including seven accessible units, and two elevators. Plans call for 46 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units. GALA has been approved for up to $1.2 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $500,000 in funding from the realty transfer tax. Fitzgerald said Rebuilding Together Philadelphia has been awarded $400,000 in realty transfer tax funding for its Safe and Healthy Homes Northwest Philadelphia program. The funding will be used in northwest Philadelphia to make safety renovations to the homes of middle-income homeowners 55 or older who have significant barriers to maintaining the overall safety of their homes. These much-needed home improvements will allow residents to age in place and improve the overall safety and livability of their homes. This is an issue Fitzgerald and state Sen. Art Haywood, D-Phila./Montgomery, have been working Read more

PHILADELPHIA, April 4 – State Reps. Isabella Fitzgerald and Stephen Kinsey, both D-Phila., announced they will host an event for people to talk and learn what’s being done on a state and local level to support public education. The event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12 at Martin Luther King High School, 6100 Stenton Ave., 19138. Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Pedro Rivera and Otis Hackney from Mayor Jim Kenney’s Office of Education, along with a representative from the School District of Philadelphia, will be in attendance to offer insight and answer questions. “From a proposed increase in education funding to a new local school board, a quality education for all of our students remains a top priority on the state and local levels,” Kinsey said. “This forum will allow people to engage in meaningful dialogue that is critical to our children’s future.” Fitzgerald echoed Kinsey’s comments. “We are seeing great things for the School District of Philadelphia, thanks to Governor Wolf’s budget proposal to provide more funding for education,” Fitzgerald said. “We are also seeing a switch in leadership from the School Reform Commission to a school board that will be appointed by the mayor.” Read more

Scholarships from the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus are now available for high school seniors and first-year college students who will be enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year Pennsylvania college or university. The deadline to submit an application is Monday, April 30. Students applying for the $1,000 scholarships must be a minority student, have a minimum grade-point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, reside in the legislative district of and be sponsored by a PLBC member, and demonstrate leadership qualities. A 500-word essay on the student’s academic plans and career goals also must be submitted. Only the first 250 applications submitted will be considered. To obtain an application and more details about the program, students can visit http://pahouse.com/PLBC/Scholarships . Read more

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 9 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald will be joined by state Reps. Jared Solomon and Jason Dawkins, along with Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, for an event to celebrate family and community. The Family Fun Night will take place from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 at Olney Recreation Center, 6001 A St., 19120. Fitzgerald said this free event will feature activities and information on city and state services for the entire family. “This event is a perfect opportunity to gather the family and spend some time together for an evening,” Fitzgerald said. “There will be something for everyone, so I encourage all to attend.” For more information, call Fitzgerald’s office at (215) 649-0220. Read more

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., outlined how Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal for the 2018-19 fiscal year would help move the 203rd Legislative District forward: “I applaud Governor Wolf for investing in initiatives that would help to move my district forward and provide my constituents with more of the resources and services that they need. Every Pennsylvanian deserves access to a quality education, high-quality child care, and a living wage. I look forward to working with my colleagues to see that these initiatives are signed into law.” Wolf’s 2018-19 budget proposal includes: $100 million increase in basic education; $40 million increase in Pre-K Counts and Head Start; $20 million increase for special education; A proposal to increase Pennsylvania minimum wage to $12 per hour; $25 million investment in state funds to expand access to high-quality childcare; and Proposals to protect Pennsylvania women and families by closing the gender wage gap, guaranteeing sick leave, and protecting people from sexual assault. “Children and families would benefit the most if this budget is passed,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s time to put their needs first and invest in solutions to the problems that so many Pennsylvania families face. Another one of these concerns includes addressing the gun violence epidemic that has impacted our communities for far too long. I am grateful to the Read more

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 1 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., announced she will host an open house at her district office for constituents of the 203rd Legislative District. The free event will take place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at 7178 Ogontz Ave., 19138. Fitzgerald and her staff will be available to answer questions and provide information on the SEPTA Photo ID program, Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, unclaimed property and many other state-related services and programs. For more information, contact Fitzgerald’s office at (215) 549-0220. Read more