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

As you may know, Pennsylvania is under an enforcement extension from the Department of Homeland Security to comply with federal REAL ID requirements. This means that your current driver’s license or ID card are still valid forms of identification for boarding commercial aircraft or entering federal facilities. According to PennDOT, the Department of Homeland Security had listed Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, as the date air travelers with licenses issued by a state that is not yet compliant with REAL ID and that has not received an extension would need to show an approved alternative form of identification for domestic air travel, such as a passport. Pennsylvania is currently under a REAL ID extension, therefore residents with PennDOT-issued driver’s licenses or ID cards may continue to use their licenses as usual. A federally-accepted form of identification (whether it's the forthcoming Pennsylvania REAL ID driver's license or ID card, a U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.) must be used as identification to board a commercial flight or visit a secure federal building on and after October 1, 2020. PennDOT anticipates that REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards will be available to customers who want them in spring 2019, and will continue to apply for extensions from DHS until becoming REAL ID compliant. More information about REAL ID, including frequently asked questions and information on documents required for REAL ID , Read more

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 21 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., announced she will host an event to celebrate community volunteers while remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. The MLK Day of Service will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, 2018 at the West Oak Lane Senior Center, 7210-18 Ogontz Ave., 19138. “While many people see January 15 as a day off from work or school, we see it as a day on and a great opportunity to commemorate our community and honor the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday,” Fitzgerald said. “I hope everyone will join us in celebrating people who help make a difference in our neighborhoods.” Fitzgerald added she and her staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on state services. Attendees can also meet with staff from the offices of: Councilwoman Cherelle Parker Rep. Stephen Kinsey Sen. Art Haywood Congressman Dwight Evans Fitzgerald said representatives from Nicetown CDC NAC & Energy Center will be distributing information on weatherization and weatherization kits. Read more

Pa. state Rep. Izzy Fitzgerald joined her female colleagues from the House and Senate to fight back against sexual harassment, and ensure these demeaning acts in the workplace are not simply swept under the rug. Read more

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6 – State Reps. Stephen Kinsey and Isabella Fitzgerald, both D-Phila., have announced that they will host the “Feeding 1,000 for Thanksgiving” event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Corinthian Education Center, 6100 N. 21st St. Residents of the 201st and 203rd legislative districts in northwest Philadelphia will be able to receive a free meal while learning more about state-related programs and services. The event is free and open to the community. ### Read more