HARRISBURG, Nov. 25 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., announced she has introduced a series of bills designated to protect law-abiding gun owners, children and residents in the commonwealth. “It’s unfortunate that anyone could potentially become a victim to gun violence here in Pennsylvania. Whether accidental or intentional, one life lost is one too many. We must put commonsense legislation in place to prevent senseless killings from occurring in the future,” Fitzgerald said. “My three bills would preserve the rights of Pennsylvanians who are carrying guns legally, safeguard our children from being killed accidentally and enforce a ‘cooling-off’ period for a person who may have experienced an unpleasant incident in their life and who looks to potentially commit an act of violence.” The bills introduced by Fitzgerald are: H.B. 2076 – Would require driver’s licenses and photo identification cards to indicate a person possesses a concealed carry permit. H.B. 2077 – Would require all firearms be safely stored whenever they are not in use. H.B. 2078 – Would establish a 72-hour waiting period for purchases of semi-automatic assault rifles. Fitzgerald is a member of the PA SAFE Caucus , which is made up of 70 members of the PA House and Senate who believe in reducing all types of violence in society through Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 21 – State Rep. Jason Dawkins, chairman of the House Philadelphia Delegation, along with delegation members Reps. Joseph C. Hohenstein, Danilo Burgos, Angel Cruz, and Isabella V. Fitzgerald, announced that the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation received a $100,000 state grant to launch development plans for the Tacony Creek Park. Dawkins said the city will use the grant, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Recreation and Conservation Grant Program, to prepare a master site development plan for the 300-acre park, which lies in portions of the 177 th ,197 th , 180 th , 203 rd Legislative Districts, including Dawkins’ 179 th District. “It’s imperative for public servants to shoulder responsibility in ensuring greenspaces like Tacony Creek Park remain healthy and viable,” Dawkins said. “As public servants, it is always our privilege and honor to advocate to bring funding to the district and we will continue advocating for more state dollars in the future.” Hohenstein, who represents the 177 th Legislative District, agreed. “It is certainly our responsibility as state legislators,” Hohenstein said. “We are obligated to ensure the preservation of our natural resources and this grant fulfills that obligation.” Burgos, who represents the 197 th District added, “Rich in history and biodiversity, the Tacony Creek Park is an Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, accompanied by Reps. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, and Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., and state Sen. Maria Collett, D-Bucks/Montgomery, on Tuesday hosted a press conference on their bills that seek to end period poverty in Pennsylvania. Period poverty, or the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, is a problem that Otten said affects 1 in 5 American women. Her bill, H.B.1708, would require Pennsylvania’s public schools to supply pads and tampons in bathrooms serving students in grades six through 12. "Menstrual products are not a luxury, but a basic necessity,” Otten said. “This is an issue of access, beyond just dollars and cents. It's an issue of our children's health, safety and well-being. It's about setting up our girls and young women with what they need to have a level playing field. It's about ensuring dignity and equity for half our population so that they can fully participate in school, the workplace and society." Innamorato spoke on her bill that would require Pennsylvania’s public colleges and universities to supply menstrual hygiene products at no cost inside campus bathrooms. “When you enter a public restroom on a college or university campus, you’re provided hand soap and towels to support hand hygiene. Why don’t we treat menstruation as a basic hygiene need Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, will hold a news conference next week on H.B. 1708 , which would require public schools serving students in grades six through 12 to provide free menstrual hygiene products in school bathrooms. Reps. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, and Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., and state Sen. Maria Collett, D-Bucks/Montgomery, will also speak on menstrual equity bills they will be introducing. The news conference will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22 in the Capitol Rotunda. Otten said her bill was inspired by one student’s concern over “period poverty,” or the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. Seventeen-year-old Lilly Minor from Owen J. Roberts High School told Otten that access to these products is limited in school bathrooms, and while they can be obtained at the nurse’s office, this is not the most accessible solution. “Lilly brought this issue to my attention and reminded me that this issue is occurring even in a relatively affluent area, so the problem is likely to be significantly worse in less well-off regions of our commonwealth,” Otten said. “If girls and women cannot access these products, it impacts their ability to work, go to school and enjoy aspects of everyday life.” Innamorato’s bill will focus on providing free menstrual hygiene products in the bathrooms of classroom Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 26 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., was awarded the 2019 Champion of the Year award by Rebuilding Together Philadelphia on Tuesday. “I am honored to receive this recognition,” Fitzgerald said. “This organization does invaluable work in Philadelphia to provide necessary home repairs, modifications and improvements for homeowners in need. I am proud to have been recognized along with Senator Art Haywood and Congressman Dwight Evans for our work to securing funding for this organization, to further its mission and purpose.” Fitzgerald, Haywood and Evans helped Rebuilding Together Philadelphia secure funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to rehab 44 homes in the 203rd District. ### Read more
Congrats to West Oak Lane Charter School for receiving $52,900 in grant money to provide students with fresh fruits and veggies. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). The program’s goals are to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices, expand the variety of fruits and vegetables students experience, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and positively impact students’ present and future health. FFVP was first implemented in Pennsylvania in 2004 and expanded to all 50 states in 2008. West Oak Lane Charter School was among the 220 schools from across the commonwealth selected for grants totaling almost $5.5 million. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., issued the following statement regarding House passage of the state budget bill: “I voted no on House Bill 790 because it doesn’t put all people first. For years, we have seen states that surround Pennsylvania increase the minimum wage – some at least twice -- since the last time it was increased here. It hasn’t changed in more than a decade, yet people continue to struggle to make ends meet. “The people of Philadelphia deserve a living wage. The city has a poverty rate of 26%. If a person is making $7.25 an hour, which is a shame in the first place, their annual income is only $14,616 a year, and that’s before taxes! Our citizens should not work hard for 40 hours or more every week and still live below the poverty line. Pennsylvania is long-overdue to raise the minimum wage, yet this budget ignores that. “This budget bill also forgets our most vulnerable citizens by eliminating the General Assistance fund. This money would have helped those Pennsylvanians who just need a little bit of help. It could have been for things that many of us take for granted: buying toiletries, diapers for babies, getting the bus to go to a doctor’s appointment. “The $200 a month provided by the General Assistance fund would help victims of domestic abuse, residents with disabilities, our veterans, and people who are struggling with opioid addiction. It’s a Read more
Read my spring newsletter here. Read more
I'm happy to announce that the deadline for the 2018 Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2019. 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 2018 and meet all other eligibility criteria. You can get your application at www.revenue.pa.gov or by calling 1-888-222-9190. My office also can help you, so don’t hesitate to contact me. Read more
Please join us at the Lawncrest Recreation Center for a Town Hall and Health Fair. You can learn about state and local services that could benefit you and your family, as well as talk with me about any concerns you may have. When: Saturday, June 15 Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Ave., 19111 I hope to see you there! Read more
Pa. state Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald joined her colleagues for a public hearing in Philadelphia to discuss the best ways to combat bullying. She explains why we must address the issue now to protect our children. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald continued her fight in Harrisburg to bring dignity to incarcerated women. She explains how her bill would ensure their needs are met. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 27 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., and colleagues today unveiled a package of legislation that would help incarcerated women and parents in Pennsylvania. “As chairwoman of the Women and Girls of Color Subcommittee of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, I traveled to SCI-Muncy last year, which is one of the two state prisons that house female inmates, and heard the cries for help,” Cephas said. “The visit made me realize that while I'm proud of the significant strides we've seen in our fight for criminal justice reform, we must include our women and girls of color in the bipartisan discussion. "Women are the fastest-growing segment of the incarcerated population. According to a report from the Vera Institute of Justice, the number of women in jail in the U.S. has grown 14-fold since 1970. Furthermore, a majority are accused of non-violent offenses. What's often ignored by our criminal justice system, though, is the fact female offenders have vastly different needs and experience different stresses compared to men.” Cephas plans to introduce two bills: one would create a Women and Girls Committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; the other bill would require the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to submit an annual report on healthcare screenings and care services they provide to the House Health and Human Services committees and the Senate Health and Human Read more
Members from Philadelphia and of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today condemned a divisive opening prayer delivered Monday in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Here’s a selection of quotes. Rep. Stephen Kinsey, PLBC chairman: “On a day that should have been celebrated, we found ourselves confused and mortified. The swearing-in of Representative Movita Johnson-Harrell as the first Muslim woman to ever serve in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives was overshadowed by the outrageous remarks made by the Republican member. This is disgusting behavior. I choose to celebrate the diversity of our caucus, and welcome Representative Johnson-Harrell with open, loving arms. I believe our Democratic Leader Frank Dermody said it best, ‘It was beneath the dignity of the House.’ There is no room for hate.” Rep. Donna Bullock, PLBC vice chairwoman: “It is unfortunate that prayer was used to intimidate and divide. As our state legislature becomes more diverse, as we elect more women, more people of color, and people of different faiths and experiences, our ability to work together for all Pennsylvanians will be tested. I pray that my colleagues come to understand that Pennsylvania's diversity is our strength, not the enemy.” Rep. Summer Lee, PLBC treasurer who represents a portion of Allegheny County: ”We want to foremost, recognize and celebrate the historic victory and swearing-in of Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 27 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, D-Phila., today introduced legislation that would implement full-day kindergarten across the state. “Educating children in a positive, structured environment enhances their development,” Fitzgerald said. “All children deserve these benefits and the best chance at success.” House Bill 641 would require school board directors across the state to establish and maintain a full-time kindergarten program for children between ages 3 and 5. It would also develop a Full-Day Kindergarten Implementation Advisory Committee to develop plans and advise school districts on how to implement full-day kindergarten programs. The legislation would require school districts to establish their programs by the 2020-21 school year. Read more
I invite you and your family to attend my open house in my district office from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 7178 Ogontz Ave., Philadelphia, 19138. My staff and I 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 about this email or any state-related concern, please don’t hesitate to contact me . Read more
Forms for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for the 2018 tax year are available – and my office staff is ready to help you file yours for free ! 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 2018 and meet all other eligibility criteria. The rebates normally are distributed by the Department of Revenue beginning July 1. So, the sooner you file, the sooner you will receive your money. Read more
“The summit is a community-building event,” said Fitzgerald. “Small businesses have been the lifeblood of our community. [And] where you have strong businesses, you have robust communities.” Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 16 – State Rep. Jason Dawkins, chairman of the Philadelphia House Delegation, along with delegation members today announced their legislative agenda during a news conference at the state Capitol. The delegation said its top priorities for working toward a better Philadelphia include investing in education and schools, criminal justice reform, health care for all, strengthening commercial coordinators, and alternative energy methods. "We are joining forces to work as one unit for the betterment of all Philadelphians, and that begins with fighting for what our constituents need the most,” Dawkins said. "We are also focused on making sure that everyone gets a fair shot and equal treatment." “Last session we worked in bipartisan fashion to get clean slate legislation signed into law and bring real criminal justice reform to those who need it,” said Rep. Jordan Harris, the Democratic Whip. “Now, we must continue fighting for further reform to reduce recidivism and allow Pennsylvanians who have paid their debit to society to pursue a productive path to citizenry.” “For too long our criminal justice system has been an injustice system for the mentally ill, the poor, and people of color,” said Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta. “While we’ve made progress, our prisons remain overcrowded, inmates mistreated, and mental health problems ignored. I stand with my Philadelphia colleagues to address Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 11 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald will be joined by Reps. Stephen Kinsey and Chris Rabb, Sen. Art Haywood and Councilwoman Cherelle Parker to co-host an annual summit to help current and future business owners succeed and prosper. The 2 nd Annual Northwest Economic Empowerment Business Summit, organized by Fitzgerald, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at Masjidullah, the Center for Human Excellence, 7433 Limekiln Pike, 19138. The theme of this year’s summit is “Continuing the Journey.” Those attending the summit can take part in a variety of workshops and hear from expert panelists about starting a business or making an existing business thrive. “Business owners are a vital part of our community,” Fitzgerald said. “We want to provide constituents with the opportunities and resources to assist them, whether it’s starting their own business venture or growing their existing business.” Fitzgerald said there will be door prizes and continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Congressman Dwight Evans will be the keynote speaker. Representatives and their staff also will be available to answer questions and provide information on state government-related services. For more information and to RSVP, please call Fitzgerald’s office at 215-549-0220 or by email at repizzy@pahouse.net . Read more
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7178 Ogontz AvenuePhiladelphia, PA 19138
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25B East WingHarrisburg, PA 17120
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