From the stay-at-home order extended to all schools closed indefinitely, here are the COVID-19 updates from the week of March 30 that you need to know. Read more
During times of crisis, it can sometimes feel easier to be angry and frustrated instead of positive and motivated. We find ourselves in an unprecedented situation where the unknowns strongly dictate our outlook on life. But, I want to tell you, we will get through this. How do I know? Because we're all in this together. We're seeing community leaders stepping up big time to offer free meals to our most vulnerable neighbors, financial opportunities to the unemployed and assistance to help local businesses weather the storm. My office is here to answer your questions and connect you with critical resources to help you and your family get back on your feet. Our doctors, health care workers, first responders, grocery store workers and other essential employees are all on the front lines, fighting to make sure you’re safe and have what you need when you need it. Simply put, you're not alone. Remember, it's always darkest before the dawn. Now is the time we need to be faithful not fearful and see the glass half full not half empty. I won't give up on you, and I ask that you don't give up on yourselves. We can do this, we will do this, but we must do this TOGETHER! Read more
** Below is a list of informational links for resources in and around Philadelphia related to COVID-19. This will be updated as more/new information becomes available ** The latest info on COVID-19 cases and other data statewide from the Pennsylvania Department of Health : https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx The latest information on COVID-19 cases and other data in Philadelphia from the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health : https://www.phila.gov/services/mental-physical-health/environmental-health-hazards/covid-19/ The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has activated a Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline . It’s available 24/7. If you have questions about symptoms and risk factors, what to do if you think you may have been exposed, testing resources, or recommendations for social distancing, you can contact the helpline at 1-800-722-7112. More info: https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-14-greater-philadelphia-coronavirus-helpline-opened-by-health/?fbclid=IwAR2HZUc0yYdy66IMO4nrx8g4Z8vKMHE9qWUXmmLDe3OZFIjVhiwGDu0ZFIo List of essential Philadelphia services and how to access them: https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-18-essential-city-services-remain-open-here-is-how-to-access-them/?mc_cid=7f7be1d618&mc_eid=eda5e48c86 . Information about how SEPTA is operating: http://www.septa.org/service/rail/midday-schedule.html Information about how Amtrak is Read more
With new information coming in every day about COVID-19, here is a look at the major developments Pennsylvanians need to know to help get through this public health crisis. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, March 19 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald today announced a $6,500 state grant to help Penn Asian Senior Services in Philadelphia promote awareness and participation in the upcoming 2020 Census. "The census only happens once a decade and provides a critical opportunity for our communities to get its fair share of millions in federal funding to strengthen schools, help seniors and fix roads," said Fitzgerald, D-Phila. " PASSi understands the importance of being counted and can use this funding to continue educating vulnerable populations in the Philadelphia area about the different ways to participate." As part of her efforts to help protect her neighbors from COVID-19, Fitzgerald is stressing that people can fill out their census forms safely online. "The well-being of my constituents is my top priority," explained Fitzgerald. "Participating in the census digitally allows a person to practice social distancing while making sure they don't miss out." This funding is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's Census 2020 Outreach Grant program, which focuses on supporting efforts that target hard-to-count populations, including: Those who do not speak English as their primary language. Ethnic minorities. Immigrants. Members of the LGBTQ community. People Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Mar. 12 – Members of Philadelphia leadership team in the state House were joined by fellow Philadelphia legislators in asking Gov. Tom Wolf to place a moratorium on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission from further utility shutoffs for the foreseeable future for all Pennsylvanians in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Philadelphia members in leadership positions, including Reps. Jordan Harris, Democratic whip; Joanna McClinton, Democratic chairwoman; Rosita Youngblood, Democratic secretary; Jason Dawkins, Philadelphia Delegation chairman; Stephen Kinsey, Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus chairman; and Jim Roebuck, Education Committee chairman, were joined by Philadelphia Reps. Donna Bullock, Morgan Cephas, Joe Hohenstein, Malcolm Kenyatta, Brian Sims, Maria Donatucci, Danilo Burgos, Isabella Fitzgerald, Mike Driscoll, Mary Isaacson, Pam DeLissio, Chris Rabb, Elizabeth Fiedler, Jared Solomon and Kevin Boyle in issuing the following statement: “The COVID-19 virus situation is literally evolving by the hour in Pennsylvania as we continue in what’s a situation many Pennsylvanians have never experienced. Many of our neediest residents have life-saving medical equipment that they use in their home, and it’s of the utmost importance that they have consistent access to that equipment through their electric utility. Our emergency rooms and first responders can’t be asked to spend finite resources on Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald today released the following statement applauding Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal for the 2020-21 fiscal year: “Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget plan reflects the needs of families across the commonwealth and addresses critical issues we’re facing in Philadelphia, including gun violence, raising the minimum wage, fully funding education, creating good paying jobs and ridding our schools of dangerous toxins. “I’m proud the governor is committed to passing commonsense gun safety laws and is calling for $10 million to put towards prevention programs that help protect our neighborhoods. He shares my priority to end further bloodshed, while not taking away a person’s right to bear arms, which is evident in my bills that would: Enforce safe storage for firearms ( H.B. 2077 ). Require individuals to specify they have a concealed carry permit on their driver’s license and photo identification card ( H.B. 2076 ). Establish a 72-hour waiting period for purchases of semi-automatic assault rifles ( H.B. 2078 ). “The governor understands building a better tomorrow means investing in our children’s future by increasing funding for early education, but more specifically, he shares in my fight to implement full-day kindergarten and ensure all kids have access to learning at a young age. This combined with dedicating more than $1 billion for Read more
Pa. state Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald’s office is here to help constituents sign up for SEPTA Key Senior ID Cards Read more
Flyer for NW Economic Summit Read more
The Dec. 31 deadline to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is quickly approaching. Applications for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for taxes or rent paid in 2018 are available online and in my office. The program provides rebates up to $650 on rent or property tax paid by Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. The application is available on the Department of Revenue’s website at www.revenue.pa.gov . The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income and all Social Security cost-of-living increases are excluded. 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. Read more
One pertinent issue that Fitzgerald has been fighting for is gun control. Gun violence is a serious threat in today’s society. Read more
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
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
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