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State Rep. Angel Cruz secures $1.5 million RACP grant for A & Indiana Campus

Rep. Angel Cruz

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Cruz announces $1 million grant for ASPIRA and Pantoja Charter School

(Jan 02, 2018) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 2 – Following approval by the Office of the Budget, state Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., announced a $1 million grant has been awarded to ASPIRA Community Enterprises to build new facilities at Pantoja Charter School. The funding will go toward the construction of a gymnasium, an auditorium, additional classroom, office, and parking at the school. “I have no doubt that these new facilities will help our community grow healthier and stronger, and will reaffirm the connection between the school and the neighborhood,” Cruz said. “I’m glad that we were able to secure this funding that will enable ASPIRA to continue to do amazing work for our children and youth.” RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs. Read more

 

Regulations for recovery houses in Pa. become law

(Dec 19, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 19 – During a news conference today, state Reps. Jason Dawkins and Angel Cruz, D-Phila., celebrated the passage of Senate Bill 446 , legislation that provides for regulation and certification of recovery houses. The bill was signed into law by the governor earlier today. “Many recovery houses do an exceptional job through providing various services for their residents, but others are owned and operated by landlords whose facilities are basically 'warehouses' with little to no oversight or programs,” Dawkins said. “This new law will hold those owners accountable because they have to meet the same standards as other medical facilities throughout the Commonwealth.” Dawkins’ language in the bill will prohibit drug and alcohol recovery houses throughout Pennsylvania from discriminating against people with a physical or mental disability, including substance abuse disorders. It will also ensure that all facilities in Pennsylvania comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Cruz said, “If we really want to help those who are struggling to maintain their sobriety, they must have access to facilities that will maximize their chances for success – not set them up to fail.” Cruz’s proposal in the bill specifically addresses the Air Bridge, a network that promised Puerto Rican drug users treatment in lavish recovery houses in cities like Philadelphia. However, once people arrive Read more

 

Bill to address 'Air Bridge' issue heading to the governor’s desk

(Dec 13, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

HARRISBURG, Dec. 13 – The state Senate today passed a bill (S.B. 446) that includes state Rep. Angel Cruz’s language to address the "Air Bridge" issue. “This legislation is needed now more than ever as we face one of the greatest public health epidemics of our time. Addiction is a terrible disease and, without standards for recovery houses, unofficial programs such as ‘Air Bridge’ will continue to take advantage of people,” Cruz said. Cruz’s proposal would ban the owners, administrators and employees of recovery houses from requiring residents to sign over their public assistance benefits. It also would ensure that all drug and alcohol recovery houses throughout Pennsylvania not in compliance with federal, state or local law be referred to the appropriate agency for further investigation. “I’d like to acknowledge the prime sponsor of the bill for his commitment and support to resolve this issue. I am confident the governor will sign the legislation into law,” Cruz said. Air Bridge is a network that promised Puerto Rican drug addicts treatment in lavish recovery houses in cities like Philadelphia. However, once people arrive to receive treatment, they are taken to live in rundown homes, share beds with several other people and are forced to relinquish their food stamps and other public assistance benefits. In April, Cruz led a public hearing in Philadelphia to discuss and find a solution to the Read more

 

Cruz urges vote on resolution to address committee chairman’s conduct

(Dec 08, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

HARRISBURG, Dec. 8 – Following an outburst during a House committee meeting that was captured on video and has garnered nationwide media attention, state Rep. Angel Cruz is seeking to bring his resolution up for a vote to address the conduct of committee chairmen. In a letter written to House Speaker Mike Turzai, Majority Leader Dave Reed and Minority Leader Frank Dermody, Cruz expressed outrage over the behavior of state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, Republican chairman of the State Government Committee, and urged that his resolution ( H.R. 128 ) be moved out of the Rules Committee and brought to the full House for a vote. “Chairman Metcalfe is making a mockery of this great body and further demonstrating that he is unfit to serve as chairman of a committee which has oversight on very important civil rights issues,” said Cruz, D-Phila. During the State Government Committee meeting on Tuesday, Democratic Chairman Matt Bradford touched Metcalfe’s arm while trying to make a point about a bill being discussed. Metcalfe interrupted Bradford by saying, “Representative Bradford, look, I’m a heterosexual. I have a wife, I love my wife. I don’t like men, as you might. But stop touching me all the time.” Bradford is married to a woman and has four children. Cruz said he is calling for movement on his resolution because of this outburst and an instance last session in which Metcalfe prevented a member of his committee from speaking during Read more

 

Cruz to host free gun safety event Dec. 16

(Dec 08, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 8 – State Rep. Angel Cruz will host a free gun safety event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 in his district office at 3503 N. B St., Unit 7, 19134. “We will have information about firearms safety, safe firearm storage, and laws pertaining to personal ownership, concealed carry and self-defense, plus more,” said Cruz, D-Phila. “Attendees 18 years of age or older will receive free gunlocks at the event.” Cruz is co-hosting the event with the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Department. For more information, call Cruz’ office at (215) 291-5643. Read more

 

Cruz to host two senior luncheons in December

(Dec 01, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 1 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., will host two senior luncheons to help older Pennsylvanians access local and state resources to improve their quality of life. The free events will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on the following dates and locations: Thursday, Dec. 14 - Casa Caribe,173 W. Allegheny Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19133 Friday, Dec. 15 - Somerset Villas, 200 E. Somerset St., Philadelphia, PA 19134 “Seniors are invaluable members of our community, and with these events my aim is to see that they are connected to all the programs, resources and initiatives that can help them remain active, engaged and live their best lives,” Cruz said. Attendees will be able to receive information about the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, PACE and PACENET prescription-drug plans, SEPTA Key ID, heating assistance and other state programs. For more information, residents can reach out to Cruz’s office at 215-291-5643 or visit his website, www.pahouse.com/Cruz . Read more

 

Cruz announces $500,000 grant for Philadelphia Streets Department

(Nov 14, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 14 – Following approval by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., announced a $500,000 grant has been awarded to the Philadelphia Streets Department to rehabilitate and improve safety infrastructure along corridors to seven public elementary and middle schools that have been identified as “high child pedestrian crash schools” in Philadelphia. “School zones are put in place to ensure the safety of our children in and around our schools. Unfortunately, many drivers do not obey the special speed limits, needlessly putting our children at risk. Only permanent physical measures would force motor vehicles to be slowed, thus reducing speed and improving safety in school zones,” Cruz said. Cruz said the project will help reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries in neighborhoods across the city including Cramp, Tiden, Hamilton, Sullivan, Zeigler, Gideon, and Solis-Cohen. The funding will go toward the installation of stop bars, continental crosswalks, pavement markings, curb bump-outs, new ADA curb ramps, speed cushions, pedestrian count down signals, and rapid flashing beacons on routes to and at the schools. The total project cost is $5,040,192. “This grant is a great resource to coordinate transportation and infrastructure in Philadelphia. School zones and areas where safety measures are critical and indispensable,” Cruz said. “I look forward to mitigating risks, reducing Read more

 

Cruz: October designated Indigenous Peoples' Month in Pennsylvania

(Oct 30, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 30 – The state House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution designating October as Indigenous Peoples' Month , according to lead sponsor Rep. Ángel Cruz. “Of the 50 states, Pennsylvania has one of the richest Native American Indian histories. Indigenous peoples played an important role shaping the history of our commonwealth and our country,” said Cruz, D-Phila. “Many of the foods we eat and the medicines and remedies we use were introduced by indigenous peoples. More than one highway in Pennsylvania follows an original Native American Indian trail. They have also contributed to environmental preservation, commerce, governmental institutions and structure, music, language, art and many other facets. “As public elected officials, it is our responsibility to promote inclusion and ensure equal access to opportunities for all. By drawing attention to indigenous peoples’ contributions to our cities and counties, my colleagues and I in the House of Representatives celebrate and honor their heritage and culture and look forward to eradicate prejudice and discrimination against them,” Cruz said. House Resolution 580 designates the week following the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Week and the month of October 2017 as Indigenous Peoples’ Month in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

State representatives urge Congress to act quickly on Puerto Rico relief efforts

(Oct 02, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 29 – State Reps. Ángel Cruz and Emilio Vázquez, both D-Phila., today announced that they plan to introduce a resolution urging Congress and President Donald Trump to allocate resources to help Puerto Rico and its residents recover from Hurricane Maria. “Yesterday, President Donald Trump waived the Jones Act restrictions for Puerto Rico for 10 days. That’s an enormous step, but in order for the island to move forward and rebuild, 10 days is not enough,” Vázquez said. “We need Congress to go further and waive the Jones Act permanently. We also need a relief and funding package to help the 3.5 million Americans living in Puerto Rico, allowing authorities to appropriately respond to the damage caused by María.” The Jones Act is a law that requires all goods transported between U.S. ports to be carried on ships built, owned and operated by Americans. This often makes the goods transported between the ports much more expensive. Cruz said, “A week after the event, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is still doing rescue operations and the supply deliveries just started around Monday. By this point in response to Hurricane Katrina, Lieutenant General Honore notes that we had 20,000 troops, 20 ships and 40,000 National Guard on the ground on the Gulf Coast. The federal response is just too slow. We ask that the president request an immediate allocation to FEMA for Puerto Rico, and Read more

 

Cruz informs about reestablished services to help families in Puerto Rico

(Sep 29, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 29 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., today announced Puerto Rico is gradually reestablishing postal and money transfer services. “I’ve confirmed that postal office and money transfer services are gradually getting back to normal, and I want to provide constituents in Philly with the information so they can send goods, supplies and money directly to their families,” Cruz said. “We all know there’s been a logistics issue to distribute donations, and people are desperate to fulfill the particular needs of their families.” Please be aware of the following updates: The United States Postal Service continues to increase access to P.O. Box mail and package pickup services at its offices in Puerto Rico. There are currently no deliveries. Residents must pick up packages at the post office. Services are currently available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 49 of its 174 facilities on the island (last updated Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m.). Retail, PO Box mail and package pickup services PO Box mail and package pickup services (no retail) Aguirre, 00704 Añasco, 00610 Arecibo, 00612 Bayamón, 00959 Boquerón, 00622 Cabo Rojo, 00623 Camuy, 00627 Carolina, 00983 Carolina Pueblo, 00985 Cataño, 00962 Cayey, 00736 Ciales, 00638 Cidra, 00739 Comerío, 00782 Cupey, 00926 Dorado, 00646 Guaynabo, 00969 Read more

 

Cruz hosts Coquí Festival to promote efforts to help Puerto Rico

(Sep 26, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 26 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., welcomed over 6,000 attendees to his annual Puerto Rican Coquí Festival, this year to promote relief efforts for Puerto Rico after the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and María. “I’m thrilled by the amazing turnout we had this year. Particularly, because we want to raise awareness on Puerto Rico’s current situation and funds to help rebuild the island,” Cruz said. “María was the strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in almost 100 years. Thousands lost everything. Millions remain without power, water, food and medical supplies. It is our responsibility to stand with our families and friends along the way.” Cruz said he wanted to thank Aspira, Penalta Food Market, Classic Pizza, Cousins Food Market, Impact Services, Hungarian Club, S & F Meat Corp., Mayor Jim Kenney, Gov. Tom Wolf, community partners and volunteers. Cruz is encouraging people to donate at www.concilio.net/donate and to find out more information on how to help visiting www.unitedforpuertorico.com . Read more

 

Cruz to host Philadelphia Police Department for recruitment drive

(Sep 18, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 18 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., announced he will host representatives from the Philadelphia Police Department for a recruitment drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 at his district office, 3503 North B St., Unit 7, Philadelphia, PA 19134. “Being a Philadelphia police officer is a demanding and important job because our communities rely on law enforcement for safety and protection. It can be a rewarding opportunity to serve the public as well,” Cruz said. “I encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a police officer to come to my office and speak with a representative from the Philadelphia Police Department.” Constituents with questions should contact Cruz’ district office at (215) 291-5643. Read more

 

Cruz condemns President Trump’s decision to end DACA

(Sep 13, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

HARRISBURG, Sept. 13 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., joined several House Democrats to express their outrage over President Donald Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. “I’m furious at the irresponsibility and cowardice of the President’s actions. Immigrants helped build this great country and now they’re left to suffer for no reason,” Cruz said. “800,000 Dreamers, nearly 6,000 of them just in Pennsylvania, currently benefit from DACA and will have their families ripped apart because of this decision by the Trump Administration.” In an effort to fight back, Cruz introduced House Resolution 491 that not only condemns the latest action against DACA but urges Congress to pass the Dream Act, which would provide a path to permanent legal residency for DACA participants. “This country is the only place they call home. With this action, the government is turning its back against people who came to the United States to achieve the American Dream, because that’s what our country is: the land of opportunities. I am beyond disappointed and I stand in solidarity with all the Dreamers in Pennsylvania and across the country. I’ll keep up the fight against this deplorable act,” Cruz said. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro deemed the president’s actions illegal and just last week joined more than a dozen attorneys general in filing a lawsuit Read more

 

Cruz condemns Trump administration’s decision to end DACA

(Sep 08, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 8 – State Rep. Ángel Cruz, D-Phila., today announced that he plans to introduce a resolution condemning the Trump administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and urging Congress to pass S.B. 1615 sponsored by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), known as the Dream Act of 2017. “In Pennsylvania, nearly 6,000 Dreamers benefit from DACA. The Trump administration’s decision to end the program by March 2018 will not only affect Dreamers throughout the country, but also hurt our economy by losing revenue and labor force,” Cruz said. “We’re talking about our farm workers, our nurses, our teachers and our engineers. This country is the only place they call home. With this action, the government is turning its back against people who came to the United States to reach the American Dream, because that’s what our country is: the land of opportunities. I am beyond disappointed and I stand in solidarity with all the Dreamers in Pennsylvania and across the country. I’ll keep up the fight against this deplorable act.” DACA provides temporary deportation deferral to individuals who were brought to the United States illegally as children, known as “Dreamers,” who pass vetting so they may live, study and work legally in the only country they know as home. The program was authorized in 2012 by then President Obama as a compromise between his administration Read more

 

Cruz to celebrate Puerto Rican festivities kick-off on Sept. 19

(Sep 07, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 7 – State Rep. Ángel Cruz, D-Phila., will host a flag raising ceremony at noon Tuesday, Sept. 19 at Antonio Pantoja Charter School, 4401 N. American St., to mark the beginning of Puerto Rican festivities in Philadelphia. "Starting on the 19 th and during that week, hundreds of people will gather to enjoy music, dancing, and food to celebrate our heritage. I invite everyone to come and be part of this year's celebration," Cruz said. "We came here for the opportunities that this great nation provides, but we will always remember our roots and where we came from." Now celebrating its 55th anniversary, this cultural gathering is Philadelphia's oldest and largest outdoor event celebrating Puerto Rican and Latino heritage. Read more

 

Lead poisoning: the warning for parents & the actions being taken in Harrisburg

(Sep 07, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

Lead poisoning is well-known but the dangers for young children tend to slip under the radar. I want to make sure parents and caregivers know the risks and are aware of the actions being taken in Harrisburg to ensure their child’s safety. Just recently, I was glad to see Gov. Tom Wolf join in my fight to bring the concern to the forefront. The startling statistics speak for themselves. For kids, the Pa. Department of Health says lead can: Cause coma, convulsions, and even death; Create learning difficulties; Interfere with growth; Harm hearing; and Delay development Those facts are frightening for any parent to hear, especially for those who aren’t even aware the safety hazards exist. Gov. Wolf is echoing my push for universal blood testing for children under the age of 2 across the state. He is seeking analysis to determine who is at risk for lead poisoning and where kids with the highest and lowest blood-lead levels live. This effort mirrors legislation (H.B. 666) I introduced earlier this year, and with the governor’s help, I’m confident it will make traction in the legislature. This latest action is crucial considering the results of a recent report by our health department, showing only 28 percent of children, aged 0-23 months, were tested for lead in 2015. That means the other 72 percent could be at risk for health problems and not even know it. I am also pushing to increase lead testing in: Read more

 

Gov. Wolf echoes what Cruz has been pushing for all along: increased lead testing across Pa.

(Aug 30, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

HARRISBURG, Aug. 30 – As state Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., continues his fight against lead poisoning in the commonwealth, he’s responding to Gov. Tom Wolf’s recent announcement that he supports universal testing of blood-lead levels in all Pennsylvania children under age 2. “While I respect the governor’s efforts, I wish he would have worked more closely with the legislature because he would have realized what he’s backing is what I’ve been fighting for over the last two legislative sessions,” Cruz said. Wolf is seeking analysis to determine who is at risk for lead poisoning and where kids with the highest and lowest blood-lead levels live, which is the exact purpose of legislation ( H.B. 666 ) introduced by Cruz earlier this session. The representative also proposed bills to increase testing in drinking water, daycares, and older rental properties where lead paint was likely used. Cruz is now urging the House Health Committee to take action on H.B. 666 in light of the governor’s support. “Support from Gov. Wolf is crucial in gaining traction through the legislature and getting bills up for a vote,” Cruz explained. “We could have been miles ahead in reaching our goal if a collaborative effort happened sooner.” According to the state Department of Health’s latest report on lead, only 28 percent of children aged 0-23 months were tested for lead in 2015. Testing rates varied from 12 Read more

 

New safe needle disposal location

(Aug 01, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., announced that his district office has acquired bio waste bins in which residents may properly dispose used needles found on the streets and in public places. Read more

 

Cruz ofrece nueva alternativa para desechar jeringuillas usadas

(Jul 31, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

FILADELFIA, Julio 31 – El Representante Estatal Ángel Cruz, D-Phila., anunció que su oficina de distrito está equipada con contenedores de desechos biopeligrosos en los que los residentes pueden descartar adecuadamente jeringuillas encontradas en carreteras y espacios públicos. “Hemos registrado un aumento en el número de jeringuillas dejadas en lugares públicos y, respondiendo a la preocupación de muchos ciudadanos, decidí dar un primer paso para combatir este problema”, dijo Cruz. “Aunque la mayoría de las jeringuillas provenientes de los programas de intercambio son recogidas y descartadas de manera segura, miles son tiradas en los lugares que menos esperamos; lo que pone en riesgo la salud y la seguridad de los ciudadanos, incluyendo niños, personal de primera respuesta y hasta mascotas”. Los residentes del Distrito Legislativo 180 pueden desechar las jeringuillas entre 9 a.m. y 5 p.m. de lunes a viernes en la oficina del representante, localizada en 3503 N. B St., Unidad 7. “Cuando una persona sufre una herida ocasionada por una jeringuilla usada no hay manera de saber si quien la utilizó tenía alguna infección o enfermedad. Con esta campaña quiero asegurarme de que los ciudadanos saben qué hacer si encuentran jeringuillas en las calles”, añadió. Los contenedores de desechos biopeligrosos fueron Read more

 

State Rep. Angel Cruz’s office provides bins for safe needle disposal

(Jul 31, 2017) Rep. Angel Cruz

PHILADELPHIA, July 31 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., announced that his district office has acquired bio waste bins in which residents may properly dispose used needles found on the streets and in public places. “There’s been an observed increase in the number of syringes left on the street and in response to an increasing number of complaints and questions from concerned citizens, I’m taking a first step to combat the problem,” Cruz said. “Although, most of the used needles from exchange programs are collected and disposed of properly, every year thousands are carelessly discarded outside, creating hazards for the rest of the citizens, including children, first responders and even our pets.” Residents of the 180 th Legislative District can drop off needles between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday at Cruz’s office, 3503 N. B St., Unit 7. “When someone is injured by a needle that has been thrown away, there is no way of knowing whether the person who used it had an infection. That’s why we are starting this campaign, to ensure people know what to do in case they find used needles on the streets,” he said. The bio waste bins were provided by Prevention Point, a private nonprofit organization aimed at promoting health, empowerment and safety for communities affected by drug use and poverty. More information can be obtained calling Cruz’s office at (215) 291-5643. Read more

 

Cruz announces $1 million grant for ASPIRA and Pantoja Charter School
Jan 02, 2018

Regulations for recovery houses in Pa. become law
Dec 19, 2017

Bill to address 'Air Bridge' issue heading to the governor’s desk
Dec 13, 2017

Cruz urges vote on resolution to address committee chairman’s conduct
Dec 08, 2017

Cruz to host free gun safety event Dec. 16
Dec 08, 2017

Cruz to host two senior luncheons in December
Dec 01, 2017

Cruz announces $500,000 grant for Philadelphia Streets Department
Nov 14, 2017

Cruz: October designated Indigenous Peoples' Month in Pennsylvania
Oct 30, 2017

State representatives urge Congress to act quickly on Puerto Rico relief efforts
Oct 02, 2017

Cruz informs about reestablished services to help families in Puerto Rico
Sep 29, 2017

Cruz hosts Coquí Festival to promote efforts to help Puerto Rico
Sep 26, 2017

Cruz to host Philadelphia Police Department for recruitment drive
Sep 18, 2017

Cruz condemns President Trump’s decision to end DACA
Sep 13, 2017

Cruz condemns Trump administration’s decision to end DACA
Sep 08, 2017

Cruz to celebrate Puerto Rican festivities kick-off on Sept. 19
Sep 07, 2017

Lead poisoning: the warning for parents & the actions being taken in Harrisburg
Sep 07, 2017

Gov. Wolf echoes what Cruz has been pushing for all along: increased lead testing across Pa.
Aug 30, 2017

New safe needle disposal location
Aug 01, 2017

Cruz ofrece nueva alternativa para desechar jeringuillas usadas
Jul 31, 2017

State Rep. Angel Cruz’s office provides bins for safe needle disposal
Jul 31, 2017