HARRISBURG, Aug. 19 – Chairman of the House Human Services Committee Angel Cruz today implored the Wolf administration to investigate all child behavioral health facilities in the 67 counties in the wake of new reports outlining child sexual abuse. Cruz’s call comes days after the Wolf administration, through the Department of Human Services, announced that it is reviewing allegations to determine appropriate action with regard to the licenses of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Facilities, following years of reported child sexual abuse at the hands of staff. “There appears to be a sinister trend of children, particularly vulnerable children living with special needs, being subjected to unspeakably horrific abuse at the hands of those who have been entrusted with their care,” said Cruz, D-Phila. “It’s a trend that, in fact, spans years, and many times these allegations have been waved away with no follow-up investigations or accountability for these facilities. Children are sent to these facilities with the hopes that they will be provided the proper care to address their needs, but instead are forced to endure more trauma and bear it for the rest of their lives.” Outlining his anticipation for an investigation, Cruz pointed to the 2019 allegations of child abuse at the Wordsworth Academy in Philadelphia that surfaced after the 2016 asphyxiation death of 16 year-old David Hess, and multiple Read more
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 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
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
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
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
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
PHILADELPHIA, July 28 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., is seeking volunteers to join him and the Philadelphia Streets Department to collect improperly disposed of tires throughout the 180th Legislative District. The Tire Roundup will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 5. People who are interested will meet at Cruz’s district office at 3503 North B St., Unit 7, 19134. For more information, call Cruz’s office at 215-291-5643. “Tires that are lying around our neighborhoods are not only an eyesore, but they are a potential health hazard. They collect water and become breeding grounds for insects that can cause West Nile virus and other illnesses,” said Cruz. “I urge everyone to join me in making our community look better and healthier by collecting tires so they can be disposed of properly.” The Philadelphia Streets Department’s Sanitation Division developed the tire roundup program in 1995 to address the serious problem of illegally discarded tires throughout the city. Read more
FILADELFIA, Julio 26– El Representante Estatal Ángel Cruz, D-Fila., ofrecerá un evento de trituración de documentos el sábado, 19 de agosto de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m. en su oficina de distrito localizada en 3503 N. B Street Unidad #7, Filadelfia. Los ciudadanos podrán llevar documentos como facturas viejas, expedientes médicos y documentos financieros, así como otros documentos personales que contengan información confidencial. El material triturado durante el evento será reciclado. “Los eventos de trituración de documentos son una de las mejores maneras de prevenir ser víctima de robo de identidad, y con la incidencia subiendo cada año, es mi responsabilidad como legislador educar y ayudar a las personas a deshacerse de sus documentos”, dijo Cruz. Personal de la oficina del representante proveerá asistencia en inglés y español sobre asuntos relacionados con el gobierno estatal. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, July 26 – State Rep. Ángel Cruz, D-Phila., is hosting a free community shredding event on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at his district office, 3503 N. B Street, Unit #7, Philadelphia. Constituents are encouraged to bring unneeded paper items to be shredded for disposal, including old bills, health records and financial items, as well as any other paper items of a personal nature. “Shredding events are one of the best defenses against becoming a victim of identity theft and with the rate increasing every year, it’s my responsibility as a legislator to educate and help people on this issue,” Cruz said. Items shredded will be recycled afterwards. Cruz and his staff will also provide assistance for constituents applying for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid and the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Assistance will be available in English and Spanish. Read more
El representante estatal Ángel Cruz, D-Fila., indicó que está complacido con la extensión de la Ley de Identificación Verdadera –conocida como Real ID Act– otorgada a Pensilvania por el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos. La extensión es válida hasta el 10 de octubre de 2017, lo que significa que los residentes del estado no tendrán problemas de acceso a instalaciones federales hasta esa fecha. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 21 – The state Senate today passed a bill (S.B. 446) that includes language identical to an amendment by Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., designed to address the "Air Bridge" issue. "Both the House and Senate have now passed bills containing my language to address the Air Bridge problem. Now we just need to have one bill pass both the House and Senate. After these two votes, I am optimistic we can get this reform to the governor's desk and signed into law," Cruz said. On June 7, the House of Representatives passed a bill ( H.B. 119 ) that includes Cruz's amendment. Cruz’s proposal would ban the owners, administrators and employees of recovery houses from requiring residents to sign over their public assistance benefits. It would also 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. "My amendment is important in making sure that the Air Bridge issue is resolved," Cruz said. "Families sent their relatives from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia to get treatment for drug addiction, but quality treatment options were not provided. Instead, they were prisoners of unregulated recovery homes that stole their money, food stamps and other government assistance in return for their stay. This is a big step to resolving the issue, but we can do more." Air Bridge is a network Read more
PHILADELPHIA, June 21 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., said he is pleased with the Real ID extension granted to Pennsylvania by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “This extension helps us ensure people won’t face difficulty using their IDs and driver's licenses for air travel or visits to federal facilities. Now thousands of Philadelphians, Latinos, Asians and residents of other races will continue to be able to visit their families back in their home countries,” Cruz said. “In the meantime, PennDOT is working tirelessly to start issuing Real ID compliant forms of identification.” The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Friday that Pennsylvania has been granted a Real ID enforcement extension through Oct. 10, 2017, which means that Pennsylvania residents will not face access issues when entering federal facilities through that date. DHS had previously granted Pennsylvania an enforcement grace period through July 10, 2017, while PennDOT's request for an extension was pending final review. “Preliminary work on Real ID has begun, and PennDOT estimates Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards will be available at the customer’s option in 2019. This will allow ample time for customers who want a Real ID product to obtain one before the final DHS effective date of October 1, 2020,” Cruz said. The federal Real ID Act of 2005 was established by Congress and Read more
Filadelfia, Junio 21 – El representante estatal Ángel Cruz, D-Fila., dijo que está complacido con la extensión de la Ley de Identificación Verdadera –conocida como Real ID Act– otorgada a Pensilvania por el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos. "Esta extensión nos ayuda a asegurar que la gente no tenga dificultades para usar sus identificaciones y licencias de conducir para viajes aéreos domésticos o visitas a instalaciones federales. Ahora miles de residentes de Filadelfia –latinos, asiáticos y de otras razas– podrán continuar visitando a sus familias en sus países de origen", dijo Cruz. "Mientras tanto, PennDOT está trabajando sin descanso para comenzar a emitir identificaciones y licencias de conducir en cumplimiento con el Real ID Act”. El Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos (DHS, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció el viernes que otorgó una extensión de la Ley de Identificación Verdadera a Pensilvania hasta el 10 de octubre de 2017, lo que significa que los residentes del estado no tendrán problemas de acceso a instalaciones federales hasta esa fecha. Previamente, el DHS había concedido a Pensilvania un período de gracia hasta el 10 de julio de 2017, mientras que la petición de PennDOT estaba pendiente de revisión final. "El Read more
HARRISBURG, June 14 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., introduced House Resolution 404 urging the U.S. Congress to recognize and act upon the results of the Puerto Rican status plebiscite held on Sunday. “A majority of the voters rejected the continuation of Puerto Rico’s current unsustainable territorial status. More than 90 percent of the ballots cast were in favor of statehood,” Cruz said. “It’s time for Congress to act, to finally treat the American citizens of Puerto Rico equally.” Since Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory, Congress has passed statutes establishing a civilian government, extending U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans, allowing the creation of a bill of rights and a constitution for the island. Yet, Puerto Ricans have only one nonvoting member in the U.S. House of Representatives and they cannot vote in presidential elections unless they move to one of the 50 states. “This is a matter of equal rights. Puerto Ricans are tired of existing as American citizens to whom their citizenship rights are denied. How is it possible that if an American citizen resident of Puerto Rico moves to the continental U.S. he or she will gain rights and vice versa he or she will lose rights? That doesn’t make sense.” The United States currently has 16 territories outside of the 50 states, of which only five are inhabited: Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Mariana Islands and American Samoa. Of Read more
Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month resolution unanimously adopted in House PHILADELPHIA, June 8 – A resolution (H.R. 372) sponsored by state Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., designating June 2017 as Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month in Pennsylvania was unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives. The state recognition coincides with National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month. CMV is a common virus that infects people of all ages and remains with a person for life. Over half of all adults living with CMV are infected by age 40. Most people show no signs of CMV, and if they do, symptoms are often mild. However, CMV can cause serious health problems to those with weakened immune systems, as well as babies infected with the virus before they are born. Pregnant women can contract CMV and the virus can be passed down to the baby. CMV is the most common congenital infection in the United States with one in every 150 babies being born with congenital CMV each year. More than 5,000 of these babies will develop permanent problems such as hearing loss, vision loss or developmental disabilities. An estimated 400 babies die each year from the infection. CMV causes more long-term health problems than Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and spina bifida. “This is a serious public health issue and I am glad that my colleagues have unanimously adopted the resolution,” Cruz said. “Countless babies die each year from CMV and designating June 2017 as CMV Read more
HARRISBURG, Junio 7 – La Cámara de Representantes aprobó hoy el Proyecto de Ley 119 , que busca regular las casas de recuperación que reciben a usuarios de drogas provenientes de Puerto Rico y que se convierten en víctimas del puente aéreo. La legislación fue aprobada con una enmienda sometida por el representante estatal Ángel Cruz, D-Fila. La enmienda prohibe que los dueños o administradores de las casas de recuperación obliguen a los residentes entregar los beneficios que reciben a través de los programas de asistencia del estado. Asimismo, requiere que las instituciones que no cumplan con las regulaciones locales, estatales o federales sean referidas a las autoridades correspondientes para iniciar una investigación. “Mi enmienda asegura que se atienda de manera más específica la situación del Puente Aéreo”, dijo Cruz. “Familias envían a sus seres queridos a Filadelfia para que reciban tratamiento, pero ese tratamiento no está disponible. En cambio, son prisioneros de casas de recuperación que no están reguladas y que les quitan el dinero, la asistencia nutricional y otras ayudas del gobierno como paga por su estadía. Este es un paso importante, pero aún queda mucho por hacer”, añadió. El puente aéreo es una campaña que promete tratamiento efectivo a usuarios de Read more
HARRISBURG, June 7 – The state House of Representatives today passed a bill ( H.B. 119 ) that includes an amendment by Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., designed to address the "Air Bridge" issue. Cruz’ amendment would ban the owners, administrators and employees of recovery houses from requiring residents to sign over their public assistance benefits. It would also 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. "My amendment to the welfare code is important in making sure that the “Air Bridge” issue is resolved," Cruz said. "Families sent their relatives from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia to get treatment for drug addiction, but quality treatment options were not provided. Instead, they were prisoners of unregulated recovery homes that stole their money, food stamps and other government assistance in return for their stay. This is a big step to resolving the issue, but we can do more." Air Bridge is a network that promised Puerto Rican drug addicts treatment in lavish recovery houses in cities like Philadelphia. However, once individuals 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 chaired a hearing in Philadelphia to Read more
PHILADELPHIA, June 5 – Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law the bill that would help put Pennsylvania in line with federal Real ID rules and ensure that state residents don’t face difficulty using their IDs for air travel or visits to federal facilities, said state Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila. “Pennsylvania, and more specifically Philadelphia has experienced significant changes in its ethnic and racial composition over the last two decades. That’s why this law is especially important for us. Thousands of Latinos, Asians and residents of other races often visit their families back in their home countries. This will allow them to continue to do so, obtaining a compliant Real ID,” said Cruz. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will provide Pennsylvanians the option of choosing a standard driver’s license or photo ID card, or IDs that are Real ID-compliant. Before those changes can take effect, the federal Department of Homeland Security is expected to issue extensions that would allow Pennsylvanians to continue using their standard driver's license to fly and access federal buildings until 2020. The federal Real ID Act of 2005 was established by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush on recommendation by the 9/11 Commission after the Sept. 11 attacks. That law requires driver's licenses and ID cards to have security enhancements and to be issued to people to prove they are legally in the United States. Pennsylvania Read more
PHILADELPHIA, May 30 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., on Saturday honored Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez with a citation for his accomplishments as a writer and agent for social change. Miranda-Rodriguez is the art director and owner of Somos Arte, a Brooklyn-based production studio, and a writer for Marvel Comics. He is also the creator and author of La Borinqueña, a popular comic book that highlights a female Puerto Rican superhero who fights both villains and the country’s financial crisis. The comic book gets its name from Puerto Rico’s national anthem. Cruz presented Miranda-Rodriguez the citation at Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse in the Kensington section of North Philadelphia. “It was an honor to present Edgardo with a citation highlighting his work to propel social change,” Cruz said. “We are excited that he has discovered a creative outlet to bring attention to and tackle issues facing Puerto Rico and its citizens. Through La Borinqueña, he has inspired Puerto Ricans everywhere to channel their inner strength to make their communities better.” Miranda-Rodriguez, originally from Bronx, NY, grew up in poverty and often faced discrimination as a Puerto Rican living in New York City. He cites his mother as the person who sparked his creative impulse in order to help him cope with the adversity he faced. To many, Miranda-Rodriguez’ work is a symbol of hope and patriotism for both Puerto Rico Read more
PHILADELPHIA, April 12 – State Rep. Angel Cruz, D-Phila., hosted a House Human Services Committee hearing at Philadelphia City Hall to examine the pipeline that sends Puerto Rican drug addicts to Philadelphia -- known as Air Bridge -- and the effectiveness of the treatment users receive in recovery homes. “The Air Bridge is a money-making problem, and the people coming from Puerto Rico are the victims,” Cruz said. “Their families pay money for them to come to Philadelphia to get treatment, but when they arrive, options for treatment don’t exist. Instead, they’re prisoners of unregulated recovery homes that collect money, food stamps and other government assistance as payment for their stay.” Cruz, who represents the 180th Legislative District which also houses “the tracks” – a Conrail train trench -- where users live and seek drugs, is planning to introduce legislation intended to curb the exploitation of addicts, establishing standards that recovery homes would need to comply with in order to get state or federal money. Puerto Rican Sen. Carmelo Rios described the drug crisis in the island and attributed its inability to take appropriate actions to the insufficiency of funds due to Congressional budget cuts under the Affordable Care Act. The island’s Senate adopted a bipartisan effort to contribute with Pennsylvania’s lawmakers and develop a solution for both. Testifiers included Jose Benitez, Read more
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3503 North B StreetUnit 7Philadelphia, PA 19134
P*: (215) 291-5643
F*: (215) 291-5647
Corner of B and Tioga Streets
528-E Main Capitol PO Box 202180 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2180
P*: (717) 787-1407