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Relief to restaurants, bars & clubs to help workers a top priority in House Democratic legislative package

(Jul 27, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

HARRISBURG, July 27 -- Citing the distressing impacts COVID-19 is having on Pennsylvania’s restaurant industry and a recent Yelp survey showing more than half of restaurants could close permanently due to the virus’ impact, Democrats in Harrisburg have crafted a legislative package aimed at providing relief to community business owners and the workers that cook and serve our food. The package includes nine bills that would provide grants to local restaurants, bars and clubs, reduce and eliminate specific licensing fees, extend discounts to licensees and protect businesses by guaranteeing their insurance pays out in future emergencies. These efforts will provide direct relief to an industry of Pennsylvania businesses the virus has hit hard, House Democratic leaders said. Restrictions put in place have been necessary in the state’s response to COVID-19. The leaders said they recognize the hardship the virus has continued to place on the restaurant industry. Restaurants have served as the backdrop of many life occasions and special moments and they need support more now than ever. The House Democratic package includes: Earmarking CARES grant funding from the federal government to be directed to small, community restaurants instead of national chains to ensure those dollars are invested back into the region. ( Rep. Joe Ciresi, Montgomery County & Rep. Tina Davis, Bucks County ) Earmarking CARES grant Read more

 

July 24, Email: Weekly update from Harrisburg and home!

(Jul 24, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

July 24 email. Read more

 

Email, July 17: Your Weekly News from Harrisburg and Home

(Jul 17, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

July 17 email. Read more

 

Email, July 10: Your Weekly News from Harrisburg and Home

(Jul 10, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

July 10 email. Read more

 

July 7, Email: Reopening schools – have your voice heard this week!

(Jul 08, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

July 7 email. Read more

 

Email, July 3: Your weekly roundup of news from Harrisburg and Philly

(Jul 03, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

July 3 email. Read more

 

Email, June 26: Important info to help local businesses and residents affected by COVID-19

(Jun 26, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

Email from June 26. Read more

 

Email, June 19: Updates in Harrisburg and at home

(Jun 19, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

Email, June 19. Read more

 

Email, June 12: Your weekly update with Harrisburg and Philly happenings

(Jun 12, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

June 12 email. Read more

 

Email, June 5: Moving to "yellow" and more

(Jun 05, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

June 5 email. Read more

 

I believe in your right to peacefully protest racism, and that violence is never the answer

(Jun 04, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

These past few days, as people have taken to the streets of Philadelphia, I have been listening. To those who are protesting peacefully, I am here with you, standing in solidarity with you, continuing to listen to you. The murder of George Floyd is reprehensible, and I know that acts of violence against Black people in our country at the hands of police officers happens when cellphone cameras aren’t present, too. That is why I believe that we must reform the systems within our society so that they serve, equitably, all people. We must have systems that function fairly and justly, even when no one is watching. I see what Black and Brown people in Philadelphia and beyond face every day. I am listening to their voices and I continue to learn from them. When I speak out as an ally, I am speaking to lift them up. I am committed to doing all that I can to eradicate hate and racism and injustice it in all its forms. I believe that Black Lives Matter. I believe that a diverse community is a strong community. I believe in your right to peacefully assemble and protest when you see injustices that deserve justice. I believe that violence is never the answer. I take those ideals to Harrisburg every tie I vote. Personally, I condemn the acts of violence and intimidation on Girard Avenue earlier this week and throughout our Fishtown neighborhoods. Not only was the safety of residents and protesters compromised, but so was the Read more

 

Isaacson introduces legislation to allow Unemployment Compensation applicants to receive PIN electronically

(Apr 08, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

HARRISBURG, April 8 – With a record number of Pennsylvanians applying for Unemployment Compensation benefits after suffering a loss of wages because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rep. Mary Isaacson has introduced legislation to allow those applicants to receive their Personal Identification Number, or PIN, electronically. “Life for so many Pennsylvanians has been upended,” Isaacson said. “People are worried about how they will pay their bills, how they will be able to afford the things they need in the midst of this pandemic, and their ability to receive Unemployment Compensation benefits in this chaotic time is hampered by an antiquated system. “Right now, the only way a person filing for Unemployment Compensation can receive their PIN is through snail mail,” Isaacson continued. “But we can and must do better for Pennsylvanians in need. That’s why I’m introducing legislation to require the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry to create an electronic delivery method for PINs needed for the unemployment compensation system, to provide people with another option.” Isaacson’s legislation would give Unemployment Compensation applicants the option to select to use the electronic delivery method during the application process, with traditional mail delivery being the default method. Since March 15, more than 1.1 million people have filed for Unemployment Compensation in Pennsylvania. ### Read more

 

COVID-19 Resources and Information

(Mar 21, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

** 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

 

My district office is open by appointment only

(Mar 16, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus impacting our community, my district office will offer in-person constituent services by appointment only. Read more

 

Philadelphia House leadership, legislators, call on Governor Tom Wolf to halt all Public Utility Commission utility disconnections in wake of the COVID-19 virus

(Mar 12, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

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

 

Isaacson announces $73K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people often targeted by hate crimes

(Mar 11, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

PHILADELPHIA, March 11 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded a $73,150 grant to a nonprofit organization in her district that serves populations who are often targeted by hate crimes. The grant, awarded to Friends of B’Nai Abraham, won in the first round of grants awarded by the commission as part of the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, which was created through legislation signed into law last year. “I am committed to working toward a world where people are not victims of hate crimes due to their race, religion, ethnicity or because of who they love,” Isaacson said. “But, while we’re working to make our communities more accepting, we must also protect the most vulnerable among us. I’m so glad that this grant has been awarded to Friends of Historic B’Nai Abraham to help them make their community safer.” B’nai Abraham is a nonprofit that strives to continue the traditions of their founders who followed the Orthodox understanding of Jewish rituals and Jewish life. Their warm and welcoming community is dedicated to reaching out — to inviting Jews of all backgrounds to gather with them for study, prayer and friendship. The grant application submitted by the Friends of Historic B’Nai Abraham was one of 805 total applications submitted for grant funding through the Nonprofit Read more

 

Isaacson announces 13 grants totaling more than $340K awarded to historic and cultural sites, museums in her district

(Mar 06, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

PHILADELPHIA, March 6 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., announced that 13 cultural or historic sites or museums in her district have received a total $340,881 in grant awards from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. “Philadelphia is a city rich with history and culture, and a lot of that history started here in the 175th,” Isaacson said. “As such, many residents, visitors and tourists flock to our district to learn about the history of our country. It’s wonderful to see such worthwhile organizations, museums and centers that seek to educate the public and keep a record of our history being recognized with grant funding from the state.” The organizations that received grants, and the awards they received, are as follows: • African American Museum in Philadelphia, $27,929. • American Philosophical Society, $40,000. • Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust, $7,190. • Carpenters’ Company of City and County of Philadelphia, $5,275. • Christ Church Preservation Trust, $7,576. • Historic Philadelphia Inc., $40,000. • Independence Seaport Museum, $40,000. • Museum of the American Revolution, $40,000. • National Constitution Center, $40,000. • National Liberty Museum, $27,504. • Philadelphia Fire Department Historical Read more

 

Isaacson introduces legislation to increase penalties for animal ear cropping not done by licensed veterinarians

(Mar 04, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

HARRISBURG, March 4 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., has introduced legislation that would change the penalty for animal ear cropping by anyone other than a licensed veterinarian from a summary offense to a third-degree misdemeanor. “I’m an animal lover,” Isaacson said. “Our pets cannot defend themselves. They look to us to act in their best interest, to care for them in ways that they cannot care for themselves. Ear cropping, which is believed to have originated in ancient Rome to prevent ear injuries to dogs raised for hunting, working or fighting, continues to be done today, mostly on puppies that will become show dogs or as a way to reduce ear infections in some dogs. “The law requires that this procedure be done by a licensed veterinarian,” Isaacson added. “But some people don’t follow the law. My legislation would show those who want to skirt the law that this abuse of animals is unacceptable, and that they will be punished appropriately.” In addition to increasing the penalty for the first offense, subsequent offenses would constitute a second-degree misdemeanor. Isaacson said there are a lot of dog owners and dog lovers in her district, one of whom came forward to tell her that they know this issue is relevant in the community, and that something ought to be done about it. “I’m grateful to the people who live in my district, Read more

 

Isaacson announces $3.1 million in safety grants for schools and behavioral health programs in her district

(Mar 02, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

PHILADELPHIA, March 2 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson announced today that more than $3.1 million in state grants has been awarded to schools and behavioral health centers in her district to develop and implement safety measures, including research-based violence prevention programs, security planning and security-related technology. “The safety of our children is a priority,” Isaacson said. “Ensuring that our children are safe at school where learning should be their only worry is our responsibility. This funding will provide for the most current technology and planning tools to make our schools and our neighborhoods safer for children.” The following grants under the School Safety Grant and Community Violence Prevention/Reduction Grant programs have been awarded: Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, $238,540 for a school-based behavioral health project. City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services, $285,851 for Network of Neighbors Responding to Violence. Philadelphia School District, $2,607,347 for research-based violence prevention programs that address risk factors to reduce incidents of problem behaviors among students, including bullying; security-related technology; trauma-informed approaches to education, etc. These grants are among $60 million in safety grants awarded to schools and organizations across Read more

 

Fund public schools

(Feb 19, 2020) Rep. Mary Isaacson

I read with disgust the piece about “school choice” by Vice President Mike Pence. I find it disheartening that the vice president is trying to hoodwink Pennsylvanians into buying his idea of “choice,” when what he’s peddling is a plan that is not equitable for all Pennsylvania children. It seems the vice president is unfamiliar with our state constitution, since it enshrines the maintenance and support of “a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the commonwealth.” Additionally, our state constitution says, “No money raised for the support of the public schools of the commonwealth shall be appropriated to or used for the support of any sectarian school.” So, how about the vice president join elected officials like me who are familiar with what our state constitution demands and ensure that our public schools are adequately funded? Some of our Philadelphia schools aren’t safe for our children and their educators. How about we ensure that all parents have the choice to send their children to schools that won’t endanger their well-being? While we’re waiting to see if that will ever happen, I’ll be fighting for sn education system, a Philadelphia and a Pennsylvania that works for everyone. Published in the Philadelphia Inquirer Dialogue section, Feb. 17, 2020. Online at Read more

 

Relief to restaurants, bars & clubs to help workers a top priority in House Democratic legislative package
Jul 27, 2020

July 24, Email: Weekly update from Harrisburg and home!
Jul 24, 2020

Email, July 17: Your Weekly News from Harrisburg and Home
Jul 17, 2020

Email, July 10: Your Weekly News from Harrisburg and Home
Jul 10, 2020

July 7, Email: Reopening schools – have your voice heard this week!
Jul 08, 2020

Email, July 3: Your weekly roundup of news from Harrisburg and Philly
Jul 03, 2020

Email, June 26: Important info to help local businesses and residents affected by COVID-19
Jun 26, 2020

Email, June 19: Updates in Harrisburg and at home
Jun 19, 2020

Email, June 12: Your weekly update with Harrisburg and Philly happenings
Jun 12, 2020

Email, June 5: Moving to "yellow" and more
Jun 05, 2020

I believe in your right to peacefully protest racism, and that violence is never the answer
Jun 04, 2020

Isaacson introduces legislation to allow Unemployment Compensation applicants to receive PIN electronically
Apr 08, 2020

COVID-19 Resources and Information
Mar 21, 2020

My district office is open by appointment only
Mar 16, 2020

Philadelphia House leadership, legislators, call on Governor Tom Wolf to halt all Public Utility Commission utility disconnections in wake of the COVID-19 virus
Mar 12, 2020

Isaacson announces $73K Pa. Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for nonprofit that serves people often targeted by hate crimes
Mar 11, 2020

Isaacson announces 13 grants totaling more than $340K awarded to historic and cultural sites, museums in her district
Mar 06, 2020

Isaacson introduces legislation to increase penalties for animal ear cropping not done by licensed veterinarians
Mar 04, 2020

Isaacson announces $3.1 million in safety grants for schools and behavioral health programs in her district
Mar 02, 2020

Fund public schools
Feb 19, 2020