Isaacson appointed to new Basic Education Funding Commission

(Aug 16, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Aug. 16 -- State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., was appointed to become a new member of Pennsylvania’s Basic Education Funding Commission. The commission was established within the Public School Code , and is reestablished with members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly every five years. Members of the commission evaluate the distribution of basic education subsidies and the fair funding formula, used to provide public school funding, to ensure that it provides adequate public education, as enshrined in Pennsylvania’s constitution. The commission will also be charged to see if cost-saving measures can be achieved, and to rely on experts at public hearings to determine the best fiscal route for schools to take. “So much has changed economically across Pennsylvania since the Basic Education Funding Commission was convened in 2015 and it is our students who are quite literally paying the price due to the zip code they live in,” Isaacson said. “I am excited to serve on this commission to not only make the fair funding formula more equitable, but to fight to ensure that all of our education funding in Pennsylvania is actually passing through that formula. It is past time that our legislature stop shortchanging our kids.” The commission will issue their first report in November 2023. Read more

 

Health care providers detail complications, difficulties in post-Roe PA

(Aug 11, 2022)

“As we heard today, and as we heard throughout this series of hearings, there’s no easy answers when it comes to restricting abortion,” Isaacson said. “If abortion is restricted, the education throughout our state for health care professionals changes and alters their experience in performing lifesaving procedures – putting our residents’ lives at risk.” Read more

 

Isaacson: Fusion Promises to Bring Clean Energy, Jobs to Pa.

(Aug 10, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Mary Isaacson and the House Democratic Policy Committee speak with key players in the fusion energy industry to discuss all the ways Pa. stands to benefit from the clean energy source. Isaacson says that in the face of global climate change having technology like fusion energy would allow manufacturing and industry to continue to grow in the Commonwealth. Read more

 

Isaacson Hears Concerns of Firefighters

(Aug 09, 2022)

Recognizing the importance of #firedepartments to our communities, Pa. state Rep. Mary Isaacson talks about what can be done at the state level to ease the financial burden on those who protect our lives and properties. Isaacson says an initiative that would offer a tax credit to firefighters who purchase their own equipment is a good place to start, but more needs to be done. Read more

 

Isaacson Fights for Cleaner Environment, Improved Infrastructure

(Aug 02, 2022)

In a hearing of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Pa. state Rep. Mary Isaacson voices her opposition to a resolution that would put Pa. out of compliance with the federal #CleanAirAct. She says the clean #environment promised to Pennsylvanians by their state constitution is not the only thing at stake. Federal funding already earmarked for interstate highway improvements around Philadelphia could be lost if Pa. refuses to comply with federal standards. Read more

 

Isaacson: Abortion and Healthcare Access

(Jul 27, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Mary Isaacson continues the conversation on access to abortion care in today's Pa. House Democratic Policy Hearing. She is working to make sure that everyone understands the current state of abortion and healthcare for women in Pa. She was honored to have Planned Parenthood's executive director speak to the committee about all of the services and healthcare they provide. Read more

 

Policy hearing identifies facts and fiction of post-Roe Pennsylvania

(Jul 19, 2022)

The House and Senate Policy Committees convened a hearing Tuesday morning to explore what the future of healthcare looks like in Pennsylvania after the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade. Read more

 

Isaacson ‘appalled’ by U.S. Supreme Court ruling to slash emissions oversight

(Jul 01, 2022)

HARRISBURG, June 30 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to slash emissions oversight : “Access to clean air is a constitutional right, but the Supreme Court clearly hasn’t shown any regard to such things lately. Climate change is not something ‘new and big,’ but apparently the understanding of it and the EPA’s responsibilities are bigger than the Supreme Court’s comprehension and grasp. “This decision is a grave mistake with even worse consequences we cannot recover from. Addressing the climate crisis is a fight we showed up to late and this court ruling now ties our hands behind our backs. “Credible scientists have been sounding the alarm about this crisis for decades, and the EPA has been using its granted powers to successfully lower greenhouse gas emissions these past few years. The ability to fight global warming is directly linked to the ability to regulate and curb carbon emissions – and doing so has not only saved our country money but has helped save the planet. “As a member of the PA House Environmental Resources Committee, I am appalled.” Read more

 

Environmental, re-entry, and recycling funding opportunities

(Jun 20, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Assessing Racial & Ethnic Disparities (R/ED) in PA’s Criminal Justice System (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Higher education institutions (public/not-for-profit), nonprofit organizations, and for-profit institutions (i.e., consulting firms). Use : To develop and implement a statewide research initiative to identify current R/ED levels using quantitative methods, understand potential drivers using qualitative methods, and make recommendations to chart a path forward. Funds : Up to $250,000. Application Deadline : July 12, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Victim Advocacy – School District of Philadelphia (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply: Organizations that provide direct services to crime victims and may be operated by a non-profit organization or public (governmental) agency, or a combination of such agencies or organizations. Use : To support students and their families who are victims of violence within the School District of Philadelphia. Funds : Up to $375,000 over three years. PCCD expects to fund one (1) applicant over a three-year project period. Application Deadline : Read more

 

Isaacson, Saval announce $80,500 grant for Fishtown District

(Jun 13, 2022)

HARRISBURG, June 13 – The Fishtown District has been awarded an $80,500 grant through the Department of Community and Economic Development for the Front Street and Cecil B. Moore Plaza portion of the Vision Plan, according to state Rep. Mary Isaacson and state Sen. Nikil Saval, both D-Phila. According to the Fishtown Kensington Area Business Improvement District, the new community plaza will be a public meeting space highlighting, amplifying and expanding the existing cultural, creative and commercial personality of the neighborhood, as well as connecting the Kensington portion of the district with the commercial corridor. “I am proud to throw my support behind this important neighborhood endeavor,” Isaacson said. “This project is the result of many hours of planning and lays out a vision for our community that provides so much opportunity for the residents who live here, connecting us to the commercial corridor that is important to our everyday lives.” "Vibrant public spaces cultivate community engagement, foster collective safety and support local businesses,” Saval said. “Together, the Fishtown and Kensington communities have forged a comprehensive and coherent vision for residents and visitors alike to better access and enjoy all the region has to offer. These communities deserve deep investment from their government, and it’s been my honor to ensure that they received it!" Fishtown Kensington Area Read more

 

Isaacson: Skilled Workers for EV Stations

(Jun 06, 2022)

Pa. state Rep. Mary Isaacson learns more about the state and national transition to Electric Vehicles or EVs. She wants to make sure the state has the charging stations and infrastructure in place to support the growth of this industry and hire skilled workers to help install and maintain these stations. Read more

 

Isaacson: We Have Solutions, Work with Us

(May 25, 2022)

Isaacson is working to pass commonsense gun laws, like locking up guns in your home when they are not in use. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Substance use disorder, violence prevention, and suicide prevention funding opportunities

(May 13, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Loan Repayment Program (LRP) (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Eligible practitioners with the capacity to provide SUD treatment or SCA-funded case management services at approved practice site(s) and can demonstrate a minimum of two prior years of experience in the SUD field as well as a service commitment of two additional years. Use : To support the supply, distribution and retention of individuals delivering SUD treatment and SCA funded case management services. Funds : Varies by award. Application Deadline : May 26, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2022-02%20LoanRepayment_applicationguidance.pdf . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Enhancing Services to Culturally Specific Populations Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : A nonprofit organization for which the primary purpose of the organization as a whole is to provide culturally specific services to one or more of the following racial and ethnic communities: 1) American Indians (including Alaska Natives, Eskimos, and Aleuts); 2) Asian Americans; 3) Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders; 4) Blacks; and 5) Hispanics. Use : To establish, expand, or Read more

 

Hearing shows economic opportunity in PA hemp production

(May 09, 2022)

With at least 25,000 unique, known uses, hemp has potential to be a thriving avenue for jobs and economic benefit in Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector. Lawmakers gathered today in Philadelphia for a hearing to understand of how best to build the capacity of Pennsylvania’s hemp industry while generating income opportunities for the state’s farms. Read more

 

Hearing explores what happens without PA School Audit Bureau

(May 04, 2022)

HARRISBURG, May 4 – During a hearing today, lawmakers explored the impact of the auditor general’s closing of its School Audit Bureau, which laid off employees, and unilaterally decided school compliance audits would no longer happen in Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Isaacson announces nearly $6M in state funding for area improvements

(Apr 26, 2022)

HARRISBURG, April 26 – State grant funding for $5.81 million will help build improvements throughout the river wards and historic Philadelphia, state Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Philadelphia, said today. The funding, through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will support critical expansion projects, provide opportunities for job creation and employment training, and community development and revitalization. “Congratulations to all of the projects awarded in the latest round of state funding,” Isaacson said. “The work these organizations put in to their projects reflects so highly on our community – it’s an honor and a privilege to announce their awards. “On behalf of the recipients, I thank Governor Tom Wolf and the administration for seeing the value and wisdom in investing here in our neighborhoods.” The six projects in her 175 th Legislative District are: $815,000 for restoring Pennsylvania's Birthplace: Carpenters' Hall Renovations and Phase 2 Upgrades, awarded to the Carpenters' Company of City and County of Philadelphia. It includes a new perimeter drainage system, new HVAC systems, new utility connections, replacement pavers and roof tiles, new lightning protection, new gutters and flashing, and comprehensive masonry and millwork repairs. Together, these improvements will extend the life expectancy of Carpenters' Hall for another century of service. Read more

 

Women Leading the 175th

(Mar 28, 2022)

Every year for Women’s History Month, Rep. Mary Isaacson, in coordination with community leaders and advocates, select exceptional women living or working in the district, who have lead efforts to improve the daily lives of Pennsylvanians. This program, Women Leading the 175th, recognizes and honors the impact women are making across the 175th Legislative District. Each of the 2022 honorees of Women Leading the 175th has been chosen due to the actions she has taken in shaping the future of our neighborhoods and our great City. Each honoree has received a Pennsylvania House of Representative citation formally celebrating each of their contributions. From Betsy Ross, who sewed together the Flag of our nation, to Mary Ware Dennett who paved the way for reproductive access and rights, to Rosa Parks and Shirley Chisholm, who inspired generations of women and children to demand justice and equal treatment, to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who taught us that women belong in all places that decisions are being made, to Christa McAuliffe, who urged children and the children in all of us to reach for the stars, to Kamala Harris, our nation’s first Woman Vice-President, to all the women across this nation who contribute in meaningful and far too often unsung ways, our nation has many outstanding women to celebrate in March during Women’s History Month. The theme for the 2022 National Women’s History Month Read more

 

March 2022 Newsletter

(Mar 08, 2022)

March 2022 Newsletter Read more

 

Attracting workers & families: House Democrats plan to put money back into pockets

(Feb 15, 2022)

Today, the PA House Democratic Policy Committee explored the lack of competitive tax credits in Pennsylvania and what that does to the economy. Read more

 

Isaacson announces more than $4.5 million in grant funding for six Philadelphia redevelopment projects

(Dec 07, 2021)

HARRISBURG, Dec. 7 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., announced today that more than $4.5 million in grant funding has been awarded for six redevelopment projects in her district. “The grant funding for these redevelopment projects is sure to go further than the face value of the funding through the creation of jobs and improvements to key projects in our city,” Isaacson said. “I’m glad to see this funding return to our district and I look forward to seeing this money be put to great use for the betterment of our city.” The six grant awards for projects in Isaacson’s district are: $500,000 for Jewelers’ Row/Independence Hall District for a project to add new pedestrian and animated architectural lighting and landscaping to create a safe and attractive environment for thousands of workers, residents and shoppers; provide new gateway signage and lighting; create a connection between lab spaces at the Curtis Center and the life sciences research and commercialization efforts at Thomas Jefferson University, and will add new, unifying public amenities to support the conversion of a vacant historic building. $500,000 for the Pennsylvania Ballet Association for a project to expand and complete the Center for Dance, which will provide rehearsal, performance and administrative space; complete the facility renovation and new construction, including a black box theater with dynamic functions and a performance, Read more