News Center

Hearing shows economic opportunity in PA hemp production

(May 09, 2022) Rep. Mary Isaacson

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) Rep. Mary Isaacson

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) Rep. Mary Isaacson

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) Rep. Mary Isaacson

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) Rep. Mary Isaacson

March 2022 Newsletter Read more

 

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

(Feb 15, 2022) Rep. Mary Isaacson

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) Rep. Mary Isaacson

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

 

Isaacson announces $1 million grant awarded to Reading Terminal Market

(Dec 03, 2021) Rep. Mary Isaacson

HARRISBURG, Dec. 3 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., today announced a $1 million state grant has been awarded to Reading Terminal Market for a redevelopment project to upgrade its utilities and ensure the market’s long-term viability. “I have long been a supporter of Reading Terminal Market because it is such a vital asset to the people in our community as well as a huge tourism draw that brings visitors to our city from near and far,” Isaacson said. “I previously assisted Reading Terminal Market in securing $2 million in funding for infrastructure projects, and I know this additional $1 million award will provide the additional support the market needs to work toward completing the upgrade to its utilities, ensuring it remains attractive, safe, accessible and welcoming to vendors, visitors, residents and shoppers.” Isaacson said Reading Terminal Market is not only a well-known tourist destination and designated National Historic Landmark, but also an invaluable source of fresh food for its patrons and is one of the most-used venues by people redeeming SNAP benefits. The market’s more than 128-year-old building needs capital investment, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to improve ventilation and air handling in public spaces. The market requested the funding, awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, to upgrade the ductwork, improve air handling and accelerate air exchange. RACP is a Read more

 

Hearing interrupts Cyber Monday and highlights supply chain in Pennsylvania

(Nov 29, 2021) Policy Committee

HARRISBURG, Nov. 29 – On a day when it’s projected that online sales will top $11.5 million and the flood of goods purchased online will inevitably hit Pennsylvania ports, roads and rails, the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee hosted a hearing about Pennsylvania’s supply chain and the challenges we’re experiencing today. Read more

 

Now open for applications: Substance abuse, arts, and career/technical training funding opportunities

(Nov 17, 2021) Rep. Mary Isaacson

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who Can Apply : Existing drop-in centers in Allegheny, Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. Single County Authorities (SCAs) are not eligible to apply, nor are DDAP-licensed treatment providers. Use : To expand drop-in center services for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) in areas of the commonwealth experiencing high overdose deaths. Funds : Approximately two to three grants up to $650,000 each will be awarded. Application Deadline : December 13 More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/DDAPFunding/Pages/Funding-Opportunities.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training (PACTT) Grants (Funding Source: General Fund) Who Can Apply : Residential facilities, community-based, and/or juvenile probation office providers that are PACTT Affiliates primarily serving adjudicated delinquent youth. Use : To advance academic and career/technical training among adjudicated youth receiving services while in residential facilities, from community-based providers, and through juvenile probation departments. Funds : Up to $75,000. Application Deadline : December 22 More Information Read more

 

As COP26 gets underway, I'm standing up for climate action and calling on federal leaders to do the same

(Nov 03, 2021) Rep. Mary Isaacson

In my work as a state legislator, I stand up for the environment because I know that human existence hinges on our ability to get the climate crisis we’ve created under control. I stand up for the environment by speaking out and using my voice. I’ve introduced legislation, such as a resolution to acknowledge Plastic Pollution Awareness Day in Pennsylvania , and I’ve signed on to legislation introduced by my colleagues, such as H.B. 100, which would transition Pennsylvania to 100% renewable energy by the year 2050 . The work I’m trying to do in my own community and at the state level is important, but we need the entire world on board if we’re going to save our planet from the impact of climate change. This week, countries across the world are coming together in Glasgow for COP26, the 26th Conference of the Parties. It’s the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference to discuss how the world will address our climate crisis. And I’m raising my voice to call on our federal government to strengthen our national climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. We cannot wait to act. The United States is the largest historical contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. We have a responsibility to act as a world leader right now and take the necessary steps toward reaching net zero emissions by or before 2050. I recently watched as the residents of my own legislative district picked up the pieces after Hurricane Ida barreled Read more

 

LIHEAP: Expanded Home-Heating Assistance is Available to PA Renters, Homeowners

(Oct 21, 2021) Rep. Mary Isaacson

As winter approaches and we prepare to spend even more time indoors, utility bills are only going to get more expensive. Additionally, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn have made it difficult for many to keep up with home energy bills. No Pennsylvanian should ever have to worry that their heat will be shut off during the coldest and darkest months of the year. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) that provides assistance for home heating bills so Pennsylvanians can stay warm and safe during the winter months. Assistance is available for both renters and homeowners. LIHEAP helps some of the commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens — children, older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities, and low-income families — make ends meet. Anyone who may need help, or anyone who has loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this program, is encouraged to apply for LIHEAP today. APPLY FOR LIHEAP LIHEAP FACTS How do I apply for LIHEAP? Depending on preference, different options are available to apply for LIHEAP: Apply online: Pennsylvanians can apply at www.compass.state.pa.us . Paper applications: Call the LIHEAP Helpline at 1-866-857-7095 to request a paper application. Paper applications can also be downloaded from the DHS LIHEAP web page . County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients Read more

 

Lawmakers hear from healthcare workers, first responders, administrators and advocates impacted by hospital consolidation

(Oct 12, 2021) Rep. Mary Isaacson

EAST BRANDYWINE, Oct. 12 -- Last month, Tower Health announced that it will sell Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia and close Jennersville Hospital in West Grove, Pa. With the fate of Tower’s Brandywine, Phoenixville, Pottstown, and Reading hospitals up in the air, local healthcare workers, first responders, administrators and advocates addressed concerns and impacts on quality and access to health care, and township services. The event, called Saving Community Hospitals: Keeping Care Close, took place at 11 a.m. today at East Brandywine Township Building, 1214 Horseshoe Pike, Downingtown. “The pandemic has exposed how badly people need close and affordable healthcare,” said Rep. Dan Williams, D-Sadsbury Township. “Discussion today emphasized that we need to keep healthcare facilities open and improve care. Hospital consolidation can be a good thing if healthcare workers are respected and services to patients are upgraded.” Hospital administrators, Andrew Wigglesworth, vice president of Wojdak Government Relations, and Bill Ryan, vice president of Einstein Health Network/Urban Health Care Coalition, described how hospitals are dependent on Medicare or Medicaid, sharing that more than 62% of payers use that public funding mechanism. The funding mechanism results in strains on hospitals and could lead to more consolidations, such as those happening in the region. “Closures and consolidations impact our seniors and put stress Read more

 

Victim, advocates urge lawmakers to decriminalize HIV during hearing

(Oct 06, 2021) Rep. Mary Isaacson

HARRISBURG, Oct. 6 -- Pennsylvania has laws on the books that criminalize or control behaviors through HIV-specific statues and regulations. During a hearing today, PA House Democrats heard testimony from a victim of these laws and those advocating for change. “HIV is not a crime but there are outdated laws that make it a crime in Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia. “We cannot have people losing lives and livelihoods because of this.” The victim who spoke at the hearing was Julie Graham, a resident of Cumberland County, who described the impact of these laws on her life after she was charged with four crimes, including two felonies, based on allegations by a man she had dated who claimed she didn’t disclose her HIV status. Due to these allegations, she faced personal and professional consequences that forever impacted the trajectory of her life. “I support and applaud your courage and advocacy to testify here today,” said Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Philadelphia, who was the Co-Chair of the Policy Committee and host for the hearing today. “Being HIV positive is not a crime and we must do better in supporting those in Pennsylvania who are living with HIV.” PA House Democratic Policy Committee Chair, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, was also in attendance and added: “HIV decriminalization is important to the entire Democratic Caucus and I am grateful to the testifiers who came today to speak on Read more

 

Fall 2021 Newsletter

(Sep 16, 2021) Rep. Mary Isaacson

Read my Fall 2021 Newsletter now! Read more

 

Eviction Moratorium Letter

(Sep 08, 2021) Rep. Mary Isaacson

More than 45 House members wrote to the Pa. Supreme Court to ask them to stop evictions for those who have applied for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program while they wait for applications to be processed. Read more

 

Legislation responds to hypocrisy of Republican voting restrictions

(Aug 17, 2021) Rep. Mary Isaacson

Republicans have decided that a number of outrageous voting restrictions are needed, arguing that these restrictions would not infringe upon the voting rights of American citizens. If these restrictions truly do not infringe upon Americans’ right to vote, then surely these same restrictions will not infringe upon Americans’ right to bear arms. Read more

 

Philadelphia schools share how they are tackling a third pandemic year

(Aug 11, 2021) Rep. Mary Isaacson, Policy Committee

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 11 – Reopening Philadelphia’s schools was the focus of a tour and roundtable of the House Democratic Policy Committee hosted by state Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., on Wednesday. Philadelphia School District Chief Information Officer Melanie Harris led the tour of Kensington Health Sciences followed by a roundtable with legislators to discuss the challenges faced this year and beyond. “Over the last 18 months, we have invested in solutions for students to safely learn virtually from home, and now, with COVID-19 still very much with us and variants on the rise, we are asking school districts — not just in Philadelphia but across the Commonwealth — to create the answers for how our students can safely return to schools and keep them open," Isaacson said. "This is a question that we've never had to answer, one that the CDC is constantly revising as the virus mutates. Today, we heard concerns and sought answers as to how our students will return to classrooms and be provided a quality education in a structured, safe and welcoming classroom when so much is uncertain and ever-changing. Much needs to be done to help our schools navigate these uncharted waters or our children and the next generation are the ones who will be lost.” “The flexibility and resilience of the Philadelphia School District has been impressive,” said Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro. Read more

 

Legislature must extend opioid disaster declaration by Aug. 26

(Aug 03, 2021) Rep. Mary Isaacson

HARRISBURG, Aug. 3 – As the opioid addiction crisis rages on and access to treatment and monitoring programs hangs in the balance, two Philadelphia area state lawmakers are urging House Republican leaders to end the summer recess now so lawmakers can vote to extend the governor’s statewide opioid disaster declaration. On Jan. 10, 2018, Gov. Tom Wolf signed an executive order declaring a statewide disaster emergency due to the opioid epidemic and has continued to renew it since. Wolf said he intends to renew this declaration again on Aug. 5, but recent changes to the Pennsylvania Constitution will cause the emergency order to expire 30 days from that date unless the Pennsylvania General Assembly votes to extend it. As such, the renewal would expire on Aug. 26. The House is not scheduled to return to voting session until Sept. 27. State Reps. Mary Isaacson and Joe Hohenstein, both D-Phila., on Monday sent a letter to House Speaker Bryan Cutler , R-Lancaster, urging him to bring lawmakers back to session before that Aug. 26 expiration so they can vote to extend the emergency declaration. “The opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities throughout our state. Last year, over 5,000 individuals died in Pennsylvania from overdose -- a 16% increase from 2019,” the lawmakers wrote to Cutler. “Each of those numbers represents a life cut short. Each represents families who will never be whole again.” Isaacson and Hohenstein said the Read more

 

Celebrating Park and Recreation Month 2021 by recognizing local recreation sites and their staff members and volunteers

(Jul 29, 2021) Rep. Mary Isaacson

In honor of Park and Recreation Month 2021, which wraps up at the end of the July, I am honoring 15 parks, recreation centers and playgrounds across our district, along with the employees and volunteers who help those sites operate. Our community benefits from having these sites nearby, and from the hard work and dedication of those people who allow them to exist and keep them maintained. Green spaces and places to get some recreation and enjoy the outdoors bring us closer to our environment and enrich our lives. Learn more about Park and Recreation Month, ways to protect open space, connect children to nature and more at https://www.nrpa.org/ . To all the following parks, recreation centers and playgrounds, and to all the people who make them possible, I say THANK YOU! Read more

 

Hearing shows economic opportunity in PA hemp production
May 09, 2022

Hearing explores what happens without PA School Audit Bureau
May 04, 2022

Isaacson announces nearly $6M in state funding for area improvements
Apr 26, 2022

Women Leading the 175th
Mar 28, 2022

March 2022 Newsletter
Mar 08, 2022

Attracting workers & families: House Democrats plan to put money back into pockets
Feb 15, 2022

Isaacson announces more than $4.5 million in grant funding for six Philadelphia redevelopment projects
Dec 07, 2021

Isaacson announces $1 million grant awarded to Reading Terminal Market
Dec 03, 2021

Hearing interrupts Cyber Monday and highlights supply chain in Pennsylvania
Nov 29, 2021

Now open for applications: Substance abuse, arts, and career/technical training funding opportunities
Nov 17, 2021

As COP26 gets underway, I'm standing up for climate action and calling on federal leaders to do the same
Nov 03, 2021

LIHEAP: Expanded Home-Heating Assistance is Available to PA Renters, Homeowners
Oct 21, 2021

Lawmakers hear from healthcare workers, first responders, administrators and advocates impacted by hospital consolidation
Oct 12, 2021

Victim, advocates urge lawmakers to decriminalize HIV during hearing
Oct 06, 2021

Fall 2021 Newsletter
Sep 16, 2021

Eviction Moratorium Letter
Sep 08, 2021

Legislation responds to hypocrisy of Republican voting restrictions
Aug 17, 2021

Philadelphia schools share how they are tackling a third pandemic year
Aug 11, 2021

Legislature must extend opioid disaster declaration by Aug. 26
Aug 03, 2021

Celebrating Park and Recreation Month 2021 by recognizing local recreation sites and their staff members and volunteers
Jul 29, 2021