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Pennsylvania Senators look to protect worker gender identity, expression in workplace
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Two Pennsylvania Senators announced legislation that aims to prohibit discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Senators Steven Santarsiero (D-Bucks) and Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) argued in...
State Legislators Announce PA Home Preservation Program in Bipartisan Effort to Tackle Pennsylvania’s Housing Crisis
Responding to the enormous need revealed from the implementation of previous home repairs programs, the PA Home Preservation Program will increase the resources available to support critical health and safety repairs for low- and moderate-income homeowners. ...
Pa. lawmakers to consider sealing certain eviction records, as pitched by Rep. Smith-Wade-El
Most rental applications ask potential tenants whether they’ve ever faced an eviction. This Watchdog, whose lease ends in July, has been asked that question quite a few times recently. It’s best not to lie when answering. Eviction filings are public documents, and...
Governor Shapiro Visits Philadelphia’s Chinatown, Highlighting His Administration’s Support for Small Businesses and Communities Across Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro visited Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood to meet with small business owners, celebrate the community’s cultural and economic contributions, and highlight his Administration’s work to support local economies, improve...
Residents rally for SEPTA funding
Northwest Philadelphia residents and Save the Train Coalition members united Monday morning, taking the Chestnut Hill West line to SEPTA headquarters for a rally. At the rally, Save the Train organizers, elected officials and several other speakers advocated for the...
On Day 1 of SEPTA’s public budget hearings, riders were scared by proposed cuts
Nicholas Orlowsky graduated from the University of Texas at Austin last week, and he said that he decided to move to Philadelphia because of its transit system. “If SEPTA were in the state it will be in after these cuts, I likely would not have made the decision to...
Elected Officials, Transit Riders, and Community Leaders Kicked Off SEPTA’s Public Hearings with a Rally and a Call for Full Transit Funding
Philadelphia, PA − May 19, 2025 − State lawmakers from Philadelphia and the surrounding counties rallied today outside of SEPTA’s headquarters in Center City as the transit agency began a series of public hearings on its proposed 2025–2026 budget, including the severe service cuts and steep fare hikes it will be forced to implement without crucial state funding.
Senator Saval Calls for Full Funding for SEPTA at Start of Public Hearings
Senator Saval Kicks Off SEPTA Public Hearings with a Rally to Call for Full Funding
With budget talks looming, Dems rally for SEPTA
(The Center Square) - Mass transit advocates rallied to gather support on Monday for SEPTA funding ahead of the state’s upcoming budget negotiations in June. Over the next three days, SEPTA will be holding public hearings to discuss their 2026 operating budget, and...
As SEPTA shortfall looms, riders say possible major cuts would hurt families, businesses in Philadelphia area
SEPTA is, once again, facing a major hole in its budget. The Philadelphia-based transit agency says it's staring down a $213 million shortfall in its operating budget starting on July 1. If it doesn't get money from the state, leaders say major cuts will take place...
SEPTA workers bring their funding battle to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
On the ornate steps in the rotunda of the state capitol on Tuesday, May 13, transit union members held signs that read “Transit moves us” with a heart for the “o” - and a lot on the line. “People are scared,” said SEPTA employee John Lipscomb, who made the trip to...
Investing in the Navy Yard
Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the Philadelphia Navy Yard to highlight a $30 million investment of transforming 54 acres into advanced manufacturing, life science and commercial use sites. The money was awarded through the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance...
Highlighting health benefits and safety for bicyclists
The streets of South Philadelphia are often flooded with bicyclists. Some may be out for a joyride or running an errand, but studies show that South Philly has one of the highest rates of workers using a bike for their morning and evening commutes.
Primary Elections, Bike to Work Day, and TWO New Arboretums
“Bike to Work & Wherever Day” celebrated urban cycling and highlighted the need for safe, protected bike lanes. The Bicycle Coalition with Independence Blue Cross hosted a group bicycle ride starting in five different neighborhoods and all ending in a press conference...
Senate Democrats Hold Policy Hearing Regarding the Worker Protections
PHILADELPHIA, PA − May 14, 2025 − Today, Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing to examine ways to protect Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and economy with a skilled, protected, and reliable workforce. “The testimony we heard today from...
Rebuilding Philadelphia, One Block at a Time
It’s a scene he’s been manifesting for some time. Alongside his neighbors in the street are dozens of volunteers and housing contractors, who, like an army of ants, continuously flow into and out of 11 different homes on the block. The teams steadily execute a list of...
Senator Saval Stands with Transportation Workers in Demand for Full Funding for PA Public Transit
Pennsylvania Senate passes transphobic school sports bill
A Republican-led state Senate passed the Save Women’s Sports Act (SB9) on May 6 — a piece of legislation that would ban trans people from participating in school-sponsored athletic teams that align with their gender identities. If the bill becomes law, the rule would...