Press Releases
PA Senate Democratic Caucus Decries Changes to SNAP Program, Urges PA Congressional Delegation to Oppose
Harrisburg, Pa. – July 29, 2019 – Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus sent a letter to the state’s congressional delegation, urging that the federal Department of Agriculture does not end automatic eligibility for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance...
Senator Sabatina: REAP Tax Credit Expansion Signed by Governor Wolf
HARRISBURG, July 1st, 2019 — State Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) announced the passage of his agricultural tax credit proposal, as a component of the Tax Code (Act 13 of 2019). The Governor has signed the bill into law as part of the FY2019-2020...
Members of Pa Senate Democratic Caucus Request Disaster Declaration on Gun Violence
Harrisburg, Pa. − June 24, 2019 − Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today jointly sent a letter to Governor Tom Wolf requesting a disaster declaration for gun violence in the Commonwealth. “We believe it is necessary to raise the public’s awareness...
Sabatina: Marsy’s Law Passes Senate
Harrisburg, June 19, 2019 - Senator John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) was pleased to see Marsy’s Law pass unanimously in the Senate today by a vote of 50-0. The version that passed the Senate is State Rep. Delozier’s companion bill, HB 276, which is identical to Sen....
Sabatina: Karen’s Law Passes the Senate (SB 123)
Harrisburg, June 19, 2019 − Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) is elated that his legislation Senate Bill 123, also known as Karen’s Law, was passed unanimously (50-0) by the Senate and is one major step closer to becoming a law in Pennsylvania. “It’s been well over...
Sabatina: Karen’s Law Rally (SB 123)
Harrisburg, June 7, 2019 – A rally will be held Monday, June 10 for Karen’s Law (SB 123) at 11:00 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. The rally will highlight the bipartisan support for the bill sponsored by Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia). Crime Victim Advocates from...
Senate Democrats Spotlight Key Farm Issues, Introduce Elements of PA Farm Bill
State Senate Legislative Policy Hearing in Philadelphia to Discuss Pedestrian Safety
Philadelphia, April 5, 2019 – The Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing in Philadelphia today on solutions to improve pedestrian safety and decrease traffic incidents across Pennsylvania. “Pedestrian deaths in Pennsylvania were up 41% in the first half of...
State Senate Hearing in Philly to Focus on Pedestrian Safety
Philadelphia, April 2, 2019 – At the request of Sen. John Sabatina, the state Senate Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on Friday in Philadelphia on ways to improve pedestrian safety and prevent traffic incidents. The hearing is scheduled for...
Sabatina: Marsy’s Law & Karen’s Law Head to Full Senate
Harrisburg, March 27, 2019 – The Senate Judiciary Committee approved both Marsy’s Law (SB149) and Karen’s Law (SB123), Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) announced. Both bills passed unanimously, 12-0. They now head to the full senate for consideration. “Both of...
Sabatina Rallies Support for Marsy’s Law, Victims’ Rights
Harrisburg – January 28, 2019 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) will join victims’ rights advocates on Tuesday, Jan. 29 to rally support for Marsy’s Law, legislation sponsored by Sabatina that amends the state Constitution to ensure the rights of crime victims are...
Sabatina’s Anti-Discrimination Language Signed into Law by Governor Wolf
Harrisburg, PA – November 14, 2018 – Critical anti-discrimination policy, championed by Senator John Sabatina, Jr. (D-Philadelphia), was signed into law by Governor Wolf, as Act 90. The law contains vital protections for disabled individuals in need of a lifesaving...
Senator Sabatina: Increased Access for Seniors Seeking Prescription Drug Assistance
Philadelphia, October 24, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) said today that the newly enacted Act 87 would expand the income limits for older Pennsylvanians who qualify for the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Needs Enhancement Tier...
Sabatina Applauds Passage of Karen’s Law in Senate Judiciary Committee
Harrisburg, October 3, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) is pleased that his legislation Senate Bill 1023, also known as Karen’s Law, was passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation passed with a 14-0-1 vote. “Karen’s Law has been a...
Sabatina: Support Senate Bill 1219 to End Child Marriage in Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, September 18, 2018 – Senator John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) will participate in a press conference on September 25th at 9:00 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. He will be joined by colleagues and advocacy groups to raise awareness for his Senate Bill 1219, which...
Sabatina: Road Resurfacing Plan for Philadelphia Region Updated
Philadelphia, August 30, 2018 – An updated 5-year plan detailing road resurfacing needs and projects in the Philadelphia region has been released by PennDOT, Sen. Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) announced today. “There are 3,556 miles of state highway road in the southeast...
Senator Sabatina: Seniors Eligible for Free SEPTA Regional Rail Rides
Philadelphia, August 23, 2018 – Beginning on September 1, seniors with SEPTA Key Senior Photo ID cards will be eligible for free regional rail rides, Sen. John Sabatina said today. The move to the new SEPTA Key Senior IDs was announced in 2016. Since then, more than...
Sabatina: Completion of Frankford Avenue Bridge Project Expected in September
Harrisburg, August 17, 2018 – Senator John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) provided an update on the rehabilitation of the historic stone-arch Frankford Avenue Bridge. Sabatina said that according to transportation officials, the project is expected to be completed in...
Sabatina Tours Business Corridor in Morrell Park, Northeast Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, August 7, 2018 – Senator John Sabatina Jr, (D-Philadelphia) met with small business owners from the Morrell Park community in the 5th Senate District on Friday, August 3. Sabatina was accompanied by Philadelphia Commerce Director Harold Epps,...
Sabatina: Motorists Be Aware of Southbound Richmond Street Closure
Harrisburg- August 7, 2018 − Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) said that area residents should be aware and plan for upcoming street closures in Northeast Philadelphia. Sabatina serves as the Democratic chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. The...
Sabatina Informs Motorists of Interstate 95 Roadwork
Harrisburg – July 19, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) in encouraging motorists to prepare for scheduled roadwork on Interstate 95 beginning next week. “Motorists should travel with caution on Interstate 95 as lane closures will be in place during the...
Sabatina Hosts Karen’s Law Rally for Victims’ Rights
Harrisburg – June 25, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) led advocates and survivors of violent crime to rally for the passage of Senate Bill 1023, known as Karen’s Law. Named after Karen Widdoss-Milewski, a constituent and survivor of violent...
Sabatina: Passage of Marsy’s Law a Step Forward for Victims’ Rights
Harrisburg – June 25, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) proudly supported Marsy’s Law, which passed the Senate. A measure designed to ensure the rights of crime victims within the criminal justice system. Sabatina was active in supporting the passage of...
Lane and Travel Restrictions Scheduled for Next Week
Harrisburg – June 22, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) is alerting motorists to local lane and travel restrictions due to roadwork beginning June 25. “Various roadwork projects will be occurring in Philadelphia next week,” said Sabatina. “Motorists should...
Sen. Sabatina to Host Rally for Karen’s Law, Victim Protection
Harrisburg – June 21, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) will host a rally to urge the passage of Senate Bill 1023, known as Karen’s Law. Sabatina introduced SB 1023 which seeks to limit the frequency of parole re-application for individuals convicted of...
Sabatina: Local Lane Closures Scheduled for U.S. 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard)
Harrisburg, June 15, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) is alerting motorists to be mindful of lane closures in Philadelphia due to construction on U.S. 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard). The closures are scheduled June 18 through June 29 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and...
Sabatina: Deadline Extended for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Harrisburg, June 11, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) says that seniors and disabled residents can benefit from the extended deadline for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The deadline to apply for the program has been extended to December 31, 2018....
Sabatina: Highway Restrictions Scheduled in Philadelphia County
Harrisburg, May 11, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) said today that highway restrictions and lane closures are scheduled next week for sections of Interstate 95, Interstate 476, and U.S. 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard) in Philadelphia. The restrictions and closures...
Sabatina: Apprenticeship Grants Approved for Philadelphia
Harrisburg, PA − April 4, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) announced apprenticeship grant funding has been approved for a variety of services and associations in his district. “These grants will continue to help individuals in our area receive the job...
Sabatina Participates in National Vietnam War Veterans Day Event
Philadelphia, March 29, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) took part in a Philadelphia event to honor Vietnam veterans on the first anniversary of National Vietnam War Veterans Day. “The bravery and sacrifice exhibited by veterans of the Vietnam War was...
Sabatina: Phoenix Lithograph Rail Project Approved
HARRISBURG, March 27, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) said today that $700,000 in funding for the Phoenix Lithographing Corporation was approved to remove and replace obsolete tracks and complete track rehabilitation. “As Democratic chair of the Senate...
Sabatina Recognizes April as Autism Awareness Month
Harrisburg- March 27, 2018 - Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) introduced a resolution to designate April 2018 as Autism Awareness Month. “It is incredibly important to recognize all those who are on the autism spectrum, as well as their families and caregivers. We...
Sabatina Supports Senate Action on Domestic Violence Protections
Harrisburg, March 20, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) voted to push forward a package of domestic violence protections being considered by the Senate. Sabatina, a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 501, helped pass the bill out of the Senate Judiciary Committee....
Sabatina Announces Solar Energy Funding for Roosevelt Mall
HARRISBURG, March 16, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) announced a solar energy grant has been approved for the engineering and installation of roof-top solar energy panels at Roosevelt Mall. “I am thrilled that Roosevelt Mall was selected as the recipient...
House Judiciary Committee Moves on Sabatina’s “Paul’s Law”
Harrisburg, March 14, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) said that he was encouraged that his “Paul’s Law” legislation was approved by the state House Judiciary Committee and that it is one step closer to becoming law. “Paul’s Law would ensure that...