Latest news with #JoePicozzi
CBS News
4 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Pennsylvania Senate introduces plan for SEPTA funding, but Gov. Shapiro calls it "not a serious" proposal
On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Senate returned to session and introduced a new plan to fund SEPTA and avoid major service cuts at the end of this month. Republican state Sen. Joe Picozzi, of Northeast Philadelphia, introduced an amendment that would fund mass transit for the next two years. Picozzi's amendment was approved in the state Senate by a 27 to 22 vote. The funding would be drawn from the Pennsylvania Transit Trust Fund. It also includes safety and accountability provisions. Picozzi called the bill a "bridge" that will fund SEPTA for the next two years. "This proposal is the only viable plan to keep service running past the August deadline," Picozzi said. "By enacting this legislation, we give ourselves the breathing room to design a better, safer, more accountable transit system for the next generation and the 21st century." A spokesperson for Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro slammed Picozzi's proposal. "While Governor Shapiro appreciates Senate Republicans finally acknowledging the need to fund mass transit systems across the Commonwealth, this is clearly not a serious, long-term proposal that can pass both chambers," Shapiro's spokesperson said in a statement. "It's time to get back to the table and keep working at it." Democrats in the state Senate also opposed the plan. "The proposal before us quite simply robs money from urgently needed capital projects to pay for off-rating costs," Democratic state Sen. Nikil Saval, of Philadelphia, said. "This is service cuts by another name." On Monday, Pennsylvania's House of Representatives passed legislation that would provide SEPTA with the funding it needs to avoid the looming "doomsday" service cuts. The Democrat-backed bill had the support of Shapiro and passed the chamber, 108-95, over the objection of nearly every Republican in the chamber. Philadelphia students return to school on Aug. 25 — one day after SEPTA would begin service cuts if it doesn't have state funding. "The cuts are going to impact students a great deal, and they're unfortunately going to be among the first that will be hit with these cuts," Andrew Busch, a spokesperson with SEPTA, said. While SEPTA said students will still have options, they won't be as direct as they are now. "They might have to transfer to two or three different routes now, might have a longer walk," Busch said. Stanley's son takes the T-4 trolley in West Philly – one line slated to see reduced service. He worries fewer trollies will mean overcrowding. "Coming from school, it be packed, so he's missing trolleys, or missing the bus to come home," Stanley said. "He has to find another route to come home." Stanley's son is one of 52,000 School District of Philadelphia students who use SEPTA to get to school. And district leaders said they're concerned about the impact cuts could have on attendance. "A key driver for continuing to improve our school district is we need our kids, our young people, to be in school at least 90% of every month," Dr. Tony Watlington, the superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, said. Watlington said they're working with parents where they can. But he acknowledged much is out of their control — and the district can't just add more yellow buses to fill routes. "It's inefficient to do two systems, number one," Watlington said. "Number two, there's a shortage of bus drivers and resources to get a lot of additional school buses." School safety officials said with the possibility of more kids walking, they are working with Philadelphia police to increase patrols in high-travel areas. "It's probably going to require a lot more from parents to get their students to and from school safely," said Chief of School Safety Craig Johnson.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
PA bill would create grant program to help police solve violent crimes
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A Pennsylvania senator is hoping to introduce legislation that would help provide law enforcement with tools to help solve serious crimes like homicide. Senator Joe Picozzi (R-Philadelphia County) argues that in Pennsylvania, over a quarter of homicides go unsolved, and only over one-third of crimes like robbery and burglary are solved. In a memo to lawmakers, he claims these problems can be attributed to a shortage of police personnel and the lack of investment in technology and tools that law enforcement needs. That's why he plans to introduce the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act. The proposed legislation would create a grant program through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Police agencies could then apply for grants that would be used to help solve those violent crimes. PA bills will expand access to opioid overdose reversal agents Law enforcement could use the grants for the following: Hire and retain officers Upgrade technology Ensure compliance with reporting requirements Picozzi said that the legislation is 'critical' and will provide the following results: Better public safety, because higher clearance rates lead to the apprehension and incapacitation of violent criminals. Less crime, because solving homicides and other violent crimes sends a clear message that perpetrators will be held accountable. Community trust in law enforcement, because improved clearance rates demonstrate the effectiveness of police in solving crimes and maintaining public safety. More justice for victims and families because solving homicides and other violent crimes provides closure and justice, helping victims and families heal. 'This bill supports our law enforcement by increasing the tools available to them to solve more violent crime, and by solving more violent crimes, we also build trust in our justice system. Ultimately, we make neighborhoods…safer places to live and raise our families,' Picozzi added. You can read more about the proposed Victims' Act here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Senate approves resolution that would create task force for law enforcement recruitment
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — The Senate has approved a resolution that would create a task force to focus on recruiting and retaining officers in Pennsylvania. The legislation, Senate Resolution 94, is sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) and Sen. Joe Picozzi (R-5). It would create a task force in partnership with the Joint State Government Commission. The task force would examine challenges in filling law enforcement vacancies, correction officers and prosecutors. 'Our communities are safer when law enforcement agencies are fully staffed with well-trained, dedicated professionals,' Langerholc said. 'This resolution is a step forward to identify solutions for the growing number of vacancies, support our law enforcement personnel, and ensure public safety remains a top priority.' The overall goal will be to develop recommendations to grow the state's ability to attract and retain qualified people for those positions. The task force's final report on their findings and recommendations will be due on April 30, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
