Solomon touts unprecedented early voting sites in Philadelphia

(Sep 18, 2020)

Important 2020 Election Update: early voting sites are coming to Philadelphia for the first time! In our area, it will be at J. Hampton Moore Elementary School. This unprecedented step is made possible by Act 77 of 2019 in the PA Legislature, for which I was a huge proponent of and advocate. Assuming the full election board gives the green light, starting September 29th these 16 sites, in addition to Moore, will be open 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays and Sundays. You'll be able to request, fill out, and submit ballots including mail-in ballots on the spot. The more people who use these sites will prevent backlogs in the mail, and long lines on Election Day! > Read more . Read more

 

New 2nd Police District is finally open

(Sep 14, 2020)

I am so proud that at last the 2nd Police District headquarters is now in the 2nd Police District, with a new facility just up from Cottman and Castor! This is something I have been pushing for since the day I started serving as your state rep. and worked tirelessly with Philadelphia Police leadership, the Department of Public Property and others to make happen. It is something the officers of the 2nd wanted desperately after years being crammed into a leaky building with their colleagues from the 15th on Levick and Harbinson. Now it is located centrally and conveniently to the people the 2nd serves. Not only do we hope this will decrease response times from residents and businesses-- a common complaint I hear in my office--but that it will mark a new day in the relationship between the police and the people. Commissioner Outlaw spoke to me recently about wanting "community policing" to be a philosophy embodied by all those in uniform, and her team has been working with me and the Leaders Of Tomorow Crew to host events that continue a dialogue between young people of color and police (watch this space for an announcement soon). Read more

 

Solomon delivers free cloth masks to local childcare provider

(Sep 11, 2020)

Yesterday, I was at the KenCrest Early Learning Center on Rising Sun Ave. to give out 300 free masks to help keep young children safe from spreading COVID-19 and for everyone to follow state guidelines. The state requires all children over 2 to wear a mask when they're in a childcare center - that's a tough ask for a 3-year-old to keep it on all day, but it's necessary so they can be safe at care while their parents are working. We all need to do our part, and I was happy and grateful to partner with my friend Pete of Covid19inc. to get these masks to these kids. Read more

 

Time to end gerrymandering

(Sep 07, 2020)

By State Reps. Jared Solomon, Jim Gregory and Pamela DeLissio Crises loom everywhere during these turbulent times, so you would be forgiven if the issue of gerrymandering was far down on your list of priorities. But it should not be. In fact, it plays a significant role in how your state Legislature and elected U.S. representatives handle the myriad threats, upheavals and opportunities we face right now. As is currently the process in state Senate, state House and congressional redistricting, due to gerrymandering, our elected officials select their voters by redrawing the boundaries in a partisan manner. Efforts have been made for decades to place the boundary line-drawing process in the hands of an independent redistricting commission. Those efforts have never succeeded. The people of Pennsylvania and some of its elected leaders have long known and lamented that congressional redistricting is a partisan process. The bill to redraw these boundaries just needs to pass the Pennsylvania General Assembly and be signed by the governor – the same process used to rename a bridge. We should note that redrawing state legislative boundaries is done by a party-backed commission that would require a constitutional amendment to change, the opportunity for which, at least in 2020, has already come and gone. So, in this age of polarization, it is noteworthy when a Republican from very conservative Blair County and two Democrats from very liberal Philadelphia come Read more

 

Solomon spends a day helping haul trash

(Aug 19, 2020)

Keep an eye out for your new trash man for the day! I'm out all day today doing my part to help the Sanitation Workers of the Streets Department catch up on all the trash we need picked up from our streets. As an Army Reservist, I know how to drop what I'm doing to serve the greater good - right now we need all hands on deck to get all this trash picked up. See you out there! Big thanks to my crew and the Streets Department for letting me lend a hand. Wow - I am hurting today! Yesterday I worked from 7 AM to about 2 PM hauling trash with this crew from the Streets Department and let me tell you - that is hard work. My respect for these men and women who do this every day is through the roof. My crew on the truck - Alan, Mason, and Melvin - some of whom have literally been doing this 45 days in a row! Absolutely my hat is off to these guys. They truly care about the work they do, and what I loved was how well they knew the neighbors - which house needed the can put away just so because it was an older resident. I got soaked - a mix of sweat and whatever trash juice was seeping out of people's bags. I was hauling construction debris, diapers, IVs. The recycling program - whew - there's a lot of work we need to do if we're going to salvage this. I'd say 90% of recycling I saw was either put out improperly or was contaminated with trash and plastic bags. We have to do better if this is going to continue. Big thanks to Faruq, Keith, Carlton and Read more

 

Summer 2020 Newsletter

(Aug 12, 2020)

My Summer 2020 is now available! Read more

 

For African Americans and Jewish Americans, the Fight for Justice Is Inextricably Linked

(Jul 31, 2020)

In the aftermath of an anti-Semitic Facebook post from the head of the Philadelphia NAACP, I penned an op-ed with Democratic Whip Jordan Harris to condemn that hateful post, but also highlight the parallels of struggle and triumph between the African American and Jewish American communities. This solidarity has historical precedence. We can’t allow this divisive move from this individual to cloud our collective ongoing fight to dismantle white supremacy, which seeks to divide us, while simultaneously oppress us. Read more

 

Tele-Town Hall Meeting

(Jul 24, 2020)

Pa. state Rep. Jared Solomon conducted a tele-town hall on Saturday, July 18 to discuss and address concerns from residents about the COVID-19 health crisis, police reform, fireworks nuisance and how state and local governments have been responding. Read more

 

Tele Town Hall: Saturday, July 18 at 10 a.m.

(Jul 13, 2020)

Join me for my Tele Town Hall on Saturday, July 18 at 10 a.m. to discuss the many issues going on in our city and in Harrisburg-- from the pandemic, to police reforms, to fireworks. We will touch on it all, and I want to hear from you! To join the conversation, be sure to sign-up here ,and we'll give you a call shorthly before the event starts. Read more

 

Solomon: Everyone Deserves Access to Affordable Housing

(Jun 24, 2020)

Pa. state Rep. Jared Solomon continues working in Harrisburg to provide all Pennsylvanians with a place to live. He introduced a proposal to help ensure everyone has access to affordable housing. Read more

 

Rep. Jared Solomon Celebrates Announcement of New Small Business Relief Funding

(Jun 09, 2020)

Today, state Rep. Jared Solomon, D- Phila., heralded Gov. Tom Wolf's announcement of a new $225 million grant program to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Solomon worked closely with Republican colleagues and the governor's office to ensure that this funding gets in the hands of businesses who need it most, particularly businesses that have historically or systemically been unable to access such sources of money. "A lot of money has flowed from Washington and Harrisburg to support small businesses, but almost none of the businesses in my district have seen a dime," Solomon said. "In an effort to prize expediency over equity, we've seen federal money like the PPP only go to those with pre-existing relationships with large banks. The small and micro-businesses of my area don't have those relationships. That's why this funding will be distributed differently, ensuring, among other things, that $100 million of the fund is going to those who have historically been left out." Solomon will be working with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) and other partners to ensure that the rollout of this fund helps everyone who needs it. Read more

 

White, Solomon Legislation to Speed Property Tax Rebates Becomes Law

(May 19, 2020)

HARRISBURG, May 19 – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Reps. Martina White, R-Phila., and Jared Solomon, D-Phila., to speed up property tax and rent rebates to qualified recipients has was signed today by Gov. Tom Wolf. "Getting more money in our seniors’ pockets now, through the Rent/Property Tax Rebate program, allows them to buy more food in fewer trips," White said. "That limits their potential exposure to the virus and can help them stay safe." "I'm thrilled that Governor Wolf has signed this bill into law as it represents a fantastic chance to put money in the pockets of some of our most vulnerable citizens at a time when they really need it," Solomon said. "The commonwealth needs to use every lever at our disposal to help people, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle understand that the rebate check is a vital tool in that regard, particularly during this pandemic." Right now, rebates are distributed starting July 1. Their bill, which was amended into House Bill 1076, now Act 20 of 2020, which directs the departments of Revenue and Treasury to process 2019 rebate payments for all homeowners and renters who received a 2018 rebate and to issue those payments immediately. For anyone who became eligible in the past year, rebates would be issued immediately upon receipt of their application instead of waiting until July 1. The White/Solomon legislation was Read more

 

Rep. Solomon condemns House Republican Rep. Dush's Nazi comparisons

(May 04, 2020)

PHILADELPHIA, May 4 – Today, state Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., released the following statement in response to Rep. Chris Dush’s comments comparing Governor Tom Wolf's stay-at-home orders to keep Pennsylvanians safe in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to the Nazi regime today in committee: "The innumerable atrocities of the Nazi regime rarely if ever merit comparison with anything; what they did was uniquely evil in the history of mankind. What Rep Dush seems to not understand is the damage, the hurt, the insult that his ignorant remarks inflict on countless Pennsylvanians, myself very much included," Solomon said. "I for one will not sit idly by while he demeans the memories of my ancestors to score cheap political points against the governor, who has, mind you, ably and calmly executed his constitutional authority to save lives during this pandemic." A video clip of Solomon's full statement today in committee is available to watch here. Read more

 

Boyle, Solomon team up to deliver PPE to Jeanes Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia

(Apr 24, 2020)

PHILADELPHIA, April 24 – State Rep. Kevin J. Boyle was joined by state Rep. Jared Solomon, both D-Phila., on Thursday to deliver personal protective equipment to Jeanes Hospital, located in Boyle’s 172 nd Legislative District. “Northeast Philadelphia has been among the areas with the highest reported cases of COVID-19 in the city, leaving Jeanes Hospital staff scrambling to treat residents suffering from this virus and doing so without the proper protections,” Boyle said. “I was honored to help deliver these donations because we must do all we can to protect those on the frontlines working hard to protect us despite the risks.” Solomon concurred, saying, “There has been a nationwide shortage of PPE for medical workers on the frontlines, but we’ve been fortunate to be able provide these donations to keep our nurses, doctors and hospital staff safe. I am incredibly grateful to these medical professionals on the frontlines and was humbled to be able to thank them personally with this donation.” The Northeast Philadelphia lawmaker duo coordinated the drop-off with PPE donated by the American Chinese United Association, headed by chairman Jason Lam. The association has been providing donations to hospitals, nursing homes and churches across Philadelphia. Read more

 

Solomon provides over 300 free comfort meals to Northeast Philadelphia communities

(Apr 23, 2020)

PHILADELPHIA, April 23 – To offer some relief during COVID-19, state Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., teamed up with community partners to provide hundreds of free cooked meals from popular local restaurants to various communities in Northeast Philadelphia. “We’re experiencing unprecedented and troubling times. Many residents have had their entire livelihoods upended, and others are still working on the frontlines during this pandemic,” Solomon said. “With all that’s going on, I wanted to help bring back a sense of normalcy and thank all our frontline workers through delicious comfort food staples from our community.” Solomon joined Matt Rossi, owner of Nick’s Roast Beef on Cottman Avenue, and later, Orlando Jacome, owner of Tio Pepe, at their respective restaurants in providing over 300 free meals to hundreds of residents, including medical professionals and other frontline workers. Read more

 

Solomon to provide free food to Northeast Philadelphia communities tomorrow

(Apr 22, 2020)

PHILADELPHIA, April 22 – In light of COVID-19, state Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., will team up with community partners to provide free meals to various communities in Northeast Philadelphia. At 11 a.m. Thursday, April 23, Solomon will join Matt Rossi, owner of Nick’s Roast Beef on Cottman Avenue, to provide free meals to hundreds of residents at the restaurant, 2210 Cottman Ave., 19149. Meals will be distributed in the parking lot across the street. At noon, Friday, April 24 , Solomon will provide free meals to 300 people with Orlando Jacome, owner of Tio Pepe Restaurant, at 6618 Castor Ave., 19149. Media coverage is invited. Read more

 

COVID-19 Tele-Town Hall Meeting

(Apr 06, 2020)

Pa. state Rep. Jared Solomon conducted a tele-town hall on Saturday, April 4 to discuss the COVID-19 health crisis, how state and local governments have been responding and to address questions from residents about the emergency situation in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. Read more

 

COVID-19 Resources and Information

(Mar 30, 2020)

** Below is a list of informational links for resources in and around Philadelphia related to COVID-19. This will be updated as more/new information becomes available ** The latest info on COVID-19 cases and other data statewide from the Pennsylvania Department of Health : https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx The latest information on COVID-19 cases and other data in Philadelphia from the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health : https://www.phila.gov/services/mental-physical-health/environmental-health-hazards/covid-19/ The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has activated a Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline . It’s available 24/7. If you have questions about symptoms and risk factors, what to do if you think you may have been exposed, testing resources, or recommendations for social distancing, you can contact the helpline at 1-800-722-7112. More info: https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-14-greater-philadelphia-coronavirus-helpline-opened-by-health/?fbclid=IwAR2HZUc0yYdy66IMO4nrx8g4Z8vKMHE9qWUXmmLDe3OZFIjVhiwGDu0ZFIo List of essential Philadelphia services and how to access them: https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-18-essential-city-services-remain-open-here-is-how-to-access-them/?mc_cid=7f7be1d618&mc_eid=eda5e48c86 . Information about how SEPTA is operating: http://www.septa.org/service/rail/midday-schedule.html Information about how Amtrak is Read more

 

Governor Wolf, City of Philadelphia Announce Financial Assistance Available to Small Businesses

(Mar 25, 2020)

Governor Wolf has a new program out now that allows small businesses with less than 100 employees to access a state loan program for working capital. This is in addition to the federal and state government loan/grant programs to help businesses in this crisis. I am working on a long-term solution for supporting small businesses in this and any disaster emergency and hope my bill with Rep. Gaydos moves in the legislature soon. Read more

 

Reps. White, Solomon to Introduce Legislation to Immediately Release Property Tax Rebates and Help Hospitals Purchase Ventilators

(Mar 21, 2020)

HARRISBURG—Reps. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) and Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) will introduce legislation to encourage hospitals to purchase the ventilators and other necessary equipment they need to combat this pandemic by letting the state buy back unused equipment at cost. White and Solomon will also introduce legislation to speed up property tax and rent rebates to qualified recipients. “The federal government is considering a cash stimulus of up to $1,200 or more per individual,” White said. “To complement that, the state should distribute funds from the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program as a way to provide additional liquidity to those in need.” Right now, rebates are distributed starting July 1. Their legislation would direct the Department of Revenue and Treasury to process 2019 rebate payments for all homeowners and renters who received a 2018 rebate, and to issue those payments immediately. For anyone who became eligible in the past year, rebates would be issued immediately upon receipt of their application instead of waiting until July 1. “The more money we quickly get back to Pennsylvanians, particularly the elderly, the disabled, and the poor, the better chances our state has of weathering this crisis,” White said. “This virus has completely disrupted the lives of many hard-working Pennsylvanians and small businesses, leaving them both in a whirlwind of financial Read more