TARTAGLIONE PRAISES BILL TO HELP POLICE FAMILIES

HARRISBURG, NOVEMBER 19, 2004 - State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione is praising yesterday's passage of House Bill 798, calling it a "common-sense measure of fairness to families."

     "I'm proud to support this effort to help the families of deceased police officers maintain their income while moving on with their lives," Tartaglione said.

     The bill passed the Senate unanimously late Thursday.

     If the bill is signed into law by Gov. Rendell, widows or widowers of deceased police officers or police employees in Philadelphia could not be required to forfeit future pension benefits if they remarry.

     "There will be no financial impact on the city," Tartaglione said. "And the bill will take away unfair barriers to marriage."

     Earlier in the week, Tartaglione had written to Sen. Robert Thompson, Republican Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, urging him to send the measure to the full Senate for consideration.
     The bill passed the House unanimously as well.

     "I'm thankful to my colleagues for this measure in supporting the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department," Tartaglione said.