Wrapped in Bert and Ernie gift paper, constituents expressed their concerns and delivered postcards demanding “access to safe and affordable prenatal care and birthing options” for families in Northeast Philadelphia.

Among those at the meeting at Tiffany’s Diner were State Sen. Michael Stack, State Rep. John Sabatina, Jr., and representatives from Speaker of the House Dennis O’Brien, State Sen. Shirley Kitchen and State Rep. George Kenney. Al Taubenberger, president of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, also joined to express his support of the development of a birth center. A representative who is active on the general planning committee, also attended on behalf of Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz.

Candidates in the 170th Dist., Patrick Boyle and Matt Taubenberger, were also present.

Postcards were collected for more than 15 members of the General assembly-from both Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, indicating a cross-regional concern. When presenting the postcards to Northeast representatives, constituents asked legislators to move forward on solutions suggested at a Nov. 29 town-hall meeting: Introduce legislation to permit the insurance commissioner to identify and raise reimbursement rates to cover all hospital and provider costs for maternal and child birth services for all insurance carriers; make all reimbursement rates for prenatal, labor and delivery public information; and develop a plan for a birthing center in the Northeast.

MCC and the Northeast Community Planning Group announced a community meeting for residents to brainstorm future actions to be held on Feb. 26 at 7:00 p.m. at the Northeast Regional Library. All Northeast residents interested in working to alleviate the childbirth crisis are welcome.

STATE SEN. Mike Stack receives postcard at Tiffany's Diner in N.E. Philadelphia as part of effort by public to bring attention to maternity-care crisis in Philadelphia.		CONSTITUENT OLIVIA HAMILTON delivers postcards to Matt Taubenberger, Director of Constitutent Servcies for Rep. George Kenney.