No one wins: U.S. Steel to ‘Set Aside’ Investment in the Mon Valley

Op-ed by Senator Jim Brewster

U.S. Steel recently announced plans to shelve a $1.5 billion investment in the Mon Valley Works. The three steel plants that would have benefitted from this historic investment are in Braddock, West Mifflin and Clairton and they employ thousands of skilled workers. All three facilities are in my Senate district and represent Allegheny County’s largest manufacturing employer.

We Can & Must Do Justice

Op-ed by Steve Santarsiero, State Senator

Earlier this week it was revealed that the Pennsylvania Department of State failed to advertise the 2019 passage of a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would allow the victims of child sex abuse, whose claims had been barred by the statute of limitations, a two-year window in which to file suit against responsible individuals and institutions.  The failure to do so means that any such amendment must now wait at least another two years before it can be enacted.

COVID Policies Must Give Restaurants A Fighting Chance

Op-ed by Senator Lisa Boscola

Imagine a longer-than-anticipated workday that leads to a late dinner with a desire for an adult beverage.  Pre-COVID, this was not only a common occurrence, but also legal with plenty of dining options.  However, in Pennsylvania, it is no longer feasible to enjoy a quick late-night meal while sitting at your favorite bar.  While we have taken great care to protect the citizens of the commonwealth during the pandemic, we also have been inconsistent with the implementation and guidance associated with risk mitigation policies, especially for the restaurant industry. 

Will Black voters again allow Trump to be elected?

By Sen. Art Haywood

After winning in November 2016, Trump thanked Black voters for staying at home.

“We did great with the African American community…They didn’t come out to vote for Hillary. They didn’t come out,” he said. “And that was big— so thank you to the African American community.”

The true fight for police reform is in statehouses across the U.S.

Op-ed by Sen. Art Haywood

Black Lives Matter protests erupted in the US and beyond following the cruel killing of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis. Weekly, and in some places daily, rallies and marches demand an end to police brutality and to systemic racism.

And less than two months later, at least 13 states have passed legislation to curtail police brutality.

Changing the rules to combat racism

Op-ed by Sen. Art Haywood

Nationwide, Americans continue to staunchly protest systemic racism. The country has not seen action like this since the Civil Rights and Black Power movements of the 1960s. Sixty years later, the demands for action by the people remain loud and clear.

Much like the rules of a game, rules put in place by those in power cause Black people to lose in destructive ways.