October 1, 2020
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.
September 3, 2020
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.”
July 30, 2020
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.
July 17, 2020
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.
June 7, 2020
Op-ed by Senator Tim Kearney
As a member of the Pennsylvania Senate, I am generally reluctant to call out my individual colleagues. I know my fellow senators love our Commonwealth and our country – we just have different ideas about how to best serve our people.
However, times arise when a fellow public servant’s statement demands a response. Senator Mike Regan, my colleague from Cumberland and York counties, recently published an op-ed on the recent protests against police brutality and racial injustices that requires such a response.
June 4, 2020
Op-ed by Sen. Art Haywood
While small businesses owners and politicians have demanded that the state reopen quickly, the reopen health risks are largely on black, brown and white low paid workers. Essential grocery store, restaurant, food service public transit workers stayed on the job to save us as many of us stayed at home, even worked from home.
