News Digest :: August 20, 2021

Legislature Pa. Sen. Mastriano’s plan to issue election subpoenas ‘stopped’ – WHYY Mastriano blames ‘the powers that be’ for blocking plan to issue election subpoenas | WITF Pa. barbers, salons to get $20M in belated pandemic relief |...

News Digest :: August 19, 2021

Legislature Over half of voters think Pa. headed in wrong direction, F&M poll finds | Local News | readingeagle.com Pa. Senate will soon require members to post spending online | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Area residents voices haven’t been heard in Bon Air...

Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee Fails to Address Climate Crisis

HARRISBURG − August 18, 2021 − State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks) was met with blank stares in the state Capitol today as she pressed the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to prioritize a comprehensive plan to invest in Pennsylvania and address the environmental and public health issues impacting communities across the Commonwealth.

News Digest :: August 18, 2021

Legislature Women’s Health Caucus Chairs begin #OptInPA Campaign for Postpartum Medicaid Expansion (berksweekly.com) Pa. legislators consider bills to help struggling veterans | fox43.com Proposed Bill: Parents Liable if Children Don’t Mask at School | The Legal...

News Digest :: August 17, 2021

Legislature Schwank to host back-to-school health, safety town hall | Berks Regional News | wfmz.com Sen. Judy Schwank will host panel to discuss school safety amid rising COVID cases | Local News | readingeagle.com Bill Exempts Newer Vehicles From PA Emissions Test...

News Digest :: August 16, 2021

Legislature U.S. Census data drop puts Pa. lawmakers closer to drawing the state’s new political boundaries | WITF It’s Game On for redistricting. Will Pa. become a ‘democracy desert?’ | Monday Morning Coffee | Pennsylvania Capital-Star...

It’s time to change solitary confinement in Pennsylvania

OpEd by Senator John Kane

“I can emphatically say I have more trauma from six months in solitary than four combat tours in the Marines.”

This is what we heard from a solitary confinement survivor, Reverend Dr. Chris Kimmenez, at our policy hearing this past Tuesday in the city of Chester. Over the past year, each of us has experienced the effects of isolation, separated from friends, family, and loved ones by the pandemic.

News Digest :: August 13, 2021

Legislature Pa.’s political mapmakers finally have new census data. Now the hard work begins. (inquirer.com) U.S. Census data drop puts Pa. lawmakers closer to drawing the state’s new political boundaries | WITF Advocates testify in favor of bill to allow driver’s...

News Digest :: August 12, 2021

Legislature Pennsylvania rental assistance: Millions of dollars available to help people avoid eviction – 6abc Philadelphia PA Environment Digest Blog: Bipartisan Legislation Introduced In Senate To Create Clean Streams Fund For Pennsylvania To Deal With...