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Op-ed

Governor Wolf Exercised His Constitutional Powers to Save Lives

Governor Wolf Exercised His Constitutional Powers to Save Lives

Op-ed By Senator Sharif Street

On Tuesday Pennsylvanians will have the opportunity to select ballot measures, two of which fundamentally alter the Governor’s executive powers and ability to respond to emergencies.

In March 2020, Governor Wolf signed a COVID-19 Disaster Declaration to provide increased support for the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

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

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.

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We Can & Must Do Justice

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.

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COVID Policies Must Give Restaurants A Fighting Chance

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. 

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Will Black voters again allow Trump to be elected?

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.”

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

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.

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Changing the rules to combat racism

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.

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The hard truths of racial injustice

The hard truths of racial injustice

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.

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PA must be sure to re-open in just, equitable way

PA must be sure to re-open in just, equitable way

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.

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Republican Reopening Scam Is the Worst Kind of Politics

Republican Reopening Scam Is the Worst Kind of Politics

Op-ed by Sen. Vincent Hughes

In the last few weeks, Pennsylvania Republicans have ramped up the political theatre in a brazen attempt at politicizing the Wolf Administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

From staged political rallies organized by out-of-state, extreme right-wing agitators to attempts at strong-arming local officials to ignore the governor’s executive order on reopening, it’s clear that Republican legislators have decided that propping up President Trump — and by extension themselves — is more important than the public health. 

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After the surge

After the surge

Op-ed by Sen. Art Haywood

The Covid-19 pandemic has rocked the pillars of our nation. We face challenges that threaten our health and economic well-being while our democracy struggles to respond to the immense suffering. Our society, culture and normal daily life has been turned upside down. 

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Voting by Mail is No Longer the Exception

Voting by Mail is No Longer the Exception

Op-ed By Sen. Wayne D. Fontana

As this frightening pandemic affects every facet of our lives, more and more citizens are doing what they can to keep safe by staying at home, practicing social distancing and keeping in touch with others as remotely as possible.

We cannot be sure when this nightmare will end, or when we can return to living our normal lives. Some project it will be weeks. Others have argued that it may take months or longer. Many medical experts have even warned that a second wave of Covid-19 may target us when the weather cools this autumn.

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2020 politicians: Stop pandering to black voters and actually come to our neighborhoods

2020 politicians: Stop pandering to black voters and actually come to our neighborhoods

Op-ed by Anthony H. Williams

There has been a lot of discussion about race and racism this political season. While former New York City mayor and billionaire Mike Bloomberg pours millions into ads appealing to African Americans, Sen. Bernie Sanders’s campaign preaches about a coalition including and highlighting African Americans and Latinos. Earlier this month, it was the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania versus the mayor and district attorney. Before that, it was President Donald Trump accusing Gov. Tom Wolf of denying a black Philadelphia girl a scholarship.

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OP-ED: It’s Time for Nonpartisan Municipal Elections

OP-ED: It’s Time for Nonpartisan Municipal Elections

Op-ed by Anthony H. Williams and David Thornburgh

In Philadelphia, 23% or nearly a quarter-million voters effectively don’t get a say in who becomes mayor, represents them on city council or runs the District Attorney’s office. Despite standing in line to cast ballots and informing themselves on candidate positions, these citizens are locked out of the process simply because they’ve not registered to vote as a Democrat. But what if when you went into a voting booth, there were no party labels – no Democrat, no Republican, no Green – but only names? For voters in 85% of America’s cities and towns, that’s the reality – and Philadelphia should join them.

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New Student Loan Program Aimed at Helping Students Afford Post-Secondary Education

New Student Loan Program Aimed at Helping Students Afford Post-Secondary Education

Op-ed by Senator Wayne D. Fontana (D-Pittsburgh).

Most college students look forward to summer break and a reprieve from the classroom, but few have the resources to take the “summer off” from one of their most difficult challenges: paying for their education. 

A postsecondary education can be expensive, but it is an investment worth making.  Whether a student attends the Community College of Allegheny County, learns a trade, or receives a four-year degree from the University of Pittsburgh, education is the key to a better future.

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