While everyone’s attention has been focused on the Supreme Court rulings last week, the Republicans at the State and Congressional levels continue to exacerbate those decisions. Here is a quick encapsulation of some of their mischief:
ABORTION In light of the recent Supreme Court decision striking down Roe vs. Wade, you might be interested in some of the bills that Republicans have in mind to restrict women’s rights in Pennsylvania. Here is a rundown:
FIREARMS
A few days before the US Supreme Court allowed anyone to conceal carry, State House Republicans had converted a Democratic bill that would have prevented 18 to 21-year-olds from possessing assault-style rifles into a constitutional amendment that would allow anyone the “right of constitutional carry”. Meanwhile 18 to 21-year-olds will continue to purchase and own assault weapons in Pennsylvania.
EDUCATION
Senate Bill 1278, Pennsylvania’s answer to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, would require schools to adopt a policy barring teacher-led instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in grades pre-K through five.
INFLATION
While state house and senate Republicans have been industrious in formulating destructive legislation, General Assembly Democrats have been busy finding solutions to problems affecting all of us in Pennsylvania. Among the biggest of the problems is that of inflation. Here is what they are doing.
JANUARY 6 COMMITTEE HEARINGS
Pennsylvanians continue to play a prominent role in the events leading up to January 6. Text messages between White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Congressman Scott Perry (R., Dauphin) revealed that Perry wanted Meadows to investigate allegations of an Italian defense contractor conspiring with the CIA to use military satellites to flip votes; while Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson claimed that PA Congressman Mike Kelly (R., Butler, Lawrence) gave Johnson's staff fake elector votes, that Johnson’s chief of staff then attempted to hand over to Mike Pence ahead of the January 6 joint session of the United States Congress.
PA House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R., Lancaster) also figured prominently in last week’s hearing, describing how Trump attorneys Rudy Giuliani and Jenna Ellis badgered him to interfere in the post-election process in Pennsylvania. Cutler was also subjected to numerous demonstrations outside of his home and the doxing of his private information.
Although Cutler did not submit to such pressure, he did join fellow Republicans on December 4, 2020 in urging Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation “to object, and vote to sustain such objection, to the Electoral College votes received from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during the Joint Session of Congress on January 6, 2021.”
If Pennsylvania elects a Republican governor and General Assembly this November, we will all be subjected to policies that value high-powered assault weapons over the lives of women, children, and vulnerable communities. Here is what you can do to prevent that from happening:
CANVASS
Wednesdays from 4-6 for Melissa Cerrato for State Rep. SIGN UP HERE. If you would like to carpool from High Point Allen Lane, please also email geomstern@gmail.com.
MAKE CALLS
Join our friends at Sister District to make calls on Thursdays from 12-2 PM. The calls alternate each week between Melissa Cerrato for State Rep and State Representative Dan Williams. Training and support provided by Sister District while you dial. SIGN UP HERE
POSTCARDS AT HIGH POINT ALLENS LANE
TUESDAYS FROM 10 AM-12 PM. Join postcard writers outside to write postcards together for our state legislative candidates. This week they will be writing for Senator Katie Muth and State Rep Candidate Paul Friel.