Pennsylvania could be a very different place in 2023 if Democrats win across the state this November 8. Struggling public schools would begin to acquire more money from the state. If fracking and drilling for gas and oil are not halted, they will at least be better regulated, and taxed as well. And legislation targeting the straw purchase of firearms and the sale of ghost guns will also go to the governor to sign.
Possibly the biggest change would be the liberation of the minimum wage from the federal standard of $7.25/hour – something that each of Pennsylvania’s neighboring states have already done.
And if Republicans win?
The best-case scenario under Republican leadership would be no changes in school funding. The worst case – the more likely case – will be less money to public schools, and more money to private religious schools with no strings attached. The minimum wage would remain at $7.25/hour, while Texas drilling companies will increase the amount of oil and gas from our Marcellus Shale counties, creating environmental hazards along the way – all, free of charge, courtesy of the GOP of Pennsylvania. Loosening environment and firearm regulations will no doubt ensue.
If the Republicans do win, we can expect Pennsylvania to be the most extreme anti-abortion states in the nation. We would also expect to see more school districts banning classic literature that have been a part of our cultural DNA for as long as we have had public education in this country. So, can it get any worse?
Well, actually it can. An email from a few weeks ago mentioned the implications of the Supreme Court judgement of Moore v. Harper, a case currently on its docket. If the Court’s past decisions are any predictor of the future, there is a very strong probability that the Supreme Court will allow the Pennsylvania General Assembly to gerrymander all state and congressional districts next year, and choose which electors will vote for a new president in 2024, regardless of who wins the election by the popular vote in the state.
Sitting this November’s election out is therefore a Faustian decision, condemning us the eternal damnation of a dystopian future that would be almost impossible to reverse in two, four, or even ten years.
Pennsylvania can be such a wonderful place for people of all ages, genders, races, religions, and ethnicities. There is a lot at stake, and it’s up to all of us to get the word out on the importance of this election. Below are some of the ways that you can participate.
THINGS TO DO
CANVASSING
Wednesday, August 17, from 3:45-5:45 PM at 2 Walnut Grove Dr., Suite 107, Horsham, PA 19044 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.
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Saturday, August 20
Tim Brennan for State Representative in Doylestown at 11 AM. SIGN UP HERE.
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Sunday, August 21
Brian Munroe for State Rep and Ann Marie Mitchell for State Senate in Bucks County SIGN UP HERE. (Email Andrea at andreakoplove@gmail.com to carpool).
PHONE BANKING
Sundays from anywhere (virtual phone bank) for Josh Shapiro and John Fetterman. SIGN UP HERE
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Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 6 – 8 PM from anywhere (virtual phone bank) for Bucks County candidates. SIGN UP HERE
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Tuesdays from anywhere (virtual phone bank), 5:30 – 9 PM for Chester County candidates. SIGN UP HERE
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Fridays from anywhere (virtual phone bank), 4 – 6 PM for Western Montco candidates. SIGN UP HERE
TEXTING
Help to send voter registration info to unregistered voters in PA. through texting. Field Team 6 is holding weekly voter registration boot camps. The next one is this Thursday August 18th and once you register, they will send you an email with instructions for getting your computer setup to run their system.
Please see the SIGN UP HERE.
POST-CARDS
We expect a fresh batch of postcards soon, but in the meantime, please consider:
TUESDAYS FROM 10 AM-12 PM. Join Turn PA Blue outside to write postcards together for our state legislative candidates. Postcard stamp donations are always appreciated!
CONTRIBU-
TIONS
Too busy to volunteer. Here is a short list of candidates looking to change the color of their districts from red to blue. A good investment of your hard-earned money. Just click on the name to donate:
HOUSE DISTRICT
COUNTY/COUNTIES
Dem
26
CHESTER
29
BUCKS
30
ALLEGHENY
82
CENTRE
120
LUZERNE
151
MONTGOMERY
168
DELAWARE
Thanks,
Coleman