In last week’s newsletter, I shared some of the benefits and challenges within the state budget. One important success we secured is increased funding for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC).

The PHRC is Pennsylvania’s civil rights enforcement agency, working to protect residents from discrimination. It’s important to note that the PHRC enforces protections under Pennsylvania’s Human Relations Act — which may differ from definitions used by the federal government today. This funding ensures the PHRC can continue its vital work of safeguarding fairness, equality, and dignity for all Pennsylvanians.

That last point is significant and should explain why our investment in increased capacity means so much to me.

This year has been challenging for many of us as the culture war initiated at the Federal level has belied so many of the areas of care and concern that we exhibit to each other at the local level. National talking points have turned into policies that are trying to redefine who belongs, who has rights, and who has legitimate need for support and protection. As an abstract conversation, it’s dangerous but politically engaging. At the local level, where rubber meets road, it’s disastrous.

The PA Human Relations Act defends each of us from discrimination based on our sexual identity. It defends us regardless of our nation of origin. It protects Pennsylvanians from housing and workplace discrimination because of their religious creed or how they wear their hair.

With the Federal dismantling of the Federal Trade Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, expanding the PHRC might just be the budget win that I will remember as a high note of my career.

If you believe that you have experienced discrimination, please click here to contact the PHRC.

As you all know from last week's email, the budget passed and the Governor signed it. We are all back at work in Harrisburg, busy voting on bills! And while we have worked on many this week, I wanted to focus on the four below for the purpose of this email. To learn more about each of these bills you can click here and enter in either the description of the bill or the bill number. 

1. HB1768 - An Act establishing the Local Food Purchasing Incentive Grant Program:

   Through this bill, we reaffirm our commitment to ensure that every child does not go hungry during the school day, which we know affects their behavior, and their behavior to learn. 

    

2. HB1528 - New Resource for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: 

   Pennsylvania grandparents who unexpectedly find themselves raising their young grandchildren now have access to free legal advice and support to help navigate child custody issues and the court system.

    

   The state has launched the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Legal Line for residents age 60 and older who are the primary caregivers for one or more children. This service expands on an existing program in Philadelphia.

    

   ?? The Legal Line can be reached at 1-877-727-7529. 
   
   Staffed by attorneys from the SeniorLAW Center, the line provides legal information, advice, and referrals to other social services — including food and financial assistance.

    

   With this new resource, older residents can get the help they need to represent themselves in court, prepare documents, and successfully pursue custody cases.

    

   This initiative is part of the state’s Aging Our Way PA, a 10-year strategic plan to improve aging services across the commonwealth.

    

3. HB439 - The Crown Act:

   Successfully Passed the Senate; making PA poised to become the 28th in the nation to ban discrimination based on hair and hairstyles. The bill now awaits Governor Josh Shapiro’s signature. 

   
   What it does: The CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on hair type, texture, or protective styles such as braids, twists, locs, knots, afros, and extensions.

   
   Scope of protections: It will apply to workplaces, schools, and other settings covered by state civil rights law. It also extends protections to head coverings and hairstyles historically associated with religious creeds.
    

4. Funding for State Aided Universities:

   I am proud that we have yet again affirmed our commitment to our state universities, Pitt, Temple, and Penn State.

Looking ahead to next week, please plan accordingly:

Our office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Wednesday, November 26th, Thursday, November 27th, and Friday, November 28th.

We will reopen on Monday, December 1st.

Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and wonderful holiday!

Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway in Conjunction with the Jenkintown Food Cupboard??

My office is once again giving away FREE turkeys for the Thanksgiving holiday!

?? Please call us at 215-572-5210 if you are in need of a turkey.

? Turkeys will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

?? If you call over the weekend, we’ll make sure to reserve one for you.

We’re grateful for the chance to support our community during the holiday season.

Harrisburg Office

325 Irvis Office Building

PO Box 202154

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1079

Glenside Office

115 East Glenside Avenue

Suite 8
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-5210