News & Brews April 6, 2021
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Another Democrat jockeys to replace Sen. Toomey
On Monday, Montgomery County Commissioner Dr. Valerie Arkoosh added her name to the growing list of Democrats in the primary for the Senate seat that will be vacated by Sen. Toomey. “Arkoosh becomes the third announced Democrat in the Senate field so far from Philadelphia or its suburbs,” reports PennLive, with many more names from southeastern Pa. reportedly still considering a run. Currently, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman is the only candidate from the western side of the state.
Lawmakers take steps to protect female sports
Five female Republican state representatives announced their plan to introduce a bill to protect female sports from allowing biologically male participants in response to President Biden’s executive order banning discrimination based on an individual’s gender identity. Mississippi is the first state to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, and several other states have proposed similar legislation. Gov. Wolf has vowed to veto the bill should it reach his desk. The Morning Call has more.
Live every day like it’s Daylight Savings Time
Daylight Savings Times all year? Yesterday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed legislation that would make Daylight Savings Time permanent, a measure that would “save energy, reduced traffic crashes, reduce crime, and lead to healthier lifestyles,” according to bill sponsor Rep. Ryan Mackenzie. The bill now heads to the Senate.
Op-Ed: Wolf’s actions too little too late, now you decide
Rep. Marci Mustello (Butler County) had an op-ed in the Erie Times-News highlighting how. Gov. Wolf’s ‘go-it-alone’ approach this past year is an example of “out-of-touch elites in Harrisburg making arbitrary decisions” while “communities hang in the balance.” Mustello hopes Pennsylvanians will vote yes on May 18 on the proposed constitutional amendments that would help restore local control in responding to long-term crises.
We endorse Judge Kevin Brobson for state Supreme Court
Yesterday, we were pleased to announce our endorsement of Commonwealth Court Judge Kevin Brobson for the single vacancy on the state Supreme Court. Read our announcement here, and scroll down to hear our new podcast interview with Judge Brobson.
On May 18, VoteYesPA to save lives and livelihoods
On May 18, voters can approve two proposed constitutional amendments that would restore a legislative check and balance on Gov. Wolf’s (and any future governor’s) emergency powers. Check out VoteYesPA.com, which has resources including link to request a mail-in ballot, a VoteYesPA sign you can download and print, a sample email businesses can send encouraging others to vote yes on May 18, and more.