Defending Your Basic Right

This month, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) commemorated the 50th anniversary of the march on Selma with an impactful event focused on the sacrifices made - across lines of color and faith - to secure the right to vote. AJC President Frederick Strober and POWER Pastor Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler reminded us that the fight to secure basic rights continues today, and we can all participate in it.

The American Jewish Committee’s Commemoration of Selma was a history lesson in the power of participation to bring about change.	Senator Hughes’ universal voter registration proposal protects the basic right of Pennsylvanians to vote.

On 17 March, I spoke in support of my colleague, Senator Vincent Hughes, as he introduced a proposal that would help prevent bullies who fear democracy from disenfranchising Pennsylvania voters. His legislation would automatically register almost every eligible voter in Pennsylvania. As was evident when Governor Corbett and the legislature tried to block thousands of citizens from exercising their right to vote last year, attacks on voting rights remain present in Pennsylvania today.  We must ensure the basic rights of citizens are protected from these attacks. 

The Department of Aging budget hearing was an excellent opportunity to learn more about Gov. Wolf’s plans to support seniors.

The State Budget and You

Governor Wolf’s budget is a chance for Pennsylvania to reinvest in our shared future. We finally have a Governor who understands the importance of building a pipeline to opportunity here in Pennsylvania – with high-quality schools, a living wage and affordable homeownership.

On 23 March, I attended the Department of Aging’s budget hearing as Democratic Chair of the Senate Aging & Youth Committee, where I questioned acting Secretary Teresa Osborne on how our state will help seniors in the community.  Acting Secretary Osborne is committed and agreed that $7.25 per hour pay is unacceptable.  She said that raising the minimum wage will make a difference for older adults. I am committed to a budget with a living wage that strengthens youth, workers and seniors in Pennsylvania.

In Case You Missed It The Docket: Improving police accountability starts in Pennsylvania – MSNBC :: March 10, 2015

This month, I interviewed a low-wage worker to hear more about the impact of raising the wage on my Participation is Power Podcast. You can listen here.

I invite you to learn more about the state budget by attending an upcoming townhall in the district or visiting my website, where you can listen to a townhall recording:

Bilingual Assistance

If you qualify for assistance or services from the state, my office can make sure you receive them. Members of my staff are bilingual in Spanish, and happy to help you with the below services, and more, in the language you are most comfortable using:

• car registration, titles, tags and license applications
• disability placards
• rent and property tax rebates
• information on financial assistance for higher education

Dates to Remember

Sat, 11 April – 9 AM – 2 PM: Philly Spring Clean-Up with Rep. Dwight Evans, West Oak Lane Senior Center

Mon, 20 April - Voter Registration Deadline for May 2015 Primary

Tues, 12 May – Deadline to Apply for Absentee Ballot

*You can find your polling location at www.votespa.com

Dare to care,

Art Haywood
State Senator
4th District

Stay in Touch on Social Media

Please follow me on Facebook and Twitter to stay involved and receive live updates on issues and events. Be sure to check out my latest videos on YouTube and subscribe to my Participation is Power Podcast!

Offices to Serve You