Intolerance Has No Place in Pennsylvania

Sen. Haywood Speaks on Religious Tolerance

Martin Luther King Jr. said: “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” Black History Month is a time to reflect on the hard work that tolerance requires of all of us. While progress towards inclusion has been made over time, we still have much work to do so that hate can be abolished.

I encourage all Pennsylvanians to speak out against hateful policies and statements that would exclude individuals from our neighborhoods. All are welcome in our communities, and must be safe and protected here in the 4th district. Intolerant ideas and proposals based on unfounded fear have no place in this country or commonwealth.

College Financial Aid Information Sessions

Education is the foundation for a successful life, and Pennsylvania is making college more affordable through financial aid. Join me this month to learn about how your children may be eligible to receive financial assistance for higher education. On Tuesday, February 16th and Thursday, February 25th, I will join the Pennsylvania Association of Financial Aid advisors to provide information sessions at Martin Luther King High School. On February 16th, we will provide an overview of financial aid. On February 25th, we will provide a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) workshop and assist with filling out the application. All are welcome to attend.

Read Across America Day

Did you know that Wednesday, March 2nd is Read Across America Day? This annual reading motivation and awareness program sponsored by the National Education Association calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on Dr. Seuss’s birthday. My staff and I will spend the day reading to children in schools across my district. I encourage you to take the Read Across America pledge to read with a child on March 2nd. Take the pledge here.

Handgun Licensing Saves Lives

At the end of 2015, I held a press conference announcing my handgun licensing legislation that has been introduced in the Senate. This legislation would ensure prospective handgun owners obtain a license from law enforcement requiring a fingerprint background check and firearms safety training before purchasing a handgun.

Handgun licensing is a data-driven method to reduce gun violence. Similar legislation has proven its efficacy in thirteen other states and the District of Columbia. In fact, New Jersey, which has a per capita gun death rate half of Pennsylvania’s, has had a similar law in place since 1966. In Connecticut, Johns Hopkins University found that handgun licensing and universal background checks combined have correlated with a forty percent reduction in gun homicides over the past twenty years.

I support the work of grassroots organizations like Moms Demand Action, Heeding God’s Call and Mothers in Charge. These groups are growing stronger as Pennsylvanians like you join them. The fight to reduce gun violence is a marathon, not a sprint, and your participation is the only path to success.

Dare to Care,

Art Haywood
State Senator
4th District

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