Domestic Violence Legislation

In 2016, 102 Pennsylvanians were killed in domestic violence-related incidents. Additionally, domestic dispute call responses are the leading cause of fatal shootings for law enforcement officers. Although October is officially “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” it is clear this issue should be addressed all year round.

Earlier this fall, I, along with Senators Judy Schwank and Camera Bartolotta, sponsored a bill that would enable victims of domestic abuse living within public housing to relocate. Many victims of domestic abuse are not able to escape their abusers because they lack the financial resources to do so. The Domestic Violence Relocation bill helps to remove this obstacle. With the bipartisan support of 17 senators currently, this bill has a chance of passing in the Senate and becoming law.

We return to Harrisburg for session on 13 November. I hope more of my colleagues will join us in moving this much-needed bill forward.

Energy Assistance Programs & ACA Enrollment Open

While we may have been lucky with unusually warm weather so far, the 10-day forecast shows freezing and below freezing temperatures in our future. If you qualify, now is the time to enroll in LIHEAP (Low Insurance Heating Energy Assistance Program), Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) or Crisis Grants from the Department of Human Services.

Additionally, enrollment for insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is also open. The enrollment period has been shortened and will end on 15 December. If you had insurance through the ACA previously, or are currently uninsured, visit healthcare.gov for more information.

My staff is familiar with the enrollment process and is here to help you, five days a week. We are also planning several events in our neighborhoods focused on energy assistance and ACA enrollment throughout the community in the coming weeks. If you have any questions about the program, your eligibility or otherwise, please stop by my offices or call 215-242-8171 for more information.

Calendar Items

In addition to mobile LIHEAP assistance, we have several events coming up that I wanted to make sure you know about:

Monday, 11/20, 7p: Telephone Town Hall with Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance Jessica Altman, focusing on ACA health insurance enrollment.

Wednesday, 11/22 through Friday, 11/24: My offices will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday

Wednesday, 11/29: Town Hall at Arcadia University, 7p-9p. I’ll focus on issues of youth engagement and mentoring.

Monday, 12/4, 7p: Telephone Town Hall with Chief Deputy Attorney General Sarah Frasch, focusing on consumer issues and how to avoid scams over the holidays.

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, my latest photos on Instagram and subscribe to my Participation is Power Podcast!

Offices to Serve You