“Love and compassion are necessities,
        not luxuries. Without them humanity
               cannot survive” – Dalai Lama

Fight for Healthcare Continues

Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller issued a statement outlining the impact the repeal of the Affordable Care Act would have on Pennsylvania residents.  In addition to the many pre-existing conditions (including pregnancy) that may no longer be covered, more than one million Pennsylvanians would lose their insurance entirely. The commonwealth would see its deficit rise (an estimated $2 billion more, in addition to our current $1.5 billion deficit) if the federal government gets rid of the ACA and the Medicaid expansion. We can’t afford it.

Repealing the ACA would be a disaster and its intended “healthcare” replacement would only compound the negative impact on our nation. Thank you to all that have called (and emailed and visited) Senators Casey and Toomey regarding the repeal. This effort matters and we need to keep it up. Make your voice heard.

Spending Plan Passed, Funding Still Up in the Air

Almost a week into the new fiscal year, the Pennsylvania legislature still has not determined how we will come up with the nearly $32 billion we’ll need to pay for the spending plan passed at the end of June.

I am not surprised at the lack of decision at this point; once an increase in income or sales tax is taken off the table, it is very difficult to determine where the money will come from. Options that have been suggested to date, including the expansion of gambling and new sources for borrowing, do nothing to advance Pennsylvania. In fact, they’re actively harmful. Kicking the can down the road will always be a bad idea.

Standard and Poor’s agrees. The rating agency warned Pennsylvania earlier today that its credit is in danger of a downgrade due to ongoing financial policy issues.

Senate will reconvene on Saturday and will likely continue the funding discussions through Monday. Stay tuned for updates on my social media pages.

Bringing the Reading Revolution to Your Block

This summer (and beyond) I will work with community members and organizations to build and host community bookstands as part of the Reading Revolution, which also includes nine summer reading camps in Northwest Philadelphia. Inspired by the discussion of “Little Libraries” at the “On the Table” discussion I hosted at my office in late May, it is my goal to create numerous opportunities around the neighborhood for children to grab a book and read. These bookstands will be easy access points for enjoying and sharing reading material aimed at kids in first through eighth grade.

If you might be interested in participating in the program, either as a host or by donating building materials or books, please reach out to my staff member Jordan at (215) 242-8171. 

SEPTA Day Ahead

On Thursday, 20 July I will host a SEPTA Day at my Abington District Office (1168 Easton Rd). If you’re 65 or older, my staff will take your picture to get the SEPTA Senior Pass process started. Due to anticipated high demand, I ask that you please call my office at (215) 242-8171 to schedule an appointment time between 10 am and 4 pm.

Dare to Care,

Art Haywood
State Senator
4th District

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