Back to School Celebration: August 26

Have you ever seen the inside of a helicopter?

At my second annual Back to School Celebration, you can! The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center is bringing a helicopter to Lonnie Young Recreation Center (1100 E. Chelten Avenue) for families to explore throughout the event, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 26 from noon until 4pm.

We’ll also have interactive exhibits from the Academy of Natural Sciences and Elmwood Park Zoo and a healthy cooking demonstration from the Vetri Cooking Lab. There will be raffles for book giveaways, as well as dozens of vendors with tons of resources for families.

The event is rain or shine. My office will provide free lunch. I hope to see you there, ready to have fun and kick off the new school year with enthusiasm.

Healthcare in Pennsylvania

Last week’s action in Washington, D.C. on the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act had many of us on edge. With effective resistance, we have temporarily avoided a catastrophe, thanks primarily to the ongoing dedication of citizen advocates throughout Pennsylvania and across the country.

Senator Art Haywood Speaks at Women's March PA Healthcare Protest

We still face many challenges with regard to our healthcare system, however; not least of all the ongoing threat from legislators. Even with the ACA, costs are rising and in Pennsylvania alone there are more than 800,000 individuals still without coverage. We need a system that ensures everyone is covered while also addressing the increasing price we all play for healthcare.

That’s why, last weekend at a rally hosted by Women’s March PA, I announced my intention to introduce a plan for Pennsylvania that will cover everybody. With more and more Americans in favor of this step, it only makes sense that legislators start seriously considering this option. Since the elected officials in D.C. won’t do it from a federal level, I will take it on for our commonwealth. Stay tuned for updates.

Harrisburg Update

For those of you who follow my “Budget Watch,” you know that the Senate finally passed a revenue package for the state budget on July 27 – a month after passing the spending portion. I voted “no,” as the package did not address raising the minimum wage and also relies on borrowing $1.3 billion from a fund traditionally meant for tobacco cessation and prevention programs. The House has not yet weighed in on the budget, so time will tell what ultimately happens.

In the meantime, the Senate is out of session until mid-September. I will likely make trips to Harrisburg in the interim for various meetings, but I will primarily be in the 4th District over the next month-and-a-half. I look forward to many opportunities to meet and speak with you while out.

Once I return to the capitol in the fall, I anticipate being focused on legislation and working to represent your interests. I thank you for your ongoing support and encourage you to continue to contact my district offices with your questions, comments and concerns. As always, I work for all of you!

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