The COVID-19 virtual newsstand is a digital collection of news articles from our members and candidates on COVID-19 and the policy solutions they are fighting for in Harrisburg for their communities.
WTAE — “Pennsylvania Democratic state legislators to push for help for state’s working families, frontline workers in coronavirus pandemic:”
“We must do everything we can to protect all those folks who are going to work right now so that we have what is necessary,” said state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-186th District. FULL STORY
ABC 27: “House Democrats join Gov. Wolf to get vital funding to hospitals” by ABC 27:
House Democrats supported action by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority to deliver up to $450 million in immediate financial relief to the state’s hospitals caring for people during the COVID-19 crisis. FULL STORY
Pennsylvania Capital Star — “The COVID-19 pandemic is proof that we need to pay Pennsylvanians a living wage” by Representative Kevin Boyle:
“If we want to improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians, we must allow local governments to meet the needs of their constituents and provide a living wage that reflects the needs of their unique community.” FULL STORY
Pennsylvania Capital Star — “I’m running for public office. COVID-19 has changed everything about campaigning” by Democratic candidate Brittney Rodas (PA-105):
“We are seeing in real time just how important our values are for working families across our communities. From paid sick leave to the rising cost of healthcare, our convictions and values make a difference in people’s lives. We see that need now more than ever.” FULL STORY
Daily Local News — “State Rep. Joe Ciresi looks to establish a small business grant program:”
“State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-146th Dist. has joined with state Rep. Pam Snyder, D-50th Dist. on a bill that would create a $50 million grant program for businesses making no more than $3 million per year and employing up to 30 full-time employees.” FULL STORY
The Mercury — “Ciresi calls for sirens, bells to sound Monday in sign of appreciation for front-line workers:”
State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-146th Dist. is organizing a way for the community to show its appreciation for the region’s first responders and medical workers on the front line in the current pandemic. FULL STORY
Times Herald — “State Rep. Matt Bradford keeps residents informed during the crisis:”
Among the “ton of information we’ve been pushing out on social media” Bradford noted that the General Assembly recently passed legislation to “help us navigate the COVID-19 crisis. FULL STORY
Daily Local News — “Shusterman demands protections for ‘gig’ economy workers:”
As a historic $2 trillion COVID-19 financial response legislation package struck a deal in Congress early Wednesday morning, state Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-181st, of Philadelphia, and Melissa Shusterman, D-157th, of Schuylkill, on Wednesday introduced a resolution urging federal lawmakers to ensure unemployment compensation for the nation’s 57 million independent contractors and “gig” economy workers (or app-based independent contractors) is included in the final financial aid legislation aimed at helping workers during the coronavirus crisis. FULL STORY
Ellwood City Ledger — “Legislators consider statewide rent, mortgage freeze:”
State Reps. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, Summer Lee, D-Allegheny, Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia and Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, announced last week support for the freeze as statewide unemployment claims near 1 million in just three weeks. FULL STORY
Your Erie — “State Rep. Bizzarro calling on Wabtec to adhere to CDC COVID-19 guidelines:”
State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, released the following statement today regarding the safety and health of Wabtec employees during the COVID-19 pandemic: “The decision by Wabtec to remain open without properly protecting its workforce during this pandemic shows a lack of judgement and general disregard for its employees and our greater Erie community, as we all work together to limit the spread of COVID-19…” FULL STORY
Montgomery Media — “Rep. Webster to host coronavirus telephone town hall:”
“It’s important for community members to receive updates on how this health crisis is affecting our community, and I want to make sure they have easy access to accurate information,” said Webster, D-150th Dist. “I urge anyone with questions to join in our discussion.” FULL STORY
Observer-Reporter — “Snyder to propose grants for volunteer emergency departments:”
A Southwest Pennsylvania lawmaker wants to use money from a special fund to shore up the finances of volunteer fire and emergency medical agencies. The office of Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, said Friday that she expects to introduce legislation that would create a grant program for those departments. Snyder said in a statement the COVID-19 outbreak means that those entitled “are unable to conduct regular fundraising efforts to stay active.” FULL STORY
Observer-Reporter — “Local legislators co-sponsors aid bills for ‘ultra-small’ businesses, first responders:”
State Rep. Pam Snyder is thinking not just small, but “ultra-small.” She and a colleague from eastern Pennsylvania announced this week that they will sponsor a bill that would offer grants to “ultra-small” businesses impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. FULL STORY
Pennsylvania Capital Star — “COVID-19 in Pa.: During This pandemic, we must address Pa.’s Black maternal health crisis | Opinion” by Pennsylvania state Reps. Morgan Cephas, Margo Davidson, Summer Lee, and Joanna McClinton:
In times of crisis, like the current coronavirus pandemic, the challenges our communities face on a daily basis are pushed into the light. At this time, very little is known about COVID-19’s impact on pregnant people, fetuses, childbirth, and infants. FULL STORY
The Intelligencer — “Guest Opinion: Realtors, construction workers should stay home, too” by Gary Spillane:
Republican State House members of the Government Committee voted last week to reopen all construction sites and some retail. At the most critical time in the lethal spread of this pandemic, these politicians want to send the crews back to work. Imagine the threat to families and loved ones by returning to crowded sites with Port-A-Potties and no running water. That’s the reality of construction work. What are they thinking? FULL STORY