Harrisburg – April 23, 2020 – State Senators Judy Schwank (D – Berks) and Lindsey Williams (D – Allegheny) joined State Representatives Joanna McClinton (D- Philadelphia) and Sara Innamorato (D – Allegheny) for a telephone town hall hosted by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) to discuss COVID-19 legislation.

“This public health crisis has unearthed glaring inequities faced by our working class and low-income families,” Schwank said. “Ensuring all Pennsylvanians have access to basic necessities like health care, decent housing, food and quality childcare will take bold actions. Please join our teleconference to share your thoughts on how we will improve our Commonwealth.”

The legislators discussed the bills that have been brought forward to assist in K-12 online learning, work to make unemployment compensation more accessible and comprehensive, and the movement of the Pennsylvania primary election to June 2 for the health and safety of all residents of the Commonwealth.

“We’ve been working to pass legislation that will protect and support our constituents, our communities, and our businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, whether that’s through providing our front-line essential workers with PPE or ensuring that childcare facilities can stay open to care for the children of those essential workers while they risk their lives for us,” said Williams. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to discuss these and other measures with people from across Pennsylvania.”

A full list of legislation proposed by the Pennsylvania Senate Democrats to adequately respond to the needs of all Pennsylvanian’s during this pandemic can be found here on  our website.

“Even as we stayed home to save lives by flattening the curve, we made sure the people’s voice is heard,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair, McClinton. “This statewide telephone town hall proved now, more than ever, the people want us fighting for the issues that matter – fair pay, safe workplaces for everyone, paid sick leave and so much more that needs to happen even after the virus has been defeated. I want to thank the thousands of people who took time to join us and remind us all it’s always the right time to stand up for fairness and justice for all.”

For more information of McClinton’s work to help those effected by the COVID-19 pandemic, visit her website.

“When I hear the stories of how my neighbors are struggling, my heart breaks,” said state Rep. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny. “It is clear that to address these real needs we need to reimagine our social contract. We need a government that provides for the people before it rushes to defend private profits. We need policies that puts food on families’ tables, and keeps people safely housed while they shelter-in-place. We have already sacrificed so much in this fight, and it is clear after talking to people at events like this that not only do we have more to do, but we must continue to fight to put people first.”

To follow all the work that Innamorato is doing to help those effected by this pandemic, visit her website.

All legislators voiced their support for the American Working Family Relief Action Plan to protect workers, ensure adequate healthcare, and provide economic relief as we endure and emerge from this pandemic.

For the most up to date information concerning the COVID-19 coronavirus statistics and protection guidelines in Pennsylvania, visit the PA Dept. of Health’s website.