Do you live in PA? Do you care about civil rights?

[mrgorth]

Because right now the republican legislature is trying to ram through an amendment to the PA constitution to state that "marriage is between 1 man and 1 woman". It goes further to say that it will never recognize or allow anything "like" marriage (ie. civil unions). Because this is an amendment and not a bill Fast Eddie Rendell can't stop. Only the people can. If you or anyone you know is in PA call your state reps and sens. Have THEM call their state reps and sens. Hell, call some legislators yourself and tell them you live at 10 Elm street in their district and DEMAND that this thing be struck down.

http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/state/all-a11_5marriagemar16,0,81972.story

HARRISBURG | Legislation that could thrust Pennsylvania to the front lines of the culture wars is headed for the state House.

On Wednesday, a sharply divided legislative committee voted 15-13 to send a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and civil unions to the full House. The panel acted without a public hearing on the measure, prompting complaints from its foes.

The House State Government Committee's mostly party-line vote followed more than two hours of sometimes acrimonious debate that laid bare the philosophical gaps between the amendment's predominantly rural supporters and its urban and suburban opponents.

Backers said they must act quickly. Courts across the country are toppling prohibitions against gay marriage, and state election rules require them to pass the constitutional language by the end of June.

The douche that chairs this committee is my theocratic state rep (Paul Clymer R-Bucks)
http://www.paulclymer.com/

THis issue is front and center for him. I asked him if he was sponsoring or cosponsoring any bills to raise the minimum wage in PA. Here's the response I got:

Dear Mark:

I am in receipt of your email regarding the minimum wage legislation. In exploring this issue, my concerns are the financial impact this will have on Pennsylvania employers. Will increasing the minimum wage provide fewer or more job opportunities?

In my opinion, job opportunities are a primary consideration; if a person cannot get into the workforce he/she will not be able to explore other potential job opportunities. Neither can they work to a higher position. Creating a dynamic business climate not only perpetuates businesses staying in Pennsylvania, but new companies begin looking at Pennsylvania for possible expansion.

Employers weigh many variables in their decisions to move, stay or expand. The debate on HB 2021 has yet to begin. The bill has a two tier step increase. As a result, a compromise could occur. I would consider a possible compromise.

Whatever decision I make, the creation of job opportunities will be an important priority. Jobs reduce our unemployment rolls, increase revenue to government and provide for our citizens hope and promise for the future.

Sincerely,

Paul I. Clymer


Please help stop this!!!

[Orrex]

1. Thanks for the news. I posted a Heads-Up in the PA forum

[starroute]

2. Clymer is my rep too

So it doesn't sound like there's much point in writing to him about it. But is there anything else I can do or try to get my friends involved in?

[mrgorth]

3. Where are you?

I'm active in the 145th Democrats and in the newly formed Pennridge Democrats. Of course, it can't HURT you to let Clymer know how much you dislike his theocratic policies. In fact, I'd like him to be annoyed. That said, what you can do is have other people you know in PA call THEIR reps and sens and let them know they're against this. We have to let them all know this amendment is poison. Also, feel free to write letters regarding it. Maybe we can stop it before it even gets to a voter referendum (where the T could kill us).