The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Show respect for election workers in Pa.
People who step up to volunteer to ensure we have fair elections should be treated with admiration and respect. They certainly should not receive death threats.
But that’s the state of American democracy today.
Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt had to pause to collect himself recently as he described what he and his family endured in the last election.
Schmidt, a Republican, refused to support former President Donald Trump’s charges of fraudulent election results in Philadelphia in 2020. He and his family received death threats from those determined to usurp the will of the people Schmidt vowed to serve.
Our state owes a great debt to Schmidt and the other election workers in Pennsylvania who would not be bullied into undermining American democracy. We need those kind of people at the polls in 2024. But Schmidt is worried we won’t have enough of them.
Experienced election directors have resigned across the country. One big reason is the meanness that is engulfing our elections. It’s why so many good people won’t run for public office.
Too many voters think it’s OK for candidates to berate, slander, and threaten their opponents, and to cast unwarranted doubt on the results of elections. Good people must demand a higher standard of behavior from those who want to lead our nation.
Public servants like Schmidt and the many working in county election offices and at the polls deserve our support and trust. Most are decent people working hard to ensure free and fair elections. They deserve to work in safety and security.
We call on officials of both parties in Pennsylvania to tamp down the vicious and violent rhetoric that is weakening our elections and our democracy.
We call on political leaders to insist the candidates they support uphold the same standards of behavior we demand of our children. No yelling, name-calling or threatening anyone. And we call on leaders of both parties and all candidates for office to denounce those who try to intimidate public servants and election workers. That’s the only way to ensure peaceful, fair elections for the April 23 primary, and that the voice of the people is heard loud and clear on Nov. 5.
—PennLive Alleviate period poverty
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget includes $3 million in measures to alleviate period poverty by providing free feminine hygiene products in public schools, as well as correctional facilities and temporary housing.
About 15% of menstruating students experienced ‘period poverty’ sometime in the past year, and 10% experienced it every month. A 2017 study found that nearly one in five American young women have missed school or left early due to lack of menstrual hygiene products.
While many school districts, nonprofits, activist-minded businesses and concerned citizens have stepped up to supply period products to schools, many schools do not have them. Girls in rural areas or who are people of color tend to suffer the most from a lack of access to tampons, pads and other alternatives. Shapiro’s proposal will keep them in school.
First lady Lori Shapiro says she has witnessed the problem.
“Lori has spoken to girls who have literally missed school because they got their period and had to run home in the middle of the day — because nothing was available for them at school,” the governor said. “This budget makes feminine hygiene products available at no cost in our schools because girls deserve to have peace of mind so they can focus on learning.”
The governor’s efforts mirror the work of Sen. Maria Collett, D-Montgomery, who is championing the Menstrual Equity Act through the state Senate.
(It passed in the House.)
The bill seeks to “provide disposable menstrual products at no cost and make the disposable menstrual products available in restroom facilities in a convenient manner that does not stigmatize any individuals seeking the disposable menstrual products” in places like correctional facilities, temporary housing and, most importantly, schools.
It’s a commonsense use of public funds. We supply schooling. We need to supply things that help students get the most they can from their schooling. “This legislation would remove barriers for those who menstruate and utilize these programs,” said Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Philadelphia, who authored the state bill. “We need to provide dignity (for) women and girls.”