Planned Parenthood last week endorsed Joe Hohenstein, the Democratic nominee in the 177th Legislative District.
Hohenstein is challenging Republican Rep. John Taylor.
If elected, Hohenstein would fight against HB 1948, which would ban abortions
past 20 weeks, except in the case of a medical emergency. The candidate said 20 weeks is the point in a pregnancy during which many complications or abnormalities are revealed. He also criticized the bill for being fast-tracked by supporters.
He labels it “an attack on women’s rights in the state of Pennsylvania.”
“Not only does this bill punish those with complicated pregnancies, it unfairly makes
women and their families choose between their health and the law,” he said. “It is outrageous that House Republicans pushed this bill through without taking appropriate testimony from medical professionals. This bill is an outdated assault on health, privacy and women’s rights, and change begins here in the 177th.”
HB 1948 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 132–65. Taylor voted in favor of it. So did 25 Democrats, including Rep. Mike Driscoll.
The bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee, with nine Republicans voting in favor and five Democrats against.
Gov. Tom Wolf has said he would veto the measure.
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Jared Solomon, the Democratic nominee in the 202nd Legislative District, has been endorsed by the Pennsylvania League of Conservation Voters.
Solomon is running unopposed in the Nov. 8 general election. He defeated veteran Rep. Mark Cohen in the primary. Cohen plans a run for judge next year.
Solomon said, “I am proud to be endorsed by the PA League of Conservation Voters. The endorsement reflects my commitment toward protecting the environment not just in my district but also across Pennsylvania. Our state has an amazing wealth of natural resources, and we must cherish and make sure that those resources are available for our children and grandchildren. In my district, I successfully got the city to install big belly trash cans along one of our main business corridors, Castor Avenue. Having trash cans strategically placed in high-traffic areas prevents littering and having that litter wash down storm drains and into our rivers. When in the legislature, I will support efforts to tax natural gas drillers and direct that money toward advancing social justice issues. I will work hard on issues ranging from reducing litter on our streets to holding natural gas companies accountable to investing in our communities.”
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Two candidate forums have been set for October.
The Bakers Bay Civic Association will host a forum on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m. The Bakers Bay condominiums are at 5100 Convent Lane in East Torresdale.
The Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road in Bustleton, will host its annual forum on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. Brunch will be served.
To RSVP for one or both forums, call Ruth Horwitz at 215–913–1991. ••
