CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR OWN MESSAGE IN SUPPORT OF A WOMAN’S RIGHT TO KNOW.

Dozens of lawmakers took the stage at a multimedia event to explain The Women’s Right to Know Act (HB 1077). House Bill 1077 would require abortion clinics to perform an ultrasound at least 24 hours before an abortion and inform pregnant women of their right to view the ultrasound.

Via Skype, an online videoconferencing site, Representative Kathy Rapp (R-Warren, Forest, McKean) discussed ultrasound technology with Dr. Joseph Castelli, an ob/gyn with Women’s Healthcare Specialists in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. “As a doctor, you want patients to be as informed as possible to make the best decision (about their medical care),” said Dr. Castelli. “If this medical procedure is used, the woman’s decision may be not to terminate the pregnancy, but it will be her good decision.”

Representative Rapp and Representative Deberah Kula (D-Fayette, Westmoreland) are prime sponsors of HB 1077, along with 111 other bi-partisan co-sponsors.

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) supports the Women’s Right to Know Act. In 2012, ultrasounds are a common sense and even expected part of many medical evaluations and procedures. Without this bill, a double standard will remain whereby women in their time of need are not given complete information. Women should have the right to view their full medical records, and the technology exists and is already present in abortion clinics. The Women’s Right to Know Act addresses this disparity.

Past abortion laws probably would have included ultrasound access, but the technology didn’t exist as it does today – The Women’s Right to Know Act updates the law to reflect technological advances.

Helen Cindrich of the People Concerned for the Unborn Child organization in Pittsburgh expressed her support for the Women’s Right to Know Act over the telephone while marching on the Mall in Washington, DC. “The reason we’re here is to protect women and children,” said Cindrich during the press conference. She supports the proposal that would help women “at the brink of a very serious decision that could affect them the rest of their lives.”

Francis Viglietta, director of PCC’s Social Concerns Department, notes that “the need to pass legislation giving a pregnant woman the option to view her ultrasound and to see or hear the heartbeat of her unborn child is long overdue in Pennsylvania. It is an idea whose time has come and the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference calls upon the state legislature to pass HB 1077 quickly and send it to the governor for his approval.

“Ultimately, no matter one’s position on abortion, we can all agree that it is a serious issue that a woman cannot take back or undo. We have an obligation to give these women, in their moment of need, all of the information necessary to make the right decision so that she does not look back and say, ‘If I had only known…’”

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference urges quick passage of this pro-life bill. Pro-life supporters are encouraged to visit www.pacatholic.org to send a message in support of The Women’s Right to Know Act.

A. B. Hill is Communications Director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference – the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops and the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania.

The appointment was publicized in Washington, January 19, by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

William Skurla was born June 1, 1956, in Duluth, Minnesota, where he attended Catholic and public elementary schools. He attended Columbia University in New York, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1981. He later attended Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton, Pennsylvania, where he earned a master of divinity degree in 1986, and a master of theology degree in 1987.

He was professed as a member of the Franciscans in Sybertsville, Pennsylvania, in 1985, and ordained a priest in 1987. In 1996, he was incardinated into the Eparchy of Van Nuys, California, and named bishop of Van Nuys in 2002. In 2007, he was named bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic, New Jersey.

The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh includes 58,492 persons, and embraces all Byzantine Ruthenian Rite Catholics in Western Pennsylvania, several counties in Ohio, and the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh is one of the two Byzantine Catholic and eight Roman Catholic Dioceses that comprise the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. Archbishop-elect Skurla will sit on the PCC Board of Governors.

Welcome and Congratulations from the PCC to Archbishop-elect Skurla!

The PCC supports the following legislation:

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Senate Bill 1/ House Bill 1678/ House Bill 1708/ Others – School Choice

Senate Bill 1 or what could be another legislative vehicle is a top priority for the PCC. The proposal will increase the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and create Opportunity Scholarships, or vouchers, for the poorest students in the worst performing schools. PCC has been waging a full scale grassroots advocacy campaign to generate support for school choice.

School choice advocates were disappointed that a reform package that includes school vouchers and an increase to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) scholarship program was not passed before the legislature adjourned for the Christmas break. It is not too late to send a message to your state legislators urging them to pass school choice in 2012. Use the Catholic Advocacy Network to send one today.

House Bill 1378/ Senate Bill 1154 – Special Education Services

These bills would enhance the level of support to special education students in nonpublic schools.

Senate Bill 1134 – Regulation of Religious Child Care Programs

This bill would place the regulation of religious child care and early childhood development facilities in the Department of Education rather than the Department of Public Welfare. It would also remove the asserted authority of the state to demand that religious teaching ministries obtain a state license before they are allowed to exist, while still maintaining all mandates relating to health and safety.

SOCIAL CONCERNS DEPARTMENT

House Bill 1254 – Prohibited use of Public Assistance Funds

This bill would ban the use of an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card to purchase tobacco products, firearms or ammunition, and bans the use of EBT cards at casinos.

Senate Bill 732 – Abortion Clinic Regulations Bill SIGNED INTO LAW

The new law addresses concerns that stemmed from the tragic deaths of one woman and seven infants that occurred in the Philadelphia abortion clinic of Dr. Kermit Gosnell where a woman died and seven newborn babies were killed by infanticide. Conditions in the clinic were so filthy and unsafe that investigators called it a “house of horrors.” The measure holds abortion facilities to the same fire and safety standards, personnel and equipment requirements, and quality assurance procedures as other freestanding ambulatory surgical facilities.

PENNSYLVANIA CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION

House Bill 1583 – Protective equipment for motorcycle riders

This legislation would repeal the “no helmet” law that was passed in 2006. It would require drivers and passengers of motorcycles to wear protective headgear.

Senate Bill 1099 – Minimum Wage Law

This bill concerns overtime compensation for employees in health care facilities like hospitals and long-term care facilities. If an employee works more than eight hours in any one workday and in excess of 80 hours in 14 days, the employee would be compensated at no less that 1 1/2 times the regular rate.

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference advocates many different issues – Catholic education, religious liberty, life & dignity of the human person, marriage & family, social justice, health care, and faith & politics. To receive action alerts on active issues, join the Pennsylvania Catholic Advocacy Network at www.pacatholic.org/advocacy

Today in Pennsylvania there are 1,200 parishes serving more than 3.3 million Catholics. Pennsylvania Catholics make up 26% of the state’s population. The Church in Pennsylvania provides 52,000 jobs.

But the real legacy of the Church is in how Catholics live out the Gospel in their own communities.

Charitable Outreach

In 1797, the first formal Catholic charitable institution in Pennsylvania was an orphanage and trade school in Philadelphia. More than 200 years later, the Catholic Church continues to minister to people in need.

Catholic Charities agencies are still serving children, although today foster care and adoption services are the norm. Catholic Charities also helps families and individuals with behavioral health, family counseling, and addiction programs. The agencies help refugees and immigrants settle here in the United States.

Catholic Charities agencies provide direct aid to the poor with food pantries and soup kitchens, housing and utilities assistance, and help with clothing and other basic needs.

In 2010, more than 360,000 individuals received services from a Catholic Charities agency in Pennsylvania, and many of them benefit from more than one service.

Education

Catholic schools are another rich part of Pennsylvania’s history. The first parochial school in the United States, St. Mary’s, opened in Philadelphia in 1782. The school is still helping students reach their potential.

Today, Pennsylvania’s approximately 540 Catholic schools are teaching more than 150,000 students. Catholic schools provide jobs for over 10,000 teachers and other professional staff. Most Catholic high schools rightly boast graduation rates at or near 100% for non-transferring students, as well as SAT scores above the state and national averages. Of those graduates, over 90% go on to attend either a two- or four-year institute of higher learning.

Catholic parochial and diocesan schools educate students by establishing high goals and standards as well as strong motivation and effective discipline, all within a nurturing atmosphere. Catholic schools aim to develop each student as a “whole person” – academically, of course, but also spiritually, physically and emotionally.

In two centuries, Pennsylvania’s Catholic schools have educated countless leaders, entrepreneurs, inventors, and even a saint or two.

Both Catholic and non-Catholic students attend parochial and diocesan schools, but the thousands of Catholic students who attend Pennsylvania public schools are also well-formed in our rich faith. They learn and grow in their Catholic identity through parish ministries. In all, approximately 440,000 students receive Catholic instruction every year.

Health Care

Catholic hospitals are another fixture on the Pennsylvania landscape. Generations of Catholics, often women and men in religious orders, came to the Pennsylvania with a mission to care for the sick, the aged and the dying.

In 2010, Catholic health care served more than 3.3 million people in Pennsylvania.

There are Catholic hospitals, long-term care facilities, multi-facility health systems, special providers or other related entities in every community. The Catholic health care system provides healing and comfort through many programs and facilities, ranging from large, state-of-the-art hospitals and emergency rooms to small neighborhood personal-care homes and mobile clinics.

Catholic providers are an integral part of our health care system. They operate with a fundamental commitment to the sanctity and dignity of human life and demonstrate a special concern for the poor and most vulnerable members of society. Often Catholic facilities are the provider of last resort for those who are very poor and very sick.

Forward in Faith

As we consider this strong and vibrant Catholic presence in Pennsylvania, it is easy to feel proud, but we should not feel content. As those of you familiar with the work of the PCC know, threats to religious liberty, the dignity of the human person and other issues of importance to Catholics have become frequent. We also have opportunities to make advancements that would benefit Catholic health care and education, would strengthen our service to the poor and would better enable us to live out our Gospel values. Complacency would not have been tolerated by those who laid this solid foundation over the past 200-plus years, and it should not be tolerated today. And so, as we look to the public policy issues that will face us in 2012, let us be inspired by knowing that our family of faith extends across our entire state and reaches our brothers and sisters in every walk of life.

This article appeared in the Fall 2011 issue of the Viewpoint

In response, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Senate Bill 732, which holds abortion facilities to the same fire and safety standards, personnel and equipment requirements, and quality assurance procedures as other freestanding ambulatory surgical facilities. Governor Tom Corbett signed the bill into law before Christmas.

Senate Bill 732 does not put an end to abortion, but it does correct a situation that allowed Pennsylvania law to favor the abortion industry, not women’s health.

Sometimes the debate about abortion seems to overlook the very real women and children who are affected by it. Talk in the public square tends to reduce the issue to political ideology. The news about the Gosnell clinic shined a spotlight on the reality of abortion. The debate about SB 732 provided an opportunity to speak the truth and open people’s eyes about what goes on in abortion clinics every day. Abortion is not merely a routine medical procedure.

In the last week of 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Health released its annual report of abortion statistics: 36,778 abortions were performed in Pennsylvania in 2010, a 1.4 percent decrease from 2009.

Sadly, there were no headlines reporting this year-long tragedy. The deaths of these 36,778 children and the wounds left in the hearts of their mothers and fathers are no less important than those of the victims in Gosnell’s clinic. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, in releasing the 2010 abortion statistics, notified us of 36,778 lives will not be lived in our community, nor will their deaths be mourned publically. Within these statistics, we were also told of 36,778 women – and in some cases couples – in our community who are experiencing the pain and hurt that comes with deciding to abort. We must be filled with the compassion of Christ and pray for genuine healing and peace for these women and men.

Throughout the coming year, several other bills intended to provide additional protections for women and children will be considered in the state legislature. Keep up with the latest pro-life news and action alerts with the Pennsylvania Catholic Advocacy Network.

Senate Bill 732 is now Pennsylvania law; but the pro-life community has much more work to do. We cannot rest until the annual report of abortions in Pennsylvania is zero.

January 2012. A. B. Hill is Communications Director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference – the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops and the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania.

SB 732 – Abortion Clinic Regulations Passed into Law

Championed by Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga), Senate Bill 732 passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a vote of 151-44 on Tuesday, December 13. It passed the Senate earlier this year by a vote of 38-12 and on Wednesday, December 14, it was again passed in the Senate (32-18) in concurrence with the House. The bill awaits the governor’s signature.

The new law addresses concerns that stemmed from a tragedy that occurred in the Philadelphia abortion clinic of Dr. Kermit Gosnell where a woman died and seven newborn babies were killed by infanticide. Conditions in the clinic were so filthy and unsafe that investigators called it a “house of horrors.”

The measure holds abortion facilities to the same fire and safety standards, personnel and equipment requirements, and quality assurance procedures as other freestanding ambulatory surgical facilities.

The passage of this bill into law is a victory for women and children in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) is urging all advocates to thank their legislators who voted yes for their pro-life vote on SB 732. Click here for the list of Senators and Representatives who voted in favor of the abortion clinic regulations bill. If you live in one of these legislators’ districts, you can use the Pennsylvania Catholic Advocacy Network to send an easy email thank you message today.

HB 1977 – Abortion Ban in Health Insurance Exchanges Passes PA House

On Monday, December 12, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted 146 to 45 to remove abortion funding from the state health care exchanges that will be created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

This margin of victory in the state house indicates that the legislature is not in favor of using taxpayer’s money to fund abortions. According to a 2010 Quinnipiac Poll, 67% of Americans oppose abortion funding in the federal health care exchange.

House Bill 1977 now goes to the state senate. Please send a message to your Senator requesting a pro-life vote!

Women’s Right to Know Act: Ultrasound Access Bill

In addition to the legislation mentioned above, the PCC is also supporting the Ultrasound Access Bill, which requires that a woman be given the option to see her ultrasound and see/hear her unborn child’s heartbeat. The PCC expects this bill to be introduced in January in the House of Representatives. Over 100 representatives have already signed on as co-sponsors.

Special thanks to following House members who voted yes on final passage of SB 732 and to the State Senators who voted to concur. If you live in one of these legislators’ districts, you can use the Pennsylvania Catholic Advocacy Network to send an easy email thank you message today.

Allentown Diocese

SENATORS

Argall, David G. (R- Schuylkill)- District 29

Browne, Patrick M. (R- Lehigh)- District

Folmer, Mike (R- Lebanon)- District 48

Mensch, Bob (R- Montgomery)- District 24,

Rafferty, John C., Jr. (R- Chester)- District 44

Yudichak, John T. (D- Luzerne)- District 14

REPRESENTATIVES

Caltagirone, Thomas R. (D- Berks) – District 127

Cox, Jim (R- Berks) – District 129

Day, Gary (R- Lehigh) – District 187

Emrick, Joe (R- Northampton) – District 137

Gillen, Mark M. (R- Berks) – District 128

Goodman, Neal P. (D- Schuylkill) – District 123

Hahn, Marcia M. (R- Northampton) – District 138

Harhart, Julie (R- Northampton) – District 183

Heffley, Doyle (R- Carbon) – District 122

Knowles, Jerry (R- Schuylkill) – District 124

Maloney, David M., Sr. (R- Berks) – District 130

Reichley, Douglas G. (R- Lehigh) – District 134

Samuelson, Steve (D- Northampton) – District 135

Santoni, Dante, Jr. (D- Berks) – District 126

Simmons, Justin J. (R- Lehigh) – District 131 EXCUSED

Tobash, Mike (R- Schuylkill) – District 125

Altoona- Johnstown Diocese

SENATORS

Corman, Jake (R- Centre)- District 34

Eichelberger, John H. (R- Blair)- District 30

Kasunic, Richard A (D- Fayette)- District 32

Wozniak, John N. (D- Cambria)- District 35

REPRESENTATIVES

Barbin, Bryan (D- Cambria) – District 71

Benninghoff, Kerry A. (R- Centre) – District 171

Burns, Frank (D- Cambria) – District 72

Conklin, H. Scott (D- Centre) – District 77

Fleck, Mike (R- Huntingdon) – District 81

Geist, Richard A. (R- Blair) – District 79

Haluska, Gary (D- Cambria) – District 73

Hanna, Michael K. (D- Clinton) – District 76

Hess, Dick L. (R- Bedford) – District 78

Metzgar, Carl Walker (R- Somerset) – District 69

Stern, Jerry (R- Bliar) – District 80

Erie Diocese

SENATORS

Robbins, Robert D. (R- Mercer)- District 50

Scarnati, Joseph B., III (R- Jefferson)- District 25,

White, Donald C. (R- Indiana)- District 41

Wozniak, John N. (D- Cambria)- District 35

Yaw, Gene (R- Lycoming)- District 23

REPRESENTATIVES

Brooks, Michele (R- Mercer) – District 17 EXCUSED

Causer, Martin T. (R- McKean) – District 67

Evans, John R. (R- Erie) – District 5

Fabrizio, Florindo J. (D- Erie) – District 2

Gabler, Matt (R- Elk) – District 75

George, Camille Bud (D- Clearfield) – District 74

Harkins, Patrick J. (D- Erie) – District 1

Hornaman, John (D- Erie) – District 3

Hutchinson, Scott E. (R- Venango) – District 64

Longietti, Mark (D- Mercer) – District 7

Oberlander, Donna (R- Clarion) – District 63

Rapp, Kathy L. (R- Warren ) – District 65

Roae, Brad (R- Crawford) – District 6

Smith, Samuel H. (R- Jefferson) – District 66

Sonney, Curtis G. (R- Erie) – District 4

Stevenson, Richard R. (R-Mercer) – District 8

Greensburg Diocese

SENATORS

Kasunic, Richard A (D- Fayette)- District 32

Solobay, Timothy J. (D- Washington)- District 46

Ward, Kim L. (R- Westmoreland)- District 39

White, Donald C. (R- Indiana)- District 41

REPRESENTATIVES

Daley, Peter J. (D- Washington) – District 49

Dunbar, George (R- Westmoreland) – District 56

Evankovich, Eli (R- Westmoreland) – District 54

Harhai, R. Ted (D- Westmoreland) – District 58

Krieger, Timothy (R- Westmoreland) – District 57

Kula, Deberah (D- Fayette) – District 52

Mahoney, Tim (D-Fayette ) – District 51

Markosek, Joseph F. (D- Allegheny) – District 25

Oberlander, Donna (R- Clarion) – District 63

Petrarca, Joseph A. (D- Westmoreland) – District 55

Pyle, Jeffrey P. (R- Armstrong) – District 60

Reed, Dave (R- Indiana) – District 62

Reese, Mike (R- Westmoreland) – District 59

Smith, Samuel H. (R- Jefferson) – District 66

Harrisburg Diocese

SENATORS

Alloway, Richard L., II (R- Franklin)- District 33

Brubaker, Mike (R- Lancaster)- District 36

Corman, Jake (R- Centre)- District 34

Eichelberger, John H. (R- Blair)- District 30

Folmer, Mike (R- Lebanon)- District 48

Gordner, John R. (R- Columbia)- District 27

Piccola, Jeffrey E. (R- Dauphin)- District 15

Smucker, Lloyd K. (R- Lancaster)- District 13

Waugh, Michael L. (R- York)- District 28

Yaw, Gene (R- Lycoming)- District 23

REPRESENTATIVES

Aument, Ryan P. (R- Lancaster) – District 41

Bear, John C. (R- Lancaster) – District 97

Benninghoff, Kerry A. (R- Centre) – District 171

Bloom, Stephen (R- Cumberland) – District 199

Boback, Karen (R- Luzerne ) – District 117

Boyd, Scott W. (R- Lancaster) – District 43 EXCUSED

Creighton, Tom C. (R- Lancaster) – District 37

Culver, Lynda Schlegel (R- Northumberland) – District 108

Cutler, Bryan (R- Lancaster) – District 100

Delozier, Sheryl M. (R- Cumberland ) – District 88

Denlinger, Gordon (R- Lancaster) – District 99

Fleck, Mike (R- Huntingdon) – District 81

Gillespie, Keith (R- York) – District 47

Gingrich, Mauree (R- Lebanon) – District 101

Grell, Glen R. (R- Cumberland) – District 87

Grove, Seth M. (R- York) – District 196

Harris, C. Adam (R- Juniata) – District 82

Helm, Susan C. (R- Dauphin) – District 104

Hickernell, David S. (R- Lancaster) – District 98

Kauffman, Rob W. (R- Franklin) – District 89

Keller, Fred (R- Union) – District 85

Keller, Mark K. (R- Perry) – District 86 EXCUSED

Marsico, Ron (R- Dauphin) – District 105

Masser, Kurt A. (R- Northumberland) – District 107

Millard, David R. (R- Columbia) – District 109

Miller, Ron (R- York) – District 93

Moul, Dan (R- Adams) – District 91

Payne, John D. (R- Dauphin) – District 106

Perry, Scott (R- York) – District 92

Rock, Todd (R- Frankin) – District 90

Saylor, Stan (R- York) – District 94

Swanger, RoseMarie (R- Lebanon ) – District 102

Tallman, Will (R- York) – District 193

Philadelphia Archdiocese

SENATORS

Brubaker, Mike (R- Northampton)- District 36

Erickson, Edwin B. (R- Delaware)- District 26

Folmer, Mike (R- Lebanon)- District 48

Greenleaf, Stewart J. (R- Montgomery)- District 12

Mensch, Bob (R- Montgomery)- District 24

Pileggi, Dominic (R- Delaware)- District 9

Rafferty, John C., Jr. (R- Chester)- District 44

Stack, Michael J. (D- Philadelphia)- District 5

Tomlinson, Robert M. (R- Bucks)- District 6

REPRESENTATIVES

Adolph, William F., Jr. (R- Delaware) – District 165

Barrar, Stephen (R- Delaware) – District 160

Boyle, Brendan F. (D- Philadelphia) – District 170

Boyle, Kevin J. (D- Philadelphia) – District 172

Clymer, Paul I. (R- Bucks) – District 145

Davidson, Margo L. (D- Delaware) – District 164

DiGirolamo, Gene (R- Bucks) – District 18

Donatucci, Maria P. (D- Philadelphia) – District 185

Farry, Frank A. (R- Bucks) – District 142

Galloway, John T. (D- Bucks) – District 140

Godshall, Robert W. (R- Montgomery) – District 53

Hackett, Joseph T. (R- Delaware) – District 161

Harper, Kate (R- Montgomery) – District 61

Hennessey, Tim (R- Chester) – District 26

Kampf, Warren (R- Chester) – District 157

Killion, Thomas H. (R- Delaware) – District 168

Lawrence, John A. (R- Chester) – District 13

Miccarelli, Nick (R- Delaware) – District 162

Micozzie, Nicholas A. (R- Delaware) – District 163

Milne, Duane (R- Chester) – District 167

Murt , Thomas P. (R- Montgomery) – District 152

O’Brien, Dennis M. (R- Philadelphia) – District 169 EXCUSED

O’Neill, Bernie (R- Bucks) – District 29

Payton, Tony J., Jr. (D- Philadelphia) – District 179 EXCUSED

Petri, Scott A. (R- Bucks) – District 178

Quigley, Thomas J. (R- Montgomery) – District 146

Quinn, Marguerite (R- Bucks) – District 143

Schroder, Curt (R- Chester) – District 155

Stephens, Todd (R- Montgomery) – District 151

Taylor, John (R- Philadelphia) – District 177

Toepel, Marcy (R- Montgomery) – District 147

Truitt, Dan (R- Chester) – District 156

Vereb, Mike (R- Montgomery) – District 150

Watson, Katharine M. (R- Bucks) – District 144

Pittsburgh Diocese

SENATORS

Kasunic, Richard A (D- Fayette)- District 32

Orie, Jane Clare (R- Allegheny)- District 40

Pippy, John (R- Allegheny)- District 37

Robbins, Robert D. (R- Mercer)- District 50

Solobay, Timothy J. (D- Washington)- District 46

Vogel, Elder A., Jr. (R- Beaver)- District 47

White, Donald C. (R- Indiana)- District 41

REPRESENTATIVES

Brooks, Michele (R- Mercer) – District 17 EXCUSED

Christiana, Jim (R- Beaver) – District 15

Costa, Dom (D- Allegheny) – District 21

Costa, Paul (D- Allegheny) – District 34

Daley, Peter J. (D- Washington) – District 49

Deasy, Daniel J. (D- Allegheny) – District 27

DeLuca, Anthony M. (D- Allegheny) – District 32

Ellis, Brian L. (R- Butler) – District 11

Gergely, Marc J. (D- Allegheny) – District 35

Gibbons, Jaret (D- Lawrence) – District 10

Hutchinson, Scott E. (R- Venango) – District 64

Kortz, William C., II (D- Allegheny) – District 38

Kotik, Nick (D- Allegheny) – District 45

Maher, John (R- Allegheny) – District 40

Markosek, Joseph F. (D- Allegheny) – District 25

Marshall, Jim (R- Beaver) – District 14

Matzie, Robert F. (D- Beaver) – District 16

Metcalfe, Daryl D. (R- Butler) – District 12

Mustio, T. Mark (R- Allegheny) – District 44

Neuman, Brandon P. (D- Washington) – District 48

Ravenstahl, Adam (D- Allegheny) – District 20

Readshaw, Harry (D- Allegheny) – District 36

Saccone, Rick (R- Allegheny) – District 39

Sainato, Chris (D- Lawrence) – District 9

Stevenson, Richard R. (R- Mercer) – District 8

Turzai, Mike (R- Allegheny) – District 28

Vulakovich, Randy (R- Allegheny) – District 30

Wagner, Chelsa (D- Allegheny) – District 22

White, Jesse (D- Washington) – District 46

Scranton Diocese

SENATORS

Argall, David G. (R- Schuylkill)- District 29

Baker, Lisa (R- Luzerne)- District 20

Blake, John P. (D- Lackawanna)- District 22

Browne, Patrick M. (R- Lehigh)- District 16

Gordner, John R. (R- Columbia)- District 27

Yaw, Gene (R- Lycoming)- District 23

Yudichak, John T. (D- Luzerne)- District 14

REPRESENTATIVES

Baker, Matthew E. (R- Tioga) – District 68

Boback, Karen (R- Luzerne) – District 117

Brown, Rosemary M. (R- Monroe) – District 189

Carroll , Mike (D- Luzerne) – District 118

Everett, Garth D. (R- Lycoming) – District 84

Kavulich, Sid Michaels (D- Lackawanna) – District 114

Major, Sandra (R- Susquehanna) – District 111

Mirabito, Rick (D- Lycoming) – District 83

Mullery, Gerald J. (D- Luzerne) – District 119

Murphy, Kevin P. (D- Lackawanna) – District 113

Peifer, Michael (R- Wayne ) – District 139

Pickett, Tina (R- Bradford) – District 110

Scavello, Mario M. (R- Philadelphia) – District 176

Smith, Ken (D- Lackawanna) – District 112 Staback, Edward G. (D- Lackawanna) – District 115

Toohil, Tarah (R- Luzerne) – District 116

Lax, inconsistent standards allowed for the existence of the horrific abortion clinic of Dr. Kermit Gosnell in Philadelphia.

Both chambers of the legislature have been working to address the fact that current Pennsylvania law favors the abortion industry. Earlier this year, the House passed House Bill 574 and the Senate passed Senate Bill 732.

The House Health Committee has amended Senate Bill 732 with essentially the same language as House Bill 574 and passed it with a vote of 15 to 6. The amended Senate Bill 732 is now being considered on the House floor for a vote, and then will be sent to the Senate for concurrence. The two chambers will need to agree on one piece of legislation to send to the governor’s desk.

Contact your legislator to support this important legislation.

The Senate already passed Senate Bill 1; the House may pass that bill as it is or something else that resembles it. And the governor will need to sign it upon final passage. State Representatives, State Senators and the governor all need to hear from their constituents. CLICK HERE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR LAWMAKERS URGING FINAL SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL CHOICE!

Legislators are in their home districts on Thursdays and Fridays, so feel free to visit or call them as well. Not sure what to say? Here is a sample script that you can use to make your point if you make a visit or phone call. In short, say, “As your constituent, I am asking you to support an increase in the EITC program and the creation of a school choice Opportunity Scholarship program.”

The future of Pennsylvania’s children is at stake – take action today by calling, faxing, e-mailing, or visiting the local office of your state Representative and Senator.

Governor Corbett supports school choice, so we should thank and encourage him, too. Call him at 717-787-2500 and use the PA Catholic Advocacy Network to send email messages to the governor as well as your state legislators.

If you have voiced your support for school choice before, do it again, and share this alert with family, friends and neighbors. This is it, the final countdown on school choice!

Follow this link to send an easy e-mail message or use the PA Catholic Advocacy Network website to locate the phone number or district office address for your legislators. This is the final push for school choice and your voice is needed!

We must keep the pressure on with grassroots support. Here are some things you can do:

• The legislators will be home on Thursday and Friday this week. It’s not too late to visit them in their district offices (use the PA Catholic Advocacy Network to look up the district office address). Face-to-face communications are the most effective. Not sure what to say? Here is a sample script that you can use to make your point. In short, say, “As your constituent, I am asking you to support an increase in the EITC program and the creation of a school choice Opportunity Scholarship program.”
• If you cannot meet with your legislator directly, meet with his or her staff or simply register your support for school choice with the receptionist.
• Organize visits to state legislators’ district offices with your friends, family, neighbors, or fellow members of your school or parish community.
• Pick up the phone and call. You can also use the PA Catholic Advocacy Network to look up the district office telephone number.
• Governor Corbett is on our side; we should show him our support too! Call him at 717-787-2500 and you can use the PA Catholic Advocacy Network to send email messages to both your State Representative and the governor.
• Even if you have done it before, send another email. This time include the governor and forward this alert to your friends and neighbors.

The school choice debate has been a long and exhausting effort, but we have made it this far because of your hard work. Let’s see this through to the finish line. A new law that includes opportunity scholarships and an increase to the EITC will be a welcome Christmas gift to Pennsylvania’s children!