This week, the majority party voted to put a flawed referendum on the May primary ballot. With HB 55, three proposed amendments that would have fixed those issues were voted down in the House.

The bill principally attempts to accomplish two things. First, it constitutionally limits the executive role of the Governor during emergency situations, which would put power in the general assembly at times when it may not be able to be in session.

...Tampering with or halting an emergency declaration could also impede PA's ability to receive federal relief money in times of crisis.

HB 55 also ignores needed constitutional protections from discrimination on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, & capabilities.

I stand w/ the LGBTQ+ Caucus in decrying the lack of protections for all PA'ans, & voted in solidarity for the bill to be amended for inclusion & equity. @RepSims eloquently described the need for these protections & why they are important. The amendment was overruled & ignored.

By rejecting this amendment, the PA legislature has told citizens, employers & lawyers that gender equities, LGBTQ rights, & rights for those w/ disabilities are not protected. Those rights were specifically excluded by the majority party through deliberate, shameful action.