Op/Ed: SB 106 is too radical, too extreme
By Melissa Shusterman, State Representative, 157th District
Melissa Shusterman
This past summer, Republicans in the Pennsylvania House and Senate rammed through a bill with several proposed constitutional amendments that would limit personal rights instead of protecting them. One of the amendments included in SB 106 would change the state constitution to say there is no constitutional right to an abortion...
Op/Ed: Gov. Wolf’s budget proposal is an investment in Pennsylvania’s future
By Melissa Shusterman, State Representative, 157th District
State Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-157)
Governor Tom Wolf’s final budget proposal comes as our commonwealth continues to deal with a global pandemic that has profoundly affected us all, impacting our health, the health of our loved ones, job prospects, care and education of our children and our access to goods and services in the economy....
2020 Leg. Candidate Questionnaire: Melissa Shusterman, 157th State House District
Melissa Shusterman
Editor’s Note: As has been our tradition, The Times sent our its annual questionnaire to all Chester County legislative candidates, via their respective party. We publish these responses entirely unedited and unfiltered to give readers an honest assessment of the candidates and their positions. They will be published as candidates return them to us.
Although there are many...
Op/Ed: Gerrymandering, who it affects and what you can do
By Nadya Dato, Special to The Times
Nadya Dato
I’ve always taken an interest in government. The rules and regulations of our society help us coexist, and I’ve always believed following these rules brought fairness and equality to everyone. As I’ve gotten older though, I’ve come to realize that isn’t true – not only are the rules unfair, but some choose not to play...
Op/Ed: Inequitable public schooling in a nation of equality
Zack Zahlaway, Special to The Times
Zack Zahlaway
In a nation built on the principle that all people are created equal, how is it acceptable for certain children to receive more school funding based on their location and family’s income than other children? The fact of the matter is that this hypocritical truth plagues public school systems, especially in Pennsylvania.
In a research report done by...
Letter: Chesco legislators standing against polluters
To The Editor,
As we near election day, voting for those whose first priority is our health and environment is extremely important for our future. Unfortunately, most Pennsylvania state legislators are severely lacking in their duty to address one of the most threatening crises facing us: climate change. Pennsylvania is the fourth biggest carbon dioxide emitter in the United States, and the recent...
State legislators call for revoking Energy Transfer’s pipeline permits, after leaks, spills
State legislators representing five House districts and three Senatorial districts in Chester County have signed a letter to secretary Patrick McDonnell of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, secretary Dr. Rachel Levine of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Chairwoman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission calling for an immediate halt to...
State, local officials remind everyone to wear a mask
On Tuesday, state and federal officials — including Chester County legislator — joined Gov. Tom Wolf in reminding Pennsylvanians to wear a mask to reduce the likelihood of spreading COVID-19.
“As we increasingly resume public activities in our commonwealth, we need to remain vigilant about taking precautions, especially wearing a mask that covers our noses and mouths while around other people,”...
COVID-19 Update, May 29: Shusterman pushes for hair salons to reopen in Yellow Status; Wolf signs budget
By Mike McGann, Editor, the Times @mikemcgannpa
As parts of the state move to Green status and eight more counties move to Yellow — with Chester County just one week from moving into Yellow — a local State Rep. is asking Gov. Tom Wolf to reconsider his limit on hair salons in areas with a Yellow status.
As of right now, only areas in Green status are permitted to have barbers and hair salons open...
Op/Ed: Supporting those who care for our loved ones: COVID-19 and the DSP crisis
By Melissa Shusterman, State Representative, 157th District
State Rep. Melissa Shusterman
Earning low wages and working 12-plus hour days while trying to provide for families and pay bills have always been concerns of direct support professionals. Like most Pennsylvanians working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, DSPs’ stresses are only growing.
DSPs provide around-the-clock care for people living...
