Human rights are on the ballot in PA!
At FW, we work to understand and support the whole person, including not just an individual's mental health symptoms and goals but the historical and cultural contexts that shape each of us. We believe that our humanity, like our society's health, is shared. We include anti-oppression action in our therapy and organizational mission.
We know that limiting human rights is harmful to our mental health. We also know that taking action on issues that matter to us is helpful to our mental health. Human rights are on the ballot in November, and your vote matters a lot.
Read on about what's at stake and what you can do.
What issues are on the ballot?
Simply put, if you care about human rights and progress, you must show up to vote during the midterm elections. Below we will break down where each candidate stands on some of the issues that matter to us the most as reproductive mental health advocates (and humans) and give you some tools to help you make informed decisions of your own!
Mastriano ~ Promised to ban anti-racism education (which has been called "critical race theory" in right-wing spheres) and education around gender in schools. Also suggested reducing state funding by about 50% and putting the difference into a fund that would allow parents to send their kids to a school of their choice. This has historically been problematic and not supported low-income students. You can learn more about that here.
Shapiro ~ Promises to put a focus on improving public schools, and his plans include putting more vocational, computer, and technical training into classrooms. He has also advocated for relying less on standardized testing.
Mastriano ~ Does not support a birthing person's right to choose, has introduced legislation that would ban abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, and does not support exceptions for rape, incest, or parental health. He has also confirmed that he would charge a birthing person WITH MURDER for having an abortion.
Shapiro ~ Condemns the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade and will veto any legislation that would further limit access to abortion in Pennsylvania.
Abortion is a women's rights issue, it is a birthing person's rights issue, it is a human rights issue.
Abortion Rights
LGBTQIA+ Safety
Mastriano ~ Has been a long-time opponent of gay rights. He has condemned gay people being allowed in the military, the right to same-sex marriage, and the ability for same-sex couples to adopt. He has pushed for sports bans and targeted transgender women. He has also compared LGBTQIA+ education to pedophilia.
Shapiro ~ Promises to expand nondiscrimination protections to people based on sexual orientation and gender identity, supports expanding hate crime laws to further protect LGBTQIA+ communities, and supports banning conversion therapy for minors.
Mastriano ~ His plan will rely heavily on supporting the natural gas industry by lifting taxes and regulations and reversing the Wolf administration’s moratorium on new leases for natural gas exploration in state parks and forests.
Shapiro ~ Plans to create jobs through investing in infrastructure and innovation. He also promises to focus on workforce development by investing in non-college track training, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and career development in high schools.
Economy + Jobs
Mastriano ~ Could not find any information from him on this topic.
Shapiro ~ Understands that Black people are statistically less likely to be able to access good jobs, receive funding, and/or start their own businesses due to intergenerational inequities and the lack of generational wealth. He recognizes that when ALL Pennsylvanias can access the economy equally, the entire state does better. Shapiro is not super clear on how he plans to face these inequalities but his website reads, " As Governor, Josh will lift families out of poverty, build economic opportunities and wealth, increase housing stability and homeownership, and address health inequities in Black communities." We must hold him accountable.
Education
BIPOC Economic Equity
So, what’s the plan?
We know that it is harder for some to vote than others, and it's important to start planning how you will vote now! Take the steps to get started below:
Register to vote by October 24
Make a plan vote by mail or in-person
Knowing what's at stake this election, we know how important it is to get the word out and ensure we are energized to have our voice be counted! We created flyers and social media posts for you to share. Feel free
to share online or print a bunch to leave around town. Let's do this!
Visit vote411.org to check your voting registration and other incredible resources
