Op-Ed
Rethinking Family Law: Reforming Protections for Domestic Violence Survivors and Addressing Financial Abuse
By: Cristina Valentin MBA, SHRM-CP
As a survivor of domestic violence, I have navigated the harrowing process of obtaining a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order. I endured multiple court appearances, testified via phone after an assault, and provided extensive evidence—pictures, testimonies, and detailed accounts to secure both temporary and permanent PFAs lasting three years. Despite the personal trauma and invasive nature of this process, I successfully demonstrated the severity of my situation.
Celebrating Cheyney University’s Reaffirmed Accreditation
Op-Ed By Senator John Kane
Great news has come our way! Cheyney University, the first HBCU on our Country, our historic and beloved state school, has had its accreditation reaffirmed, lifting it off probation. This isn’t just a win for the university; it’s a victory for our entire district and community. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Cheyney’s accrediting body, made this announcement earlier this week, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
The Plumbers Perspective: Shapiro Administration Announces $5 Million in Grant Funding Available to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs Across PA
OpEd by Senator John Kane
Governor Josh Shapiro just announced $5 million in grant funding to expand registered apprenticeship programs across our Commonwealth. This is a major WIN for the trades and our future generations! This initiative is right up my alley, being a firsthand example of getting tools into young folks’ hands and providing them with vocational training, apprenticeships, and seeing the opportunities it can provide.
The Plumber’s Perspective
OpEd by Senator John Kane
Senator John I. Kane shares his thoughts on Governor Shapiros Proposed Budget and its impact on District 9.
Folks, let me tell you something: if being a plumber and union business manager has taught me anything, it taught me about being responsible for the finances of others. It taught me to invest in yourself, your trade, your people, and your community. Every year, Pennsylvania’s budget is a statement of who we are and what we want to be. Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal is exactly what our 9th Senate District needs to keep moving forward.
Senator John I. Kane Reflects on First Year in Office
OpEd by Senator John I. Kane
Its been just over a year since I was sworn in as the state Senator for the 9th Senatorial District, representing parts of Delaware and Chester Counties. During that time, I’ve met with business owners, community leaders, veterans, educators, nurses, and neighbors. I’ve connected with you at district events and open houses, via phone call and over Zoom.
To honor Dr. King’s legacy, raise the minimum wage
OpEd by Senator John I. Kane
59 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his historic “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He asked the audience of 250,000 how, a century after the end of slavery, Black Americans still “live[d] on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity.” For Dr. King, the protesters were at the capital to “cash a check”, and to finally make the promise of the American Dream a reality for everyone, regardless of the color of their skin.
It’s time to Free the Funds
OpEd by Senator John Kane
About six months ago, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, a historic investment in the working families and communities who had been hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. At the time, I applauded that bill – it was proof of what good government can do, of how we can invest in working people to build our economy back.
Help is Here
OpEd by Senator John Kane
It’s been a challenging month for working Pennsylvanians: the Supreme Court struck down the federal eviction moratorium; expanded pandemic unemployment benefits are ending; Hurricane Ida devastated our communities. But there are also still an unprecedented number of support programs available to help families get back on their feet. This is what we, as elected officials, should be doing right now: supporting working families as best we can. I wanted to take a few minutes and highlight some of the resources available to Pennsylvanians.
It’s time to change solitary confinement in Pennsylvania
OpEd by Senator John Kane “I can emphatically say I have more trauma from six months in solitary than four combat tours in the Marines.” This is what we heard from a solitary confinement survivor, Reverend Dr. Chris Kimmenez, at our policy hearing this past...