The town hall was an opportunity for her to connect with constituents and learn about what’s important to them, as well as answer their questions on state-related issues
The Times
More than 75 local residents joined state Rep. Helen Tai for a town hall meeting last week at the Northampton Free Library. Tai said the town hall was an opportunity for her to connect with constituents and learn about what’s important to them, as well as answer their questions on state-related issues. Attendees asked questions about education funding, school safety, health care, gun safety, military records, legislative redistricting and the environment, among others.
“It was terrific to see so many people engaged with their state government and passionate about the issues I am working on in Harrisburg,” Tai said. “Hearing from people firsthand on what matters most to them and how my office can assist them is tremendously helpful to me as I vote on and sponsor legislation. Meeting my constituents and discussing the issues they care about is one of my favorite parts of the job.”
Representatives from the state Department of Transportation also attended the meeting to provide an update on road and bridge projects underway and being planned in Bucks County.
The town hall was streamed live on Facebook. Those who missed the meeting can watch it in its entirety at facebook.com/RepHelenTai
Residents who have questions about issues discussed at the meeting or PennDOT projects in the works can contact Tai’s office at 215–598–7615 or email her at RepTai@pahouse.net
Tai said she will host a telephone town hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, to continue the conversation with her constituents.
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State Rep. Helen Tai last week hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on #MeToo at the Free Library of Northampton Township in Richboro. Tai was joined by Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, of Lancaster County, and legislators from across the state. The committee discussed ways in which the legislature can pass laws to prevent sexual harassment and hold offenders accountable.
“Today’s hearing was a great discussion on #MeToo and what we legislators can do to protect people from sexual harassment on college campuses and in the workplace,” Tai said. “The #MeToo movement has shown how pervasive sexual harassment is, as well as the devastating long-term effects on the victims. As a lawmaker, I am deeply concerned how often offenders go unpunished. This needs to change. Everyone should feel safe at the workplace, in their neighborhoods and on college campuses.”
Sturla added, “The United States has a long way to go in terms of preventing sexual harassment. We must continue to work to make our communities safe as possible for everyone. I thank Rep. Tai for requesting this important hearing.”
The committee heard testimony from Penelope Ettinger, executive director, Network of Victim Assistance; Samantha Koch, policy director, Gov. Tom Wolf’s Office of Policy and Planning; Terry Fromson, managing attorney, Women’s Law Project; and Nadia Hewka, staff attorney for the Employment Unit of Community Legal Services of Philadelphia.
The meeting was one in a series being held across the state on the House Democrats’ Plan4PA, which includes good jobs, affordable health care, quality schools and a strong economy. ••
