Protecting Our Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

By Joseph M. Hoeffel

I believe one of the most important roles of government is fighting discrimination of all forms and leveling the playing field so that all members of our society are afforded equal opportunity.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

As governor, Joe Hoeffel's administration will reflect the diversity of this great commonwealth. Joe believes that it is the role of government to level the playing field so that all members of our society are afforded equal opportunity.

Joe Hoeffel will fully support the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in its mission to root out discrimination and will strengthen and fully enforce hate crimes legislation. In addition, a Hoeffel administration would work with every department in state government to ensure that there are equal opportunities for employment and advancement for all.

Joe believes that our system of school funding, which relies heavily on property taxes, discriminates against communities of color and low-income communities that do not have a tax base to support their schools. Joe Hoeffel will fight for a constitutional amendment to establish a graduated state income tax based on ability to pay, and will shift school financing away from local property taxes and onto income taxes.

Joe has urged the legislature to pass the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act without delay to create a State Housing Trust Fund. This funding will improve housing options across the commonwealth, and it will support programs which make those options accessible for all Pennsylvanians -- especially those with low and moderate incomes.

Joe will help struggling home owners by creating counseling and foreclosure prevention programs on a state level following successful local and municipal models, and will help struggling home buyers by fighting against redlining and other discriminatory credit and loan practices.

Joe will support and fund anti-poverty agencies and safety net programs to protect those who are most vulnerable in our society. Joe has demanded that the Department of Public Welfare restore funding for the State Supplementary Payments which help our poorest seniors and disabled citizens of all ages, and as governor he will prevent budget cuts that adversely affect low-income citizens.

Joe will establish a commission to integrate recent immigrants in Pennsylvania, help link government and private organizations to serve immigrant communities, and establish trust between immigrants and local and state governments. The commission would serve as a resource guide, connecting immigrants with the many state agencies and nonprofit organizations which help immigrants find English language training, accreditation and certification programs, and jobs.

In conducting elections, Joe will remove obstacles that interfere with voting. Polling places will be protected and plentiful in communities with minorities and students to ensure no voters are inconvenienced by long lines or discouraged from voting for any reason.

WOMEN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE

As governor, Joe Hoeffel will fight to protect and advance a woman's right to choose. As a state representative and US congressman, Joe was an outspoken leader in defending women's reproductive freedom.

Joe trusts women to make their own personal, private decisions regarding reproductive health issues. Decisions about abortion should be made by a woman and her doctor. The government should not be involved.

Women understand their needs and should be free to make their own decisions. That's why Joe supports access to emergency contraception for all women in Pennsylvania. Joe supports the CARE Act (Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies) which requires emergency rooms throughout Pennsylvania to provide emergency contraception to victims of rape.

FULL EQUALITY FOR LGBT INDIVIDUALS

Joe Hoeffel supports amending the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity or expression." Neighboring states as well as many Pennsylvania employers already extend this protection to their citizens. "The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act provides critical protection against discrimination based on race, gender, and disabilities. Pennsylvania should have no tolerance for any discrimination and I will work on all fronts to protect individual rights," Hoeffel said.

MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Joe supports full marriage equality for same sex couples. He will stand up and speak out in support of legislation in the Pennsylvania Senate for full marriage equality. "It is time to end discrimination that prevents people who are in love from freely marrying because of their gender."