Weekly Recap: What You Might Have Missed

This was a busy week of constituent meetings and legislation. I introduced a bill to thank first responders and led a push for the Federal Aviation Administration to issue public health guidance to protect travelers and workers. I am committed to making sure the workers, families, and small businesses of our district have the resources they need to get through this pandemic with the dignity and safety they deserve.

Here is what I’ve been up to:

Remembered Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice on Memorial Day

As the daughter, grand-daughter, niece, and sister of veterans, I understand and respect the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. On Memorial Dat and every day, we honor & remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice — choosing to put service to our country before self. May their courage be an example to us all, especially in times of uncertainty.

Introduced Pandemic Responder Service Award Act

Each and every day, our medical professionals go to work unsure of what the day might bring but certain of their calling — to serve their communities in this time of unprecedented need.

I’m proud to join Reps. Donna Shalala (FL-27) and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6) to introduce H.R. 6953, the Pandemic Responder Service Award Act, legislation that seeks to thank the millions of frontline health care workers for their service in keeping America safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, by creating a framework of benefits, inspired by the GI Bill.

We must do what we can to honor the compassion and sacrifice of our health care professionals. This bill creates an award for front line health care workers who responded to the COVID-19 pandemic that can be used to pay off existing student loans, to obtain further education or to establish a savings account to help health care workers purchase housing, start a business, save for retirement or establish a children’s savings account for their dependents.

Read more here: https://link.medium.com/AhRrL5pdH6

Lead Push For Federal Aviation Administration to Issue Guidance to Protect Travelers, Workers

With an increasing number of states lifting restrictions on travel and business operations, the those seeking to travel by air, and those working in airports, need guidance to stay safe.

Given the variety in infection levels and varied state responses across the United States, the FAA needs to issue and publicize public health guidance for domestic airports and travel in order to protect the flying public and airport workers, and prevent the spread of COVID-19 between the states via air travel.

Read more here: https://link.medium.com/mDGnja0sH6

Met with Philadelphia Community Development Corporations

I met with representatives from Community Development Corporations located in South and Southwest Philadelphia to learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on those areas of our community and to discuss the ways we can work on together to provide relief to small businesses, homeowners, renters, and nonprofits in our region.

Hosted Everybody Counts, a LIVE Census Event to Discuss the Importance of the 2020 Census

Before our daily lives were upended by the coronavirus, we were gearing up for the 2020 Census — a critical, constitutional, complete count of every person living in the United States. The data collected by the Census helps determine how billions of dollars in federal funding is allocated to states and communities each year.

This week, I hosted a live discussion about the census alongside Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, Second Lady Gisele Fetterman, and Congressman Dwight Evans to highlight the importance of the 2020 Census and why everyone must be counted. Stephanie Reid, Executive Director of Philly Counts, also shared how the Census is transforming during this unprecedented time.

We were joined by several special guests including Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, and Congresswomen Madeleine Dean, Chrissy Houlahan, and Susan Wild.

Fill out your Census today at: 2020census.gov.

Listen to our conversation here: https://www.facebook.com/RepMGS/videos/540174803604663/

PA Capital Star: https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/scanlon-pa-dems-talk-about-census-challenges-amid-pandemic/

Participated in House Select Committee to Modernize Congress Virtual Discussion and Rules Committee Run Through

With the adoption of new House Rules permitting virtual hearings and proxy voting, Committees are moving quickly to conduct Congressional business online. Members of the Select Committee to Modernize Congress participated in a virtual discussion examining best practices and current challenges to the ability of district staff to work remotely and continue operations in an emergency.

Later in the week, I participated in a dry run for the Rules Committee to conduct hearings and markup bills.

Penned An Open Letter to the Class of 2020: We’re Ready For You To Lead

To the Class of 2020: I have never been more certain of the faith and the hope that I have for your generation. These are the moments that shape leaders. We are ready for you to lead us. We are looking forward to it.

Read my letter to you here: https://medium.com/@repmgs/an-open-letter-to-the-class-of-2020-were-ready-for-you-to-lead-505f6da6e1a

Spent Some Time Interacting with PA05’s Younger Constituents.

As we all become accustomed to virtual events, we have been able to reschedule school visits and other meetings that had to be cancelled in the earliest days of Pennsylvania’s social distancing this spring.

This week, I a had the pleasure of joining Delco Libraries for a live streamed read-aloud of The Other Side, written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by E.B. Lewis. I always love an opportunity to connect with my youngest constituents!

I also met with a class of Penn Wood High 9th graders who had written my office to advocate for legislation that is important to them. And I participated in a virtual town hall to address education equity with Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth and high school students from across Delaware County.

Thank you for everything you are doing to keep our community safe and healthy! As always, if you have any questions please call our office at 610 — 626 — 2020, or visit us online at https://scanlon.house.gov/.