Lindsay Powell elected to PA House of Reps, Dems maintain power in state.

Voters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have elected Lindsay Powell to the House of Representatives, maintaining a narrow 102-101 Democratic majority. Powell, 32, ran on issues of affordable housing, strengthening the local economy and infrastructure, and allocating funds towards community assets.

“I’m grateful. As someone who’s been a lifelong public servant, this is the highest honor of my life, and I am so excited to be able to work on behalf of every single one of us,” she said. “I joke, but truly I’ve had the honor of holding every job in government except this one.”

Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania Legislature is still divided, as Republicans maintain a majority in the Senate. Furthermore, issues of stricter gun laws and LGBTQIA+ rights remain unsolved, and a proposed $100 million program for low-income students has caused a two-month standoff between the parties. Majority Leader Rep. Matt Bradford welcomed Powell to the House on behalf of fellow Democratic lawmakers saying, “we look forward to continuing our work as the majority to move our commonwealth forward.”

The House is expected to return to the Capitol next week to work on a state budget that boasts $16 million in funding for both education and human services. The third highest funding total belongs to the state’s correctional institutions, with a whopping $2.2 million allocated. Pennsylvania also spends $700,000 on state law enforcement. Currently, the House has 37 Black representatives, of which 11 are Black women.

When Powell’s appointment is certified in October, she will join The Pennsylvania Legislature Black Caucus to advocate for an ‘anti-racist, equitable, restorative, and reform-minded approach to legislation.’ This is an important step in ensuring that the interests and rights of all citizens are taken into account. With Powell’s appointment, the House of Representatives will be able to move the commonwealth forward and make meaningful progress on important issues.

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