Black lawmakers seize the dais and the day at Pa. Capitol; force action on languishing police reform
Seared by history, inspired by street protests they’ve seen over the last two weeks, and burdened by a question they say has been voiced everywhere they go – "What are you going to do about it?' – members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus took civil disobedience inside the state House chamber Monday to demand fast-tracked action on police reforms.
The members seized control of the rostrum shortly before session was gavelled in and held their ground for the next 90 minutes, seeking to break out of politics as usual at the Capitol that they said has seen their bills, as part of the minority party in the House, consigned to a legislative backwater.
By day’s end, they had won House Speaker Mike Turzai’s commitment to lead a push for a special session on policing issues, and the promise of a Tuesday follow-up meeting with senior Republican leadership to see if there is a set of bills both parties could agree on and push for floor consideration before the chamber’s summer break.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/black-lawmakers-seize-the-day-at-pa-capitol-force-action-on-languishing-police-reform-bills.html
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