Action Items

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https://padwow.org/government-officials

One of our WOW members, Karen Primm, was assaulted and injured at the Oct. 18 rally. The words below are hers, delivered in person to the County Commissioners. Thus far, they have not issued a formal, public condemnation. Democratic Commissioner Ted Kopas said he would issue a statement. We believe all 3 commissioners, as a group, need to do this. 

Please call or email each of the 3 commissioners. 

Message to Westmoreland County Commissioners

I urge the County Commissioners to take a clear and public stand condemning all forms of political violence. No one should ever be threatened, attacked, or intimidated for expressing their views or participating in peaceful civic activities. Violence of any kind undermines the safety, trust, and respect that hold a community together.

A formal statement or resolution from the Commissioners would send a powerful message that Westmoreland County will not tolerate political violence and that our local government stands firmly for civility, safety, and the right of free expression.

Thank you for your leadership and for your commitment to keeping our community a place where differences can be expressed peacefully and respectfully.

Funding of cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania should coincide with actual costs. We must use taxpayer money responsibly and stop overpaying, which allows these schools to accumulate large reserves and spend on non-educational expenses. Cyber charter school reform could save an estimated $616 million annually.

(The message below can be used as is, modified, or you can create your own message on this topic. A message in your own words is the most effective.)

Message to Senators and Representatives In Harrisburg

Governor Shapiro's education funding proposal is supported by your constituents. Improved funding for struggling public schools and updated guidelines and funding for cyber charter schools is what your voters need and want. Now is the time to pass a budget with educational reform.

Recently there have been many negative comments concerning Trump's behavior. Pennsylvania Representative Madeleine Dean said, "Our allies are looking elsewhere, our enemies are laughing and you have a president who is unwell". Other comments: President Trump's behavior is erratic and unhinged, he is undisciplined and deranged, he is disconnected from reality, it was a bizarre and confused rant.

(The message below can be used as is, modified, or you can create your own message on this topic. A message in your own words is the most effective.)

Contact Pennsylvania Senators and your Representative

Message to Members of Congress 

President Trump's recent performances, at the U.N. and with the generals, were a national disgrace, and his behavior continues to sound alarms. This, along with his disregard for our Constitution and his lawless behavior, demands that Congress forge a united front to reclaim our constitutional form of government.

Pennsylvania residents deserve a government that functions. Yet, as we enter another week without an enacted state budget, essential services are being strained, and local governments are forced to shoulder costs that are not theirs to bear.

The failure to pass a timely budget has real and harmful consequences:

• Counties are depleting reserves to keep vital programs operating.
• Human services providers are facing layoffs and service cuts.
• Seniors, children, and families depending on state-funded programs are being put at risk.

This is not a partisan issue — it is about basic governance. The people of Pennsylvania expect their elected representatives to do their jobs, work together, and ensure stability for our communities.

I urge the House and Senate to immediately finalize and pass the state budget. Let’s restore confidence in state leadership and show that Pennsylvania’s government can put people over politics.

Subject: Contact Senators and Representatives

The Trump administration is enthusiastically abusing its power to intimidate anyone who criticizes its policies, and to silence those who won't fall in line. Now, using a long-standing government tactic, the administration is leveraging a tragedy to justify its censorship campaign.

The government is villainizing and threatening to punish anyone who dares to express anything but unequivocal support for its political views. In the last week, lawmakers have bullied schools into taking disciplinary action against teachers who have criticized Charlie Kirk’s political views. Police officers are being put on leave for similar reasons. Federal agenciesare disciplining public servants for expressing views contrary to those supported by the administration. Journalists and the media companies they work for have also felt a McCarthy-like pressure from the government, with popular late-night hosts losing their jobs after engaging with the ideas of a free speech provocateur whose tagline was “Prove me wrong.”

(The message below can be used as is, modified, or you can create your own message on this topic. A message in your own words is the most effective.)

Message to Members of Congress

The Jimmy Kimmel drama highlighted the fragility of our free speech rights. We need legislation to reinforce our constitutional right of free speech unencumbered by politics or money.

Subject: Contact our County Commissioners

In 2025, when technology makes livestreaming simple and inexpensive, Westmoreland County residents still cannot watch or replay public commissioner meetings.

Commissioner Ted Kopas has expressed support for livestreaming. Commissioners Doug Chew and Sean Kertes have offered no response despite repeated inquiries. This silence raises serious concerns about their commitment to transparency and accountability.

Livestreaming is not a radical idea. It gives working families, seniors, and residents with mobility or scheduling challenges equal access to government. Additionally, livestreaming creates a permanent public record, fostering trust and accountability.

Our county deserves a government that embraces openness, not one that resists it. Westmoreland County should immediately begin livestreaming and recording all public meetings.

Subject: Pass the State Budget Now – Enough is Enough

Dear Senator Ward,

We are now into month three without a state budget. Our county is running out of money, services are at risk, and layoffs and closures of county facilities are likely.

The Governor proposed a budget months ago. The House passed a bipartisan plan in July. Yet the Senate continues to stall while legislators still get paid.

Enough is enough. Stop the political games and pass a budget now. Our communities cannot wait any longer.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Contact information for elected officials appears on the Democratic Women of Westmoreland website.

Subject: Tell Rep. Reschenthaler—American workers come first in trade policy!

Dear Representative Reschenthaler/Representative Lee,

 I am writing/calling as your constituent today to ask you to protect American workers, families, and communities when making trade policy decisions. The Constitution gives only Congress the power to impose tariffs and regulate foreign commerce, and it’s more important than ever that this authority is used to promote fairness, secure domestic industries, and support communities dealing with the shifts caused by trade.

Please support strong labor and environmental standards, enforceable trade commitments, domestic supply chain resilience, and real support for displaced workers.

Thank you for standing up for Pennsylvania’s families.

Regards,

[Your Name]

See the WOW website for contact information

Stop the Anti-Vaccine Takeover of the CDC.  

The Trump administration is continuing to undermine public health and scientific integrity by firing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez. Monarez was ousted for refusing for further decimate the CDC's workforce and rubber stamp anti-vaccination extremists' misinformation about lifesaving vaccines. Multiple other senior CDC officials left their positions in response to Monarez's firing.  Kennedy's campaign against public health and vaccines is a direct threat to the health and wellbeing of everyone in the U.S.  Congress must launch immediate investigations into the politization of the CDC. They must demand Kennedy's resignation and put a hold on further meetings of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) a once prestigious advisory panel now filled with Kennedy's hand-picked anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists. Congress cannot sit idly by while Kennedy prepares to ruin our entire healthcare system and harm us all.

Call or email:

Guy Reschenthaler or Summer Lee, Senator Dave McCormick and Senator John Fetterman:

Hi, my name is _______and I'm a constituent from (your town). I'm calling to express my deep outrage over the politization of the CDC.

Anto-vaccine sentiment is deadly and has no place in our nation's public health agency. I need you to investigate the firing of the CDC Director Monarez and the recommendations of the anti-vaccine advisory panel. 

I call for the removal of RFK Jr as Secretary.  I also call for the resignation of any HHS official who is irresponsibly promoting deadly anti-vaccine policies and restricting access. Thank you.

See the WOW website for contact information

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON HB 1500--CYBER CHARTER SCHOOL REFORM

The state’s 500 public schools have passed a resolution calling for charter school reform. The current system was developed in 2002, and school districts are asking for a more representative use of tax dollars for public education. House Bill 1500 is dedicated to a long overdue charter school reform. This legislation promotes a flat cyber school rate of $8,000. Funding for K-12 private/religious school vouchers has increased nearly twelve-fold over the past two decades with local school districts tasked with increased costs.Pennsylvania residents know very little about how this money is spent or who benefits. The time for more information and reform is now.

MESSAGE TO PA State Senators

I urge you to vote yes on House Bill 1500, the cyber charter reform bill. It will align tuition rates with cybers' actual costs and address the deficiencies in accountability and transparency.

Call or email your Senator:

Senator Kim Ward

Senator Joe Pittman