Discrimination Ban Supporters Rally in Harrisburg

Supporters of a measure to ban discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Pennsylvania residents packed the Capitol yesterday to show support for the measure. Now that the equal rights bill is in front of the full House, advocates say they're optimistic it can be signed into law before the year is done. Supporters lined the Rotunda steps and cheered as lawmakers made the case that Pennsylvania is behind the times, when it comes to guaranteeing equal rights based on sexual preference. Sponsor Dan Frankel of Squirrel Hill dismissed opponents of the measure, noting 20 states have already passed similar legislation. “The sky will not fall. The world will not end if we stop discriminating against gay, lesbian bisexual and transgendered people. It will not happen.” Opponents say the bill would force some religious groups to hire gay employees against their will. A spokesman for House Majority Leader Todd Eachus says there's no set time frame for bringing the measure to a vote. A similar bill died in committee last year.

"Come Care With Me"

The PHI (Paraprofessionals Healthcare Institute) is hosting lawmakers and other officials across the state in a series of "Come Care With Me" events to highlight the health care gap and working conditions of direct care workers. State Representative Dan Frankel of Pittsburgh says the Commonwealth is facing a growing shortage of direct care workers who provide home and community-based care to seniors and disabled Pennsylvanians. Frankel says later today he will be working with a direct care provider and their client to get a sense of the challenges they face daily. In addition, Frankel will attend a forum at the Essex House in East Liberty to discuss elder care and disability services. Frankel says "it's ironic" that health care benefits have never been part of the compensation package for direct care workers who provide much needed health services. Frankel says because of poor pay and a lack of health benefits, there is a high turnover rate and that can affect the consistency of care for the elderly and disabled.