jessica-benham

Pa. House Democrats mount new push to pass LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination bill

BY: - April 17, 2023

'Every single Pennsylvanian deserves to live with dignity and respect,' the bill's sponsors said in a statement.

Pa. Legislature’s LGBTQ Caucus changes up leadership

BY: - January 8, 2023

Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta, of Philadelphia, and Jessica Benham, of Allegheny County, are the caucus' new chairs. Both are out lawmakers.

Biden Marriage Protection Act signing

Federal marriage protection law is a win, but ‘more work remains,’ Pa. Rep. Benham says in D.C.

BY: and - December 14, 2022

At the White House, President Joe Biden signs law extending historic marriage protections to same-sex and interracial couples.

Progressive incumbent women were snubbed by Allegheny Co. Dem Committee. Does it matter?

BY: - April 4, 2022

The county party opted to endorse their primary opponents on May 17. It wasn't unfamiliar territory.

COMMENTARY

It’s long past time we stopped treating healthcare like a privilege | Opinion

BY: - August 29, 2021

It’s time to give Pennsylvanians much-needed relief -- it’s not only smart policy, it’s the right thing to do. 

Alle. Co. DA Zappala faces calls for resignation from fellow W.Pa Democrats

BY: - June 6, 2021

By Ryan Deto PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala has faced significant fallout for an email he sent in May to his deputy prosecutors forbidding them from offering any plea deals to the clients of a well-known Black lawyer who five days prior criticized Zappala’s office for being “systematically racist.” The American Civil Liberties Union is calling for […]

COMMENTARY

House Dems’ bill would create new Dept. of Accessibility & Inclusion | Thursday Morning Coffee

BY: - February 11, 2021

Nearly 1 in 4 Pennsylvanians have a disability. The state needs to better serve their needs, two Western Pa. lawmakers argue.

Pgh. Dem lawmakers call out Wolf over Pa.’s vaccine roll out, ask for more direct communication to residents

BY: - January 26, 2021

Demand for the vaccine has spiked ever since the state expanded who can receive the vaccine under the 1A part of the vaccine roll-out plan.

Scranton Joe? Biden gets heat for inaugural celebration with union-busting law firm

BY: - January 20, 2021

The firm, based in Philadelphia, has employed both U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5th District, and former Gov. Ed Rendell.

What Pgh’s LGBTQ organizers and legislators say must be done post-election

BY: - December 21, 2020

While a Biden victory will mean some wins for the the LGBTQ community, such as overturning Trump’s anti-trans policies, local Pittsburgh leaders and elected officials still realize there are many goals to accomplish, and the fight for equality continues.

Capital-Star Q&A: State Rep.-elect Jessica Benham; Pa.’s first out woman LGBTQ lawmaker

BY: - November 14, 2020

Democrat Jessica Benham won election last week to Allegheny County's 36th House District. She will replace long-serving Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny, who is retiring at year's end. 

Poised for progress: W.Pa. women score primary night wins | Analysis

BY: - June 8, 2020

Once again, candidates endorsed by the progressive PAC, Women for the Future of Pittsburgh, won or are poised to win their primary elections.