I am writing in regards to State Representative Chris Rabb’s recent reelection, and how he will change or uphold his policies. 

I recognize that he is a sponsor of HB100, which will provide a transition to renewable energy. He has said various times that he hopes that we are able to have 100% renewable energy by the year 2050. I very much support his ideas regarding renewable energy and the future of our state. It means a lot to someone like me, a young man who has a lot of life to live, that he cares so much about the future of our environment and our climate.

I have also looked into his policies on gun control and gun violence. He supports multiple bills regarding the rights of carrying a firearm, and specific liabilities while carrying. I appreciate the priority that he gives gun control. I read about his idea that the logistics of the second amendment are what keeps us from having gun safety, as he believes that the first line of the second amendment is where the problem lies. 

He has said that he believes that in order for some guns to be purchased by PA citizens, those citizens must be militia members, as restricting the rights of who can buy certain guns will be a step in the direction of regulation. I am wondering if he has tried to introduce anything in regards to his statement about restricting the purchasing of guns. I think that this could be a large step in gun safety and gun control. 

Again, I appreciate that he has gun control as a high priority, I agree with his ideas regarding the topic, and we are in need of action. 

I very much support Rabb’s sponsorship of HR159, which would remove cannabis as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. I noticed he also sponsors HR217, which encourages the research into controlled and clinical cannabis possession. He has an entire section of his website devoted to cannabis and the research of it and timeline of its legalization. He has said himself a few years ago that he is a registered medical marijuana recipient, and that every day he is at risk of being arrested for a DUI due to this. It is clear that he is an advocate for the decriminalization of marijuana.

There are many steps being taken to make it a legal recreational drug. The first priority is still to stop the criminalization of this non-dangerous drug, and his support of HR159 is a big step in this right direction. I hope that with Rabb’s help, it will soon be a legal, recreational drug in our state, and people will stay out of prisons due to this.

I’d like to thank Representative Chris Rabb for all that he has done for our community, and all that he will continue to do. It is very important for people to feel safe in their communities, and having Rabb as my state representative, I feel safe due to all of his activism.

Gabe Lopata

Philadelphia Public School student and constituent