My name is Mikaela Finlay and I am a student in the School District of Philadelphia. I am writing to suggest that Representative Chris Rabb sponsor a bill that would institute protections for transgender students at a state-wide level. I feel that more protections are necessary for transgender students because it is imperative that all children have access to a safe public education. Currently, individual school districts may institute rules to protect their minority students, but I feel that this is not enough. I believe that there should be specific legislation ensuring that all students are safe at school, regardless of their gender identity or gender presentation. Specific components of this bill could include establishing gender-neutral bathrooms and locker rooms in all schools, allowing students to use the facilities that match their gender identity, and adding specific clauses about transgender and gender-nonconforming people to anti-discrimination laws.

I have read in-depth about HB 100, which would help the state to transition to renewable energy, and HB 470, which would extend deadlines for voter registration and requests for absentee ballots. I support Representative Rabb’s work on both of these bills. I believe that combating climate change must be a priority because its effects extend beyond the state and country and reach everyone throughout the world. I appreciate that HB 100 would establish a Just Transition Community Advisory Committee because climate activism is not practical or possible if it does not consider the needs of everyone affected. I also support HB 470 because I think that elections should be accessible to all eligible voters. Extending the time given to register makes the election process more flexible and would allow more people to use their voices and participate in government. I appreciate everything that he has done to expand voters’ rights.

As a woman, reproductive rights are extremely important to me. In light of the recent abortion ban in Texas, I am in support of Representative Rabb sponsoring HB 733, which would protect abortion rights in Pennsylvania. I also appreciate that he is committed to protecting reproductive rights for transgender men and nonbinary people, not just cisgender women. I have reviewed the details of HB 1335, a bill that he sponsored to expand the sex education curriculum in Pennsylvania. I think that this is important because the new curriculum includes lessons on consent and sexual assault, and educating students on these topics would create a safer environment both in and out of schools. I think that reproductive rights and sex education have benefits for everyone, and I appreciate the work that he has done to protect these rights.

Sincerely,
Mikaela Finlay