The Presidential Poll that Really Matters

The Poll that Really Matters

The opinion polls in the presidential race in swing states like Pennsylvania have been swinging wildly in recent weeks, but as the saying goes, the only poll that really matters is the one on election day - as the voters make their choice. Of course, now with early voting here in Pennsylvania, election day actually lasts for weeks, and ballots are now in the hands of many of our fellow citizens who chose to vote by mail.

This election, though, is not simply a matter of who sits in the Oval Office - for some, it is a matter of life or death. The sanctity of life, protections for the family, and religious freedom are all at stake in this election both at the national level, and in our state legislature here in Harrisburg. The choices are in your hands - and you can get guidance on the candidates at PaFamilyVoter.com to get your own personalized voter guide where you’ll find the information you need to help you as you vote.

Do Presidential Debates Matter?

Wednesday’s Vice Presidential Debate demonstrated a marked contrast not only in the styles and philosophy of the candidates and their tickets -- but also revealed some very clear differences on the issues that concern you and many other Pennsylvanians.

On the issue of life, for example, Biden and Harris would seek to codify the Roe v. Wade abortion decision and make it the law of the land, further embedding the evil of abortion in our society It’s no surprise that major players in the abortion industry like Planned Parenthood or NARAL consistently tweet out their support of Biden and Harris.

On the other hand, VP Mike Pence stated “I’m pro-life. I don’t apologize for it.”

Elections matter, voting matters, and your voice matters. This isn’t just about political debates; this is about all that’s at stake this election.

#ConfirmAmy!

This week our Communications and Policy Officer, Alexis Stefani, spoke in front of the Lackawanna County Courthouse, joining Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood clinic director, and representatives from other prominent pro-life groups, including Students for Life and Susan B. Anthony List, calling on Senator Bob Casey and Senator Pat Toomey to confirm Amy Coney Barrett.

Not only does Barrett have an impressive legal career, she is also a true symbol of female empowerment, as a mother of 7! She is facing unfair and vicious attacks due to her Catholic faith. Click here to tell your Senator to Confirm Amy!

Upcoming Webinars:

Honoring God in the 2020 Election w/ Wayne Grudem, Wed. Oct. 14 @ 12 Noon

In light of the recent presidential debates, we will be hosting a webinar discussing how Christians ought to approach such a contentious election season as we seek to Honor God through it.

The webinar will feature special guests Wayne Grudem, Ph.D., Distinguished Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies from Phoenix Seminary, Author of: Systematic Theology, Politics According to the Bible, Christian Ethics, Bible Doctrine and many others; Donn Chapman, Senior Pastor at Cornerstone Ministries, Murrysville, PA; and Joe Green, Senior Pastor at St Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Harrisburg, PA. Click here to register.

Save Women’s Sports, Tues. Oct. 20 @ 7 PM

Across the country, and even here in Pennsylvania, progressive activists want to change girls sports. The same legislation that would open up girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms to boys who identify as girls would allow those boys to play girls sports as girls. In Connecticut, two high school boys identifying and competing as girls won a combined 15 girls state track titles and championships since 2017.

Learn more about this issue and what is happening around the country in our evening webinar with Alliance Defending Freedom attorney, Christiana Holcomb, who represents three girls who are suing the state of Connecticut over this unfair policy. Click here to register.

Get the Truth on Weed

There’s plenty of misinformation out there on the effects of marijuana. It is more important now than ever to get the truth on weed, especially when we have so many influential government leaders pushing for its legalization - which would be a win for the big marijuana industry and a loss for both individuals and families across the state.

That’s why we’ve been working on a special project that gives you the facts and studies. Keep an eye out on your email and our social media for a special announcement on this project!

The Capitol Watch
Legislative Update with Tom Shaheen (Vice President for Policy)

* Protecting victims of rape and their children. The state senate passed a bill championed by House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre) that takes a stand for rape victims and their families by removing the requirement of having an adoptive family lined up in order to terminate the rights of a perpetrator of rape or sexual assault that resulted in pregnancy. "Pennsylvania's Adoption Act has an antiquated and harmful loophole that undermines the safety and strips away the rights of victims and their children,” said Benninghoff. House Bill 1984 updates the law to close that loophole. It now awaits Gov. Wolf’s signature.

* Helping newborns. Senate approves DiSanto bill to screen newborns so they can get help. The state senate unanimously approved legislation by Sen. John DiSanto (R-Dauphin/Perry) to ensure children born in Pennsylvania are comprehensively screened for all recommended disorders so that newborns may receive prompt treatment and prevent instances of permanent disability or even death.

* Adoption and foster care. Senate committee passes tax credits for adoptions and foster care. Legislation by Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) would create a tax credit for families that provide homes by foster care or adoption to children in the care of the Department of Human Services. It would establish a one-time $1,000 adoption tax credit and a $500 foster care tax credit that a parent can claim on his or her federal tax return. The Department of Human Services would make available $10 million in tax credits each fiscal year to support the program. HB 296 was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday and sent to the full Senate for consideration.

* Fighting child pornography. Legislation passed by the state Senate strengthens penalties for the heinous crime of child pornography and creates a task force to help prevent children from being victimized in the future. SB 1072 by Sen. Dave Arnold (R-Lebanon) would boost penalties in all cases of child pornography in which the child is under the age of 10 or prepubescent.*

Expanding Gambling is Too High Stakes

This week the Senate held a hearing on #SB1256 which would allow for over 80,000 slot machines in thousands of local communities - creating "mini-casinos" throughout Pennsylvania.It would expand some of the most addictive forms of gambling available, which would be a loss to families across the state and create more problems.Tell your elected officials today - Please no more gambling! https://pafamily.org/nomore/

Prayer and Praise

Pray for wisdom for citizens across our nation as many decide who they will vote for in the upcoming election.
Pray for the Senate confirmation hearings for judge Amy Coney Barrett and protection for her and her family as she faces so many attacks.

If you have any prayer requests, we would be glad to pray for you. Please forward them to mail@pafamily.org.

Mark your calendars

Wednesday, October 14 @ 12 Noon - Live Webinar: Engaging Biblically During a Challenging Election Season w/ Wayne Grudem. Click here to register.

Tuesday, October 20 @ 7 pm - Live Webinar: Save Girls Sports with ADF attorney, Christiana Holcomb. Click here to register.

October 19, 2020 - Last day to register to vote. Visit VotesPA.com to register.

October 27, 2020 - Last day to request a mail-in ballot. Visit VotesPA.com to apply.

November 3, 2020 - General Elections.