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Shelby Labs supports local control for school districts

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Shelby Labs, a Republican running against Wendy Ullman in Pennsylvania’s 143rd District, said she fully supports local control over the playing of school sports.

“I believe that local school districts should be empowered to make these kind of decisions on behalf of our parents and student athletes. A one-size-fits-all solution from Harrisburg is not the answer, and our families deserve better,” said Labs, in response to a number of election questions posed by the Bucks County Herald.

As the coronavirus continues to impact businesses, candidates were asked about the shutdown that affected so many small businesses at the outset of the pandemic.

Labs said, it “was a responsible measure” that allowed time to “ensure our health care system was not overwhelmed, and that our front-line workers had the time they needed to gather the necessary personal protective equipment.”

But, Labs noted, as the shutdown continued, families and businesses “received unclear guidance and rules from the administration, creating additional uncertainty and hardship, both economic and social.”

She was particularly critical of the waiver process, which she called, “unfair and opaque.” The process involved identifying which types of businesses could reopen. “I would have approached it differently,” said Labs.

When it comes to the issue of high cost of prescription drugs and whether some state controls are warranted, Labs said, “Far too many seniors are being forced from their homes due to economic hardship, including the rising costs of prescription drugs.

“We must work together to find new and creative solutions to this significant challenge,” she noted. “Implementing additional state controls is an avenue worth exploring further.”

On the thorny issue of whether to continue supporting state funding to small businesses, Labs said, she “absolutely supports additional funding to help our small businesses survive the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In the longer view, she said, businesses need “guidance, the tools and the resources they need to responsibly restart our economy in a manner which keeps both their employees and our families safe.”

Due to the “historic nature of the economic times,” Labs said she supports expanding unemployment benefits.

“We must also work to improve the system for those who need it most,” she said, pointing to how difficult it was for many people to access the unemployment to which they were entitled.

As unemployment benefits come to an end for many, concern over evictions are increasing, affecting both landlords and tenants. Labs said, the “most effective solution to all our economic challenges is to safely and responsibly reopen our economy.

“In the short term, I am committed to working with all impacted parties to find solutions that keep more people in their homes, while addressing the needs of real estate owners.”

Another matter of great importance is policing. Asked if she favors restructuring police agencies, Labs said, “Appropriate reforms can, and should be made to our law enforcement agencies at every level. Together we can find solutions that best serve our communities and the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect us. ”

Labs said, she’s “firmly against defunding of police. I proudly stand with our law enforcement officers and first responders.”

On the subject of climate change, Labs said, she’s “committed to leaving behind a world better than I found it, and hope to work with colleagues from both parties to achieve real results for our families.”

Growing up in Bucks County, Labs noted, she “learned to appreciate the importance of a clean environment and open space.”


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