Powell and other state Democratic legislators respond to SCOTUS ruling on homelessness

Allegheny County Delegation    July 2, 2024 | 6:03 PM

HARRISBURG, July 2 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell and several Democratic members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate shared their reactions to the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision on homelessness at a news conference in the Capitol Main Rotunda today.

On Friday, the court ruled that sleeping outside in public places can be an arrestable offense and banning it does not qualify as “cruel and unusual punishment” under the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

“We are here today because our Supreme Court sided with cities and municipalities, who are more concerned with public appearances than with building enough affordable housing,” Powell, D-Allegheny, said. “Now, our neighbors are confronted with a harsh reality: remain awake or face arrest.”

Powell has signed on as a co-sponsor to future legislation that would clarify the decriminalization of homelessness in Pennsylvania and allow individuals to occupy public spaces. She also recently introduced H.B. 2454, legislation that would establish the Affordable Homeownership Program under the state Department of Community and Economic Development. The program would award funds for a variety of homeownership-related projects to individuals and households through sponsoring organizations.

“The House and the Senate are committed to doing everything in our power to provide actual solutions and actual housing units,” she added. “We will continue to advocate for these solutions because we believe in a better Pennsylvania and a better America where everyone has a safe place to call home.”