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Rally Video: https://www.facebook.com/driverslicensesforall/videos/278510417112200/
The Church of the Nativity
and St. Stephen
A Parish in the Episcopal Diocese
of Central Pennsylvania
159 S. Second St.
Newport, PA 17074
717-567-6514
www.nativityandststephen.diocpa.
April 7, 2021
Statement of The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, MSW
Rector
Driving PA Forward
HB 279
Good Morning. My name is Rebecca Myers and I am the Rector of The Episcopal Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen in Newport and Thompsontown, PA.
In 2020, The Vestry of the church endorsed the Driving PA Forward initiative and the legislation to allow people to use alternative forms of identification to apply for a Pennsylvania Driver’s License. We support this legislation for a number of reasons, rooted in what it means for us to be followers of Jesus Christ.
First of all, I want to acknowledge that we are standing on land that was once inhabited by indigenous peoples, the Susquehannock. They were, unfortunately, systematically removed from their homes and often in violent ways. Any of us who had early ancestors of Pennsylvania, must think in a different way about what it means to be undocumented, especially from the point of view of the people who were indigenous to this land.
Those of us who are Christian must remember that Jesus and his parents left their home and fled to Egypt when it was too violent and unsafe for them to stay in their own land. We do not know much about their time in Egypt; however, it appears they were treated well and were not denied their right to a good life while there. We follow Jesus who was undocumented for a time.
We need to connect with the history of our lands. For instance, I was speaking with a friend recently, who explained that there are ancient trade routes in the Americas and the original peoples of these lands moved freely on the continents for trade and for what was needed to live. The borders of the United States and the other countries on these continents are relatively new. The movement of peoples on the continents of North and South America is ancient. Understanding this provides necessary and important context for any policies adopted today.
If we truly explore our personal family histories, most of us find times when we were considered undocumented. Some of us were forcibly brought here as people who were enslaved and denied the rights of citizenship.
The failure to allow people to apply for a Pennsylvania Driver’s license because they do not have a social security number, is a continuation of the sordid history of our Commonwealth and our nation. HB 279 is one way to redress and make right the wrongs that were done to so many people throughout our history.
The legislation provides safety to all families. Most policy makers agree that protection of the family, especially children, is important. Children should not need to be afraid that they will be separated from their families, because the adults who are closest to them cannot apply for or obtain a driver’s license. A routine traffic stop could turn into a horrifying experience for a child. If we say we care about children, we must pass this legislation.
The legislation protects everyone’s privacy, because it ensures that PennDot cannot sell personal information to third parties. It ensures that law enforcement can only access personal information with a warrant.
The legislation protects everyone’s safety, because everyone driving a vehicle would have a license, insurance, and identification and would have been tested on the rules of the road.
The legislation impacts everyone, because it provides more money for our Commonwealth. It is estimated that in the first 3 years, there would be approximately $13 million in revenue from licensing fees, registration fees, tax revenues and additional cars purchased.
Furthermore, 16 states around the country have passed similar legislation and have seen nothing but good results.
In short, passing this legislation is the moral, right and just thing to do. It cares for families and protects all of us.
We are Pennsylvania. We move Pennsylvania Forward.
Thank you!
Prayer
God
We thank you for another day to work for justice.
Escúchanos Dios (Hear us God)
We thank you for being able to gather together.
Escúchanos Dios (Hear us God)
We thank you for providing safe travels to all who came here today.
Escúchanos Dios (Hear us God)
We have good work to do today, God.
Escúchanos Dios (Hear us God)
We know you always walk with us. Guide our steps today.
Escúchanos Dios (Hear us God)
We know that you speak through us. Guide our words today.
Escúchanos Dios (Hear us God)
We know that you can soften hearts to hear our message. Soften the hearts of those we speak to today.
Escúchanos Dios (Hear us God)
And now bless each one here. Bless our time together. May Your Will be done.
Amen
