The Gavel

In this episode of The Gavel , we welcome State Representative Rick Krajewski of the 188th Legislative District to discuss key justice-focused policies shaping Pennsylvania. From expanding voter access—especially for incarcerated individuals—to pushing for criminal justice reform and achievable housing, Rep. Krajewski shares powerful insights into creating a more equitable Commonwealth. He also to...

In this episode of The Gavel, host April Ashe speaks with State Representative Justin Fleming of the 105th Legislative District. Rep. Fleming discusses key legislation including the Civil Service Modernization Act, his leadership in addressing Pennsylvania’s childcare crisis, and his advocacy for infrastructure improvements and immigrant communities. From expanding economic opportunity to promotin...

On this episode of The Gavel , host April Ashe is joined by State Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes of the 24th Legislative District—Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus and a proud member of the PLBC. Rep. Mayes discusses her legislative efforts to combat racial bias in real estate appraisals, expand access to nursing parent rooms in state buildings, and promote maternal healt...

In this episode of The Gavel , host we sit down with State Representative Dave Madsen of the 104th Legislative District to discuss critical issues impacting Pennsylvanians—from rising homelessness and housing equity to food insecurity and the state budget. Rep. Madsen shares insights on securing emergency housing funds for Dauphin County, his work on House Bill 749 to improve SNAP benefit access,...

In this episode of The Gavel Podcast , we sit down with State Representative Darisha Parker, Vice Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and a powerhouse advocate for economic equity, education, and environmental justice. Rep. Parker shares insights on the fight for fair and efficient education, her leadership in menstrual health awareness initiatives, and efforts to combat food insecu...

In this episode of The Gavel Podcast , we sit down with State Representative Gina H. Curry of the 164th Legislative District, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus. Representative Curry sheds light on maternity care deserts and the urgent need to address disparities in Black maternal health. We also discuss her advocacy for equitable education funding, the impact...

In this special Women’s History Month episode of The Gavel Podcast, we welcome State Representative Regina Young of the 185th Legislative District, an education champion and dedicated member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. Representative Young discusses the fight for equitable school funding, protecting marginalized workers, and advancing criminal justice reform in Pennsylvania. From...

In this episode of The Gavel Podcast , we sit down with State Representative Manny Guzman of the 127th Legislative District, a dedicated advocate for economic equity, workers’ rights, and infrastructure development. Rep. Guzman discusses the Historically Underutilized Business Procurement Program, the push to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, and efforts to improve transportation and pedestrian s...

In this episode of The Gavel Podcast, we sit down with State Representative Napoleon Nelson, Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) and representative of the 154th Legislative District in Montgomery County. Chair Nelson shares insights into the mission and impact of the PLBC, discussing its legislative priorities for the 2025-2026 session and the pressing challenges facing Black...

Looking for insightful conversations about policy, justice, and equity in Pennsylvania? Tune in to The Gavel , the official podcast of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. Hosted by PLBC members and special guests, this podcast dives into critical issues like criminal justice reform, economic equity, education, and environmental justice—giving you a front-row seat to the fight for a fairer P...