Shusterman Voices Support For Asian-Americans, Anti-Hate Laws

HARRISBURG, PA — In a news conference Wednesday, Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-157th) today told Asian Americans she stands with them and will support anti-hate legislation.

"In a year when loss and grief are all too common, we cannot become desensitized to hate and discrimination," said Shusterman.

The legislator who represents Pennsylvania's 157th District said she will support anti-hate legislation. Speaking to Asian Americans in the context of shootings on March 16, at two spas in the Atlanta area that left eight people dead, Shusterman vowed support to those Americans in the form of legislation to protect them.

"You are part of our heritage right here in the United States. The unfortunate and the sobering reality is that eight people had their lives taken away from them," she said.

"It's hard to say which issue is not present here: Violence against women, racism, lapsed gun safety, mental health? All of these issues seem to come together in one crucible, to result in this unspeakable act of violence."

State Rep. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin) yesterday was one of a dozen elected officials gathered to support anti-hate legislation. Kim led a news conference stating, "This is not a problem that just happened. We have endured a lot, we have kept it to ourselves. Many are born in the United States, like myself, but are treated like permanent outsiders because of the way we look."

Kim, who is Pennsylvania's only Asian American legislator, said Asian American communities are asking, "Who's next? Is it my grandmother walking along the street?"

"Together we can push back the hate and racism," Kim said.

Shusterman spoke later in the conference about the need for action. "We are not speaking in theoretical terms. This is not an intellectual exercise. Eight lives were lost and eight families are forever changed and this is what is at stake.

I stand here as a compassionate ally to the AAPI community," she said. AAPI is an abbreviated reference to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

"We must continue to advocate for this community, our communities of color and all of those who experience increased vulnerability and anyone who feels less safe," Shusterman said.

Shusterman offered condolences to the families of the March 21 shooting victims.