CRIMINAL JUSTICE FORM
Understanding that the people he represents care about results and not party ideology, Harris has become a national leader in bipartisan criminal justice reform. Working across party lines with Republican Rep. Sheryl Delozier, Harris and Delozier championed the nation’s first Clean Slate law, which has given second chances to over 1 million Pennsylvanians. By sealing low-level criminal records, these individuals who have done the right thing now have increased access to employment, educational, and housing opportunities to continue bettering their lives.
Harris has also championed occupational licensure reform, giving countless individuals easier access to licenses that allow them to be gainfully employed and practice a craft. Harris understands that we can’t expect people to be successful without allowing them the tools needed to create a life and career for them and their families.
Harris often says that the criminal justice system can be like quick sand – the harder you try to get out the more it pulls you back in. To counter the negative pull, Harris has championed and helped enact probation reform that removes pitfalls entrapping individuals in the criminal justice system as recently as 2023 when Governor Josh Shapiro signed probation reform legislation into law.
EDUCATION REFORM
As a former teacher, Harris understands the power of education. Calling education the elevator out of poverty, Harris is determined to fix our broken system and ensure that every child has access to a quality education regardless of zip code. Regardless of the means, Harris believes the state needs to meet its constitutional mandate to provide a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the Commonwealth.
Beyond K-12 education, Harris believes individuals need access to any type of higher education they desire, be it a 2-year associate’s degree, 4-year bachelor’s degree, or vocational training. Harris has sponsored the Pennsylvania Promise to make all types of higher education more affordable for Pennsylvanians.
EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY
Harris has brought back millions of dollars for his South and Southwest Philadelphia community. This state funding has done everything from enhance green space and the beautify the Schuylkill River Trail to lift up local non-profits that serve the community and strengthen and improve sewer systems and pedestrian safety. Harris’ goal is to continue to deliver state funds to transform dilapidated buildings into vibrant mixed-use spaces and ensure that his community has everything it needs to succeed.
