HARRISBURG, January 24, 2011 – State Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Delaware/Montgomery) today invited members of the press and public to attend the Pennsylvania Lobby Day to End Human Trafficking tomorrow in Harrisburg.

            “During the lobby day, I will announce plans to reintroduce S.B. 1227, which would require posting of the Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline number in certain Pennsylvania establishments,” Leach said. “Though I was disappointed that the bill failed to move last session, I am confident that it will soon become law. I am eager to help the thousands of victims of this despicable crime.”              Participants in the lobby day will advocate lawmakers for the movement of S.B. 1227 and other bills aimed at ending modern day slavery in our communities.

            “We will be hitting the halls of the state capitol to advocate for bills to combat sex and labor trafficking that is occurring right here in Pennsylvania. The day will be action packed – a briefing, lobbying, and a press conference, all of which will provide the perfect opportunity for us to urge state legislators to recognize human trafficking as a serious crime and take action to end it in Pennsylvania,” explained a Polaris Project representative.

            Leach will announce the reintroduction of his bill at a press conference scheduled for noon in the Main Rotunda of the Capitol Building. The event will feature commentary and support from Polaris Project’s Senior Policy Specialist Julie Janovsky, Covenant House PA’s Assistant Executive Director Hugh Organ, and Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association President Ed Marsico.

             Under S.B. 1227, the Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline number must be placed prominently in establishments with a liquor license, massage parlors, spas, hotels and motels found to be a nuisance, adult entertainment clubs, and places of transit. S.B. 1227 has gained support of Polaris Project, Women’s Way, the Tavern Association, the Tourism & Lodging Association, and dozens of state lawmakers. 

            Guests can register to attend the lobby day by visiting Polaris Project’s Online Action Center or by responding to the Pennsylvania Lobby Day to End Human Trafficking Facebook page.

WHAT:           Pennsylvania Lobby Day to End Human Trafficking

WHEN:          Tuesday, January 25, 2011

                        12:00 p.m.

WHERE:       Pennsylvania State Capitol Building

                        Main Rotunda

Media is encouraged to attend.