On January 31, 2023, PAC (Pennsylvania Action on Climate) visited a fundraiser for

Senator Scott Martin. We were outside on the sidewalk; Martin was with his political friends and

lobbyists. Martin is the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a recipient of

“largess” from lobbyists and other ruling class bribers. The $1000 per plate “fundraiser” was

really an opportunity for the well- heeled to buy access, —a bribe-fest. Martin’s financial

reports are polluted with fossil fuel linked bribes.

The planet is overheating and politicians and those who own them are conspiring

to commit policy murder. PAC forced the encounter. We attempted to do a toxic clean-up by

peacefully blocking the doors to the restaurant.

PAC is committed to nonviolence. However, some of the politicians would rather travel the

highway of corruption and not let anything get in the way of a legalized bribe—such as these

slightly overpriced tickets to lunch with the rich, famous, and well-connected. One Senator in

particular, Senator Mike Regan, decided that nothing was going to get between him and cash.

He forcefully moved one of us by pushing Michael Bagdes-Canning to the ground. You can

read about and watch a video of that encounter here:

https://www.ydr.com/story/news/politics/2023/02/01/pa-sen-mike-regan-pulls-protester-away-from-door-video-shows/69863119007/

“Martin’s own constituents don’t have the kind of access to him that folks at this fundraiser

did yesterday,” said Badges-Canning, who serves as mayor of a Butler County borough and

was a Green Party candidate for lieutenant governor last year.  

The demonstrators were prepared for the fact that police might show up, he said. But he

wasn’t expecting anything like the interaction he had with Regan.

“That never crossed my mind, that someone was going to lay hands on me,” he said.

Michael was charged with fighting and blocking a highway. Regan wasn’t charged with

anything. Michael has decided to fight these charges.

He’ll be representing himself at a trial on March 11 in Harrisburg. Michael’s defense will

require lots of help. He’ll need researchers, people familiar with the law, people to help him

organize for his defense, people to do media work - both social and traditional, people to show

up at trail, and more.

If you can help or show up for the trial, or if you have other ideas, please fill out the RSVP.