In a recent revelation, a Democratic congressional candidate has been reported to have redirected funds primarily intended for opioid recovery to facilitate transportation for children to LGBTQ centers. This information comes from Bob Harvey, a member of the Bucks County Democratic Committee, who manages a significant settlement fund derived from opioid manufacturers.
The Bucks County website indicates that the area expects to receive close to $70 million over the next 18 years, with stipulations that the funds should primarily address the opioid crisis. Yet, it seems that the board led by Harvey is diverting these resources toward promoting initiatives at LGBTQ clinics, such as Rainbowlme, which is accessible to teenagers as young as 14.
According to a grant document available on the Bucks County site, a $13,500 allocation was made to support services and transportation to an LGBTQ program advertised as being for youth aged 14 to 21. Rainbowlme is known for events like “Drag Queen Story Time,” “Queer Tarot Night,” and last week even hosted a seminar focused on LGBTQ+ youth.
It appears that a transport fund aimed at LGBTQ facilities for minors was recently updated, although it’s worth noting that the Planned Parenthood Keystone Development team was not listed as a recipient of the Mini Grant as of early October. This discrepancy raises questions about the appropriateness of such reallocations, especially considering the ongoing opioid crisis affecting the community.
As Reilly Richardson from the NRCC stated, it’s concerning for Harvey to use funds meant for combating addiction for what he describes as his ideological projects. The community, he argues, deserves better funding management.
Bob Harvey has been active on the board since early 2020 and is planning a run for Congress in 2026 against the current Republican representative Brian Fitzpatrick, who has held office since 2017. Fitzpatrick himself is known to advocate for LGBTQ youth rights, making this situation even more complex.
Attempting to get comments on this matter from various involved parties—including Bucks County Vice Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia—has resulted in no response thus far.
