Breakfast Briefing: Five months to ELECTION DAY - Insights from the PA HDCC & SDCC

Описание: On Thursday, May 30 Represent PA had a great discussion focused on the current political landscape and what to expect leading up to the November 5 election. We welcomed Madeline Zane, Executive Director of the PA House Democratic Campaign Committee (PAHDCC) and Tim Wagner, Executive Director of the PA Senate Democratic Campaign Committee (PASDCC) as our special guests.

Expanding our House Majority

Madeline provided good news and bad news from the HDCC:
the Good
– Democrats are competing in 13 more districts than Republicans
– Our incumbents prevailed in the primary
– Tier 1 incumbent challengers are outraising republican incumbents and challengers by $498,148
– Five of six Tier 1 races are women

the Bad
– Democratic turnout is down 11% statewide from 2020
– The Commonwealth Fund (Rs) is going all out after democratic incumbents on mail and digital

A $14 Billion Surplus and Economic Relief

A key highlight was the $14 B state budget surplus, which could significantly increase funding for education and lower property taxes. However, political hurdles - particularly in the republican-controlled state Senate are stalling these efforts, affecting the financial well-being of many Pennsylvanians.

The importance of a Blue Senate

We have four Senate seats that are currently flippable in PA, and while we’re working to get women candidates Rep. Patty Kim (SD-15) and Nicole Ruscitto (SD-37), there is plenty of work going on elsewhere to get the other two men elected as well. A few other facts:
– Nicole’s race is extremely competitive, requiring an estimated $2.5 M to run a solid race - her’s being the most competitive of all four races
– Dark money is going to be a big issue - we have no idea how much will be spent in total on these races against our candidates
– The opponents are pro-life, which could have very serious implications on an already-red Senate
– One Republican opponent said that women shouldn’t be allowed to vote! This is what they’re up against

As we know, key bills are being stalled in a red Senate. Meanwhile, Republicans across the country are exploiting the economic struggles that many people face. Across Pennsylvania and the nation, families are feeling the strain of rising costs and financial instability. Many can't afford child care, are losing their jobs or are underemployed, and are struggling with skyrocketing bills for essentials like groceries, electricity and insurance. This economic pressure underscores the importance of passing legislation that can provide much-needed relief and support to working families.

The following legislation is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s being held up in the Senate, but could go a long way to helping many who are struggling with the economy:

On May 22, 2024 Reps. Liz Handbidge and Morgan Cephas’ bill strengthening affordability and accessibility to child care passes the House; ‘While the legislature increased the child and dependent care tax credit last year, Hanbidge and Cephas said that the General Assembly must do more to make child care more accessible for working families.

On June 20, 2023 the House passed a $15 minimum wage bill. House Rep. Patty Kim, running for Senate District 15 is the leading advocate for raising the minimum wage in the House, and has been advocating for this for ten years! Her legislation, One Fair Wage, would provide Pennsylvania’s workers, businesses, and economy with much-needed relief.

On April 21st, 2021 Senators Amanda Cappelletti and Katie Muth introduced legislation to transition Pennsylvania to 100% renewable energy by 2050 - Go 100% Pennsylvania. It was referred to the Senate’s Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on May 2, 2023.SB-422 aims to support the transition to renewable energy. Here’s what it would do:

– Just Transition Community Advisory Committee: This group will help support workers and communities that rely on nonrenewable energy jobs (like coal and oil), providing guidance and resources to help workers transition to new roles in the renewable energy sector, ensuring they are not left behind.

– Renewable Energy Workforce Development: The bill establishes programs and funds to train people for jobs in the renewable energy industry, including positions in wind, solar and other renewable energy fields.

– Wage Requirements: The bill sets wage standards for jobs in the energy sector, ensuring that workers in new renewable energy jobs are paid fairly. This is crucial for maintaining a decent standard of living for families transitioning from traditional energy jobs to green energy jobs.

– Economic Stability and Growth: By supporting a shift to renewable energy, the bill aims to create a sustainable and stable job market.