Pa. Senate Dems push affordability plan
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Pennsylvania Democrats want to make affordability a central issue of their campaign this fall.
Why it matters: State Democrats are hoping to capitalize on President Trump's poor polling figures on the economy to flip the state Senate for the first time in 33 years, but the Republicans have a plan to hold their ground.
Context: Democrats have not had a trifecta in the state government since 1993 and are hoping to flip at least two Senate seats, retain the state House, and retain the governorship to reclaim total control.
Driving the news: State Senate Democrats unveiled their Affordability Action Plan at a press conference Tuesday in Harrisburg.
- The plan builds on Lt. Gov. Austin Davis' initiatives and adds some legislation to address food and health care costs.
Senate Dems want to:
- Raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2029.
- Expand the state's free school breakfast program to include free lunch.
- Prevent future hospital closures.
- Expand the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit.
- Support Gov. Josh Shapiro's energy and housing action plans.
- Provide student debt relief.
What they're saying: "Our message today is clear: Senate Democrats are ready to enact commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will put money back in the pockets of Pennsylvania's families," said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Forest Hills) in a statement.
Between the lines: Food prices in February were up 3% compared with the same time last year, per the Consumer Price Index, Axios' Emily Peck reported.
- "Universal School Meals not only helps students be prepared to learn — it also lowers grocery prices for everyone. When students eat breakfast and lunch at school — families save," said state Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-West View), who is sponsoring a bill to add free school lunch.
The other side: State Republicans are looking to address affordability through a series of tax holidays, the caucus announced in March. They want to:
- Lower the state personal income tax rate from 3.07% to 2.99% for six months.
- Suspend the gas tax for six months.
- Suspend taxes on electricity and telecommunications for six months.
The bottom line: The economy, health care and inflation are at the top of Pennsylvania voters' minds, according to a recent PennLive poll.
- 73% told the pollsters the cost of goods they regularly purchase has increased in the last year.