Dear fellow Democrats:
Working people were shocked at the recent untimely passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Rich was a vibrant and energetic leader who never stopped fighting for working people, doing everything he could to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act until his last moments. The loss of Richard Trumka is devastating to the many who loved him and fought along with him on behalf of working people everywhere, especially here in Pennsylvania.
Here in Lancaster County, we are still inspired by Rich’s leadership and commitment to workers and families. As many of us have a holiday to honor labor, let us reflect on how much work we still have to do to achieve equity. Equity for Black and brown workers; equity for women workers; and equity and respect nationwide for all workers. Why, in PA, are we still fighting for a living wage? Who here doesn’t yet understand that no one can live and raise a family on $7.25 an hour? It certainly says something loud and clear to workers everywhere that Pennsylvania lawmakers do not value our workforce enough to raise the minimum wage. I understand that employers are now being forced to raise their wages in certain industries in order to hire people. Even still, the state legislature should do the right thing and raise the minimum to $15.00 an hour. Good wages paid puts money back in the economy—everyone knows that. Its win-win!
The labor movement has the power to move the country in the right direction. The new American workforce supports President Biden and his agenda. Just look at the recent highlights and the work that is getting done.
- Senate Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and Advances the Build Back Better Agenda
- DNC, Arizona Democrats Take Legal Action Against Republican Voter Suppression
- President Biden’s Economic Plan is Working
- President Biden Announces New Actions to Get More Americans Vaccinated and Slow the Spread of the Delta Variant
- President Biden and Democrats Deliver Child Tax Credit Boost to American Families
Don’t sit on the sidelines. There is so much to do this year, next year and every year. Join us, and turn Lancaster County blue!
In solidarity.
Diane Topakian
Chair
Lancaster County Democrats
