Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – October 31, 2025 − Senators Vincent Hughes and Art Haywood and Representative Tarik Khan held a press conference at the Share Food program in Philadelphia, demanding that Republican lawmakers aid the people they serve. Legislators, advocates, labor leaders and community members discussed a wide range of issues, including the upcoming freeze on SNAP benefits, the delay of LIHEAP benefits and the need to extend tax benefits under the Affordable Care Act.
“This crisis rests squarely on the shoulders of Republicans. We are here to give them a simple message: put people above politics. There is nothing wrong with people feeding their families, heating their homes or having access to quality health care. Put people first,” said Senator Hughes.
Senator Haywood added: “All Pennsylvanians will feel the impact of the political games Republicans are playing. If people don’t have access to health care, emergency room wait times will increase for everyone. If people can’t buy food for their families, grocery store sales will decline and they will likely have to lay off workers or close stores altogether. That means longer lines or no access to the grocery store for everyone.”
In addition to calling on Republicans to do their job, Democratic state legislators introduced a bill it would require $62 million from Pennsylvania’s rainy day fund to support food banks, Meals on Wheels and Pennsylvania farmers.
“Make no mistake, food is medicine. I am a health care provider and I can tell you that if people don’t have food, they will die,” said Rep. Tarik Khan. “Washington is not only taking away people’s SNAP benefits, it is taking away their dignity. I am proud to be a Democrat, the party that supports dignity, health and safety.”
Other press conference speakers included: George Matysik, executive director of Share Food; Joanna Rosenhein, Consumer Engagement Manager, Pennsylvania Health Care Access Network; Phil Glover, AFGE national vice president; Danny Bauder, chairman of the AFL-CIO board in Philadelphia; Representative Roni Green’s office; Lorraine Gomez, local senior; Lolita Owens, SEIU home care worker.
AND the full video of the press conference is available online.
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