Opinion: Senator Jay Costa
Since President Trump was sworn into office, the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus has raised alarms about how he and his cronies are enriching themselves by making backroom deals while enacting heartless policies that are hurting the wallets of working families here in Pennsylvania.
From ending SNAP benefits to removing long-time professionals from the federal government to building a ballroom, Donald Trump promised affordability for Americans during his campaign, but since taking office he has only delivered wealth for himself and his inner circle.
More than 130,000 Pennsylvanians have already lost access to health care because Trump and his Republican activists in the federal legislature chose not to provide a tax break that would ensure our families have access to high-quality, affordable health care.
Pennsylvania families spent more than $1,700 more in 2025 because of inflation under Trump, according to a Jan. 20 report by Democratic members of Congress’ Joint Economic Committee.
Families are struggling to make ends meet, and these problems affect Pennsylvanians regardless of party, zip code, race, age or faith. This crisis spares no one, no matter how they voted.
When Pennsylvania families look to Republican Party leaders in Washington and Harrisburg, they don’t find leaders committed to getting to work and solving problems – like skyrocketing health care costs, exorbitant gas prices, an unpredictable child care market and stagnant wages.
Our message is clear: While Republican leadership fails and falters at every level, the Shapiro Administration, House Democrats, and Senate Democrats stand ready to pass commonsense, bipartisan legislation that puts money back into Pennsylvania families.
Every member of the AP Senate Democratic caucus can tell you that affordability is a top concern for their constituents, whether they represent Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, Lancaster, Harrisburg or Pittsburgh.
That’s why our members have introduced and supported legislation that will not only reduce the cost burden on Pennsylvania families, but also expand their economic opportunities by increasing their take-home pay.
First, Senate Democrats have long supported raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. Senator Tina Tartaglione has spoken out every year to highlight the miserable wages of thousands of Pennsylvanians and the benefits that a $15 minimum wage provides to workers, employers, families and communities.
The House of Representatives has sent the Senate bipartisan legislation that would raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 an hour on January 1, 2029 – legislation supported by an overwhelming majority of residents. However, despite the urgent need to enhance wages for employees, this bill has been languishing in the Senate for months.
Senate Democrats have also advocated for tax breaks specifically for working families, including expanding Pennsylvania’s working tax credit and child care tax credits. If we want families to grow, prosper and create lifelong memories here in Pennsylvania, we must do everything we can to keep money in their wallets.
Overall, housing costs continue to plague families in every county. Senate Democrats have advocated for several bills that would make it easier to build affordable homes and also remove barriers for families to access affordable homes, including the Golden Girls Act, sealing evictions, protecting artificial home communities and more. We also strongly supported Governor Shapiro’s housing action plan to build more homes and lower housing costs.
And finally, Senate Democrats are on the front lines ensuring that every family, especially our children, can put food on the table and enjoy life without growing hunger pangs. When President Trump suspended SNAP benefits, our members jumped into action, volunteering at food banks, advocating for increased food assistance, and demanding accountability from federal lawmakers.
In this year’s budget, Senate Democrats fully support Universal Free School Breakfast and Lunch so that no child has to learn on an empty stomach. Not only does this improve the educational outcomes of our teenage students, but free school meals free parents from the worry and shame of lunch debt or SNAP benefits not stretching far enough.
