For Immediate Release: July 12, 2024
Contact:
jarrett.smith@seiupa.org | cell 267-357-1170
State Budget Delivers Key Investments for Pennsylvania Workers
HARRISBURG: Last night, Governor Shapiro signed a 47.8 billion dollar budget that delivered key investments for Pennsylvania workers.
“While this year’s budget fell short of a multi-year commitment to fill the gap in our public education system, we believe that the over 700 million dollar increase represents a significant first step in addressing the inequity that has existed for decades in Pennsylvania. We celebrate the work of labor partners, activists, parents, and legislative champions - especially PAHouse Speaker Joanna McClinton, who came together to stand up to private school voucher schemes and deliver for our public schools.” Gabe Morgan, President - SEIU PA State Council and Executive Vice President/32BJ PA/DE State Director.
“This state budget is a strong step forward that responds to Pennsylvania’s long term care crisis. It is also testament to the power, dedication, and activism of healthcare workers willing to advocate for those whom we serve. We successfully increased long term care funding by $125 million with accountability that ensures that providers have to direct more of that money towards quality care and support higher staffing regulations in our nursing facilities,” said Matt Yarnell, President of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania. “There is still more work to do to ensure every Pennsylvanian has access to dignified, quality care at home or in a nursing facility and look forward to making this a reality.” Matt Yarnell, President - SEIU Healthcare PA
“With the Governor’s support for our public sector workers in his budget proposal we were able to win increases across our workforce in offices like County Assistance, Public Defenders, and Corrections. With these new investments we will be able to continue to deliver critical services that Pennsylvanians rely on.” Nina Coffey, Secretary-Treasurer - SEIU Local 668
“Despite our victories, another year has passed without an increase to Pennsylvania’s minimum wage. We call on PA Senate Republicans to put partisanship aside and pass Senate Bill 1186 that will deliver a 20/hr living wage for Pennsylvanians and put the power of setting the minimum wage in the hands of local communities.” David Melman, President - SEIU PA Joint Board Workers United
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SEIU Pennsylvania State Council represents the four SEIU union locals of 80,000 essential workers in healthcare, public service and property services united for a Pennsylvania where our families and communities can thrive. seiupa.org
