Constituents across Pennsylvania will share their stories and demand action on the affordability crisis

PENNSYLVANIA – This week, Affordable Pennsylvania announced the start of its SOS! Affordability Crisis summer campaign, a series of events and actions across the Commonwealth aimed at amplifying the voices of working families struggling with rising costs and holding members of Congress accountable for broken promises on affordability.

Throughout the summer, constituents in Pennsylvania's battleground districts will come together to share their experiences with the rising cost of groceries, gas, housing, prescription drugs, and health care. The campaign will feature town halls, press conferences, community events, and direct engagement with constituents to demand that elected officials put working families ahead of billionaires and special interests.

"The affordability crisis is drowning families across Pennsylvania," said Rachele Fortier, Executive Director of Affordable Pennsylvania. "People were promised lower costs, but instead they are paying more for groceries, gas, and health care while politicians in Washington prioritize tax breaks for billionaires and cuts to programs families rely on. Through the SOS! Summer Campaign, we're making sure Pennsylvanians' voices are heard and that members of Congress are held accountable for the choices they have made."

See more photos and videos from campaign launch events

The campaign's "SOS" theme symbolizes the distress that families are experiencing as everyday costs continue to climb. Events will incorporate life vests, SOS flags, whistles, and messages in bottles to highlight that many Pennsylvanians feel like they are being left to tread water while their representatives fail to deliver relief.

“One year ago, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie voted to cut SNAP and Medicaid to give tax breaks to billionaires. That says a lot about how he feels about his constituents, whose side he's on, what he really cares about,” said Aidalis, mom of two from Bethlehem. “I would not be here without SNAP and Medicaid. Without SNAP, I wouldn’t be able to afford groceries. Without Medicaid, my kids couldn’t get the healthcare they deserve. We deserve to live a good life, a proper life. Rep. Mackenzie, we call on you to do your job and save us from this affordability crisis!”

The Summer SOS Campaign comes as Pennsylvanians continue to face higher costs and growing uncertainty. Recent actions in Washington, including the Republican Tax Law, deep cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, the expiration of enhanced health care tax credits, and policies contributing to rising gas prices, have increased pressure on family budgets across the Commonwealth.

Throughout the summer, Affordable Pennsylvania will continue elevating the stories of constituents through earned media, digital storytelling, and community events, while calling on Reps. Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan, and Scott Perry to answer to the families they represent and explain how they plan to address rising costs.

Register for upcoming events in your area. More events will be added throughout the summer.