Dear friends,
Since our last newsletter, KRC’s work has focused on critical federal, as well as state priorities.
On the federal front, we have been making the case for retaining climate infrastructure funding (e.g., in the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) creating good union jobs across our state, coal country Appalachia, and the nation.
At the state level, we continue to highlight the facts demonstrating that Pennsylvania is long overdue for a big minimum wage increase.
We have also reminded people that if the federal reconciliation package slashes state funding for Medicaid and other priorities, the Pennsylvania Fair Share Tax long championed by KRC is a great way to plug that revenue hole.
Stephen Herzenberg
Executive Director
Blogs and Statements
A PA Fair Share Tax could fill the budget hole left by the Reconciliation Bill
If the Reconciliation Bill passes and PA and the state struggles to fill the budget shortfall left by the proposed cuts to federal funding, a Fair Share Tax could be the answer. Maryland, Minnesota, and Alaska are already exploring the possibility. PA lawmakers should take note.
So much has been made of the Reconciliation Bill currently facing the Senate, but what’s actually in it? ReImagine Appalachia’s Blaise Reader III and KRC’s Mike Ewing give a rundown of the actual contents of the bill and what it means for you, your communities, and the future of these United States.
Follow the Money: How the Inflation Reduction Act is Rebuilding Appalachia
We examine how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other federal clean energy and manufacturing funding are leveraging large amounts of private investment to the Appalachian region, revitalizing our communities and industrial base. Ohio is getting a big boost to its steel industry. Pennsylvania is seeing hydroelectric upgrades and battery manufacturing. Kentucky and West Virginia are seeing unprecedented federal investment and job growth in clean energy. These public and private investments create tens of thousands of good paying union careers and foster economic revival in communities and regions hungry for jobs and hope.
KRC Celebrates Pride Month 2025 with some LGBTQI+ Titans of Labor
KRC celebrates pride by taking a quick look at some LGBTQI+ folks who have helped to build the labor movement and keep us pointed in the right direction. From Civil Rights Icon Bayard Rustin (pictured) to AIDS quilt founder Cleve Jones and AFL-CIO Executive Nancy Wohlforth, we celebrate our LGBTQI+ brothers and sisters who contributed so much to the cause.
The Worker and the Pope – Labor and the Church
The influence of Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum has had an enduring influence on the labor movement. In it, he advocates for worker’s rights, fair wages, and protection for unions while rejecting both unregulated capitalism and socialism. The new Pope, Leo XIV also faces a litany of challenges in this new industrial revolution.
Statement: House Reconciliation Bill Would Harm Pennsylvania Working Families
KRC criticizes the House reconciliation bill for favoring the wealthy through permanent tax cuts while proposing cuts to essential programs, including Medicaid and SNAP. Such measures would increase inequality and undermine Pennsylvania’s progress in clean energy and job creation. We urge the Senate to reject the bill in favor of policies that support working families.
Policy Memo: Updated Information and Resources about the Minimum Wage
Here you can find updated information and resources about the minimum wage in Pennsylvania. You’ll be able to interact with our data and analysis on the impact of both the current minimum wage policies AND what PA would look like with a higher minimum wage. This should serve as a comprehensive resource for understanding what’s really at stake in the minimum wage debate.
Testimony: KRC’s Claire Kovach Testifies before the PA House Democratic Policy Committee
KRC’s Claire Kovach, Ph.D., testified before the PA House Democratic Policy Committee in May, advocating for raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. She provided data showing that such an increase would benefit approximately 866,000 workers, particularly women and people of color, and stimulate the economy through increased consumer spending. Kovach also discussed the importance of allowing localities to set higher minimum wages to reflect varying costs of living.
Not-So-Sweet 16: Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage is Turning 16 Years Old
We unhappily mark 16 years since the Pennsylvania minimum wage was last raised. Looking at the negative impact of wage stagnation for low wage workers, we reiterate our continued call for a $15 minimum wage. Neighboring states have already successfully raised theirs. It’s time for PA to follow their lead and get with the times.
KRC in the Press
Environmental, Labor Leaders Join House Blue-Green Caucus to Unveil Legislative Package
June 9th | By Rep. Leanne Krueger
The benefits of a package of bills to advance clean energy production and create family-sustaining jobs are espoused by, among others, KRC ED Stephen Herzenberg.
Penn Live: Republican budget cuts threaten America’s clean energy future
June 2nd | By: Stephen Herzenberg
Executive Director Stephen Herzenberg warns that Republican-led budget cuts targeting clean energy programs threaten American competitiveness, job creation, and consumer savings while potentially derailing critical environmental initiatives and economic growth across both Democratic and Republican districts.
Lancaster Online: State Sen. Malone: It’s time to deliver dignity and a living wage in Pennsylvania
May 30th | By: State Sen. James Malone
State Senator James Malone outlines the importance of raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to a level that will benefit all. He cites KRC’s work on the impact of a potential increase.
Pittsburgh Tribune: PA’s clean energy renaissance — a model for economic growth
May 29th | By: KRC’s Diana Polson
KRC’s Diana Polson, Ph.D. explains how strategic federal investment thought the Inflation Reduction Act has helped PA start on the road towards building a sustainable, green manufacturing economy that will immensely benefit Pennsylvania’s economy.
Politics PA: Yes, A PA Republican Could Have Blocked the ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ It Didn’t Happen
May 22nd | By: Steve Urlich
This story quotes liberally from KRC’s statement on proposed cuts in Medicaid and food stamps as well as the negative consequences of rolling back clean energy and manufacturing funding.
Lehigh Valley Business Journal: Bill to fight construction worker exploitation passes PA House
May 18th | By: Ed Gruver
KRC’s analysis of the scope and ramifications of worker misclassification is cited.
PennLive: Pennsylvania needs more skilled workers to boost our economy
May 14th | By: Robert Torres, former Sect. of the Commonwealth
Former Acting Sect. of the Commonwealth Robert Torres uses KRC’s work on the shortage of skilled workers in PA to illustrate his point that the state government must do more to improve skilled trades training.
York Daily Record: The economic power of skilled trades in Pennsylvania
May 7th| By: Kay Litman
Mentions KRC’s finding that for every $1 spent on skilled trades training, PA sees $8 in corresponding economic activity.
PA House Democratic Caucus: Lawmakers, workers rally for PA to Raise the Wage
May 5th
Claire Kovach’s testimony before the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee on the benefits of raising the minimum wage is highlighted.
Fox 43: Bill introduced in Pennsylvania Senate would raise minimum wage to $15/hour by 2026
May 5th | By: Keith Schweigert
KRC’s data showing that 1.3 million Pennsylvanians would directly or indirectly benefit from a minimum wage hike is mentioned.