Blue Pennsylvania: Why We Vote in Every Election

In Pennsylvania, the Abortion Control Act of 1982 prohibited Medicaid funding to be used to pay for abortions in Pennsylvania.    In 2019, a group of seven abortion providers filed a lawsuit arguing that this restriction violates the Equal Rights Amendment in the state constitution.  Although Commonwealth Court found that the providers had no standing to challenge the abortion funding ban, the Supreme Court subsequently instructed Commonwealth Court in 2024 to determine if the plaintiff’s argument had merit.  This week, a Commonwealth Court panel of seven judges voted 4-3 to overturn the ban, determining that the ban violated Pennsylvania’s Equal Rights Amendment, which states that “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania because of the sex of the individual”.

One of the judges who voted with the majority on this issue was Michael Wojcik, who, you may remember, ran for retention of his seat in 2025, and won.  If he had not won his retention vote, there is a strong possibility that poor women might continue to be denied medical choices available to wealthier women in the commonwealth.  And because of those of you who voted to retain Wojcik in last year’s election, in all probability, you also elected to save a number of lives.

As we prepare to knock on doors and make those calls, there is no doubt that we are going to encounter that doubting Thomas (or Thomasina) who

·      will question what good does voting do; or

·      will tell us that they only vote in presidential elections; or

·      will inform us that all candidates are exactly the same.

The saga of how the Medicaid ban on abortion was eliminated should be a good object lesson for those naysayers.

As a reminder, below are the state races that are the most important in November.  (More about the Congressional races after the primary.)

PA Senate

SD-6 - Eileen Harnett Albillar – Bucks County

“She’ll go to Harrisburg and fight to lower our costs, grow our local economy so we have good paying jobs that can support a family, and fully fund our public schools.”

Learn more about Eileen at https://www.eileenforpa.com/

SD-24 - Chris Thomas – Berks and Montgomery Counties

“Now, he’s running for Pennsylvania State Senate in District 24 to take on the cost-of-living crisis and stand up for working families. He believes no one should have to choose between groceries and prescriptions, heat and rent, or child care and keeping the lights on.  Chris is running to fully and fairly fund public schools, lower everyday costs, and make healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone — because the government should work for the people, not the powerful.”

Learn more about Chris at https://www.christhomas.vote/

SD-40 - Brian Wrightson  - Lackawanna, Monroe, and Wayne Counties

“Affordability, healthcare access, transportation, utilities, housing, clean energy, and broadband — are all connected. When one part fails, the whole community feels it. His approach is practical and rooted in listening.” 

Learn more about Brian at https://wrightsonforsenate.net/

PA House

HD-142 - Kristin Egan – Bucks County

Education “Our current funding model is unconstitutional and puts an unfair burden on local taxpayers. I’m running to fix the system so that cyber charter schools stop siphoning away our hard-earned tax dollars and every student in District 142 has a safe, modern place to learn.”

Cost of Living “Our seniors, who have given so much to this district, deserve to retire with dignity and not be taxed out of their homes.”

Living Wage “A living wage isn't just a 'cost'; it’s an investment in our local economy.”

Learn more about Kristin at https://www.kristineganforpa.com/

HD-137 - Jeff Warren – Northampton County

• Lower the Cost of Living: We must hold price gouging corporations accountable, from the cost of essentials from groceries to housing to health care.

• Fairly Fund Our Local Schools: We must give our kids better opportunities and lower the property tax burden on homeowners.

• Even the Playing Field: We must ensure big corporations pay their fair share in taxes.

• Housing Attainability: We must implement new policies that will make housing more attainable for all members of our community.

• Boost Funding for Public Safety & First Responders: We must ensure our police, fire departments, and EMS have the tools they need.

• Increase Mental Health Funding: We must provide enhanced mental health resources for schools and members of our community.

• Preserving Open Space and Farmland: We must continue working with our local communities to ensure we preserve as much farmland and open space as possible into the future.

Learn more about Jeff at https://www.jeffwarrenforpa.com/

HD-160 – Elizabeth Moro – Chester and Delaware Counties

Education “she’s committed to ensuring fair education funding so that every child receives access to the resources of a great education, no matter their zip code. She will also work to ensure higher education is affordable and expand job training and skilled trades programs so that the next generation has the tools they need to build a stronger Pennsylvania.”

Health Care “Elizabeth understands the connection between mental and physical health and will work to reduce the price of prescription drugs, make sure our hospitals are properly staffed and funded, and that those who provide healthcare receive the support that they need.”

Housing “Elizabeth will work to increase housing supply, protect renters, and support tax policies that help reduce housing costs while supporting sensible development.”

Local Economy “Elizabeth will fight to lower costs, increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, and bring good, family-sustaining jobs in the skilled trades back to our community.”

Learn more about Elizabeth at https://elizabethmoro.com/

Thanks,

Coleman