In the midst of an election that can only be described as a setback for Democrats across the country, Democratic leadership in PA have used their slim majority in the state house to affirm their commitment in addressing the financial challenges facing Pennsylvania workers in the next term. Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro and Vice Chair Mary Isaacson re-affirmed this commitment by the appointment of subcommittee chairs to help lead the committee during the 2025-26 legislative session.
“We are committed to uplifting Pennsylvania workers, advancing bread-and-butter issues that will make life more affordable for working people across our commonwealth,” said Rep. Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County, and has been Policy Chairman since the 2021 session.
Rep. Isaacson, who represents District 175, which goes from Old City to Kensington in Philadelphia, backed up Bizzarro’s statement. “We have to make sure we are creating policies that benefit Pennsylvania families, including helping local businesses so we have more job opportunities,” she said.
State Rep. Emily Kinkead, who represents District 20 in Alleghany County, will serve as the chair of the Subcommittee on Labor, Energy and Development, whose goals are to develop the workforce in the Commonwealth, creating a responsible energy policy, and make sure that companies practice fair play when it comes to employees and competitors.
“In a time where Pennsylvanians are feeling increased economic anxiety, Democrats will continue to push policies that address the financial challenges facing working families,” said Kinkead. “Whether it is innovating to bring down the cost of energy bills, ensuring that every worker is treated with dignity and paid a living wage, or investing in programs to help our communities grow and thrive, we are going to make sure Pennsylvania knows that we will deliver for them.”
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Tarik Khan, who represents District 194 in Northwest Philly, was named chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Policies for Working People. This subcommittee focuses on increasing the quality of healthcare, addressing the inequality of the justice system, a focus on using more sustainable resources, reforming the housing market, and creating an economy that benefits the working class.
“Proud to be the party in Harrisburg whose leaders are focused on policies that improve the lives of working people, not fulfilling wish lists of special interests,” said Khan, a nurse practitioner and researcher. “I’m excited to help do the work in this extraordinary committee to improve the health and wellness of our commonwealth and ensure all Pennsylvanians have a fair shot of success, including improving access to health care, clean energy production, criminal justice reform, housing affordability, and building an economy that uplifts working Pennsylvanians.”
