Philadelphia, PA − October 31, 2025 − Senators Vincent Hughes and Art Haywood, and Representative Tarik Khan, hosted a press conference at Share Food Program in Philadelphia to demand that Republican lawmakers help the people they serve. Lawmakers, advocates, union leaders, and community members spoke about multiple issues including the impending freeze on SNAP benefits, the delay of LIHEAP benefits, and the need for an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits.
“This is a crisis that lies squarely on the shoulders of Republicans. We’re here to say a simple message to them- put the people over the politics. There is nothing wrong with people feeding their families, heating their homes, or accessing quality healthcare. Put the people first,” said Senator Hughes.
Senator Haywood added, “All Pennsylvanians will be impacted by the political games Republicans are playing. If people can’t access healthcare, emergency room wait times will get longer, for everybody. If people can’t buy food for their families, grocery stores will see sales decline and likely need to lay off workers or close completely. That means longer lines or no access to a grocery store, for everyone.”
In addition to calling on Republicans to do their job, state Democratic lawmakers introduced a bill that would take $62 million from Pennsylvania’s rainy day fund to support food banks, meals on wheels, and Pennsylvania farmers.
“Make no mistake, food is medicine. I’m a healthcare provider and I can tell you, if people don’t have food they are going to die,” said Representative Tarik Khan. “Washington is not only taking away people’s SNAP benefits, they are taking away their dignity. I’m proud to be a Democrat, a party that supports dignity, health, and safety.”
Other press conference speakers included, George Matysik, Executive Director, Share Food Program; Joanna Rosenhein, Consumer Engagement Manager, Pennsylvania Health Access Network; Phil Glover, National Vice President, AFGE; Danny Bauder, President, Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO; office of Representative Roni Green; Lorraine Gomez, local senior; Lolita Owens, SEIU homecare worker.
A full video of the press conference is available online.
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