Mary Gay Scanlon: “I am proud to rise in support of the PRO Act. This much-needed legislation rebalances the economic playing field to give…”

“I am proud to rise in support of the PRO Act. This much-needed legislation rebalances the economic playing field to give workers a fair shake, and it is long overdue. Two nights ago, the President stood here and talked about how great the economy is doing, how the stock market is soaring, and unemployment is falling. But the truth on the ground is that people in the middle class and below are not being lifted by this tide. The cost of housing, childcare, education, and other basic essentials are rising at rates not matched by stagnant wages. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a report by the Foundation for Delaware County and Philadelphia Citizens For Children and Youth. Underwater: What's Sinking Families in Delaware County [From PCCY, Public Citizens for Children and Youth, Mar. 2019] The American Dream is eroding in Delaware County. Incomes that used to provide a comfortable middle class life are no longer enough to even cover the basics. Four in ten families are likely to be underwater if they're raising children. Their financial outlook is bleak--a far cry from the prosperity that their parents enjoyed. And if things continue down this road, their children face a future of continued decline. Hard-working families earning $50,000, for instance, are likely to be more than $3,000 in debt between child care, health care, housing, utilities, transportation, food, and taxes. And that's with the help of crucial child care and health insurance benefits.…”