Earlier this month, PA Stands Up gathered members from across the Commonwealth for our 2026 Member Convening! 

We came together to get clear on our vision, strengthen our organizing, and prepare for fights ahead. We built new relationships, grounded ourselves in this political moment, honored loved ones lost to systemic violence at a candlelit community vigil, shared art, danced, sang, and deepened our commitment to building power in our communities.. 

And we didn’t stop at reflection. We took Action

One group went to Lancaster to demand elected officials vote NO on the proposed data center site at the Harrisburg Pike Overpass, because we know that when big tech profits, our communities pay the price. 

Another group delivered the People’s Declaration – signed by Pennsylvanians from across the commonwealth in support of fair, affordable housing legislation to State House Representative Izzy Smith-Wade-El. We asked Izzy to stand with us and present the People’s Declaration to the State House on March 25th, and he said yes!! 

That same energy carried forward. 

On Wednesday, the 25th, more than 150 Pennsylvanians filled the East Wing Rotunda of the State Capitol. People shared personal stories about  losing food assistance, health coverage, and other lifeline programs that are being gutted by federal budget cuts. Together, we called on legislators to tax billionaires to fund the programs our communities need to survive. 

Alongside our partners in the All Eyes on Yass coalition, we demanded that Pennsylvania’s lawmakers confront our revenue crisis head-on by making corporations, Big Tech companies, and billionaires pay their fair share in taxes.

The Trump administration’s federal budget cuts are hitting Pennsylvania hard and fast, inflicting severe damage already: 

• 89,000 people have been kicked off SNAP
• 90,000 to 100,000 people have lost Pennie healthcare because they can no longer afford it.
• 14 hospitals could shutter without state intervention.

These aren’t just numbers. They’re our neighbors, our friends, and our families. They are parents skipping meals so their children can eat. They are people rationing insulin so they can afford to get to work. They are families in rural communities who drive for hours to reach an emergency room.  

Luz Zapata, member of Make the Road Action PA, said:

“I almost died recently from a cardiovascular event. It turns out I was highly anemic, and because of a lapse in health coverage, I didn’t know about it until one day I collapsed. I was choosing between keeping a roof over our heads and feeding my family, or paying an astronomical insurance premium, and my kids almost lost their mom. The crisis is here. We have at least 33 legislators who understand that and recognize it’s time to tax billionaires. Now we’re asking the others: Where do you stand? Will you make the richest pay their fair share, or will you balance the budget on the backs of people losing healthcare like me?”

This crisis is real – but so is our power.

The Tax Billionaires, Fund PA revenue plan would raise nearly $6 billion in new, recurring revenue by closing corporate tax loopholes, requiring Big Tech companies to pay for digital ads that profit off Pennsylvania consumers and our data, and taxing the unearned income of Pennsylvania’s billionaires.

34 state representatives and senators have backed the plan so far, and with our support, that list will keep growing. It’s up to us to fight for a PA that works for all of us. Tell your legislators that it’s time to Tax Billionaires, Fund PA!

In solidarity,

Edwin, Hannah, & Alec: PA Stands Up Comms Team

We’re building a statewide communications team of narrative weavers who can challenge the lies and division spread by billionaires and corrupt politicians. Will you join us?