HARRISBURG, PA – Today, Americans for Prosperity-Pennsylvania (AFP-PA) withdrew its endorsement of four candidates for the state House of Representatives on Monday in response to their votes in favor of a bill that would raise costs for taxpayers for public works projects.
State Representatives Jeremy Shaffer (LD-28), Valerie Gaydos (LD-44), Joe Emerick (LD-137), and Martina White (LD-170) lost AFP-PA’s endorsements for their votes to expand Pennsylvania’s Prevailing Wage Act that Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law last week. In response, AFP-PA halted its canvassing, advertisements, voter outreach, and all other support for these candidates.
AFP-PA had actively opposed prevailing wage mandates for over a decade because of their manipulation of private labor markets by the government that result in higher costs for taxpayers. Before this vote, AFP-PA gave lawmakers notice that their votes would count toward its annual legislative scorecard.
Emily Brey, AFP-PA state director, gave the following statement:
“By voting to expand this prevailing wage mandate, these lawmakers consciously decided to raise costs for Pennsylvania taxpayers at a time when many families in our state are concerned with the cost of living.
“Pennsylvanians deserve principled leaders representing them in Harrisburg who vote for the best interests of their constituents – no matter the consequences. AFP-PA will continue supporting candidates who fight for hardworking taxpayers.”
AFP-PA and its network of grassroots activists remain fully committed to its endorsements of six state House candidates and three state Senate candidates in competitive races across the state, including Sen. Jarrett Coleman (SD-16) and Rep. Tom Jones (SD-36).