ELYSBURG, PA — On May 29, Affordable Pennsylvania hosted a day of fun and community for working families who are finding it harder to afford summer vacation as everyday costs continue to rise. 

Families from NEPA, the Lehigh Valley, the Poconos and South Central PA came together at Knoebels Amusement Resort to talk about how rising costs from health care and groceries to gas and utility bills are pushing summer vacations and leisure time further out of reach. 

Affordable PA provided the families with free ride tickets, gas cards and a catered lunch so they could spend the day together having fun without having to worry about the cost. 

Attendees heard from Jannesy DeLeon, home health care worker, disability advocate and children’s book author; and Steve Parashac, Wilkes-Barre resident and cancer survivor; about how rising costs are impacting their families. 

Nearly 70 percent of Americans say they are cutting back or canceling plans this summer due to higher gas prices. Since the start of the war with Iran, the cost of gasoline has gone up by 49 percent for Pennsylvanians, while jet fuel has gone up 56 percent nationwide. The average cost of gas in Pennsylvania is over $4.50/gallon.

Reps. Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan and Scott Perry all voted against a resolution that would require congressional approval for further military action in Iran, continuing to green-light a conflict that is driving up gas prices and costs for working families across our commonwealth.

Grocery prices surged higher in April, more than any month in the last four years. The rise in prices is mostly driven by a major oil shock caused by the war with Iran, which has pushed diesel prices higher, compounding already fast-rising prices.

"Families across Pennsylvania are feeling the squeeze of rising costs every time they get in their car, go to the store, or get a bill in the mail. Currently skyrocketing gas and oil prices are only compounding the financial strain. Reps. Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan and Scott Perry voted to continue green-lighting the war in Iran, which has raised gas prices in our commonwealth by 49 percent. We are calling on our congressmen to take action and vote to lower costs for working families. Taking a vacation or spending a day at the amusement park shouldn't be out of reach," said Rachele Fortier, executive director of Affordable Pennsylvania. 

Affordable Pennsylvania is fighting to expose elected leaders who promised to stand with working families and lower costs, only to take vote after vote, neglecting the needs of their constituents. We hope the stories of their constituents will persuade them to reverse course and support legislation to lower costs for families. Learn more at https://www.affordablepennsylvania.org/.

Affordable Pennsylvania

https://www.affordablepennsylvania.org/