Matt Cartwright for Senate: July 2020
General election campaign kickoff in Scranton:
Hello, hello thank you!
I am so proud to kick off the general election campaign, here in Pennsylvania, in the Cradle of Democracy. Over the last year and a half we have seen real results for our state. Unemployment has come crashing down, vaccination rates have skyrocketed, our infrastructure is stronger and more reliable and our businesses and schools are open again without risk to our own safety. Unfortunately the Republican party chose to oppose this relief for working families every step of the way. They cry of partisanship to distract you from the gains this country is making. But these divisive tactics are not going to sway the American people. We're ready to keep moving into the future.
For too long, the workers of our country have been set aside while powerful corporations grow more and more influential in our political process. For too long, drug addiction and poverty have shot up in our homes while we have no solutions from Washington. For too long we have let our leaders betray us with a lack of transparency and accountability. Well I'm here today to say that this will not be a campaign of weak platitudes. This will be a 67 county campaign because I am interested in looking out for all Pennsylvanians. Whether you're from Pittston or Pittsburgh, Williamsport or Washington, Lancaster or Lock Haven, you have a voice in this campaign and you will have a voice in me if you choose me as your senator.
I'm so excited to get out on the campaign trail and hear from you all. Thank you and have a great day!
On the Issues:
Campaign fundraising: Congressman Cartwright supports transparent free and fair elections. The presence of big money in politics stands directly opposed to that ideal. Congressman Cartwright refuses to take Super PAC money and will work to fight for a future where the disastrous Citizen's United ruling can be overturned.
Labor rights: The right to organize is exactly what it says it is, a right. Rich donors know that this right is a threat to their power and it is for the reason they have fought the good working people of this country every step of the way. Taft-Hartley has been a disaster for this country and should be finally put to bed for good.
Veteran's Issues: Congressman Cartwright has always stood strong in support of our veterans. That's why he wrote the Veterans Care Financial Protection Act which implemented protections for these American heroes to make sure they receive the benefits they deserve. If elected to the senate, Congressmen Cartwright will continue to fight for a country in which no veteran lives in poverty.
Healthcare: The inability of so many in our state and in this country to receive the quality healthcare they deserve is an indictment on the entire system. Congressman Cartwright started his political career by taking on a Democratic incumbent who opposed the Affordable Care Act and winning. The ACA was a good start but we must go further. Congressman Cartwright stands in support of the public option bill being debated in the senate and if elected, will work to introduce legislation to guarantee care to all our citizens.
Energy: Pennsylvania is one of the top producers of natural gas and coal energy in the United States. They are a vital part of our economy. Congressman Cartwright stands opposed to any attempts to place a blanket ban on these industries. The congressman supports investing in renewable energy sources alongside our current consumption along with implementing a cap-and-trade system, to transition our country away from a future engulfed in pollution without putting thousands of Pennsylvanians out of work.
Campaign Schedule:July 2-3rd: Barnstorm Scranton with Asher Kaufmann
July 4th: Attend Independence Day Celebration in Courthouse Square in Scranton
July 5-14th: House Duties, speak in support of public option proposal on Appropriations committee
July 15th: Meet with Pennsylvania AFL-CIO in Harrisburg
July 16-17th: Door knocking in Harrisburg with Kylie Palmer
July 18th: Meet with IBEW Local 143 in Harrisburg
July 19th: Private meetings with PA state legislators in Harrisburg
July 20th: Rally with Tom Wolf in York
July 21th: Fundraiser in York, meet with workers at Harley-Davidson factory
July 22th: Barnstorming in Gettysburg, meet with battle site National Park workers
July 23rd: Door-knocking in Chambersburg
July 24th: Door-knocking in McConnellsburg
July 25th: Town hall in Huntingdon
July 26-30th: Constituent Services
July 31: Zoom conference with Chrissy Houlahan, Madeline Dean and Brendan Boyle to discuss paid parental leave and attracting jobs to Pennsylvania.
*Image from Wikimedia Commons
