
Philadelphia, PA (February 4, 2025) – Following Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s address earlier today, POWER Interfaith acknowledges the priorities outlined and urges the administration and state legislators to take bold, moral action to address the critical issues impacting our communities.
As a coalition of faith communities across Pennsylvania, we recognize the moral and economic imperative of investing in policies that protect the environment, expand affordable housing, and fully fund public education. Governor Shapiro has set forth a common-sense agenda for strengthening Pennsylvania’s position as an energy leader. His plan will make energy cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable for families and businesses. It will unleash energy innovation and create thousands of jobs. While we commend efforts to streamline energy projects and lower costs for consumers, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that climate policies center environmental justice communities. We continue to support PA’s inclusion in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and are concerned that the Governor’s energy bill, the PA Climate Emissions Reduction Act, HB 2275, does not sufficiently address the needs of frontline communities most impacted by pollution and climate change, and urge state leaders to prioritize clean, renewable energy solutions that uplift vulnerable Pennsylvanians rather than corporate interests.
On education, we appreciate the commitment to increased funding but call for additional, sustained investments to fully and equitably fund Pennsylvania’s public schools. Every dollar allocated for education must go toward public schools, ensuring that all children—regardless of zip code—have access to high-quality education. Our faith traditions compel us to stand with students, families, and educators in advocating for a just and equitable education system.
Governor Shapiro’s recognition of Pennsylvania’s growing housing crisis is encouraging, and we look forward to concrete solutions that address affordability and access. Across the state, from Philadelphia to Lancaster, Pottstown to Allentown, families are struggling under the weight of skyrocketing rents and a shortage of affordable housing units. We urge the administration to advance policies that expand the supply of affordable homes, protect tenants, and provide meaningful support for those facing housing insecurity.
“Governor Shapiro’s address set the stage for critical conversations on education, housing, and climate justice, but words must be met with action,” state Sara Melton, POWER’s Managing Director of Organizing. “Our communities – particularly those most impacted – cannot afford half-measures or delays. We urge our state leaders to fully fund public education, protect tenants and homeowners from an escalating housing crisis, and commit to a just energy transition that prioritizes people over profits. POWER Interfaith stands ready to organize, advocate, and hold our leaders accountable to the moral call for justice.”
As people of faith, POWER Interfaith believes that budgets and policies are moral documents that reflect our values. We call on elected leaders to pass policies that reflect justice, equity, and care for the most vulnerable among us. POWER Interfaith remains committed to working with communities, legislators, and partners to advocate for a Pennsylvania where everyone has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
POWER Interfaith is Pennsylvania’s largest multiracial, multifaith, multigenerational faith-based organizing entity. With a network of congregations across the commonwealth from Philadelphia to Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Northampton, Lehigh, and Lancaster counties, POWER Interfaith works towards economic and racial justice on a livable planet, with the belief that every person, no matter their background, has inherent worth and dignity. The organization’s Roadmap for Justice platform outlines how to address key issues for a prosperous Pennsylvania. More about POWER Interfaith at www.powerinterfaith.org.