EDITOR’S NOTE

JENNY DEHUFF

Editor-in-chief

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE ORGANIZED LABOR MOVEMENT lost a legend last month with the death of Richard Trumka, a Democratic Party ally who was famous for defending workers’ rights, workplace safety, democracy and fairness.

After news broke of Trumka’s death, tributes and condolences began to pour in on the AFL-CIO website. Everyone from Bob Casey to Elizabeth Dole to Joe Biden remembered him as a steadfast leader, a fierce warrior and a trusted friend.

The mark Trumka left behind speaks volumes. Many would argue that unions helped build the middle class – not just in Pennsylvania, but across the nation. So, we thought it would be a good time to introduce a new member of City & State PA’s advisory board. The board is tasked with helping our editorial sta prepare and vet our power lists. Members o er their insights and diversity of opinions about the relative influence each list-maker has within their respective fields as we carefully craft our lists each month.

Joining the board is Tricia Mueller, a former longtime political director for the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters and former national political director for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Mueller founded Groundwork Strategies in 2016, a women-owned and operated public a airs and political consultancy firm with o ices in Philadelphia and Haddonfield, N.J. In her job, she helps businesses understand the language of labor unions.

This month’s issue is packed with research articles, analysis and trend pieces and features that a ect labor leaders. Our cover story is a personality profile that explores the gubernatorial bid of former congressman and Hazleton mayor Lou Barletta – the once polarizing figure in Pennsylvania politics who allied himself with Donald Trump, but now may be attempting to distance himself from the former president in an e ort to gain bipartisan support.

We tackled what it would mean if Congress passed the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, e ectively making it easier for workers to form unions. We examine both sides of the coin when it comes to minimum wage – what a hike would mean for lower income families as well as business owners.

We look at what police departments across the state are doing to grow their ranks and attract new recruits – especially minorities. And as kids go back to school, we ask a few local experts what the big debate is over critical race theory.

And we hope you’ll join us for our next event on Sept. 14, when we celebrate the Pennsylvania Labor Power 100 at the Moshulu in Philly. Now, I’d better get back to work, because you know what they say: You’re either working hard or you’re hardly working.

Tricia Mueller Board member