2025-2026 Legislative Session Year
Black Business Procurement
Supporting Black-owned businesses is a key economic priority for the PLBC, with a focus on equitable procurement practices. The agenda includes legislation to mandate state agencies to allocate a specific percentage of contracts to minority-owned enterprises. These measures aim to address systemic inequities in access to government contracts and foster economic growth in Black communities. Additionally, the caucus advocates for increased funding for small business development programs, technical assistance, and mentorship opportunities to empower Black entrepreneurs.
Criminal Justice Reform
Criminal justice reform is a central pillar of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) agenda, aimed at addressing systemic inequities within the justice system that disproportionately affect Black communities. The caucus supports measures to end mass incarceration, eliminate cash bail, and reform sentencing laws for nonviolent offenses. Key initiatives also include enhancing police accountability, expanding access to reentry programs, and investing in restorative justice practices. By prioritizing fairness, rehabilitation, and community safety, the PLBC seeks to create a justice system that operates equitably and upholds the dignity of all Pennsylvanians.
Education
Education is a cornerstone of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) agenda, with a
focus on addressing systemic inequities in funding, access, and outcomes for Black and underserved students. The caucus advocates for increased investment in public schools, equitable distribution of educational resources, and accountability measures to close achievement gaps. Efforts also include expanding access to early childhood education, implementing culturally responsive curricula, and enhancing support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through these initiatives, the PLBC seeks to ensure that every student, regardless of zip code or background, has the opportunity to succeed academically and beyond.
Environmental Justice
Environmental justice is another pivotal focus for the PLBC, recognizing the disproportionate environmental burdens borne by communities of color. The legislative agenda aims to combat issues like air and water pollution, industrial contamination, and inadequate infrastructure in low-income neighborhoods. Proposed measures include stricter regulations on industrial emissions, enhanced public participation in environmental decision-making, and targeted investment in green infrastructure. Through these initiatives, the PLBC seeks to create healthier, more sustainable living environments for marginalized communities across the state.
Health Equity
The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) prioritizes codifying the Office of Health Equity as a cornerstone of its agenda to address health disparities affecting marginalized communities. This legislative effort seeks to establish the office as a permanent entity within the state government, ensuring it has the authority and resources to tackle inequities in access to care, chronic disease prevention, and social determinants of health. By embedding this office in state law, PLBC aims to create a sustainable framework for addressing systemic barriers such as Black Maternal Health, that disproportionately impact Black and underserved populations in Pennsylvania.
Housing
The PLBC prioritizes affordable and equitable housing policies to combat housing insecurity and systemic discrimination in Pennsylvania’s housing market. Key initiatives include increasing funding for affordable housing development, strengthening tenant protections, and addressing discriminatory practices like redlining and predatory lending. The caucus also supports measures to expand access to homeownership for Black families, recognizing its critical role in building generational wealth. By championing fair housing policies, the PLBC aims to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing options.
Human Relations/Civil Rights
The PLBC is committed to strengthening the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to advance civil rights protections statewide. This includes expanding the Act's coverage to address modern forms of discrimination in housing, employment, education, and public accommodations. The caucus also seeks to enhance enforcement mechanisms to ensure swift and equitable resolution of civil rights violations. By modernizing these protections, the PLBC aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society that reflects the diversity of Pennsylvania’s population.
Minimum Wage
The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) is steadfast in its commitment to raising the state’s minimum wage as a vital step toward economic equity. The caucus advocates for a living wage that reflects the rising cost of living and ensures that workers can meet their basic needs without falling into poverty. This legislative priority includes not only increasing the minimum wage but also indexing it to inflation to provide consistent wage growth over time. By addressing wage disparities that disproportionately impact Black and low-income workers, the PLBC aims to promote financial stability and reduce economic inequality across the state.
Labor and Workforce Development
The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) emphasizes labor and workforce development as a critical component of its legislative agenda to uplift marginalized communities. The caucus advocates for policies that ensure fair wages, strengthen worker protections, and expand access to high-quality job training programs. Initiatives include raising the minimum wage, enforcing workplace anti-discrimination laws, and investing in apprenticeship programs that prioritize underrepresented groups. By addressing inequities in the labor market, the PLBC aims to create pathways to economic mobility and stability for Black workers and their families across the state.