Last week, United States Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) welcomed Villanovans to their panel event which tackled policy proposals for “greedflation” in our economy. Leading up to the election, many Americans are concerned about how elected officials will address economic policy and if they will lower the costs of daily necessities. As the incumbent senator running for re-election in Pennsylvania, Casey shared his perspectives on the issue through a discussion with Warren.
The event began with one of the Montgomery County Commissioners, Neil K. Makhija, who encouraged voter mobilization in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. He acknowledged that despite voter intimidation and threats, every citizen’s vote counts, and it is critical for Pennsylvanians to vote in the upcoming election. Makhija then introduced the moderator for the panel, State Senator Maria Collett.
The senators addressed leading the fight against “greedflation,” which Casey defined as “when greed governs the [pricing] decisions of major corporations.” They acknowledged that rising costs are a major issue for Pennsylvania voters and those across the nation. The senators discussed their goals of taking on pharmaceutical companies to lower drug costs, decreasing costs of childcare and helping Pennsylvanians afford basic necessities. Throughout the session, Casey reiterated his passion for supporting the middle class and addressing illegal price gouging practices.
“We have to pass price gouging legislation to hold these companies accountable,” Casey said.
Both Casey and Warren also discussed passing Senate legislation to ensure more affordable housing measures and lower childcare costs, efforts aimed to support Pennsylvanians in their everyday lives.
“This is real life,” Casey said. “This is a burden on families and on the cost of living.”
Warren spoke of her goal to empower citizens.
“Our job in the federal government is to put power back into your hands and to level the playing field,” she said.
The Villanovan also had the special opportunity to speak with both senators about voting as Villanovans in Pennsylvania races. Both Senators emphasized the critical nature of voting as students, and the impact our generation can have on the upcoming election.
With the privilege of voting in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania, The Villanovan asked senators about the role of student voting and how Villanovans can make an impact.
Casey acknowledged the influence that students can play in the upcoming election, specifically college students. He noted that voting as a student is “very important.”
Warren supported Casey’s response.
“It is the students’ futures that are on the line, and that’s all the way from student loan debt, childcare later on or finding a house,” Warren said. “Ultimately, it’s about what kind of economy we are trying to build and whether our democracy survives.”
Casey and Warren encouraged students to get out and vote, and to capitalize on the opportunity to let their voice be heard.
“The only way this can happen is if everyone gets out and votes,” Warren said. “If you guys vote, you guys win.”
The Villanovan also spoke with Collett, who echoed Casey and Warren’s statements regarding student voting.
“We know that the path to the White House comes right through Pennsylvania,” Collett said.
She discussed the importance of reading the whole ballot and voting for one’s state representative and state senator.
“Now is the time for students to get registered and get out to the polls,” Collett said. “Get out there and vote.”
