Sara Agerton: Aiming to Cut Costs for Families, Support PA’s Workers in Penn. House Race

Sara Agerton, a social worker and advocate for working families for 20 years, is running for the 88th State House District of Pennsylvania and says her goal for Cumberland County and Pennsylvania is to ensure economic policies alleviate the financial burdens faced by families and workers.

With Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate at 3.4% but the poverty rate at 11.8%, the need for targeted economic policies is urgent. Agerton says she wants to address these challenges facing Cumberland County and the state. Agerton says her goal is to lower the cost of housing, groceries, and other essentials by making workers’ rights and economic growth the cornerstones of her policies. From postal workers to social workers, Agerton says workers and the economy are top of mind. Agerton adds that she sees people who are working 40 hours a week and cannot afford groceries and that more must be done to set people up for success.

Last December, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) endorsed Agerton, saying in their endorsement announcement that she champions the fight for better pay and safer working conditions for workers across Pennsylvania. 

In recognition of International Social Work Day in March, Agerton rallied with social workers, advocating for policies such as a livable minimum wage and social work licensure reciprocity across state lines. She says that she believes workers need fair pay for doing the work filling the gaps left between what our communities need and what our government provides.

With two decades of experience in social work, Agerton says that she brings an understanding of the challenges confronting Pennsylvanians. She says Pennsylvanians have been asking for help funding schools, affording health care, and protecting their rights.