Congressman Chris Deluzio’s Statement on President Biden’s 2023 State of the Union
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) attended his first State of the Union address with his guest, James “Hutchie” VanLandingham. Mr. VanLandingham is a worker in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District currently on strike from his job as a mailer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette over unfair labor practices. He has been on strike since October 6, 2022.
Congressman Deluzio released the following statement after attending President Joe Biden’s 2023 State of the Union Address:
“At my first State of the Union last night, I was glad to hear President Biden lay out his plan to get our economy working for everyday people, not just the ultra-wealthy and big corporations. Further, I’m grateful to have heard the President’s vision for the next chapter of America’s story: to defend our democratic institutions, protect reproductive freedoms, combat extremism, and make our communities safer for everyone.
“Western Pennsylvania was built by union workers, and our future depends on creating and sustaining quality, family-supporting union jobs. I was glad to hear President Biden celebrate the union way of life. His plan outlined a supercharged American domestic manufacturing sector powered by good union jobs that will rebuild America’s foundational infrastructure that finally received necessary funding last Congress.
“Far too often, the American people and workers are ripped off on all sides. Big corporate monopolies, the politicians beholden to their ultra-wealthy donors, bad trade deals with China, and anti-worker judges and companies all refuse to meet the needs of workers and treat them with dignity. Sadly, the system isn’t working for most Americans.
“My State of the Union guest, Hutchie, has a story that displays exactly how far large companies will go to save a dime or to screw over their employees. His story also displays the incredible courage of this country’s workers and unions. While on strike these past four months, Hutchie has been without healthcare, paying out-of-pocket for medicine and trying to avoid injuries that could land him with a massive medical bill. It has been a huge personal and financial risk. Hutchie, the workers at the Post-Gazette, and every single worker in America deserve better than to risk financial ruin just to stand up for respect on the job. We must rebalance the scales.
“It was an honor to host Hutchie down here in Washington and to put workers’ rights and the labor movement in front of the President and in the national spotlight. Only by pointing out what is broken can we build a brighter future. I first took the oath to serve this country when I was 17 at the Naval Academy. Now, more than 20 years later, I am honored to serve in the halls of Congress representing the good people of Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. While the challenges ahead loom large, and the fights will be tough, I know that a better future is within our grasp.”
This was both Congressman Deluzio’s and Mr. VanLandingham’s first time attending the State of the Union Address. A photo of the Congressman and his guest can be found here.
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