The Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association (PPFFA) urges their members to support the retention of Supreme Court Justices Kevin Dougherty, Christine Donahue, and David Wecht on Nov 4. The PPFFA believes that these justices understand the importance of protecting union families and public safety employees, and that they will continue to protect workers’ rights in the future. 

On October 29, Senate Bill 365 took effect, providing PTSI (post-traumatic stress injury) benefits under workers’ compensation for Pennsylvania fire fighters. This milestone ensures that fire fighters suffering mental health injuries due to traumatic incidents can finally access the lifesaving support they deserve.  

The PPFFA have stated that Senate Bill 365 was necessary because a conservative, anti-worker Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in 1990 that fire fighters and first responders were not eligible for workers’ compensation for mental injuries. That court claimed that trauma was “part of the job.” Senate Bill 365 corrects this injustice, and the PPFFA believes this highlights why this Pennsylvania Supreme Court race is so important to working families and first responders. 

“The PTSI milestone shows how important it is to have a judiciary that respects the rights of workers and their families,” said Pat Martin, Secretary-Treasurer of the PPFFA. “This election I am voting like my union benefits are on the ballot — because they are. I’m voting YES on retention, and I encourage all PPFFA members and those who want to build and retain workers’ rights to do the same.” 

PA Supreme Court Retention--"Yes" votes for retention

Christine Donohue

Kevin Dougherty

David Wecht

Municipal and Lower Court Races

Dan Miller for Common Pleas Judge

Brandon Neuman for Superior Court

Marco Bulisco for County Commissioner

Matthew Tuerk for Mayor of Allentown