Monroe County Democratic Black Caucus

10/21/2026

🗳️ BEYOND THE BALLOT BOX: WHAT DID WE LEARN?

THE HOT SEAT candidate forum reminded us that while political perspectives may differ, our communities share many of the same concerns:

🔹 Government accountability and transparency
🔹 Affordable housing, jobs, and livable wages
🔹 Healthcare, maternal health, and senior services
🔹 Education and civic participation
🔹 Responsible development and environmental protection
🔹 Civil rights and criminal justice reform

THE RESPONSIBILITY DOESN’T END ON ELECTION DAY!

Civic engagement means holding elected officials accountable—not just for campaign promises, but for their votes, decisions, and impact on our communities.

The Black Caucus of Monroe County remains committed to creating spaces where residents can ask questions, demand answers, and make their voices heard.

Our communities deserve more than promises. They deserve accountability, transparency, and results.

✊🏾 Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay connected. VOTE 🗳️🇺🇸

Election Day - Tuesday November 3rd.
Our VOICE 🗳️ Our VOTE 🇺🇸

10/20/2026

Summary from the candidates who participated in the Black Caucus THE HOT SEAT Forum:

***How do decisions made in Harrisburg affect the daily lives of the people back home?***

Brian Wrightson: Rural Broadband, Small Businesses, and Economic Opportunity

Brian Wrightson, candidate for Senate District 40, discussed the importance of listening to residents and ensuring that rural communities are not overlooked in statewide policy decisions.

He shared how his grandfather, a World War II veteran who experienced racial discrimination and difficulties accessing state services, influenced his understanding of public service.

One of Wrightson’s priorities was expanding reliable broadband access for students, farmers, families, and small businesses.

Drawing on his experience in the communications industry, he described how inadequate internet connectivity can limit educational opportunities and economic growth.

Wrightson also discussed his experiences as a small-business owner, including business setbacks and rebuilding efforts, and expressed support for expanding tax credits and incentives for local businesses and agriculture.

On housing, he advocated for strengthening homebuyer assistance programs, particularly for communities that have historically faced barriers to homeownership and wealth-building.

When questioned about representing communities outside his home county, Wrightson stated that he would seek to represent all constituents, including residents who did not support his candidacy.

He also raised concerns about legislative gridlock in Harrisburg and the need for stronger attention to northeastern Pennsylvania’s priorities.

Election Day - Tuesday November 3rd.
Our VOICE 🗳️ Our VOTE 🇺🇸



Monroe County Democratic Black Caucus
Brian Wrightson for PA State Senate 40

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

Summary from the candidates who participated in the Black Caucus THE HOT SEAT Forum:

***How do decisions made in Harrisburg affect the daily lives of the people back home?***

Tom Kucer: Workers, Housing, and Criminal Justice Reform

Tom Kucer, candidate for House District 176, drew upon his experience in organized labor and construction management to discuss affordable housing, infrastructure, wages, and environmental protection.

Kucer expressed support for raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 per hour as an initial step, while also providing assistance to small businesses adjusting to increased labor costs.

On data center development, he distinguished between upgrading existing infrastructure and large-scale projects that could negatively affect the Pocono region’s environment and natural resources.

He also questioned whether Pennsylvania’s gasoline tax revenues were producing sufficient improvements to local roads and transportation infrastructure.

When asked about issues affecting Black and Brown communities, Kucer addressed racial disparities in incarceration and expressed support for reentry services and parole reform.

He emphasized the importance of helping formerly incarcerated individuals overcome barriers to employment, housing, and reintegration into their communities.

Kucer concluded by challenging the incumbent’s representation and calling for greater visibility and responsiveness from elected officials.

Election Day - Tuesday November 3rd.
Our VOICE 🗳️ Our VOTE 🇺🇸


Tom Kucer

10/18/2026

Election Day - Tuesday November 3rd.
Our VOICE 🗳️ Our VOTE 🇺🇸

https://vote.pa/

10/18/2026

Summary from the candidates who participated in Black Caucus THE HOT SEAT. Forum:

***How do decisions made in Harrisburg affect the daily lives of the people back home?***

Tarah Probst: Education, Health Care, and Community Representation

Representative Tarah Probst focused on public education, maternal health, infrastructure, and expanding civic participation.

Probst discussed her involvement with the Black Maternal Health Caucus and efforts to address racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, including postpartum support and access to medical services.

She also addressed proposed protections for vulnerable immigrant children, emphasizing the need for oversight of caregiver placements, school attendance, and child safety.

Regarding Interstate 80 construction, Probst expressed concerns about traffic, environmental preservation, tourism, and the need for greater community input.

Education funding remained another central issue. Probst discussed school funding disparities and the financial burden placed on local property taxpayers.

She also expressed support for allowing unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections without changing their party registration.

Reflecting on her working-class upbringing and path into public service, Probst connected her experiences to her priorities involving education, economic opportunity, and community representation.

Election Day - Tuesday November 3rd.
Our VOICE 🗳️ Our VOTE 🇺🇸
Friends of Tarah Probst

10/17/2026

Community Engagement Highlights:

***How do decisions made in Harrisburg affect the daily lives of the people back home?***

Maureen Madden: Making Government Investments Meaningful

Representative Maureen Madden discussed state investments supporting community projects, including the YMCA in Stroudsburg, mobile mammography services, the Heritage Center, and health services at the Mountain Center.

As chair of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, Madden addressed challenges facing seniors, particularly transportation, access to health care, and the ability to remain independent in their homes.

She also discussed Pennsylvania’s expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which increased income eligibility and expanded assistance for qualifying homeowners and renters.

Additional discussion focused on maternal health, access to OB-GYN services, protecting vulnerable immigrant children, and the effects of federal policies on local families.

On infrastructure and development, Madden raised concerns about Interstate 80 construction, traffic congestion, environmental protection, and the potential impact of data centers on the Pocono region.

Her discussion centered on connecting government investments to accessible services and tangible community benefits.

Election Day November 3rd 🗳️🇺🇸
Our VOICE Our VOTE 🗳️

10/16/2026

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPOTLIGHT

The THE HOT SEAT: Four Candidates, One Community Conversation

The Black Caucus welcomed four Democratic candidates seeking seats in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and State House a few weeks back.

* State Representative Maureen Madden — House District 115
* State Representative Tarah Probst — House District 189
* Tom Kucer — House District 176
* Brian Wrightson — Senate District 40

Candidates addressed issues ranging from public education and health care to economic opportunity, environmental protection, criminal justice reform, and government accountability.

Although each candidate brought different experiences and priorities, the conversations repeatedly returned to a central concern: How do decisions made in Harrisburg affect the daily lives of the people back home?

In the coming days …the Caucus will highlight what was said by the candidates and takeaways.

Election Day - November 3rd.
OUR VOTE OUR VOICE 🇺🇸🗳️

10/16/2026