Now that Pennsylvania is transitioning to a full Medicaid expansion, what happens if the Supreme Court decides to unravel Obamacare? And will Gov. Tom Wolf’s death penalty moratorium survive a lawsuit filed by the Philadelphia DA? Hear the answers to those questions in his first Essential Pittsburgh interview since the election.
Regarding his plan for using the sales tax to help the Commonwealth's budget deficit, Wolf explains:
"We simply can't keep doing what we're doing -- that is, consume public goods but not pay for them, and we've been doing that for years and years. It's a bipartisan thing, but we need to finally address that, and be honest about the deficits, and I want to do that. - Gov. Wolf
Also in the program, Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak discusses ongoing efforts by UMPC workers to unionize, Evelyn Roche tells the story of Guinness beer, WESA contributor Margaret J. Krauss gives some history of LGBT culture in Pittsburgh, and business contributor Rebecca Harris talks women in the workplace.
UPMC Workers Fight to Form a Union (starts at 11:15)
Pittsburgh City Council is set to vote today on a resolution to stand with UPMC workers and their push for $15 an hour and the right to form a union. Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak supports the workers and explains what has happened in the year since 2,000 people demonstrated downtown.
The Guinness Story (starts at 21:44)
On this St. Patrick's Day when all things Irish are being celebrated there’s bound to be a toast or two done with a pint of Guinness. Joining us all the way from Dublin, Ireland with a history of the ale is Evelyn Roche, Media Relations Manager for the Guinness Storehouse.
WESA Celebrates Inventing Pittsburgh (starts at 34:33)
In this week's installment Margaret J. Krauss reports that gay life in Pittsburgh was a distinct expression of time and place, and grew from the city's longstanding culture of private social clubs.
Business of Women's History Month (starts at 38:45)
March is Women’s History Month and in this week’s business segment contributor Rebecca Harris looks at the contributions women make in the workplace.
To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be heard here.
