Philadelphia Musicians’ Union Endorses Union Member Jonathan Lovitz for PA House District 182
Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Musicians’ Union Local 77, today announced its endorsement of union member (Actors’ Equity Association) and public policy expert Jonathan Lovitz to be the next State Representative for District 182, serving Philadelphia.
“Local 77 has been waiting to make our first local political endorsement until we found a champion for performing artists, their families, and the creative economy. We found that in our union brother and fellow musician, Jonathan Lovitz. He understands the unique needs of our member musicians from his own lived experience. His proven ability to get bipartisan, pro-job, pro-growth legislation passed gives our membership a sense of trust and support we have longed for in our elected officials. We’re proud to stand with Jonathan Lovitz in his historic race for the Pennsylvania House and look forward to working with him to keep musicians and all artists at the center of policymaking throughout PA,” said Local 77 President Ellen Trainer, on behalf of the Executive Board.
The Philadelphia Musicians’ Union Local 77 was one of the original 26 local unions that made up the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) when it was chartered by the AFL in 1896. United in solidarity, they seek to organize and fight for the common interests of musicians in all aspects of our industry by advocating for fair wages and working conditions, and by opposing the forces of exploitation through collective action.
“The arts make better people and stronger economies. I am so honored to earn the endorsement of my union brothers and sisters in Local 77 and hope to be the strongest champion for them and all creative industries in Philadelphia when I get to Harrisburg. Annually, the arts drive $3.4 billion in economic impact for the city of Philadelphia, while supporting more than 37,000 full-time equivalent jobs, which generate $930 million in household income and over $157 million in tax revenue. District 182 includes the famed “Avenue of the Arts” and who better to fight and win for the musicians, venues, and supporting industries than someone with a lifetime of experience in the performing arts? ,” said candidate Jonathan Lovitz.
Lovitz joined his first union almost 15 years ago as a member of Actors’ Equity — part of the AFL-CIO family of affiliated unions. His passion for service and taking care of his neighbors is informed by the solidarity he felt from his first days as a union member. He is the only union member in the race for PA House District 182, and brings with him decades of experience advocating for the arts and the creative economy.
Over the last decade, Lovitz wrote and helped pass more than twenty-five state and local laws, including right here in Pennsylvania, opening up billions of dollars in contracts and economic development. Engaging the support of unions and advocating for their inclusion on major projects has been key to his success as a lawmaker and advocate over these many years.
“I believe in unions. I will fight for unions. And I will always be proud to carry my union card in my wallet. My hope and prayer is to be able to carry that card onto the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives as one of the strongest champions for organized labor, working people, and our economy that we’ve had in a long, long time,” added Lovitz.
His work ethic is rooted in a belief that when we all do better, we all do better. That is why Jonathan dedicates himself to fighting for affordable and inclusive healthcare; essential services for our seniors and veterans; gun free, fully-funded schools; supporting our arts and culture institutions; preserving our environment; and protecting Philadelphians’ important voice in government and the statewide economy.
Jonathan is running to represent the people of Philadelphia in Harrisburg to continue using his advocacy, policy, and legislative skills to further listen to, fight for, and care for his Philadelphia neighbors. As Jonathan always says, “Let’s make a difference.
To learn more about Jonathan and his candidacy for the 182nd District visit www.LovitzForPA.com.
Follow him at: Twitter: @LovitzForPa • Facebook: @LovitzForPA • Instagram: @LovitzForPA
