Pennsylvania college students hold day of action over affordability

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. (WHTM) — The ongoing federal government shutdown and state budget stalemate aren’t good for anyone, but one generation says it’s suffering more than most.

That’s on top of ongoing affordability issues for what’s known as “Generation Z.”

“Day of Action” events took place Wednesday at six different Pennsylvania campuses as part of Project 26 Pennsylvania, including two in the Midstate.

Tombstones visualized various facets of life and the economy at Penn State Harrisburg.

“A government that listens to us and works for us,” said Aimee Van Cleave, interim executive director of Project 26 Pennsylvania. “So many things that were attainable for other folks are now essentially dead to Gen Z.”

“Rest in peace to your job security, rest in peace to your homes that you plan to buy, because being a homeowner as a Gen Z-er is not going to be easy in any way, shape or form,” said Danae Martin, a Penn State Harrisburg junior.

It’s a way to get the attention of Penn State Harrisburg students rushing to-and-from class.

Martin’s platypus costume is another way.

“People see this and they’re like, ‘What’s that over there?’ and they come,” Martin said. “Then you get that more serious conversation when they come.”

Conversations about topics like what’s sometimes called the “Pink Tax.”

“The pink tax is the idea that there are goods and services that are just more expensive for women than they are for men,” Van Cleave said.

All part of broader affordability issues.

“About how they’re going to be able to find a job when they graduate, how they are going to able to pay for housing and even just basic necessities like groceries and gas and utility bills,” Van Cleave said.

“There’s a lot of people that are frustrated and this event allows people to vent out those frustrations but in a more conductive and progressive and peaceful way,” said Rashide Barro, a junior, helping students write postcards to elected leaders.

Along with Penn State Harrisburg, similar demonstrations took place at Dickinson College, Temple University, Lehigh University and the University of Pittsburgh.