The Democratic Socialists of America are planning to hold their first ever “rust belt” caucus conference in Pittsburgh this weekend.

With a call to “radicalize the rust belt,” DSA groups across the country support:

A single-payer healthcare system that could cost $32 trillion if implemented nationally and would cost well over $12 billion if Pennsylvania-specific legislation were enacted.

“Free” higher education for all, which would come at a cost of $8 billion in Pennsylvania.

Open borders and the elimination of ICE.

It has been four weeks since the Republican Party of Pennsylvania asked Pennsylvania Democrat Congressional candidates where they stand on the DSA agenda and, thus far, there has been no response.

Similarly, Democrat Lt. Governor nominee John Fetterman—who is campaigning today with DNC Chairman Tom Perez—has sought the endorsement of socialists, campaigned openly with avowed DSA supporter Bernie Sanders, and supports DSA concepts like single-payer healthcare and “free” higher education for all.

Gov. Tom Wolf has not signaled whether or not he supports his running mate’s DSA beliefs and their associated tax increase.

Currently, four Democratic statehouse nominees have openly stated their DSA affiliation.

In response to the DSA “rust belt” caucus conference coming to Pittsburgh, Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Val DiGiorgio, made the following statement:

“Democratic socialists support a radical agenda that seeks to take away individual freedom in the name of principles that would cause a self-claimed ‘ ‘massive redistribution of income’.’

“It is unbelievable that less than 30 years following the end of the Cold War—a period in our nation’s history where we were united in opposing socialist forms of government—that some in our nation have forgotten the sacrifices made to ensure our freedom from these very same ideals professed by the Democratic Socialists of America.

“Socialist values and concepts, which would do no less than deprive individuals the freedom of prosperity and implement a system of massive government control of earnings, have no place in an American society that values the ability of the individual, liberty, and entrepreneurial spirit.”

###