West Montgomery Times

HARRISBURG – On Tuesday, March 19, Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) engaged in a telephone Town Hall with residents in her district to delve into Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2024-2025 budget. Governor Shapiro's budget proposal has sparked concerns among Pennsylvanians, with Senator Pennycuick emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility. She cautioned, "as lawmakers, we must be cautious of the Governor’s plan as proposed, and continually ask 'how are we going to pay for this spending. Because the last thing I want to do as a lawmaker is ask Pennsylvanians to bear the burden of a tax increase or significant vital service cuts in the near future.'"

During the Town Hall, Senator Pennycuick was joined by Matthew Knittle, the head of the state’s Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), who expressed apprehension about the Governor's budget proposal's impact on taxpayers. Knittle highlighted concerns about revenue and expense projections, stressing the significance of the Rainy-Day Fund in preventing future tax increases and service cuts. John Guyer, Executive Director for the state Senate Appropriations Committee, echoed these sentiments, stating that "using one-time dollars for reoccurring expenses is not the way to create a sustainable budget."

Residents participating in the Town Hall voiced unease about various aspects of the proposed budget, including the depletion of the Rainy-Day Fund and potential tax hikes. A poll conducted during the call revealed that 88% of residents were against spending down all of the state’s reserves in the Rainy-Day Fund to support the Governor’s budget. Additionally, concerns were raised about the utilization of Artificial Intelligence in elections, with 89% of participants expressing worry about potential interference.

Senator Pennycuick also addressed constituents' questions regarding education, property taxes, mental health funding, EMS funding, illegal immigration, and homelessness. She pledged support for freezing property taxes for seniors, increasing mental health services funding, and tackling homelessness issues. The Senator highlighted her efforts to address funding challenges faced by ambulance companies and combat crime, particularly the influx of deadly drugs like fentanyl.

In conclusion, Senator Pennycuick, a U.S. Army veteran, emphasized her commitment to ensuring access to healthcare for all veterans, including the establishment of a Task Force on Women Veterans’ Health Care. She encouraged constituents to reach out to her office for assistance with state-related programs and services.

For more information, residents can contact Senator Pennycuick's office at 215-541-2388 or visit www.SenatorPennycuick.com or follow her on social media platforms.

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CONTACT: Lidia Di Fiore