{"id":116897,"date":"2025-08-04T00:38:07","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T00:38:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/116897\/"},"modified":"2025-08-04T00:38:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T00:38:07","slug":"pennsylvania-faces-tough-choices-after-federal-funding-cuts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/116897\/","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania faces tough choices after federal funding cuts"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is a guest post by state Rep. Mary Isaacson<\/a>, an elected official serving Pennsylvania\u2019s 175th District in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

Passing the state budget each year is much more than putting numbers on a spreadsheet. It\u2019s a reflection of our shared values.\u00a0<\/p>\n

State lawmakers want progress for our state and the people who live here. Therefore, we \u2014 especially those of us in the House Democratic Caucus \u2014 look to fund our state universities like Penn State, Lincoln, Pitt<\/a> and Temple<\/a> that help shape the next generation of leaders, and to fund our institutions that promote innovation, like Ben Franklin Technology Partners<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, when there is so much chaos and uncertainty in our federal government, we cannot<\/a> count on<\/a> federal funding like we have in previous years. The federal cuts we already know about will have devastating and rippling consequences.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Pennsylvania simply does not have the resources to replace federal funding cuts for science.<\/p>\n

Rep. Mary Isaacson<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Pennsylvania simply does not have the resources<\/a> to replace federal funding cuts for science<\/a>, for example. These wanton cuts to funding will not just rob Pennsylvania of the opportunity to be pioneers in technology, scientific research and innovative startups; they\u2019ll also dim our ability to think outside the box to advance our state\u2019s future as we struggle to have people\u2019s basic needs met.\u00a0<\/p>\n

We are now in a position where we are tasked with the impossible: continuing to fund programs that will keep Pennsylvania competitive and innovative while meeting the basic needs of Pennsylvanians, such as healthcare, food and affordable housing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This is not ideal as the state budget<\/a> is supposed to carve a path for Pennsylvania\u2019s future success. However, it is quickly becoming a reality that we must make difficult decisions<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

To manage the continuing burden of federal dysfunction, state House Democrats continue reaching across the political aisle and across legislative chambers to protect the people of Pennsylvania in every way we can. For example, the House recently acted in bipartisan spirit to protect Pennsylvanians from immoral health insurance companies that are more interested in their bottom line than in helping patients. Everyone deserves easy and affordable access to healthcare.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The House passed a package of bills in March that are designed to enshrine key elements of the Affordable Care Act, should federal lawmakers and the Trump administration repeal or change the federal healthcare law.\u00a0<\/p>\n