Pa. House Dems hold public budget briefing in Allegheny County

Lawmakers detail state budget process, answer questions from community

Appropriations    September 27, 2024 | 3:39 PM

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 27 – Shining a light on how the $47.6 billion 2024/25 state budget is impacting communities in Allegheny County, local state representatives and members of the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee held an event Tuesday evening to explain the budget process and answer questions from the public on topics including Black maternal health care, public transportation, housing and more.

“Ensuring that every community across Pennsylvania, including those in Allegheny County, see real-life benefits from the state budget is a top priority for the Appropriations Committee,” said House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris, D-Phila. “The $47.6 billion 2024/25 budget is more than just numbers – it’s an investment in the future of our residents, supporting critical areas such as education, Black maternal health, housing, transportation and our infrastructure. Prioritizing these conversations not only provides transparency but also allows us to truly dive in and discuss budget priorities with the most affected people.”

“Funding from the state budget touches every Pennsylvanian in some way, and that’s why it’s critical for the public to understand how the budget is formed – so they can help us advocate for the issues that matter most,” said state Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, who hosted the meeting at the Kingsley Association in the 24th Legislative District she represents.

“Having dialogue between legislators and community leaders is a giant step toward building a better budget next year. My colleagues and I fought hard to win substantial funding for education, health care especially for Black maternal health, public infrastructure, and more in the 2024/25 state budget. But the work to secure the state investments necessary for Allegheny County to be the best it can be is far from complete. We’re eager to continue gaining insight from our constituents as we prepare to negotiate the next budget.”

“I’m from the other side of the state, but the priorities of everyday people are very much the same here as they are in my community,” said state Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-Lackawanna, vice chair of the Appropriations Committee. “I’m honored to have fought alongside my fellow lawmakers for a budget that supports safe schools, expands human services, creates thriving community spaces and family-sustaining jobs, and creates a better life for all Pennsylvanians.”

Other state representatives from Allegheny County participating in the discussion included Majority Whip Dan Miller, Appropriations Committee members Emily Kinkead and Abigail Salisbury, Joe McAndrew, and Lindsay Powell.

The full briefing can be viewed here, and photos are available here.

Details on the 2024/25 state budget are available at houseappropriations.com.