Rep. Lee & County Executive Innamorato Host Federal Budget Roundtable

Published on September 22, 2025

PITTSBURGH – SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 — Today, Congresswoman Summer L. Lee (PA-12) and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato convened a federal budget roundtable at the Allegheny County Courthouse to bring together community leaders and service providers impacted by proposed and enacted federal budget cuts.

The discussion highlighted the far-reaching effects of reductions to staffing, programs, and grants on critical services in Allegheny County. From food security and housing affordability to healthcare and infrastructure, speakers shared firsthand how these cuts are already disrupting operations and threatening the well-being of countless residents. All the speakers reiterated that while they can find some support from individual donors or philanthropy, and they’re trying to be efficient with their expenses, there really is no replacement for the federal dollars that service providers and local governments rely on.

“Today we heard powerful stories from folks on the ground about what is at stake and who stands to be impacted the most by cruel and preventable budget cuts proposed by Trump and Congressional Republicans,” said Rep. Lee. “We know what happens when politicians turn their backs on working families: schools go underfunded, food banks run dry, seniors lose the care they rely on, and opportunities disappear for the next generation. I look forward to bringing today’s voices with me to Washington as I keep fighting for a federal budget that truly puts our communities first. Western Pennsylvania deserves better than this.”

County Executive Innamorato said: “Allegheny County relies on federal funding for a significant amount of revenue: last year, Allegheny County received $373 million in direct federal dollars. Next month I will be announcing details about our proposed 2026 Allegheny County operating budget, which is funded through the property taxes we collect. Costs are tight right now, healthcare costs and inflation is up, and tariffs are making things more expensive across the board. Which means if the federal government decides to stop funding critical projects, from energy projects to SNAP benefits to infrastructure, the County simply does not have millions or tens of millions of dollars in reserves that we can redirect to keep some of those programs going.”

Jordan Golin, President and CEO of JFCS, said: “Pittsburgh was literally built by immigrants and our economic future, and population stabilization, depends on continuing to welcome people here. Yet our foreign-born neighbors are under attack. Unaccompanied minors who have crossed into the country are often dealing with incredible traumas - war, being victims of trafficking and other violence - and JFCS is an organization that provides legal representation, which these kids are legally entitled to. All our work has been disrupted, but we feel we have a moral and legal obligation to represent these kids.”

Juan Garrett, Executive Director of Riverside Innovation Center, said: “We’ve seen small businesses impacted by changes in the federal government - and some have even already closed their doors. Businesses in research, health care, and construction are all affected because grants are being cut, because of someone’s involvement in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and because of tariffs and the rise in cost of construction materials.”

Colleen Young, Director of Government Affairs at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank: “We’ve already lost $5 million in funding earlier this year, and while we appreciate the generosity of individuals and philanthropies there is no way to fill in the gap left by reduced federal funding. We’re asking Congress to increase support for the Food Bank so we can purchase locally produced, healthy food and keep people from going hungry.

Charles Angelo, Director of External Affairs for the Pennie healthcare marketplace, said: “With the expiration of the enhanced tax credits, which are set to expire September 30 if Congress doesn’t act, many of our enrollees are going to be blindsided by a sharp increase of healthcare costs. If small businesses and entrepreneurs, who are three times more likely to be enrolled in Pennie, have sharp increases they are going to invest less in their businesses and communities, pass costs on to consumers, or close up shop.”

The speakers at today’s roundtable were:

  • Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12)
  • Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato 
  • Juan Garrett, Riverside Center for Innovation, Executive Director 
  • Jordan Golin, JFCS, President and CEO
  • Colleen Young, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Director of Government Affairs
  • Charles Angelo, Pennie, Director of External Affairs, 
  • Darla Poole, Auberle, CEO
  • Lauren Connelly, Allegheny County Economic Development, Director
  • Ed Nusser, Allegheny County, Director of Housing Strategy
  • Tim Cox, Allegheny County Department of Budget and Finance, Director
  • Brittany Prischak, Allegheny County Department of Sustainability, Director

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