How DOGE is hurting Pennsylvanians
The federal cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the shadowy entity established by a Trump Executive Order and ostensibly led by the recently departed Elon Musk, have serious consequences for many of us. More than 65,000 state employees are at risk of being laid off, with plans to cut the federal workforce by 75%. In addition to displacing workers, DOGE’s budget cuts are having widespread impacts on vital sectors of the Pennsylvania economy and a variety of programs crucial to millions living here.
At least $15 million in lost federal support is affecting the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians who need help acquiring food, housing, healthcare and education, according to PA State Rep. Mary Jo Daley. As one example, it’s estimated that the proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will affect one million people in the State who rely on this program to put food on the table.
And PA businesses, both large and small, are also feeling the pain. Cuts in funding for workforce training are affecting companies, particularly those in high-skill sectors like information technology and healthcare, where it’s difficult finding qualified candidates in good times. Many small business owners, particularly those in areas like retail, hospitality and manufacturing, are still recovering from the pandemic and were counting on federal support to offset the rising costs of energy and raw materials.
DOGE’s cuts are also hurting PA’s infrastructure projects, including transportation improvements and bridge repairs, which have long depended on federal and state collaboration for funding. We’re already hearing about the far-reaching impacts on SEPTA as it considers major regional service reductions, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Some states are fighting back. Fourteen states with Democratic Attorney Generals (unfortunately, not Pennsylvania) have filed suit accusing Musk and DOGE of illegally exerting power over government operations. On May 27th, a federal judge denied the Trump administration’s motion to dismiss and allowed the lawsuit to move forward.
These events point to the ever-increasing importance of our state governments. They are our best hope to stem the authoritarian, anti-Constitutional tide of the MAGA Republicans.
Since 2014, Represent PA has been investing in strong women incumbents and first-time candidates for the PA Senate and House who want to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. We’re working hard to support these women in their campaigns and ultimately, to flip the PA Senate from Red to Blue.
