Here in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, we all know how important it is to care for our neighbors. One way that our lawmakers help us care for one another is by funding programs that keep our neighbors safe.
Right now, our county government is trying to decide whether to pass an increase on county property taxes, the money from which will go to community violence interruption and prevention programs. This increase is so important because it allows us to continue to care for our neighbors in a very real sense, by funding the Department of Health’s efforts to reduce gun violence and increase community safety for all those living and working in Allegheny County.
These programs save lives. Protecting and increasing funding for the Allegheny County Department of Health in turn protects our neighborhoods. We need our county council representatives to support this property tax increase. Losing local funding for these programs makes the county ineligible to receive matching funding from the federal government, and we cannot afford this loss.
Our communities need this funding to support their public health and work to reduce gun violence. Our County Council must champion this funding to support us in this critical time.
Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan
Ross