Fountain Hills resident Susan Digenero criticizes GOP budget bill's cuts to vital programs

During the recent Town Council meeting in Fountain Hills, resident Susan Digenero voiced her concerns regarding a GOP budget bill that she described as detrimental to low-income families. Digenero, a six-year resident, expressed frustration over her attempts to contact Representative David Schweikert about the bill, which she claims contains over 1,100 pages of cuts to essential programs.

Digenero highlighted that the proposed budget would significantly impact residents earning less than $17,000 annually, who could see a reduction of $1,000 in their take-home pay. She noted that those making between $17,000 and $51,000 would also face a loss of $700. In stark contrast, individuals earning over $400,000 would benefit from a substantial tax gain of $389,000.

The resident emphasized the potential consequences for American children, stating that 44 percent rely on programs like Medicaid and SNAP, both of which she claims would face severe cuts under the new budget. Digenero criticized the bill for jeopardizing healthcare access and food security for millions of children, calling it a contradiction to the values of family support.

Additionally, she pointed out the persistence of the carried interest loophole, which allows private equity executives to pay lower taxes, despite previous promises to eliminate it. Digenero's passionate plea reflects growing concerns among residents about the implications of federal budget decisions on local communities.

As the council continues to engage with residents on pressing issues, Digenero's comments serve as a reminder of the importance of local voices in national discussions, particularly those that directly affect the well-being of families in Fountain Hills.