I am concerned about the proposed Medicaid cuts by the federal government. As a Pennsylvania resident and Medicaid recipient, I am worried about the negative impact these cuts will have on my life and our most vulnerable citizens.

The debate regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana could greatly impact these projected cuts. Other states with recreational laws have shown that they generate significant revenue. If Pennsylvania followed suit, it could help mitigate the cuts in Medicaid funding.

This legislation would create a surplus of funds and aid in covering the costs of Medicaid services which are projected to impact 72 million state residents, including myself and the people I care most about.

Another issue is the risk to state parks and protected land. If Medicaid cuts are not as significant as projected, I implore Gov. Josh Shapiro to consider using this reserve funding to aid in the protection and maintenance of our cherished state parks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that areas of the Allegheny National Forest are at risk for increased logging. This seems to lean toward profiting logging companies rather than the benefit of the people.

I hope the administration will consider the impact these proposed cuts will have on the commonwealth. Commonwealth is a term that represents a historical commitment to our united democracy that is based on equality and free participation for the people. Are these issues not a risk to our commonwealth and the constitutional rights of our people?

David Baker, Butler