PCDEC Vice Chair, Tom Townsend addressing local officials at Commission Meetings

Today, I’m speaking not just as a Democrat, but as a proud member of this

community—standing in solidarity with Republicans, Independents, and MAGA voters

alike—because we all want the same thing: a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous

Putnam County.

That’s why I want to echo and support the message recently sent to Representative

Randy Fine by the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, which clearly outlined

how critical the enhanced premium tax credits have been for our community.

Since 2021, over 8,000 Putnam County residents have relied on these credits to

afford health insurance—many of them small business owners, gig workers, and

working families. The Chamber noted that 92% of our businesses have 20 or fewer

employees, and many of them depend on affordable health coverage to keep their

workers and their businesses afloat.

If these tax credits expire at the end of 2025—as is currently scheduled—Putnam

County stands to lose an estimated $20 million in local GDP and approximately 175

local jobs. These are not just numbers. These are nurses, medical assistants,

pharmacy techs, caregivers, home health workers, and the clerks and service workers

who keep our local economy running.

The Chamber also points out that the average monthly premium would jump from $63

back up to $726—an increase that many simply cannot afford.

We in the local Democratic Party are not just concerned—we’re committed to helping.

And we extend our hand to the County Commission and the Chamber of Commerce to

stand united and proactive. Here are a few ways we can move forward together:

1. Adopt a bipartisan resolution urging our federal representatives to extend

the enhanced premium tax credits.

2. Convene a countywide economic summit—bringing together business

owners, community leaders, and residents to share stories and advocate in

unity.

3. Create a joint advocacy task force with the Chamber, the Commission, and

representatives from across the political spectrum to organize and speak with

one voice.

4. Launch a community awareness campaign that emphasizes how this issue

transcends politics and touches everyone in Putnam County.

Putnam County deserves leadership that works together across the aisle, and I believe

this Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, and our broader community are ready to

do just that.

Thank you for your time—and for your commitment to the people and future of Putnam

County.