The House passed their budget resolution, H.Res.553 on October 4th with a 232-188 vote. The resolution harms vulnerable populations, such as the millions of Californians that rely on entitlement programs such as Medicaid. Specifically, the budget resolution outlines the following budget cuts:
- $5.8 trillion to non-defense programs, with $2.9 trillion being cut from programs that serve low- and moderate-income individuals and families;
- Entitlement programs such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and Pell Grants, as well as additional programs that provide education, job training, and housing assistance;
- Approximately $2 trillion to vital health programs; $1.5 trillion will be cut from Medicaid and $487 billion will be cut from Medicare; and
- Reduces taxes for the wealthy, decreasing projected revenues by $1.1 trillion.
The House proposal is detrimental to the well-being of residents, even those whose representatives voted in support of the resolution. See how your representative voted and express your gratitude or disappointment! Your voice matters and your representatives need to hear from you.
The Senate Budget Committee also passed a budget resolution (12-11), which will be voted on by the full Senate in the next two weeks. By doing so, Senate Republicans will be able to pass their budget bill with a majority vote, possible without any Democratic support. This version opens the reconciliation process for tax reform and adds $1.5 trillion to the federal deficit in the next decade with massive tax cuts for the wealthy.
Community Health Councils, along with over 125 other health and community advocacy organizations has written to the Congressional Delegation of California urging legislators to oppose a budget that harms the people of our state. Additionally, CHC has made numerous calls to representatives advocating for a budget that protects the people. We will continue to monitor the budget and provide updates.