Nearly 900 state and local elected officials from 36 states have signed a bipartisan letter opposing a federal budget bill that they argue will negatively impact states, cities, towns, and schools across the country. The effort was organized by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
The letter expresses concern over significant cuts at the federal level and additional administrative costs that would result in budget shortfalls for states. “As government leaders, we understand the importance of rooting out fraud, waste and abuse to keep public services strong,” it reads. “But this plan fails to do that.”
The signatories oppose H.R. 1, citing its potential to destabilize state and local budgets by cutting Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical public services. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that these cuts could leave approximately 15 million people uninsured by 2034.
The letter highlights potential job losses in the healthcare sector due to reduced funding for Medicaid-related services like nursing homes and hospitals. It also criticizes proposed work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries as costly and ineffective.
Furthermore, the bill’s shift of $300 billion in costs to state governments for SNAP benefits threatens food security for over 40 million Americans. Historic cuts to Medicare are also anticipated to affect seniors adversely.
The officials warn that these changes will force deep cuts across various sectors including health care, education, public safety, and infrastructure. They urge Congress to vote against what they describe as a “damaging and reckless plan” that jeopardizes community well-being.
