About the Trump Budget Cuts

The Republican led Congress is aiming to pass $4 trillion in tax breaks for billionaires and large corporations extending the federal deficit by  It would be paid for cutting vital services for ordinary Americans. Here is an overview of some of the most egregious cuts:

Housing and Homelessness

The proposed budget includes a nearly $27 billion reduction in housing assistance for low-income Americans. This encompasses a $26.7 billion cut to rental assistance programs and the elimination of the Community Development Block Grant program, which many local governments use to fund services like affordable housing and homelessness prevention. Advocates warn that these cuts could drive more individuals and families into homelessness, especially in areas already grappling with housing shortages and rising rents

️ Nutrition Assistance

The budget proposes a $214 billion reduction in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), potentially affecting over 44 million Americans, including 20 million children, 5 million seniors, and 4 million disabled adults. Additionally, the introduction of the “America’s Harvest Box” program, which would replace a portion of SNAP benefits with government-distributed food boxes, has been criticized for its logistical challenges and potential to reduce the quality and variety of food available to recipients .

Healthcare and Disability Services

The proposed budget includes a $900 billion cut to Medicaid over 10 years, which could significantly impact the 1.7 million veterans who rely on Medicaid for healthcare services. These cuts may lead to reduced access to essential medical care for veterans, particularly those with complex health needs .

Furthermore, the budget suggests eliminating the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), which provides legal assistance to low-income individuals in areas such as housing, domestic violence, and consumer protection. The elimination of LSC could leave many without necessary legal support, potentially leading to increased evictions, domestic abuse, and financial exploitation .

‍‍ Social Services and Child Welfare

The budget proposes eliminating the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), which funds programs for child welfare, foster care, and services for the elderly and disabled. This could result in the loss of services for approximately 26 million adults and children, undermining efforts to protect vulnerable populations .

Economic and Fiscal Implications

Critics argue that the budget’s focus on tax cuts for the wealthy, including the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, could exacerbate income inequality and contribute to a projected $3.8 trillion increase in the federal deficit over ten years . This fiscal trajectory raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of social programs and the potential for increased economic hardship for low- and middle-income Americans.

Impact on State and Local Governments

Local governments, such as Prince George’s County in Maryland, have experienced credit rating downgrades due to anticipated federal spending cuts. These downgrades reflect concerns about the ability of local governments to maintain essential services amid reduced federal support .

In summary, while the proposed budget aims to reduce federal spending, critics contend that the cuts may disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities. The potential loss of housing, healthcare, nutrition, and social services could have far-reaching consequences for the well-being of many Americans.