- Congress passes harrowing budget ushering in police state. 17 Million Americans to lose healthcare. Approx 7.4 million to lose SNAP (food stamps).
At least 51,000 additional Americans to die otherwise preventable deaths annually.
Rural and pediatric hospitals, which rely heavily on Medicaid (and the latter also NIH funding) are in danger of closing.
ACA and private insurance patients will also pay more.
Related services in schools, like speech and physical therapy, often bill through Medicaid, and are now in danger, especially in conjunction with DoEd cuts.
The cuts do not kick in until 2026, to protect GOP from midterm election losses. All but two Reps. voted for the bill.
The cuts do not lower the national debt. They only give a tax cut to the ultra wealthy, and give more money to ICE. - New budget supercharges ICE capacity for kidnappings, concentration camps. The budget takes money from food, healthcare, and education to give to ICE–the masked “agents” who have been detaining immigrants without warrants or due process.
The $170 billion makes them the biggest law enforcement agency in the country, with a budget larger than many of the world’s militaries.
The funds come days after the opening of a new Florida detention camp, as Trump and other GOP lawmakers suggest denaturalizing and detaining citizens. Far-right activist Laura Loomer explicitly called for murder (by alligator mauling) of the entire US Latino population.
More than half of ICE detainees have committed no crimes. Less than 10% have ever been convicted of a violent offense. - Trump admin. illegally withholding $7 billion in education funds. The money, due to K-12 public schools across the country, was already approved by Congress. It was supposed to be distributed on July 1.
Schools starting in a few weeks have already factored that money into their budgets, so students and families will be seeing immediate effects.
Before and after school care, programs for English-language learners, and teacher training will be the hardest hit, though schools will likely be forced to cut from other areas to subsidize the missing money.
The attempt to withhold or cancel the funds is a violation of the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. It is Congress’s authority to approve and cancel funds. - Action Items. Share this info! Disability is often lost in mainstream coverage.
Hit the streets if you are able. It’s past due.
Boycott businesses supporting these policies. Donate to your local food pantry, library, clinics, cash bail funds, or other mutual aid if you can. Or volunteer your time.
Join Project Mail Storm by writing and sending paper letters to government.
Make sure you’re up to date on your vaccines. Ditch the wearable tech.
Protect your neighbors. Warn and record in the presence of ICE. Push your local officials not to collaborate.
Consider running for local office or getting involved to support a local candidate through organizing or phone banking–especially progressive primary challengers.
Think about ways to spread information offline. Make flyers and stickers. Make art.