A note to our readers: Three years ago this week, the Coalition on Human Needs launched Covid-19 Watch: Tracking Hardship. Now we're back with a new look and a new name. Although Covid-19 remains a formidable challenge – especially for the elderly and the immunocompromised and those who are not vaccinated – we are cognizant of the fact that we face many other challenges as well – including a possible debt ceiling crisis, FY 2024 appropriations, and proposals that could cut millions of Americans off of programs like Medicaid and SNAP. CHN's Human Needs Watch: Tracking Hardship will report on these challenges. And yes, we will continue to keep you updated on COVID-19 as developments warrant.
The twin threats edition. We could be less than two weeks away from defaulting on our national debt. By now, you’ve probably heard what happens if we default – read on for more details.
But there is more than one threat to our nation. Even as you read this, the White House and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are negotiating what some in the human needs community fear will be cuts to programs Americans rely on for their very survival. Already, the House GOP has passed legislation that would cut trillions in domestic spending over the next decade.
Meanwhile, an explosive new CBO report shows that extending parts of the 2017 Trump tax cuts would add at least $3.5 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, including $370 billion in increased borrowing costs. That would erase the deficit reduction from $3.6 trillion in painful cuts to appropriated programs contained in the House GOP legislation.
It doesn’t have to be this way. President Biden has proposed a budget that invests in the American people, protects programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, and reduces the deficit by nearly $3 trillion over 10 years by saving money through such means as negotiating prescription drug prices and making the wealthiest Americans and largest corporations pay more of their fair share in taxes.
Many of you have spoken out about what’s at stake. In recent weeks, 650,000 letters have been sent by constituents, supporting Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, child care, housing, care services, fair revenues, and preventing default. In addition, dozens have joined meetings with Congressional offices as part of the SAVE for All campaign, sharing the devastating impact the House GOP’s cuts would have on local communities.
If you have not taken action, it is not too late. Click here for a letter individuals can send to Congress. In addition, CHN is circulating a letter to be signed by organizations demanding that members of Congress support investments in our people and a responsible approach to the federal budget, including a clean increase in or suspension of the debt ceiling. If your local, state, or national organization has not signed the letter, please encourage someone authorized to do so; today, Friday, May 19, is the deadline. To read the letter and see a list of signers so far, click here. People authorized to sign for the group should click here.
You can share these numbers on Facebook and Twitter.
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The number of students in schools that teach low-income students who could be harmed if the House-passed bill becomes law, according to OMB chief Shalanda Young. 150,000 teachers, aides, or other key staff could lose their jobs. Tweet this.
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The number of people who would lose access to opioid use disorder treatment, denying them a potential lifesaving path to recovery. Tweet this.
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Funding would be eliminated for Housing Choice Vouchers for 800,000 households, including 250,000 households led by seniors. Tweet this.
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