Overview: The House budget proposal has passed through several committees and is headed to a floor vote next week before passing on to the Senate. The bill includes SNAP and Medicaid cuts, which CCUSA opposes since the cuts would hurt many people who rely on the healthcare and nutrition services provided by the two programs.
The CCUSA Government Relations team has been on the Hill every day this week urging members of Congress to prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations who would be most affected by the cuts, particularly seniors and families struggling with low incomes. CCUSA also stated its concerns in a letter to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and sent an Action Alert to its network.
Economy: In the week ending May 10, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 229,000, unchanged from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 228,000 to 229,000. The 4-week moving average was 230,500, an increase of 3,250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 227,000 to 227,250.
Call to action: With Medicaid and SNAP cuts being proposed, you can make a difference by contacting your members of Congress and asking them to protect these two programs. You can also encourage them to continue to provide the Child Tax Credit and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit at levels that make a difference in people's lives.
Town Halls: We have attached to this message a list of upcoming town hall meetings hosted by members of Congress. This is a great way to have your voice heard. Please reach out to your member for more details. You can use CCUSA's "Find Your Elected Officials" tool.