On Monday, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee released their budget reconciliation bill proposal, integrating edits to the House version known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.” The Senate’s proposed policy changes would be even more harmful than those passed in the original House version, including further cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. These cuts put more than 16 million Americans at risk of losing healthcare coverage and would devastate critical health care infrastructure across the country.
SNAP and Medicaid are crucial services for people across Washington. In 2024, 1 in 9 Washingtonians received support from SNAP. Cutting funding for this essential program would make life harder for families already struggling to make ends meet. In addition, the bill redefines dependents as children under 10, complicating access to nutritious food for children aged 11-18 whose families receive SNAP benefits.
Medicaid funding further bolsters the health and wellbeing of our state's residents. In 2023, Washington received $12.5 billion in federal funding for Medicaid. Without this funding, our state's healthcare system would be gutted. Hospitals across Washington would be forced to close, limiting access to critical care for millions of Washingtonians. At particular risk are already vulnerable populations: 47% of children in Washington are covered by Medicaid, and this number skyrockets in rural areas.
Here are two actions you can take to help preserve this lifeline funding:
1) Call your Federal Representatives TODAY!
Call 1-877-224-2015 right now to urge Congress to PROTECT MEDICAID and SNAP.
This number will connect you directly to both your Senators and your House Representative based on the zip code you provide.
Not sure what to say? Check out the sample script below.
"Hello, my name is [your name]. I live in [city or town] in Washington.
I’m calling to tell the [Senator/Representative] that cuts to Medicaid and SNAP included in both the House and Senate’s budget proposals would be devastating to my community. [I/my family/my neighbors] rely on these services for reliable access to food and healthcare.
Please stand up for your constituents and protect funding for Medicaid and SNAP.
Thank you for your time."
2) Send an email to your federal representatives asking them to protect SNAP and Medicaid funding:
