General Newsletter From the Office of Senator Andy Kim

We’re sending this week’s recap out on the weekend we celebrate our nation’s birth, but there’s little to celebrate about the Republicans’ “Big Disastrous Bill.”

On the recent passage of the bill in the House of Representatives, Senator Kim said, 
 
“I strongly condemn the votes of Reps. Tom Kean Jr, Jeff Van Drew, and Chris Smith that will hurt countless New Jersey families.  
  
Tom Kean Jr. broke his promise and voted to continue the SALT tax cap for another decade instead of just letting the cap expire this year.  
  
Jeff Van Drew said he wouldn’t support cuts for Americans eligible for Medicaid but then just voted to gut care for hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans. 
  
Chris Smith represents a large senior population in our state that I represented in the House for four years and that I know can't afford these painful cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. 
  
The passage of Trump’s Big Disastrous Bill is a disappointing display of cowardice and a betrayal of the American people. Let it sink in: they chose tax cuts for billionaires at the expense of the health, safety, and prosperity of the people who they represent.” 

Take Action

Like many of you, we are incredibly disappointed in the outcome of the Big Disastrous Bill. We hope you’ll take this time to regroup and come back stronger to join us for the fights ahead. 
 
Here’s how you can help us continue to make noise: Republicans passed a grotesque bill that includes the steepest cut to healthcare in American history. We encourage you to post on social media about how you, your family, and/or your community will be impacted by these cuts and tag @SenatorAndyKim. We’ll continue to read your stories and share some of your posts on our platforms. 
 
Your voice matters. Let’s shine a bright light on how this bill will harm New Jersey families.  
 
Read on to learn about how Senator Kim has engaged throughout this fight in Congress. 

Working for New Jersey:

Telling New Jerseyans’ Stories to Highlight the Dangers of the Republicans’ Big Disastrous Bill

FIGHTING TO KEEP THE A/C ON IN THE SUMMER & HEAT ON IN THE WINTER: 

LIHEAP is a program that helps 6 million Americans survive through both heatwaves and cold winters. In New Jersey, LIHEAP helps 240,000 households pay their energy bills. The Republicans’ Big Disastrous Bill makes cuts to this program that would strip lifesaving support away from New Jersey families.

Here’s a testimonial from Peter T. Rosario, President and CEO of La Casa de Don Pedro, on the impact of LIHEAP in Essex County:

 
“La Casa de Don Pedro provides Low Income Home Energy Assistance to over 10,000 families and seniors throughout Newark and Essex County every year. No matter where I travel throughout the county, I get approached by everyone from single mothers to caregivers, expressing how much our LIHEAP program helped them through tough times. With approximately 85% of our community members reporting a need for assistance with paying their utility bills, it’s easy to see just how important this support is.” 

Help us spread the word. To uplift and share Peter’s testimonial, please click here. 

HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPACT OF FOOD ASSISTANCE CUTS:

Republicans passed a massive tax cut for billionaires and are handing the bill to hardworking New Jerseyans by cutting $200 billion in food assistance. 
 
We’ve heard from people all around the state on how important it is that we stand up for SNAP.  
 
Jenna Vega, Manager of Social Services at Oasis in Paterson, NJ, told our office the following:  
 

“As social workers, we’ve seen how our community was deeply affected in the aftermath of COVID emotionally, economically, and physically. Many families are still trying to recover, and the support systems they rely on have already been weakened. 
  
Now, with additional benefit reductions already taking place and the potential for even deeper cuts under the proposed reconciliation bill, the team is deeply concerned about what this means for the vulnerable members of our community. 
  
We’re currently supporting a senior who receives just $8 per month in SNAP benefits. We’ve heard similar stories from families and individuals who’ve experienced sudden reductions in food stamps and health insurance coverage without being notified. The lack of resources makes it even harder for them to get the help they need. 
  
The reconciliation bill, if passed in its current form, could further reduce access to critical programs. For communities like ours, that are already under resourced, this would be devastating.” 

Help us spread the word. To uplift and share Jennie’s testimonial, please click here. 

PROTECTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW JERSEY’S YOUNG ADULTS:

Our office has heard from many individuals who would be negatively impacted by cuts to student aid in the Republicans’ Big Disastrous Bill. 

Rabiyatu, a student at Rutgers University Camden, wrote to our office: 
 

“As a first-generation college student and the daughter of West African immigrants, the Pell grant has been more than just financial aid. It is a lifeline that has allowed me to pursue my education at Rutgers-Camden without adding to my parent’s burden. As they have sacrificed so much to give me a better life. Because of this support, I’ve been able to become a leader on campus, serve my community, and work toward my dream of becoming an International Human Rights Attorney. The Pell Grant is helping me change the trajectory of my family’s future.” 
 

Rabiyatu’s story is unfortunately not unique. Taking away opportunities for students to pursue higher education and give back to the community is no way to lead. 
 
Help us spread the word. To uplift and share Rabiyatu’s testimonial, please click here. 

Working for you at the Capitol:

Advocating for Home Health Care Workers, Urging Republicans to Have Courage, & Continuing the Fight Against Trump’s Big Disastrous Bill

ADVOCATING FOR HOME HEALTH CARE WORKERS: 

During the 27+ hour marathon voting session on the floor of the Senate this week, Senator Kim introduced an amendment that would support home-and-community-based health care workers, and Republicans voted it down. 

This was a direct betrayal of the hard-working people who take care of those we love the most.

 
ICYMI: You can watch Senator Kim’s remarks here. 

URGING REPUBLICANS TO HAVE COURAGE:

We are deeply disappointed that Republicans first in the Senate and then in the House did not have the courage to vote against Trump’s Big Disastrous Bill. Instead, they chose to pay for tax cuts for people who are wealthy enough to have their own space programs by taking food from people who struggle with hunger, ripping health care away from up to 16 million Americans, and threatening to close hospitals and nursing homes that provide critical care in their communities.  

Despite this vote, we are not giving up. The courage of our collective voices is a force against the cowardice of Republicans’ votes for billionaires.

ICYMI: Watch Senator Kim talk about courage here. 

CONTINUING THE FIGHT AGAINST TRUMP'S BIG DISASTROUS BILL:

The fight continues. Watch Senator Kim’s message about what comes next here.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU:

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you in the United States Senate. It is an honor and a responsibility we do not take lightly. We know these are difficult times, and we will continue to fight for everyone across the state of New Jersey and stand ready to serve you however we can.  
 
If you need help, please contact us at kim.senate.gov, and keep up with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and/or YouTube. 

Sincerely,

The Office of Senator Andy Kim

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