John,

Even with Democrats in control of both bodies of Congress and the White House, federal spending continues to reflect Trump-era spending levels. This failure to fund critical priorities is directly hurting our communities―particularly those most in need.

Congress has until February 18th to pass a spending bill that reflects President Biden’s 2022 proposed budget and provides needed increases over Trump-era spending―or temporary funding will run out.

Write to your members of Congress right now, urging them to pass an appropriations bill immediately that reflects the needs of low-income and working people.

A review of over 190 programs of particular importance to people with low and moderate incomes finds that 126 programs―or two-thirds―lost ground in 2021 compared with 2010 with one-third of those programs receiving cuts of 20% or more, when taking inflation into account.

On K-12 education for low-income communities, President Biden’s proposal more than doubles Trump-era spending levels, increasing from less than $17 billion to $36.5 billion. Education spending for children with disabilities rises from $13.3 billion to $15.5 billion.

Health and Human Services Department nutrition spending for the elderly is worth about $50 million less now than it was in 2010. President Biden’s proposed budget would restore those losses and increase funding more than $360 million beyond inflation-adjusted fiscal year 2010 levels. That’s important because last month 2.6 million people over age 65 said their households didn’t always have enough to eat in the previous 7 days.

Deaths from opioid overdoses leapt to 100,000 for the period ending in April 2021, up from 78,056 the year before. President Biden’s proposals substantially increase urgently needed substance use disorder prevention and treatment.

At a time of increasing housing costs, funding for housing programs for the elderly and people with disabilities has declined by 15% and 38%, respectively. Biden’s budget would increase this critical funding to address soaring costs, and would protect other low-income housing programs as well.

Click here to send a message directly to your senators and representative urging them to end flat, Trump-era spending levels and pass a critical omnibus spending bill by February 18th.

Thank you for taking action today.

Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, Coalition on Human Needs