12.20.2017 HR 1, the GOP tax bill passed by both the Senate and House today, will head to the President for signature soon. As has been widely covered, the bill prioritizes tax cuts for the wealthiest households and profitable corporations over low- and moderate-income households. In addition to being tilted heavily in favor of the wealthy over everyday working families, it repeals the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act, which would raise premiums, causing 13 million Americans to lose their health insurance, including over 1.8 million Californians. It is also projected to increase the deficit by more than $1 trillion, which will set up calls for budget cuts to programs and services that help millions of Californians, including CalFresh and Medi-Cal. In fact, Speaker Ryan other Republican leaders have already stated publicly that their next major legislative priority will be “welfare reform,” which has long been code for slashing programs that help low-income individuals and families.
Our California Congressional Delegation, particularly the 12 House Republicans that voted for the tax bill, need to hear from constituents that a one-two punch that would increase taxes for many working families while stripping away vital food assistance and healthcare from vulnerable Californians is unacceptable.
Read the letter to the California Delegation signed by over 116 state organizations, including CFPA, expressing opposition to the GOP tax plan. PDF
Call (202) 224-3121 or click here to find your Representative. Tell them that it is bad enough for Congress to shower unneeded tax breaks on the wealthy, and it is simply wrong to pay for them by taking away food assistance, health care, and other help struggling families really need.
Stay tuned for future calls to action by signing up for CFPA’s Nutrition Action Alerts. link
Learn more about upcoming federal and state policies impacting CalFresh at the CalFresh Forum on March 14, 2018 in Sacramento. Click below to register to attend.
Questions? Contact: Jared Call at 213.482.8200 ext 201
