The federal government is now in the midst of a shutdown.
After passing a partisan government funding bill, Speaker Mike Johnson put the House on recess and has refused to negotiate a bipartisan funding bill. Despite Donald Trump’s claim that Republicans don’t need Democrats to pass the continuing resolution (CR), they failed to get even a majority in the Senate on a partisan CR―and the Senate needs 60 votes to pass spending bills.
We need our allies to stand firm and demand a CR that extends the enhanced ACA premium tax credits, restores Medicaid funding cut in the Big Brutal Bill, and asserts Congress’s power of the purse to prevent the Trump administration from illegally freezing and rescinding funding for our communities.
So far, Donald Trump and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought have cancelled or frozen more than $410 billion in funding for programs, including over $1 billion in substance use and mental health treatment, $250 million for school-based mental health grants (impacting over 200 programs in 30 states), and $500 million from the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
Click here to send a message to your senators and representative today.
Meanwhile, our health crisis demands immediate attention. Health insurance companies on the ACA marketplace are finalizing their premium increases now, which will go into effect January 1st. Families will start to get notices in the next few weeks about increased health costs before open enrollment begins on November 1st. The expiration of premium tax credits that help millions afford health care will drive up costs across the board, with payments expected to rise by over 75% on average, and in a dozen states, costs will more than double. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the number of uninsured people due to these increases could be as many as 2.2 million next year alone.
Tell Congress to vote against any government funding bill that allows vulnerable communities to continue to suffer.
Click here to send a message to your senators and representative today.
View a recording of this webinar here. See the slides here.
The Biden Administration’s proposed American Jobs and American Families Plans provide unprecedented opportunities to address deep-seated racial inequities in education, employment, health, housing, and income. With this Administration and Congress, we have a very real chance of advancing once-in-a-lifetime legislation that would lift millions out of poverty, help all kids reach their full potential, get workers better pay and benefits, and expand health coverage.
But none of this can become a reality without Congress. And while Congress adjourns for recess this August, we have an ideal opportunity to build momentum for lasting change. Join the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Community Change, and the Coalition on Human Needs for a webinar on:
• Why recovery legislation is so important, and how it can advance racial equity;
• What comes next, and the strategy moving forward;
• What tools, resources, and tactics you can use for engaging Congress this August recess.