HOUSTON, Texas– Texas Democrats have expressed strong opposition to a Republican-backed proposal introduced in early October 2023 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The proposal seeks to cut nearly $1 trillion in funding from Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), programs that provide essential healthcare and food assistance to millions of low-income individuals.
The proposed bill includes provisions for substantial tax cuts benefiting some of the wealthiest individuals in the country, raising concerns among Democratic lawmakers about the potential widening of income inequality.
Texas Democrats have voiced concerns that these proposed cuts could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in the state, where many rely heavily on Medicaid and SNAP for basic needs.
Projections estimate that Texas could lose tens of thousands of jobs and significant tax revenue if the proposed cuts are enacted. The state’s overall economy could also experience a notable decline as a result.
House Republicans argue that the budget cuts, alongside the tax reductions, are necessary for promoting economic growth and reducing the national deficit.
They also suggest that savings could be achieved in Medicaid through efforts to eliminate inefficiencies and fraud.