Budget Plans Stir Controversy Over Potential Impact on Health and Social Services
As congressional budget discussions continue, tensions rise within the Republican party over funding allocations for health care and social services. Despite holding the majority in both legislative chambers, GOP members face challenges in reaching a consensus, especially regarding provisions that could affect the nearly 700,000 immigrants living in Michigan, as noted by local immigrant advocacy groups.
Republican lawmakers are pushing for a budget that aligns with the policy priorities of the Trump administration. This includes extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, bolstering defense spending, and increasing funding for border security along the U.S.-Mexico divide.
The House narrowly passed the budget bill with a 216-214 vote just before their two-week recess on April 10. The Senate now considers using reconciliation, a legislative process that allows passage with a simple majority of 51 votes, bypassing potential Democratic filibusters. Despite holding 53 seats, the Republican party is not unified, particularly over proposed Medicaid cuts.
Scott Preston from the Michigan League for Public Policy warns of potential reductions to the child tax credit, a program offering a $2,000 credit per eligible child aged 6-17. “It’s an extremely important program, and the CTC was already restricted in 2017 through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act when it required children of I-10 filers to have Social Security numbers in order to qualify,” Preston explained. The new budget may require both parents to have Social Security numbers, affecting children’s access to essential needs like food, transport, and housing.
Jackie Chandler of the Michigan Primary Care Association highlights that half of their patients rely on Medicaid for health insurance across 400 locations statewide. “Denying people Medicaid does not mean that they won’t get sick or be injured while they’re in our state,” Chandler said. The proposed Medicaid cuts could result in job losses and facility closures, exacerbating already limited health care access.
Anna Almanza from the Food Bank Council of Michigan expressed concerns over expected cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “First, as with Medicaid, people who are undocumented are not eligible for SNAP. Second, these proposals put Michigan families and communities at risk,” Almanza stated.
USDA data indicates that 13% of Michigan households experience low or very low food security. While some Republicans oppose federal aid for undocumented immigrants, current laws restrict their access to full scope Medicaid, Medicare, or SNAP. According to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, undocumented individuals can only receive federal benefits deemed necessary for life protection or safety, and they must meet all Medicaid eligibility criteria for life-saving care.
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