We are profoundly disappointed that Congress passed a budget bill on Thursday, July 3, that will have dire consequences for our clients, staff, and the broader community of people with whom we work.
Most JFS clients depend on Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), programs that are being decimated by this bill. It includes the largest cut to Medicaid in history — $1 trillion over ten years — and will hit Washington State adults, children, and families in need of affordable healthcare particularly hard. In fact, 250,000 Washingtonians could lose Medicaid coverage, and 130,000 could potentially lose SNAP benefits. These are the people JFS supports with essential human services. Keep in mind that in Washington State, about 50% of children are on Medicaid.
According to the Network for Jewish Human Services organizations, as a result of these cuts, roughly 17 million people throughout the country will lose health coverage by 2034 due to the cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act marketplace, as well as other rule changes to the ACA marketplace.
Refugees and immigrants have already been severely impacted by the closure of our country’s refugee resettlement program, travel bans on multiple countries, and mass deportation. Refugees and immigrants will also lose access to health care coverage through cuts to Medicaid and Medicare.
For the first time, states will be required to cover a portion of SNAP benefits starting in 2028, placing an even greater burden on states to ensure hungry families have what they need. The Polack Food Bank has reached record-breaking demand this year. We had 408 households visit the food bank in a single week in May. Food bank visits are up almost 60% since 2021, across Washington State. This bill will only make it harder for us to provide healthy food for all of the individuals and families who rely on JFS.
For 133 years, Jewish Family Service has been an outstretched hand to those in our community who need help. Inspired by our history and values, Jewish Family Service is a nonprofit organization that supports the needs of Jewish individuals and families, refugees and immigrants, and our broader community to achieve well-being, health, and stability.
JFS has always been a safety net for those in need, in partnership with our community that built and sustains the agency. This is a moment of crisis—but it is also a moment of opportunity. Our community has always come together in times of need to help the most vulnerable among us.
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