This Must Not Pass: Oppose the Budget Reconciliation Package
Extreme weather. Rising grocery prices. Unstable markets for farmers. In the face of the many challenges facing farmers and families right now, is Congress stepping in to help?
No. Instead, Congress is rushing to pass a bill that makes deep cuts to food aid for families (SNAP), backtracks on climate change action, and ignores the need for a full farm bill in favor of selected subsidies for a few over supporting all farmers fairly.Right now, Congress is rushing to pass a budget bill that would cut Medicaid and SNAP to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.
This destructive bill will harm all communities in a myriad of ways, and our farmers and hungry neighbors are no exception. If passed, the budget reconciliation bill would reduce access to quality food in rural and urban communities, reduce market opportunities for farmers, fail to address climate impacts like natural disasters, and decrease the possibility of passing a new farm bill almost two years after the 2018 Farm Bill has expired.
We have been loud and clear for years: we need a fair farm bill that takes meaningful steps toward building an accessible farm safety net and invests in local and regional supply chains. All farmers deserve support so they can thrive, and our community members deserve access to nutritious food.
While there are some inclusions, like additional funding for conservation programs, that would otherwise be promising, they are overshadowed by deep cuts to nutrition programs and the loss of a full, bipartisan farm bill that supports all of American agriculture.
By supporting this reconciliation package, your representatives are stating that they care more about appeasing billionaires and corporations than supporting the real needs of farmers and families in our community. We need to make sure they know that we’re paying attention, and that we won’t stand by as they defund vital programs. I urge you to take a moment to tell your representative to vote against this harmful bill.
For a more detailed explanation of what is at stake, I encourage you to read this press release.
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