Governor Healey Warns of GOP Budget Cuts Threatening Massachusetts Families
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has voiced her strong objections to a Republican-backed budget proposal threatening to significantly reduce funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or "food stamps." In a pointed letter to GOP lawmakers, Healey stressed that these cuts could strip up to $710 million annually from the state and impact 1 million residents, many of whom are vulnerable families.
Healey noted that SNAP has been a critical support system for families across the nation, ensuring food security for approximately 42 million households—1 in 5 of which are children. The proposed reconciliation package now awaiting discussion in Congress aims to save up to $300 billion over the next decade, primarily through cuts to SNAP benefits. This could not only worsen food insecurity but also undermine trust in a long-standing support system.
With rising food prices, the timing of these cuts comes as a severe blow. Food insecurity in the U.S. has surged, with 13.5% of households facing this harsh reality—up from 10.5% in 2020. Healey cautioned that such budget proposals would force many Massachusetts families into hunger and detract business from local retailers and farmers.
U.S. Representative James P. McGovern, while echoing Healey’s concerns, emphasized the importance of SNAP in supporting children, seniors, and veterans. He criticized the GOP plan for threatening modest benefits, arguing that cuts would essentially fund tax breaks for the wealthy.
Healey’s office asserted that every dollar spent on SNAP generates $1.50 in local economic activity, highlighting the essential role of this program in sustaining Massachusetts’ economy and communities. Without federal support, the strain on families and the economy is expected to deepen.
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