As SNAP benefits and ACA tax credits are gutted, state Democrats continue to defend working families against the GOP’s attacks
WASHINGTON — As the GOP’s government shutdown reaches day 30, food benefits are being deliberately withheld and health care costs are set to skyrocket, but state Democrats are continuing to step up for working families to mitigate the damage caused by Republican chaos. Democratic leadership in the states stands in stark contrast to the dysfunction and inaction displayed by Republicans who control all branches of the federal government amid this shutdown.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“Republican dysfunction is reaching a crisis point as the government shutdown intensifies and families brace for higher health care costs and the loss of essential services. While Republican leadership is missing in action, state Democrats are filling the void and working overtime to help families in need – from supporting food banks to protecting affordable health care access. With elections just days away in Virginia, New Jersey, and across the country, voters are heading to the polls to hold Republicans accountable and back Democrats who are committed to lowering costs.”
Here’s how state Democrats are stepping up for working families as the government shutdown lingers:
- New Mexico Democrats passed a budget that helps blunt the impact of federal cuts to food banks and food pantries and make up for lost ACA health care subsidies.
- Connecticut Democrats are planning a special session to help make up for federal cuts to human services programs.
- Vermont Democrats are planning to fund food assistance and heat assistance programs.
- Michigan Democrats negotiated a state budget that feeds students
- Colorado Democrats passed critical funding for food assistance
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the campaign arm of Democratic state legislatures and leads the national strategy for building power and winning new majorities. Over the last three decades, we have strategized cycle over cycle to win majorities and lead the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level, winning nearly a dozen new chamber majorities over the last decade. Our work has ensured that nearly half of Americans are represented by at least one Democratic majority in their statehouse. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class and advancing opportunity, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
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