This Fourth of July, we reflect soberly on what freedom means to the Every Texan team. We believe that freedom is only ours when every person can benefit from resources that keep them healthy, prosperous, and safe. As Texans grapple with the certain, immediate, and generational impacts of devastating cuts to the federal funding that has historically provided lifelines for millions, we affirm our commitment to a brighter, more just vision for Texas.
Over the course of the last four months, as our congressional leaders considered cutting trillions of dollars from federally funded programs like Medicaid, SNAP, Marketplace health insurance, and more, Every Texan contributed our state policy expertise to the nationwide movement to save the safety net programs Texans rely on. Texas is home to one of our country’s largest economies, as well as a failing health system, the highest number of food-insecure people in the nation, and one of the highest child poverty rates in the United States. Recognizing the need to protect Texans from political projects that could end their access to already limited healthcare and food – while raising their taxes unfairly – Every Texan brought data and sound evidence to the fight for strong and fair public policy.
We all agree that people’s lives should never be harmed by misguided public policy, especially when organizations like Every Texan and our coalition partners exist to inform lawmakers with evidence-based policy recommendations. In Texas, we know that the impacts of federal funding cuts could eliminate health coverage for up to 50% of child births in Texas- moms and their babies who rely on Medicaid today. We know that 76% of Texans on Medicaid who may lose their healthcare are children. Of the 22.3 million families across the country who will lose some or all SNAP benefits, approximately 3.2 million Texans rely on SNAP for food assistance, including 1.8 million children. Congress’ reconciliation bill undercuts the Inflation Reduction Act – the people’s historic investment in public infrastructure, climate resiliency, and sustainability. Hundreds of Texas communities received over $14 billion in funding, and stopping this funding could result in 132,000 lost jobs in Texas.
In a state that boasts one of the healthiest economies in the world, we will not stand by while decisions are made that force our children into hunger and keep Texas families sick. Every Texan will continue to build strong ties with our partners across Texas and the nation. As we have done for over 40 years, we’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with our communities, prepared to share our research, data, and unwavering commitment to protect and uplift every Texan’s freedom.