The proposed budget bill is more than just a budget bill. It also calls for major policy changes that will affect people in both blue and red states; in fact, it may affect the red states more. The tax cut extension actually lowers the tax burden for big corporations, not the “mom-and-pop” stores that conservatives keep touting. Certainly you feel for poor Exxon; its earnings actually dropped from $36 billion in 2023 to $33.7 in 2024.
The major policy changes are in SNAP and Medicaid, making it more difficult for the working poor to feed their families and get medical care. For the regressive tax cuts to work, the poor must lose “benefits,” as if they are a gift. They are not. The poor pay taxes as well, in fact, they pay a higher proportion of their income than the rich.
The bill turns the idea of community on its head. Apart from the 365% increase for ICE, the bill adds trillions – that’s with a t – to the deficit over the next ten years, making it not only an assault on the present but the future. But, not to worry. Jeff Bezos can still spend $3 million on a wedding. Talk about Robin Hood in reverse!
Prayer for the Day
In spite of how we think we should act, we fail miserably,
For we seek satisfaction in feeding the poor rather than ending poverty;
We see violence and buy security systems for our homes
Rather than challenging those who encourage violence.
We see strangers in our midst and build electronic fences.
Forgive us, creating in us a new heart to share your table with all
In the name of the One who shares your grace with all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
There is still time to make your voices heard. The reason they are moving so quickly is because they know the public broadly opposes many of these changes. The hour is late, but not too late.
Don Moynihan, U Michigan, School of Public Policy
I’ve never seen anything that simultaneously really goes after poor people and then really helps rich people.
Chuck Marr, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Therefore justice is far fro us, and righteousness does not reach us;
We wait for light, and lo! There is darkness;
And for brightness, but we walk in gloom
We grope like the blind along a wall, groping like those who have no eyes,
We stumble at noon s in the twilight, among the vigorous as though we were dead.
Isaiah 59: 9-10