As Florida's legislative bodies gear up to finalize their budget drafts, there's a notable absence in the conversations: the federal push to slash spending on programs like Medicaid and SNAP while expanding tax cuts for high-income individuals. The U.S. House and Senate, currently on a temporary break, have each approved a budget outline that could bring significant reductions to the aforementioned programs, totaling over $1 trillion.
The U.S. House's pass includes $880 billion in Medicaid and $230 billion in SNAP reductions over the next decade. In response, Florida could be compelled to either increase state revenue, cut funds from other areas, reduce program eligibility and benefits, or pursue a blend of these actions, particularly with the state economists predicting a budget shortfall escalating to $6.9 billion by FY 2027-28.
"The Florida House and Senate have passed their respective budget proposals without addressing the potential loss of billions in federal funding on the horizon," stated Sadaf Knight, leading the Florida Policy Institute (FPI). "Our state’s safety net is already frayed, and if congressional leadership has its way, we could see a catastrophic loss of health care coverage and food assistance in Florida, impacting families in every single county and wreaking havoc on the state and local economies. Our Florida lawmakers need to be vocal right now and tell Congress that these deep cuts are simply not acceptable."
Currently, over 3.9 million individuals are Medicaid recipients in Florida, and around 2.9 million rely on SNAP. The suggested reductions could significantly affect every Floridian community. The Commonwealth Fund warns that if these proposed cuts proceed without state intervention, Florida might lose approximately 45,000 jobs, and its GDP could diminish by over $4.5 billion.
Some federal plans suggest capping Medicaid funding per enrollee, potentially shifting between $20 and $38 billion in costs onto Florida by 2035, as per the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. This could necessitate cuts in benefits or enrollment. KFF estimates Florida could face an annual $4 billion loss in Medicaid funding if current proposals advance, outweighing Florida’s entire yearly budget for environmental protection.
Medicaid enjoys broad bipartisan support. A poll by Fabrizio Ward reveals 74% of voters view Medicaid favorably, aligning with a Mason Dixon survey which shows 78% of Floridians favor a Medicaid expansion.
"Any lawmaker who supports these harmful Medicaid cuts to pay for tax breaks for billionaires should be ashamed because they are putting lives at risk," warned Coy Jones, from SEIU Florida. He pledged continued opposition to these cuts, highlighting the SNAP program as another vital service under threat.
"The proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP would be devastating for millions of Floridians who rely on these essential programs for healthcare and food security," said Alison Yager from the Florida Health Justice Project.
Jacqueline Rich, alongside her child, Maverick, personally lobbied for these social services' protection. She highlighted the dire potential consequences for individuals like her son if such cuts come to pass.
With some leaders advocating for states to co-fund SNAP, Florida could face $657 million in costs should a 10% state match be applied. Kim Johnson of Florida Impact underscores the grave impact of such action: "Food prices are at an all-time high and the need continues to grow, cutting SNAP would deepen hunger and hardship in every corner of our state & country. We must protect and strengthen — not weaken — programs that keep our families fed and communities healthy."
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