Four TRILLION dollars in tax cuts passed at the expense of children and families. By a single vote, the U.S. House of Representatives just passed a massive budget bill that literally takes food and medical care away from kids.
If it passes the Senate, millions of children will suffer. Look at what happened just two years ago when the federal government reinstated its pre-COVID renewal requirements: 29,000 Pennsylvania kids were kicked off Medicaid.
If the Senate sends this bill to Donald Trump’s desk, it will result in 588,000 Pennsylvania children and adults losing Medicaid, and at least 120,000 losing food assistance. For kids in the Commonwealth, it means:
BARRIERS to routine checkups and developmental screenings
MORE children going hungry or suffering from malnutrition
FEWER mental health counseling and behavioral support
LIMITED school-based services like speech and physical therapy
DRASTIC CUTS to preventive care that keeps kids out of emergency rooms
Tell Senators Fetterman and McCormick what you think. CLICK HERE.
On top of that, these cuts mean more hospital closures, especially in rural Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania hospitals are already carrying the burden of $386 million just to care for uninsured children. If Medicaid cuts happen, hospitals could be on the hook for an estimated $650 million in uncompensated care costs, threatening the survival of 47 hospitals across the Commonwealth.
In stark contrast, Governor Shapiro declared his continued commitment to children and teens when he accepted our Champion for Children Award at our program this week.
Shapiro added, “We’re going to keep remembering what Children First preaches every single day – we literally have to put the children first.”
You too can be a champion for children by donating to Children First. We need every resource so we’re able to continue working with the Governor and other leaders to push back against federal cuts and protect children. Thank you in advance for your support.
Special guest, PA Attorney General Dave Sunday, joins our conversation about youth diversion – a powerful, proven alternative to formal court involvement for low-level offenses.
“By ensuring Michigan children
universally receive a blood lead test at a
very young age, we can more quickly
address the health risks associated with
elevated blood lead levels, which will
lead to healthier lives.”
