Nebraska For Us responds to proposals for drastic cuts to benefits, urges Congressman Bacon to oppose them

OMAHA, Nebraska (January 30, 2025)—Today, Nebraska For Us is responding directly to House Republicans’ proposals for trillions of dollars worth of drastic cuts across the federal government meant to pay for massive tax breaks that disproportionately favor the ultra-rich and big corporations. House Republicans spent the week in Florida plotting devastating funding cuts that they can make to programs, including SNAP and Medicaid, in order to pay for their plan to give more tax handouts to corporations and the ultra-wealthy this year.

“Persistent inflation and high interest rates continue punishing Nebraskans, and the urge to prioritize the wealthiest over those living paycheck to paycheck is simply wrong,” Nebraska For Us State Director Angie Lauritsen said. “As we all know, the high cost of living is challenging, especially for the working class. Tax policy should pass savings onto the middle class while also ensuring key benefits—like food assistance and health care—are protected.”

Congressman Don Bacon is a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, which is responsible for SNAP funding and could take a vote on massive cuts to the program in the coming months. Approximately 155,000 working class Nebraskans rely on SNAP to put food on the table. For months, Nebraska For Us and other area organizations have been sounding the alarm about food insecurity in the metro. At a time when working class Nebraskans are battling rising grocery prices, it is vital that nutrition programs like SNAP are protected from cuts.

“I am deeply concerned about how these cuts would impact my constituents,” Nebraska District 13 State Senator Ashlei Spivey said. “Throughout my career, I have focused extensively on fostering economic investment and public health—specifically for our most vulnerable neighbors and friends. Cuts to benefits they rely on would only make the challenges they face that much worse.”

“I have received calls and messages from folks concerned about the possibility of massive budget cuts and how they will affect families from all parts of our community,” Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering Owner Gladys Harrison said. “SNAP benefits help our working families put food on the table. Many families are already having to make the difficult decision of whether they pay their rent or buy groceries. Reducing benefits would make it worse.”

“In meeting with members of the public through our in-person events, we have learned that the current tax code is not working for everyday Nebraskans,” Lauritsen said. “We will continue calling on Congressman Bacon and our entire federal delegation to protect our benefits and fight for a fairer tax code.”

Nebraska For Us focuses on federal economic policies that benefit working class and middle income Nebraskans, specifically this ongoing tax fight. In the months ahead, we will continue holding community events to raise more awareness and encourage members of the public to engage with their federal representatives.