To the editor:
Thankfully, we have made it to December and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been reinstated. November challenged many, and the loss of SNAP benefits made millions increasingly food insecure and that much more dependent on food pantries. Now that we have made it beyond Thanksgiving, we must ensure that the new year improves the safety net. Congress has until the end of January to pass a budget for fiscal year 2026 and fix this situation.
First, Congress must protect Medicaid, SNAP, and Women Infants and Children (WIC). The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1) made devastating cuts to Medicaid and SNAP that are beginning to take effect. If these continue, millions will struggle to afford food and healthcare and many may forego health insurance and suffer the consequences.
Second, we must protect vital housing programs. No one should lose housing assistance when rents and other basics keep rising. The final budget must fully fund Housing Choice Vouchers so people can stay housed.
Finally, Congress must reassert its constitutional power of the purse. If the Trump administration continues to impound or rescind funds, congressional budgets are meaningless. Any final fiscal year 2026 agreement must include safeguards so that funds are spent as Congress directs.
But hurdles remain. In fact, Massachusetts and New York are currently at risk of having their SNAP funds withheld for not providing data on registrants’ immigration status. According to the AP, “the plan to withhold the administrative funds is an escalation of a legal battle that’s been going on since shortly after President Donald Trump took office. It’s decidedly partisan. Only states led by Democrats have failed to provide the information the administration seeks.” This information would put immigrants at greater risk.
We have weathered the longest government shutdown, but we are not in safe territory. As a nation, our moral compass has been misguided. We need to regroup and enhance the safety net—providing access to nutrition support, housing, and affordable healthcare—so that poverty is no longer a policy choice.
Leslye Heilig, M.D.
RESULTS.org Massachusetts Group co-leader
Great Barrington
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