Here’s their plan to balance the budget — Republican cuts include:
- $500 million from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
- $3.25 billion intended for rural electric cooperative funding.
- $2 billion in assistance to distressed borrowers through the Farm Service Agency.
- And SNAP feeding programs which affect nearly 1,000,000 people — rural families and kids.
This $6+ BILLION attack is directed at rural families, people with disabilities, the working poor, the aged, and hungry kids. Almost 20% of rural people live in news deserts without access to the Internet, which results in their having little or no access to what’s happening in Congress. Apparently, one big Republican goal is to keep secrets for rural voters who have no idea what their elected officials are doing to them.
Meanwhile, the Republicans are clamoring for work requirements. This is a smoke screen that they are using to cover up what their plans are for rural America.
Well, no. Hungry kids can’t learn, and nor can their parents work without food. Many work now but for low wages that require decisions — food on the table or a roof over families’ heads. The Republican approach is to keep rural America barefoot, poor, pregnant, down on the farm, without any Internet.
But what can be done?
Find your Representative and call him or her. Tell the Republicans to get their act together —pass a clean debt ceiling bill.
Be outraged! Tell the Democrats to get loud! This budget crisis is not just about work requirements for poor people. It’s about the U.S. and world economies, clean water and healthy land, and opportunities for our kids.
It is time to cancel the Trump tax breaks for the super-rich and use the 14th Amendment!
For details: House Ag Committee Ranking Member David Scott says it best!