1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

As a constituent in your district, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the federal budget proposal currently under consideration in Congress. I urge you to oppose this proposal, as it includes several provisions that I believe would have detrimental effects on our community and the nation as a whole. Specifically, the proposed budget includes: • Cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): The proposal suggests shifting part of the cost of SNAP to states for the first time, imposing stricter work requirements, limiting benefit increases, and penalizing states for overpayments. These changes could reduce access to essential food assistance for low-income individuals and families, increasing food insecurity in our community.  • Reductions in funding for Meals on Wheels: The budget blueprint could eliminate the Social Services Block Grant, a vital funding source for Meals on Wheels in 37 states, and reduce support from SNAP and Medicaid. These cuts threaten the well-being of millions of seniors across the U.S., potentially leading to increased food insecurity among the elderly.  • Elimination of FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program: The cancellation of BRIC funding has disrupted critical disaster-prevention efforts in hundreds of communities across the U.S., including disaster-prone areas that were poised to reinforce their resilience against storms, floods, and other climate hazards.  • Cuts to scientific research funding: The proposed budget includes significant reductions in federal funding for scientific research, affecting projects funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including studies on HIV, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and diabetes. These cuts could hinder the U.S.’s long-standing dominance in scientific innovation and potentially lead to a brain drain as scientists seek opportunities elsewhere.  • Proposals to eliminate the Department of Education: The budget aligns with efforts to close the Department of Education, mass privatize public schools, and end subsidized and free school lunches, such as SNAP benefits. Such measures could undermine the quality and accessibility of education for many students.  These proposed changes raise serious concerns about the potential negative impacts on vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, and students. I believe that a budget should reflect our shared values and priorities, ensuring that essential services and programs are preserved and strengthened. I respectfully urge you to vote against the current budget proposal and advocate for a more balanced and equitable plan that supports the well-being of all Americans. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.