1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to you again, as a deeply concerned constituent from North Carolina, to reiterate my steadfast opposition to the impending "Big Budget Bill." I implore you to vote against this legislation, as its passage would inflict severe and lasting damage upon our state, particularly by jeopardizing the healthcare of millions and undermining crucial food assistance programs that are vital to both our citizens and our farming community. This proposed bill threatens to strip healthcare coverage from an alarming number of North Carolinians—over 9 million, including countless children. Medicaid, a lifeline for nearly 3.1 million residents (one in four North Carolinians), is a primary target. This includes 1.43 million children, representing 61% of all children in our state, who depend on Medicaid for their health and well-being. Cuts to this program would not only lead to a dramatic increase in uninsured individuals but also burden our healthcare providers with rising uncompensated care costs, potentially forcing rural hospitals to scale back services or even close. The human cost of such cuts—denial of essential medical care, increased chronic health issues, and preventable suffering—is immeasurable. Furthermore, the bill's proposed reductions to food service programs, such as those administered by the USDA, pose a direct threat to the food security of nearly 1.5 million North Carolinians. These programs are not merely about providing food; they are intrinsically linked to the economic viability of our local farmers. By purchasing produce from North Carolina growers for schools and food banks, these initiatives provide essential revenue streams for our agricultural sector. Decreased funding would mean less demand for locally grown food, resulting in significant financial losses for our farmers, potential job cuts, and a weakening of the very foundation of our rural economies. It is imperative that our federal budget reflects the values of compassion and support for our communities. This bill, with its profound cuts to healthcare and food services, runs counter to these principles, sacrificing the health of our most vulnerable and the livelihoods of our hardworking farmers. I urge you to stand with your constituents and reject this harmful legislation. Please champion a budget that invests in the health, well-being, and economic stability of all North Carolinians. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.