Oppose & Vote NO - H.R. 1452 - Punitive Work Requirements for Medicaid and SNAP

Today I take pen in hand to write and urge you in the strongest possible terms to utterly reject H.R. 1452, that establishes punitive measures and work requirements on children, senior, individuals with disabilities, and low income families. Representative Burlison's proposed bill to expand work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP recipients is dishonorable, immoral by any standard and will prove harmful to vulnerable populations. The measure is essentially PUNITIVE, and based on misconceptions that those receiving assistance do not want to work, when in fact many recipients are already employed or face significant barriers to employment. Imposing strict work requirements will not promote self-sufficiency or reduce poverty. Instead, it will strip vital resources from children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low income families struggling to make ends meet. Rather than punitive policies, we should invest in supportive programs that equip people with the tools and resources needed to secure stable employment and build economic security. Access to affordable childcare, job training, transportation assistance, and other community resources have proven far more effective in helping families achieve self-sufficiency. Disinvesting from food and healthcare assistance will only exacerbate poverty, worsen health outcomes, and come at a greater long-term cost to society. Instead, we should pursue evidence-based policies that provide a substantive pathway out of poverty while preserving a strong social safety net. An approach rooted in compassion and pragmatism will uplift struggling families and strengthen our communities. The ugliness that this bill reveals about Congressman Burlison ought to be called out in front of Congress. I urge you to reject this bill that would cause needless suffering for our most vulnerable citizens. Thank you for your attention to this matter.