The ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Isn’t So Beautiful for Black Detroiters

July 3, 2025

The U.S. Senate has narrowly advanced President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" by a 51-50 vote, which local Detroit leaders like Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell are calling the "Big Ugly Bill" due to its proposed cuts to vital social programs. The legislation threatens significant reductions to Medicaid and SNAP benefits that currently support millions of Michigan residents, including nearly half of Detroit's population and over 434,000 people in Wayne County who rely on food assistance. If passed by the House, the bill would potentially eliminate healthcare coverage for 11.

Who is affected

Nearly half of Detroit residents who rely on Medicaid (45.6% of city residents)
Over 1.3 million Michiganders who receive SNAP benefits, including 434,000 in Wayne County
Working-class families, especially in Michigan's majority-Black communities
Children, elderly, veterans, and working parents who depend on these programs
Working mothers, essential workers, and those living below the poverty line
County and city governments that would need to fill budget gaps if federal programs are cut

What action is being taken

The U.S. Senate has voted 51-50 to advance the "Big Beautiful Bill"
Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell and other Detroit-area leaders are raising concerns about the bill's impact
Danielle Atkinson of Mothering Justice is speaking out against the bill, calling it the "Big Betrayal Bill"
Local officials are encouraging Wayne County residents to contact members of Congress to share personal stories about how cuts would affect them

Why it matters

Medicaid currently covers 2.3-2.6 million Michiganders and 65.9% of Black births in the state
SNAP provides an average monthly benefit of $173 per person or $325 per household in Michigan
The Congressional Budget Office projects 11.8 million Americans could lose Medicaid coverage over the next decade
Governor Whitmer has warned the cuts would create a $467 million shortfall in Michigan's food assistance budget
Financial burden would shift from federal to already-strained county and city governments
Two-thirds of SNAP recipients in Michigan are also on Medicaid, and nearly 60% of SNAP households include children

What's next

The House will vote on the bill next, determining whether hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents continue receiving basic medical care and food support
No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the upcoming House vote

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle