If This ‘Beautiful’ Budget Bill is ‘Balanced,’ Why are San Diego Families Paying The Price?

July 1, 2025

United Way of San Diego County's President and CEO Nancy L. Sasaki warns about the harmful impacts of the proposed "Big Beautiful Bill Act" (H.R. 1) currently under debate in Congress. The legislation threatens to cut critical programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and tax credits that many San Diego families rely on, especially as the region faces the highest inflation rate in the country with families making $46,000 less than needed for survival.

Who is affected

Low-income working families in San Diego County like Juan and Roberta's family
13.7 million Americans who could lose healthcare
An estimated 51,000 additional people annually who might die if the cuts are implemented
Thousands of San Diego County residents who rely on SNAP, Medicaid, and tax credits
Children who depend on food assistance and healthcare programs
Grandparents who need Medicaid for health services
Working parents who use tax credits for childcare, transportation, and school supplies

What action is being taken

United Way of San Diego County is partnering with community organizations to help families access financial resources
The San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition is providing free tax preparation services
United Way is offering financial education workshops through their SparkPoint program
Nancy Sasaki is calling on community members to contact their Congressional representatives to oppose H.R. 1
United Way of San Diego County is mobilizing communities to take action to support vulnerable families

Why it matters

San Diego currently has the highest inflation rate in the country
The average San Diego County family makes $46,000 less than needed to survive
Programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and tax credits prevent homelessness, hunger, and health emergencies
These programs provide essential stability for families and children to thrive
If H.R. 1 passes, there will likely be a sharp increase in calls for emergency rent, food, and healthcare assistance
Community safety nets are already strained and further cuts would leave thousands without support
According to research, the proposed cuts could lead to significant additional deaths annually

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the call for readers to contact their Congressional representatives to reject the bill.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint