For Millions of Americans, Shutdown Politics Has Hit the Dinner Table

WASHINGTON – As the country braces for massive increases in health care costs due to the Republican budget bill, as of tomorrow, millions of families will lose food assistance (SNAP) too. Also on November 1st, Head Start programs around the country will not receive their annual federal funding, which impacts tens of thousands of families reliant on the program for their child care.

Sondra Goldschein, executive director of the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, released the following statement:

“With the first of November approaching, President Trump and congressional Republicans seem unconcerned with the pain that millions of American families are about to feel. To them, SNAP might be a bargaining chip, but for families across this country, it could mean sending a child to bed hungry – and all of this is happening because they refuse to make health care less expensive for working families. They are so hellbent on protecting their tax bill, which is full of gifts for billionaires, that they don’t mind seeing Head Start locations around the country shut their doors.These actions tell you everything you need to know. Republican elected leaders would rather shut the government down than address spiraling health care costs, and as of tomorrow, they’re literally taking food out of the mouths of children and families.”

To get in touch with Americans directly impacted by Republicans’ refusal to protect these programs, please contact press@familyfriendlyeconomy.org to be connected to storytellers.

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The Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy is fighting for a future where all people can afford to care for themselves and their loved ones. We do this by building political power to pass policies that lower costs for families, like paid family and medical leave, quality, affordable child care and elder care.