AFSCME Member Fights Budget Bill Hurting SNAP and Medicaid Users

A Call to Action: AFSCME Member Challenges Budget Bill Targeting Vital Services

Photo credit: AFSCME Staff

In the heart of Dane County, Wisconsin, Zabdiel “Zab” Martinez plays a crucial role in assisting those most in need. As an economic support specialist, he helps individuals navigate federal assistance programs, ensuring access to essential resources like food and healthcare.

Martinez, a dedicated member of AFSCME Council 32, stands at the forefront of a heated debate over a budget bill recently passed by the House of Representatives by a slim margin. This legislation poses significant threats to key public services, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.

To combat the potential impact of the bill, Martinez participated in a virtual teach-in organized by U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Rep. Summer Lee of Pennsylvania, and advocacy groups like Protect Our Care and the Center for American Progress. This event aimed to highlight the detrimental effects of the proposed budget changes.

Martinez raised concerns directly to senators, emphasizing the bill's adverse effects on those he serves daily. In his prepared remarks, he stated, “I am worried about how this bill will hurt all working people, but especially those who I serve every day: people who rely on programs like SNAP to put food on the table and Medicaid for their health care.”

He further criticized the legislation, describing it as "a massive giveaway to billionaires at the expense of our futures," noting that over 15 million people could lose healthcare and 3.5 million might lose food support.

Martinez passionately urged senators to reject the bill, calling it "big, ugly and horrible," and encouraged the public to mobilize against it. “I urge you to speak up, write to your senators, and demand that they stand with working families, not billionaires,” he declared, reinforcing the importance of collective action. “This fight is not over, and we will keep telling our stories until every senator knows what’s at stake.”

As part of his advocacy efforts, Martinez, alongside other AFSCME members, traveled to Washington to personally engage with Congress members. Further details about his Capitol Hill visit can be found here.

AFSCME encourages its members and the public to join the fight against these proposed cuts by texting GO to 237263 to receive alerts and become part of the movement to Get Organized.