AFT President Criticizes GOP Budget for Hurting Working Families

House Republicans Pass Budget Resolution Amid Criticism

WASHINGTON—A recent budget resolution passed by the GOP-led House of Representatives has sparked significant debate and concern among various groups, including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The resolution, which passed along party lines, proposes substantial cuts to federal assistance programs while offering tax reductions for the wealthiest Americans.

Randi Weingarten, President of the AFT, issued a statement condemning the resolution, stating, “House Republicans cast their votes last night to make life harder for working people, backing cuts in healthcare and food assistance for the poor so that the wealthy can pay less in taxes.”

The resolution outlines potential cuts of up to $880 billion in Medicaid and $230 billion in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These changes could affect nearly 70 million Americans who rely on Medicaid, including vulnerable groups such as cancer patients and seniors in need of long-term care.

Weingarten further emphasized the potential impacts on essential services, noting that “children, seniors, veterans, and working parents could lose their food assistance altogether and will go hungry without it.” Additionally, the resolution threatens the provision of free school meals for children from low-income families and may increase the financial burden on college students and their families through higher tuition costs and student loan payments.

The proposed tax cuts, amounting to $4.5 trillion, are set to benefit wealthier individuals, including those in the top 1 percent of earners with annual incomes of $743,000. Weingarten questioned the prioritization of these cuts, asking, “At a time when inflation is going up and consumer confidence is going down, how does this help everyday American families?”

The budget resolution has faced backlash from constituents, with Republicans encountering protests at town hall meetings. Weingarten argues that the resolution does not reflect voter priorities, stating, “Americans did not vote for these kinds of assaults on our seniors, children and the most vulnerable. Voters want leaders who are listening to our concerns and working to make our lives better.”

The AFT, representing 1.8 million members across various sectors, including education and healthcare, continues to advocate for policies that support workers and communities without undermining essential services.