Glen Dunbar Speaks Out Against 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' in PA

Concern Grows in Pennsylvania Over New Budget Law's Impact on Working Families

In Harrisburg, residents are voicing growing concerns as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" comes into effect, raising anxieties about its impact on local communities. Glen Dunbar, whose son relies on Medicaid for essential services, expressed his fears at a recent press conference attended by labor union members and a state senator.

The legislation has sparked criticism for potentially increasing costs for Pennsylvania's working families and retirees while reducing crucial public services. At the press conference, attended by AFSCME members and other labor union representatives, the focus was on the detrimental effects of the bill, which slashes programs like Medicaid and federal nutrition assistance.

As part of the AFL-CIO's "It’s Better in a Union" bus tour, the event highlighted efforts to rally working people across the nation against policies perceived as harmful to their interests. Dunbar, a former employee of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, shared his concerns: “I love him dearly, but without the non-medical residential and day services that he gets through a Medicaid waiver program, I don’t know what will become of him.”

The potential impact is significant, with estimates suggesting that 310,000 Pennsylvanians might lose healthcare access due to Medicaid cuts. Additionally, nearly 144,000 could be at risk of losing food assistance, while working families face rising costs for health care, groceries, and energy.

Perry Vanderglas, an AFSCME Council 13 member employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, voiced his frustration: “I am one of those people who will see their personal costs rise from the Big Beautiful Bill ... for what? To give billionaires another (tax cut) they don’t need? Absolutely not. That is just disgraceful.”

State Sen. Patty Kim also joined the press conference, emphasizing the unfair burden placed on everyday Americans to benefit the wealthy. “This is about everyday people. People who work day in and day out to put food on the table, keep their kids healthy, and put a roof over their family’s head. They are your neighbors, your friends, your family. They are you, and me,” she stated. “And they should be able to send their kids to the doctor when they’re sick and access food when they need it without worrying they’ll have it ripped away for some tech billionaire’s tax break.”

For those wishing to join the cause, more information can be found at AFSCMEGO.org, and details on the bus tour are available at BetterInAUnion.org.