| Federal Cuts that Will Harm Our Community
A few weeks ago, our US Congress passed a budget for our federal government that included an overwhelming number of cuts to social programs. At the same time, funding for immigration enforcement, including for more detention centers, more ICE agents, and more feet of border wall was significantly increased.
It can be hard to keep up with all of the changes (for HCA as well as our community), but we have collected some information to share.
Below is an outline of federally-funded programs that support primarily low-income people and their proposed cuts in the latest bill that passed. None of the cuts start right away, but some programs at the federal and state level are starting to make changes now in order to prepare for cuts that will come later.
If you are one of the millions of American households who will be impacted by these cuts in the coming years, please remember that Massachusetts is a state that will do all it can for its residents. We expect there will be some state resources to help fill some of the gaps.
HCA will start exploring the role we can play to make sure everyone in our community remains stable and safe. As we learn more about how we may help to fill gaps or connect residents to resources, we will share more information. HCA is always here to help.
If you need assistance now, get in touch: https://www.housingcorparlington.org/need-assistance
SNAP (Food Assistance)
What is planned?
- $156–$295 billion in benefits cut over the next 10 years.
- There will be expanded work requirements for those ages 18-64
- Automatic free school meal eligibility will be rolled back for some.
- Recertifications every 6 months, instead of annually
When will these cuts start?
- Cuts begin in 2026–2034, with steepest reductions after 2027.
- New work requirements begin in 2026.
Who is impacted?
- Families with children (1 million children lose food support).
- Adults without steady jobs, particularly in rural areas.
- Seniors and disabled adults facing paperwork or state cutbacks.
Medicaid (called MassHealth in Massachusetts)
What is planned?
- $863 billion–$1 trillion in cuts over the next decade (which is roughly 14% of total federal Medicaid spending).
- Adults (ages 19–64) must work 80 hours/month to keep coverage.
- Eligibility checks every 6 months (instead of annually).
- New co-payments and waiting periods for care.
When will these cuts start?
- Changes roll out gradually starting 2026, with the most severe funding reductions hitting 2028–2034.
Who is impacted?
- 10–12 million people may lose coverage.
- Low-wage workers with unstable hours risk losing benefits under work rules.
- Children, seniors, and people with disabilities could face reduced access as states cut provider payments and services.
Section 8 Rental Assistance
What is planned?
- A proposed cut of nearly 50%, slashing funding from $58.4 billion to $31.7 billion.
- It could entirely eliminate or sharply reduce new housing vouchers.
When will these cuts start?
- They are proposed for the 2026 federal budget. Congress has not yet finalized these cuts but advocates warn the reduction is likely.
- Tenants who already have and are actively using a voucher should be able to keep their voucher.
- HCA will forward opportunities to advocate to protect this program as we get information from partners
Who is impacted?
- Millions of low-income renters relying on vouchers.
- Families on long waitlists for housing assistance.
- Communities facing rising homelessness and housing instability.
|
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Planning
