As the Anniversary of the Republican Tax Law Approaches, Constituents Speak Out
Virginia Beach, VA – As the July 4th anniversary of the Republican Tax Law approaches, Rep. Jen Kiggans continues to celebrate the legislation despite its devastating impact on Virginians. She has claimed the law supports rural hospitals and military families, even going so far as to say she is "proud" of her vote.
In reality, the Republican Tax Law delivered massive tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations while making the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in history, increasing health care and food costs for families. The largest benefits flow to the top 1% and corporate interests, while low-income families actually lose money.
Medicaid Cuts
The Republican Tax Law made the biggest cut to Medicaid in history, slashing the program by over $911 billion, resulting in 260,000 Virginians’ health care being put in jeopardy. These Medicaid cuts have put hospitals across the Commonwealth at risk of closure and hurt our veterans. One out of ten veterans is on Medicaid, and about 3 million children in military families nationwide are eligible for Medicaid.
“As the mother of a son on the autism spectrum, I know how incredibly frustrating and confusing it is to have to fight every day to make sure your child has the care they need. Since being qualified for Medicaid, my son’s life has improved dramatically. He has so many more supports for specialized care and he is happier, safer, and healthier than ever before,” Frankie, Virginia Beach resident and Air Force veteran. “What exactly does Rep. Jen Kiggans stand for? Making sure billionaires get richer while people who need actual help suffer and get sicker? And that Rep. Jen Kiggans says this law supports military families? We were a military family for 16 years. Representative Kiggans should stand with families and work hard to reverse these dangerous Medicaid cuts.”
“I’m a veteran and a father, and I've seen firsthand how critical Medicaid is for families like mine. My daughter relies on Medicaid to access the speech therapy and care she needs to grow and succeed, and I can't imagine what our family would do without it,” said Yusun, Virginia Beach resident and Air Force veteran. “I don't see how cutting nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid is supposed to make anyone healthier. Families shouldn't have to lose the care their children depend on so billionaires and big corporations can get another tax break. Rep. Kiggans should stand with families and reverse these harmful cuts.”
SNAP Cuts
The Republican Tax Law cut $186.5 billion from the SNAP program to pay for bigger tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations, putting 78,000 Virginians at risk of losing their food assistance benefits. SNAP supports over 800,000 people in Virginia and 33,000 veterans. New reporting shows that SNAP participation has declined over 13% in Virginia.
“I saw Rep. Jen Kiggans said she was proud to vote for this Republican Tax Law, and honestly, that really stuck with me. I’m a young mom just trying to keep food on the table, and I rely on SNAP to make sure my family gets through the week,” said Kee, Chesapeake resident. “With prices already going up on groceries and everything else, I don’t know how we’re supposed to handle cuts on top of that. It feels like people like me are being completely overlooked, and it’s scary not knowing what comes next as I try to do what's best for my daughter. Rep. Kiggans should restore SNAP funding.”
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About Affordable Virginia
Affordable Virginia is a grassroots campaign urging Congresswoman Jen Kiggans to stop siding with corporations and the ultra-wealthy and start fighting for policies that will lower costs for working families in Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. We do this by elevating Virginian’s voices and pushing Congresswoman Kiggans to take meaningful action to address the skyrocketing cost of health care, groceries, and everyday goods.
