Sanders Warns Governors About Devastating Budget Cuts

WASHINGTON, April 27 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today warned all 50 governors about the devastating cuts their states will face if the Republican budget plan becomes law.

In a series of letters, Sanders explained what the cuts would mean for working families, the elderly, children, the sick and the poor if the budget blueprint for the next fiscal year is not revised. House and Senate action on a budget resolution is expected shortly.

“The Republican budget moves this country in exactly the wrong direction,” Sanders said. “At a time of massive wealth and income inequality, it gives huge tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires, while making devastating cuts to education, Medicare, affordable housing and prescription drug coverage.”

Sanders added: “Instead of creating jobs, it will lead to the elimination of more than 2 million jobs. Instead of making college more affordable, it will increase the cost of college for millions of Americans. Instead of eliminating hunger in America, it will add to the financial problems of low-income families with children and will create more hunger. This budget is the Robin Hood principle in reverse. It takes from the poor to give to the rich.”

Sanders specifically warned that the Republican budget goal of repealing the Affordable Care Act, combined with huge cuts to Medicaid, will end health insurance coverage for 27 million Americans – including nursing home care.

The letters to governors, and the impact of the Republican budget on each individual state, can be found here.