Washington, D.C. – Today, the unwillingness of Congressional leaders to negotiate a humane budget that reduces rising costs and promotes good health for all Americans has resulted in a federal government shutdown. Below is a statement from Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation:
“Good faith proposals have been continuously rejected by Republican leadership and the White House during negotiations for a funding bill. Clear solutions to the problems facing American communities – like extending healthcare subsidies, reversing cuts to Medicaid, and eliminating tariffs – have gone ignored. Instead of addressing the skyrocketing costs of essential goods and preserving lifesaving healthcare, Congressional leaders have wasted precious time on inadequate funding proposals that do nothing to address the needs of American families.
After years of historic gains in healthcare coverage, 20 million Americans now find that their access to healthcare is at risk, with potential increased premiums, copays, and deductibles, cruel cuts to Medicaid, and the expiration of critical ACA tax breaks.
Over the last eight months, American families have faced a significant rise in living costs, including escalating electric bills and soaring grocery prices caused by persistently high inflation rates on everyday goods. These economic pressures have placed a considerable strain on household budgets, as American families are facing record-breaking job insecurity, layoffs, reduced hours, or uncertain employment futures. The combination of rising expenses and unstable employment creates instability for families across the country.
Without a bipartisan funding bill, millions of Americans will have to make impossible choices between paying their rent and accessing life-saving medical care, a choice that will land disproportionately on Latino families.
This is not about politics, it is about the survival of our families, our neighbors, our future, our economy, and our country.
Majority leadership and the White House must stop playing games with people’s lives. Latino families deserve health care they can afford, a thriving economy, government services they can count on, and leaders who will fight for – not against – their most basic needs. Hispanic Federation will continue to stand with our community and demand the bipartisan solutions our families deserve. Our voices will not be silenced, and our needs will not be ignored. We don’t need political theater, nor do we need empty promises. American families need real action to solve real problems.”
###
About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
