Rep. Becca Balint: Republicans Betray Working People with Budget Cuts and Attacks on Due Process

Betrayal of Working People

• 🎯 Republicans are accused of betraying working people and the middle class by proposing a massive cut to social services instead of passing legislation to make life more affordable.
• ⚠️ The Republican legislation puts nearly 164,000 Vermonters on Medicaid at risk of losing healthcare, impacting parents and grandparents relying on long-term care.
• 🏥 Rural hospitals across the country are at risk of closing due to proposed cuts to Medicaid, which is described as a simple math problem.
• 💰 The agenda is seen as kicking working families to the curb to give massive tax breaks to the wealthiest 1%.

Attacks on Immigration and Due Process

• ⚖️ Judiciary Republicans are criticized for doubling down on Trump's cruel immigration policies and fueling attacks on the independent judiciary.
• 💸 The bill proposes sky-high fees for those complying with immigration laws, making it impossible for refugees seeking asylum to afford legal processes.
• 🚨 Billions are dedicated to empowering immigration enforcement, with proposals for more masked agents and deportations without due process.
• 🇺🇸 Rep. Balint emphasizes that due process is a core American value, stating that without it, the U.S. is no longer the United States.

Undermining American Institutions

• 🏛️ The legislation is seen as insulating the administration from accountability for violating laws and the Constitution, making it harder for courts to intervene.
• 📉 Republicans are accused of attacking judges and the foundations of American identity instead of helping working people.
• 🚫 The bill aims to shutter the FTC, hindering enforcement of antitrust laws and making it harder for small businesses to survive.
• 📈 The actions contradict stated goals of promoting competition and a healthy economy, particularly for small businesses.

Priorities and Constituents

• 🗳️ Rep. Balint states her vote against the Republican budget is for the working people of Vermont, not for big corporations or authoritarians.
• 🤝 She highlights the impact on immigrants who are part of Vermont's fabric, communities, and economy, who are being heartlessly attacked.