Concerns with the Billionaire Bonanza Bill
The Senate planned to vote on the Billionaire Bonanza Bill starting late at night on June 25.
The Big Bill contains many generous, permanent breaks for large corporations (like one for mostly Oklahoma-based oil and gas companies that increases a specific write-off) and billionaires. But most of us will not benefit from those special provisions. Instead, we will be affected far more by what the government is cutting in order to (partially) pay for those breaks.
SNAP payments will go down even though Iowa food banks cannot keep up with the current demand. Local food purchase programs were cut, hurting both school children and farmers. Enormous Medicaid cuts will cause some rural hospitals to close and services to be reduced. Medicaid helps fund over 40% of births, so pressure on OB-GYN services will be especially intense. Planned Parenthood, which offers fertility counseling, STD treatments, and birth control closed its Ames clinic due to cuts. As a college student I went there because nobody ever asked if I had an assigned doctor; I got in when I needed care. Iowa has the lowest rate of OB-GYN specialists per capita already. VA staffing is being cut drastically, so vets will have less access to care. Because of its impact on the deficit, this bill will trigger some cuts in Medicare, though details have been scarce.
No wonder the Senate is voting at night; they’re hoping we won’t be watching them.
Sue Ravenscroft
Ames
Has Congress gone to sleep?Our Constitution gives Congress the right to declare war, not the President. President Trump has given notice that he will decide within two weeks whether or not we go to war with Iran.
What about we withhold salaries until Congress steps up to do its job?
Or do we not care, yet?
Deborah Fink
Ames
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Concerns with the Billionaire Bonanza Bill | Letters
Reporting by Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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