Last week, the GOP introduced a budget plan that would eliminate Medicaid and SNAP assistance nationwide, a move that threatens essential support for millions of low-income individuals and families. These programs provide access to food assistance, affordable housing, and health care — resources that many rely on to survive. In Kern County, where poverty rates are high, the proposed cuts could have devastating consequences, forcing many to struggle even more to make ends meet.
Community member, activist, and leader Yuriria Lopez spoke with Kern Sol News about the impact these cuts would have on local households and the critical role these programs play in supporting families.
“We need to understand that the percentage of people here in Kern County live below the poverty lines, so these programs provide extra help, they provide extra relief for families, it allows them to bring food onto the table for their children,” said Lopez.
According to experts, the percentage of people who benefit from CalFresh in California’s 22nd congressional district is 26%. Without these sources, poverty rates would skyrocket across California.
“Due to inflation and other spendings, minimum wage in this economy, especially in the fields — an occupation that many here are a part of is not attainable, it is not enough for people to provide for their families with that income alone, so these resources serve as a sense of relief,” Lopez said.
President Trump has signed 82 executive orders since entering office, and the numbers are increasing rapidly. The majority of executive orders that have been put into effect target marginalized communities across the states.
Under the new administration, DEI programs, both public and private, are prohibited from advancing equal opportunity. Trump has recently signed an executive order making Guantanamo Bay an area for migrants to be sent to. On Thursday, the Trump administration passed EO 14224, making English the official language of the United States, meaning that services that once assisted non-English speakers will be prohibited.
Lopez expressed concern that the President’s order declaring English the official language will make it more difficult for those who rely on translators to communicate with doctors or access important documents, as everything will be provided exclusively in English. She emphasized that this policy will significantly impact Kern County, where many residents speak languages such as Spanish, Mixteco, Punjabi, and Zapotec. As a result, she warned, communities will face barriers to essential resources and accurate information.
“For example, people that do not have legal status here do not benefit from food stamps; these programs are for their children to ensure that they can have a decent meal, access to education, and more,” Lopez said.
Although many have commented on the financial burden that will be placed on families once Medicaid and SNAP are fully removed, Lopez emphasized the mental and emotional impact that will loom across these households.
“The impact will be high it will be detrimental especially for those who live at or below the poverty line, it will affect many parents mental health as they will no longer be able to bring a plate of food to their children as they will be scattering to make ends meet by paying rent, light, water, and gas bills. Now that these resources will not be available to them, it will be a difficult hit to our communities,” said Lopez.
Lopez continued by stating that we should set aside the stigma and misconceptions that society holds about people relying on assistance and approach the issue with more empathy. Lopez emphasized that struggling to make ends meet and putting food on the table is a reality for many, and reducing support will have a ripple effect on health, as families may no longer be able to afford essential necessities for survival.
Lopez stated that if officials intend to remove these benefits, they should first find a dignified way to increase wages and make life more affordable so that people no longer need to rely on assistance.
“It’s going to create a burden for many families; they will now, more than ever, find to work more jobs but in doing so will mean that their children will not grow up alongside their parents or see them often,” commented Lopez.
A study from the United States Department of Agriculture states that in this past year alone, groceries increased by 23.6% compared to 2020. Additionally, despite being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, the United States does not provide universal health care, leaving many to bear the financial burden of medical expenses.
Lopez emphasized that health care and food should not be treated as luxuries but as basic human rights necessary for survival. She pointed out that these essentials are already costly and should not come with a price tag. Lopez also urged the government to prioritize plans that ensure communities can live with dignity.
“I ask of those who want to remove these programs like Medicaid, if they are willing to live with the deaths of so many people at their hands because they will no longer have access to health insurance or treatment, medicines, or more,” Lopez stated.